The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-12-13
A Bruised Reed.
AN INCIDENT OF VIRGINIA.

One of our missionaries once called upon
mountaineer in the Blue Ridge of Vir.
ginia. In conversation, it was found he had
very low idea of God, and no concern for
his own SOUL GAS an incentive to religious
thought" says the missionary, IL offered
him small book which | held in my hand.
This he politely declined, saying, 'We have
the Bible if we read that, we shall not want
other books.
81 replied, you will not take it amiss, sir,
if l say my experience teaches me that they
who refuse to read good books, as a general
rule, give but little attention to the sacred
Book; and J am afraid, sir, that really you
do not read the Bible very much. This, as
| afterwards learned, was true; for he did
not so much as own one. And being notori
ously wicked, he not only disregarded its
precepts and commands, but had no faith in
its authenticity, and cast dscredit upon the
Christian religion altogether.
After plain, but kind talk with him,
Baxter's Call was put into his hand, and he
was urged to accept it, as mark of friend
ship and good will towards the missionary.
After some hesitation, he finally received it
with cold indifference.
CAT this time, the narrative continues,
81 was assisting in protracted meeting, no
great distance from this mans house He
was cordially invited to attend; but he would
make no promise. Now mark the tender and
subduing power of Gods Holy Spirit 1t was
not long after this when, 10! to our great joy
and surprise, this very man was seen bowed
down, like bulrush, among the anxious.
So subdued so humble! 80 penitent All,
he was indeed as bruised reed In the
light of truth he saw his guilt and condem-
nation, and owned it just. For several days
he continued under deep convictions, humbly
pleading for mercy, and asking the Church
to plead for him. At length the Lord heard
his cry, and brought him deliverance from
the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity.
Darkness, sorrow and dependency gave
way,-light and joy sprang up in his soul
like the bright shining of the sun after a
dark and starless night. Never was there a
happier man, no more humble and contrite
heart. It looked like the sacrifice of God.
1t was indeed broken spirit. But God, our
gracious compassionate God, 'will not break
the bruised reed, nor 49cneh the smoking
flax 1t was an acceptable Offering unto
the Lord, and his subsequent life attested
the genuineness and power of the work Of
grace begun in his soul.
"The next morning, as rode up to the
church and before l had time to dismount
from my horse, he had me by the hand and
before all the people, for many were stand
ing round, he said, Brother l., l have
come to ask your pardon
What for?" l quickly asked.
81 have injured you and wounded your
feelings. You came to my house and talked
to me about my soul, and 1 was mad will
you for it. But now see you were right
and l was wrong. hope God has forgiven
me, and want you to forgive me. wa
blind! l did not know it then, but now
see it. 1 am thousand times obliged t.
YOU for that little book 1t was call t.
nv soul. 1t was all dark at frst-I did no
like it-threw it down-picked it up-rea
it again. But oh, now I read it, and it is
| blessed bookp
CAT once he made arrangements for
, Bible, which was afterwards read with prof
and delight. He who was just now skepti
e and profane abbath.breaker, thus by th
: mercy of God, became an earnest prayin
e Christian,-an active member of the church
9 and blessing to the world"