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152 together was in general at a distance from home, in making excursions about the neighbourhood, either in the Doctor's gig or on horseback, when Philimore ever profited by the occasion of soothing, cheering, or exhorting his fellow-pilgrims in their journey through life. The Welsh Curate had drawn from him many controversial discussions, in which, by his mild suavity, he had happily succeeded, if not wholly to convince his antagonist, yet at least to weaken several of his apparently most inveterate prejudices.

After one of these visits, upon meeting the Doctor, and in commenting with him upon the conversation he had held with the Curate, "How, very disinclined," said Philimore, "is the human mind, generally speaking, to set the understanding right in points of religion! 'No matter,' said the Curate to me this morning, 'whether I am wrong or otherwise, it is of little importance, and cannot tell against me hereafter; provided I have faith and attend to my conduct, it is all that is required of me to ensure a state of happiness in another life.'"

"Such, unhappily," returned the Doctor, "are the fallacious reasonings of many; supposing the understanding to be sufficiently employed if it enables them to check evil affections, they have no