“ Andrews was greately afflicted at the sight, and immediately dispatched a neighbour's child after the baker, who was in sight, and he soon returned with a loaf, in the mean time she stepped into the house, and eagerly asked the poor woman whether she had lost her husband ? He is not dead, Madam, replied she, but he is as bad as left to me, for he has been out of work some time, and has been enticed away by some idle fellows, who have tempted him to spend what little he saved last harvest, and now he is running up a score at the alehouse, while I and my children are starving at home ”

“ This young woman had been taught to read, but being always of a gay turn, and left to herself a good deal while her poor mother went out to work, she got idle habits, and never could be persuaded to delight in reading the Scriptures, and that was the cause of her neglecting so material a duty ; but it is to be hoped, that Sunday Schools and Schools of Industry, will be a mean of preventing such faults in many daughters whose parents cannot attend to them. ”

“ I cannot say but that she is a notable bustling woman as ever lived, and knows how to turn a penny ; but she is so plaguy nice that I am afraid to set my foot in my own house : for the scolds like a fury if I make the least dirt in the world. She wears herself out almost with rubbing and scrubbing ”

“ Many a day have I slaved and coiled from morning to night, to get clothes to cover her, and victuals for her to eat ; nay, after her poor dear father died, I have often gone without a meal that I might be able to satisfy her hunger : and though I say it, she always went neat and clean. ”

“ It is very wonderful, continued the lady, to observe the ways of Providence, and how faithfully the Almighty fulfils his promises of never forsaking those who love and fear him, when they call upon him in the day of trouble. ”

“ Andrews first came to live in the village where his estate was, he was told that the poor men in general were great frequenters of the ale-house ; this he was very sorry to hear, because it was a proof that they did not live happily with their families ; however, as it was a rule with him, not to condemn any person unheard, he resolved to go among them, and inquire what they had to say in excuse for themselves ”

“ Andrews replied, that a husband ought to comfort his wife under such circumstances instead of forsaking her; and that if they joined their prayers together, God would send them relief; but no blessing could be expected from going to alehouses.
James Kingsman said, that no man was more disposed to love home than he was; and as he had had learning at a free school, he could divert himself and his wife too of evenings ”

“ You may also read in the Scriptures, of both the Old and New Testament, how wonderfully God's faithful servants were often delivered out of trouble, or supported under it. But above all you would, by reading the Scriptures, learn to look forwards to a world of everlasting happiness; and the hope of immoral joys would strengthen your mind to endure with patience all the evils of life which will be ended in a few short years. ”

“ If she sweeps my room once in a week she thinks she does too much for me. When she washes my linen, which is very seldom, she grumbles the whole time. Now, my good lady, continued Betty Parker, these are hard things for a parent to bear; and I hope God will forgive my being grieved with them, for I cannot help thinking of what I have in former days done for my daughter. I can truly say, I have been a tender mother to her, and it is very hard to be used in this manner by one whom I have nourished at my breast. Many a night have I lain awake after a hard day's work to nurse and tend her. ”

“ Andrews answered, that he was inclined to think Hudson's wife had a great affection for her husband, or she would not be so desirous of securing his. He added, that it was very unfortunate for families, where this unhappy temper prevailed, either on the man's or woman's side; but he advised Hudson to be good-humoured, and soothing to his wife; and said, that perhaps in time she might get the better of her jealousy. Other men were beginning to make excuses for themselves, but Mr. Andrews stopped them by saying, Well, my lads, I have heard a number of complaints from many of you ”

“ In the course of a few years they had several children, but they brought them up to do something or other, as soon as ever they were able, and in consequence of their hoesty, industry and cleanliness, the family was greatly noticed by the gentry in the neighbourhood, who frequently assifted them with their bounty in one way or other, so that they never after were in very great distress, but lived on the whole cheerful & happy. ”

“ Andrews that he offered to employ all the men whom he found the other day at the George, and I suppose your husband was one of them ? On hearing this the poor woman's countenance looked more cheerful, and she said, that he had indeed told her that he was going to work for the squire, but she was afraid he had only said so to pacify her, and that since his departure the baker had called upon her to desire to be paid for several loaves she had lately had, and refused to trust her any longer, which threw her into the state of despair in which Mrs. Andrews had found her. ”

“ The good lady, who felt the sincerest pity for this poor woman, immediately gave some bread to the children, and then took out her purse, and gave her half a crown, comforting her with an assurance, that Mr. Andrews would readily employ her husband if he would work ”

“ All the world could not persuade her that he did not give his company to other women, and yet he was certain he had not given her the smallest reason for thinking so, and therefore he thought it was very hard to be suspected ”

“ The woman replied, that with three little children she could not go to church. Well, replied the lady, I wish every poor woman had as good an excuse to offer for absenting themselves from divine worship ”

“ Be warn'd by this, ye British fair,
And build no castles in the air.
This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago. ”