the future, as well as
pardon for the past. He remembered, and he was humbled at the
thought, that he used to have short fits of repentance, and to form
resolutions of amendment, in his wild and thoughtless days; and
often when he had a bad head-ache after a drinking bout, or had lost
his money at all-fours, he vowed never to drink or play again. But
as soon as his head was well and his pockets recruited, he forgot
all his resolutions. And how should it be otherwise? for he trusted
in his own strength, he never prayed to God to strengthen him, nor
ever avoided the next temptation. He thought that amendment was a
thing to be set about at any time; he did not know that _it is the
grace of God which bringeth us to repentance_.

The case was now different. Tom began to find that _his strength was
perfect weakness_, and that he could do nothing without the Divine
assistance, for which he prayed heartily and constantly. He sent
home for his Bible and Prayer-book, which he had not opened for two
years, and which had been given him when he left the Sunday School.
He spent the chief part of his time in reading them, and derived
great comfort, as well as great knowledge, from this employment of
his time. The study of the Bible filled his heart with gratitude to
God, who had not cut him off in the midst of his sins; but had given
him space for repentance; and the agonies he had lately suffered
with his broken leg increased the thankfulness that he had escaped
the more dreadful pain of eternal misery. And here let me remark
what encouragement this is for rich people to give away Bibles and
good books, and not to lose all hope, though, for a time, they see
little or no good effect from it. According to all appearance, Tom's
books were never likely to do him any good, and yet his generous
benefactor, who had cast his bread upon the waters, found it after
many days; for this Bible, which had lain untouched for years, was
at last made the instrument of his reformation. God will work in his
own good time, and in his own way, but _our_ zeal and _our_
exertions are the means by which he commonly chooses to work.

As soon as he got well, and was discharged from the hospital, Tom
began to think he must return to get his bread. At first he had some
scruples about going back to his old employ: but, says he, sensibly
enough, gentlefolks must travel, travelers must have chaises, and
chaises must have drivers; 'tis a very honest calling, and I