to speak, the sick man apologised for bringing him so far.

Verschoyle told him how happy he was to be in any way useful to him, but observed, at the same time, he was surprised that he had not rather desired the presence of a Roman Catholic priest. The dying man answered, that he had often been gratified by the visits of his priest, and that he realized the presence of One even greater: then, in the most emphatic and the most tender manner, the peasant begged the attention of Verschoyle. It was readily granted, and he proceeded to tell him it was because he loved and highly respected his character that he desired, before leaving the world, to entreat him to seek that truth which he knew not. At first Verschoyle thought that he merely adverted to their differences, with respect to the outward forms of religion. To this the peasant replied, that it was not only that to which he referred. "I have heard you preach," said he, "more than once, sir; and frequently have I prayed that you might be of the true church of our most holy reli

gion. O sir! you do not know what you lose! Do not be offended: no, sir, I don't think you will, with a simple old man: but you do not know the truth. You have never in my hearing, sir, spoke of a change of heart; oh! I would not that you deceived yourself; and I do not mean, because you are not of our holy religion; but I fear that you have not received God's Holy SpiritI tremble whilst I say so, and to you, sir; but inquire of your own heart, and I fear you will find it to be the case. It is but lately, sir, only since I have heard the Bible read in our own dear Irish, that I have found this great truth. I cannot bear to think that you should be lost-your salvation has occupied my mind long, and this it is which has alone made me request you to come, that I might entreat you to become better acquainted with Christ Jesus."

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"I ever desire to look upon Him as a pattern of all perfection," said Verschoyle; as to a change of heart, I do not exactly comprehend you, unless, indeed, you mean a change or reformation of life, which I should

think every true christian deems absolutely necessary."

"More than that, sir: the Spirit of God— the Spirit of Jesus, must be in you-your heart must be totally changed, sir. Do not be offended, but all will do nothing for you, your heart be not changed."

if

"I am surprised to hear you say so. You greatly differ from Roman Catholics in general."

"You are more learned than I am in many things," rejoined the old man; "but oh! think of Jesus,-think of Jesus:-ask him to change your heart, sir. Then you will love him, and perhaps," continued he, with great energy, you might embrace the true faith." "I hope I do love God," said Verschoyle.

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"No, Mr. Verschoyle, not rightly, sir; take the word of a dying man-of one who sincerely esteems you. If you loved our Redeemer, you would speak of his glorious sacrifice for sin-you would tell others more about him. I trust you are not offended, sir?"

"O no; quite the contrary: say plainly all you think; I love to hear you talk. Tell me what you mean by a change of heart."

"Yonder books will tell you better than I can, sir; take them, and keep them; and may they show you the way to heaven."

"Then you do not think I know it," said Verschoyle.

"No, sir-O no; but man cannot teach you. God can, and he will, sir-yes, he will; only ask him."

The old man was silent, but his eyes were raised upwards, and he devoutly crossed himself. Gladly would Verschoyle have questioned him further, but he dared not to intrude on those moments which evidently appeared to be his last. He very rapidly became much worse, his countenance assumed the livid hue of death, he tried to speak aloud but could not, and after a few short and deep sighs, his spirit entered on an invisible and unknown world.

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Verschoyle remained long gazing on the inanimate remains of the old man. His aspect was that of the most beautiful serenity. "O!" thought Verschoyle, " could I but exchange with him, or could I but follow him! Is it can it be, that I know not the way to heaven?-where shall I learn it?"

After some time, he returned home, fully occupied with the scene he had witnessed, and the dying words of the peasant frequently recurred to him. He perused the volumes he gave him with considerable attention; one of them was an old manuscript, "A Treatise on Regeneration," containing many very beautiful and just explanations of this holy doctrine. It was, however, intermingled with much of error on many points, and much praise of the Church of Rome. Another of the volumes was a volume of prayers, with notes, many of which Verschoyle admired particularly. His library not affording him the necessary information he required to enter more largely into the meaning of these notes, he resolved to apply to a priest in the neighbourhood. This man was extremely learned, and bore an excellent character-a very zealous adherent of the Church of Rome. The conversion of Verschoyle was not to be neglected, and with all that unflinching assiduity, worthy of a better cause, for which Roman Catholics have ever been distinguished, the father O'Donnel applied himself to persuade him

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