Dick related his conversation with Jenny, and said, “My good Mr. Joseph, I do assure you I am now in earnest, and am determined to behave better.”
J. My boy, I suppose hunger makes you say so? Pray did you have any supper last night, or any breakfast this morning?
D. I am hungry enough to be sure, but it is neither hunger nor the horsewhip which makes me wish to behave better. I am determined not to go on in this way any longer; I am more wretched than a dog.
The basket-maker went into his cottage, and fetched a cup of milk and a good piece of bread. He gave them to Dick, saying, “Here, Richard, take this, and eat what God has given you; and since you wish to lead a new life, suppose you begin by asking a blessing on the breakfast he sends you.”
Dick put his hands together, but he did not know what to say, for he had never asked a blessing in his life. Joseph saw what was the case, and taking off his hat, he said, “O Lord, who art kind even to the unthankful and evil, look upon this lad; bless this bread to his use, but above all give him the bread of life which is in Christ Jesus.”
“Yes, I hope he will,” said Dick; (for he did not know what Amen meant,) and he ate with a good appetite.
While he breakfasted, Joseph talked to him about God and his word.
J. My poor Richard, I am afraid you are almost as ignorant as a heathen. I fear you are like the child of an idolater. You hardly know whether you have a soul to be saved.
D. What need I to be saved from?
J. From the wrath to come—that dreadful wrath with which God in his justice will punish all sin at the day of judgment.