The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-02-02
The Elder Ruffin's Conversion.

correspondent of the Raleigh Chris
tan Advocate gives this account Of the
conversion Of the father OF the late Chief
Justice Ruffin:
"He was reared in luxury. without re
ligious instruction. and without God and
without hone in the world. OF eonrse
he sought pleasure in the ways of the
world, and became Immediately . an
of the world giving loose rein to his
passions and appetite; following its
foilieS, pastimes and fashions
"The Bible he had seen. but never
read. Religion did not enter his thoughts
He was gamester: fond of cards. dice,
cock-fighting and the turf.
"a celebrated race was to come off in
the city of Richmond. He had three
fine horses in training The set time
came. He set out in his carriage for the
city. On his way he became weary, felt
lonely and greatly oppressed with en-
Eui. Coming up to county store be
inquired for novel. The honest mer-
chant did not know what that was When
informed that 1T was a book he replied
that they had no books but spelling
books and Bibles. Not wishing TO read
the spelling book. he purchased a Bible,
opened it, and began to read to while
away the time. 1t amazed him He
threw it down exclaiming; well. that
is the biggest lie ever put in book
Riding alone. and no one but mis- driver
TO talk to, in order to divert his mind
he picked it up. opened it and began 10
read again This time it interested him
He read on and on arriving at the city
he called for a room and a light--went
to bis room to read; ate his supper, and
returned to his room, and read himself
to sleep: awoke in the morning and read
until breakfast 1t changed his thoughts
and he determined to change his life
Before the hour came for the race he
had made up his mind not to engage in
it.
He went to the race track and asked
his comrades what was the amount of
his forfeit. They objected to his with
drawal, and refused to name the amount
He was firm in his resolution They
thought he had gone crazy and asked
him what he meant. He told thcm that
he meant what he said, paid his forfeit.
ordered his servants to take the horses
home, and hitch them to the pillow EN-
tered his carriage for home, reading the
~
home, before entering his house or greet
ing his wife, he ordered his servants to
build a fire in the yard upon which he
laid his cards, dice, backgammon board.
etc. had his game cocks killed for the
servants supper: entered his house.
called his household together. read the
Bible ard held prayers with them. From
that time forward the family altar was
established.
"SCon after he built church at his
own expense The first meeting consist
&C OF a pious ole servant and himself.
They, talked and prayed together. While
thus engaged, q man passing was at
tracted by the noise. He peeped in and
seemed to be alarmed. Whtl inform
ed that they mad met to pray and talk
about religion. and that they would not
hurt him, on being invited, he came in
and crouched down on the seat nearest
the door. and looked on as if bewildered.
The next Sabbath was appointed for the
next meeting. The visitor spread the
news and quite congregation assembled.
He kept up the meetings, soon found
peace with God, and began to exhort 9TH
ers to seek it,
He united himself with the NJ. f.
Church; was licensed to exhort. and
MOI long after became local preacher,
in which sphere he labored zealously
the remainder of his life
A most triumphant death closed his
remarkable career. He went mp, as it
were. in blaze of glory The divine
power was so sensibly present. that
Judge Ruffin. though an EpiscopaIian,
shouted for Joy over his fathers life
less remains. His ashes repose in Cas-
well county some ten miles southwest
OF fanceyville. on the road from Yam
ceyyille TO Company shops"
WHEN YOUR JOINTS ARE STIFF