This, I say, is a peculiarity in my
nature, a gift of the God that made me; but, whether or not given
me for a blessing, He knows Himself, and so do I. At all events, I
have this privilege, I can never be mistaken of a character in
whom I am interested."
"It is a rare qualification," replied I, "and I would give worlds to
possess it. Then, it appears that it is needless to dissemble with
you, since you can at any time extract our most secret thoughts
from our bosoms. You already know my natural character?"
"Yes," said he, "and it is that which attaches me to you. By
assuming your likeness yesterday, I became acquainted with your
character, and was no less astonished at the profundity and range
of your thoughts than at the heroic magnanimity with which these
were combined. And now, in addition to these, you are dedicated
to the great work of the Lord; for which reasons I have resolved
to attach myself as closely to you as possible, and to render you
all the service of which my poor abilities are capable."
I confess that I was greatly flattered by these compliments paid to
my abilities by a youth of such superior qualifications; by one
who, with a modesty and affability rare at his age, combined a
height of genius and knowledge almost above human
comprehension.
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