convinced him of his lost and ruined state, and led him cordially to embrace Jesus Christ and his great salvation, as exactly suited to his condition. The rest of the night was employed in spiritual conversation and fervent prayer. The poor aged creature greedily imbibed the glorious truths of the gospel, and evinced, as fully as circumstances could admit, a genuine work of the holy spirit on his soul. When they were about to leave him, ⟨just⟩ as the sun arose, he desired they would help him to the door of the house, that he might take a solemn leave of that vain world, which had so ⟨long⟩ deluded him from Christ.— They did so;— and having taken a serious adieu of all worldly enjoyments, he expressed his hope of being with Jesus Christ in heaven before the sun should set. Throughout the day he spoke to his neighbours concerning Christ, his Spirit, and eternity, in a banner altegether new to him, and in a way that greatly surprised them.
A little before sunset the young woman, who had so earnestly thirsted for his salvation, heard a report of his being remarkably better in his health; and felt an apprehension that, if he should not die at the time mentioned, her hopes concerning his conversion would be disappointed: ⟨but⟩ this apprehension was quickly dispelled, for ⟨she⟩ soon afterwards was certainly informed that ⟨just⟩ as the sun was setting, the poor man had parted in peace.
This pleasing anecdote affords an ⟨encouragement⟩ to pious persons, earnestly to strive for the conversion of sinners: and proves that those who ⟨occupy⟩ the humblest stations in life may nevertheless be eminently useful, if with zeal and ⟨prudence⟩ they attempt it. —Evangelical Magazine.
