J. Yes, my lad, if you please, I shall expect you; but go now to your father, and mind what he says. If he scolds you, remember you have deserved it, and do not reply again.
Dick was running off. Joseph said, “Stop a moment. What must we call you in future, Idle Dick, or Industrious Richard?”
“You will see in a few days,” said Dick, and was out of sight in an instant; but he came back in the afternoon.
You will be glad to hear that he was called ‘Diligent Dick.’—Yes, he was so changed by the blessing of God upon the counsels and instructions of old Joseph, that in a few months he was quite different from what he used to be.
Every day he became more industrious at his work, more correct in his behaviour, and neater in appearance, milder in his language, and more regular in all he had to do.
What produced this great change?
It was by the use of means which God has appointed, and which he has promised to bless. I mean by the study of the Scriptures and prayer.
Joseph read some portions every day with Richard, and set him some verses, which he learned against the next day.
While they were at work, Joseph used to talk with him, and explain to him the truths which are in the Bible. On Sundays he especially attended to this, and talked with him about the love of our Heavenly Father, who sent Jesus as a Saviour for poor lost sinners, and to save children, as well as grown persons.
