order to obtain possession of the sermons of Nardin.

66

In regions like this," says Neff, "where the people live almost entirely upon soup made from the flesh of the marmotte or the chamois, together with the few vegetables which the barrenness of the soil produces, the article of pepper is deemed of more value than gold; and yet, many families cheerfully partook of their soup without either pepper or salt, and often without bread, lest they should be unable to contribute their quota of money for the purchase of Nardin."

CHAPTER IX.

ENCOURAGING CIRCUMSTANCES AT DORMILLOUSE A MORE EXTRAORDINARY REVIVAL TAKES PLACE THROUGHOUT

VAL FRESSINIEREA BIBLE SOCIETY IS ESTABLISHEDAN EVIDENT IMPROVEMENT AT CHAMPSOR.

THE zeal and ardour which characterized the efforts of these poor mountaineers in the construction of their school-rooms at Dormillouse, was still further manifested, in their eagerness to possess and peruse the sermons of Nardin. Indeed, their increasing diligence, both in public and private duties, exhibited a teachable and highly promising disposition; whilst the great improvement which had taken place in their manners, and the important change which was visible in all their habits and pursuits, had already become subjects of remark and admiration, amongst their neighbours of the surrounding

communes.

Highly encouraging, however, as were these manifestations, they were yet insuffi

cient to satisfy the mind of Neff, inasmuch as they offered no decisive evidence that any portion of his flock were in possession of those principles of spiritual life, which he was supremely anxious to see imparted. At the voice of man, the dry bones had indeed been collected; they had, as it were, become covered with flesh and sinews; but, as far as Neff could discern, they still remained wholly destitute of vital energy. The Spirit of the Lord had not yet descended upon them, and quickened them with the breath of eternal life.

It was not until the month of April, 1825, that proofs of divine illumination became. apparent.

This devoted servant of his divine Master had then the unspeakable happiness to observe, in many places, a spirit of more urgent enquiry, and a deeper conviction of the importance of vital religion. Such pleasing indications were first manifested at Minsas, one of the poorest and most wretched of these Alpine villages, where two brothers had been very zealous and active in holding social meetings for prayer.

Some time elapsed, however, before these sentiments and feelings became general, and, in many places, Neff had still occasion to mourn over the apparent inutility of his labours, whilst he contemplated the indifference and coldness of the people as to the possession of real and spiritual religion. Such, for instance, was the case at Dormillouse. Situated upon a lofty eminence, the air in this hamlet is at once pure and invigorating; and its inhabitants had all along manifested much greater eagerness in the exercises of the body than in the improvement of the mind. This was a source of great affliction and of constant anxiety to Neff.

In the spiritual welfare of Dormillouse, he had from the commencement felt a peculiar interest. Indeed, there was scarcely another portion of his numerous charge which so deeply excited his christian sympathy and zeal. Its youth, especially, had become the objects of his affectionate and unwearied solicitude. During one of his visits here, he had been engaged the whole of the evening in imparting catechetical

instruction, and when he had finished, his young friends gathered around him, anxious to enjoy more familiar converse with their beloved pastor.

Neff felt that this was a favourable opportunity for drawing them into serious conversation respecting the all important subject of personal religion; and, accordingly, he endeavoured to convince them how little they were prepared to partake of the sacrament, the period for which was just at hand. Giving free course to his feelings, he alluded, in strong terms, to the obduracy of their hearts, and their criminal neglect of the precepts and requirements of the gospel. He adverted also, in affectionate language, to the grief which wounded his own soul, to see all his exertions on their behalf rendered so utterly useless. At the same time, he faithfully reminded them, that the amount of their guilt and danger was awfully aggravated, by the very circumstance that they were now so frequently directed in the way of salvation, and yet, notwithstanding, obstinately refused to comply with the gracious offers of pardoning mercy. After these