voice, desired him to _preach_ to them! M. ---- observed to them,
that he was an unworthy layman, and totally unqualified for such a
responsible duty, and the more so at that time, as his mind had been
occupied in his secular business; and he felt the need of himself
receiving instruction, instead of attempting to impart it to others.
But a chair had been placed for him in a suitable part of the room,
and a small table, covered with a green cloth, placed before it, on
which was laid the copy of the Bible which M. ---- had, some months
before, presented to the widow. M. ---- saw he could not avoid
saying something to this importunate company, and looking to God for
assistance and a blessing, took the chair which had been set for him,
and resolved to attempt to draw from the Bible, for their benefit,
such instruction and consolation as he might be enabled to impart.

To the eye of M. ---- every thing gave beauty and solemnity to this
unexpected scene. The room into which he was conducted was filled with
the villagers, all conveniently accommodated on benches. A large door
opened, in the rear of the house, and discovered the declivity of the
mountain on which it stood, skirted also with listening auditors.
While, at a distance, the flocks and herds were peacefully feeding,
the trees, covered with beautiful foliage, were waving in the breeze,
and all nature seemed to be in harmony with those sacred emotions
which so obviously pervaded this rural assembly.

After addressing the throne of grace, M. ---- read a part of the
fourth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. He turned their attention
more especially to that interesting passage in the twelfth verse:
"_There is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we
must be saved_." He endeavoured to point out to them the exceeding
sinfulness of sin, the awful consequences of violating the law of God,