“But what is more than all beside,
“The Bible tells as Jesus died:
“This is its best, its chief intent,
“To lead poor sinners to repent.”
But it is time I went to work, for my mother has to go to market, and must wait till I return.—Good bye, Mr. Richard.
Dick did not reply. He was thinking about what Jenny had told him, and particularly the latter part of it.
“It is too true,” said he, returning towards the village, “what good do I get from the way in which I am going on. I am more wretched than a dog. All day I am unhappy and out of humour. Every body in the village despises me, even the little children. If I am at home I am sure to be scolded or beaten; if I go out with my companions, we are always lying, and stealing, and swearing and quarrelling. What good is there in going on so? How different is Jenny: she is about my age, and how happy she always seems! How pleased she looked last night, while her mother was talking about that Bible which they all seem so fond of. But why should not I read it as well as they? I’ll go to old Joseph—I recollect one day he offered to lend me a Bible; I’ll go directly.”
Dick then ran on, and going round the outside of the village he came to the old basket-maker’s cottage. He was afraid of meeting his father, but at last he safely arrived at Joseph’s cottage.
The basket-maker was very busily at work.—“What, Dick, idle Dick, is it you? O my boy, when will you turn from your evil ways?”
“I am come on purpose,” said Dick, in a humble tone, “I am come to ask for the Bible you offered to lend me.”
“What! you asking for a Bible?” said Joseph with surprise. “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots.” Jer. xiii. 23.