from this other verse, it seems they are after a time to begin to hate and to impoverish her. England has long since withheld her revenues. France did not

begin to withhold or to impoverish her in any way until she, France, became an infidel nation. But have all the ten, all of them to waste her? So it states. And indeed two more, Spain and Portugal, have already half broken their bonds of allegiance. These, as France has done, and as Austria and others probably will do, as soon as they discovered that the priests had been teaching nothing but imposture for centuries, not only cast away their old faith, but the Bible along with it! Is not atheism, or something resembling it, the natural outlet or termination of a false Christianity? The work of making desolate and naked has certainly been going on long. It is becoming more and more distinct. Recent events make it still more marked. But how is this? What is this I see, and what is this I hear? ' And shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire! come yet. Will it really be brought to pass? If eighteen hundred years of events have fitted the prophetic declaration so accurately, it is most likely that the last items also will not fail."

This is to

Reader, we have said that perhaps you would do well to meditate thus seriously. We will offer to you one reason for this advice. As sure as that burning, described in the eighteenth chapter of Revelation, ever comes to pass, so certainly some other things will take place which bear the same date with it, and which concern you. There are many things which cannot be very far before us, and which will come

unexpectedly upon those who continue contentedly ignorant of God's book; and they are of pressing import in the case of those who now live. We know that there are countless thousands, whose ignorance is so extensive and entire in sacred things, that even a plain verse of the inspired page appears dark to them; these, of course, will think other parts unintelligible to any one. We can only say to such, begin to practise the precepts; for these all understand, and they all speak lies to their Creator who say they do not. Read, and read on. If it is dark at first, continue and accept the aid of a commentary. It will not be long ere you will understand enough, such as the chapter we have read, to make you wish for

more.

We must give other instances, showing that we may be reminded of an instructive and beautiful fact, without copying or obeying others. We may have pointed out to us in all the sciences, and in all the branches of earthly knowledge, most precious truth, and be benefited, without asking others to think for us, or imitating improperly their faith and views. But we will first devote a chapter to the history of a reading infidel.

CHAPTER XXXI.

CASE OF AN INFIDEL WHO BEGAN TO READ.

THERE was a merchant of East Tennessee belonging to that class of men calling themselves Deists, who increased much in number immediately after our revolutionary struggle. All of them advocated morality of deportment, and few of them practised it; but this one of whom we are writing did, and his walk was exemplary. Truth he advocated and practised. Any defect in this virtue seen in an acquaintance, was enough to forfeit his esteem ever after. Dishonesty or any deceptive dealing had his unmitigated scorn. He had, in short, taken many of the Bible precepts without knowing where they came from, and practised them with unceasing vigilance. He would not believe that the favorite principles of his practice came originally from the Bible; for he who scorned the very name of Bible acted on these rules, while many church-members, professed lovers of the Bible, violated them shamefully. So long as the conduct of many professors near him would by no means compare with his own, he was not likely either to give credit to the Bible for what principle his mother, or others for her, had taught him from it, or to become uneasy at his condition, or convicted of sin, His honor, hospitality, patriotism, benevolence, and other excellences made him a favorite with the world. But if the world praised or admired him, how much

of an idol must he have been in the eyes of his children as they grew up. On their education he spared no pains. For their happiness in life, he advanced all that good example, advice, money, vigilance, or unceasing parental kindness could do. His children loved him, as they might be expected to love such a father, who possessed both amiableness and ardor of affections. They grew up, hearing as early as they were capable of hearing, and knowing ever after, that he smiled with scorn at the very name of Christ. Part of the result may be anticipated. His eldest son was an infidel. He would not condemn Christianity with that vehement confidence which belonged to older men, for he professed more modesty than many young persons who are reared as he was. He would even confess that many amiable men, who had read more than ever he had, did reverence the Bible; but he did not believe. He would even confess that investigation would not be amiss for him on this subject; but enjoying the amusements of life as he did, there was no likelihood that he ever would go through the toil of a faithful research. His father had succeeded in teaching him excellent moral principles, to the extent which he himself practised them, and he was crying peace to his conscience with but little cessation, if any. It was at length observed, that when professors of religion acted amiss, and he spoke in disapprobation of their conduct, there was more detestation of countenance, and more bitterness thrown into the tone of his voice, than usual. He began to notice their ill deserts more frequently and more readily than those belonging to other men

The hill down which he was sliding, was plain enough to the eye of those who know something of the human heart, and of the different avenues by which men can reach ruin. The Lord, we believe, had it in view that he should not descend that declivity.*

He had a young wife called away from him by a slow and lingering disease. She had time and mind to think over for ever and its endless concomitants Before she bade him farewell, she exacted from him a promise that he would read the Bible through, with the notes of Scott, Scott's Family Bible. One of the choice rules in which he had been educated, and upon which his whole system was built, was never to forfeit his word. After her departure, nothing short of impracticability could have prevented the fulfilment of his promise, should the task be agreeable or disagreeable. He began, and read a portion every day. As he proceeded, his difficulties and his objections were such as are commonly made under like circumstances. Strong minds, or vivid intellects, strange to tell, in this research will stumble over cavils ridiculous for their imbecility,† such as

* Some members of the church who lived near there, believed that the reason why his life was altered is as follows: He had a mother who often consecrated an hour in prayer, when none were present but herself and her Creator. They believe that the Man of Calvary can do whatever he pleases, and that if any one loves him, he frequently does choose that they shall have almost any thing for which they ask. None but his obedient children, however, know this fact by experi

ence.

† One of the mountains in the path of this young unbeliever was the objection, that we are not told in the narrative how