William Carey Crane

“ When little hints from the inspired record of their lives in the Book of Judges were made to reveal their meaning in the strong light of Paul's statement about them, statements which, as the great apostle unto the Gentiles, of that Gospel which, four hundred and thirty years before the Law was preached unto Abraham, he was inspired to make, and it was made to appear that men leading so rough a life might yet be genuine servants of God and be redeemed by Christ, Gen. Houston's whole soul appeared to be absorbed in the contemplation. ”

“ It is, of course, in reference to his religious character and life that you will expect me to reply. Of his views as a statesman, and of his course in his political life, it did not belong to my relationship as a chosen pastor to take account; and others to whom that field belongs can supply all you desire. "It is natural to men of the world, and even to' Christians, so far as they are controlled by worldly interests, to entertain doubts of the sincerity and genuiness of the professed religious conversion of such men as General Houston. ”

“ General Houston had formerly a trying, and yet unsettled controversy, in his official capacity as the head of a Senate Committee. At once, prompted by the recollection, the pastor added, still holding his hand, 'General, I recall that statement in part; I have nothing to ask of you as a man, but I have something to ask of you as a Christian pastor.' Fixing his keen eye, as he looked down upon mine, he meekly but firmly asked, 'What is it, brother S.?' 'General,' was the reply, 'you know the alienation between you and brother W. You will meet at the Lord's supper next Sabbath evening ”

“ One set of these volumes, elegantly bound, he presented to his attached Washington pastor; whom, for years before his public Christian profession, he always called 'brother.' On another occasion, to aid his own Bible study, as well as to facilitate that of those whom he most esteemed, he bought three copies of that expensive work, 'West's Analysis of the Bible,' one of which volumes he presented to his wife's pastor in Texas, and a second to his own pastor at Washington. ”

“ Therefore, when the apostle says, 'Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat,' I do not believe he had any reference to the question of their being Christians, or to the laws governing that matter; but reference alone to the law governing their ordinance, and the questions of right views, motives, and purposes, as set forth in that law. ”

“ Strange specimens of Christians these men were admitted to be; doubtful sharers of the thorough redemption, and the genuine renewal which faith in the Redeemer, then to come, always gives. Men they were, who, from their external conduct alone, presented in the Old Testament history of their lives as military and civil leaders, we should never dream were men of humble faith in God ”