Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/94

 many of them very hard; but as I took pains, I soon got into the way of pronouncing them. And Miss Maiden observing that I took pleasure in understanding what I read, was so kind as to take the trouble of explaining to me all the difficult passages. She said she was sensible, that to one like me, it could be of little consequence to know what had been done so many ages ago by great kings and warriors, but that there was no sort of knowledge without its use. That the observations I made upon the consequences of the pride, vain glory, and ambition of those conspicuous characters of whom we read, would improve the powers of my understanding, and open my mind to perceive the value of those Christian principles, which lead to peace here, and happiness hereafter: and would prove, that it was not in the power of all the riches, or all the glory of the world, to give content; for, that to fear God, and keep his commandments, was the end of life.