Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1853-04-28
From Household Words
DIR. CNILLINGWORTH'S PRE-
SCRIPTION.

SGRIPTION.
Some years ago read the Life of Gif-
ford, and straightway determined to 90
to some college, and become great
scholar. In what way this was to be
done, l did not know; nor, indeed, did it
seem very easy, for my mother was q
widow, and her property was small. But
whatever scheme might decide upon, to
come to London, it seemed, must neces-
sarily be the first step; so to London l
came in my eighteenth year.
l wandered in grand squares and
crowded streets, 1 loitered at print shops
and book stalls. l idled in museums and
gallaries-profting by nothing that I saw,
because was haunted with bewilder-
ing feeling of how much there was TO be
seen. l delayed presenting letters of
recommendation, and when I did present
them, was treated so coldly that never
went again. l looked for Milton's house
at Westminster, and could not find it
1 took book sometimes and lounged all
day in one of the Inns Of Court, where
there was a grrden; and l felt more lone
ly than Robinson Crusoe Ny faith in
London was gone. l saw plainly enough
what London was. \ great family Of
rich and comfortable people, all leagued
together against strangers; a community
pretending to be open to all, but secretly
agreed to diShearten intruders, by simply
stunning them.
But while had been thus staring a
bout me, the very thing that l wanted
had been lying at my feet. Opposite my
window, in one of those quiet cross-streets
in the city, that connect the narrow and
comparatively unfrequented lanes running
down TO the river, was little plot Of
ground, with a solitary sycamore tree,
aud thin down of grass plot, shut in
with wall breast high, and row Of
weather-eaten iron railings. Next to
this was large house, almost entitled to
be called mansion, for it had a flight Of
many stone steps, heavy oakcn porch,
profusely carved with fruits, aud tangled
ribbons and leaves, and cherubim; mas
siye iron-ring knocker, link extinguish-
er, and pear shaped bell-pull. l had
settled in my own mind that this was the
residence of the clergyman Of the parish;
but, one day, induced by that curiosity
to know my neighbor's business that
comes Of idleness and sitting near a win
now, made inquiries, and learned that
this was known as DR.. Chillingworth's
Library. Now, on reference to Maitland's S
History of London, l discovered that this
DR.. Chillingworth was relative of the
great divine of that name, who died in
Charles the Seconds reigon, and left large
property for the founding of the theolog-
ical library; for the republication to all
time, of certain religious works written
by himself, that L had never heard of; for
the annual charitable relief of the widows
Of poor clergymen (who should be found
to have studied those works.; and lastly,
for the sending yearly to Scotch College
three scholars who should have proved
themselves, upon examination to have been
the most studious and deserving amongst
the competitors.
There was the library still, evidently
though nobody seemed to know it. L
could see the ends of bookshelves near
the upper windows. No doubt there were
the scholarships, too, if any poor student
chanced to hear of them. | would just
step over and ask.
did step over and pulled the pear
shaped bell-handle, making such an in
cessant ringing in some distant part OF
the house-that if the trustees OF Dr.
Chillingworth had resolved to go into a
long sleep (as to all appearances they
had), they might have done SO with a
perfect assurance az being reused on the