“I am a catholic,” resumed M. ——­, “but not a member of the Roman Catholic church.  I love all that love our Lord Jesus in sincerity.  I do not ask in what fold they feed, so that they are guided and nourished by the good Shepherd and Bishop of souls.”

“O what a favour the Lord has granted us to meet with a Christian like ourselves,” said the affected widow, looking round her:  “we desire to live in charity with all mankind; but, to be frank also, sir, we do not go to mass, nor to confession, for we do not learn from our Testament, which is indeed almost worn out, 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.”