/ Book JBz* •1 with to be ■ Christian first/* — Pa THE BORROWED BIBLE, By the Author of " Eve Bourne," " Beacons and Beckonings," " The Eldest Daughter," &c. Written for the Massachusetts Sabbath School Society, and approved by the Committee of Publication. BOSTON: MASSACHUSETTS SABBATH SCHOOL SOCIETY, Depository, No. 13 Cornhill. , according to Act of Congrew, in the year 1864, Bt in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of il THE BORROWED BIBLE. CHAPTER I. Michael Carrisforth belonged to the better class of Irish tenantry in the county of S. He farmed a few noble and fertile acres with such skill, thrift and economy, that his crops were finer and more bountiful than most of his neighbors'. Indeed Michael's husbandry was well reported of far and near, and his produce never failed to be in demand, or to bring the highest price in the market. Consequently his family were regarded as looking up in the world ; and so they were, in more senses than one. More than ordinary intelligence characterized them from oldest to young- est ; and with the increasing means of pro- curing knowledge, came the desire to break those bonds of ignorance and superstition, under which the Catholic peasantry of that TMK BORROWED BIBLB. have been so long and vainly strugglii in it while the masses of labor u to ■ priesthood, « it is, to hold fast the key of knowledge ! Hut a hotter day is coining f :i of the future. ' larrisforth meant to be a good man — ai he accounted goodness. He was Ifl m all • so. I if paid his rents and n he | we\\ lor his h and a kind husband and an indulgent father. ! hurch on Sundays and festival d t, ate no meat on Kndays. and year. With tliis external conformity he was tirely satisfied — r« of the Church of I 1 the ut- n or THE BORROWED BIBLE. His wife Bessie, on the other hand, was deeply tinctured by the religious supersti- tion of her people. With conscientious zeal she entered into every thing of a sacred nature. She had an awe Of the priestly character and person — blindly ascribing to it all that power and sanctity it has long had the arrogance and impiety to claim. She believed in her heart that the Roman Catholic church contained the only true means of God's grace and salvation, and really pitied and prayed for those without its pale. She confessed, as a grievous transgression, the slightest departure from prescribed rules, whether the result of acci- dent or inadvertence ; and gladly restored herself to the favor of heaven, and her spiritual directors, by the most rigorous penances. And thus she tried to bring up her children — instilling into their young minds the feelings and faith, which were so actively predominant in her own. Michael's indifference to religion (as she regarded the fact of his not having formally united himself to the church,) was the one UROWKO BIBLE. gran • between ihem b« It was in vain th fisted he was been in infancy bet lis sponsors — and tins she she Tin all who enter into the communion <>t" their church, are-by thai 1 are sale ,.ity. what duct may bai l'bey pretend, that i sinner lot it When Micliael risforth bad (lone this, he had no more to to win his bride, and ll soon man Ins soul ; and although the faith qnite rat him for tune and W e might bow comment on th as many other THE BORROWED BIBLE. 9 prefer to let our little story speak its own moral to the young readers. Enough has been written in exposure and condemnation of those hollow and pernicious doctrines, which have lulled the fears and stimulated the false hopes, of thousands on thousands, till at last their feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and the light of eternity reveals their terrible mistake. 1 I. • althy. ruddy boys and girls. had attended them, aa it is very apt i uid it was of pride and coi « to see their chil- :. clad, and taught, than the greater part of their neight> them noticed, and hear them praii «.Ty body, for I] rosy cheeks, tidy apparel, and civil and respect- ful demeanor. B commendation paiish priest, for their "punctuality orderly behavior in church, and the proaspt- witli which l and pl.t ened with the liveliest satiafa on lier maternal faithf THE BORROWED BIBLE. 11 tifying their tender minds against heterodoxy and heresy thus early ; and promised, with prophetic confidence, that they should one day become lights and pillars in the only true and Apostolic Church of Rome ! Upon Connell, the eldest, he bestowed unusual attention, and lavished unqualified praise. And Connell was a peculiarly engaging and intelligent lad ; and for his opportunities a rare scholar and reasoner. In the parish school he was always first in his class ; in- deed, for some years, he had been regarded first in school, and not unfrequently a match for the master himself. But his dis- position was so amiable and obliging that he was a general favorite, and. his superior- ity and successes excited neither envy nor ill-will. As this youth is to be the principal sub- ject of our sketch, it is proper that we should