"No, Sir. I am told that his preaching drives people out of their senses, and I should not like to part with what little I have."
"Did you ever know any one driven out of his senses by him?"
"Why, no, Sir; and I must say that I don't much believe it; and for this reason, I always find people who like his preaching more inclined to do poor people good, than those who talk against it. Why, Sir, when my wife was last confined, we all thought that she would die; and it is wonderful how kind some of Mr. Ingleby's followers were to her. They gave her what she wanted for this world, and talked to her so kindly about another world, that she has taken a liking to them, and would have been off to their religion, but I would not let her. We have had more words on this subject than any other since we have been married, which is now eighteen years come Christmas."
"And do you think that you have done right by opposing your wife? Now, suppose you were to make up your mind to go and hear Mr. Ingleby preach, how would you like for your master to say to you, No, you shall not go?"
"I should not like it at all, because I think I have a right to go where I please on a Sunday, if I do my work in the week."
"Then, has not your wife a right to go where she likes to worship God, and get religious instruction, if she does her duties at home."
"Why, yes, Sir, and I sometimes think that I have done wrong by stopping her."
"Now, take my advice, let her go, and go you too, and hear and judge for yourself; and, take my word for it, you will never regret it."
I now left him, and hastened to church; and just as I entered, the venerable man read from the desk, "I will arise and go to my Father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants." He conducted the devotional part of the service with great solemnity, and the congregation appeared to feel that they were under the immediate notice of the Holy One of Israel. After his entrance into the pulpit, he presented a short extemporary prayer with great simplicity and fervour, and then announced his text: Genesis xxviii. 16, 17.