OR, THE

TRIUMPH OF PRINCIPLE,

A STORY OF

METHODISTIC FACTS:

BY

THOMAS HIRST.

AUTHOR OF "DAYLIGHT," 99 66 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE BIBLE," "HYMNS AND DIALOGUES FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARIES," ETC. ETC.,

LONDON:

W. KENT AND CO., 21, PATERNOSTER-ROW; W. REED, CREED-LANE.

RIPLEY, NEAR DERBY:

G. ROWLAND, ADVERTISER OFFICE;

OR POST-FREE, 2s. 6d., FROM THE AUTHOR, T. HIRST,
KIMBERLEY, NOTTS.

1870.

250. C. 297.

CHAPTER.

CONTENTS.

I. Neighbourly Chit-chat

II. The Widow

III. The Test of Friendship

IV. The Snare of the Fowler and the Gospel-net

VIII. Folly of the Wise, and Wisdom of the Simple

X. The Parson-builder and the Builder-parson

JOHN WIMBLETON;

OR,

THE TRIUMPH OF PRINCIPLE.

CHAPTER I.

NEIGHBOURLY CHIT-CHAT.

"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt."-PAUL.

In a humble, though orderly little cottage, in the pleasant village of Whatley, sat two women in rather earnest conversation. They had both passed the meridian of life, the one a few years in advance of the other, and both had a matronly appearance. After putting away "the dinner things," washing up the dishes, cleaning the hearth, and "tidying up," Betty had come at the invitation of Nancy to spend an hour and take a neighbourly cup of tea with her. This familiar visit, however, was not to be made an occasion for passing the time in indolence. That would not have agreed with the habits of either. Betty brought her knitting, at which she was famous, both as regarded the quantity and quality of the work and Nancy took out her sewing, for which she was equally renowned.

Betty, you have got some very nice worsted there," said Nancy, feeling of it.

fine it is."

"How clear and

A