Author: James Bradley Finley

Publisher: Theclassics.Us

Published: 2013-09

Total Pages: 126

ISBN-13: 9781230379234

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IX. RELIGIOUS LIFE CONTINUED. Gloomily and sadly I traveled on in silence, under the mountain pressure of my spirit-burden, occasionally answering a question from my brother. After having arrived at our place of camping, we spanceled, belled, turned out our horses, and started to the woods in different directions, to hunt. Having obtained what I desired, which was to be alone--for the heart can only know and appreciate its own bitterness--I realized, if possible, an increasing intensity to my feelings of wretchedness, and my excited imagination filled the woods with demons of darkness. I thought I could feel their fearful proximity, and once turned round to see if I could not discover them on my track. Just then this temptation was suggested to my mind: "You are one of the reprobates; Christ never died for you; and God has raised you up, as he did Pharoah, to show his mighty power, in your eternal destruction. You had better kill yourself with your gun, and know the worst of your wretched state; for the longer you live, the more sin you will commit, and, hence, the greater will be your damnation." This temptation came with such tremendous force, it seemed irresistible, and I was on the point of yielding, when, doubtless, my heavenly Father, in mercy, interposed a thought of my family. "How," thought I, "will my dear wife and parents feel, when my body is found, perhaps mangled and torn by wild beasts?" Again the tempter assailed me with still greater power; so much so, that I came to the dreadful conclusion of falling by my own hand. While in the very act of preparation to commit the fatal deed, my blessed Lord--who has no pleasure in the death of a sinner-- again interposed, and the following words came to my mind, as sensibly...