90 - ROBERT DAWSON.

James, Thomas, and myself (the three apprentices)
occupied the same chamber 3 and how did we pass the
Sabbath? James usually dressed and went out, after
breakfast, seeking companions of his own age, with
whom he walked, talked, or rode. To him it was a day
of recreation and amusement. ‘Thomas preferred his
bed. A large part of the day was given to sleep; the
remainder was passed in some church or in the kitchen,

: where he made merry with the dog, kittens, and chil-
dren. And as for me, I found my way into the gallery
‘of a church, where principles were inculcated akin to
my father’s, and for several Sabbaths I was a constant
attendant there. The daily influences which were around
me began, at length, to operate unfavourably upon my
conduct. In pleasant weather I read my Bible hastily,
if at all, and preferred a walk on Sabbath afternoon, to
& being pent up in church,” as my associates described
the exercises of worship. My scruples about reading
religious books, or none, upon the: Lord’s day, became
weaker. .I at last read even’“The Forty Thieves”

during the interval of worship, without any serious