" "Yes," said Mr. Stocking, "but if the
fires of hell could be out, you would not be troubled--would you?"
The strong man now bowed down in his agony, exclaiming, "Sir, even
if there were no hell, I could not bear this load of sin. I could
not live as I have lived."
That night he could not sleep. In the morning, Miss Fiske begged Mr.
Stoddard to see him, and after a short interview he returned,
telling her that the dreaded Guwergis was sitting at the feet of
Jesus. "My great sins," and "My great Saviour," was all that he
could say. He was subdued and humble, and before noon left for his
mountain home, saying, as he left, "I must tell my friends and
neighbors of sin and of Jesus." Yet he trembled in view of his own
weakness, and the temptations that might befall him. Nothing was
heard from him for two weeks, when Priest Eshoo was sent to his
village, and found him in his own house, telling his friends "of sin
and of Jesus." He had erected the family altar, and at that moment
was surrounded by a company weeping for their sins. So changed was
his whole character, and so earnest were his exhortations, that for
a time some looked on him as insane; but the sight of his meekness
and forgiving love under despiteful usage amazed them, and gave them
an idea of vital piety they never had before.
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