The works of the Rev. William Thom, late minister ... - waughfamily.ca

434 LETTERS, TRACTS, ^c'.liim differs little from a thigging bout, which, theyfay, is to this day ufual in forne parts of ScotlandWhen the laird is to buy a coirimiflion for his fon, or*to get a daughter married, he fends his liveryman,and his ground- ofRcer, through among his tenants tothigg, that is, to beg, extort, force, as much moneyfrom them as will anfwer his purpofe, and help himout at a dead lift.The diminutive opinion which a laird who roup^his tacks and his corn fields hath of you, needs nottempt you to give him your money, unlefs you getIts worth in return : And fuch a one hath certainly awonderful opinion of his own underftanding, and aproportionable contempt of yours,when he ellays tofuddle and impofe upon you in matters which youknow much better than he can do : You muft knowthe yearly value of a farm, or the value of a cornlicld, better than almoft any laird in Scotland, as youhave been converfant in thefe things from your youth.Neither hath he any greater regard for your per~fons, or concern for your fubfiftence : If he can getthe money which at his roups you engage to pay him,it is likely he will be pretty indifferent whetheryou fhall afterwards be able to fupport yourfelves,pr if you antl your families fhall go a-begging, orilarve.By what I have "hitherto laid before you, you mayihe better perceive from what principle this fafliionabletrade of rouping farms and growing corn dothproceed ; a trade which, as it fprings from covetouf^nefs, and iffues in out-witting and ruining the poor,ihould not be thought honourable : It was acco-unteddifgraceful and ignominious fifty years ago ; and I feeno reafon ^hy it ihould not be detelled as ignominiousftill. That which is naturally ignominious orcriminal, can never alter in nature aiid become rightthough all the lordsIt doth not ceafe to be criminal,^iid liiirds in the world fhotild pra(Slife it. The abule