Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-09-11

age and so lovely, that tho sight OF ner Carrieo
off the feelings Of the young stranger from the
peculari,y and mystery OF his own lot, and riv-
e,ed his attention 10 every hing she did or said.
She spoke little and il was or the mos Sc
rious subjects. She played on the hapsiehord
at her father's command, but II was hymns
with which she accompanied the instrument.
At length on sign from the sage, she ielt the
room, turning on the young stranger as she
departed LOOK of inexpresslble anxiety and
interest. The old man then conducted the
youth TO his study, and conversed with him on
the mos, important points Of religion 10 satisfy
himself that he could render a reason Tor the
faith tina, was in him. During the examina.
ton the youth, 10 spite Of himself felt his mind
occ asionally wander, and his IecollectIons go
in Quest of the be autiful vision who had shared
! their meals at noon. On such occasions the
asroloser looked grave, and shook his head
al this relaxation Of attention, yet; on the whole
he was pleased with the youths replies. AT sun
| set the young man was made to take the oalh;
and having done so, he was directed TO attire
| him self in robe, somewhat like that worn by
Armenians, having his long hair eomoed down
on his shoulders, and his neck, hands snc teei
bare In this gu!se he was conducted into
remote chamber totally devoid of furniture, ex
cepting lamp, chair, and table, on which
| Law Bible Here" said the astrologer
must leave you alone TO pass the most critical
period of your life. II you can by recollection
OF the great truths of which we have spoken,
repel The attacks which will be made on your
courage and your principles, you have nothing
TO apprehend. But the trial VIII be severe and
arduous" His features then assumed pa
thetic solemniy, the tears sood u his eyes,
and his voice faltered with emotion as he said,
8. Dear child, at whose coming into the world
I foresaw this fatal trial. may Gud give thee
grace 10 support il with hrmness!
The Young man was left alone; and hardly
did he find himself SO, when, hike swarm Of
demons, the recollection Of his sins of omis-
sion and commission, rendered even more ter
rible, by the scrupulousness with which he had
been educated rushed on his nina, and, like
furies armed with fiery scourges, seemed de-
termined 10 drive him to despair. AS he com.
bated these horrible recolcctIons with distracted
feelings, but with resolved mind, he became
aware that his arguments we're answered by the
sophistIy of another, and that the dispute was
no longer carried on by his own Thoughts. The
author of evil was present 10 the loom with
him in bodily shape, and, potent with spirits Of
melancholy cast, was impressiDg upon him
the desperation Of his stale, and urging suicide
as the readesl mode 10 pu, an enc 10 his sin
ful career.
Amid his errors, the pleasure he had taken
| in prolonging his Journey unnecessarily, and
the attention which nc had bestowed on the
beauty Of the fair female, when his thoughts
ought to have been dedicated 10 The religious
discourse Of her father, were set before him in
the darkest colours and he was treated as one
who having slnnrd against light, was therefore
deservedly left prey to The prince Of darkness
AS the fatal and Influential hour rolled on, the
terror Of the hateful presence grew more and
M sn. eonteunding 70 the mortal snses Of The
became more insxtricable in appearance at least
TO the prey whom lis meshes surrounded He
had not power 10 explain the assurance Of par
don which he continued to assert, or TO name
the victorious name in which he trusted But
his faith did not abandon him, though he lack
ed for lime the power Of expressing il "Say
! what you will " was his answer to the tem2ter:
know there is as much between the two
boards Of this book as can ensure me forgive
ness for my tra3sgressions, and safety for my
SOUL" AS he spoke, The clock which announced
the lapse Of Iht fatal hour was heard 10 strike
The speech and intellectual powers Of the youth
were instantly and fully restored; lie burs, forth
| into prayer, and expr' ssPd in the most glowing
terms, his reliance on the truth and on the Au-
thor Of The Gospel. The demon retired, vel,
ling and ciscom6'ed; and the old man, entering
the apartment, with tears congratulated his
victory in the i'll fated struggle. The young
man was afterwards married 10 The beautiful
maiden, the first sight Of whom had made
such an impression on him, and they were con.
signed over at The close of the Story TO comes,
TIC happinfs s.-Asw Series Of Wave,y Nsveks.
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