towardliness

For he had studied under me, both when I first lectured in our town, and afterwards at Carthage, and he loved me much, because I seemed to him kind, and learned; and I him, for his great towardliness to virtue, which was eminent enough in one of no greater years.

The Confessions 1999

Thee only, but our neighbour also; often, when pleased with intelligent praise, I seem to myself to be pleased with the proficiency or towardliness of my neighbour, or to be grieved for evil in him, when I hear him dispraise either what he understands not, or is good.

The Tenth Book 1909

For he had studied under me, both when I first lectured in our town, and afterwards at Carthage, and he loved me much, because I seemed to him kind, and learned; and I him, for his great towardliness to virtue, which was eminent enough in one of no greater years.

The Sixth Book 1909

He had been bred up in the same exercise of bull-baiting, which was her own delight; she had always praised his towardliness, and prophesied his preferment.

A Book of Scoundrels 1896

He had been bred up in the same exercise of bull-baiting, which was her own delight; she had always praised his towardliness, and prophesied his preferment.

A Book of Scoundrels Charles Whibley 1894

That he should do so at other times was an instance of extraordinary towardliness in a child, but that he should do so this morning was an instance of great humility.

Commentary on the Whole Bible Volume II (Joshua to Esther) 1721