Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1852-1852, 1852-04-27

solitude, mental activity essential to his comfort,
but that activity of mind consuming his frail bo-
dv! Who will deny that man may have within
his own breast the elements of hell? How re-
freshing to spirit oppressed with sense of sin
and struggling to measure the import Of the
word remorSe-how refreshing the thought, "but
l have looked to the Lord Jesus Christ, and hope
have obtained pardon" For many years,
John Randolph was an infdcl; but he cherished
high regard for DR.. Moses Hoge and Rev. Mr.
Meade, and in late years often heard them preach.
To his friends, Mr.. Frantcis S. Key and DR..
Brackenbrough, he professed to have experienced
conversion. lie says, "Of the necessity for for
givness, | have the strongest conviction; | am in
the worst conceivable situation as it respects my
internal peace and future welfare. | have hum
bly, sought comfort where alone it is to be OBJ
tanned, but without success. The solitude ofmy
own dwelling is appalling to me. TO me the
world is a vast desert, and there is no merit in
renouncing it, sine" there is no difficulty; better
world is necessary refuge, but cannot embrace
it. My black and dismal thoughts so weigh me
down, that / cannot escape from them. If there
breathes creature more empty Of enjoyment
than myself, sincerely pity him. My opinions
daily become more unsettled, and the awful
mystery which Shrouds the future alone renders
the present toerable. The darkness ofmy house
has thickened into the deepest gloom. In this
world, all my efforts have proved abortive;
have no longer friend"
Such was the language, as quoted from his
letters during the years 1916 and 1917. In
1918, his mind was in worse state, if possible
Religion was the absorbing subject as his medi-
tations. He became the victim of the deepest
melancholy His fliends endeavored to allevi-
ate the agonies of his mind, but in vain. The
light shone upon the darkncss-from the bottom
ofhell, he mounted to the third heavens. While
ascending the peaks of Otter, the highest point
of the Blue Ridge Mountains he found the Foun-
tain Of living waters. Congratulate me, dear
Frank, wish me joy you need not ; give it you
cannot. l am at last rcconciled to my God, and
have assurance of his pardon, through faith in
Christ, against which the very gate of hell cannot
prevail. Fear hath been driven out by love. |
noC knov that you knoao how feel and with
in month, for the first time, understand your
feelings and character, and that of every real
Christian. Let Meade know the glad tidihgs.
The consequences that have experienced, that
know feel, in that sunshine of the heart, which
the peace of God that passeth all understanding
alone can bestow. Mine has been no sudden
change ofopinion. I can refer to a record, show
inc desire of more than nine years standing
although, for twenty years preceding, my feet
had never crossed he threshold Of the house Of
prayer. The consummation of my conversion is
owing to variety Of causes-Real converts to
Christianity agree at the same moment to the
same fact now read with relish, and under
stand St. Paul's Epstles, which, not long since,
could not comprehend. Taking up, few days
ago, the life of JOHN BUNYAN,I find an exact
cyinc;dence in our feelings and opinions on this
head, as we'll rs Others"
Such was the language ofJohn Randolph du-
ring the latter part of the year 1918; but he re-
turned to public life, the intensity Of his feelings
often betrayed him into intemperate language
and cxtravagant conduct, and indeed, the eNter
nal deforlnities of character grew more marked
aud striking though he never relaxed his efforts
to overcome and correct the unfortunate def
ciencies of his nature.
In May, 1910, he compared the business and
pleasures Of life to the game of pushpin of the
little negroes at the corners of the streets; and
adds 81 have made vile return for the good
ness which has been manifested toward me; but
| still cling to the cross of my Redeemcr, and
with G"d's aid, firmly resolve to lead life less
unworthy of one who calls himself the humble
follower of Jesus Christ. Many passages Of the
Psalms seem written right at me- 1t is there
that l find my sin and sorrow depicted by fel-
low-sufterer; and there, too, | find consolation"
In 1920, in consequence of the excitement in
Congress on account of the Missouri Comprom-
ise, and the unfortunate death of his friend, Com.
Decature, Randolph's feelings defed, for time
the controlling influence of his will his words
and conduct became extravagant, the nicely
balanced machinery of mind having lost its reg
ulator, went whiring and dashing in mad dis
order" and the ignorant multitude, without
sympathy with his delicate but overtaxed sensi-
bilities, proclaimed "he man IS mad" Though
there was "mcthod in his Madness" many facts
tend to show that the mind had lost its balance
but during the summer the excitement subsidcd,
and in November he was in Washington, "him-
self again." but more than ever the terror of his
political opponents, WHO, while they respected
his arguments, and admired his eloquence, quailed
before his whitening sarcasm. lie became more
misanthropic. A few expressions, selected from
many letters, may show his state fmind: "lIeart-
less intercourse which prevails in what is called
the world In our day Of almost universal polit-
ical corruption. The hucksters and money
changers Of the Temple of Justice. There is no
faith among men. | have made up my mind to