“I was sorry to hear from your two last letters that
you wish me to discontinue my essay, as I am very desirous of finishing it, and
as I think it necessary to do so. For I have already completed the two first
propositions, and the third I have planned, and, shall be able to finish in a
very short time: the fourth proposition, which will be the last, will consist
only of a few lines. The first section you know I have done for some time; and
the first and fourth propositions are exactly similar to the first, second, and
fourth of the second section, so
| LETTERS FROM HACKNEY. | 31 |
With respect to themes, I really think them rather
disserviceable than otherwise. I shall not be able to make a good oration from
my essay. It is too abstruse and exact for that purpose. I shall endeavour to
write one on Providence, which will, I think, be a very good subject. I shall
certainly make it my study to acquire as much politeness as I can. However,
this is not the best place possible for acquiring it. I do not at all say that
the fellows who are here do not know how to behave extremely well, but the
behaviour which suits a set of young fellows, or boys, does not suit any other
society. This circumstance, however, is of very little
| 32 | YOUTHFUL MEMORIES. |
“I forget to tell you that Corrie has not returned me the first part of my essay.
