The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1874-08-12
FoR THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
RECOLLECTIONS OF A PASTOR.
THE CoUs1Ns.-(C -(CoNCLUDED.)

He was now eighteen, and going one day
on some important business for his employer,
was told that there was letter for him In
the Post Office. This was new thing, and
his curiosity was much excited, but four
hours must elupse ere he could satisfy it, as
it was impossible to return to the village
without neglecting his errand. When all
was done, he soon possessed his letter, and
hastily tearing it open, was informed that an
uncle, brother of his father, had arrived in
this country, and enquiring for his relatives
found Walter was the only surviving one
A kind offer was made to finish his educa-
tion, having an only son nearly his age who
be hoped would be stimulated to industry
in his studies by the example of his cousin
The first thought of Walter was, "NOw l
can be prepared for the ministry the next,
sorrow to leave those who had been so kind to
him in his destitution and then the fear
that he might be placed in temptation too
great for one 80 young and inexperienced.
In his retirement he sought direction from
God, and prayed for grace torestrain him
at all times and under all circumstances /;
that he might be watchful over his heart, an
honor to the religion he prOfessed, and every
thing his beloved mother could have desired.
With these feelings he became an inmate
of his uncle's family, and soon found his
strict piety was theme for ridicule, and un-
tiring efforts were made TO draw him into
the gayeties of the world, and to prevent his
religious studies. But he was firm, and al
ways felt as if the guardianship of his angel
mother was surrounding him with her hal
lowed influence. In year his uncle died,
leaving him legacy Of two thousand dollars.
His aunt, worldly and ambitious, cared
nothing for the culture of the soul, and had
never told her son of his accountability tc
God, for she felt it. not herself, and lived
only for the pleasures of the world.
Walter had often tried to interest his
cousin in the subject of religion, and theil
last conversation took place when Henry, or
his twentieth birthday, observed, " [ mus
now think of profession. "Can l not,
said the pious youth, "pursuade you, my
dear cousin, to think seriously, and refec
upon the all important concern of the sOul
salvation, that you may become follower o
the Lord Jesus Christ; that together we ma.
pursue our studies for the ministry? 0 hoV
it would cheer my heart and gladden. my ex
istence if you would.
GA minister of the Gospel, did you say
Walter? No, no, that is a sphere too hum
bic for me, too poor and pitiful l intend
yes intend to be rich, come how it may.
GA sphere too humble and pitiful, did yo
say, Henry? No, not humble, not pitiful
but enobling, and in my estimation the mos
exalted of all professions. But think not
my cousin, 1 would persuade you to ente
upon it with your present feelings, with you
heart unsanctifed by the grace of God; nc
the curse denounced against the hypocrit
would follow us here and hereafter But
beseech you now, while the opportunity
yours, seek the mercy of God in the pardO
of your sins.
81 tell you, Walter, it is in vain to schOc
me thus; you ought to know it is. If 20
do not, know it now, and never speak to m
again upon the subject. What have eve
done that l must humble myself to ask tn