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and he did help us. lived also to see the probable beginnings of new nations, which are now rising in South America ; not to mention the actual establishment of that singular nation in St. Domingo. Even in Holland, the very nation in which I then was, the government has been changed, and a new nation formed. My friends there often exultingly boasted, that Belgium had always been a Republic, even from the days of Julius Cæsar, but they are now under a monarchical government: they are a new nation. I have lived to see the prostration of many nations in Europe, during the singular career of Napoleon Bonaparte; and they are all, in many respects, now changed from what they were when this suggestion was made to me. In the Church, more unexpected and surprising events have succeeded. The formation of Missionary Societies, and the success of the Missionaries; and now lately, of Bible Societies, and the extensive dispersion of the blessed Word, constitute a new epoch; and, while Christians see and believe, and rejoice that the Lord reigneth, the wicked are made to feel and acknowledge that, verily, there is a God who judgeth in the earth, -there is a Divine Providence."

During his residence at Utrecht, he had some pleasing evidence, in being made the instrument of

converting several persons, that he was indeed called to win souls for Christ. Possessing naturally a happy talent at conversation, he employed it, as he had opportunity, to magnify and commend the grace of the Redeemer, or to say something, to excite in those with whom he happened to be in company, and who, he had reason to believe, were unacquainted with the power of religion, an attention to the momentous concerns of eternity. This he could do, it is well known, with an ease, and dignity, and solemnity, that were truly admirable and peculiar to himself.

One evening, when much taken up with his studies, a stranger called at his room, and, pretending that he had come to present the compliments of a gentleman in Amsterdam, showed some inclination to spend the evening with him. He had no wish to be interrupted; and there was that, in the appearance or behaviour of the stranger, he did not like; but he had too much politeness to request him to depart. At length, when he saw that the unwelcome visit was to be prolonged, he reconciled himself to the interruption as well as he could, and silently lifting up his soul to God, in one or two ejaculations for the Divine direction and blessing, he entered into a little familiar discourse with him. The conversation, which was at first upon ordinary

affairs, and not very interesting, by the seasonable introduction of a few appropriate pious remarks, he soon turned altogether upon subjects of religion; and then, as he of course had the most to say, it was evangelical, instructive, pointed, calculated to convince his visitant, evidently yet in an unregenerate state, of the importance of eternal things. His observations were listened to, apparently with intense interest, until quite a late hour, when the gentleman retired with suitable expressions of gratitude and respect.

Early the next morning a note came, containing a request that the writer of it might be permitted to renew his visit, as the conversation of the preceding evening had awakened in him a deep concern for the welfare of his soul. Mr. Livingston received the tidings with delight, and immediately granted his request in the most affectionate manner. He now considered the interview which, at its commencement, had been so disagreeable to him, as an extraordinary occurrence, that called for thanksgiving and praise; and, for many weeks after, he daily taught the way of salvation to this alarmed, inquiring sinner, who in due time obtained a hope, joined the Church, and was esteemed a genuine convert-a truly humble and exemplary follower of the Lord Jesus.

Among the students with whom Mr. Livingston associated, was a young man engaged in the study of law, the son of an East India Governor. He was not a pious, but he was an amiable youth, and the frequent interchange of friendly attentions, led to the formation of a very tender and confidential intimacy between them.

One day Mr. Livingston called to see him, and while in his room, felt a strong desire to talk with him upon the subject of the one thing needful ;-so strong a desire, that he determined to do it at once, as soon as some gentlemen, who were present, had gone away; and, though urged to accompany them when they took their leave, he politely declined the invitation and remained for the purpose. Praying that God would guide and assist him, he then commenced a plain and serious conversation relative to the necessity of personal religion, or of a personal interest in Christ, by faith, in order to salvation; and to his great joy, he discovered before it terminated, some little evidence that it had been, in a measure at least, a profitable conversation. There had been so much ingenuousness, and such appearance of incipient conviction in the behaviour of his friend, that he could not but hope his labour of love would result as he had prayed it might,-and so it did result. The important truths which had been

thus faithfully addressed to the conscience of this young man, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, produced a saving change in him. He gave up the study of law, prepared for the ministry, and was afterwards a distinguished herald of the Cross.-In a letter that he wrote to Mr. Livingston, when the latter had returned to America, he very feelingly adverted to the wise and gracious Providence which, having brought the one from the East and the other from the West, to meet in Utrecht, had so singularly over-ruled their acquaintance, as to make it the memorable means of his conversion.

Another fact, which shows the great difference between a speculative and saving knowledge of the truth, and how easily one taught of God, though his attainments in learning be comparatively very limited; though he be capable of giving only the simplest instruction grounded upon his own experience of the power of Divine grace, may be used by the Spirit to convey light and comfort to the mind, even of a philosopher, occurred about this time, and must be told.

The fame of Bonnet had drawn to the University a graduate of the University of Groningen, who was already known as the author of some works in Latin, respectable for their learning, and was ho

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