The Statesman.
London, England, 1824-01-09 00:00:00

TIIE CONDEMNED SERMON.

The text was taken from 2(1 Corinthians, chap. v. verse
10.—" For we must all appear before the ju scat of
Christ; that every one nay receive the things done in his
body a °cording to what he bath done, whether it to good
or evil."
'f he Rrv. Chaplain commenced by ohserving, that St.
Paul, in the chapter from which the text was taken, com-
menced by expressing his assured hope of immortality;
and in expectance of that and of general judgement,
he laboured to keep a good conscience, and to pre
pare himself in the pilgrimage of life for the path of
death. It was rather ex,raordinary that words exp
in such pla'n and forcible terms, and coming from such a
source, had not the effect which they onght to have in:the
concerns of human life. The Heathen, from the force of
natural reason, admitted the certainty of an hereafter, and
acterqupon that opinion ; but be was sorry to say, that
the Christian, who, in co:A rinatien of his natural reason,
had the authority of Revelation, was often found indiffe-
rent to the doctrines of his holy religion. The 'inept-Linty
of human Ile, and the inequalities of• its prospects, were.
' matter of such notoriety, that any man acquainted with the
world must be astosiated how men often disregarded the
sober troths laid down in the chapter from which this text
was taken. The Rev. Chaplain then enlarged upon the incon-
slatency between the professeu belief of • Christian, a. d his
general eun.:uet. Indeed, judging from the conduct of some
Christians, it would appear that the hope of future rewards was
as Inoperative as the terror of future punishments. The de-
scription of everlasting torments and the terrors of hell had
been so often given, that it was not necessary for him now to
repeat It, but he thought that the sober doctrines of reason were
better calculated :Ilan high colouring. to impress upon the mind
of the sincere Christian the necessity of acting npon St.Peul's
dr.etrine, When the last trumpet should be sounded, and all
mankind summoned into the presence of the Almighty God, to
witness the distribution of final rewards and punlsitments.then I
would the Christian who neglected to act upon the doctrine laid
down in the text.expreas unfeigned regret,—then lie would wish
that the time which he had unprofitably passed in this life were
again to be passed by hip, but at that hour this regret would
be of no avail. The Rev. Chaplain concluded, by incubating
upon the convicts, in eloquent and impressive language, the
necessity of making the best use of the few hours add left to
them, to be prepared for the hour of tribulation. At tdhecehoalpi.-
elusion ante Sermon.we understand that the Re
Chap-
lain turned round to the prisoners under sentence of tcaaspor-
tation, and said. very emphutically
We have this day been taeght en important lesson—we
have been taught that—' The wages of Sin is death.' "
During the service. Hunt seemed very munh affseted when
the following prayer of the Litany was read :
" That it may please thee to defend and provide for the fa-
therless esildren and widows, and all that are desolate and op-
pressed."
Such was the impression made on Thurtell, inthe course,
of this sermon, that he was repeatedly dissolved in tears
as was Hunt. Indeed. the Rev. Ch iplain .hiffiself was so
overcome by bis feelings, that he was frequently obliged
to pause. the effect on the other auditors was not •iess '
strong-. On the conclusion of the Sermon, Thorn* tdrded
roof d to Hunt and shook bands with him in the moat',
itier.dly manner. . They o ere then removed to their apart-
mend. Thurtell shore l evidently that be had been duly
imptesaed with the touching and eloquent discourse of the
Rev. Chaplain ; yet was his step equally firm, his deport-
ment equally ratio and collected, as at any previous period.
Hunt.: on the contrary, appeared to be totally unnerved—
he walked or rather crept along, almost unconscious of
existence. _ _ _ _

The Chaplain followed Thnrtell to his apartment, where
he had some private conversation, amt n•e are happy to
learn, found Mm Is that frame of mind which, in such •
situation, above all others. was most desireble. Upon the
subject of confession he offered no arguments. leaving the
prisoner to the influence of his own failings. Thane!l
made some communications, we undrrstand, but they have
not yet been disclosed. In the end, however. he requested
to have ao interview with the High Sheriff. Mr. Sutton,
immediately sent down to the gaol on being apprised
of Thurtelrs wish, and remained with him fat 0 consider-
able time. The result of this interview will not transpire
till after the execution. Mr. Sutton expressed his warm
satisfaction at the manner in which the unhappy man eon•
ducted himself.

In the previens interviews between the Reverend Mr
Franklin and Thurte (we understand) the Chaplain. ie
the most eanskluate manner. impressed on the primmes
the necessity of makiakthe hest use of the short time b