Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-10-11

or | cannot liver' His conversion was al
most as sudden as that of the apostle Paul. He
who late stood forth champion in the cause
OF unrighteousness, now had exchanged his
scarlet robes for the snow white mantle Of n
humble christian-he undauntedly bore tho
banner Of Jesus into tho very camp Of infdel-
ty and profaneness! Much had been forgiven
him and he loved the more--his whole soul
was now devoted to the cause of that Christ
whose wounds he had opened afresh and
whom he had 50 often pierced. IT was the
chief Of sinners was" his daily cry.
Ills former friends could scarcely trust the
evidence Of their senses when they beheld AL.
fred Bruce with tears in his eyes exhorting
them TO fly TO the arms Of bleeding Saviour
and seek mercy whero he found pardon. They
might well exclaim, "Thou be-est he, but oh!
how changed"
He applied himself industrously TO business,
and his fathers affairs had already begun to
wear promising aspect, when returning from
watery excursion one afternoon, he first saw
on board the packet, that famous beauty, Ma
ria du Boycc. He had often heard Of her
he knew that hor parents were wealthy and
that they doatcd on their lovely daughter, but
still he could not avert his eve from those
dangerous charms which rendered her the
most enchanting creature he had ever seen.
have said his passions were strong. He now,
for the first time, began to feel those kindling
emotions in his soul which were so well calcu-
lated to make him wre,chod. He gazcd upon
her-she Stood ''liko bashng paradise before
his longing eyes. whilo Jordan rolled be-
twecn!"
A sudNen flaw Of wind struck the vessel and
Maria fell into the briny food Quick as
thought Alfred plunged after her. The vessel
was put about; boat lowered, and both wcro
rescued from the waves. Her father, grateful
Tor the deliverance Of his daughter, poured
out his soul in .hankflness TO Alfred. while
the lovely Maria seemed TO survey the noble
form and expressive features of tho youth with
considerable interest.
Upon landing tie old gentleman gave AL
The invitation was accepted and soon young
Bruce became constant visitor at Mr. Du
Boyce's.
Never had Alfred presumed to address Miss
Du Boyce in the language of love, until he
perceived that she expected it. Fam would
I climb" said ne, " but that fear to fall"
"Banish your fears, my Alfred" said she,
''from the first moment saw youmy heart was
| no longer my own
81 pray you to bear in mind" said he "that
I ain n person Of no common kind. Oh bid me
not to love you-encourug me not, unless you
are certain that no difficulties will present
themselves. Open not the food gates of my
affections, unless you are well assured that you
can love no other. You are above me, your
station in the world IS more exalted than mine,
and am guilty of presumption When harbor
the idea that you will be mine but she whom
| love must possess my whole heart; cannot
control my feelings when | give them vent.
Then oh, Maria, do not tell me to hope un-
less you mean for me to centre every idea of
of earthly bliss in you!''
"Do it with perfect safety" replied she, "io
you my hand shall be given ard TO no other
although the whole world should rise up and
protest against the sacrifce."
at is enough" cried he, in raptures un-
speakabe, and from that day forth, Maria Du
Boycc was connected in his mind with every
idea of happiness.
Oh God, how he loved her! The mention of
her name was enough to agtatc his spirits,
and to derangc Whatever business lie had on
hand at the time. One smile from her was
worth more to Alfred than all the gems Of the
eastern world. Her parents looked on with
apparent unconcen at the progress which he
seemed to make in their daughters aflc cctions
and ho anticipated joyful realization of all
hi, brilliant hopes.
About this time Edward Davenport came to
town--he was a dashing young blade, who
had great expectations, and was consequently
a great favortc with the giddy sex. Io met
Maria at n ball, and was somewhat captiva;ed
with her beauty. He soon found means To in
graiae himself with her father, and called
frequently at his house.
Business had called Alfred from homc--ho
returned after an absence Of three weeks, and
hastened to his Maria. He heard her voice,
as he approached the door, and W th tbrob-
bing heart ho knocked for admittancc The
servant eamc-he cnquirod for Maria.
"She is not at home" was the reply.
"Not at home!" cried Alfred, "hut now, !
heard her voice in the parlour."
"shc is engaged she has company" replied
the servant.
"Tell her." replied Albert, "that | am