I am sure there is not a cleverer, honester man, nor better master to be found. And as for his religion, he 's as serious and prayerful, and studies his Bible as hard as any of them, though to be sure, he is not for making such a noise about it. Now to my mind, this is the right way; and I am sure, that if any body could make me a Christian, it would be just this Mr Anderson. And his quiet sort of religion, now, would do more to work upon the minds of one half the people here, than all the stir that's been made this winter. Why, there's a great many been driven away from all kinds of religion by the confusion we 've had about it. I believe I should have been myself, if it had not been for the master. And there 's many a one that will never get over his disgust, but is made, I warrant it, profane for life."

"You astonish me," said I, for this was entirely new to me; "it is not conceivable that men should be so unreasonable. What, fly off to irreligion, because their neighbours are so engaged in religion? They must be very ill-disposed persons."

"No;" replied he, "not so ill-disposed neither; some very consciencious men have been affected in this way; and if I was to speak my mind, I should say that this stir has cooled as many friends to religion as it has made."

"Husband, husband," cried Mrs Hilson, "how can you say so? I am truly ashamed of you."

"Look here, my dear," said he, "who is likely to know most of it: you, who see only one side-or I, who see both sides? Now I know all that's going on, and all that's said, everywhere in the village ; while you only know what passes at meeting and among go-to-meeting folks; and I can tell you beyond all doubt that the devil has gained some disciples as well as Christ. I'll tell you a few things. I've heard more swearing, and seen more drinking and illtemper amongst the men, because of this thing, than I ever knew in the village before in my life; and from some very reputable folks too. There's the Joneses and the Malcolms have not been calm this two months; and there's no doubt their wives

would do more for religion by staying at home and making their houses happy with

it, than by running away and causing their husbands and children to hate it.—Then, besides those that are hurt in this way, you know there are some of the converts that are said to be none the better since their zeal has cooled. You know how ** and *** and **** turned out, and there are more too." "You ought not to triumph over this," said I.

"And I do not," said he ; " but there are them that do, and it has afforded more joy and jests to infidels and blasphemers than I can tell you of. Now does not this do harm to real religion? And would not it all have been prevented by permitting matters to go on quietly and soberly as in times past? For, take five years together, there would have been as many Christians made in the usual way, as by all this extraordinary movement; while at the same time none of this extraordinary evil would have been done. This is not all. It is incredible what sin has been committed in the way of slander and lying, and that by very pious people

too. I'll tell you what reports have been spread about you, master Anderson, just by way of specimen. First, it got about that you were under deep concern of mind, and had written home to your father, who told you not to be troubled, for the people were mad, and religion would spoil you for a schoolmaster. That That you became afterward more earnest, and when you could get no comfort from your father's principles, he sent you to Mr Reynolds, and you found peace. That then your father, too, became anxious, and came to see Mr Reynolds, and confessed to him that he had never felt religion, and was more than half an infidel; and that he was converted and went home, and got up a revival in his own parish. All this and much more was made up out of the whole cloth, and circulated as so much gospel by those who knew it was all false. And when it was discovered that your mind was settled another way, then it was said, and is believed to this day, that you have got another Bible, different from ours; and that a good part of the time you pretended to be studying the Scriptures, you were play

ing cards in your room with R and E. For a whole day it was believed that you had told the children it was all nonsense to pray in the school, and you should do it no longer. I could tell you a great deal more of the same sort, and so you must not wonder that some folks think there is no religion in what bears so much bad fruit."

Mrs Hilson appeared as much disconcerted at this disclosure, as I was amazed. She said, however, that it was fair to look on both sides, and count the wheat in the field, as well as the tares. "True," said her husband; but will every body do that? Most persons will not do it; and consequently, most persons will be injured,"

"But you and I must do it," said I. "Religion is a solemn reality, whatever imperfections there may be in its friends; and surely you will not on account of those imperfections refuse to strive for your own salvation."

Mr Hilson has since told me, that this sentiment struck him more forcibly than any preaching he had ever heard. I am happy to add, that he became one of the most en