Young Tom needs to find his own level.

That is what he never will do at home.

He has lorded it over the neighbourhood too long already." "But if he leaves us and goes forth into the world, who will care for his immortal soul ?" asked the mother, with tears in her eyes.
"Has he listened to our words of admonition and warning at home ?" asked the Squire, with a strange look in his glazing eyes.

"Nay, wife, I feel as I lie here dying, that the life of the soul is something we poor frail human creatures must not try too much to touch.

The Spirit of God will work in His own time.