Scotland/Scots > Wilson's tales of the Borders and of Scotland > Volume 3

THE DIVINITY STUDENT.
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progress. He had none of that intellectual cleverness
which makes advances by sudden fits and starts, and then
relapses into apathy and idleness; but his steady industry,
his attention, and his assiduity, gave omens favourable to
his success, while his gentle and conciliatory manners
gained him not only the love of his schoolfellows, but the
esteem of his instructor.
It was now evident, that, from the pains and expense
taken in regard to his education, he was destined for the
pulpit—that climax of the honours and distinctions ever
aimed at by a poor but respectable Scottish family. Years
of rigid economy had been passed, almost without afiord-
ing any hope as to the ultimate success and attainment of
their laudable end.
His destination, almost unknown to himself, having been
thus early fixed, it was resolved that he should be sent to
Edinburgh, to attend the college there, professedly as a
student of divinity. The expense, resulting from this reso¬
lution, bore hard upon their slender circumstances; but
they were determined still farther to exert themselves, in¬
dulging the fond hope, that, one day or other, they would
reap the reward of their honourable endeavours in the
prosperity of their son.
To the university he set off, amid the ill-concealed tears
of some, and the open and hearty blessings of all—so much
were they attached to one, who, till that day, had never
been even more temporarily separated from them, without
many a caution, perhaps little required, to guard against
the evil contaminations of the capital—little thinking, in
their simple minds, that the slender means allowed him
were barely sufficient for necessary purposes, without in¬
dulging in any uncalled for luxury, and that gold is the
only key that fits pleasure’s casket.
He found himself seated in the Scottish metropolis, in a
cheap but snug and comfortable lodging, and
encompassed