488 ATKINS AND THE PRIEST,

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

R. O. Yes, Atkins; every shore, every hill, nay, IT 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.

[1 would have said more if I could havo restrained my passions : but

I thought this poor man’s repentance was so much sincerer than

mine, that Twas going to leave off the discourse and retire ; for 1

was surprised with what ho 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, T renewed my discourse with Will Atkins.

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

W. A. Sir, you have set ine about a work that has struck a dart
through my very soul. TI 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. ‘

Lt. CG. No, uo, 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.

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

W. A. Sir, it is impossible to give you a full account of it. J
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.