ALEXANDER GILFILLAN.

This gentleman is another melancholy example of the effects of pride. He was born of rather obscure parents, yet, by the assistance of friends, he procured a pretty libéral education, and was after the usual period of studies admitted a member of the respectable fraternity of the law; and being possessed of sound abilities, he was fortunate enough, in process of time, to acquire a share in his master's business, who at that time enjoyed a most respectable practice as a Writer to the Signet. Alexander, altho he had sufficient policy to behave with becoming respect towards his benefactor, until completely secured in the joint management of his business; yet, in consequence of a severe accident that befell his master, and which incapacitated him from superintending his own affairs with that ability and assiduity of which he was formerly capable, Alexander very soon usurped the sole government in conducting the copartnery concern as he thought proper, without consulting the senior partner; and it was then that Alexander began to exhibit his real

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disposition towards every one who was any way concerned in doing business with him; and so far did pride acquire an ascendancy over him, that he became disagreeable not only to his own friends, but to every one who had the least intercourse with him; and so much did his malady increase, that within a few years after his elevation, he became entirely deranged in his intellects, and dragged out the remainder of a miserable life in a strait jacket.

Alexander Gilfillan was naturally of a sullen disposition; and altho' he did not want talents, yet his general conduct was rather of a forbidding nature; and it hardly can be said that he, at any time, acquired the esteem of his friends, or was considered an agreeable companion. Indeed, he never seemed to give himself much trouble to court the esteem of his friends, nor to overcome his rooted ill habits; he therefore died very little regretted, much less esteemed.

K

A wise son heareth the doctrine of his father: but hẹ that is a scorner, heareth not when he is reproved. PROVERBS Xiii. 1.

The following memoirs strongly point out the fatal effects of a son despising the good advice and example of his father; and are here intended as a lesson to the young, always to follow the instructions of prudent fathers, if they have, any regard for their own comfort and happiness; and they at the same time serve to shew the bad consequences that follow from a contrary conduct. The more effectually to illustrate this subject, it has been thought proper to record the conduct of the wise father and the foolish son.

JONATHAN FAIRWEATHER was born of very poor but honest parents, in the north of Scotland, and received such education as a neighbouring school-master in those days was capable of teaching; after acquiring reading, writing, and arithmetic, he, like many of his countrymen, took his route to the capital of Scotland, where he was

fortunate enough to procure the situation, in a most respectable house, of servant, in waiting at table, and riding out with his master. Jonathan was a tolerable good English scholar, and wrote a good hand.He had also, owing to the low school fees, being only 1s. 6d. per quarter for Latin, acquired at least the first principles of that language. He was well gifted with good sense and mother-wit; and by his attention to his master's commands, had com. pletely secured his attachment. Mr. KILGRASTON, his master, had penetration sufficient to discover Jonathan's good qualities and talents, and in process of time allowed him to assist in copying papers in his writing chamber, along with his other clerks; and so well did Jonathan perform his task, that his master soon gave him a permanent situation as a copying clerk, wherein he proved highly useful to his master. Jonathan's views now began to expand, and he sought an opportunity of improving his small stock of learning, and particularly a thorough knowledge in the Latin tongue, a thing perfectly indispensi-. ble if he meant to follow out the profession of a writer. Jonathan very easily found

out a teacher; and so well did he exert his diligence, that, by and by, he acquired a very complete knowledge of that language. Mr. Kilgraston having discovered Jonathan's praise-worthy ambition to get forward in the world, offered to take him apprentice as Writer to the Signet, which was accordingly agreed to on the part of Jonathan; and he was bound the number of years accordingly.

This singular attention on the part of the master naturally produced a corresponding diligence on the part of the apprentice; so that soon after the expiry of Jonathan's indenture, he was intrusted with the sole charge of Mr Kilgraston's business; and that the more readily, as Mr Kilgraston was now advanced in years, and unable to give the necessary attention to his affairs: but matters did not long rest here, for Mr. Kilgraston seeing his dissolution approaching, made a settlement in favour of his family, and appointed Jonathan sole executor of his will. This circumstance coming to the knowledge of Mr. Kilgraston's most respectable and numerous clients, among whom were some of the first noblemen in Scotland, Jonathan, after the demise of his