was not less so to us.  Among our auditors was a messenger of Satan to buffet us.  He was a good-looking man, who expressed a seeming approval of what we had done, saying we made many friends.  We told him they were all children of the same Almighty Parent, and that there was but one true religion, and one heaven.  This observation drew off his mask, and he began to express doubts whether either heaven or hell really existed, and brought forward the threadbare argument of not believing what he could not see or prove.  We asked him if he had a soul:  he said he had.  We asked him how be knew that he had a soul, for he could not see it:  he replied, he believed that he had a soul, but that his soul would die with his body.  We then asked him why two and two made four:  he said he could not tell, and yet acknowledged he was bound to believe it.  The countenances of many around beamed with joy at seeing this darkling perplexed; and we did not shrink from exhorting him to repentance and faith in Christ, who died for him and for all men.

On returning to our room the landlady entered with a fine-looking girl, for whom she begged a book.  This opened our way to speak to her of things connected with salvation.  She said,—­“We have not much of religion here.”  “Why so?” we asked.  “Because the people do not like to confess to the priests.”  “And what is the use,” said we, “of confessing to man?” “Because,” she replied in somewhat trembling accents, “we think it eases our consciences, for the priests are the appointed ministers to take charge of our souls.”  “What,” we replied, “a man take charge of immortal souls!  God never committed the power to forgive sins to man:  Jesus Christ alone can pardon sins; he died to save us!” I shall never forget the countenance of this dear woman, which seemed to express her long-shaken confidence in her spiritual guides.  We exhorted her to come to the Saviour, who intercedes for us without the aid of man, and gave her a New Testament, which she said she would read.

12_th_.—­Went to Maux to sleep.  The landlady was communicative:  she told us that some travellers like ourselves some time ago had given her a New Testament, which she had lent about the village, together with tracts, and that she wished for more.  We inquired if there were any persons in the village who would like to come to us for books.  She soon sent us an interesting young woman, a schoolmistress, to whom on her entrance we presented some tracts.  She regarded them with an air of thoughtfulness which seemed to measure the quantity to be taken by the price she would have to pay for them.  When she found they were to be had gratis, her countenance brightened, and with it the brightness of her mind showed itself.  On speaking with her of the responsibility of her profession, and the importance of imbuing the minds of children with just principles, she said, “I am desirous of instructing the children in the religion of the heart.  Religion,” added she, “though a good thing, is badly put in practice in our church; the people do not like to confess to the priests, and there is a great desire for instruction and to receive books.”