Litchfield enquirer., 1833-03-21

ing which surrounded his bed, he was sur
prlsed to find that Mr.. W. had already
lett the room. By referring TO his watch,
ne found it was yet early. He dressed
hastily, and after performing his morning
devetlons, descended to the parlor, in
which ne had supped on the past evening.
On entering, he was struck at beholding
the reverend gentleman walking backwards
and forwards with agitated action, while
his countenance bore evident expression
OF restessness and irritation.
Captain Arnold courteously bid him n
good morning, inquired ifehe. had
not slept we'll ? 'Slept!' vociferated his
companion, who could sleep, while you
were making fuss with reading and pray
ing all night? 2 He again paced the room
with increasing agitation, while his friend
expressed his sincere regret, If he had dis
torbed him; accompanied with an assur-
ance, that he was not aware that his voice
had even arisen to whisper. Such in
deed was the fact, but without regarding
the apology afforded, or without answering
it, he rejoined-'I pray as we'll as you,
without making all this ado about it, and
that is sufficient The Captain perceiv-
ed, that to enter into discussion on the
point at issue for the present, would pro-
duce TO beneficial effects, and therefore
softening down his offence as much as pos
sible, and bearing with Christian temper
the wrath fhis fellow traveller, he resolved
to watch favorable opportunity, at some
period, to advert to the subject.
They were returning from the second
days journey, when Captain Arnold, who
had been for some time gazing upon and
plying his companion. felt considerably
agitated by the thought of losing tho favor
able, and, perhaps, only opportunity he
might ever have, ofspeaking closely to him
on the subject of religion. He according
ly commenced, and for some time appeared
to be heard with cold Indifference when
suddenly Mr.. W turned half round, as
if indignant at the kindness displayed to-
wards him. The hopes ofthe Captain app
peared all blighted. To pursue his con-
versation further, he conceived would be
in vain, when he perceived his friend place
his elbow upon his knee and leaning his
pale cheek upon his hand, tears which were
sought to be concealed, flowed silently
down. This caught the attentive gaze Of
the anxious soldier. Transporting emo
tons flowed through his soul. He hailed
the noiseless stream as harbinger of COM
ing joy. He did not, however, appear to
observe the tears which fell but left them
to work their own effects, not doubling
that his prayers and exertions had been
rendered instrumental in affecting the mind
Of his clerical traveller.
They reached the inn at which they had
slept the last night but one before when,
on entering the parlor. the first question
asked of the landlord, by Mr.. W, was
is your two-bedded room vacant2' Or
being answered in the affirmative. he
turned to the Captain, and with an affec-
tionate smile, inquired, will you object,
Captain Arnold, to sleep in the two bed
ded room?' mot in the least, my dear
SIR replies his friend. Indeed, If it &C.
cords with your wishes, shall most GER
tainly prefer it.
No further explanation took place, but
after supper they retired, as on the previ-
Gus evening, when, on being left alone, the
clergyman placed his hand on the Captains
shoulder, said in tone Of the most subdu-
ed character, Captain, you know how to
pray yourself, will you pray for me?' AS
constituent and joy mingled their efforts,
and united their influence so powerfully,
as nearly to overcome the pious Captain.
He was unable at first to arliculate sound.
Having somewhat recovered himself, he
affectionately pressed the hand Of Mr..
W, at the same time cougratulating
him on the change which had been wrought
on his mind; and kneeling together, he
wrestled with God for HMM all the elo-
quence of heart felt sensibility-and with
all the irresistibility Of vigorous faith. The
convulsive emotions of the penitent were
seen and audible. They retired, each to
his bed, but not to sleep! No the desire
of W for information was astonishing.
A light surprising the brightness of mid
day sun, had shed its luminous rays across
his mind. Tell me, Captain, about this
new birth, or explain to me what it means.
Never was teacher more successful OF
more happy TO instruct, never was pupil
more anxious to learn, than the Captain
and his friend. The things which had
been taught and listened to as task, nov
appeared to be remembered and under
stood. Apecbliar aptitude to comprehend
the things Of God possessed the mind Of
the convert.
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