The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1869-08-20
The Shell of Morality.

Some years ago n clergyman IN nelgn-
boring city had in his congregation gen.
tleman Of rare moral worth and intellect
ual culture, with an urbanity Of manner
that was irresistible. Day after day he
sat under the ministry of the word; al
ways in his seat, polite, aflable, interested.
but immovable in the Businesses Of NOR
ality that could not be impeached.
In the providence Of God the pastor was
called to the care of another church in the
same city. What was his surprise to find
his friend had taken pew there. He had
become SO much attached to his pastor
that he could not and would not leave
him. Still he was q weight on that pas
tors heart; friendly visits. religious con-
versation, the most pointed appeals glanc-
ed and rebounded; the man was always
there, II made no difference what kind OF
weather. the same aflablc, gentlemanly
manner, but unmovcd and immovablc rs
adamant.
When addressed personally. he was al
ways ready to admit the necessity of
Christian training. and the beauty Of q
Christian life. He also admitted the de-
prayity of the natural heart; but in his
own individual case, the regenerating In
fluence Of the Holy Spirit was unthought
of.
At length the pastor. wearied with I'M
ayailing efforts 10 arouse him TO n sense
of his true condition, turned reluctantly
away. He made no more pastoral calls,
no more pointed appeals. ale Is joined
to his idols. let him alone.n This state Of
things continued for seven years, and the
pastor felt that his friend was given over
to hardness Of heart, that his she'll Of NOR
ality would never be broken by the gospel
hammer.
One Saturday, when the pastor was in
his study. Mr.-called Mt the door, with
n request to see him. The good mans
time had been broken with unavoidable
calls during the week. 1t was Saturday.
and he was not prepared for the Sabbath.
He had given orders not to I've disturbed.
Still Mr.-was there.
IF your business is not very urgent"
said the pastor, ''could you rs well put it
of till Monday' l am very busy to-day.
l shall have plenty of leisure them"
Yes said the gentleman, i can wait.
Still he hesitated, while there was that in
his countenancc which betrayed anxiety.
At length, the pastor, seeing the distressed,
hcsitating look. said: III your business is
very urgent, Mir, come In"
III may be pardoncd.' replied the gen.
tleman. for intruding upon your time,'-
and throwing himself into q chair, he
burst into tears.
What is the matter3 What has hap
pened3 cried the pastor. Has misfortune
overtaken youP Any disaster happened
to your beautiful family'
Nothing Of that responded the gentle
man. trying to stay his tears and speaking
brokenly; Il have come to say that what
you have so often told me Is true. i am
a helpless, wrctehed, undone sinner. I
want YOU should pray with me-
The pastor was nearly rs much over
come as his friend. and. sinking on his
knees, he bore on the strong arm Of faith
the case Of his friend up to the mercy
seat.
Never before said the pastor. rs he re-
lated the scene, did l witness such per-
feet breaking up of all the old feeling, such
agony. such prostration. The walls of his
old morality swept completely away. The
love Of God rushing in and over him like
the swelling tide Of a great sea-
When he leit the pastors study he was
a new man. No longer trusting in his
own works. but in the precious blood Of
Christ; rejoicing In salvation as free gin.
not because Of his morality. but because
Christ died.