introduce him to the particular ac- quaintance of our readers. He was now about fifteen — tall, robust, and vigorous, with a very active and earnest mind, as a counterpart to a healthful body. He could O THU BORROW KD BIBLE. labor all day long on the little larm without fatigue, rind look i booi ith his slate, books, • llings of Mich in iod as occupy 1 . in life, books are not \ idant — but v or r, by means qu iged ipply himself with reading. Any thing and every tliin lt he could beg, buy, or bor- . with a • lory, he by-an aine quit prodigy of inforrnati II ;>on to ei which, to tl. limit diiiicuN ; and this he did in - nnai and atTec- tion. Aj would o( ines, tradition church. This led ConneU to lo. into these things, than the < ?ate THE BORROWED BIBLE. 13 Prayer Book would conduct him. Father Gasheen lent him works upon ecclesiastical history, as well as volumes containing tra- ditionary accounts of early times — lives of saints and martyrs, writings of the Fathers and Popes, &c, all of which this singular lad perused by firelight, or a dim candle, after the rest of the family were sunk in sleep. It was not so much that he felt a peculiar interest in these subjects, or this species of reading — no indeed ; he thought it very dry and unattractive — nor had he yet learned to raise a doubt in regard to the boasted infallibility of the Romish church ; he wished to be ready with an answer, or an explanation, for those who might make inquiries of him — he had gained a reputa- tion for being bright and knowing, and he was quite anxious to prove that he deserved it. He had grown quite unwilling, even at the age of fifteen, to say " he didn't know," on any common subject ! But these researches were all made in hours of leisure, or at times when boys of his age are wont to give themselves to tiik mmmmm the i with hi • r>. He \v to plotiL mow, and i:<. Hi wi lit U) market, a:i'l was expert in all sorts o Qg to and, being r< quently entrusted with tl '.fairs of the family — buying, selling, and ba: u much Council's ambition, to be competent to do bu best manner, as to answer the q and resolve the doubts of His neighlx H we see him most industrii bodily energies by day, and rail t(» his mental cravh _■ thus, we are fully Justified in « will ' ope in him quite remarkal THE BORROWED BIBLE. 15 CHAPTER III. Harvest days had commenced. The first ripened grain had been cut ; the early fruits and vegetables were ready for market. It was a bustling and busy morning at the Carrisforth cottage. The mother and her girls were astir betimes ; some to milk the cows, some to churn the butter or make the curds, some to prepare an early breakfast. Michael and his boys were loading the market wagon, with various products of the field and garden. All was ready before the horn summoned them to the morning meal. " Let me see," said Michael, as he sat down to the table, " our last load came to two pound three and sixpence, you say, Connie. Squire Harty's man bought it all, and didn't pay. That must be seen to, to- day. I guess I had better go with you. That Ned is a slippery fellow, they tell me ; TUB BORROWED BIBLE. think there's - r wrong about trade." " I presume I but ji. . prefer," n uell. by you see, boy, that KJ ling, 1 shall take the team. just ride over to the S ■ hile you dispose of the load." M Yes, yes, sir," assented Council, pleased e n ough to find, that he was not to be 1 in that part of their errand, which he most enjoyed. They mounted the wagon, and stirred up leak farm hone* Into a lazy trot. The market town was some half dozen I distant. Jt was duly reached, and as Michael had feared, there was occasion for him the load In i charge, while he rode on tocollecfthe "two pound three and sixpence." ( lonnell was ao to the but end Boon made ;i profitable disposal of uis, turnip M. Many of the market men had a kind THE BORROWED BIBLE. 17 word for the lad, even if they had no deal- ings ; for his straightforward honesty, and manly bearing, had before been noticed and commended, as something quite uncommon in a boy of his age and station. His per- fect accuracy in reckoning, his correctness in making accounts, settling bills and effect- ing exchanges, had often been remarked upon. One individual, whom we will call Mr. Bentley, had had his eye upon the youth for some time past. He kept a stall for fruit and vegetables, and had frequently dealt with his father and himself; and al- ways enjoyed a chat with Ccnnell when- ever his engagements would allow. Mr. Bentley was an excellent man, a Protestant, and a very earnest Christian. On this day, Connell had the good for- tune to sell his entire stock of produce to Mr. Bentley, whom he liked best to trade with, of any man in the market. It chanced that Mr. Bentley was very much hurried with customers, when he made out the payment ; and when Connell ran his eye over the bill, and counted the money, he 2* 18 TUB BORROWED BIBLB. had rec< several shillings to i 1 till ley was diseiiL proached him. BOt quite right. Will you have ft ss to look lor ;. "Not riglu? How .so.' havu't 1 l enough 7 Let me look again at the bill ; 9S said .Air. Hentley, holding out hand for it. .11 presented it, and then smilingly produced the money. M There's ■ i sir, you will m and sixpence, and the hill amounts to only thin I sixpence. Ti relv 4 Mr. Bentley looked very much pleased. " A hit of a mistake m i wrii, l wa.s quite nnpi UK not v« . : but it" one r of it. Four shili .1,1 don't wonder 1 make THE BORROWED BIBLE. 