The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-08-05
Mtsrellamrous.
THE PREACHING OF WHITFIELD.
BY MRS. CHILD,

There was nothing in the appearance of this
extraordinary man which would lead you to
suppose that Felix could tremble before him
q He was something above the middle stature,
well proportionpd, and remarkable for native
gracetulness of manner His complexion was
very fair his features regular, and his dark blue
eyes small and lively. In recovering from the
measles he had contacted squint with one of
them; but this peculiarly rather rendered the
expression OF his countenance more remarka-
Bile, than in any degree lessened the effect of It's
uncommon sweetness. His voice exceed
both in melody and compass /; and its fine modu
latlons were happily accompanied by that grace
Of action which he possessed in an eminent de-
gree and which has been said to be the chief re-
quslte for an orator. To have seen him when
he first commenced, one would have thought
him any thing but enthusiastic and glowing J;
but, he proceeded his heart warmed with his
subject, and his manner became impetuous and
animated till, forgetful of everything around
him, he seemed to knee at the throne of Jeho
yah, and 10 beseech in agony for his fellow be
lngs.
After he had finished his prayer, he knet for
long time in profound silence and so power
fully had il affected the most heartless of his au
dience, that a stiffness like that OF the tomb per-
vaded the whole house. Before he commenced
his sermon, long darkening columns crowded
the bright sunny sky Of the morning, and swept
their dull shadows over the building in fearful
augury Of the storm.
His text was, ''Strive to enter in at the strait
gate; for many, say unto you, shall seek to
enter in, and shall not be able.H ''See that en-
bem OF human life" said he, pointing to shad-
that was Hitting the floor. sit
passed for a moment, and concealed the bright
ness of heaven from our view but It is gone.
And where will We be, my hearers, when your
A. -.
Oh my dear friends, see thousands sitting at
tentive, with Their eyes fixed on the poor, un-
worthy preacher In few days shall all
meet at the judgment-seat of Christ We shall
form part OF that vast assembly that will gather
before the throne; and every eve will behold the
Judge. With voice whose call YOU must abide
and answer, he will inquire whether on earth We
strove to enter in at The strait gate; whether
you were supremely devoted to God whether
your hearts were absorbed in him. My blood
runs cold when think how many of you will
then seek to enter in, and shall not be able
Oh, what plea can you make before the Judge
of the whole earth Can you say il has been
your whole endeavor to mortliy the flesh, with
its affections and lusts? that your life has been
one long effort 10 do the will of God No! you
must answer made myself easy in the world,
by hattering myself that all would end well;
but have deceivedmv own soul, and am lost
avail will il be that you have done many things!
that you have read much in the sacred word
that you have made long prayers that you have
attended religious duties, and appeared holy in
the eyes of men What will all this be, if in
stead Of loving Him supremacy, you have been
suppo.ing you should exalt yourself in Heaven
by acts really polluted and unholy
"And you, rich man, wherefore do you hoard
your silver? Wherefore count the price you
how ~ in
your love Of gain2 Why, that, when you are
too poor to buy drop of cod water, your be-
loved son may be rolled to hell in his chariot,
pilowed and cushioned around him.
His eye gradually lighted up as he proceeded,
till towards the close il seemed to sparkle with
celestial fire.
Oh, sinners p he exclaimed, sby all your
hopes of happiness, | beseech you to repent.
Let not the wrath of God be awakened Let
not the fires of eternity be kindled against you.
See there" said he, pointing to the lightning
which played on the corner Of the pulpit IT'S
glance from the angry eye OF Jehovah. Hark "
continued he, raising his finger in listening
attitude, as the distant thunder grew louder and
louder and broke in one tremendous crash over
the building 1T was the voice of the Almighty,
as he passed by in his anger"
AS the sound died away, he covered his face
with his hands, and knel beside his pulpit APP
parently lost in inward and intense prayer. The
storm passed rapidly away, and the sun, burst
ing forth in his might, threw across the heavens
magnificent arch of peace. Rising, and point
ing TO the beautiful object, he exclaimed, "Look
upon the rainbow and praise him that made IT,
Very beautiful it is in the brightness thereof. 1t
compassath the heavens about with glory, and
the hands of the Most High have Bonded it,"
The effect was astonishing. Even Somer-
vile shaded his eyes when he pointed TO the
lightning, and knelt as he listened to the APP
preaching thunder; while the deep sensbiity
of Grace, and the thoughtless vivacIty OF Lucre
tia yielded to the powerful excitement in an
unrestrained burst of tears. 4" Who could resist
such eloquence 2" said Lucretia, as they mingled
with the departing throng.