In a lecture on Carlyle, Moncure D. Conway related how the great writer
was interviewed one morning by a very rough man in his neighborhood. A
great revival being in progress in the vicinity, this man, well known as
a very rough and profane fellow, had been attending the meetings and was
"under conviction," as the phrase went. Thinking that perhaps Mr.
Carlyle might be able to give him some good and godly advice, he made a
morning call on the celebrated writer, who unfortunately was just then
enduring a most grievous attack of dyspepsia.
"Good morning, Mr. Carlyle," said the man.
"Morning," growled Carlyle.
"Mr. Carlyle," said he, "I have come to see you this morning about my
soul----"
"And what has gone wrong with your soul, then?" interrupted the man of
letters.
"Why, Mr. Carlyle, I've been such an awful bad man that I'm afraid, if I
were to die, I'd go straight to hell."
"Very likely," was the prompt answer. "Very likely indeed. And, what is
more--you may be very thankful you have a hell to go to, too."