The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1863-02-07
THE HEAVY CROSS.

ssF Z q 81 p q f-.r-
was gay, dissolute young man.
had four companions, apprentices ike my
self who roomed with me at my boarding
house. They were worldly minded fellows,
OF corrupted tastes and irregular habits
a revival was progressing in one of the
churches OF. the town. attended the
meetings, and embraced religion.
One night. as I was returning from the
evening meeting, contemplating Gods good
ness and rejoicing in his love, was sud
denly impressed that I must pray with my
boarding house companions.
No religious requirement could have been
more anWelceme; i was greatly distressed
n mind, On reaching my boarding place,
my sense OF duty became more imperative.
resolved again and again to yield, but the
fear of fidieule as often unsettled nv reso-
ton. L retired without prayer. y I could not
sleep. A feeling of utter desertion seized
me- conscience tortured me like flame,
and1iit reflection how intolerable such mis-.
cry would be throughout eternity, appalled,
me. ,s@ ..gso .l.J ~ II
Z Morning came, usheripg in serene Oc-
tober day. l went to my employment,
realizing the sentiment of Newton rr
Glow tedious and tasteless the hour,
When Jesus no longer I see''
Iattended conference meeting in the even
ing, and theres after great struggle, re-
solved to yield to my conviction of duty.
returned to my companions gayly chatting
over social game. l greeted them cordial
ly, and said: zf.I .a 7sH- 1'' job -
"God, for Jesus Christ's sake, has for
given my sins, and | feel it my duty to pray
with you tonight .,-tf... .l.t.. 10
They sat IN silent establishment for few
moments, when one replied, derisiyely,
''Pray on, brother''' r'
knelt, my heart throbbing violently and
my eyes wet with tears. Ny petition at first
was broken and discursiye, but soon en-
joyed great spiritual freedom-the love of
God filled my soul, and language came free
ly. My ompanions frequently uttered
mock "amens' and "hallelujahs'' l then
arose, filed with deep settled, perfect
peace. -...r,
Ny apprenticeship ended, and parted
from my companions, whose dissolute
course was unchanged. Years passed, and
l lost all trace of them.
/ became clergyman, and travelled
much, preaching to destitute churches. l
had an appointment TO preach to newly
organized church, which, l learned, had
been gathered by avery active and humble
Christian. l was invited to his house. He
was one of my apprentices. His first
words, as We became known to each other,
were:
''Phe prayer that you made in our board
lighthouse chamber that night has been the
means of saving me from ruin, here and
hereafter. The conviction then received
never left me-
l learned from him the residence of an
other Of my companions. l shortly after
paid him visit. He, too, was a believer.
After speaking of religious comforts, he re-
verted to my prayer at our boarding house,
and saidi
''To that. Under the blessing of God,
am l indebted for the conversion of my
SOUL" ..st M
I now earnestly desired to find my third
companion, about whom I could hear moth
ing. l expected to hear from him like
joyful testimony. Not long since I stopped
at dilapidated cottage, and was received
by ragged, filthy man, whose health and
intellect had evidently been impaired by the
bowl. l gave him my name-he started
He at once made. himself known to me as my
old friend. introduced the subject of re-
ligion, and asked him if he remembered nv
prayer SIS a4 7E SOL
Remember it?'' he replied, ''yes yes
1t haunted Inc for years; and if 1 had yield
ed to the impressions it made upon me, l
should not have been the poor, miserable
drunkard am now''
The above sketch the outlines of which
are taken from the experience of an humble
pastor) forcibly illustrates the importance of
yielding to the Holy Spirit. The occasions
on which Christian effort can be made most
successfully are known to him alone who
sees the hearts of men. Special direction
of the Spirit is often attended by trial, but
it ultimately brings to the obedlent Chris
tian the richest reward. ~. Y Independent