duty, and
that what they may call my strictness, has nothing in view but their
safety and happiness. By this means I commonly gain their love, as
well as secure their obedience. I know that, with all my care, I am
liable to be disappointed, 'from the corruption that is in the world
through sin.' But whenever this happens, so far from encouraging me
in remissness, it only serves to quicken my zeal. If, by God's
blessing, my servant turns out a good Christian, I have been an
humble instrument in his hand of saving a soul committed to my
charge."

Mrs. Bragwell came home, but brought only one of her daughters with
her; the other, she said, had given them the slip, and was gone with
a young friend, and would not return for a day or two. Mr. Bragwell
was greatly displeased, as he knew that young friend had but a
slight character, and kept bad acquaintances. Mrs. Bragwell came in,
all hurry and bustle, saying, if her family did not go to bed with
the lamb on Sundays, when they had nothing to do, how could they
rise with the lark on Mondays, when so much was to be done.

Mr. Worthy had this night much matter for reflection. "We need not,"
said he, "go into the great world to look for dissipation and
vanity. We can find both in a farmhouse. 'As for me and my house,'
continued he, 'we will serve the Lord' every day, but especially on
Sunday. 'It is the day which the Lord hath made; hath made for
himself; we will rejoice in it,' and consider the religious use of
it, not only as a duty, but as a privilege."

The next morning Mr. Bragwell and his friend set out early for the
Golden Lion. What passed on this little journey, my readers shall
hear soon.

PART IV.

THE SUBJECT OF PRAYER DISCUSSED IN A MORNING'S RIDE.

It was mentioned in the last part of this history, that the chief
reason which had drawn Mr. Worthy to visit his friend just at the
present time was, that Mr. Bragwell had a small estate to sell by
auction. Mr. Worthy, though he did not think he should be a bidder,
wished to be present, as he had business to settle with one or two
persons who were expected at the Golden Lion on that day, and he had
put off his visit till he had seen the sale advertised in the county
paper.

Mr. Bragwell and Mr. Worthy set out early on the Monday morning, on
their way to the Golden Lion, a small inn in a neighboring
market-town. As they had time before them, they had agreed to ride
slowly that they might converse on some usef