However, she did as she had purposed, and at his next visit gave him several passages of Scripture written out, and still continued to pray for him.

At night, out of mere curiosity, he read the texts, and was so much affected by them, that he wept bitterly. One text which peculiarly struck him was 2 Cor. xiii. 5, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates ?" He then went to the nurse, who was ill herself, and told her the impressions he had received. He felt persuaded that the effect on his mind was owing to a Divine power, and expressed his gratitude both to God and herself. He also requested to be introduced to Boos, who was not a little agitated when he saw him coming, not being aware of the change that had taken place. On seeing and hearing him, he could scarcely believe his own senses. But so frank and unreserved was his confession, that Boos could not doubt his sincerity. seemed ready, like Augustine, to lay open his heart to the whole world. From that time his exemplary conduct and zeal in preaching excited universal astonishment. As he often said, preaching the gospel was his life, and dying would be his gain.

He

On new year's day, 1797, Boos preached at Wiggensbach with extraordinary unction and energy. It was, says his biographer, as if he

had poured forth streams of fire. But the effects were very different on different individuals. While many of his hearers were filled with joy, gratitude, and love, others were inflamed with anger, vexation, and hatred. The latter class demanded of the vicar the immediate dismissal of Boos, while the others entreated that he might remain. The uproar lasted all day, and throughout the night. By turns, each party gained the ascendency over the incumbent, a man of feeble and timid character, but who was kindly disposed towards Boos, having been his school-fellow. On this occa

sion, however, the fear of man prevailed. Instead of standing by his friend in the hour of trial, he yielded to the impetuous demands of misguided zeal, and dismissed the faithful witness of the truth.

This success of the enemies of the gospel was the signal for a general persecution at Kempten, and the places adjacent. The converts were dragged before the magistrates, and their houses ransacked. But when the magistrates found that no charge could be substantiated against them, excepting the ardour of their devotion, they dismissed them as silly pietists, but without promising them any protection. This lenity of their judges only stimulated the fury of the persecutors, who raised an outcry against them everywhere, in the pulpits, streets, and taSome were obliged to remain in obscure retreats for five or six months. Others were tracked like wild beasts to their hiding

verns.

places, and forced to leave their kindred and native country for ever. The whole diocese of Kempten was a scene of the most violent agitation. And what was the crime of these victims of fanaticism? Simply that of receiving Jesus as their Saviour, and living according to the holy commandments of the word of God. Meanwhile Boos had retired to a village, and shunned all notoriety. He even forbad persons to speak of him, but the reputation of his piety spread more widely every day. The hatred and envy of the priests rose proportionably higher. "He is a seducer and a heretic," they cried. "See how he draws the people after him! He wants to found a new sect, and overturn the Catholic religion." Every pulpit resounded with charges of heresy against the pacific Boos. Men who had never preached in favour of the truth, or at least only in a very lukewarm, unimpressive manner, now harangued loudly and incessantly against it. The very name of Boos was so odious, that no one could pronounce it in a friendly tone without the risk of being roughly handled. A man in the village of Wertach having spoken a word in his favour, received such a violent blow on his chest that he broke a blood-vessel, and died in a few days. Yet the person who committed this outrage was never called to account. Not a revengeful word escaped the lips of the poor sufferer; on his death-bed he forgave his murderer, and exhorted his wife to return good for evil.

B

CHAPTER V.

Continuance of persecution-Boos takes refuge with Feneburgapprehended tried at Augsburg- confined at Goeggingensentenced to imprisonment.

AT the instigation of certain priests, the civil and ecclesiastical authorities cast into prison some of the most faithful friends of Boos, especially such of the clergy as were known to be attached to him.

The following may serve as a specimen of the interrogatories that were put to a priest who was accused of having imbibed the heresies of Boos.

Judge. Are you acquainted with the doctrines taught by Martin Boos?

Priest. Yes.

Judge. In what do they consist?

Priest. He teaches us repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Judge. What do you understand by believing in Jesus Christ?

Priest. When a man enlightened by the grace of God, is conscious of being a miserable sinner, he rejoices to believe in a Redeemer, and to receive pardon as a free gift. The Israelites

who were bitten by the fiery serpent, had only to look on the brazen serpent which Moses had set up, and they were instantly cured; and thus the sinner, by looking to Christ, obtains a cure for his spiritual maladies, and the salvation of his soul.

Judge. By what sign do you know that Christ is in you?

Priest. St. John says, "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God." The tree is known by its fruits. Where Christ is there is peace, joy, patience, meekness, purity, and the hope of eternal salvation.

Judge. What is the difference between the disciples of John and those of Jesus?

Priest. The disciples of John are those who repent, and who are thus prepared to receive Christ. The disciples of Jesus are those who believe in him, and who by faith have received him into their hearts.

Judge. How did you arrive at this belief?

Priest. For a long time I had been tormented by my doubts and sins. Philosophy only aggravated the malady of my soul. I found no relief in the observance of the outward acts of religion. Some conversations which I had with a very respectable man, enlightened my mind a little. Certain pious clergymen gave me some texts of the Bible; I read them, and the sense of my sins revived in me in a way altogether new. I then paid a visit to Martin Beos at Wiggensbach. He exhibited Jesus to