Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1857-03-19

=
handing him note, which. he said. con-
tanned the text.
The preacher, without word, received
the pa per, and passed into the pulpit. On
opening it, ne found, w-itten-'A horse IS a
ud in thing for safety;' Ps. SO: II.
The Introductory services by the elderly
Clergyman being completed, the young
preacher arose, with his little Bible in one
hand, (ss was his wont0 he read the text,
from the paper which he held open. in the
other He proceeded to state, briefly, the
circumstances of his receiving it, naming
the source whence it came, which seemed
little to disturb the equilibrium of that per-
sonage. The speaker added. that he felt
some hesitation in making tbs attempt re-
quired, as he had been allowed so short
time to arrange his thoughts; and, as all must
know, he had not an extensive experience
in his calling; but he had finally concluded
to comply. He naturally enough, supposed
that there must be some definite object in
view, in taking this step with him; what 1T
was, of course he could not positively say,
but he hoped it was not simply to trouble
and embarrass him. He could only now
throw himself upon the indulgence of his
sudience, as he had already done upon the
SHE Iding guidance of gracious Providence.
He paused. and silence prevailed through
out the assembly; and rchat a silence! Ev-
cry heart seemed to beat as one, with the
prayer-God help the stripling, and harness
him fo. battle! The minister now proceeded
to call attention TO the text: He first gave
brief, but lucid Introductory view, showing
why the Psalmist adopted this figure; he
wished to admonish Israel, Gods chosen
people, not to resort to merely casual or
physical reliances for defence and protection
against their national foes. Men Of wac,
horses and chariots, would prove but vain
supports, s,inopposition to the will of Heaven.
The sentimen, of the passage was, God,
and not the ioorld, is the foundation Of our
safety and joy.
Iu illustrating this sentiment, allusion was
made to The various appliances of the human
heart, especially to 'the rudim ents ot the
world and not after Christ rather than yieiJ
up its pride and sel6shness to the teachings
and discipline of Gods holy word, and spirit.
The preacher dwelt somewhat minu,ely on
sKEPTIclsN, showing its nature and tenden-
cy to produce and nsurish cautiing habit
| of mind; that it led to Deism, and finally to
dow nright Atheism. These points, he urged
| upon the attention of the hearers. declaring
them vain and dangerous reliances, destroy
ing The bIessedness of life here, and its final
hope hereafter. They were, indeed. home
,hrusts, bul given with SO much fairness u
| sincerity, that neither cur sksptical friend
| nor others had ground of complaint. Under
the circumstances. the discourse was very
impressive and effective Itrealy appeared
to be as we'll arranged, as well argued, aud
as gracefully delivered as any that had
come from this source below.
AS the assembly was preparing to dis
perse, an elderly. gentleman occupying, a
seat in the further part of the house, rising,
said: Let us noaO return, gfving thanks to
God, for a great battle has been fought to-
nisht, and The victory nom To which
more than single hearty Amen was re-
sponded. .....
The Young preacher returned to his lodg-
ings, much oppressed in spirit. Oh! he ex-
claimed. to his host, why have | been thus
sorely tried tonight! Bat must leave all
with Infinite Wisdom. | am persuaded 'the
end is not yet He went W cary and sad to
his pillow, yet hopeful. Ere the Jay had
fully dawned, the gentleman of the house
! was aroused by a knock at the door. On
opening it, he was not little surprised at
seeing his skeptical neighbor standing with
out, and who instantly asked, Where is
the young preacher. must see aim
He retired weary, and | AN not willing
to disturb him, at this hour will bear TO
him any message which you may desire, at
proper time
No lips but mine, replied the visitor,
must utter what wish TO say to him. 4
must see him -........
trouble him further now!'
Don't talk so,' he quickly answered,
lead me to him. s
Stay moment. will first see him. and
return said the host. .
4 The voices below stairs, had awakened
II the preacher, and he was already up. On
being told, what was the matter
/, sLet him come in, by all means,' was the
response. -
As the visitor entered the room of the
minister, the latter Immediately arose and
extended his hand to him.
, He touched it not, nor uttered syllable,
: But throwing his arms around the preach
er's neck, and dropping his head upon his
/, shoulder, amidst tears and sobs, he cried
/ Forgive me, dear sir, forgive me! fmean'
it for evil, but the Lord for good
!. .VeriIy, there is a God in Israel! How
true, God, not the ucerld, is the fountain ,;
i our safety and joy
fl mo sleep, he continued, 'have these poo
/, ewes had this night. have struggled ant
: prayed for many hours. Iwaited as long a
7 | could, Tor day Wight to appear, ere ven
? ,ured to disturb you. | hope you ll-par
81 don me-
: lsSay no more of my forgiving you for th
/, CALI replied The preacher. Il am mos
: happy to meet you thus. You are given nj
4 much joy. And really, have you discover
ed the iniqu:ty of your own heart! and d.
= you adore the Savior?
d i have come to tell you,' said the con
: vert. that am all nep, in my mind; an
It that with Cots help, from this time, to M
life's end, hold myself bound, by cords o
;, eternal love, to serve that Jesus whom yo
p preach, and whom now receive as my on
n ly Savior and Lord. shall endeavor, a
lar as able, to make amends for the wron
r that has flowed from my pernicious senti
i ments, which have not scrupled to dis
e seminate everywhere, and especially anon
q the Young men of my acquaintance. | ar
l. sincere, my friend,' he continued, 'and sha
ID lay out myself for the accomplishment {
al this DUTY. owe it to God, and to thos
fe whom have misled.' - .'-'.- -.