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such as appeals to their self-esteem, their combativeness, OF
their humour. You know how easily in touching thes
feelings one degenerates into flattery, vindictiveness, snd
grossness. I really sometimes wonder how I have escaped
so well as I have done. By nature I am not a mob orator
It is an effort for me to speak in public. The applause of #
meeting has no charm for me. When I address an audienc®
it is from a sense of duty and utility, from precisely the
motive which impels me to write an article in the Leag¥?
newspaper, and with as little thought of personal éclat. 1?
not, therefore, be alarmed with the idea that my head will be
burned with applause. It would be a relief to me if I kne¥
there was no necessity for my ever appearing again ab ?
public meeting.” *

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To George Combe, Deo. 28, 1845,