Southern Christian Advocate

RELIGIOUS MISCELLANY.

THE EFFECT OF A TEAR.

In a little village, in the northern part of England, open-air services, for the purpose of preaching the gospel to the ignorant and profligate, had been carried on, during the nine successive summer seasons; and not without some salutary effects, as evidenced in the reformation of character and the conversion of heart of several of those who came to hear what "the babbler" would say. But whilst certain individuals received the word with pleasure and profit, others only attended in order to indulge their feelings of malevolence against their more seriously disposed or pious neighbours. Of this latter class was Joseph K--.

Full of self-righteousness and prejudice, he despised in his heart the preacher, his message, and all who loved the truths which he declared.

In the week, he was by necessity associated with two or three, who, since the preaching of the gospel in their village, had tasted that the Lord was gracious, and who, as a consequence, ardently longed that others should enjoy the same holy privileges and pleasures as those in which they participated. But Joseph K- despised all their desires and efforts, because, in his heart he viewed them only as hypocrites, or as enthusiasts. Many a word in season was dropped by these plain Christians in their daily intercourse with their fellow labourer. But, for a long time all was to no good purpose: K- remained insensible, caring for none of these things. During the winter, his master ordered him and John B-- to thresh together in a barn. And often, between the strokes of the descending flail, was many a stroke tenderly aimed at K-'s conscience. However, the only return which he usually made, was a taunting answer as to some people being righteous over much; or else a silent, yet significantly contemptuous sneer. But his associate in labor, was a man of a patient and tender spirit, yet of very susceptible feelings. He grieved inwardly at the hardness and impenitency of heart manifested by his neighbour. At length, having on one occasion spoken to K-- very kindly about his need of a Saviour, and of things which related to his everlasting peace, and seeing that he disregarded all B--'s counsel, and would have none of his reproof, the fountains of his grief were suddenly broken up, and turning toward a dark part of the barn, a gush of grief burst forth, and betrayed itself, rolling down the cheeks of the poor and pious, yet despised thresher. But although B- had turned aside, and endeavoured to hide the tears by hastily wiping them away with the rough sleeve of his smock-frock, K- saw the big round tear glistening in his fellow labourer's eye, who silently, but thoughtfully, soon resumed his work, by diligently plying with his flail the corn which lay spread out on the threshing floor.

That tear, by the overruling power of God, did more than all the sermons he had heard from the preacher under the elm-tree, or all the kind and truly Christian expostulations of his associate in labour. That tear subdued his heart. He was melted into tenderness and godly sorrow for his past sins. From that moment he pondered. "What!" thought he, "shall John shed tears on my account, and yet I have shed one tear about my soul's concerns?" Through much inward conflict, he obtained joy in believing. He began soon to love minister and people, whom before he heartily despised. He became, in consequence, a better husband, a kinder father, a more sober and industrious member of society, and is now an humble, consistent member of a Christian Church.