dropped, splashing in the deep pool beneath. Oh the agony of that moment! I dug my fingers into a cleft; but it caved and broke from them--Crack, crack! Slowly the bramble stretched with me, as I sunk on its strain. No jutting stone, no ledge, not even a rent presented itself; all was even, smooth, and steep. Crack, crack! An inch more, and then another crack, crack! The earth and pebbles fell thicker and faster! Crack, crack! My brain became dizzy, and my eyes sightless. Another instant, and I felt I knew not what-but glancing beneath, I saw that my feet rested on a small slanting ledge. Thus stayed in my descent, I balanced myself, and, drawing a knife, cut a hole in the side of the chasm, into which I thrust my disengaged hand. This done, I made one for a foot-hold above the ledge, and so drew myself from the doomed destruction which seemed to await me.

And there I stood scatheless, although but a moment before in the very jaws of death! I knew not what to do or say, for thankfulness of heart. Throwing myself

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on the greensward, I wept like a child, and felt that then to die would be at the true repentant moment of my life. The mercy extended melted that which punishment could only have hardened. Through the long night in my feverish dream had I been watched and guarded, and unworthy as I was, kept from every harm and injury. And now to be saved as I had been! I tried to pray; and if my tongue seemed mute, my heart was eloquent.

Hark! a bell-and one, too, that had often summoned me of late unheeded. Away I sped, and never halted until I entered the portal of the church.

"Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninetyand-nine just persons who need no repentance."

Such were the consoling and beautiful words which I heard, as I dropped upon my knees and joined in the service of adoration. At its conclusion I still continued to ask forgiveness of the past, promising atonement for the future, and expressing a fervent hope