The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-05-05
"The Shell of Z hlity.r

/
Some years ago clergyman in 3 neigh
boring city had in his congregation q gen
tleman of rare moral worth, and intellectual
culture, with an urbanity of manner that
" as irresistible. Day after day he sat un-
der the ministry Of the word; always in his
seat polite, affable, interested, but immoya-
BILE in the Businesses of morality 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 weight on that pastors heart;
friendly visits, religious conversation, the,
most pointed appeals glanced and drebounded;
the man was always there, it made no differ
ence what kind of weather, the same affable,
gentlemanly manner, but unmoved and i'm
movable as adamant
When addressed personally, he was al.
ways ready to admit the necessity of Chris
tian teaching, and the beauty of a Christian
life. He also admitted the depravity of the
natural heart; but in his own individual case,
the regcnerating influence of the Holy
Spirit was unthought of.
At length the pastor, wearied with una.
vailing efforts to arouse him to sense of
his true condition, turned reluctantly away.
He made no more pastoral calls, no more
pointed appeals. "He is Joined to idols,
let him alone" This state of things con-
tinued for seven years, and the pastor felt
that his friend was given over to hardness
of heart, that his shell Of morality would
never be broken by the gospel hammer.
On Saturday, when the pastor was in his
study, Mr. -- called at the door with a
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 be disturbed. Still Mr..
- was there.
eff your business is not very urgent"
said the pastor, 'could you as well put it
off till Monday? am very busy today.
[ shall have plenty of leisure then"
eyes" said the gentleman, "I can wait"
Still, he hesitated, while there was that in
his countenance which betrayed anxiety
At length the pastor, seeing the distressed,
hesitating look, said: eff your business is
very urgent, Mr.. - come in"
eff l may be pardoned, replied the gen.
tleman, for intruding upon your time
and throwing himself into chair, he burst
into tears.
"What is the matter? What has hap
pened?" cried the pastor. "Has misfortune
overtaken you? Any disaster happened to
your beautiful family?"
"Nothing of that" responded the gentle
man, trying to stay his tears, and speaking
brokenly; 81 have come to say that what
you have so often told me is true. I am a
helpless, wretched, undone sinner. I want
you should pray with me"
The pastor was nearly as much overcome
as his friend, and sinking en- 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, as he
related the scene, "did I witness such
perfect 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 great sea-"
When he left 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 gift, not be.
cause of his morality, but because Christ
died.
All these years he had been trying to buy
salvation. He had been careful to lead a
pure and spotless life. He had not commit
ted open sin. lie was constant in the OBJ
servance of the Sabbath. He was always
to be seen in the sanctuary. His example
was good, what more did he need? He
needed just what you and l need; he needed
a new heart; heart to love Christ; heart
to labor for Christ.
The blood-shedding of Jesus is the pro-
pitiation for our sins. This is the good
news: "God commendeth his love toward
us in that, while We Sre yet sinners, Christ
died for us. You must have forgiveness
or perish forever. Why not have it now?
God pardons freely, and at once. All the
you need is to feel the want
eff we confess our sins, He is faithful and
just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse
us from all unrighteousness." "The blood
of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from
from all sim All that you have to do is
to accept what God, for Christ's sake, SO
freely gives.-American Messenger.
Few MERCIEs call for more thankfulness