Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-06-17

you think they are all in the way to heaven
Emp.-Really, Thomas, never thought of
that at all.
Thom.-Nor they, probably, of your pros.
poets after death. But even should they, and
think of you as you suppose; ought this to
satisfy a man of your understanding, in a case
where the question respects your eternal mis-
cry, or eternal happiness?
Emp.-But you know am we'll thought of
by the people of this county generally, as they
have more than once, by vote almost unan-
imous, elected me to represent them in Con-
gress have been in the Senate of the Uni
ted States. A great many of those who have
thus given me their suffrages are as religious,
l should think, as you would desire them.
Thom.-Very true. A great majority Of the
people of the United States profess religion,
I think, in some form. But what kind of
men did you find in the Congress, and Senate,
and great offices of the general government?
Emp.-Why, truly, there was too much
profanity among them, though they we're in
telligent and gentlemanly men generally.
Thom.-Do you think they prayed? Did
they ask Gods blessing on their meals? Did
they hold prayer meetings? Did they even
talk on religion? Do you think them men
who pray in their families?
Emp.-If these things are religion, few of
them have any of it; never saw one of them
look into Bible.
Thom-Do they not swear profanely, play
cards, even for money, keep mistresses, attend
balls and races and profane the Sabbath?
Emp.-Some of them, 1 fear, do all these
things
Thom.-And yet will you say that because
they are elected by what you call Christian
nation, they must be on the way to heaven ?
l admit, it is very strange, that religious men
should choose such representatives, whose ex-
ample must have very ruinous influence on
the morals and religion of our country. I
own, am surprised that the ministers of the
gospel do not more generally preach against
this, which they know to be great evil. l
am, however, still more surprised that the
popular favor, should induce you to hope that
you are fit for heaven, because you are thought
fit for Congress- Indeed, though trust there
are some really devout, godly men in that
body, I must confess the truth to you, the fact
of any ones being there is rather, in my
mind, an evidence against his religion. The
account you give of them confirms this evil
dence. For the most part, think Congress
hall out Of the way to heaven. For yourself,
as you have asked about my secret prayers,
may ask about your views when YOU acted
as representative of the people?
Emp.-Certainly, Thomas, and I shall be
candid.
Thom.-I am reluctant to use this liberty
but you grant it and have set the example.
Did you, then, consider yourself as bound to
legslate for the glory of God? Did you
think it your duty to act according to the
laws of God recorded in the Bible? Did you
think that God would judge you by the Bible
for every vote you gave in Congress? Did
you love your constituents, and your fellow
citizens, because they are Gods creatures :?
Did you intend to honour God by every act
of yours, as representative Did you ever
pray that God would direct you, in the votes
that you should give, and in the measures
that you should promoter Did you ever
read the Bible, which you say is the best book
in the world, and which is a rule to direct to
man his duty?
Eup-Thomas, I can hardly remember all
your questions, but, I believe, l never did
one of all these things. endeavored to ad
here to the constitution, and keep my oath Of
office, as an honest man. What has God, or
the Bible to do with Congress? He surely
but I 60 too far. What have said almost
alarms me.
Thom.-Not more than it does me. Christ
Jesusis "king of kings and lord Of lords, and
all men shall find that the Prince of the kings
of the earth, will have something to do with
Presidents, Senators, Congressman, and all
other public men.
Emp.-It must be so. But indeed this
conversation troubles my peace. 1 believe in
future state, think-yes-I do. 0. GER
tainly, I believe the Bible.
Thom.-God has blessed you with riches,
friends and public favor, may 1 say, you have
not remembered him gratefully as you ought
Emp.-You may. Indeed, to confess the
truth, have rarely ever thought Of him, and
now have been led to think of him, in this
conversation, cannot but feel that he is
terrible God. His goodness to me would
seem to be some encouragement but oh |
have abused it all. He would be just in ta-
king back all his abused gifts-that would be
hell know not, but he will. But he is
merciful.
Thom-Only in Christ. Say not of God
he aoould be just; he is and will be unchangea-
bly, and eternally Just. He who is now king
of kings, once died as priest and paid
ransom, such as justice demands. "He bare
our sins in his own body on the tree" "The
Lord laid on him the inquity of US all" "He
was made curse for u.s." "By his stripes
we are healed" "There is no other name
given under heaven or among men, whereby
we can be saved"
Enp.-Thomas, you quote the Scriptures;
though I read them 80 little, it seems almost
new to me.
Ttom.-To obtain salvation you must be.
lieve in that Saviour, for "he that believeth
not shall be damned" You must receive
him, and you must walk in him, or-I shall
speak for your freedom wonderfully en-
boldens me-or that soul that God has given
you, that soul that has been improved by
reading and conversation, that soul that has
laid so many plans about property and chill.
dren and friends, that soul that has held
communion with legislators, that soul must
faint, wither, and suffer forever in the deep
agonies of-O! Lord, no. save it for the Re-
deemer's sake. Pardon me, Mr.. k, my
feelings overcome me. am a plain man !;
have gone too far?
Emp.-No, Thomas, this is most tremen.
dous subject. That my soul, but an hour ago
at ease, that my soul which has enjoyed so
much good, should ere another day, faint and
wither under the blasting wrath Of an angry
God see it is possible, and in one hour l
feel dread and horror to which my soul has
heretofore been an utter stranger. If l am
brought to this by plain man, what would
the tribunal Of the Judge of all be? y!