chless. He mocked at my
cowardice, and began a-reasoning on the matter with such powerful
eloquence that, before we parted, I felt fully convinced that it was my
bounden duty to slay Mr. Blanchard; but my will was far, very far from
consenting to the deed.

I spent the following night without sleep, or nearly so; and the next
morning, by the time the sun arose, I was again abroad, and in the
company of my illustrious friend. The same subject was resumed, and
again he reasoned to the following purport: That supposing me placed at
the head of any army of Christian soldiers, all bent on putting down
the enemies of the Church, would I have any hesitation in destroying
and rooting out these enemies? None, surely. Well then, when I saw and
was convinced that here was an individual who was doing more detriment
to the Church of Christ on earth than tens of thousands of such
warriors were capable of doing, was it not my duty to cut him off, and
save the elect? "He who would be a champion in the cause of Christ and
His Church, my brave young friend," added he, "must begin early, and no
man can calculate to what an illustrious eminence small beginnings may
lead. If the man Blanchard is worthy, he is only changing his situation
for a better one; and, if unworthy, it is better that one fall than
that a thousand souls perish. Let us be up and doing in our vocations.
For me, my resolution is taken; I have but one great aim in this world,
and I never for a moment lose sight of it."

I was obliged to admit the force of his reasoning; for, though I cannot
from memory repeat his words, his eloquence was of that overpowering
nature that the subtilty of other men sunk before it; and there is also
little doubt that the assurance I had that these words were spoken by a
great potentate who could raise me to the highest eminence (provided
that I entered into his extensive and decisive measures) assisted
mightily in dispelling my youthful scruples and qualms of conscience;
and I thought moreover that, having such a powerful back friend to
support me, I hardly needed to be afraid of the consequences. I
consented! But begged a little time to think of it. He said the less
one thought of a duty the better; and we parted.

But the most singular instance of this wonderful man's power over my
mind was that he had as complete influence over me by night as by day.
All my dreams corresponded exactly with his suggestions; and, when he
was absent from me