I was aroused by the sound of wheels and the trampling of horses; and, looking up, I perceived the bishop’s carriage and four, with out-riders, pass by.  The livery and colour of the carriage were certainly what is denominated quiet; but there was an appearance of state which indicated that the owner had not entirely “renounced the pomps and vanities of this wicked world,” and my spleen was excited.

“Ay, sweep along,” I bitterly muttered, “worthy type indeed of the apostles!  I like the pride that apes humility.  Is that the way you teach your flock to ’leave all, and follow me’?” I started up suddenly, saying to myself, “I will seek this man in his palace, and see whether I shall be kindly received and consoled, or be repulsed by a menial.”

The thought was sudden, and, being conceived almost in a state of frenzy, was instantly executed.  “Let me try,” said I, “whether a bishop can ‘administer to the mind diseased’ as well as a country curate?”

I moved on with rapidity to the palace, more in a fit of desperation than with a view of seeking peace of mind.  I rang loudly and vehemently at the gate, and asked whether the bishop was at home.  An elderly domestic, who seemed to regard me with astonishment, answered in the affirmative, and desired me to walk into an ante-room, while he announced me to his master.

I now began to recall my scattered senses, which had been wandering, and to perceive the absurdity of my conduct; I was therefore about to quit the palace, into which I had so rudely intruded, without waiting for my audience, when the servant opened the door and requested me to follow him.

By what inscrutable means are the designs of Providence brought about!  While I thought I was blindly following the impulse of passion, I was, in fact, guided by unerring Wisdom.  A prey to desperate and irritated feelings, I anticipated, with malignant pleasure, that I should detect hypocrisy—­that one who ought to set an example, should be weighed by me, and found wanting; instead of which I stumbled on my own salvation!  Where I expected to meet with pride and scorn, I met with humility and kindness.  When I had looked around on the great circle bounded by the visible horizon, and could perceive no friendly port in which I might lay my shattered vessel, behold it was close at hand!

I followed the servant with a kind of stupid indifference, and was ushered into the presence of a benevolent-looking old man, between sixty and seventy years of age.  His whole external appearance, as well as his white hairs, commanded respect amounting almost to admiration.  I was not prepared to speak, which he perceived, and kindly began.

“As you are a stranger to me, I fear, from your careworn countenance, that it is no common occurrence which has brought you here.  Sit down:  you seem in distress; and if it is in my power to afford you relief, you may be assured that I will do so.”