THE GUERNSEY LILY. 303 



of D. he had been attacked by cholera, had been 

 in the hospital, as a most desperate case, had been 

 brought through it, and returned to his garret to 

 linger out as before. It did indeed appear most 

 wonderful that such an object could have survived 

 the attack ; and unbelief almost repined at it. I 

 mean my unbelief : for O'Neil, though with scarce- 

 ly power to strike his withered hand upon his 

 breast, was as low in self-abasement, as energetic 

 in the faith that is in Christ Jesus, as ever : and 

 no less willing to stay than prepared to go. 



My companion was much struck with the old 

 man ; he talked long, and then prayed with him ; 

 and afterwards added his most unequivocal testi- 

 mony to that of the many who had formerly visited 

 him. It was my last interview with O'Neil ; but 

 I had the comfort of knowing thajfche enjoyed the 

 daily portion of nourishment, and the pastoral 

 cares of his beloved minister. It was a welcome 

 communication which told me, twelve months af- 

 terwards, that he had departed in a state of un- 

 speakable rejoicing, to be with Christ for ever. 

 His death was remarkable for the vivid realization 

 that he enjoyed of future glory, strikingly contrast- 

 ed with the humility and self-suspicion that had 

 formerly characterized him. I remember once 

 taking a Christian divine to visit him, who preach- 

 ed up personal assurance as an indispensable evi- 

 dence of saving faith ; but all his expostulations could 



