American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1857-08-21
. From TIE .imericdn Messenger.
"Hw C)l'l hive Wt0ayel " u &c."

- - '','N " aO'0Nh y y u SUs
In --- Seminary for young Ia
dies, an unusal interest in religion |
had been awakened. "A twilight pray
cr-mecting was held by the young la
dies, and II few from the hitherto tho't-
less had been induced to attend.
"What do You Think" said Sarah
d. to an intimate friend; 81 hear
that Mary r has experienced re-
llgion, as they call it. Such lively,
pretty girl, and so fond of pleasure; it
is too absurd! They tell me she is
going to the meeting to,night and who
hnovs but she may pray2 l have a
mind to 50 myself, just te sec what she
The appointed hour arrived. About
twenty young ladies quietly assembled
IN Il retired, pleasant room. A few
who had manifested no personal inter-
est had been invited, and were present.
The entrance Of Sarah D excl
ted much surprise. With her wontcd
confidence she crossed the room, anu
seated herself beside Mary T.,
"'N iSppilSV SouNcl SatlOll lldu leu
her there.
Hymns were swcctly sung, and pray
ers offered, humble but fervcnt, and
not unfrequcntly accompanied by tears.
1t was blessed sight-that youth.
tul band giving expression to their new
found JOY in thankful prayer and praise,
making supplication with one accord to
their common Saviour for themselves,
and for all. Surely angels gaze with
rapturous delight on such scene and
strike anew their harps crying, Worthy
the Lamb that was slain!
Could Sarah remain unmovcd amid
such soul-stirring influences?
Mary f sat tremblingly beside
her; she longcd to unite her voice with
those rejoicing sisters, but how could
she find courage to pray in the pres
ence Of Sarah! The temptcr strived
to still her beating heart by assurances
that duty did not require it; but love for
Jesus ovcrcamc his persuasions.
She knelt and had just family called
the name of "Father," when bust of
laughter came from Sarah's lips. Oh,
how irreyercnt and cruel it seemed to
that worshipping circle; they trcmblcd
for their newborn sister, but more for
her who had given such evidence of ut
ter recklcssncss. 10 their glad surprise
Nlary's voice became stronger, and
earnestly she besought forgiveness for
all present; expressing her deopfelt
gratitude to God for his mercy with
such tenderness and childliko Simplicity,
that nearly all were affected to tears.
Ere she closed, Sarah left the room,
and did not appear again that evening.
The next morning the young ladies met
each other as usual, and were associa-
ted together through the day; but Sa-
rah avoided speaking with any scholar
as far as possible, even the friend with
whom she had convcrscd respecting the
meeting. 10 the majority of the school
her conduct was unaccountable, for she
had ever been foremost in their pleas
uro gathcrings-thc gayest of the gay.
Day after day passed, and the change
III her became more and more manifest.
At length, one evening, Mary f
heard faint tap at the door of her
room; she opened it, and there stood
Sarah D. go, Nary" said she,
"this has cost me no ight struggle with
my pride" and burst into tears.
Mary was unused to such scenes, but
her heart was warm and tender, and
she cndcavorcd to soothc the weeping
girl with words Of affection.
Sarah was humblcd, and full con-
fession of her wrong, and entrcaties for
pardon, poured from her lips. Ere they
parted, Sarah had freely unbosomcd
the painful feelings which had harrass-
ed her since the night Of the meeting:
she told her Of the shame that wicked
act had occasioncd her; how wretchcd
she had been; how slccplcss her nights;
how she had sought return Of her
wontcd gaycty and lightncss of heart,
but in vain. "Iour forgiveness is all
| need, | shall be happy now,' she
said, as she rose to GO; but Mary dc"
tanned her. "No, Sarah; mine is read
lily granted, and that of our heavenly
Father will be even more willingly; but
it must be sought"
She hesitatcd. II do feel my need
Of it, Mary; will you pray for mc?"-
They knclt togcthcr-undcr what diff.
fcrcnt circumstances from the week
previous!
ooh, how could have wrongcd you
so, and sinncd against God?' Sarah
replied to Mary'S goodnight" and
Good bless you"
There was cnrncstncss and power in
Mary's prayers that night; and we trust
sincere pcnitcncc in Sarah's soul.
The next evening found them again
side by side at the pray cr.mccting-