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LETTER XVIII.

Brighton, April 14, 1824.

Paris Bible Society-Deaf and Dumb Institution-French Preachers-King's Almoner-Nobleman-Translation of Scott-Friends to whom Author was introduced-Baron de Sacy-Count D'Hauterive-Marquis de JaucourtReflections on the whole Tour: 1. Supreme Providence of God-2. Opposite Evils of Superstition and Infidelity— 3. Scenes of Reformers' labours-Luther-Beza-BucerEcolampadius-Bullinger-Authenticity of 1 John v. 7, 8. -4. Duty of advancing the Age of CHARITY-5. Importance of every Traveller being active-Advice to Invalids-Anecdotes-6. Gratitude to God-Revocation of the Edict of Nantes-Origin of Vaudois-Expulsion from Valleys-Return-Need of Aid-7. Prayer for Grace of HOLY SPIRIT.

Brighton, Sussex, April 14, 1824.

MY DEAREST SISTER,

I AT length begin the Letter which

you were so anxious I should have written to

you from Paris. I was so hurried during my stay in that city, that it was impossible for me to do it; and, indeed, I may perhaps attempt it with greater advantage now, because the interval of a few months will enable me to add some general reflections upon my tour on the Continent, and to supply an incident or two of which I omitted to inform you at the proper moment.

Of Paris itself I need not say much; every one knows something of the splendour of its public buildings, and of its various attractions, in point of art and taste, to travellers of every description. I was naturally most interested by its moral and religious state. But I have no intention of entering at large even on this topic. A stranger has but slight opportunities of forming a correct judgment; and Paris is too important a place, and too near to England, for me to venture a hasty opinion.

I know, however, that you will expect me to notice a few particulars. In the first place,

then, I was gratified, and even affected, at attending the Committees of the Paris Protestant Bible Society. I could not but reflect on the efforts made in the very same spot by the enemies, or rather conspirators against Christianity, under Voltaire and D'Alembert, during the preceding century. These, aided by the extraordinary profusion and folly of the French Court, by the derangement of the national finances, and the corruption of general morals, paved the way for the horrors of the Revolution and the military sway of Bonaparte. The zeal and superstition of the degenerate ecclesiastics, so far from preventing, joined in hastening the overthrow. Surely, then, the peaceful and holy distribution of THE BOOK, in the city where it had been so long despised, is a real triumph of Christianity, and the best omen of future blessings. About 50,000 copies of the Scriptures have been issued by means of the Paris Bible Society in the last four years-about two or three hundred auxiliary institutions and associations have been established in different parts of France-and a

general revival of religion seems to be beginning, The vivacity of the French character, if once directed and sanctified by a principle of pure religion, is capable of the greatest and most beneficial efforts. It is lamentable to think that the Catholics frown on this Society, and that the government is contracting its privileges, and even refusing it the liberty of holding its annual assemblies, wherever it dares. The present French ministry seem to desire nothing more than to be able to suppress this and all similar undertakings. Such, however, is the spirit of Popery almost everywhere.

I must next give you some account of the celebrated institution for the relief and instruction of the Deaf and Dumb, which is really one of the most interesting things in Paris. I took all the pains I was able, to be present at a lesson at the late Abbé Sicard's schools; but I was unsuccessful. I can, however, fully make up to you for this disappointment, by the kind communication of an excellent friend who visited it only the year be

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fore, and from whose notes, taken at the time, I select the following. There are about eighty children. They are taught gradually to associate with the objects of sight, certain signs by drawing and writing. The quickness and acuteness of the children are so surprising, that their ideas on most subjects soon become accurate and clear. The following is the prayer used before lesson:

"O come, most Holy Spirit, and cause a ray of thy light to shine upon us! Come, Father of the poor! Come, source of grace! Come, light of the soul! O God, who has taught the hearts of thy faithful people by the light of thy Holy Spirit, grant us that Holy Spirit, which may dispose us to choose and love what is right, and may shed abroad in us its consolation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

The prayer after lesson is equally beautiful. "O Lord, we entreat Thee to inspire all our actions by thy Holy Spirit, and to conduct