I had forwarded my protest to the French government, and the strongest remonstrances had been sent to Paris by my dear brethren of the Evangelical Alliance, yet there appeared to be no prospect of my release; but I may say, with sincerity, that since I have consecrated my life to the Christian ministry, so long as I am engaged in its service I am satisfied. I was now in the full exercise of this ministry during my imprisonment, and no one who has heard my narrative can doubt the satisfaction it gave me. Thus far, therefore, I was contented with my situation; and if I could have supposed that the Roman government would not alter it, but that I might continue to pursue the same course, I should in truth have besought both God and men to leave me in it; because I might perhaps have been more useful, imprisoned in Rome, than at full liberty elsewhere. But the priests were tired of enduring my boldness and audacity. They took it as an insult to them, that I continued in prison to repeat the very same offences for which I had been incarcerated. All my friends declared to me, that I must either be released and sent out of Rome, by the contrivance of foreigners, or that I should be put out of the way altogether, by the priests themselves. Reflecting on this idea, I began to think whether it was the will of God my life should be sacrificed; but a voice within seemed to tell me--no. I had done too little, as yet, to see my work so soon crowned with success. It was the 24th of December--a solemn day in Rome, full of kindly feelings as well as of superstitious observances. On this day good wishes are exchanged and presents made amongst friends; favours are granted, and the boon that should then be asked it would be deemed a sin to deny. We prisoners wished happiness to those who opened our doors, and they cheerfully returned our salutations. My good gaoler, full of benevolence, came to me before I had risen. "Good morning," said he, "and better luck; I bring you good news." "What news?" said I. "An order is come from the French general Baraguai d'Hilliers, to let two gentlemen speak with you--undoubtedly two of your friends; and what is still more satisfactory, it is with the consent of the cardinals." "Do you know the names of these friends of mine?" "Only one of them, 'Doctor Bambozzi and companion,' so it is written." "My dear fellow, do you really believe these can be my friends? If they were so, do you think the cardinals would let them speak to me? They did not give this permission to those two who posted all the way from England and France to obtain it. I do not know who Doctor Bambozzi is, and I cannot imagine what he can want with me." "But if they be not friends, what can they be?" "Enemies, assuredly. No person sent by the cardinals can have any occasion for an order from a French general."