MR. LOVELACE, TO JOHN BELFORD, ESQ.
SUNDAY.
Have been at church, Jack--behaved admirably well too! My charmer is
pleased with me now: for I was exceedingly attentive to the discourse,
and very ready in the auditor's part of the service.--Eyes did not much
wander. How could they, when the loveliest object, infinitely the
loveliest in the whole church, was in my view!
Dear creature! how fervent, how amiable, in her devotions! I have got
her to own that she prayed for me. I hope a prayer from so excellent a
mind will not be made in vain.
There is, after all, something beautifully solemn in devotion. The
Sabbath is a charming institution to keep the heart right, when it is
right. One day in seven, how reasonable!--I think I'll go to church once
a day often. I fancy it will go a great way towards making me a reformed
man. To see multitudes of well-appearing people all joining in one
reverend act. An exercise how worthy of a rational being! Yet it adds a
sting or two to my former stings, when I think of my projects with regard
to this charming creature. In my conscience, I believe, if I were to go
constantly to church, I could not pursue them.
I had a scheme come into my head while there; but I will renounce it,
because it obtruded itself upon me in so good a place. Excellent
creature! How many ruins has she prevented by attaching me to herself
--by engrossing my whole attention.
But let me tell thee what passed between us in my first visit of this
morning; and then I will acquaint thee more largely with my good
behaviour at church.
I could not be admitted till after eight. I found her ready prepared to
go out. I pretended to be ignorant of her intention, having charged
Dorcas not to own that she had told me of it.
Going abroad, Madam?--with an air of indifference.
Yes, Sir: I intend to go to church.