sisters, and fasten the doors?"

"No, madam," said M. ----; "on the contrary, if it be possible, open
the doors still wider; trust in God our Saviour, and leave to me the
direction of this matter." By this time considerable alarm seemed to
pervade the whole assembly, and some confusion ensued, in consequence
of several leaving their seats. M. ---- begged them to be composed,
and to resume their seats, saying, that the object for which they were
assembled was one which God would accept of and approve, which angels
would delight in, and at which Satan trembled; and that they had
nothing to fear from the arm of flesh. By this time the mayor made his
appearance at the threshold of the door, together with his attendants.

"Come in, sir," said M. ----, "and be seated," pointing to a chair
placed near the table.

"No, sir," said he, "I prefer to remain here."

"But I prefer," said M. ----, "that you come in, and also your
companions, and be seated."

Perceiving M. ---- to be firm in his determination, they complied, and
were all seated among his nearest auditors.

M. ---- then, without any further remarks, having the Bible open
before him, directed their attention to those words in Christ's
Sermon on the Mount: "_Blessed are they which are persecuted for
righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are
ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all
manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be