Page:Duty and Inclination 2.pdf/140

138 the unbeliever. After some conversation, in which the Doctor and his friend discovered the ruling persuasions of the Curate, and how erroneously they were founded, they might have boldly combated his opinions, but rather preferred to accommodate to them for a time, than, by hasty and premature reasoning, disconcert their antagonist, and perhaps provoke in him a more tenacious adherence to his sentiments.

"Another time," thought Philimore, "and I will endeavour to persuade him out of the ideas he has formed. May an Infinite Power above aid my humble attempts to lead this man from the darkness of preconceived error, into a brighter and fuller illumination—the souls of so many looking up to him for instruction. How important the charge—how awful the consideration—amongst the mists in which he is himself wandering, to mislead his flock! Forbid it, Heaven!"

As Philimore thus reflected, he inwardly prayed to his Creator to grant him to be a humble instrument in promoting the good he so ardently desired, by converting the Curate to his opinions, and thereby a Divine sanction and blessing accompany him, while absent from his own ministerial labours, during his sojourn with the Doctor.

"Is it not to be remarked, Doctor," said he, in