“‘What is it, mother?’ I inquired.

“’Do promise me first that you will do what I am now going to ask, and I shall tell you.’

“‘No, mother, I cannot till you tell me what your wish is.’

“’O Robert, can you think for a moment that I shall ask you, my son, to do anything that is not right?  Do not I love you?’

“’Yes, mother, I know you do; but I do not like to make promises which I may not be able to fulfil.’

“I kept my eyes fixed on the ground.  I was silent, trying to resist the rising emotion.  She sighed deeply.  I lifted my eyes and saw the big tears rolling down the cheeks which were wont to press mine.  I was conquered, and as soon as I could recover speech, I said—­

“‘O mother! ask what you will and I shall do it.’

“’I only ask you whether you will read a chapter in the Bible every morning and another every evening?’

“I interrupted by saying, ‘Mother, you know I read my Bible.’

“’I know you do, but you do not read it regularly, or as a duty you owe to God, its Author.’  And she added:  ’Now I shall return home with a happy heart, inasmuch as you have promised to read the Scriptures daily.  O Robert, my son, read much in the New Testament.  Read much in the Gospels—­the blessed Gospels; then you cannot well go astray.  If you pray, the Lord Himself will teach you.’

“I parted from my beloved mother, now long gone to that mansion about which she loved to speak.  I went on my way, and ere long found myself among strangers.  My charge was an important one for a youth, and though possessing a muscular frame and a mind full of energy, it required all to keep pace with the duty which devolved upon me.  I lived at a considerable distance from what are called the means of grace, and the Sabbaths were not always at my command.  I met with none who appeared to make religion their chief concern.  I mingled, when opportunities offered, with the gay and godless in what are considered innocent amusements, where I soon became a favourite; but I never forgot my promise to my mother.”

After several delays, High Leigh was reached on Saturday, 26th December, 1813, and there the young man found himself surrounded by a genial atmosphere.  The head gardener took to him, and soon left a great deal in his hands.  This made his work very heavy and responsible; but, although labouring almost day and night, he yet managed to devote some time to the study of such books as he could obtain.  The kindly notice of Mrs. Leigh was attracted to him, and she lent him books, and encouraged him to studious pursuits.