The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-07
From the Philadelphia Presbyterian.
Charles Reade.

few weeks ago we copied part of letter
from DR.. r. l.. Stanton to the independent Civ
ing an account of the conversion of Charles
Reade the novelist The letter of DIR. Stanton
was PROBABLY not as reticent as it should have
been, In regard to persons no longer living, who
were intimately connected with Mr.. 'Reade.
But it was received by some of the literary men
on our side of the ocean with contemptuous
derlslon, and the idea was secuted that a man
so popular and accomplished as Mr.. Reade
should have been converted and become a fol-
lower OF Christ The narrative was denounced
as absurd-the canting story of some dissenting
scrlbbler. But the fact that great change as
come over this brilliant writer is now admitted
and warm friend, who has written letter to
the New York Times, confesses that Mr.. Reade
Is anxious =" not to disturb the general impress
sion that he is weaned from the world and hum
bly, desires to serve God" But he corrects some
statements made by DIR. Stanton, and as we copied
them we give part of his letter addressed to Mr..
Hatton his friend:
" shall indeed be grateful if you will assist
me to correct Just two of DIR. Stanton's errors
that wound me cruelty and can edify nobody.
First. That during the lifetime of Mrs. Sey-
mour held Ratlonalistic views, and perverted
my darling friends mind with them. and this
was, as he understands, the cause of my remorse
after her death
Second. Thai, in spite of this, Mr. Graham
was able to assure me she did not die without
Christian hope
l. was instructed in the Christian verities
from my cradle by my dear mother, who was a
saint and deeply read theologian. I have de-
clared my faith in my books many times. and
In face of that public declaration, DR.. Stanton 8
statement is really too unsc1 lpulous in itself
and the base of another calumny; for nv de-
ceased friend though less instructed was a
tirm believer. She acted the gospel more than
she talked 1t; but she could speak too. re-
member once, when some sceptical opinions
were mooted before her. she said with a certain
majesty and power she could command on un-
common occasions, And ,01.at can, then qiue the
'0or[d to make up for the glorious hope thea
mould rob 1t Off
These were her words to the letter.
2 Mrs Seymour and were old people Won
know. During the nineteen wears 7 lived in
the same house with her she led an Innocent life
a self-denyIng life, and singularly charitable
LIE. In the exercise of this grace there was
scarcely scrlptural precept she did not fulfil tn
the letter. She was merciful to all Gods crea-
lures; she took the stranger into her house for
months; she cared for the orphan; she visited
ana nuTsed the sick she comforted the afflicted
In mind she relieved the poor in various classes
OF life, constantly hiding her bounty from
Others, and sometimes from its very objects
Those charities are still continued out of her
funds, and through the influence of her examnla
God drew her nearer to him by five months
VI acute suHerlng. She bore her agonies from
cancer of the liver) with meek RESIGNATION and
sorrow for me, VINO was to lose her. but none
for herself ON' -'u
Several days before her death she made q dis
nnGt declaration of her faith, viz, that she re.
lied not on her good and charitable works bnt
only on the merits of her Redeemer. Three
days before her death she partook of the bolv
communion with fervent responses and such an
expression of pious rapture as l never saw ON
any human face before
My grief for her Is selfish. You know what 7
have lost-a peerless creature, wise. inst and
full OF genius, yet devoted to me- She alone
sustained me in the hard battle of nv life and
now old and broken, must totter on witbort
her, SICK sad, and lonely.
My remorse is for this have lived entirel,,
for the world, and 50 disquieted her with nv
cares, instead of leading her on the natb If
peace, and robbed God Of saint. though not If
believer. did also affllct myself with donbts
OF her eternal welfare, but where there ia GREAT
affection there is always great solicitude Re
Ieayed Christians torment themselves with tbis
tender anxiety more than bereaved Rationalista
do Mr.. G. Graham, when he knew the mar.
ticulars of her life and death never shared nv
asnxleties. He removed them entirely. That
living evangelist showed me my doubts were. in
reality, doubts Of Gods goodness and wisdom
and OF His special promises.
CHARLES READE."