Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 1).pdf/286

 inveighing againt Tom in the mot bitter Terms, and likening him to the Buyers and Sellers who were driven out of the Temple.

Square aw this Matter in a very different Light. He aid, He could not perceive any higher Crime in elling one Book, than in elling another. That to ell Bibles was trictly lawful by all Laws both divine and human, and conequently there was no Uniquenes in it. He told Thwackum that his great Concern on this Occaion brought to his Mind the Story of a very devout Woman, who out of pure Regard to Religion, tole Tilloton’s Sermons from a Lady of her Acquaintance.

This Story caued a vat Quantity of Blood to ruh into the Paron’s Face, which of itelf was none of the palet; and he was going to reply with great Warmth and Anger, had not Mrs. Blifil, who was preent at this Debate, interpoed. That Lady declared herelf abolutely on Mr. Square’s Side. She argued, indeed, very learnedly in Support of his Opinion; and concluded with aying, If Tom had been guilty of any Fault, he mut confes her own Son appeared to be equally culpable; for that he could ee no