The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-04-06
Photo grap hs.

3
Who has not been photographed? Almost
every man, woman, and child, has seen his
and her faithful image, as obtained by means
of the Photographic process. Persons of all
ranks, professions, and occupations,
of our countrymen, whom, as nation, We
delight to honor,-and the good men and
true of other lands are thus brought within
the sphere of our sympathy, and made to
establish irmer hold upon our admiration
and affection. And not only persons, but
places, are thus made familiar to US. Many
workman, unable to leave his daily toll,
now beholds with wonder and delight on his
own cottage walls the marvellous works of
the Almighty hand, in other lands than his
own. Snow-capped mountains, sunny plains,
magnificent cities, and ten thousand other
objects of novelty and beauty, are set before
us in such prOfusiOn, that all may become
possessed of some scenes which shall speak
to them of the wonders of creation and art
But allow me, my reader, to point out to
you some marvellous representations, proba-
bly, unobserved though within your reach,
far surprising these in skill and value
There is a limit to the power of photography.
Matter only can be exhibited on the paper
or metal. What think you of beholding
representation of the thoughts of the human
heart? Perhaps you say you would not like
to have your thoughts put before your fell
low,creatures in black and white What if
l prove to you that they are already set
forth as with sunbeam in many parts of
that most precious gift of God, the Holy
Bible? Attend, while show you what l
mean.
When the Bible says, "All have sinned,
and come short of the glory of God;" (Ro-
mans iii: 23) And "the heart is deceitful
above all things, and desperately wicked:
who can know it?" Jere. xvii: g. though
your name is not inscribed in these declara-
tions, yet you are as much included in them
as though it were. Be candid, and tell me
whether these words do not precisely describe
your moral condition. l know they do.
Every soul of the race of man is faithfully
revealed in them.
This is one picture. Another rises up
before my mind 1t is this: Z" The carnal
mind is enmity against God: for it is not
subject to the law of God, neither indeed
can be" Romans viii: ~ Just think for
a moment. Is there nothing in your heart
which answers to this feeling that is de-
8cribed as enmity to CODE If the grace of
God has subdued it, bless Him for it; but
it is there still unless He has removed it.
No other power can put one loving, holy
thought within us.
Take another likeness. "But every man
is tempted, when he is drawn away of his
own lust, and enticed. Then when lust
hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and
sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
James i: 14.) o thou who art the slave of
thy passions, is not this true picture of
thy state!
Again, "For if any be nearer of the
word, and not doer, he is like unto a man
behOldlng his natural face in glass for he
beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and
straightway forgetteth what manner of man
he was" James i: 23) Careless sinner, is
not this thy portrait? Have you not heard
the truth, been convinced of your sinfulness,
and then after few inward struggles gone
away and forgotten every warning and en-
treaty?
And so, did space permit, could show
the liar, the drunkard, the swearer, the
Sabbath-breake the slanderer, and many
other characters their own portraits, as seen
by the eye of God, and drawn by His own
finger. Sinner, how can warn you as l
would to "fee from the wrath to Gomez"
Unless you repent and believe the Gospel
unless you seek the sancti6cation of your
nature by the Holy Spirit, your portrait
will be for ever that black and filthy one
"He that is unholy, let him be unholy still. :"
May God in His mercy forbid