putation of the university. As the winter session was soon to open, however, Dr Fergusson, professor of moral philosophy, agreed, in the mean time, to deliver lectures also in natural philosophy, which he had formerly taught.

A few days after the death of Dr Russel, I received a visit from one of the magistrates, who was of my particular acquaintance, and who knew my intimacy with Dr Beattie. He came to inform me, he said, that several of the members of the town-council kept themselves disengaged, until they should know whether Dr Beattie meant to become a candidate for the vacant chair. They were aware, he added, that Dr Beattie's eminence lay in another branch of science; but he said, he believed Dr Fergusson, who had formerly taught the class of natural philosophy, would be well-pleased to resume it, and thereby leave the chair of moral philosophy open for Dr Beattie, which, he made no doubt, his high reputation would readily secure for him. I thanked the gentleman for this warm expression of his esteem of Dr Beattie, on which I set the higher value, from being absolutely certain that they were strangers to each other; and that he interested himself, therefore, for Dr Beattie, merely

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from the consideration of his singular merit, and from a regard for the prosperity and reputation of the university of Edinburgh. For although a set of civil magistrates, very little, if at all acquainted with science, or the merits of scientific men, may seem but indifferently qualified for the choice of professors of a university; yet it is a fact, which reflects no little credit on the magistrates of Edinburgh, that, in the election of professors, they have very seldom allowed themselves to be swayed by political interests; but have generally elected those, who have been deemed best qualified to fill the vacant chairs; justly considering the reputation and prosperity of the university to be of the greatest importance to the welfare of the city.

I lost no time in communicating this intelligence to Dr Beattie. I well recollected, indeed, the aversion he had shown, from becoming a member of the university of Edinburgh, on a former occasion, when a vacancy of the chair of moral philosophy was likely to take place; but I knew not whether he might still be of the same mind, or whether the same reasons still subsisted, which had weighed with him at that period; and therefore, I left it for himself to decide, what

he should judge to be most conducive to his interest, or most consistent with his wishes. He well knew the earnest desire I had, that he should think of removing to Edinburgh, because I judged he might have it in his power to do more good here, than where he then was, by his talents having a wider range, and greater scope, for the exertion of their influence. Perhaps, too, I will not deny, I may have been somewhat actuated by the selfish motive of his being brought nearer to his friends in Edinburgh; and our enjoying still more the happiness of his society.

The following letter is the answer I received to the communication I made to him on the subject.

LETTER LXXIV.

DR BEATTIE TO SIR WILLIAM FORBES.

Aberdeen, 22d October, 1773.

"The late arrival of the post yesterday, put it out of my power to answer your most obliging letter in course. I shall not, at present, attempt to tell you (indeed I could not) how much my

heart is touched, by the

many

kind and generous

expressions of friendship, contained in your excellent letter: to be honoured with so great a share of the esteem and affections of such persons as you, is surely of all earthly blessings the greatest. But I shall proceed to business, without further preamble.

"Some years ago, I should have thought myself a very great gainer, by exchanging my present office with a professorship in the university of Edinburgh. Such an event would have doubled my income, without subjecting me to one half of the labour which I now undergo. But those were only secondary considerations. My attachment to Edinburgh arose, chiefly, from my liking to the people; and surely it was natural enough for me to love a place, in which I had, and still have, some of the dearest and best friends that ever man was blessed with. Nor had I then any reason to fear, that either my principles, or the general tenor of my conduct, could ever raise me enemies in any Christian society; it having been, ever since I had any thing to do in the world, my constant purpose to do my duty, and promote peace; and my singular good fortune, to obtain from all who knew me, a share of esteem

and regard, equal to my wishes, and greater than my deservings. Nor, at this time, are my affec tions to Edinburgh at all diminished. I am still known to some members of that university, whose talents, and whose virtues, I hold in the highest estimation, and with whom I should account it my honour to be more nearly connected; and the favours I have received from very many persons of distinction in the place, demand my most hearty acknowledgments, and shall ever be che rished in my remembrance, with every sentiment that the warmest gratitude can inspire.

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"And yet, my dear friend, there are reasons, and those of no small moment, which determine me to give up all thoughts of appearing as a candidate on the present occasion; and which would determine me to this, even though I were absolutely certain of being elected. Nay, though my fortune were as narrow now, as it lately was, should still incline rather to remain in quiet where I am, than, by becoming a member of the university of Edinburgh, to place myself within the reach of those (few as they are) who have been pleased to let the world know that they do not wish me well; not that I have any reason to mind their enmity, or to dread its consequences.