to watch himself in the future. He was not going to be a clown, no matter who expected it. He would continue to be bright, if he could, and pleasant, and even "funny," when it was in good taste, but he was not going "to play the fool" and spoil himself for life. He was so determined that he forgot everything else, and thus fell asleep. It was indeed a turning-point in his life. He dated the beginning of his truer self from that walk and conversation. He began to be a better student and worker. IX IT is January. The Day of Prayer for Colleges is at hand. There is no regular college work on this day, but the morning is spent in worship. It is the custom of the Faculty to procure the services of some notable divine for the occasion, that the students will be inclined to come to hear him from curiosity if from no higher motive. This year a celebrated bishop was the attraction, and, consequently, the great new chapel was crowded. It seemed as if the whole college, preparatory school, and law school were present, with crowds from the town, so that chairs had to be brought in to accommodate the late comers. The bishop's text was from 1 John ii, 3: "Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." The bishop, like many other human beings, does not always display the warm, tender side of his nature. Sometimes, when engrossed in profound thought, he gives a casual observer a false impression, and the idea is carried away that he is unsympathetic. On this occasion he lost none of his scholarliness, none of his majesty, none of his magnificence of expression, none of his magnetism, none of his lofty oratory; but he gained a tenderness, a yearning, that he does not always exhibit. The combination was irresistible. Men who had felt no interest in preaching for years were compelled to listen and to think. There was a mighty uplifting spirit felt by all who were present. Even the careless and flippant were heard to speak of the sermon for days after. Thursday was the day of the sermon. Several times, on Friday and Saturday, men gathered in one of the rooms to discuss the discourse and its results. It was at length decided to meet in Kenneth's room on Sunday immediately after the morning church service for a season of prayer and fasting. Eight or ten determined men met according to plan. Besides Kenneth and his roommate, there were Andrews and Pierson and several other wide-awake men. Passages of Scripture were read without comment; there was much prayer and heart-searching. As a result, every man felt that he was truly consecrated and anointed for service as well. It was a Pentecost, and these men went forth from that upper room living firebrands; no longer satisfied with little or no service; no longer pleading timidity or fear in God's work. Fearlessness and determination could be read in the expression of their countenances, and proved by the new life that was lived henceforth. Any passing student who looked into old Number Eleven North College, would have received a blessing! The very atmosphere was spiritually invigorating! That Sunday was an important date in the life of every one of those men, and power enough was manifested to save a world. "And who knows what this may lead to by the time eternity dawns?" asked one of them. "By God's geometrical progression, it may work out that a goodly portion of the saved of earth may look back through the ages to this upper room as the place where their salvation was assured." And as he spoke the tears rolled down his cheeks, while the faces of all were illuminated. It was as if heaven had come down into that little chamber; the place seemed to be full of glory. In fact, something of heaven had come into those hearts, and in the case of some is abiding yet. Undoubtedly Jesus Christ was there in his blessed Holy Spirit. One could almost hear the rustling of his garments as he entered in, and his whispered words of blessing. It was perhaps Harley who started singing: "A wonderful joy of salvation Has come to my soul; The Lord in his mercy has spoken, And I am made whole. My soul with his glory is flooded; 'Tis heavenly bliss: No joy like the joy of his presence, No rapture like this." |