commanded his apostles to preach the gospel to every creature. Had it been otherwise, he must have said, Preach the gospel to every creature, excepting brewers and publicans, and women who have drunken husbands, large families, and many customers, for they cannot believe ;-they have no time to be saved. But Jesus has not spoken thus! Therefore cheer up; be firm, and say, 'Get thee behind me, Satan !'"

Countrywoman. "Then I must try once more, but I really thought it impossible for me to be saved."

set at rest.

She then left Boos, with her mind once more Yet she often expressed a wish to leave her family and business, and live in retirement. "Not yet," said her judicious and faithful pastor; "remain where you are. The apostles and first Christians retained their faith, and love, and inward peace in the midst of the world, and they were human beings like you and me." This answer satisfied her, and she pursued her calling with confidence and joy. And she was blessed in so doing; for her daughters and sisters, and some of her neighbours, were brought by her instrumentality to believe the gospel. And she that watered others was watered aiso herself. (Prov. xi. 25.) Her husband died in 1814. She had then an opportunity of quitting the business, and living retired. But she said to herself, "I have lived here happily for five years; my children are still young; I will

educate them in a Christian manner, and God will be my husband, and their father."

Boos used every evening to assemble his household together, and to read to them concerning faith, the new "life with Christ in God," and the free and powerful operation of faith working by love, when it is once enkindled in the heart from above, and animated by the Spirit of the Father and the Son. The epistles of Paul were read; and it was remarked that if only Paul was satisfied, James would certainly be so too.*

Boos would say to them, "God does not first look at the sacrifice of Abel. If Cain had been good, his offering would have been good and acceptable to God. Let thy evil heart first be made good by Christ, and then good works will proceed from thy renewed nature. Ye must be born again, and be made new men. Then will you bring forth many fruits of faith, love, and righteousness."

Thus Boos spoke in his own house, and in every house which he had occasion to enter. The people were melted into tears. They perceived that Christ is all in all, and that man is nothing. He then kneeled down with them in the dust before the pierced feet of the crucified Saviour; and gave up himself and all those contrite and awakened souls into the arms of the Redeemer. Then were they full

* Meaning apparently that whoever obeyed Paul's injunctions to holiness, would certainly fulfil those of James.

of joy and gratitude. Thus was Boos constantly leading them away from himself, and directing them to Christ.

"Oh, those were days never to be forgotten!" says Gossner, speaking of this period. "The grace of God was manifested to all who listened to the testimony of Christ, and received it. They obtained the assurance of the forgiveness of their sins, and their adoption into the family of God; for they received the peace of God. Temptations and trials of their faith were not wanting; hence many became weak and wavering; but they were re-animated and encouraged by those who were stronger.

CHAPTER X.

Another storm-Interview with Counsellor Bertgen.

ANOTHER Storm was now rising against Boos. Some of the inhabitants of Gallneukirch could not quietly listen to a preacher who was always telling them that they did not possess saving faith, and that unless they were born again, they could not see the kingdom of God. Accordingly, they lodged a complaint against Boos with the bishop and the consistory.

The bishop wrote to him with his own hand, urging him to modify his preaching; and the Government ordered a member of the consistory, counsellor Bertgen, to obtain some information respecting Boos, as a preliminary step to a further investigation. Bertgen was vicar of Lintz, and Boos had been his chaplain for some years. The following is an account of the conversation that took place between them on January 28, 1811.

Bertgen. "Well, what have you been doing ?" Boos. "I know of nothing."

Bertgen. "And I know of nothing; but

there are very serious complaints brought against you to the consistory."

Boos. "What are they ?"

Bertgen. "It is a serious matter, I assure you."

Boos. "What is it, then ?—for I really know of no offence or complaints."

Bertgen. "Have you not clandestinely introduced prohibited books into the country ?" Boos. "I know of nothing of the kind."

Bertgen. "What! will you deny it? Look here. I have before me one intitled, 'The Hidden Life with Christ in God.' A very unfit publication for common people. For, in the first place, it is unintelligible, unless the Holy Ghost explain it to them. Secondly, it does away with all diligence and effort. Thirdly, it only makes enthusiasts, fanatics, pietists."

Boos. "In the first place, I did not introduce the book clandestinely, but the Bavarian carrier brought two hundred copies openly through the city gates. They were weighed at the custom-house, and submitted to the censorship; and as there was no prohibition, I received them without hesitation. I have before distributed this little work in Wallneukirch and Peuerbach, when I was your curate. As to the book itself, the author is a good Catholic; the contents are Catholic; and any one who has tasted and experienced something of the influence of the Holy Spirit, and of the inward life with Christ in God, can understand it; however mystical and unintelligible it may be