and poor E. was permitted to follow her affectionate inclination for my society, under the charitable hope that she might save my soul. I look back with emotions of trembling thankfulness to that time; for I was very young indeed in the faith, and totally ignorant of controversy. I knew that popery was idolatry; and I knew that idolatry was a damnable sin: but beyond this, I had not examined the subject. The mode pursued with me was to extort a promise that I would carefully study whatever books the nun should lend me; and I gave it, on condition that I might write out, and that she would read, my opinions on them. A parcel was presently sent, selected by the Jesuits; and I sat down to examine one of the most specious and dangerous works ever penned. (Milner's End of Controversy.') I adhered to my engagement, and thanks be to God for his unspeakable mercy in guarding me as he did! I could not unravel the artful web of deep and diabolical sophistry: but I saw and felt that it was essentially opposed to the truth of Scripture. wept over the book, in grief and perplexity, but the Lord led me to pray; and then, as by a bright beam breaking forth, I saw the mystery of iniquity in all its deceivableness of unrighteousness. Prayer had cut the knot which reason could not disentangle, and I was enabled to set forth the truth, in a letter, to the poor nun, so as to exhibit the contrasting error in a forcible point of view. Other books were sent and read, and commented on: and the Lord overruled my perilous course of study to bringing me acquainted with the depths of this fearful delusion; but, after a while, the dear nun, who had been carefully guarded from any private interviews with me, after they

I

commenced operations, managed to let me know, in writing, that she was not allowed to see a line of my comments on the books; all being committed, by her superior, to their spiritual advisers. She justified this proceeding, it is true: but I have reason to think it produced a strong effect on her naturally ingenious and honourable mind.

Many a time did we try to see one another alone : and so anxious I was, that I once asked her to go to the chapel with me, and talk there: but an old nun was beforehand with us, and was seated in a stall, conning her book, when we entered. E. glanced towards her, made a sign to me, and proceeded to talk of gardening. Shortly after this, they resolved to try what effect an imposing ceremony would have on me. I had, of course, refused to be present at the celebration of mass but now two nuns were to profess, and take the veil; and so resolved they were to have me, that not only were two front seats reserved, but the whole service was fairly written out, by the hand of E. with a full explanation of the ceremonies, and sent to me with tickets for my mother and myself: while all that affection could dictate, or flattery prompt, or animated description pourtray to excite curiosity, was said in the accompanying letter. I felt grieved to appear ungrateful for such kindness; I gave them credit for the most obliging intentions, and perhaps, for a moment, I almost wished to overcome my scruples, on so interesting an occasion: but in proportion as I became acquainted with the fearful character of a religion clearly opposed to the gospel of Christ, and convinced of the rank idolatry perpetrated in its stated devotions, I felt the wickedness, the ingrati

tude, the dishonesty of sanctioning in any way what ever those grievous insults offered to my redeeming God. I felt that every Protestant who complacently looks on, becomes a participator in those rites; and I really dared not go into a place-where I had no warrant whatever for believing that God would go with me-under the presumptuous expectation that He would wait for me at the door, again to enter into what He had deigned to make His temple, after its wanton, and uncalled-for agreement with idols.

Accordingly I wrote as delicate and grateful á refusal as I could: and my heart danced so lightly in my bosom after it, that I trust there is no danger of my ever trying what sort of sensation a contrary line of conduct would produce.

My poor nun, meanwhile, was very rapidly sinking her health had never been good, from the period of her apostacy, and she was now, at least so I was told, confined to her apartment. I made many visits to the convent in the vain hope of seeing her; until very shortly before I left the neighbourhood, I called, rather as an act of civility than with any hope of finding poor E.; but while sitting in the parlour, I was startled by her bursting into the room, so changed in appearance that I scarcely recognized her; and in great agitation. She sat down by me, and throwing her arm round my neck said, ‘I was resolved to see you once more.' Before another word could be spoken, three elderly nuns entered; and with looks that expressed both alarm and anger, actually forced her away: one of them saying, that Sister- was not well enough to be spoken to, and ought not to have quitted her room. The impression left on my mind by this strange interview

was painful in one sense-in another joyous. That the interesting nun was under actual constraint, and severely dealt with, I could not doubt that her mind was awakened to the fearful peril of her apostate state, I had strong reason to believe: and well I knew that if the Lord was working, none could let it. Often and bitterly have I reproached myself, that I did not more boldly, more unequivocally, during our first interviews, bear a distinct testimony against her dreadful delusion, but I relied on her performance of the promise, which she certainly intended to fulfil, of reading my remarks on the books that were lent to me. As it was, a consciousness of having failed in using the means, threw me in deeper humility at the footstool of the Lord, in fervent intercession for my friend. I continued thus to pray, for about a year; and was much struck when, nearly four years afterwards, I learnt that her death had taken place at the end of that time; and, from the same source, I also gleaned the particulars ́ already related, respecting the means of her perversion from the truth-or rather from nominal protestantism, for she was not then in any degree spiritually enlightened-and I rejoiced in the sweet hope that in the struggle so apparent at our last meeting, and in which she probably lost her life, she had overcome by the blood of the Lamb; renouncing the idolatrous faith into which she had been so foully entrapped. The secrets of her dying chamber, none can tell. Many a recantation openly made, is no where registered but in heaven, and in the dark bosoms of those who suppress the tale. Beloved E.! I cannot look upon the Passion-flower, spreading wide upon the garden wall, or climbing the trellis

before me, but I think I see the soft white hand of my pensive nun reaching among its branches, and behold her graceful figure, with its bend of unaffected humility, as she gave me the memento, her eloquent eyes bespeaking more than either action or words could express.

I remember, also, the disgust with which I once witnessed the grossly familiar manners of some bulky priests, who came to the door of the room, unaware of my being in it-manners evidently most unpleasing to E. who nevertheless, was constrained to wear an aspect of submission, when her hand was warmly seized by those spiritual pastors. I can likewise remember, that the countenance of the foremost became most portentously overcast, when his eye fell on me and that it was the last time of my ever being permitted to converse freely with the nun. In those days, the theological treasures of DENS, had not been communicated to the laity; but their recent disclosure has furnished me with a key to many puzzling recollections.

Oh that I could so speak as to reach the hearts and consciences of those parents who, while professing the Protestant faith, can be so awfully blinded to their sacred obligations, as to trust their children within the blighting atmosphere of popish lands, and popish seminaries! They know not, because they will not investigate, the perils of such a situation: the vain and hollow acquisition of accomplishments, which, when gained, only prove so many ties to bind those youthful spirits more fast to an ungodly world, becomes, through Satan's devices, such a bait to them, that even the life of the soul is overlooked in the computation, and heaven itself cannot outweigh