Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1844-12-25
4(8rtlIanp.
From the Crescent CITY.
NY FIRST AND LAST SERMON
BY SOL SMITH,

ellated that, during my peregrlnatlons,
have been in the habit of "holding forth
10 congregations Of sinners. The truth
oG the matter is, never preached but one
regular built" sermon in my life. With
tae exception of an address to the En-
campment Of Patriarchs and lodges of Odd
Fellows, from the pulpit of the Unitarian
Church, in Mobile, and a few brief re-
marks to a congregation of passengers,
on the occasion of taking up collection
for a poor woman on the Alabama river,
many years ago, the following shetch will
contain a true and faithful account of my
whole ministerial experience.
AS a preliminary, it must be known that
my brother, who had succeeded me, as the
manager of the West Tennessee Theatres,
while had accepted an engagement in
New Orleans with the Emperor" las we
called manager Caldwell) in answer TO
the numerous and pressing inquiries res
pecting the whereabouts of ''Old Sol"
had uniformly asserted that had been
concerted, and had commenced preaching.
BY this answer, he got rid of any further
inquiries from the anxious West TenneS-
7eeans, who had been accustomed TO laugh
at my stage jokes, for wonder succeeded
70 curiosity, and many Turing smile ac-
c0mpanied the shake Of the head and hold
ing up of hands which the astounding in
formation caused. SIS it possibIe!" "Who
would have thought of his turning preach
er?' 81 can scarcely believe IT." 81
would like TO hear him try his hand at it!"
we're some of the Explanations heard by
my brother on his impairment of the news
OF my conversion. Requesting the read
er to remember that | was totally igno-
rant Of these reports of my backsliding
from the stage, proceed with my story.
My brother and his company were at
Memphis, where had an engagement of
six nights. A week before the close of
cur season in Nashville, obtained leave
10 commence my southern journey, giving
myself time to fulfil my promise to my
brother, and yet be ready at my post at the
of the campaign in New
Orleans.
About 3 o'clock, one afternoon, the
stage coach stopped at the little town Of
B, where had performed the year
before; and where | was we'll known by
every man, woman and child for six miles
roanJ. The landlord of the hotel ex-
pressed great joy at meeting me, and ush-
cred me, with great respect and ceremo-
ny, into the family parlor, where lie left
me Tor few minutes, TO attend TO the 9TH
cr guests. The landlady and her daugh-
ters received me with great cordially,
bot could not help observing a sort of
seriousness in their countenances which
had never seen before. Ny cloak was
hung up, my over-shoes taken care of, the
ire stirred up, and, in short, found N.Y.
self very comfortable, and felt assured, by
every action Of my host and his family,
that | was considered somebody. Dinner
was soon announced, and arose to Join
the general rush for the dining room, but
the landlady interposed pressing invita-
ton that ! would join the family dinner,
which would be ready in about ten min
utes. A most superior meal soon engaged
my attention in a room adjoining the par
Tor, with cup of excellent tea, than which
l know Of nothing more refreshing while
travelling. noticed that when we had
taken our seats a: the table, san awful
pause" took place, while all eyes were
turned towards me--but at the time it did
not appear very singular that the assem-.
hled family should wish TO have a "good
look" at one who had so often ministered
TO their amusement.
Dinner over, was mysteriously beck
oned into a private room by Boniface,
who said he wished to have few words
with me. We took seats. The worthy
landlord here interposed in long look at
me, the corners OF his mouth and the
twinkling of his eyes indicated, by certain
twitchings and winnings, that a laugh
was on the point of breaking through all
restraints, and making itself seen and
heard. After sundry ''hems' and "ha's,"
and moving his chair little this way and
a little that, my friend cleared his throat,
and thus began conversation, which re-
suited in a most singular adventure.
"You must excuse me,-I can't help
what change has taken place
in you; but must do you the Justice to
believe you are sincere in your profess
sions. Will you tell me, candidIy, Mr.. s.
you like your present mode of
as well as you did that of last year, when
you used to travel through this country
with your company, and make US laugh
ready to kill ourselves, with your comic
4lities!''
Surprising my questIoneT merely wish.
ID to ascertain whether was satisfied
with a regular engagement in New Or
cans, after indulging in the excitements
accident to the life of a preambulating
manager, | answered: 81 must confess,
nv friend, that the change is very agree
Lie ~ me-. nd a snnihern china To IL &c