19 mistakes sometimes. But as you have dis- covered, and so honestly made it appear, you are entitled to the balance. I will call it right as it is, and commend you for your integrity besides." "No, I thank you, sir," said Connell, earnestly, but resolutely ; " I do not choose to take a reward for doing only what is right. Here is the change, sir, if you please !" Mr. Bentley was more and more surprised ; he took the money because he saw that the lad's nice sensibilities would be wounded if he refused. But he determined to improve the opportunity to learn something of his history and prospects. Accordingly he in- vited Connell to be seated; and in the in- tervals of serving his customers asked him a great many questions, which elicited a degree of good sense, information, and in- telligence, altogether unexpected, and cer- tainly very rare indeed among youth of his parentage and condition. He gathered from him what slender educational advantages he had enjoyed, and what means of relig- to express his feel- • Well, my la .ed Mr. H< ee you are capable of becoming a v. able and useful man in the world. DOl like to do a great deal of good among your lellow creatures l>< ' ; That 1 should, sir his ey. | with the •• How can 1 I please tell - "You hai will aid ;. ally — but lack " What's that, sir I 1 should very much like to know .'" inquired < Jooj plied Mr. 1 1 ly. " You want a Q< >ii !" " ( Mi. 1 am a Christian ; : and — " ■• 1 understand you pei I m in aao Cathoi; THE BORROWED BIBLE. 21 ants, believe that no one is a Christian, but he who has received the grace of God for himself, into his own heart, and by penitence and faith embraces Christ as his only Mediator, and Redeemer. Do you think you have really done this, Connell V 1 To this unexpected query Connell found it difficult to reply ; and Mr. Bentley went on. "The Christian, too, should draw his rule of belief from those pure and simple teachings which Christ came to bring. Have you ever read the Bible, my boy V Mr. Bentley had spoken with that feeling and tenderness, which totally disarms pre- judice and opposition. Connell could only reply, that he had never seen a Bible ! " I thought it very likely," said Mr. Bentley, " and now why is this ? Tell me, if you can, why this precious depository of Divine truths; this simple and beauti- ful directory of human faith and hope, should be so sedulously withholden from the common people by your priests and prelates ?" ■ THE BORROWED BIBLE. — — it, sir — v. .1 it, ni what ; ry for us to be- lieve." "Do Mr. Ilcntl. I am very much ' *. • I thought so once — I was educated so to be- lieve, but when at last I read the Bible for elf, I found 1 had been deceived and deluded. Would you like to see e " Yes, eed I would Dell, eagerly. • Would you read it, if you had it in your possession "Certainly, sir, I would very gladly ex- amine the Bible for myself." •• \\ ell, 1 have but one, ami that o i — but if you will promise to read it through, with candor and attention, I will put it in your hands. 1 will not give it to I dO the Opposition Of rculatien ; — and I ill at ad influen THE BORROWED BIBLE. 23 say I will lend you my precious Bible; — when you have read it, bring it to me again!" Connell promised it should be well read, well kept, and faithfully returned to its owner. Mr. Bentley then took from a desk near by, a Bible, well worn indeed, but en- tire, and handed it to the youth. He re- ceived it with a feeling of awe, and wrap- ping it in a piece of clean matting, deposit- ed it in the bottom of one of the deep market baskets. He had barely time to do. so, when his father drove up to the door, and they were soon on the road home. TH1 BOBROWBD BXBUL HAPTER IV. It would be very diflicult for ou rs to understand the mingled emot. of curiosity and solemnity, which Connell experienced, when he first took his Bible in hand, to examine its a feeling something akin to that which was wont to come over him, when seed the elevation of the ous ceremony, by which the Roman pri hood pretend, that the simp! ntal emblems of bread and v. mt > the veritable body and blood of our list. Hut he had seen that many and many a time, till it had lost all novelty to him — ti He waited till all the family h it from its ment in the nee Be THE BORROWED BIBLE. 