At times the recollection of the sin would return, and I would feel
a momentary chill; but the thought quickly vanished, and I again felt
happy and secure.

'One Sunday morning, after I had said my prayers, I felt particularly
joyous. I thought of the innocent and virtuous life I was leading; and
when the recollection of the sin intruded for a moment, said, "I am sure
God will never utterly cast away so good a creature as myself." I went
to church, and was as usual attentive. The subject of the sermon was on
the duty of searching the Scriptures: all I knew of them was from the
liturgy. I now, however, determined to read them, and perfect the good
work which I had begun. My father's Bible was upon the shelf, and on
that evening I took it with me to my chamber. I placed it on the table,
and sat down. My heart was filled with pleasing anticipation. I opened
the book at random, and began to read; the first passage on which my eyes
lighted was the following:--

'"He who committeth the sin against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven,
either in this world or the next."'

Here Peter was seized with convulsive tremors. Winifred sobbed
violently. I got up, and went away. Returning in about a quarter of an
hour, I found him more calm; he motioned me to sit down; and, after a
short pause, continued his narration.

CHAPTER LXXVI

Hasty farewell--Lofty rock--Wrestlings of Jacob--No rest--Ways of
Providence--Two females--Foot of the Cross--Enemy of
souls--Perplexed--Lucky hour--Valetudinarian--Methodists--Fervent in
prayer--You Saxons--Weak creatures--Very agreeable--Almost happy--Kindness
and solicitude.

'Where was I, young man? Oh, I remember, at the fatal passage which
removed all hope. I will not dwell on what I felt. I closed my eyes,
and wished that I might be dreaming; but it was no dream, but a terrific
reality: I will not dwell on that period, I should only shock you. I
could not bear my feelings; so, bidding my friends a hasty farewell, I
abandoned myself to horror and despair, and ran wild through Wales,
climbing mountains and wading streams.

'Climbing mountains and wading streams, I ran wild about, I was burnt by
the sun, drenched by the rain, and had frequently at night no other
covering than the sky, or the humid roof of some cave; but nothing seemed
to affect my constitution; probably the fire which burned within me
counteracted what I suffered from without. During the space of three