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to estimate himself as infallible, he is in fact under the dominion of that other person whom you saw pass the window." Luke then inquired who it was, whose grim visage had struck him with terror? "It was Superstition," answered Truth, "who continues to keep Romius and his adherents in absolute bondage, filling their heads with false notions and strange fictions, which they are to receive as the Law and Gospel."

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Then did Luke express his gladness at having got away from that mistaken man's house. It is impossible to say how long I might have been kept a prisoner there," remarked he.

Philemon continued: Truth then bade us look into the mirror which she held before us, and there we saw things represented that made our hearts bleed.

First, there appeared an old man, pale and emaciated, on the cold floor of a dark and noisome dungeon; his bare legs shockingly scarred by the friction of heavy iron rings fastened round them, and attached to a chain which confined him to the wretched spot: his thin hands were clasped together, and in a low broken voice he seemed to utter these words: "Pray Heaven this may be the last!" "What means he?" inquired we. Our celestial companion

replied, in a tone of pity, "It is the poor captive's birth-day, which he prays may be his last; the first he spent in this gloomy place was the day after he entered it, and saw him twenty-nine: this makes him sixty-two!" Struck with horror, I inquired if the poor wretch had been guilty of some unpardonable crime to incur so heavy a punishment? "So far from it," said Truth, "that it was to avoid committing one, by adhering to his religious principles and the dictates of conscience, that he drew on himself the vengeance of his persecutors, from whom he differed, and who would not listen to any thing he could say in defence of his opinions: moreover, they considered themselves very merciful in giving him his choice of imprisonment for life or of being bound to a stake and there burned to death." sad picture now disappeared from the glass: Truth breathed on its surface, and another was presented to our view.

This

There was a man seated on a throne, arrayed in sumptuous apparel, and a multitude of people were falling at his feet and apparently paying him divine honours. Here are a number of pagans worshipping one of their deities," said we.

"Not exactly so," replied Truth; "the man on the

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throne is reverenced as the Head of the Church on earth, and the highest of created beings, though only a sinful man like his fellow-men. But I will not repeat all the high and mighty titles profanely given to and received by him."

Then this vanished, as the first had done, and gave place to another, wherein appeared three or four ferocious-looking men collecting a number of books together, which they seized with violence from any persons who possessed them. One young and innocent-looking girl, leading her little brother by the hand, was cruelly attacked, and threatened with death for endeavouring to conceal one from them: it was taken away, thrown on the ground with the rest, and then the heap was set fire to, and consumed. Oh! how were we shocked to find that their impious hands had destroyed the sacred Word of God! Then Truth, withdrawing the mirror, said,— "Many other similar pictures might be represented, but these may suffice to shew you the dire effects of those erroneous doctrines held by Peter Romius." By this time we reached a pretty cottage, belonging to an honest gardener, at the door of which our friendly conductress took leave of us. We entered, and were willingly received by its owner, with whom I had

F

before some acquaintance. There we rested peacefully during the night, after partaking of the fruit of the good man's garden, and by this morning's dawn departed; and I brought Luke to the dwelling of my uncle Sure-Trust, who joyed to see him, first on your accounts, but afterwards on his own. After some pleasant converse, and a draught from the spring at the foot of this hill, we ascended it, till we overtook you; and here my narration ends.

Paul and Grace heard it with affectionate interest; and now I perceived that they had nearly reached the top of the hill, when they encountered a huge rock, which projected in a slanting direction quite across their road, which in that part was rather narrow. This was called the Rock of Self-Denial, and they could not avoid it without danger of falling over a precipice on the opposite side (between which and the rock there was scarcely a foot's width) into the abyss of Selfishness below; therefore, over it they must needs go. But it was no easy matter to keep their footing, for in most parts it was smooth, sharp, and slippery like ice; however, they assisted each other, and Philemon, who, though thin, was strong and active, proved very useful to the rest. But in making their perilous way along they caught a

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glimpse of the bones of some unfortunate pilgrims who had formerly preceded them, and fallen over into the depth at their side! This made them shudder, especially Grace, who trembled lest she or her companions should share the same fate; but I soon saw a smile of thankful satisfaction illumine her face when at last they all got safely across, and presently gained the summit of the hill. Then did they enjoy a charming prospect, for the country was very picturesque. They staid not long though to look at it, for the sun was declining, and they had no time to lose; so I saw that they all went forward, and Grace observing a fine large house at some distance before them, inquired whose it was?

"Perhaps," said Paul, "it may be the Palace Beautiful."

Philemon. You are right-it is so; and thither are we going.

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Oh, what a nice place it seems!" exclaimed Grace. "I remember to have heard of it. But did we not hear at the same time that it was guarded by two lions, who always remain at the entrance?

Philemon. Not exactly guarded, though, as we must pass them on the approach to the house, they may be said to act as guards.