The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-07-24
ANSWERS TO PRAYEl,

The leader in John Street Prayer-Meeting
for Business Men told remarkable incident,
illustrating the principle Of faith, and what
dependence upon God in an emergency ac-
complished. In substance he said:
Some years ago student at West Point
Military Academy was so indolent and STU
pid that he was regarded as about the
poorest student in his class There was uni
ted with indol=nce and stupidity remarks
Bile love of pleasure, which made him wholly
Indifferent about the opinions of his teachers.
There occurred, about this time, in West
Point remarkable religious awakening, in
which this young man was converted to God,
and the effect of the wonderful change OF
heart which passed within him was seen in
the entire change which characterized his
habits Of study and his obedience to the laws
and professors Of the institution.
His intellect now frightened up as by a
miracle, and very soon by diligence and ap-
plication lie took first rank in all his studies
save one, leading his class in all but mathe-
matics.
The day of graduation was fast approach
ing and the young converted cadet feared
his deficiency in the above science and felt
that he would certainly be rejected.
The day came. The examination hall was
crowded with professors, students and spec
tators. The examining professor, approach
ing the blackboard, drew figure and step
ped back, calling on the young cadet to DEM
onstrate the proposition.
It was crucial moment With trembling
knees and pale face the student went slowly
to the blackboard. He knew that every eye
throughout the breathless audience was fixed
upon him. He took the chalk. He saw at
once that the proposition was one OF the most
abstruse and difficult character, and he had
not the remotest conc Gption OF how to begin
the demonstration.
Just then he lifted his heart in silent pray
or to the Saviour who was so precious to his
soul and said:
20 Lord, help me. It is impossible to sue
ceed here without. Thy help. L"rd Jesus
come to me now and give me wisdom and
ability to demonstrate this most difficult
proposition for Thy names sake"
Scarcely had the last word Of prayer
passed from his heart when the, Lord i'm
pressed his mind in a remarkable manner.
First, one thought was given and he put 1t
down on the blackboard, and then another
and another until the explanation was COM
plete and full He stood looking at the fig
ure and then at what the Lord had impressed
upon his mind to place upon the board be-
side it. He stepped back, awaiting the
comment of his examiner.
The professors looked at the proposition,
and then looked with surprise at each other.
"Young man." said one Of them. "where
di1 you find that demonstration? It is won
derful. 1t is certainly the best we have ever
seem" And they kept up for soma tims the
private conversation with the greatest posi-
BILE interest.
The enthusiasm Of the assembled specta-
tors in manifestations Of sympathy and ap-
plause knew no bounds. The young Chris
tian cadet by the help Of his divine Master,
won the day. He very soon thereafter de-
cided to abandon his bright prospects as an
officer in the army and enter the ministry Of
Christ. He did so; and after distinguished
service of years as soul-winner, his happy
spirit passed upward to his heavenly re-
ward.-Rsv. John. Boyd in NJ Y. Witness.