25 was unwilling to excite prejudice, or oppo- sition, by making known the precious acquisition he had made. He knew his mother's violent antipathy to every thing which savored of Protestantism too well, to run that risk, even if his father should take no notice of the thing ; and as it was his frequent custom to spend evenings in reading, he knew this mode and time of investigation would occasion neither sur- prise nor inquiry. We must repeat, that few of our youth- ful readers canjappreciate the state of mind, with which our friend Connell seated him- self before the broad kitchen fire-place, and stirred the sticks that were half-burnt for a better light to look into his Bible. So com- mon and so plentiful is this treasure in our happy and intelligent Christian communi- ties, that we greatly fear it is not regarded with the sacredness it claims as the Word of God ! How many thousand children there are among us, who never knew the lack of a Bible, who never entered a house where there was not a Bible ! who never ■ trth viiai has been so familiar this very ided Duniah its vain.- in your esteem. Hut is it not wrong, very wrong, if it be indeed so? not think less of con. . food, raiment, light and air. because they Qod'l daily ministers to your bodily < s. Will you then . this I nourish- too, should be a matter i instead of ind, to attach a high value ti costly — but here is a j i our hands, and how littl in it. \ «•] . -ncient days could alloi own The labor and tire ribe with a pen all the i ad renei (rem that was tfai ere multi) THE BORROWED BIBLE. of printing was discovered) made the price so enormously high, that they were entirely out of the reach of the poor. That parish was well off which owned one copy, and could keep it chained in the church, where the few who could read might go and con- sult its sacred pages. Even twenty-five or thirty years ago, at the time when the events related in our narrative occurred, the Bible was a costly book in Ireland, far more so than we should imagine, from its cheapness and abundance among us. — These considerations, and a great many others, should tend to make the Bible more reverenced and valued than it is; more carefully studied and more scrupulously cherished in our hearts and homes, and beget a more generous desire to send it into those " dark places of the earth full of the habitations of cruelty," where none of its glorious beams have yet penetrated. " Freely ye have received, freely give." All this while Connell is intently absorbed in looking into his Bible. The light is dim and fitful, but it serves to show him that 28 THE BORROWED BIBLE. .as pot hold of ook. lie I table, of c I should always be d. in order to pet a clear idea of and _m of a book. He now enters on the >nd is aim sublime abruptness of the •• in the beginning ( '1 the nasi and the earth; and the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon face of the deep!" < hi. on, he read, with a momentarily _ wonder and il -i he had finished the account of the mighty work of creation, he paused and breathed ,>ly. "So this is the way the world and every thing was made," !•• himself. •• How -real and po < tod must be ! 1 i only by hearsay ; — why should it be 1. from us I Why shouldn't v. I for . and know all about it, U now and then j hint oi it, the prie tfl may I THE BORROWED BIBLE. 29 On he read — the fire was quite burnt out — he lighted a candle, and went rapidly along. The first transgression, the expul- sion from Paradise, the murder of Abel and exile of Cain,- the flood, the building of Babel, the story of Abraham, etc., so riv- eted his attention, that he was wholly un- aware how the night hours were passing. The candle sunk lower and lower, and finally expired in its socket. Connell start- ed up at this, and looked about ; the first streak of gray dawn was beginning to show itself in the east ! He crept silently to his bed in the loft, for a short nap before the house was astir. But the contents of the wonderful book he had been poring over, so occupied his thoughts that he found sleep quite impossible; and after carefully locking his treasure in his own little trunk, he descended to commence the ordinary duties of the morning. Harvest work was hard and pressing all through those long warm August and Sep- tember days. It called the husbandman BORROWED BIBLE. Micha< -i forth's cottage afforded i in thi of season ts winged > unapt comparison i. and furnish* 1 none labored with B cheerfulness, or a more persevering dili- gence, than did young Connell, d : while a large portion of tl was consumed in the manner just de- scrib But none knew his secret, noi one aware of the vigils he kept. He grew more sober and thoughtful, however, and talked less while he thought a great deal more. H lather and brothers laughed and chatted over their toil, and v. he did not join their gayi tai, Once in a while ili' y tried to rally him, and in- quired if lie Were getting vapory— but :• ban and made mirth lor the harv THE BORROWED BIBLE. 