t make or meddle with the things that pertain to government,--the more
especially, as it is well known, that there is as much falsehood as truth
in newspapers, and they have not the means of testing their statements.
Not, however, that I am an advocate for passive obedience; God forbid.
On the contrary, if ever the time should come, in my day, of a
saint-slaying tyrant attempting to bind the burden of prelatic
abominations on our backs, such a blast of the gospel trumpet would be
heard in Garnock, as it does not become me to say, but I leave it to you
and others, who have experienced my capacity as a soldier of the word so
long, to think what it would then be. Meanwhile, I remain, my dear sir,
your friend and pastor,

Z. PRINGLE.

When Mr. Snodgrass had perused this epistle, he paused some time,
seemingly in doubt, and then he said to Mr. Micklewham, that, considering
the view which the Doctor had taken of the matter, and that he had not
gone to the playhouse for the motives which usually take bad people to
such places, he thought there could be no possible harm in reading the
letter to the elders, and that Mr. Craig, so far from being displeased,
would doubtless be exceedingly rejoiced to learn that the playhouses of
London were occasionally so well employed as on the night when the Doctor
was there.

Mr. Micklewham then inquired if Mr. Snodgrass had heard from Mr. Andrew,
and was answered in the affirmative; but the letter was not read. Why it
was withheld our readers must guess for themselves; but we have been
fortunate enough to obtain the following copy.

LETTER XVII

_Andrew Pringle_, _Esq._, _to the Rev. Mr. Charles Snodgrass_
LONDON.

MY DEAR FRIEND--As the season advances, London gradually unfolds, like
Nature, all the variety of her powers and pleasures. By the Argents we
have been introduced effectually into society, and have now only to
choose our acquaintance among those whom we like best. I should employ
another word than choose, for I am convinced that there is no choice in
the matter. In his friendships and affections, man is subject to some
inscrutable moral law, similar in its effects to what the chemists call
affinity. While under the blind influence of this sympathy, we,
forsooth, suppose ourselves free agents! But a truce with philosophy.