488 ATKINS AND THE PRIEST,

W. A. You bear it, master! I daresay you know nothing of it.

R. C. Yes, Atkins ; every shore, every hill, nay, I may say
every tree, in this island is witness to the anguish of my soul for
my ingratitude and base usage of a good, tender father; a father
much like yours, by your description. And I murdered my father
as well as you, Will Atkins; but I think, for all that, my repent-
ance is short of yours, too, by a great deal.

[I would have said more if I could have restrained my passions: but
I thought this poor man’s repentance was so much sincerer than
mine, that I was going to leave off the discourse and retire ; for I
was surprised with what he said, and thought that, instead of my
going about to teach and instruct him, the man was a teacher and
instructor to me in a most surprising and unexpected manner.]

[ laid all this before the young clergyman, who was greatly
affected, and said to me, “ Did I not say, sir, that when this man
was converted he would preach to us all? I tell you, sir, if this
one man be made a true penitent, here will be no need of me; he
will make Christians of all in the island.” But having a little
composed myself, I renewed my discourse with Will Atkins.

R. C. But, Will, how comes the sense of this matter to touch
you just now ?

W. A. Sir, you have set me about a work that has struck a dart
through my very soul. I have been talking about God and religion
to my wife, in order, as you directed me, to make a Christian of
her; and she has preached such a sermon to me as I shall never
forget while I live.

R.C. No, no, it is not your wife has preached to you; but when
you were moving religious arguments to her, conscience has flung
them back upon you.

W. A. Ay, sir, with such a force as is not to be resisted.

R.C. Pray, Will, let us know what passed between you and
your wife, for I know something of it already.

W. A. Sir, it is impossible to give you a full account of it. I
am too full to hold it, and yet have no tongue to express it. But
let her have said what she will, and though I cannot give you an
account of it, this I can tell you of it, that I resolve to amend and
reform my life.