BEFORE the disuse of public
rebukes Mr. Thorn was called to perform that disagreeable duty, in the
case of a young man who had fallen into the sin which generally incurred
this censure. It happened that the offender was employed in one of the
large shops of Glasgow, and had a great many female acquaintances, whose
tongues were busily employed on the occasion. Mr. Thom became aware that
several glaikit girls had taken pains to ascertain the day of
appearance, and set trysts to be witnesses of their friend’s confusion.
Resolving that such unseemly conduct should not go unpunished, he framed
his expected admonition after the following fashion:-
"Poor young man, I’m vexed for
you, or any other honest lad in your position. It’s grievous to see a
decent, wise-looking man like you brought to shame in this manner, But,
oh, man, there’s little wonder, for I think half the gypsies of Glasgow
are after you this very day."
