thy truth unto me- deign to manifest thyself in my heart." This earnest supplication was poured forth in a spirit of humility and deep contrition, and God, who is always accessible to the truly penitent, was graciously pleased to listen to his prayers, and to direct him for mercy to the cross of Christ. Neff began to read his Bible with attention and seriousness, and soon recognized the Sacred Writings as alone calculated to make man wise unto salvation. For a short period, he could only view God as his judge. The guilt of a mispent life hovered over him, like a dark and portentous cloud. During this interval of suspense and anguish, he was visited by M. Gonthier, who lent him a small work, entitled "Honey flowing from the Rock," the perusal of which was happily instrumental in dispelling the gloom which had gathered around his mind, and in giving him clearer views of the attributes of God, and the method of salvation. This excellent little work is chiefly a compilation of useful and important passages of Scripture, accompanied by illustrations. When preaching, he frequently quoted from its pages; and

many of its passages solaced his mind when on the bed of death.

Hitherto Neff had lived solely for himself. He was now made the subject of new feelings and desires; and, influenced by love and gratitude to God, he resolved to consecrate the remainder of his life to the solemn and arduous duties of the Christian ministry. A mind constituted like his could not remain inactive. He immediately commenced his career as a preacher of the Gospel; and his first efforts to do good were amongst the destitute and the dying, in the prisons and hospitals of Geneva. In 1818, whilst thus engaged, he was united in church fellowship with the Christians assembling in the new meeting-house, then almost the only religious body in Geneva who glorified the holy name of Jesus, and who unitedly laboured for the general advancement of his kingdom.

The following year, he procured a discharge from his military duties, a step which gave great satisfaction to his officers, who did not conceal their displeasure at the influence which his peculiar character and

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religious principles had already effected amongst his comrades. After quitting the army, he entirely devoted himself to the vocation to which he believed himself called, and visited the villages in the neighbourhood of Geneva, where he had many relations, in whose houses he read and explained the Word of God. His simple and affectionate manner, united with his explanations and illustrations of Scripture history and precept, almost always drawn from the incidents and dangers of his recent campaign, rendered him a welcome guest to every villager. Wherever he went, he imparted a zest for piety and holy exercises; and, at this day, his name is repeated with benedictions by numerous families, who remember, with gratitude, his visits and conversation.

Full of zeal, he devoted himself with unremitting ardour to the eternal interests of his fellow sinners, regardless of the opinion of the world in general, and even of the taunts of his former associates. Often was he seen climbing some of the most rugged rocks of the Jura, to visit a poor shepherd, a native of the valleys of Pied

mont, in whom, beneath an exterior rude and unpolished, he had discovered some glimpses of the influence of religion. After his discharge, several months were thus passed in visiting the sick, and disseminating religious instruction. During this period, he read his Bible with the greatest care and solemnity; and even composed a small concordance, in order that he might become more familiar with its sacred contents. Indeed, so sedulously did he apply himself, that in a short time he was able to recite from memory several entire books. very numerous notes, in his own handwriting, which cover the margins of his Bibles and Testaments, bear ample testimony to his close and diligent investigation. These, and several other books, thus marked, are still preserved by his friends, as precious memorials.

The

In 1820, whilst labouring in the Canton de Vaud, Neff was solicited to visit a murderer, under sentence of death, in one of the prisons. He readily acceded to the request, and was happily instrumental in bringing him to a participation in the faith

of the gospel. This circumstance brought him into connexion with several excellent pastors in this Canton, who affectionately recognised him, and endeavoured to obtain his assistance. In this portion of Switzerland, as in many other countries at this eventful epoch, there reigned that suspense and inquietude, which are usually the forerunners of great religious movements. The young ministers in general were well disposed, but timid, wanting in emulation, and more or less attached to the favourable opinion of the world. Neff faithfully reminded them of their duties, urging upon their attention the imminent danger of the souls confided to their instruction, and the awful responsibility which attached to them, in their capacity as heralds of salvation. His reproofs were not disregarded. These brethren, not seeking to justify themselves, at once acknowledged their faults, but ascribed them chiefly to their state of disorganization, and the want of a more efficient system of mutual support. Yielding to Neff's suggestions, closer relations were established amongst them; they began to