The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1911-01-05
THE SECRET OF IT.

0bNxsSA oA 49,
In a large church In great city
q little group OF ministers and dele
gates assembled to ordain an assist
ant pastor. They filled only a few
front seats in the vast auditorium,
but they were men of note, and most
of them met the candidate for the
first time. Among them sat, unrec-
ognized by most of them, little old
!, man In clerical attire, who gave
closest attention to the proceedings.
The young man presented his d.
ploma from a small college, his d.
ploma from the theological seminary
in the city, and other credentials
customary at such gatherings, and
the examination proceeded in regu-
lar form, developing, as 1t went on,
his life story.
Born in a home missionary par
sonage, living through his boyhood
in several small and isolated vii
lagos, educated in a remote and
struggling college, he had come to
his theological studies with little
knowledge Of the great world, but
with a well-trained mind, a strong
and deep purpose that was tinged
with passion for humanity, and a
life clean and robust and strong.
The three years of city life and Of
special study had enriched his mind,
added cultivation to his equipment,
and broadened his outlook without
O % hic 1no1 1nCcanin0 hic crir
itual earnestness. He was fulfilling
his life purpose-a purpose he did
not remember to have formed
when he gave himself to the minis
try, nor had he any recollection of
struggle in the conservation of self
to the higher life of the soul To
him it had all been normal. The pro-
cesses had been logical and sweetly
reasonable.
The council retired for its DELHI
erations, and the vote for the ordina-
ton Of the young man was unani-
nous and hearty. But before the
council recalled the visitors to the
auditorium to announce its decision,
and to assign the several parts for
the ordination services to follow in
the evening, it was suggested that it
would be pleasant and courteous
thing to call in the aged father, and
say word Of felicitation to him
concerning the promise and rare
spirit Of his son.
The old man re-entered the audi
forum. walked down its long car
peted aisle, and was introduced by
the moderator with words of hearty
congratulation.
His eyes and heart were full, and
it was with difficulty he controlled
his voice. Then he said:
You havn't yet learned the Sc
cret of my boys life. When his
mother and I were married we pray
ed to God for a son, and promised
Him that our first-born should be
His. When he was born, took him
in my arms and carried him up to
my study. and kneeling there among
my books, gave him to God. And ]
felt in my soul that day the assur-
ance Of what I now experience.
Before he was two years old he
was sick unto death. Four physi-
clans, two of them from this very
city, called. at great expense, to save
his life, declared he could not live
till morning, and left us alone with
him. But we could not believe he
was to die. and we asked God fol
his life. For six weeks I never re.
moved my clothing, but in the end
he lived.
''He grew up generous, light
hearted without frivolity, courage
GUS without being rude, strong and
gentle, and always child of God.
"His mother passed on and die
not live to see this day. But have
lived through all these days of faitf
and struggle, and now I can sing
like Simeon of old, Lord, now let
tess Y Thy servant depart ii
peace. foss zine eyes have seen TIL,
salvation Whatever he does ant
wherever he breaches, I know m.
boy will be true"
The little, thin form rose to high
er stature. The voice that began
low and with hesitation rose t.