The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1857-02-03


was engaged in reading till we had retired
to rest.
In the morning, as soon as we were seated
our friend to ask blessing There, gentle
man. said he, this is the first time ever
made such request; and never, till this
young man came on board, have l been ask
ed for the privilege of holding prayers, though
have thousand times expected it, both on
the sea and the lake; and have as often, on
being disappointed, cursed religion in my
heart, and believed that it was all deluson
Now see the influence of the Bible, and
though | make no claims to religion myself,
respect it, for my parents were Christians;
and though have never followed their coun-
sells, l cannot forget Them
After this, for three days, we regularly
attended family worship, and had much in
teresting conversation on various subjects,
for there was nothing in the religion Of the
young stranger to repress the cheerfulness Of
social intercourse. From his familiarity with
the Bible, his readiness in truths and present.
ing its motives; and from his fearless, but
judcious persevering steps, We concluded that
he was minister of tho Gospel. From all
he saw, he gathered laurels to cast at his Ma
ker's feet, and in all his movements aimed
to show that eternity was not to be trified
with. A few hours before we arrived in port
we ascertained that he was a mechanic.
When we reached the wharf, the captain
came forward and with much feeling bade
him farewell; declared that he was resolved
TO live as he had done no longer-His wife
he said, was Christian, and he meant to
go and live with her; and added' Il have
had ministers as passengers on my vessel
Sabbath days and week days, but never be-
fore had I been reminded Of the family altar
where my departed parents knclt.' AS we
left the vessel, every countenance showed
that our friend had, by his decided, yet mild
and Christian faithfulness, won the gratitude
of many, and the esteem of all.
We soon found ourselves in canal boat,
where were about thirty passengers ofvarious
ages and characters; and curiosity was not
little excited to learn how my companion
would proceed among them. The afternoon
had nearly passed away, and he had convcrs-
ed with no one bat myself At length he
inquired of the captain if he were willing to
have prayer on board.
Il have no objection said he, if the pas
sengers have none; but shan't attend
AT an early hour the passengers were invi-
ted into the cabin, and in few minutes the
captain was seated among them. After read
ing short portion Of the Scripture, our friend
made few appropriate remarks, and earnest
ly commended us to God.
AS soon as he rose from prayer, a gentle
mai, whose head was whitening for the grave,
Sir, should like TO converse with you.
profess to be a Deist. l once professed reli
gion, but now believe it is all delusion.'
Sir said the young man, l respect age,
and will listen to you but cannot debate,
can only say that must love Jesus Christ.
He died TO save me, and / am great sim
ner.'
Il do not deny that men are Sinners said
the old man, but don't believe in Christ
viii you then tell us how sinners can be
saved in some other way, and Gods law be
honorcdY
We wait in vain for reply, when my
friend proceeded: Not many years since
was an infdel, because l did not love the
truth, and was unwilling 10 examine it. Now
| see nv error; and the more / study the BIZ
bic, the firner is my conviction Of its truth,
and that there is no wav of salvation but
through crucifed Redeemer.'
AS the passengers sat engaged in conversa-
ton, one of them at length turned to our
young friend, and related the circumstances
ofa murder recently perpetrated by n man
in the neighborhood, while in fit of ntoxi-
cation. To this all paid the strictest atten-
ton. The captain joined them to hear the
story, the conclusion of which afforded an op-
portunity TO begin in his work. He was the
fearless advocate of Temperance as we'll as
religion and here gained some friends in the
cause.
But he said at length, though alcohol
occasions an immense amount of crime and
misery in our world, recollect one instance
Of murder with which it had no connection
He then related nearly as | can remember,
the following story:
I'm populous city at the East, was a man
who seemed to live only for the good of 9TH
ers. He daily exhibited the most perfect
benevocnce toward his fellow men; sought |
out the poor and needy, and relieved their |
wants; sympathised with and comforted the
sick and afflicted; and though he was rich,
his unsparing benefcencc clothed him in
poverty. He deserved the esteem Of all vet |
he had enemies. He took no part in politics,
yet many feared that his generosity was
cokc of ambition, and that he was making
the rcigns Of government. Others feared
that his religious sentiments, connected with
his consistent life, would expose their hyp-
ocrisy. At length mock trial was held by
an infuriated mob, and he was CONDEMNED and
put to deathw
where was that p-'When was itY Who
was it Y-was heard from several voices.
1T was in the city of Jerusalem, and the |
person was none other than the Lord Jesus
Christ. BY his enemies he was hung up
on the cross, and for us, guilty sinners, he
died.
Every eye was fixed upon the young man,
and a solemn awe rested on every countc-
nance. He opened Bible which lay upon
the toblc, and read the account Christ's con
demnation and death; the captain nodded to
him as n si0nal of pravar and we all on our |