e were many
children in the parish. "More than you would expect," replied he,
"from the seeming smallness of it; but there are some little hamlets
which you do not see." "I think," returned Mr. Johnson, "I recollect
that in the conversation I had with the shepherd on the hill yonder,
he told me you had no Sunday School." "I am sorry to say we have
none," said the minister. "I do what I can to remedy this misfortune
by public catechising; but having two or three churches to serve, I
can not give so much time as I wish to private instruction; and
having a large family of my own, and no assistance from others, I
have never been able to establish a school."

"There is an excellent institution in London," said Mr. Johnson,
"called the Sunday School Society, which kindly gives books and
other helps, on the application of such pious clergymen as stand in
need of their aid, and which I am sure would have assisted you, but
I think we shall be able to do something ourselves. Shepherd,"
continued he, "if I were a king, and had it in my power to make you
a rich and a great man, with a word speaking, I would not do it.
Those who are raised by some sudden stroke, much above the station
in which divine Providence had placed them, seldom turn out very
good, or very happy. I have never had any great things in my power,
but as far as I have been able, I have been always glad to assist
the worthy. I have however, never attempted or desired to set any
poor man much above his natural condition, but it is a pleasure to
me to lend him such assistance as may make that condition more easy
to himself, and put him in a way which shall call him to the
performance of more duties than perhaps he could have performed
without my help, and of performing them in a better manner to
others, and with more comfort to himself. What rent do you pay for
this cottage?"

"Fifty shillings a year, sir."

"It is in a sad tattered condition; is there not a better to be had
in the village?"

"That in which the poor clerk lived," said the clergyman, "is not
only more tight and whole, but has two decent chambers, and a very
large light kitchen." "That will be very convenient," replied Mr.
Johnson; "pray what is the rent?" "I think," said the shepherd,
"poor neighbor Wilson gave somewhat about four pounds a year, or it
might be guineas." "Very well," said Mr. Johnson, "and what will the
clerk's place be worth, think you?" "About three pounds," was the
answer.