The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1893-11-08
For the Central Presbyterian.
Christian Boldness.

Christian BoldneSS.
One of the noted characters in
8unyan's band of pilgrims was Mr..
Fearing. He was a very uncom-
Portable fellow-traveller. He was
constantly giving trouble to him
self, and to every one in his COM
pany. He got through at last, but
his experience by the way was any
thing but joyful or assuring.
feel strong sympathy with
timid Christians, especially with
those who are just entering the re-
ljgious life recall with great dis
tInctness the trials 1 endured at that
period of my career. I remember
particularly a Sabbath which &C.
Cured while l was a young profess
sor, and not long after l had left
home and friends to attend college
IN a distant part of the country.
l had made many acquaintances
among the students, and quite
nun Der of them were thoughtless
on the subject of religion. The
Sabbath referred to was the first
communion Sunday after my ma
circulation. The portion of the
church assigned to the students was
the gallery. The body of communi-
cants was large, and the old time
custom prevailed of their sitting at
tables while partaking of the ele-
ments. The consequence was, the
tables had to be served several times,
and those occupying the gallery
were among the last invited. Dur
ing the earlier part of the service a
great struggle was going on in my
breast. | shrank from rising in the
midst of my ungodly companions,
and going forward to place at the
table in the sight of the whole con-
gregation. Should l incur the ridi-
cule of the worldly, and the con-
tempt of the profane, by confessing
the Saviour's name in the appointed
way, or should keep my seat, and
virtually deny that l knew the man?
Ny heart sank within me at the pros.
pect of making such public ac-
acknowledgement, and yet felt that
to avoid it would be the basest
cowardice. When the invitation
was at length given to those in the
gallery to take their places at the
table, the Lord gave me grace to
comply. AS I glanced round in
rising, l could see the expression of
wonder depicted on the countenances
of my friends, but l distinctly
remember the feeling of peace that
Immediately filled my mind in the
conscious discharge of duty. My
fears vanished, and the only bitter
tlnge affecting my comfort was the
thought, that l could have ever been
tempted to be ashamed of my Lord.
The recollection of the incident
has often been a help to me since.
When in some trying strait l have
been urged to follow Peters course,
The memory of the scene has come
back like an enlivening cordial, and
revived me with fresh courage and
strength. 1 can testify moreover
that the effect on the mipds of my
companions was most beneficial.
Ever afterwards they show ed
marked respect to my Christian pro-
fession. While present with them,
hardly q profane, or any other kind
of expression escaped them, that was
not ft for pIous ears.
7 write this in the hope that it
may be of service to young be-
LEVERS and especially that, in case
10 may meet the eye of any who are
deferred by the fear of man from
taking upon them the vows of
Christ, it may speak a word of good
cheer to them Take courage my
friends go forward i'm the Masters
name, and no evil can befall you.
Let conscience have its proper
place. Give it q fair opportunity to
decide what is right, what you ought
TO do, and then promptly perform
it. Be assured you will never re-
gret it as long az you live. The
benefit you will acquire by proceed
ing boldly and ste adfastly in the