forth a virtuous life, and fear not; God will have mercy upon thee."

"But, Sir,” replied Goonah Purist, "supposing that even from henceforward I could lead a blameless life, which I fear is utterly impossible, seeing that even the thoughts of my heart are impure; yet, in such circumstances, what satisfaction could I offer to a righteous God for my past offences? or wherewith should I, who am an absolute bankrupt, discharge that immense load of debt which already presses upon me?" “God is merciful," replied Mr. Self-Confidence.

"I hope so," returned Goonah Purist: "his mercy is infinite; but my reason also tells me, that his justice is perfect, and that perfect justice cannot pardon sin."

"We have a Saviour," replied Mr. SelfConfidence, "who will make up what may be wanting on our part."

"Oh, Sir," replied Goonah Purist, “ He must do all for me, or I am undone. Is He not the Son of God, and equal with God?"

"We know this," replied Mr. Self-Confidence, "that no man ever lived on earth so holy and so pure a life as did Jesus Christ. He is

All

worthy to be called the Son of God, because all virtuous and holy men deserve that name. mankind would do well to follow his instructions, and to copy his example: but if we should cease to exert ourselves, and rely only upon him for salvation, what an inlet would this be to all manner of sin, and to every kind of abomination!" Then added the gentleman, "I would advise thee to go home, and study the commandments of God; striving to amend thy life, doing thy duty as a father and a husband, and in whatever relation it hath pleased God to place thee."

Goonah Purist accordingly departed, and returned to his own house, taking the roll of the commandments with him. And during the few weeks of his abode there, I marked his conduct attentively, waiting impatiently to observe what effect the study of the pure commandments of God would produce upon him; for I perceived that he frequently opened the roll, and meditated upon its contents.

But, behold, the terrors of the law, working powerfully upon his mind, affected him, as it were, with a temporary insanity. For sometimes he would run out into the fields, and roll

G

himself in the dust, crying out in an agony of mind: then, again, he would return home, and, yielding occasionally to the motions of sin within his members, would commit all kinds of vileness. And, behold, all this while the leprosy in his flesh, and the burden upon his back, became more and more tormenting; so that I give him up as one lost.

Once or twice, I saw that he applied again to persons calling themselves Christians, in the streets of the Feringhees; who either roughly repulsed him, or treated him contemptuously. And once, having called at the house of a Christian gentleman, of whom he had heard a high character, his ears were assailed on entering it, with the most angry and abusive language; which indeed proceeded from the master of the house himself, who was at that very time imprecating the vengeance of Almighty God upon. one of his servants.

Then thought Goonah Purist, "The Sheik Olislam asserted that the prophet of the Feringhees was a messenger of peace. Can this be true, when so fierce a spirit dwells among such as are said to be his faithful followers?" being offended, he went out of the house.

So,

At that instant came these words into my mind, 'Through breaking the law thou dishonourest God; for the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles, through you.' (Rom. ii. 23, 24.) 'Blessed is that spirit by which the bruised reed is never broken, and the smoking flax is never quenched.' (Matt. xii. 20.)

Now I felt great compassion for Goonah Purist, who withdrew to a solitary place, and, casting himself on the ground, cried out, "Lord, Lord, have mercy upon me, a miserable sinner!" Then I looked round about, and there was none to help him.

CHAPTER IV.

SHOWING HOW GOONAH PURIST WAS AT LENGTH INTRODUCED TO THAT NEW AND LIVING WAY WHICH LEADETH UNTO THE KINGDOM.

"And Jesus said, I will come and heal him.-For I was wounded for his transgressions, I was bruised for his iniquities the chastisement of his peace was upon me; and with my stripes he shall be healed."-Matt. viii. 7; Isaiah liii. 5.

Now I saw that Goonah Purist continued to lie in the dust crying out by reason of his sins; while one and another passed by without showing him the least regard. His nearest neighbours and kinsfolk came out indeed to look upon him; but they returned mocking to their dwellings, saying that he was either full of wine, or, perchance, had lost his reason.

Then I looked here and there for help for the poor man, not knowing from whence it could come. But the Lord had not forgotten him: for it came to pass, after he had lain awhile in this miserable condition, crying continually, "Lord,