oxen were best for plowing. Those
who were concerned in canals, sought the company of other canalers;
while some, who were interested in the new bill for inclosures,
wisely looked out for such as knew most about waste lands.

Mr. Worthy was pleased with all these subjects, and picked up
something useful on each. It was a saying of his, that most men
understood some one thing, and that he who was wise would try to
learn from every man something on the subject he best knew; but Mr.
Worthy made a further use of the whole. What a pity is it, said he,
that Christians are not so desirous to turn their time to good
account as men of business are! When shall we see religious persons
as anxious to derive profit from the experience of others as these
farmers? When shall we see them as eager to turn their time to good
account? While I approve these men for not being _slothful in
business_, let me improve the hint, by being also _fervent in
spirit_.

SHOWING HOW MUCH WISER THE CHILDREN OF THIS GENERATION ARE THAN THE
CHILDREN OF LIGHT.

When the hurry was a little over, Mr. Bragwell took a turn on the
bowling-green. Mr. Worthy followed him, to ask why the sale of the
estate was not brought forward. "Let the auctioneer proceed to
business," said he; "the company will be glad to get home by
daylight. I speak mostly with a view to others; for I do not think
of being a purchaser myself." "I know it," said Bragwell, "or I
would not be such a fool as to let the cat out of the bag. But is it
really possible," proceeded he, with a smile of contempt, "that you
should think I will sell my estate before dinner? Mr. Worthy, you
are a clever man at books, and such things; and perhaps can make out
an account on paper in a handsomer manner than I can. But I never
found much was to be got by fine writing. As to figures, I can carry
enough of them in my head to add, divide, and multiply more money
than your learning will ever give you the fingering of. You may beat
me at a book, but you are a very child at a bargain. Sell my land
before dinner, indeed!"

Mr. Worthy was puzzled to guess how a man was to show more wisdom by
selling a piece of ground at one hour than another, and desired an
explanation. Bragwell felt rather more contempt for his
understanding than he had ever done before. "Look'ee, Mr. Worthy,"
said he, "I do not think that knowledge is of any use to a man,
unless he has sense enough to turn it to account. Men are my books,
M