cree imposes; in
the struggle and the aspiration to be more like Him, and in that His
sovereign grace hath chosen me to reveal unto me His salvation and the
knowledge of His speedy coming."

It is impossible to convey an adequate idea of the manner in which
this was spoken. Words cannot describe the voice, or paint the wild
gleams of enthusiasm that, like lightning-flashes, coursed each other
over the features of Holden, as, without a gesture, and immovable as a
rock, an image of undoubting confidence, he delivered himself of this
extraordinary speech. Nor, carried away by its impassioned utterance,
were either Armstrong or his daughter aware of its full fanaticism.
But the impression made upon the two was somewhat diverse, and marked
how differently the chords of their minds were tuned. With all her
reverence for the Enthusiast, Faith could not hear his wild avowal
without pain, notwithstanding it was stamped with all the honesty of
conviction, and her own creed taught that such a degree of spiritual
elevation might be attained; while her father listened with a sad
admiration, not unmixed with self-abasement and almost envy.

After a pause, Armstrong said: "If such are the evidences of
justification and a saving faith, then have I had them, too; but why
bring they to me no confidence or holy joy? Why is my soul cast down,
and why do I feel like one who stumbles towards a pit? Alas! my flesh
quivers and my heart trembles at the thought of falling into His
hands."

"It is prayer that opens heaven," said Holden. "If thou wilt, we will
unite our hearts in supplication. Peradventure the Lord may send a
blessing."

A mute assent was the reply from Armstrong; the three knelt down
together, and Holden poured out a prayer, into which he concentrated
his glowing feelings. He described themselves as covered all over with
crimes, like a leprosy; as willful and determined rebels; as not only
unworthy of the least of God's mercies, of the warm sun and refreshing
rain, but deserving of the torments of the bottomless pit; but
entreated that, devoid of all merit, as they were, and justly exposed
to His wrath, their aggravated offences might be pardoned for the sake
of One who had taken their burden upon Himself, and that they might
be of the number of the elect, whom the foreordination of God had
predestined to salvation. He concluded with beseeching that the balm
of peace might be poured into his afflicted brother's heart, that h