he should be publicly censured, but nothing underhand should be done." The trap was well set, but the mouse was not caught. I remarked, that I could not see how prayer-meetings, carried on without any regular system, without a liturgy, or without the celebration of sacraments, could be in any way detrimental to the interests or tranquillity of the established minister; adding; that either the established minister receives his authority from men, or from God. If he receives it from men, we have no occasion to respect it as divine; if he receives it from God, let him prove that he does so, by respecting all that God does, to promote the advancement of his heavenly kingdom; and not arrogate to himself the right of prescribing to God the means he is to use, for the accomplishment of this purpose. Moses was appointed by God, and yet he could wish it might please God that all the children of Israel mere prophets. Jesus would not suffer that the man who followed not with his disciples should be forbidden to work miracles in his name. Saint Paul rejoiced that the Gospel was preached even by his enemies. In short, the servants of the Lord should pray their Master to send them helpers, rather than reject their assistance. He could only repeat what he had before said: that a minister ought to know what was taught in his parish on the subject of religion, to which I again assented; but added, that it did not follow, that he should put a stop to teaching, so long as he found that nothing contrary to the Gospel was set forth. Much more was said on both sides, but I still stuck to my point. I added, that similar meetings had been held in other places, and that whenever the ministers had set themselves against them, the very schisms and divisions which they dreaded had always ensued; but that on the contrary, those who had given them the right hand of fellowship, had had reason to rejoice; since the results were most excel

lent; and in proof of my assertions I brought forward several instances. We entered on no doctrinal subjects; for I gave him to understand that my confession of faith was very simple, and that I carefully abstained from entering on any disputed points, for that I was no theologian; and that the Christianity I endeavoured to inculeate was that of the heart, a lively, active piety. I acknowledged, however, that these religious meetings had been abused in consequence of some people having, though perhaps with the best intention, availed themselves of them to inculcate sentiments injurious to the unity of the Church; but I maintained that this was no reason for condemning them altogether. We parted on good terms, and he assured me he was very glad he had heard me plead my own cause. I returned to our friends, who were impatient to hear the result of the interview, which gave general satisfaction. They were also well pleased that those other gentlemen were present, since they could bear witness to the whole affair; which might altogether tend to remove much public prejudice against me. Dear brethren, pray that God will cherish the flame he has himself kindled. Pray too, that I may be delivered from my enemies, that the door may not be shut against me in this country, where I trust we have reason to hope the good work prospers.

'The next day I set off for Montiers Grand Val. I slept at Court, about a mile from Montiers; not wishing to pass the deep ravine by night, which leads to it from that place. On the following day, Sunday, as soon as I arrived at theinn, Isent a note to Madlle. G. and she dispatched Merillat to me, who took me to his house. In the afternoon, there was a prayer meeting after which we went to the castle. I had fancied I should find Madlle. G. a mystic, but on the contrary, she is rather too much of a theologian. Nevertheless, would to God there were more like

her. On Monday I went to Crèmine, to see Gobat'; Samuel is at Basle, and I hope to see him to-day. David conducts the prayer-meetings at C. I held two at which many people attended. A great work is going on in this little spot, and it is a very interesting place. I lose much by not understanding their dialect, because all their religious conversation escapes me, and it is by listening to their conversation, that the people are known. I have however been able to observe the lives of several of them, and shall rejoice to return and spend some time amongst them, if it please God.

I saw Jacob Ganz, whom I had formerly seen at Lausanne. He is a very singular personage; he is in the confidence of all our mystics, both German and French, and keeps up in that language, an intimate correspondence with them. I saw two of his letters addressed to Matthey; with which I was no better pleased than with the rest. He endeavours to influence the pupils of the Institution; but they are happily prejudiced against him, and pay no attention to him. He complained of this to me, and I told him frankly he was wrong to complain; and that he ought rather to rejoice that the work of God was gaining ground, though the mode of its advancement might not exactly correspond with his ideas. Madlle. Calame, his declared friend, and others who had given me letters for him, were anxious I should see him. I was pleased to find that he recommended the study of the scriptures above every other book; and that he is not prejudiced in favour of the Church of Rome; which is the case with most mystics; on the contrary, he is grieved to observe this disposition amongst them, as well as the worldliness of many. I therefore think, that as we ought to endeavour to make every thing, and every body instrumental in the advancement of God's kingdom, so we might make use of this man's authority among the mystics, to

overcome their attachment to Rome; their fondness for books but ill agreeing with scripture, and their worldly habits. And this is what I intend to do, if

If the severe climate of the mountains of Neufchatel seriously affected my chest, and warned me to quit the place, the more temperate atmosphere of Montiers offers me a most refreshing resting-place. I am much better here, and I trust not useless. Bost rejoices that I am here, and prays that my sojourn here may be blessed; in which prayer I beg you to join. I have already held thirteen prayer-meetings in seven different villages; and they have often been attended by half the population of the place. In the intervals I visit at their own houses all the pious Christians, and those who are as yet but enquiring; endeavouring to strengthen them in the faith, exhorting them to brotherly love, and Christian friendship. Those who are really "renewed in the spirit of their mind," spare no pains to induce the lukewarm and the cold to attend our meetings; and many have been brought to do so, from curiosity to hear the stranger who was to preside; and at least did not appear dissatisfied. Several circumstances have convinced me, that my coming here has not been by chance. Not that I think that no one else is so fit as myself; for there are many Christians here whose humility, zeal, and love, fill me with shame. Thus I may profit in their school, and may well submit to be taught by them; so that my coming here is an advantage to myself. There are two or three other places, which I hope to visit if the Lord will; but they are on the road to Berne, and I shall see them when I go to that town, for which I intend to set out in a few days. There is no regular organization among the Christians here, which I regret. At one

*

time, our sister G., and some other females, wished to form a little society among themselves; but some of our brethren persuaded them to relinquish the idea. * * My idea on the subject is, to begin by forming a society of fifteen or twenty young men of the different villages, who might meet sometimes in one hamlet, and sometimes in another.

*

The idea is much liked: pray for the blessing of God upon it. I particularly recommend to your brotherly affection, J. S. of Grand-Val; he is one of the first-fruits of this country; he has long suffered much mental depression, and the passage through "the valley of the shadow of death" has with him been long and gloomy; he is now, however, among the most eminent of the faithful.

6

Thursday 30.-I finish my letter at Montiers. Yesterday evening there was a meeting of six young men, and four fathers of families; to consult about the formation of a society of Christian friends. The plan was well received, and to-day I shall make it known to other friends; the first rendezvous is fixed for Sunday at Montiers after the Missionary meeting. The formation of this Society will keep me here longer than I thought. * * * Salute all our friends, and assure them of my affection,

'F. N.'

'Berne, December 24, 1820. 'I shall not send you to-day the journal of my stay in Val-de-Montiers; it is not yet finished. I shall merely give you an outline of affairs; and afterwards relate my journey to Val de Travannes.

'The society of friends I mentioned to you has been set on foot. I attended the first meeting, which took place on the Sunday after its formation. It is composed of twelve unmarried men, all above twentyfive, and about six or eight married men; but these