The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-12-26
RELIGIOUS READING.
CONDUCT TESTED by PRAYER.

A Young man, son Of one of the most re-
spectacle and wealthy inhabitants OF Penn
sylvania, was converted to Christ. His
father was a violent opposer OF religion and
endeavored by various methods to Danish
serious impressions rom his mind, but In
vain. The work of the Holy Ghost COLD not
be undone. While the father was employing
every means to dissuado his son from serving
God, ball was announced in the village. He
compelled his son to attend. The merry party
assembled in the lighted hall. Beauty, wealth
and fashion were there all that was gay and
alluring of the world was there. Joy beamed
in every countenance and gladness swelled In
every heart. The young convert was urged
to lead the dance. AS the happy circle took
their places upon the floor, and the
cotillon was about to commence, the
young man lifted his eyes heavenward,
and said, "Let US pray!' The assembly
was silent with astonishment; the hall be
came still as the grave. Prayer in the ball
room was strange incongruity to all. 10
supplicate the Divine blessing upon the merry
dance, appeared to the most worldly bold
trifing with God himself. Although the
Young man did not intend to invoke the
blessing OF God upon the dance, but upon the
souls of his gay companions, yet 1t doubtless
seemed to them like opening the ball with
PRAYER The fact shows that there are objects
which we cannot guitlessly commend to God
in prayer, and places in which prayer seems
dreadful mockery. The truth may be vari.
ously illustrated.
A Christian trader is engaged in scattering
abroad the light, pernicious literature OF the
age. Thousands of minds have been fatally
poisoned by its communicating influence ;thou-
sands more have been untitled by 1t for ser1-
Gus thought 1t has often nullifed the pun
gent truths Of the gospel it has been on i'm
posing barrier to the progress OF the church.
Now, can he invoke the divine blessing to
rest upon his pursuit. Can be carry contain
mating novels in the arms of his prayer to
the mercy-seat? Can he ask God to smile
upon the sale of books which multiply the
enemies OF religion? He dare not commend
his business to the notice OF God.
It Is winters evening, and there Is an in
nocent, social gathering in the village. Ibe
church and the world are alike represented.
None are there for the purpose OF moral
wrong; and the moments fly apace, while yet
nothing occurs to alarm the Christians con-
science. At length the table is spread, and
the worldly begin to shuttle the printed
cards. Shall the disciple of Christ partic1-
pate in the amusement? No gamblers are
there; the game is all for pleasure; 1t seems
innocent. But when the Christian regards
the influence and tendency of such amuse-
ment, dare he invoke the Divine blessing
upon it? Let him propose to pray, and quick
as thought, the company lose their relish for
the game.
Send the theatre going disciple 10 his
closet. The evening has arrived, and he has
resolved to 60. He has seen the flaming pla-
card, and his interest Is all aroused to wit
ness the play. Can he cheerfully and con-
scientiously seek the favor Of God as he goes
to the amusement2-Not he. The thought OF
bowing before the Most High, to seek his
presence as be visits such place, chills his
very soul. He may 60 with such worldiness
as to have no thought Of God or personal re-
sponsibility; but he dare not 80 thither from
his closet. "A gulf as deep and wide as that
which yawns between Lazarus and Dives,
separates the closet from the theatre.
How Is 1t with the vender Of intoxicating
drinks? Sometimes we find him In tie
church OF Christ. Does he dream OF co o..
mending his destructive pursuit to Aim 'yhty
God What horror would seize our souls to
hear him supplicate Jehovah to give him
success In his misery-making business, to in
crease his trade and multiply his customers,
as the means of iylihood! For such an
object 1t Is solemn mockery to pray.