AFTER all, I am inclined to think that the manners of mercantile men are by no means so disagreeable as those of men engaged in most other active professions. In the manners of Glasgow, it is true, there is a sad uniformity of mercantile peculiarities—but how could this be otherwise in a town where no nobility resides, and where there is no profession that brings the aristocracy of talent much into view? In such a town, it is obvious there must be a miserable defect in the mechanism of society, from there being nothing to counteract the overbearing influence of mere wealth, or to preserve the remembrance of any other species of distinction. In a society where individuals claim importance on many different grounds, there must of course be produced an extension of thought, corresponding to the different elements which these individuals contribute to the general mass. But here, no doubt, the cup below is a dead one, and the one gilded drop floats alone and lazily upon the heavy surface.

Yet taking matters as they are, perhaps the influence of the mercantile profession, although bad enough when thus exclusively predominant, is not in itself one of the worst. If this profession does not necessarily tend to refine or enlighten human nature, it at least does not distort it into any of those pedantries connected with professions, which turn altogether upon the successful exercises of a single talent. The nature of the merchant is left almost entirely free, and he may enter into any range of feelings he pleases—but it is true he commonly saves himself the trouble of doing so, and feels only for NUMBER ONE.

In Glasgow, however, it would seem that the mercantile body is graced with a very large number of individuals, who are distinguished by a very uncommon measure of liberality of spirit. They are quite unwearied in their private and public charities; and although not much tinged with literary or philosophical enthusiasm in their own persons, they appreciate the value of higher cultivation to the community at large, and are on all occasions willing to contribute in the most laudable manner, to promoting, sustaining, or erecting institutions friendly to the cause of such cultivation.