The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-04-02
A PASTORS Experience.

When teacher is absent, sometimes
take his class in the Sabbath-school. Thus
it came about, one year ago, that | taught
a class of boys one Sabbath in which
were F. and A , sons of Mr.. b. Ten years
ago, when these same boys were about
four and six years of age, their father
was an estimable attendant upon the sane
tuary, but not Christian man. Pre-
emily, along the years, l learned with
great regret that the Scriptures were held
in doubtful esteem, and this was opposi-
ton in high pie ces this man was influ-
entail, stood high, and had large follow
ing among his fellows. | used to feel
afraid to preach in his hearing, for he Was
always there, and was we'll able to takA
up his side of an argument; but | took
pains never to meet him privately with
any opportunity for argument. Year
after year wore away; we repeatedly saw
evidences of the Spirits gracious pres
ence; and several heads of households
came into the church one February, but
this father remained as before. | cannot
describe my own feelings regarding him.
was in despair. The children and
younger people we're being gathered in
hopefully at successive communions, but
these middle-aged men were not gathered.
About one year ago, while series of
meetings were being undertaken, 1 went
on foot one day in very great hesitation
to Mr.. BIS house and found him at home.
Soon after taking chair said I" I came
over to say that once in my lifetime and
once in yours, l want to give you per
sonal and earnest invitation to come to
Christ" was not surprised at the reply !:
81 do not know why should believe
there is Christ. L do not know why
God could not forgive sin just as well
without Christ as with him." To this !
replied: al understand what Unitari
anism teaches, but still say, over all
your objections, come yourself and give
your heart to Christ" Those were blue
moments for me. He managed to keep
me at distance finally he said: al am
glad you taught the class last Sabbath !;
the boys were much interested. l wish
you would teach the same class again"
"Well," said l, sit was accidental.
only took the regular teachers place, but
that may happen again, and may teach
the boys, and noticed their attention
last Sunday. Now, supposing l should
teach them again and supposing, too [
did not in my own mind think it proba-
BILE that the boys should become more in.
terested and ask me to tell them how they
could give their hearts to Christ, and
should tell them, and they should come
and tell you, would you commence to tear
down their confidence, would you tell
them there was no need of a Christ,
would be building up one side and you
pulling it down and building up the other
side ?" He was silent, his eyes were fixed
on the fire, and then he said, very soberly
Ono, would not" Why not ?" l asked.
He said: IL am not sure l am right"
His wife came in just then. l said a
few words to her, and to them both, led
them in prayer, and as took my hat to
go, | said : al wish some better man than
| had come; you haven't said you would
give up your objections; wish some one
had come who could have won you.
feel discouraged; this is once, very prob.
ably it will be the last time. You and
will not meet and talk this way again.
l came home sad enough stopped at a
neighbours house, and we prayed together
over this. The Lord knew all that mat
ter. In three days from that visit, who
should find ON the front seat in the 10,
quiry-room but those two boys with six
others, out of that accidental class all in
tears, and in half an hour F. and A. were
off down stairs, persuading father and
mother to come too, and the next night
they were all there. There were forty H.
quirers that night, and remember when
Mr.. b. came in, there was silent expires
sion of JOY all over the room. He said
aloud, when asked 81 accept Christ"
do not want more consistent, earnest, use
full co-laborers in church than that father
and mother. 1t was a complete turning
about. thought would not be discour
aged 30 easily again. God was able to dc
great things. The two boys came into
church in good time indeed, the whole
Sunday-school rose up together and came
whole classes were brought to Christ.-E
ID. v, in New York Observer.