The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-09-29
An Infdel Converted.

In the mountainous region Oh WESTERN
Maryland, where l labored as colporteur,
lived a noted iDfdel. Naturally quick, he
was ready for an argument on all occasions.
Proud of his sharpness of mind he took de-
light in showing it by cavilling and railing
at Christianity. He challenged any one,
even preachers, to meet him in debate, and
he would prove Christianity false. He had
Paine's Age of Reason, which he read and
circulated in the neighborhood. He was
ring-leader in wickedness, going sometimes
with rowdies to disturb religious meetings.
His bold assertions gave him an influence in
the community, SO that to many persons he
became terror. He was inclined to be
quarrelsome and abusive, was very profane,
fearing neither God nor man. The devil
seemed to have full possession of him. AS
is often the case with infdels, evil passions
and lusts reigned within him.
Could such man be changed? Harden
ed to everything good, captive aud slave to
everything bad, he seemed inaccessible to
religion. The ways of sin, and the wages
of sin, seemed his settled, Interchangeable
doom.
Being in the neighborhood l was request
ed to call and talk with him. l went, at
the risk of being abused. He soon began to
argue, quoting Paine and telling me roughly
that the Bible was humbug, and religion
played out. 1 asked him if he knew of
Paine's horrible death. He tried to deny
this, but pressed him with facts, which he
could not evade. then told him | felt sor-
ry to hear any one talk as he did about the
Bible, since soon he must be Judged out OF
that very book. Seriously and earnestly l
warned him to flee the coming wrath and
save his soul. went away feeling as though
had been talking to the wind, yet leaving
him in the hands of God. To the wonder
of all, not long after he came to a prayer
meeting, and there, without any invitation,
he knelt down and prayed. Miraculous
grace! He gave himself up to the Lord;
his infdelity and hatred of God were all
gone. When I went to his house to see him,
he said, "I am changed, I believe the Bible,
I read it, and pray with my family every
day. l have had hard struggle, yet
think shall hold out" He now comes to
the meetings, prays in them publicly and
warns the people not to do as he did. The
community are astonished at this strange
change, admiring the marvellous grace that
could convert such vile, hardened sinner.
His wicked associates have cursed him for
deserting them, and forsaking the cause
which he once used to uphold. But he
stands firm, and has now held out faithfully
I6pr over eighteen months.
Il Is not this living proof of Gods truth ?
Can infdels or worldlipgs gainsay this wit
ness to the power of Christianity? What
changed that infdel's heart? What rescued
him from his sins and lusts, and brought
him to love and serve God? His moral
character is changed. His profanity and
wickedness are taken away. Can infdels
show an instance of any one made better by
infdelity? This man gave plain proof that
God can change even the vilest sinner
Christians, take courage. Expect salvation
even for the most hardened transgressors.-
Pray for them and labor with them, in hope.
God is almighty, his grace can soften the
most hardened mind. Have confidence and
expect great results from the amazing power
and love of God. This converted in6del is
SO well known in the neighborhood where he
lives, the change in him is so decided and
apparent, that it is in vain to call it in ques-
ton or to doubt it. All praise to God for
such wonderful displays of his power and
goodness.-Presbyterian at Work.