ly
labored to make my son a sound scholar; while I should have labored
still more sedulously to convince him that the value of learning depends
solely on the purposes to which it is devoted. I would have a Christian
gentleman able to beat the world at its own weapons, and convince it,
that it is not from penury of mind, or inability to distinguish himself
in other matters, that he applies himself to seek that wisdom which is
from above; that he does not fly to religion as a shelter from the
ignominy of ignorance, but from a deep conviction of the comparative
vanity of that very learning which he yet is so assiduous to acquire."

During this conversation, it was amusing to observe the different
impressions made on the minds of our two college guests. Young Tyrrel,
who, with moderate parts and slender application, had been taught to
adopt some of his uncle's dogmas as the cheapest way of being wise,
greedily swallowed his eulogium of clerical ignorance, which the young
man seemed to feel as a vindication of his own neglected studies, and an
encouragement to his own mediocrity of intellect. While the interesting
young baronet, though silent through modesty, discovered in his
intelligent eyes evident marks of satisfaction in hearing that
literature, for which he was every day acquiring a higher relish, warmly
recommended as the best pursuit of a gentleman, by the two men in the
world for whose judgment he entertained the highest reverence. At the
same time it raised his veneration for Christian piety, when he saw it
so sedulously practiced by these advocates for human learning.

CHAPTER XXII.

During these conversations I remarked that Lucilla, though she commonly
observed the most profound silence, had her attention always riveted on
the speaker. If that speaker was Dr. Barlow, or her father, or any one
whom she thought entitled to particular respect, she gently laid down
her work, and as quietly resumed it when they had done speaking.

I observed to Sir John Belfield, afterward, as we were walking together,
how modestly flattering her manner was when any of us were reading; how
intelligent her silence; how well-bred her attention.

"I have often contrasted it," replied he, "with the manners of some
other ladies of my acquaintance, who are sometimes of our quiet evening
party. When one is reading history, or any ordinary book, aloud to them,
I am always pleased that they should pursue their little employments.