designing, but a young simple shepherdess, that could neither write nor read-a child of about fifteen or sixteen years of age.They occurred, not merely twice or thrice, but were very numerous, so that there were abundant opportunities for judging of their reality or imposition.

These

things were done, not in a corner, but openly, without any thick veil of secresy thrown over them, which might justly excite suspicion, or possibly elude detection. They happened, not merely in the presence of two or three intimates, but before many spectators, who were strangers, and those very different in their quality. These ecstasies were, not for so short a period that persons had no time for due examination, but they were continued, with intervals of rest, for many months. Nor were the extraordinary effects mentioned in this narrative, confined to one situation, in order to favour collusion, but took place in several indifferent, and in distant places, so that they were a matter, not of bare rumour, but of public notoriety. It is to be noticed also, that she sought neither ease, sensual gratification, riches, nor rule; but the exercises were directed, only to the religious instruction, reproof, and comfort of others: added to which, as a circumstance of great importance, these most wonderful things occurred, not only among her protestant connections, but also when she

was solely in the hands of her persecuting papistical enemies, who embraced every mean to prove her an imposter: but which uniformly terminated in their own confusion, and in the confirmation of her christian friends. Surely this evidence is as strong and convincing, as any thing of this nature can possibly be..

When we dispassionately consider the circumstances, which have been adduced in support of this case; though it is so different from the common course of nature, yet we cannot but admit its authenticity. And when we reflect on the miraculous things which are related, we feel constrained to acknowledge our great, our very great, our profound ignorance of ourselves. Alas, the most striking things that are said about the laws of our animal existence, the nature of the soul, its residence, its manner of operation, and its union with the body; are but the polish of lead, or the glitter of tinsel. We ourselves are, comparatively, a world unknown to others; and, to ourselves—unknown. While such marvellous facts, as these before us, show the astonishing capabilities of the soul, they make manifest the folly, the absurdity, and the mischievous tendency of that false, and self-inflated philosophy, which determines to believe only, what is comprehensible; which is, in effect, to

disbelieve their own existence; for, to themselves, they are incomprehensible.

In attentively looking at this relation, we seem to see falling, some of the last drops of that miraculous cloud, which dropped celestial gifts upon the Apostles, on the day of Pentecost. In either instance, ridiculous Opposition, cast his leering eye, and pointed his envenomed tongue against the truth. In the former case, his distempered eye, saw nothing but Bacchus, instead of the God of Israel; and, in the latter, Satan, instead of the

inworking spirit of God. The popish priests, are shaving her head, when they should be taking a lesson from it; and exorcising her with holy water, in place of cleansing themselves from superstition. Enraged by her testimony, they aim to cast out the supposed Devil, forgetting, that when Truth is bruising the Serpent's head, then it is, that evil, and malignant Spirits hiss. And it is observable, how in this instance, the Lord employs a very weak instrument, a simple, young, untutored shepherdess to do, what even Gabriel would delight to execute-to confirm the wavering, animate the faithful, console the distressed, and alarm the apostates. It is a privilege, an honour, and a grace, that the great head of the church will suffer such insignificant creatures as we are, to,

try to do any thing for him. And, what though our talents be inferior, and our sphere of usefulness contracted? The glow-worm, glimmering beneath the hedge, may lead to God, as well as the moon, when seen arrayed in her brightness, and walking in the circuit of heaven.

While we would carefully shun the rock of credulity, we should, also, carefully shun the whirlpool of incredulity. Extremes, in either case, are dangerous, and disgraceful. On that rock, many suffer loss, yet escape; but, into THIS vortex, many are first plunged, and then ingulphed for ever. While in the case under review, we admit, with the learned and pious Mons. Jerieu, the operation of the Holy Spirit of God, in this shepherdess, which we believe to have been, either personally, and directly, or by a secondary cause, human, or angelic spirits; yet we would in this, and in every case, ascertain the cause, by bringing the effects to the test of revelation; "We have, also, (beside the voice from Heaven) a more sure word of prophesy; whereunto ye do well, that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place." 2 Pet. i. 19. 2 Pet. i. 19. These instances, in which God departs out of his usual method, are like radiant gleams in a dark night; or, like flashes from an electric cloud, vivid, and impressive, but of short

duration-interesting to reflect on, but not desirable to travel by; while revelation is a noon-tide sun, pouring forth perpetual light and glory, irradiating the pilgrim's path, and revealing an unbounded prospect in the regions of a blessed immortality.

At Amsterdam, in Holland, occurred the following remarkable event, in the 17th century. As Mr. Fleming, a pious, and godly minister, was preaching on a Lord's day to his congregation, there were observed, amidst the multitude, three young gentlemen, whose behaviour, during divine service, was so very indecorous and infamous, that it not only attracted the notice of the people, but, also, excited the attention of the minister; who, after a little time, reproved them in public, desiring, at least, that they would behave de-. cently, while under the sacred roof. This gentle admonition, seemed rather to increase, than check their misbehaviour, and they most daringly offered still greater