The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-02-07
The Peace of God.

"The sun is very hot on this side of the
boat" said portly gentleman, who, with
two ladies, was standing on the deck of a
large steamboat.
cit is boiling" said one of the ladies,
fretfully, raising a tiny parasol. "It will
ruin my complexion; and on the other end
of the boat it is blowing perfect gale; for
my part, don't see any pleasure in il"
"Nor l." said the other. "It is hollow,
like all the other so-called pleasures. l
don't believe there is such thing in the
world as happiness. would be glad to find
even peace; but the more you cry, peace,
peace, the more you feel that there is no
peace"
They were startled by voice, saying,
"Oh, that thou hadst hearkened to my COM
mandments then had thy peace been as
river"
Turning, they saw an old man leaning
heavily on cane, for he was evidently past
his threescore and ten years. His garments
were coarse and i'll fitting, though they were
carefully brushed and the ladies drew back
with a diguifed air. The gentleman was
about to order the intruder away, but his
gaze was fixed afar off, on the calm flowing
waters of the river, and they contented them
selves with drawing away.
The lady, who had last spoken, leaned
ever the side Of the boat, and looked for
time dosSn ints-.sbe water; then she sai3s
"That wasn't bad comparison Of the old
fellow, about peace flowing as a river. Just
think of it; calm, but deep, never. ceasing,
never ending; lost only in an ocean of the
same. would give the world for such a
peace as that"
"There is river, the streams whereof
shall make glad the city of God" The old
man was still gazing at the blue waters, and
perhaps was speaking aloud unconsciOusly;
but an angry exclamation escaped from the
gentleman, and they walked hastily away.
Meeting the captain, the gentleman said,
Captain, why did you take that crazy man
on board?"
"What crazy man, Mr.. Porter? Oh!' as
his eye followed Mr.. Porter's, "that is old
Father Reid. He is no more crazy than l
am. He used to be wealthy merchant, but
failed. He paid his creditors in full, but he
left himself penniless. He says it was a
blessed day for him, for it led him to seek
for rest and peace, where alone they may be
found. He is the happiest man 1 ever saw,
and I meet with great many men in my
trips up and down the river" and the busy
captain bowed and passed on.
In the afternoon thunderstorm arose,
the lightning flashed, the thunder pealed,
the waters foamed, while the boat shook as
if it were reed at the mercy of the storm.
The passengers were terrified, ladies shrieked,
and even sturdy men paled. Loud and clear,
in the midst of the tumult, rose the voice Of
Father Reid:
"God is our refuge and strength, very
present help in trouble. Therefore will not
we fear, though the earth be removed, and
though the mountains be carried into the
midst of the sea; though the waters thereof
roar ana are troubled; though the mountains
shake with the swelling thereof; -. Cod
shall help us, and that right early"
The terror stricken passengers almost felt
as if he were prophet, for even as he spoke
the clouds broke, and though the rain still
fell gently, a beautiful bow spanned the
waters.
"Behold!" said Father Reid. "Behold
the sign of Gods promise, and be at peace;
and he quietly slipped out of the cabin, fol
lowed by Miss Porter, who grasped his hand
and asked, "Sir, how can obtain this rest
and peace?"
He looked at her with eyes full of love
and pity, and said, gently, "Jesus said
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are
heavy-laden, and will give you rest"
have heard that often before" said she,
"but it seems new"
eyes, it is the old, old story, yet ever
new; but it is all you can do. Only trus
Him and follow Him, then indeed the peace
of God which passeth all understanding
shall keep your heart and mind through
Christ Jesus"
HuMrrTTy flower of Christian