Morning Star

FOR THE LADIES.

From the Mother's Journal.

Christian Decision Illustrated.

Dear Madam,—If you can find room in your valuable journal for the following interesting and instructive fact, you will oblige

A PASTOR.

About twelve months since, I had the pleasure of introducing into my church a lady, who with her husband had long continued an enemy to the cross of Christ. The Lord in mercy, was pleased at length to convince her of sin, and righteousness, and judgment, and after a variety of exercises, severe and protracted, she was enabled to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for life and salvation, and enjoyed, as a blessed consequence, that peace which the world can neither give nor take away.

I regret to say, that, though her husband cheerfully joined her in parties of pleasure, and fully participated in all the fashionable follies which distinguished them, yet he had no sympathy, for the new class of enjoyments with which after her change, her happiness was identified. In fact his scepticism on the subject of religion led him to regard its doctrines with indifference if not with absolute contempt. He noticed the change in his wife's views and feelings, at first, with sentiments of pity; but when he found that she was steadfast in her principles, and decided in the course she had marked out for herself, he became angry and peevish.

I fear that many Christian females, whose husbands know not God, by injudicious conduct strengthen the prejudice which they wish to break down, and instead of attracting repel. I am happy, to record, to the honor of my friend, a course of prudence, propriety, and affection, the reverse of this. She kept constantly in mind the apostolic injunction, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands;" and, therefore, in all things lawful, she was lawful, she was strictly and cheerfully obedient. Her religion, happily, was eminently lovely and attractive, yet entirely free from mean and sinful compliances. I did not partake of that pharisaic spirit which says stand by, I am holier than thou. At the same time it was sufficiently marked to show forth its true character. Nor was the religion of my excellent friend, of that sickly, fastidious character which is unable to distinguish between the urbanities of life and conduct which is offensive in the sight of God.

Thus, by a constant exhibition of cheerful piety she softened in a great measure, the asperities of her husband's temper, and weakened his prejudices. Yet she was not the companion with whom he once could sing, and dance, and enter into company. Against every species of Sabbath violation she decidedly set her face; On this subject her firmness was now to be put to the test.

Her younger sister was to be married to a worthy young man, and the ceremony was to be performed under the paternal roof. Mrs. — was anxious to be present, especially as her sister was to leave immediately for the far west, and the probability of not seeing her again for a long time to come was not great.

Just before the proposed hour of departure, she was informed by her husband that an unexpected circumstance had occurred which prevented him from leaving home that day. "Well," replied she, "I am very much disappointed, but I must submit." "O no," said he, "you shall not be disappointed; we can go to morrow, (Sunday,) and shall reach your mother's house in good season." "I thank you for your intended kindness," replied she, "but as to morrow will be the Sabbath, I cannot go. You know my opinion on that subject, which is unchanged. Nothing but a deed of mercy would justify me in travelling on the Sabbath. This is not one, and I must beg to be excused."

Though his wife had manifested much tenderness in her manner yet with her decision Mr. — was not much pleased and he left home on the following day, discontented and peevish.

A journey alone affords time and opportunity for reflection; and Mr.—availing himself of it. He reviewed the whole course of his wife's conduct since the day when she publicly professed her faith in the Savior—her uniform piety, her ostentatious devotion, her sweet and amiable deportment, her patience with him, and the evident design which she manifested to please and make him happy. He returned home in a better temper, and received her affectionate welcome with unwonted tenderness.

After giving an account of the wedding, and the state of the family generally, he said, "I am really surprised, wife, that you would not accompany me; and to tell you the truth, I was quite disposed to be angry with you for it; but upon reflection I can but respect you for your consistency, I never thought much about religion, and one reason, is, I have seen so little of it in those who pretend to have a great deal. But if it will make me what it has made you, (though you were always a good wife,) it is worthy of more attention than I ever bestowed upon it." I need not say how much affected this young christian sister was, by the avowal of her husband. Since the time referred to, Mr. — has appeared in the sanctuary in company with his wife; and though there is no decided evidence that he has experienced a change of heart, yet there is unquestionably a great change of outward conduct. Permit me, dear madam, to commend to all the wives who read your Journal, and who have unbelieving husbands, the conduct of Mrs. — as an example worthy of imitation. "For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband."