And now, his health restored, his spirits eased, He wish'd to marry, if the Teachers pleased. They, not unwilling, from the virgin-class Took him a comely and a courteous lass ; Simple and civil, loving and beloved, She long a fond and faithful partner proved; In every year the Elders and the Priest Were duly summon'd to a christening feast; Nor came a babe, but by his growing trade, John had provision for the coming made;

For friends and strangers all were pleased to deal With one whose care was equal to his zeal.

In human friendships, it compels a sigh,

To think what trifles will dissolve the tie.
John, now become a master of his trade,
Perceived how much improvement might be made;
And as this prospect open'd to his view,
A certain portion of his zeal withdrew;
His fear abated-" What had he to fear-
"His profits certain, and his conscience clear ?"
Above his door a board was placed by John,
And "Dighton, Stationer," was gilt thereon;
His window next, enlarged to twice the size,
Shone with such trinkets as the simple prize;

While in the shop with pious works were seen
The last new play, review, or magazine:

In orders punctual, he observed-" The books
"He never read, and could he judge their looks?
"Readers and critics should their merits try,
"He had no office but to sell and buy ;
"Like other traders, profit was his care;

"Of what they print, the authors must beware." He held his Patrons and his Teachers dear, But with his trade-they must not interfere.

'Twas certain now that John had lost the dread And pious thoughts that once such terrors bred; His habits varied, and he more inclined To the vain world, which he had half resign'd: He had moreover in his brethren seen,

Or he imagined, craft, conceit, and spleen;

They are but men," said John, " and shall I then "Fear man's control, or stand in awe of men? "'Tis their advice (their Convert's rule and law), "And good it is-I will not stand in awe."

Moreover Dighton, though he thought of books As one who chiefly on the title looks, Yet sometimes ponder'd o'er a page to find, When vex'd with cares, amusement for his mind;

And by degrees that mind had treasured much
From works his teachers were afraid to touch:
Satiric novels, poets bold and free,

And what their writers term philosophy;

All these were read, and he began to feel
Some self-approval on his bosom steal.
Wisdom creates humility, but he

Who thus collects it, will not humble be:
No longer John was fill'd with pure delight
And humble reverence in a Pastor's sight;
Who, like a grateful zealot, listening stood,
To hear a man so friendly and so good;
But felt the dignity of one who made
Himself important by a thriving trade;
And growing pride in Dighton's mind was bred
By the strange food on which it coarsely fed.

Their Brother's fall the grieving Brethren heard, The pride indeed to all around appear'd ;

The world his friends agreed had won the soul
From its best hopes, the man from their control:
To make him humble, and confine his views
Within their bounds, and books which they peruse;
A deputation from these friends select,

Might reason with him to some good effect;

Arm'd with authority, and led by love,

They might those follies from his mind remove;
Deciding thus, and with this kind intent,

A chosen body with its speaker went.

"John," said the Teacher, "John," with great

concern,

"We see thy frailty, and thy fate discern-
"Satan with toils thy simple soul beset,
"And thou art careless, slumbering in the net;
"Unmindful art thou of thy early vow;
"Who at the morning-meeting sees thee now?
"Who at the evening? where is brother John?
"We ask—are answer'd, To the Tavern gone:
"Thee on the Sabbath seldom we behold;

"Thou canst not sing, thou'rt nursing for a cold:
"This from the Churchmen thou hast learn'd, for
they

"Have colds and fevers on the Sabbath-day;

"When in some snug warm room they sit, and pen "Bills from their ledgers, (world-entangled men !)

"See with what pride thou hast enlarged thy

shop;

"To view thy tempting stores the heedless stop;

"By what strange names dost thou these baubles

know,

"Which wantons wear, to make a sinful show? "Hast thou in view these idle volumes placed "To be the pander of a vicious taste?

"What's here! a book of dances!—you advance "In goodly knowledge-John, wilt learn to dance? "How! 'Go' it says, and to the devil go! "And shake thyself!' I tremble—but 'tis so

"Wretch as thou art, what answer canst thou make? "Oh! without question, thou wilt go and shake.

"Well, and art thou proficient in the rules? "Art thou a pupil, is it thy design

pretty

"To make our names contemptible as thine? "Old Nick, a Novel! oh! 'tis mighty well"A fool has courage when he laughs at hell; "Frolic and Fun,' the humours of Tim Grin ;' "Why, John, thou grow'st facetious in thy sin; "And what? the Archdeacon's Charge'-'tis mighty

well

"If Satan publish'd, thou wouldst doubtless sell;
"Jests, novels, dances, and this precious stuff,
"To crown thy folly we have seen enough;