Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1844-12-26


10 see my parents, to receive from them the oppo-
siton had supposed, the morrow's rising sun
might behold me dead. and damned, or (as hone
for the moment lighted up the dark scene) some
strange influence, like that which had operated on
me, might awaken my parents and sister, and all
of them, instead of opposing, might possibly ac-
company me home TO heaven. Again. felt that
would pay the price; would have religion. For
the first time IN my life fell on my knees, and
asked God to help me make the sacriice--to dis
pei my darkness, and enable me that nioht so to
repent of my sins. and believe on his Son, as to
be saved. On rising, | felt strengthened to 90
forward. Immediately called Mr.. A. to my room,
and told him my feelings. After giving me suita-
BILE instruction, and telling it was my duty and
privilege to experience saving grace and the evil
dence of it that hour. he proposed to have the
whole family come to my room, and have fami-
ly prayer meeting for me, to which / readily as
sented. The exercises commenced by singing a
few verses which was followed with successive
prayer by all present. While IN prayer | believe
gave up myself, and all my interests, in solemn
covenant TO God. | asked the forgiveness Of nv
mediation of Jesus Christ which doubt not was
granted. The winds were hushed, and the tenn
pest calmed. felt peace that had in it all the
sweetness of heaven ITSELF l then too saw the
depth of the pit from which had been taken
from the total ignorance of having lived more than
sixteen years without much as reading one
verse in the blessed Bible-from the strongest
irrp1juiouc jnAusrcac which ooplJ bo
thrown around me-from my own temple of world
ly ambition--from all this had been rescued By
the mercy of God, by means, it seemed to me. of
special interpostions Of Providence, and was now
placed as lamb in the very bosom of my Saviour.
My flowing tears, for hours, could only give
pressions to the gratitude of my soul. / still saw
before me the same opposition that had before
contemplated; but, 0, to meet it all, or hundred
fold more, for my blessed Jesus, who had done so
much for me, I thought would afford me the high
est pleasure. The following morning I wrote to
my parents, informing them OF my conversion as
simply and frankly possible; also detailing mi
nutely all the circumstances which had led to such
result. expressed my fears that the step which
| had taken would not meet their appreciation, and
solicited a candid investigation of the whole SUBJ
ject before passing upon me final sentence of
condemnation. When my father received the let
ter he was deeply indignant. The following day
he came with his carriage, and took me and all
my baggage home with him. He expressed much
surprise and sorrow that had been so foolish, and
told me that must give it up at once; if did not
it would ruin all my prospects for my life-that
he could not think OF assisting me in course so
directly opposed to his wishes. Soon after our
return home ball was proposed, Qor the purpose
of overcoming my religious, ieelings,) and the fol-
lowing Tuesday evening appointed for it. | ex-
pressed my unwillingness TO be present on such
an occasion, and asked permission to spend the
evening at class meeting. In return | received.
from both parents and sister. nothing but SCOTS,
sneers, and reproaches. When the evening, how
ever, arrived, utterly declined being present, and
did, in fact, go TO class meeting. This exaspera-
ted my father to the highest pitch, and he positive
y declared, that if ! attended another religious
meeting Of any kind he would disinherit me--that
his roof should no longer be my shelter. Though
my grief was inexpressible, still felt determined
to serve God, whatever might be the sacrifice
| / he class meetings OF Inc village were neld on
Tuesday evenings; accordingly, on the afternoon
of the next Tuesday my father came to me with a
large whalebone horsewhp There said he,
Ned, think that viii cure your religion and
keep you from class meeting. Should you con-
clude to go tonight, as you did a week since, a
ganst my wishes, you may rely upon having it
worn up on your naked back in the morning. had
here most severe trial, not in reference TO Inc
whipping but as to what extent | ought to ot,ey my
parents in matters of religion Sheald | obey them
must disobey God. But cor,d not give up al
my meetings and religious privileges, in obedience
to my patents, and Still enjoy religion, After
much prayer, concluded my only way was tC
claim the enjoynen. of all the helps which Goo
had provided me. Should stay from class tha
night, it wouli be considered victory of the whip
and shoald be required at once TO recommends
ny Old course al the same peril. came to tht
! conclusion that it was not my duty to obey my pa
rents, when their requirements conflicted will
those of God and SD with heavy heart ! again
went to class On my way | determined that
would not receive the threatened whipping with