Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

KEMONSTRANCES. 163
But, above all, take my advice and pray to God that you may
live in peace with your neighbours, and believe that this
freedom arises from the best wishes for your prosperity,
A temporary and comparative calm would seem
to have foUov^red the first explosion. The young
lions, perhaps a little alarmed at the immediate con-
sequences of their rashness, roared more gently ;
and
though there was no drawing back, there was not
either any new aggression. But as the year went on
the old spirit of mischief began again to get the upper
hand, and several articles appeared which drew from
Mr Murray a very strong remonstrance, made all the
stronger by his expressions of regret that he should
be compromised by being the publisher of such pro-
ductions. The following letter, which I find in the
* Memoirs of John Murray,' is probably the one ad-
dressed to Mr Blackwood on this occasion. It is dated
September 28, 1818 :—
John Murray to W. Blackwood.
I have delayed writing for no other reason than that I was
desirous of gathering from all quarters the opinion respecting
our Magazine, and you will believe how great my own regret is
at finding the clamour against its personality almost universal.
You must naturally be aware that all eyes are turned towards
me, who am so accessible from situation and the open house I
keep, when compared to the Eow, where no one goes except on
positive business. I feel seriously and sensibly the operation
of opinions at which I only guessed before. I have undergone
most severe remonstrances from my best and most important
friends, who press upon me my character v/ith the public, in
which they are naturally interested and in some degree impli-
cated; that even if I were right, it is not what I think but
what the public will think of me for stepping out of a line of
conduct which hitherto has gained assent from all parties.