which climbs the hills to their very crown, and sweeps away, mingling
with the sky.

To this village the Lockwood family removed; and coming more directly
under religious influences, the father very soon became converted, and
united with the Methodist Church, along with his wife. This had a
great influence on Abe for good; he began to attend the Sunday-school,
which was conducted in a room, in what was called the Steps Mill, on
the road between Berry Brow and Honley. This was Abe's college; here
he began, and here he finished his education; no other school did he
ever attend; and for what little knowledge he had, he was indebted to
the kindness of those who taught in that school; yet all he learnt here
was to _read_. _Writing_ was a branch of study which Abe thought
altogether beyond his power; many times he endeavoured to learn the
mysterious art, but after struggling on as far as the stage of pothooks
and crooks, he gave up in disgust, and never tried again. He used to
say he firmly believed the Lord never meant him to be a writer, or he
would have given him a talent for it. Now in this Abe was certainly
labouring under a false impression, and underrating his own ability; he
was as well able to learn the art of writing as many others in similar
circumstances. How many persons have we known who have grown up to
manhood and womanhood, before they knew one letter from another, and
yet they have commenced to learn, and persevered in the work, until
they have attained at least a moderate proficiency, and some even more
than that. What Abe lacked more than talent, was a determination to
learn; for if he had been resolved, he could have become a good penman
as well as others; in this he was to blame, whether he thought so or
not. Education can only be had by those who will work for it, and
considering its immense value to every person, all who neglect it are
blameworthy, and must pay the penalties, as Abe did all through his
life.

CHAPTER III.

His Conversion.

People talk of great changes in life, and point to periods and events
which seem to have turned their whole course into a different channel;
but there is nothing that can happen to any individual which will make
such an alteration in his life _as conversion_. Thousands of persons
who had been almost useless in the world, after that event have become
valuable members of society; others who have neglected and abused their
talents and opportunities,