Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/290

 by his misfortunes, and has no regret but for the conduct that led to them."

"He was enticed to it," cried Mrs MacClarty. "He never wad have listed in his sober senses."

"Who enticed him to disobey his father, by going to the fair?" returned the minister. "It is the first error that is the fatal cause of all that follows; so true it is, that when we leave the path of duty but a single step, we may by that step be involved in a labyrinth from which there is no returning. Be thankful that your son has seen his error, and that he has repented of it, as becomes a Christian; and let it be your business to confirm these sentiments, and to exhort him, by his future conduct, to retrieve the past; so shall the blessing of God attend him wherever it may be his destiny to go."

"And whare is he to go?" said Mrs MacClarty. "To the East Indies," returned the minister. "To-morrow he will be on his way for that fine country, from