31 thoughts would insensibly revert to the same subjects again — the grand themes of the Bible ! And thus passed the harvest time anfl. the autumn — but long before its close, Connell had read through his " wonderful book !" < • I [ A . i I r won lil ed) that re of . which the free diffusion of among their people would produce. re they of this i wonder little at the jealous care with wh it is withholden, thus guarding one gr ■ vi uue to religious li knon ih light," declares the l And well they know the declaration to be a lu such a hearl forth's, the seeds of truth thu -ukl not long remain dormant within him a tumult ol difficulty, d<". and bewilderment ,; li" this 1 he rightly " if this be really the doc- trines and duties which the | 'eSUS came to teach, then have we fcx THE BORROWED BIBLE. 33 for we have been taught very differently — we have been instructed to believe things, and conform to rites and observe ceremo- nies, which are here nowhere authorized or enjoined ! I can't tell how it is — I am in great perplexity, perhaps I do not under- stand aright — but one thing I know — if this Bible is right, then we are wrong, that's certain. But how shall I find out ? I will ask Mr. Bentley — he can tell me something more upon the subject — but then he's a Protestant, why should I go to him? Mother thinks the Protestants are bad people." It so happened that Mr. Bentley was either not to be seen, or too busy for conver- sation, whenever Connell went to market for many weeks, and he had no oppor- tunity to speak with him, as he certainly would have been glad to do, notwithstand- ing his Protestantism : for the burden at his heart grew nothing lighter as time wore on, and he felt that he really needed aid to re- solve his doubts and quiet his anxieties. Another feeling began to be predominant in his breast. If the Bible spoke truly, then 14 inner before God ! i it n<> i !id come short o ry of GodT Did it 11 ^oul that sinncth it shall die?" I ,s settled and grow imosttrou: him. It made him feel unsafe and uncom- fortable, and at times distressed and ring — what could lie do' He knew well enough what the church of B n its doctrines of confession, j . and meritorious acts for the penitent — but somehow he turned with disgust loathing from a system which could not in any wise meet his case. His faith in Ro- manism was shaken to its foundations; but still he found no anchoring place lor his BOUl Be knew not yet what Pro* or Christianity was— a . flgM un- certainty kept his thoughts in perpetual disquietude. He still read the borrowed Bible, an : and the more he read, the mo convinced he became, of the incongr THE BORROWED BIBLE. 35 between its teachings and those of the church. Which then was right? Which wrong ? Which was true 1 Which false 1 — for both could not be. The troubled state of his mind and heart began to be apparent in his countenance. He grew pale and thin — strength and appe- tite diminished. Bessie was a kind and tender mother, and dearly loved her first- born. She began to be alarmed at the change, and thinking he had been over- tasked, she insisted that he should be al- lowed time to recruit. Connell protested that he was well and in no need of recrea- tion — he would much prefer to work as he was accustomed to do ! — It availed nothing with Bessie. " Come, boy — you needn't stand there talking — you arn't going to work one stroke this day — just go and rest and amuse yourself." " But, mother, the potatoes " "I and the girls will go into the potato patch before you shall, Connell, dear," in- terrupted the kind Bessie, decidedly. " It's 86 THE BORROWED BIBLE. r be look ggard-like. away lo round, or n about to offer but Bessie stamped to loot. " Hirer a word — nil I know better than yourself how you ought to look ! Haven't 1 watched that lace of yours I since n was no bigger than the palm of hand I It's no use talking— -hut. 1 say, go and enjoy yourself, and let tl, back to y I, and the spark to your eyes ! Out, I say to | But ( 'mined moved reluctantly to do her bidding. He longed to tell her that it the mind, instead of the body, which need- ed medicine and repose. But he knew full well it would only bake and displeasure, so he resolved still to p his secret, and went forth obediently from the oottage. But a day of release from toil did n may well i tion from inward purturhation. It only allowed THE BORROWED BIBLE. 87 a more direct and continued subjection to its powers, and Connell grew more heart- sick, the less his hands were employed. " How can I enjoy myself?" he said to himself, as he sat down on a stone by the road-side — "I wish I had never seen the Bible — I was happy before, and merry all day long. Now — oh, how Thave to think, and think, and never stop — how wretched it makes me, and then to have such terrible forebodings ; — c after death the judgment !' Oh, I am afraid I shall finally sink into the perdition of ungodly men — for certainly I have done nothing but sin, sin, sin all my life ! Oh, where shall I go and what shall I do?" Tears dropped from poor Connell' s eyes, but just then that beautiful and encour- aging invitation of the dear Saviour occurred to him — "Come unto me all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls." "This is what I want! This is just 38 ;: borrow i:d bible. what I want," said feet; * ame tile into tin- highwa here FM, and passed on without observing hfan. " That's Father Gasheen— and he has propped a parcel in crossing the stile — I'll make haste, and hand it to him before he misses it." Connell picked up a small packae looked like a book, and hurrn Gasheen. In a lew minutes he overtook him. 11 Does this belong to you, sir •" be in- quired, respectfully taking off his hat, and holding out the bundle. H~OouneU th— hew do you do to-day? N . where did you find it, my hoy /—you are very Id indeed." " I saw you drop it when y.»n ran; ilir stile, sir.'' n^ it to the pri( THE BORROWED BIBLE. 