human
Indeed, master, I am not very sorry; he is rightly served.
gpt
How, Tommy, said Mr. Stock (rather sternly),
human
gpt
No, master, I can't say I am; for Mr. Brown used to make fun of you, and laugh at you for being so godly, and reading your Bible.
human
Let me say a few words to you, Tommy, said Mr. Stock.
gpt
In the first place you should never watch for the time of a man's being brought low by trouble to tell of his faults. Next, you should never rejoice at his trouble, but pity him, and pray for him. Lastly, as to his ridiculing me for my religion, if I can not stand an idle jest, I am not worthy the name of a Christian. _He that is ashamed of me and my word_--dost remember what follows, Tommy?
human
Yes, master, it was last Sunday's text--_of him shall the Son of Man be ashamed when he shall judge the world._
gpt
Oh, dear Jem, said he,
human
said he to Mr. Thomas, whom he recollected.
gpt
I am very glad to see you in so hopeful a disposition, said the good minister.
human
Oh, sir, said Brown,
gpt
Your condition, as to this world, is indeed very low, replied the good divine.
human
But what are mines, dungeons, or galleys, to that eternal hopeless prison to which your unrepented sins must soon have consigned you? Even in the gloomy prison, on this bed of straw, worn down by pain, poverty, and want, forsaken by your worldly friends, an object of scorn to those with whom you used to carouse and riot; yet here, I say, brought thus low, if you have at last found out your own vileness, and your utterly undone state by sin, you may still be more an object of favor in the sight of God, than when you thought yourself prosperous and happy; when the world smiled upon you, and you passed your days and nights in envied gayety and unchristian riot. If you will but improve the present awful visitation; if you do but heartily renounce and abhor your present evil courses; if you even now turn to the Lord your Saviour with lively faith, deep repentance, and unfeigned obedience, I shall still have more hope of you than of many who are going on quite happy, because quite insensible. The heavy laden sinner, who has discovered the iniquity of his own heart, and his utter inability to help himself, may be restored to God's favor, and become happy, though in a dungeon. And be assured, that he who from deep and humble contrition dares not so much as lift up his eyes to heaven, when with a hearty faith he sighs out, _Lord, be merciful to me a sinner_, shall in no wise be cast out. These are the words of him who can not lie.