Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/383

 are not, I imagine, too proud to be advised?" "No, indeed sir, I am not," cried William. "Then, as you are not wedded to any particular method, you will honestly enquire, and candidly follow, what appears to be the best; nor obstinately refuse to adopt improvements that have been suggested by others, when their utility has been placed beyond a doubt. I do not say that you are at present qualified; I only say, that, by candid enquiry, and vigilant attention, you will soon become qualified for the discharge of an office, the duties of which are in my opinion seldom understood. A country schoolmaster, who considers himself hired to give lessons in certain branches of learning, and, when he has given these, thinks he has done his duty, knows not what his duty is."

"And what, sir, if I may take the liberty of asking, what, in your opinion, is the nature and extent of the duties