that we are required to
confess to sinners like ourselves, nor to worship the host, nor to
perform penance for the salvation of our souls; and we believe we can
serve God acceptably in a cave, or in a chamber, or on a mountain."

"I confess, madam, in my turn," said M. ----, "that I am exceedingly
astonished to find such persons on such a spot; pray how many may
there be of your sentiments?"

"Here, sir, and scattered over the mountains, there are from three to
four hundred. We meet on Sabbath evenings, and as often as we can,
to pray to Jesus, to read the Testament, and to converse about the
salvation of our souls. We are so much persecuted by the clergy, that
we cannot appear as publicly as we wish. We are called _beguines_[2]
and fools; but I can bear this, and I hope a great deal more, for Him
who has suffered so much for us."

[Footnote 2: Religious enthusiasts.]

While the conversation, of which this is a sketch; was passing, the
rooms had filled; the neighbours had been informed and introduced, at
the request of the worthy hostess, and as many as could quit their
occupations pressed to hear of the things of the kingdom of God. M.
---- desired to see the New Testament. It was presented. The title
page was gone, the leaves were almost worn to shreds by the fingers of
the weavers and labourers, and M. ---- could not discover the edition.
A female of respectable appearance approached M. ----, and said, "Sir,
for several years I have sought every where a New Testament, and I
have offered any price for one in all the neighbouring villages, but
in vain. Could you, sir, possibly procure me a copy, I will gladly pay
you any sum you demand--"

"Madam, I will not only procure you _one_," replied M. ---- eagerly,
"but, in forty-eight hours I will send you half a dozen."

"Is it possible?" exclaimed the astonished villagers. "May we, sir,
believe the good news? May we rely on your promise? It appears too
great--too good--we will pay for them now, sir, if you please."

"You may depend on receiving them," said M. ----, "if God prolongs my
life. But I entreat you to do me the favour to accept them, as a
proof of my Christian regard, and an expression of my gratitude for
having been permitted to enjoy, in this unpromising spot, the
refreshing company of the followers of Christ."

The conversation then turned on the value of the sacred volume, and
the sinfulness of those who withhold it from perishing and dejected
sinne