opened a conference on religion and began by expressing his astonishment that a man of such abilities, and so much apparent candour, should give his assent to the gross errors of the Church of Rome. He rehearsed the usual charges of superstition, idolatry, &c., to which the priest listened with the utmost composure, and then contented himself with giving a fair and dispassionate statement of the real doctrines of the Catholic Church. Mr. Colegate, though far from assenting to all that was alleged, discovered in what he said sufficient reason for making further investigations. The study of French was now laid aside, and religion became the sole subject of his conferences with his French Preceptor. After a diligent perusal of books of controversy and instruction during some months, and most earnest prayer to be guided to the truth, young Colegate found every doubt removed, every difficulty cleared up, and his animosity against the religion of his tutor changed into a fixed conviction of its truth, and at once he resolved to become a Catholic.
In order that his determination might not be thwarted by his friends, he one night privately quitted home, and having proceeded on foot to Canterbury, took his place on the first coach to London where, on his arrival, he directed his steps to the residence of Dr. Douglas. The Bishop received the young and earnest convert with every mark of kindness, caused his religious instruction to be completed and then admitted him a member of the Catholic Church. Soon after he was sent to the College of Old Hall Green, but as this was a situation in which he might be molested, he was thence removed to Lisbon, where he arrived February 19, 1802. From Lisbon he sent the first account to his friends of his change of religion and of the motives by which it had been wrought, and pleaded his cause so well, as to obtain their forgiveness if not their approbation.
After completing his studies he was ordained priest, and retained in the College as Prefect or Superintendent of the Academy, in which office he continued till his
