point so much better. You are taught how to think. After all--God
forgive me if I'm wrong! but I sometimes think that there must be
more good in that human wisdom, and philosophy falsely so called,
than we Wesleyans hold. Oh, sir, what a blessing is a good
education! What you gentlemen might do with it, if you did but see
your own power! Are there no fish in England, sir, to be caught?
precious fish, with immortal souls? And is there not One who has
said, "Come with me, and I will make you fishers of men?"'

'Would you have us all turn parsons?'

'Is no one to do God's work except the parson, sir? Oh, the game
that you rich folks have in your hands, if you would but play it!
Such a man as Colonel Bracebridge now, with the tongue of the
serpent, who can charm any living soul he likes to his will, as a
stoat charms a rabbit. Or you, sir, with your tongue:--you have
charmed one precious creature already. I can see it: though
neither of you know it, yet I know it.'

Lancelot started, and blushed crimson.

'Oh, that I had your tongue, sir!' And the keeper blushed crimson,
too, and went on hastily,--

'But why could you not charm all alike! Do not the poor want you as
well as the rich?'

'What can I do for the poor, my good fellow? And what do they want?
Have they not houses, work, a church, and schools,--and poor-rates
to fall back on?'