The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-12-09
The Family Altar.

Never shall | forget the first time l
bowed my knee at the Family Altar.
Being somewhat out of health last year,
l left the city to spend few months in
the country, by the advice of my physi-
clan. / visited a relative who resides a
short distance from the city. left
home, careless sinner. 1 had been,
and was then taking broad strides in the
road which leads to death. l spent my
precious time in devising plans for the
comfort of my poor body, without think
ing / had an immortal spirit to save, and
fit for the sky. 1 was constantly treas
uring up wrath against the day of wrath.
On the morning after my arrival, |
arose as usual, without thanking God for
preserving my worthless life during the
night. / was soon summoned with the
rest round the "Famiy Affair."" and
with them, for the first time, bowed my
knee in prayer; but while they were Of
fering their morning sacrifice, | was
thoughtless and unconcerned-merely an
idle looker-on. In this manner | passed
five months. When about returning to
this wicked, but highly-favored city, my
kind relative offered prayer up in my be-
half. O, how affectiouately did he pray,
that my defenceless head might be COW
cred with the shadow of Jehovah s wing.
He prayed that | might be snatched as
brand from the burning, aud that |
might know no rest till found it in Je-
suS; that l might be induced to lay my
weapons of rebellion at my Saviour's
feet, and be resolved to
Fight against my God no more"
His prayer was heard and answered.
| returned to this city, an awakened
though not a converted sinner. | saw
my lost and ruined condition while wan
derlng far from God, but soon mixed
again with the gay world. | left no
means untried to drive from my mind
the mountain weight which oppressed me
so sorely. The " Family altar" was
ever present to my view. The prayers
which had been offered in my behalf
were ever ringing in my ears. My
worldly associates-they who had been
the happy and joyous companions of my
boyhood hours they who, like myself,
had their affections set on the world
they. with whom l had passed many
festive night at the bacchanalian board,
hailed my return with great pleasure,
and threw their arms open to receive me.
My feelings were indescribable l dared
not tell them what was passing in my
breast. They soon, however, decoyed
me into their ranks; but ga thousand
stings within my breast were depriving
my soul of ease" [ saw my lost and
undone condition, while wandering from
God, but was ashamed to own Him whom
angels delight to praise. l knew not
what to do. The Holy Spirit strove with
me, day and night. 1 continually be-
held the Saviour of mankind nailed to
the accursed tree. l constantly heard
His voice ringing in my ears. This is
the way, walk ye in it," My feelings at
last became too powerful longer to stiAe.
saw that, if ashamed to confess Jesus
Christ and Him crucifed before men, He
would be ashamed to acknowledge me be-
fore His Father which is in Heaven. /
resolved to seek my souls salvation and
on Thursday evening, January 9Th, 1912,
l first bent my knee at the altar of God,
in the character Of an humble penitent,
crying
"Here Lord, I give myself away,
IT'S all that can do"
l found, on taking up what consid
cred cross of mountain weight, that my
Saviour bore the heaviest part. | also
soon found peace and joy in believing.
l found Him whom my soul desired to
love. The sun of Righteousness arose
in my heart, and turned my darkness
into day!
"My chains fell off, my soul was free"
l went forth, determined to follow my
Saviour through evil as well as good re-
port. Although more than year has
passed, l am still happy in Saviour's
love. have hope in my heart, full of
Immortality and eternal life, and this
hope l would not relinquish for ten thou
sand worlds.
I have sought pleasure in every form.
1 was nursed in the lap of plenty, having
at my disposal almost all which this world
can give. My associates were those who,
like myself, imagined they were gather
ing honey "from every opening flower" ;"
But l have learned, and 0 that they
might learn, that
Each pleasure has its poison too,
And every sweet snare.
| now know where true happiness is
to be found, and l rejoice that. though
unworthy, feel that my name is regis
tered in the Lambs book of life, and
4 .c IL llaa..Ll.. lA.nA G 4L;n 20 hnr