39 "I am very much obliged to you, cer- tainly. I should have been sorry to lose my new Bible !" " Bible !" repeated Connell, for ne word was electrical with him. " Oh, I am very glad I found it for you, sir." Something in the tone or manner of the youth, as he said these words, made Father Gasheen look more intently in his face. It struck him as presenting an unnatural ex- pression. " You are not well to-day, are you, my boy?" inquired the priest, kindly. " Yes, sir, quite well, but " Connell hesitated — Father Gasheen be- came more observant of him. "But what, Connell? Something goes wrong with you to-day ; tell me what it is. You look ill, too — what troubles you, my son?" Father Gasheen spoke very feelingly, and our poor youth was quite overcome. His long pent-up emotions struggled for vent. Tears flowed afresh, while he laid 40 TUB BORBOWBD BIBLE. mi troubli It was a unusual condition in of Ins parish. uch •n instance be! •• What do you mean, Conneli ly understand — what have you be< : You must come to confession. I am sure so good a boy as you can't have commit a very crying sin. Come, my son — our holy church will find ready means to C fort and lighten yom And Path Q led him, unresist- ing, into his own house, which they had by this time reached. \v, sit down, my child, and tell me all about it: what is it th; you unhappy?" But Connell did not re] 1 not really know h •• You are old enough fi after wail minutes— M 1 think the THE BORROWED BIBLE. 41 of that duty will tend to your comfort. I suppose you wish to do like other Christ- ians, don't you?" " I wish to be a Christian first, and then act like one," replied Connell, modestly. " Yes, very good, my dear, but you were baptized in infancy." "I fear I am no Christian, if I were," persisted Connell — " I feel it, and know it, sir !" "But don't you suppose we know best about that? The church declares " "But what does the Bible say about it, sir?" interrupted Connell, more courage- ously. "The Bible, Connell, the Bible!" re- peated Father Gasheen, opening his eyes very wide; "what do you know about the Bible ?" " I have read it through, sir, every word of it," replied he. The priest's countenance instantly lost its bland expression. He looked astonished and displeased, but remained silent for bat kind of a i Dg I and where did y Council knew be had gon< ? hat and ho resolved to speak OOl frankly. "I do not wish to tell how 1 came by it, sir, but it was B it Bible !" " Do your parents know of it. man V 1 as 1 have D< I it to any one but yourself." 11 In that you 1. he : — " yes, you have do: me, and I no 1 jui- etude of mind. Th ndly or presumptuously from the . will find thorns and briars, if not \ \ wolves, ready why have you d . been enticing your .y of your dut\ i whom 1 ha\ i reliance — you, who have nth- THE BORROWED BIBLE. 43 fully instructed by a pious mother ! — I little thought this of you. Connell Carrisworth." 11 But I want more instruction, sir," re- plied Connell, earnestly ; " 1 want to know what is the truth and where to find it. And I feel bound to say, though I do it with all reverence and respect to you, Father, that if the Bible is right, some of the doctrines and practices of our church are wrong!' 5 This was a bold stand for a boy like Connell to take. He could see that it was, by its effect on the priest. " This is sufficiently presumptuous," said he, angrily ; " and it is what I will not allow. You must give up this mode of thinking and talking, and return to your duty. You are in the very jaws of destruc- tion, of apostasy, of heresy — and it is my duty as your spiritual father to rescue you from such a dangerous condition, cost what it may. You must give me up your Bible — you must tell me by what means it came into your possession, and what influences are at work, to turn you away from the true faith, contained only in the Holy Catholic Church?" LOWED BIBLK. the t ithority, with which Father qnai th his indignant glance. had been from his earliest years taught to re him — m 1 him as belonging to some higher order of bei: It is so in all countries and communities where Romanism has the ascendancy. — The priests have almost unlimited control over the people, who arc made to believe they are the direct successors of Christ and the Apostles, and are consequently clothed with