The Louisiana cotton-boll. [volume] (Vermilionville [i.e. Lafayette], Attakapas, La.) 1872-1883, 1878-02-20
Anna ShiptOu.

Search the Scriptures,
A short time since, l had the pleasure
of filling a vacant pulpit in eastern
Pennsylvania, in one of the richest farm,
ing sections of the state, Peace and
plenty sbounded on every hand. The
spires of churches, dotting the landscapes
in every direction and pointing heaven
ward, betokened that religion was neither
wanting mol neglected. The houses
with scarcely an exception, seemed to be
houses of real substantial comfort and
refinement. There was an air of gladnsss
and happiness everywhere difused,
which, when breathed, it being so buoy
ant, so exceedingly exhilarating, made
one feel like dancing with all his might
before the Lord, after the fashion If
King David. The Sabbath was a daybt
cloudless sunshine. Everybody. came
out to church clad in his best attire and
wearing q smiling face. Even the cattle
in the grassy fields seemed to take a just
pride in being so sleek and glossy and
well~ted, and as we passed along they
raised their heads and looked thankful
that their lives were cast insuch pleasant
places.
One of the elders took me to the resi-.
dence of his father for entertainment
And, as I understand that household was
very much as its neighbors. l think that
l discovered there, in the family of that
devout and godly man, the secret of the
abundant wealth and prosperity 50
visible in all that goodIy land. He was
the owner OF two splendid farms, well
titled. His barns and granaries were
we'll filed. He was the happy husband
of a genial, sweet-tempered, industrious,
frugal wife, and the proud father Of
noble sons and amiable Christian daugh~
tiers, and he could point with fond and
joyful exultation to the respectful
grandchildren, ready to rise up and call
him blessed.
Now, what was the secret of this
cheerful, golden sunset, and the over
flowing competence which the aged
couple enjoyed? When bedtime came
the old father asked me to lead in wor-
ship. One of the daughters handed me
a well-worn copy Of the bible. The
marks of long and frequent use traced
on the leaves Of that holy book plain
ly declared the secret of success. Those
marks explained the whole matter salts
factorily to my mind. That was no
dust.covered volume, but was a d" lamp"
and a eight" and it shone bright on
the pathway of its possessor. There was
scarcely a page in it where one or more
verses were not u~nderscored, to indicate
GnaJ Jney mad been useu as texts of SER
mons to which the family had listened.
And, behold on the margin were in>
scribed the names of the ministers who
preached the sermons and the dates when
they were delivered.
The father had observed the divine
command to search the Scriptures"
and, searching. he had found eternal life.
He had sought first the kingdom oil
and all these temporal blessings
had been added unto him. In early life
he had made q rule to read the bible
morning and evening, and he kept the
rule. Sundays he read much more than
other days, trying to "prove all things"
which his pastor had said, and wishing
to hold fast that which is good
He prayed as often as the prophet Dam
And you might say to him, as Paul
said to Timothy: "From a child thou !
hast known the holy scriptures" +,
That old farmer sets an example which !,
all Christian families would do we'll toll
There is a tendency in this fast !,
age to neglect family worship and thu ,
synod of Albany Is not the only body =,
which needs to resolve to reform in this
If people would be blessed, :.
they must d" search the scriptures" and !
profit by their doctrine.-tRev, C. Ell,
in N. Y. Observer. +,