Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-07-14

| THE ExHoRrATIoN. II is not often, that
we obtrude upon the devo,ions Of those who
worship the Almighty, at those seasons Of the
twenty four hours, when most men retire to
their pillows for reireshnent and repose, but it
so happened, that in the course Of the last
week, we were led by business 10 the vicinity
Of one of those temples, where the disciples Of
the meek and lowly Nazarcnc, oiicr up their
devotions TO the Lord OF Hosts; and being
prompted by curiosity, VIC entered the sanci..-
AIRY, to witness the devotions of those who
were engaged in worshipplng tie Saviour Of
mankind, and the everlasting Creator Of the
Universe.
As we entered, young lad, probably ofthc
age of fourteen or fifteen, whose haxen head,
| and mild blue eve, spoke volumes in favour Of
his sincerity, rose, and in an embarrassed man
ner, began to address the audience and to
bear witness TO what the consultations Of the
gospel, had done for his happiness. and what
he believed they would do, to secure his hap
piness in that world, Of which We know moth
ing, and whose existence is involved in all the
mazes of inexplicablc darkness.
At fret, his feelings choaked his utterance,
but ut last gaining confidence, through the
kindness of the congregation, and the atten-
ton and silence that was manifested in his be-
half, he fearessy went on, and spoke in Ian
guagc, which carried conviction to the heart,
and conv need the bcholdcr of the sincerity Of
| the youthful and unsOphisticafed speaker.
We will not pretend TO give his exac: words
but he said in substance, that though yet
Il boy, he had experienced the goodness ofthe
creator, and the RcdeemeI of mankind, and
he hoped he should not live to be ungrate-
fiil to the gver Of every good and perfect gift,
for the blessings he enjoyed. "Of all 9TH
ers," continued the young speaker, 81 should
be the most grateful to my Heavenly Father,
for he has done all for me; and am happy.
When yet an infant, my dear father--oh how
loved him, was torn from me, and perished
upon the seas, leaving my good mother and
myself to combat with the ills of life, and tho
| ,old heartedness Of the world. Mother, aided
| by the protecting hand Of Heaven, for num-
ber Of years, till | was quite boy, laboursd
almost necessarily for my support; but at last, +,
| weary with the cares Of the world, and borne
| down by oppressive misfortunes, was stricken
with disease, and fell too soon, martyr to her
zeal in my behalf we'll remember when she
dicd;- oh, it was dreadful day, and ere the
last remnant Of life was tom from her, she fee
biz beckoncd me 20 her bedside, and with her
clay cold hand grasped mine, and bidding me
place nv head to hers, thus addressed me-"
81 am sensible, that am now OH the very
parapet OF tue grave; in a few moments shall
u
mothers blessing, and listen 10 her advice
When am gone. be faithful, kind and obedi-
ent 10 those under whose protection you may
fall, shun evil society and 1--we for YOURSELF and
to worship your creator. If you are unhappy
and involved in difficulties, bear your misfort-
unes with fortitude, and 90 to the throne Of
grace, for aid and comfort. Let the bible he
your guide; and remember, that it is the pre-
cepts Of the gospel, that can alone render you
happy; and that life Of virtue must yield ce-
's,tiaI bliss Place your reliance in the promises
Of the Rcdeemer, and be assured, tha: he will
abundantly pardon all that come to him with
meek and contrte hearts; all who seek for
redemption for salvation "Again she press
cd my hand, aud as her spirit winged its way
for heavens tear stole slowly from her eyelid;
f6ndly gazcd upon me, and then fell into cter-
| nal sleep then thought should never for
get the dying advice of mother, but alas! too
soon was lead astray, when deprived Of her
| protecting care; and associatng with bad
boys, became exceedingly wicked; neglected
my duty, visited improper places, and spent my
time in idleness. One night as laid upon my
pillow, [ though saw my mother before me,
| on her death bed; and whilst her face was
bafhed in tears, she reproa ached Inc for my con-
duet, and babe me repent, apply to/thc foun-
tain Of grs c Tor mercy ana forgiveness, or all
was lost Horror-stricken awoke, and whilst
COLL lrop' of swca. Immersed me, vowed that
ia sin no more and falling upon my nee Z, m
plorcd the God Of all grace to pardon me and
spare me from impending ruin. My prayers
we're e1isencd to; and nov thank heaven that
my sins have been pardoned that was once
wrctched and distressed, am now cheerful and
happy, and each returning sun, introduces a
still more happy morning. ! labour with
cheerfuness, my tolls are pleasures to me, and
reposing in the provinces Of Heaven, / can
now confidently look forward to those happy
regions, where the sufferer finds repose, where
pain never enters, and promises myself seat
in the high courts Of Heaven. If there are
here, any who would scoff at the value Of re-
ligion. would assure them that il is a pearl
Of inestimabIe value that it produces all that
the heart can thirst for, and that il is not that
mere ideal III ng that mere phantasv, that scep-
tics would make it. He continued to exhort
youth to repent, at great length, till overcome
by his feeling; and being by reason ofhis tears
almost deprived of utierance, he resumed his
sent, and when he recovered, in a soft, melo-
dious voice, cbaunted hymn Of praise 10 the
ruler Of the universe.
He that could behold this interesting lad,
and not be convinced that a belief IN modern
christianity affords inexpressible consolation,
must have been cold and dead 10 conviction; (;
and we were half inclined 10 say with u.