But even to this
hour can I pray, that God would remove from me all these delightful
prospects, if they were likely so to corrupt my mind, as to make me proud
and vain, and not acknowledge, with thankful humility, the blessed
Providence which has so visibly conducted me through the dangerous paths
I have trod, to this happy moment.
My master was pleased to say, that he thought I might as well dine with
him, since he was alone: But I begged he would excuse me, for fear, as I
said, such excess of goodness and condescension, all at once, should turn
my head;--and that he would, by slower degrees, bring on my happiness,
lest I should not know how to bear it.
Persons that doubt themselves, said he, seldom do amiss: And if there was
any fear of what you say, you could not have it in your thoughts: for
none but the presumptuous, the conceited, and the thoughtless, err
capitally. But, nevertheless, said he, I have such an opinion of your
prudence, that I shall generally think what you do right, because it is
you that do it.
Sir, said I, your kind expressions shall not be thrown away upon me, if I
can help it; for they will task me with the care of endeavouring to
deserve your good opinion, and your approbation, as the best rule of my
conduct.
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