human
I do not think, said Mr. Smith--a truly godly man--to Mrs. Lane--who also was in repute for her piety--one day in conversation,
gpt
Is it not all fancy on your part, Mr. Smith?
human
I only hope it may be, but I fear it is true.
gpt
In what respects do you think he is changed?
human
I do not, somehow or other, observe the same tone of spirituality in his preaching and company as were so obvious during the first part of his sojourn with us.
gpt
Well, do you know, said Mrs. Lane,
human
I can only account for it by the supposition that he has been too much under the influence of Mr. Thoughtless, who, you know, is a man given to flattery, and who has by this flattery injured other young ministers who have been with us.
gpt
It is ten thousand pities, said Mrs. Lane,
human
It is just here, you know, Mrs. Lane. Mr. Thoughtless is a man of such influence in our Church, so bland in his way, so fair in his words, so wealthy in his means, that it is little use saying anything to warn against him. Besides, I fear that others have been too flattering in their addresses and compliments.
gpt
I am jealous of our dear minister. He is in jeopardy. O do let us pray for him, Mr. Smith, lest the flattering lips prove his ruin?