As the Rev. William Wilson, of Perth, was passing one evening ·along the streets of that town, three soldiers happened to walk behind him who were indulging in the utterance of the most profane and blasphemous language. One of them, on some frivolous account, declared it to be his wish that God Almighty might doom his soul to hell to all eternity. Mr. Wilson, immediately turned round, and with a look of dignity and compassion, said: “Poor, man! and what if God should say Amen, and answer that prayer?” Mr. Wilson passed on. The man seemed to stand petrified, and, on going home to his quarters, was in such distraction of mind and feeling, that he knew not whither to turn for relief. He was soon afterward seized with fever, under which he continued to suffer the most awful forebodings of eternal misery. His case was so singular that many Christians went to visit him, to whom he said he was beyond the reach of mercy. Mr. Wilson was brought, and told him the way of salvation, through Christ crucified, and encouraged him to flee to Him for refuge, to lay hold upon the Hope set before him. His words being accompanied by Divine power, the poor soldier was enabled to believe in Christ, and thus found peace and comfort to his troubled soul.
A. H.