by its truth. Those who never heard of one another would not have agreed in a tale which nothing but experience can make credible. That it is doubted by single cavillers, can very little weaken the general evidence; and some who deny it with their tongues, confess it by their fears.'

"In dark and sequestered retreats, imagination feasts upon its own inventions. The gloom in which my friend was enveloped, could scarcely have been expelled by the bright radiance of a glittering sun. It became more dense by the total eclipse of that luminary, and it was only by occasional peeps, caught through the lofty avenue, that he could get a glimpse of the departing twilight.

"The nature of his reflections, the sadness of his heart, and the awful stillness, save when the rustling leaves, or sound of his own footsteps broke upon the ear, with the apprehension of being benighted e're he could reach a human habitation, wherein to rest his wearied limbs; all contributed to give vigour to his visionary flights. Night was rapidly advancing, and he in this doleful mood was thoughtfully pacing the tedious track, when the pale glimmering of the moon cast a ray of light through an opening across his path, and presented to his view a living form. He startled -but he knew not why;-for the thought of any human creature being near at hand was welcome to his heart. He looked again towards the spot,

and thought he perceived a figure in white moving at a distance. He paused for a moment, and steadily gazed upon the object-it was no superstitious wandering of the fancy-he distinctly perceived a living creature-it moved to and fro, and seemed now to be advancing towards him. If it did not create fear, it produced something very like it. He has since honestly confessed that his heart beat rather quicker than usual-his nerves were all in agitation, and a sensation of awe seemed to deprive him of the power of moving,

"After the first moments of surprise, however, herallied his spirits, and would fain have persuaded himself that it was, in all probability, a labourer returning home from his work; and was about to proceed, when again the fleeting object caught his sight. Again he started, paused, and looked steadfastly. It is !-it must be !' said he with pious exultation, the spirit of my revered parent -the meeting I've so long implored in vain is now at hand-heaven grant me but strength to avail myself of the indulgence;' and, springing forward as he spoke, he soon reached the identical spot that was to terminate all his hopes and fears. Alas! they were quickly dispersed, but not to his satisfaction. On coming up to the little gate, that was placed at the end of the walk to keep out the cattle, he beheld nothing more than an old grey horse, that was quietly grazing on the adjacent common; and which, in all probability, had been

endeavouring to make his way into the wood, for the same purpose that induced my friend to enter it."

On any other occasion, this gentleman would, likely enough, have joined in the laugh against himself; but, in the present case, he feels a holy reverence for his weakness, and claims the privilege that he gives to others of enjoying their own opinións, without deducing false arguments for their guide. They may also laugh at his folly should it amuse them, while they take a lesson from his romantic but unoffending credulity.

The powers of the imagination over the sober senses, are most ingeniously depicted by an author of some celebrity, in the following account given of some shipwrecked travellers. It is quoted for the amusement of those who may not yet have met with it in their literary rambles.

"The voyagers were cast away," says the relater of the incident, "upon the Island of Malta, and were led by the inhabitants to a cave, who, after spreading beds of dry leaves, and heaping fresh billets of wood on the fire, withdrew. Judge of their horror. The lighted wood blazed brightly, and illumined the whole cave, which disclosed the most terrific objects. Isabel screamed aloud

We shall be stung!-we shall be devoured by these ugly monsters!" The attendants took the alarm, and echoed her exclamations. Jacquelina gazed around with no less terror. 'Let us leave this place,' said she calmly, 'danger surrounds

us.

Let us be gone before these creatures are sufficiently revived by the heat to be able to hurt us.' Adders, vipers, toads, and every venomous reptile were distinctly visible all about the cavern, as the blaze shone upon their sparkling eyes and burnished scales. How could these people be so cruel as to leave us here?' cried each of the party as they sought in vain for the entrance of the cave. The fire is our best safeguard against these animals,' said Jacquelina, let us keep close to it, as the best means, under Providence, of preservation.' As the blaze wavered from the wood fire, she observed with astonishment the pacific disposition of these formidable companions. No hiss-no sound whatever betrayed a hostile tendency-each retained its situation unmoved ;the serpent continued coiled up; and the adder, whose forked tongue darted from its wide-extended jaws in the act to strike, yet made no advance. As use familiarizes the most horrible objects, Jacquelina collected courage to examine this singular phenomenon. She feared that the whole was created by a disturbed imagination, by their late sufferings. She took a lighted brand from the fire and was advancing to ascertain the truth, when Isabel, grasping her violently, entreated that she would not venture to excite the wrath of these ferocious animals. 'Santa Maria!! exclaimed Louisa at the same time, 'one of them has just glided by my side.' Isabel clasped Jacquelina in agony. But you are not stung Louisa?'

demanded Jacquelina. I believe not-I don't know my Lady. Holy Mother preserve us?— and she fell on her knees. Rouse up the fire,' said Jacquelina, that I may have sufficient light, for I am determined to know if this be reality.? The trembling Louisa obeyed; and Isabel determined, since Jacquelina was resolved to be convinced, to share the danger she could not prevent her from encountering. They proceeded to the investigation. What was their joy and surprise to find it all a petrifaction. Jacquelina im+ mediately recollected that this must be St. Paul's cave, of whose wonders she had heard. turning their thanks to God, they resumed their humble bed, and tasted the sweets of uninterrupted repose.

Re

"Next morning, when their hospitable hosts returned, bearing a repast of rich fruits and honey, they explained that this was the cave of St. Paul; that it was their custom to bring all whom the tempest should throw on their coasts to this hallowed retreat, in the firm belief of its recovering them from the ill effects of shipwreck. They pointed triumphantly to the venomous reptile which had fastened on the Apostle's hand. This, with many other noxious creatures, transfixed by his powerful word, which decreed that none should ever after exist on the Island, remains a standing proof of Divine power."

We are informed by the historian also, that there is a ridiculous legendary tale in the re