Year: 1861




were willing to DO His will She longed to
tell others what she had louud-what an in
finite beauty had been revealed to her in
Christ And do you ask how the light
broke in upon her darkness? 1t was by lay
ing down all her casonings-throwing aside
all her rejudiccs-divesting herself, as it
appeared to her, Of every former idea, and
asking God, as simply as little child asks a
favor of its mother, to show her what is
true. That simple asking was the very faith
that had so puzzled her; but when she sub
mitted herself to be taught and led, she
found her pathway opened into light.


But she did not rest satisfied at this point
she asked for more light, for continual guild
ance in the path Of light and especially did
she pray that she ight be made like Christ
in all her daily life. And with the prayer
came the thought Of what she must do to be
like Christ unsolfsh, loving, self-denying,
even as he was. What shall do to prove
my love for Christ =? > was next the daily
question. 1t was easily answered toward
her family and friends, and concerning the
keeping of her own heart but in seeking
thus to learn of Christ she found there was
much in her heart to be corrected before she
could bear his spiritual likeness. There were
points Of character, of taste, and of preju-
dice to be met and overcome; points Of self
weakness and selfstrength against which she
had before stumbled and fallen from her best
resolutions to be right They had made the
heaviest crosses for her girhood and she felt
now that she could not 60 back to duty and
to God except by the straight path where the
crosses lay. One of these consisted IN speak
ing to others Of personal religion, and she
resolved not to falter where opportunity Of
fered plain duty to her heart. The true
convert can never fold his hands and hold
the treasure Of his new joy, and Mrs. Ryan
looked around her for some one to whom she
could talk OF the wondrous Christ. But all
seemed wiser in that knowledge than she
all but one If you want to do good, Is
there not heather at your fresidc was
whispered to her heart. Among her thou
sand old dislkes, the idea Of trying to con-
vert people was an especial aversion. M. was
unIovely and repulsive how could she come
so nea- as to teach and win her to better
things? The thought Was unworthy of
Christian, but her proud nature was humbled
to do so simple and common duty only after
much prayer and earnest efforts 10 overcome
But she did conquer, aud learned to love the
duty for the sake Of One who had been lntl-
nitely patient With her own waywardness.-
One day M. asked with tears if her mistress
would pray with her ; there was another OF
her great aversions but she did not stop to
consider the point-to think whether or not
she was proselyting anybody, but she knelt
simply in the same spot where months before
she had caught the first ray Of light herself,
and implored divine mercy for that other soul.
1t was who!e-hoarted, unreser7ed prayer,
and when she arose from her knees, the last
aversion was swept away. Mrs. Ryan was d
converted woman. She had at length found
the way back to God in submitting to be
taught by His spirit aad in doing what love
prompted fov His sake. The way need not
have been so hard and long, only that her
proud, unbclieviog spirit resisted at every
point. With submission came faith, and peace,
and quiet joy. And for you, backslidlng
friend, there is but one reply. Coin simple
ity and earnestness, asking once more the
help of Gods gricved and sighted Spirit, and
take up the simp faithful life Of disciple,
and YOU will find how God will meet you and
bring you back to Himself.


RELIGIOUS LIFE IN CAMP.-Rev. G.. Ha-
ven, chaplain Of the Sth Regiment Of Mass
achusetts Volunteers, refers pleasantly to the
relipious condition of the camp, as follows:


"I am happy to say that the practice to
which have referred in one or two of my
letters has very sensibly diminished. In some
Of the tents are found the words, No swear
inc allowed here in others scrap cut out
of the Good News, entitled Don't swear
is pinned up. | am in hopes that we shall
be entirely delivered from that curse. Our
meetings arc we'll attended and much liked.
Last night Bro. j. M. McCarter of the
Philadelphia Conference was with us at a
little prayer-meeting, and gave the SOL
diers much encouraging and instructive ad-
vice. He is to be chaplain of the 18th
Pennsylvania Regiment, under Col johnson.
Bro. Dadmuns melodeons make melody
throughout the camp, and the boys coming
and looking in the door of our tent, as they
arc being sung by our many good singers,
gives very familiar look to the scene."


There are now no Cadets at West Point from
the Confederate States, the last two having re-
signed last week.