then, it was generally necessary that the residence of that unpopular
functionary, the tithe-proctor, should be always one of considerable
strength, in order the more successfully to resist such midnight attacks
as hostile combination might make upon it. Purcel, as well as other
proctors of his day, had from time to time received threatening notices,
not only of a personal nature, but also of premeditated attacks upon
his house. The man was, however, not only intrepid and resolute,
but cautious and prudent; and whilst he did not suffer himself to be
intimidated by threats that for the most part ended in nothing, he took
care to keep himself and his family well provided against any attack
that might be made upon them.

The history of Matthew Purcel is soon told. It is that of enterprise,
perseverance, and industry, tinged a good deal by a sharp insight into
business, a worldly spirit, and although associated with a good deal of
pride and display, an uncontrollable love of putting money together, not
always under circumstances that were calculated to render him popular,
nor which could, in point of feeling or humanity, be at all defended. He
had commenced the world, as has been already intimated, in character
of a hardware pedlar. From stage to stage of that circulating life he
advanced until he was able to become a stationary shopkeeper in the
town of C------m. The great predilection of his heart, however, was for
farming, and in pursuance with his wishes on this subject, he took a
large farm, and entered upon its management with considerable spirit and
a good deal of skill. His success was beyond his expectations; and, as
the spirit of agriculture continued to gain upon him, he gradually lost
his relish for every other description of business. He consequently gave
up his large shop in C------m, and went to reside upon his farm, with a
capital of some thousands, which he owed to the industry of his previous
life. Here he added farm to farm, until he found himself proprietor of