The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1860-02-17
8fliaious 8fadin9.
From the Sunday Times.
The Self.Deceived.

deep, tender affection which always exists be-
tween teacher and scholar when both try to
do their duty. -,
In the spring Of 1856, the influences Of the
Holy Spiri, descended upon that Sunday
school like the gentle dew. The lambs Of
the flock were the special subjects OF the gra-
cious visitation, ard very many were gather
ed into the saving embrace OF the Oood
Shepherd.
As means of grace, chidren's prayer
meeting was established, which proved SO et-
fvctual III the con, FL sion vi souls, that those
who came con>idele ed themselves Committed
to the work Of seeking TIE pear: vt great
price. Some weeks passed before Mary
could be induced to attend at length, thro'
the earnest en,,earies OF her pious mother.
and tn. peadings OF her Eewly converted
companions, she came, aid soon protested TO
have passed from death unto life. So uni
form and consistent had her life always been,
that no sr, at external change was expected.
nor WAS there any apparent, except III her
more faithful attendance upon all the means
OF grace.
About three months after her professed
conversion. removed to neishhoring city,
and just before leaving, said t. her, Mar!
are YOU sure YOU are ii christian ;"
Calmly. and without hesitation, she an
swered Yes
lis it not. then, your duty to unite with
the church 2" asked.
Il DO not know" she said, II have not
thought about it,"
Twill YOU think OF it. and make it the sub
ject of special pra!er:'
She promised to do so, and we parted.
Il want very much to come aud spend the
Sabbath with !ou,' said Mary. when We a.
gait met, Il want to have long talk with
YOU"
\ few weeks after, she came; quiet and
gentle as usual, but sadder than had ever
before scen her.
Never shall forget that Sabbath Before
church, i'll the morning, we were conversiEg
on religious subjects, when Mary turned to
me anG asked, with unusual carnestness
do you think am Christian ?"
repiied,"I don't know; wha: do you
think -
Il have doubted ever since you spoke to
me about uniting with the church," rhe re-
piled.
Ibid YOU seek divine guidance, as re-
que>ted?" asked.
YES"
Thinking perhaps her extre ne difidence,
and the consciousness that it was the duty OF
all Christians to make put lie profession Of
their faith in CHRIST, might have led her to
doubt, | merely said, Ill certainly is not your
duty to enter the church in your present
state of mind; We will talk more OH the sub
ject this afternoon"
Very soon after our return from church, we
retired to my room, locked the door, and on
our knees besought divine assistance on the
work before us. 10 me it was fearfuily
solemn time. knew the impliciscontdence
she placed III my Judgment; knew that &C.
cordlng to my decision would be her own
hopes OF Aviation; an immortal human soul
was placing Itself in my hands, and dared
not refuse the responsibility How precious
then was the thought that might lean on
an arm of Infinite strength, and grace was
given to rest there.
Now, my dear Mary" said I, when we a.
rose from prayer. clay aside all thoughts OF
church membership, and tell me YOUR tho'ts
feelings, and motives of action, as plainly as
YOU can. and we will see what are your evil
dtnce> OF change Of heart. We are emlirrl,
Tree from interruption, and have all this o,ig
Sabbath afternoon To devote to this subject"
After ii pause of few minutes, she said,
Il cannot express nv feelings; will YOU ex-
plain them Ior me aud will tell YOU il they
are correct.
Hele was a new difficulty in nv wav. How
Could l SD present the false and the lrue,that
her mind Mould not he led to answer accord
ing I" Judgment rather than truth? Yet
little Conversation showed me that she was
rc"li. unable to express the conflicting emo
tlon> Ut her mind. aud | undertook the ditti-
cult aud delicate task. Surely divine grace
was given. Never before did | have suci,
clear ,l"~s of the possibility. nay. without
great care. the probability, of mistaking con-
'lclio"> OF Sill. and knowledge ot duty, for
genuine love to Christ. ard faithfully was the
work done, though cv,r. probing pierced my
own suu! also.
Mary, during the long three hours of our
conversation, never iiiuched, never shrank
from views OF motives and feelings winch
Wounded pride and DESTROYED seli-loye.
hen all had been SAID, when every view
81 TIE suhjec, that could be devised had been
presented. again she turned that thrilling
Searching looL upon ne. and asked, do you
now think am Il Christian, ,"
Nv hat TO Yourself think. Mary - said |.
Il do not think am She replied sulrmn-
ly.
where was your mistake ~ ! INQUIRED.
Il m!st""k cJn.lc,Iu OF sin and "a knowi-
edge Ut my duty Ter real conversion. re-
so..ed To do every known duly. and though,
love 10 Christ would he the consequence
But iind that never surrendered nv uiU
l have not done religious duties from a love
for them. but because thought | must, or
perish. The service of God is rot delight.
No. TO, am not Christian"
My own judgment echoed the correctness
OF her decision, and with deep solici,ude I
warned her that her immortal interests were
still in jeopardy, and besought her now, tina,
she saw her mistake, to come to Jesus in the
only acceptable manner, giving herself up to
HIM without one mental reserve. She was
attentive, hut would make no promise. An
almost despairing sadness seemed TO be set.
ting down upon her mind.
"Perhaps you will not like to have ME talk
with you III future as l have in the past"
said.
10 yes, 40 talk with me as you always
have, she replied. but Go not wish 9TH
ers to speak to me about personal piety at
present. she added with a sigh.
by Marys request, informed her young
companions OF her state OF mind. and reques-
tea them not to mention the subject to her.
We all telt the deepest solicitude lest she
should sink into a despairing apathy, and
never more seek to know Christ the cruel