In applying to my own case the following passages extracted from Mr. Gibbon's autobiography, I have not the remotest idea of instituting any comparison between myself and that eminent writer. I have no pretensions to the high literary reputation which he achieved, nor has my humbler reputation been stained by the grave faults which he has committed, but some of the coincidences in our respective positions and circumstances are certainly remarkable:—

“I cannot reflect without pleasure on the bounty of nature, which cast my birth in a free and civilised country, in an age of science and philosophy, in a family of honourable rank, and decently endowed with the gifts of fortune.”—P. 17.

“I have never possessed or abused the insolence of health.”—P. 28.

“I am tempted to enter a protest against the trite and lavish praise of the happiness of our boyish years, which is echoed with so much affectation in the world. That happiness I have never known, that time I have never regretted.”—P. 31.

“In my fifteenth year (at the University) I felt myself suddenly raised from a boy to a man; the persons whom I respected as my superiors in age and academical rank, entertained me with every mark of attention and civility, and my vanity was flattered by the velvet cap and silk gown!”—P. 32.