lose you. Not that I think all authors are like Gil Bias'
archbishop. No; if your heart turns from me, I shall still
love you, still think you noble. I know it must be so trying
to fail of sympathy, at such a time, where we expect it. And,
besides, I felt from the book that the sympathy between us is
less general than I had supposed, it was so strong on several
points. It is strong enough for me to love you ever, and I
could no more have been happy in your friendship, if I had not
spoken out now.'

SPIRITUAL LIFE.

'You question me as to the nature of the benefits conferred
upon me by Mr. E.'s preaching. I answer, that his influence
has been more beneficial to me than that of any American, and
that from him I first learned what is meant by an inward life.
Many other springs have since fed the stream of living waters,
but he first opened the fountain. That the "mind is its own
place," was a dead phrase to me, till he cast light upon
my mind. Several of his sermons stand apart in memory, like
landmarks of my spiritual history. It would take a volume to
tell what this one influence did for me. But perhaps I shall
some time see that it was best for me to be forced to help
myself.'

* * * * *

'Some remarks which I made last night trouble me, and I cannot
fix my attention upon other things till I have qualified them.
I suffered myself to speak in too unmeasured terms, and my
expressions were fitted to bring into discredit the religious
instruction which has been given me, or which I have sought.

'I do not think "all men are born for the purpose of unfolding
beautiful ideas;" for the vocation of many is evidently the
culture of affections by deeds of kindness. But I do think
that the vocations of men and women differ, and that those who
are forced to act out of their sphere are shorn of inward and
outward brightness.

'For myself, I wish to say, that, if I am in a mood of
darkness and despondency, I nevertheless consider such a mood
unworthy of a Christian, or indeed of any one who believes in
the immortality of the soul. No one, who had steady faith
in this and in the goodness of God, could be otherwise than
cheerful. I reverence the serenity of a truly religious mind
so much, that I think, if I live, I may some time attain