Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1921-11-17

portion OF inc Stdte OF texas III the
autumn OF 1889, and stopped one night
at a little village called Youngsport,
having probably seventy-hve inhabi-
tants. There was no inn, and / was
entertained by an old settler at his
residence.
About midnight was awakened from
sleep by loud voices and the hurrying
OF feet. arose, and looking out saw
bright light about two hundred yards
away. Hastily dressing found that
one end Of a new church building was
on fire.
The house had been erected at
cost OF perhaps five hundred dollars
by the people OF the village They
were all poor, and its loss would prove
a sad blow TO them. think never
saw such signs Of distress as were ex-
hibited by many Of the spectators.
From their excited remarks learned
that "revival" meeting was announc-
ed to be held the next day in the build
ing, and the impression seemed to be
that some enemy had set fire to the
church.
UP to this time the fire was con-
fined to the outside of the wall at the
back of the building, and the flames were
making slow Roadway. Water, even
for drinking purposes, as very scarce
that fail. None, in fact, could be OBJ
tanned to extinguish the flames. The
excited people were running impotent-
ly about, thinking it was useless to at
tempt to stay the fire.
At this iuncture man appeared in
the crowd. He was about forty-five
years Of age, black-bearded, with a
homely, earnest face. For a moment
he stood staring at the fire. Then,
finging his arms above his head and
gazing into the sky, in strong, earnest
voice he began to pray. His words and
tones were the embodiment of entreaty.
Father" he cried, pardon us, par
don us. Thou of Whom we have been
told that no sparrow falls to the ground
but its loss is felt by Thee. Thou hast
known our efforts, our self .denials for
Thy sake. How we have builded this
lowly temple to Thee with much ard
ship. How we are without means TO
build another. How we meant. if in
my wisdom another day dawned upon
us, that Thy dear word should be
preached here. We are unworthy
Our very prayers may be selfish and
unworthy. But, o Thou Searche- Of
hearts, Thou knowest it was for Thy
glory.
Many hungry souls will come with
to-morrow's dawn to be refreshed at
Thy altar, and we, stricken with loss.
now can we satisfy them? Thv cause
will be homeless here Thy people
VIII return with empty hearts-some.
perhaps, to ways of sin. Consider We
neseech Thee, our cry. Remember in
help and sympathy our loss. This
home is our all. 1t has been our de-
light in anticipation to think that in
1t Thy name could be upheld, and i'm
mortal souls brought to Thee. OLord
our God, stay these flames. Come
inou 10 our rescue. Only. if our wish
lacks submission to Thy will, and is
unworthy in Thy sight, forgive. But If
worthy, grant to Thy servants gracious
answer, that this threatened calam;,v
may be stayed. We plead forgiveness
Tor those who have transgressed against
US, and unto Thee, o Thou Divine
Helper, be honor and glory and praise
and power forever and ever. Amen"
Inc prayer was hardly more than
TWO minutes in length. during which
the fixed attention Of the crowd had
oeen held, and their hearts touched nv
the preacher. Few had noted the
black wall of cloud tina was sweepino
with almost hurricane fury down from,
the northwest. The last words IF the
prayer had barely been spoken. when
there fell slight drops of rain. 81.
fence followed. There was not sound
OF leaf or wind to break the stiffness.
linen, in an instant, flashed forth =
binding flood of light almost above
us, and burst Of thunder that made
the very earth rock beneath our feet
A wild cry burst from the people,
cry haf Of fear, half of faith and
thanksgiving. Shrieking in its nigh,
hurricane hurtled past us, tearing the
hame from the burning wall, and heav-
ing upon it drench of rain that flood
Cd the crowd of trembling people and