Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1863-11-09

deal worse than that thief, and could con-
sequently receive ne comfort from his
example. He spent sleepIess. and a
mlserabls night; on the morrow whom
be went to his store, and one of his as-
sociates made some light and testing re-
mark about the great revival he re-
phed that ne was going to prayer.meet-
ing that morning at nine o'clock to ask
the church to pray for him.
de had been so bitter in his abuse
OF the meeting, and all concerned in it
for week or two past, that his obser-
vatlon was regarded as an excellent Joke.
and raised quite laugh. But when
ne answered earnestly and with tears in
his eyes, that he never was more serious
m his llte-that he was now convinc cd
that he had been mistaken in his notions
OF religion, and was now going to try to
become christian, it8was like an cleo
tric shock to his audience He, the man
VINO had but the previous evening Off
cred reward of fifty dollars to any one
who would run the visiting ministers
cut ot.town, going up to the church to
De prayed forl They could net believe
the evidences Of their senses. but scan.
ned his cOuntenance eagerly; to see if
some lurking mischief was not concealed
beneath his serious air. Their doubts
were soon dispelled, however, by the
ringing OF the church bell, at the first
sound of which he started home. and
soon returned with his wife and her lady
friend, and proceeded toward the church.
One or two of the most wicked Young
men followed on, to see if he really in
tended to carry out the resolve he had
expressed. They sat at the back of the
church, looking on to see if Moreland
was not still acting out joke, until af-
ter the first prayer. Then he arose and
endeavored to speak, but his tears and
agony rendered his VOICE inaudible, and
ne seated himself again. The minister
then went to him, and taking him kind
ly by the hand, asked what he wanted.
,~ O0 ang thssA. estia14l.-, .ssss
nae, miserable sisaner,f was all he could
articulate. Never have I seen such
sensation produced in an audience as
when the man Of God made this an
neuncement. Some looked incredulous,
others wept for joy, but his wicked
young associates were pale as death
He had been standing in their way, and
| now arrows of conviction went home to
their hearts That night every grocery
keeper, and many of the most wicked,
depraved men in town were up for pray
ner. 1t was all Gods work, but it was
marvellous in our eyes. He came to din.
ner that day, with such a detected coun-
tenance, and eyes all swollen with weep
ing, could not refrain from quoting a
portion of Scripture, which [ thought
| would afford him comfort. But it was
touching upon a fount of sorrow, just
ready to burst its bounds, for he bursted
into tears, and was unable to finish his
dinner. No human means could have
made that proud, erceedingly proud man
weep, but "all things are possible with
God"
For several days he cont tinued in the
same condition, only his distress in
creased rather than diminished. AS hs
} had been open and bold in avowing his
infidel sentiments, having publicly pro-
claimed them On one occasion, when ap
l pointed to make literary address, so he
, was in advocating the religion of Christ
E Though an humble and almost despairin
= penitent himself, he was neither ashame
nor afraid to recant his former opinion
: in any company.
= The first Sabbath after his convictio
n on Thursday night, was an occasion
try his faith, Or rather the strength of hi
e resolution. The house was crowded
q overaewing with people, great many {
e whom were we'll dressed, formal christian
E. and gay young people, who had onl
e come out to make display. Consequen
'r ly everything was as stiff, and cold, al
d formal, as the Sabbath morning servit
N usually is, at " big meetings" when sou
le talented minister has come from di;
n tance to preach. 1t cannot be deni'
as that on such occasions, the people most
sr GO to church to be amused and entertal
IN ed rather than bsneftted. We hard
le expected an offer would be made to tho
ry wanting the prayers of the church
such Estate OCCASION" but it was, a
ly without moment delay Mr.. Morela
Al, arose and walked slowly and deli
he erately to the front bench and took
Is seat. He was the only one in the hou
ID, however, who had the moral courage
M go up before that audiencos for THOU
ais the preacher kept singing and exhorti
u no one else presented himself.
OF After our return from church, | ask
ad Mr. Moreland if he did not find it
DIN we're ordeal to which he replied "
nd net at all. knew there was good The
al and othsrs not approaching II, made