The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-09-01
Vol. 9. No, 6, Whole No. 422.

ion strongly disfgured and distorted by snb;s-
mus-in plain language, he squinted most awGully
II WINS not "cast' in the oyo-such George
Whitfield had-und which, his biogruphers tell us.
at times rather grace than defect, but down
right deformity. And SO bright were these eccentric
"optics, that, when he was animated, he seemed to
shoot from them oblque lightning, Ills figure
alfred in the peculiarly fashioned gown worn by Min
isteis Of the Kirk OF Scotland, that his long
not enveloped in sken folds, but the coat
sleeve was visible, from wrist to nrm-pit
lie had not proceeded Ear in his sermon, when he
began to lash the vices and extravagances Of the rich,
and then thought, at first, that the pulpit would not
contain him long, for now he would stretch his long
body the cushion and with the bible in his out
stretched hands, he seemed in imminent peril Of fall
ling on the heads Of those Immediately undor-then
he woald suddenly s,raigh,en hmeelf and extending
his arms, he would look something like one Of tho
models on which we have coats exhibited at the
doors Of tailo's shops. For a few minutes he would
stand quietly with his right hand pointing to heaven,
and his left fore finger resting on the bible, pouring
forth a stream Of cloquence, worthy as TO language
and style, the old diVines; and, if fury suddenly
possessed him, he would move from ono side of tho
pulpit to the other, finging himself into all imagnn-
bic positions, and making the most singular snd gro
tesque faces imaginable To give on paper correct
idea orErvng's style, w0od be n sheer imposshi'ity,
for his manner, which had a vast deal to do with his
popularity, could not be transferred by pen and
ink But in spite his orcenriciries and extrava-
gancos he wonderfully eloquent. There was nei-
ther trick nor artifce about hm-nohing about his
genius sterling genius his-of meretricious
nature it all good, hard solid, sterling stufT,and
would have passed current in any assembly, however
Intellectual, in ChrstendoEt. His denuncia;ons
were most terrific and he somewhat reminded me,
in many portions of his sermons, Of the elder Kean-
indeed Irving made read the prophecies, Cole
ridge said Edmund Keon made read Shakes
peare-by flashes Of ghtniug, dazzling but not con
founding
left Trvins's Church with the impression that he
was wild genius-but still n mighty one the msn
original in every respect and profundy learned.
Like a comet he swept across the religious Hems-
phere. astonishing all, and dismayng mGnJ; assum-
ing in his eccentric course numberess changes; and
at last appalling those who ojZed in wonder his
splendid and perilous career
They " ho would know more Of Irving's mind
should read his friend and countryman, Caryle's ar
tice his death. pretend not to dive beneath the
surface Of things, in these papers, and therefore 7
pass 10 record my last recoleotions him.
Soon after tho occurrences jus: noted, Mr. Irving
embraced those docirnes-n all sincerity, | have
not the slightest doubt--which led to his removal
from the Kirk e Scotland ; and !hcn, Mr.
Drummond, wealthy banker of London, and Two or
three other aiuent uloN Of the preacher prucur-
ed him place Of worship in perners street. Oxford
street In this place the mad scenes Of the Gun
known II ngue" delusion, enacted, and to the
sincere regret of all Mr. Irting's admirers, he
fostered and encouraged the fanairism. Happening
to be in Town whilst he occuI el this hurch, went
there Sunday evening, and got in with great diff
Guilty. On platform nj one end Of the building,
little altar erected, on which was a cushion and
a bible BY his stood Irving, with hand resting
on the sacred volume, and the other holding book.
rrom which, in deep, cultural tones, he was reading
II hymn Above his head was Il single gobular lamp
wbi,h, casting subdued light on his gowned figure,
and on his picturesque head produced n strkingy
fine effect lie preached short sermon, but to my
surprise, used very little action-ior he stood
rally still, only at times, moving his little
Ills language remarkably and impressivoy beau
,iful, reminding Of the dction of of the
quaint old writers and dramatists. Had not known
was Irving, should scarcely have taken tho SOL
cmn, dignfed looking individual before me, for tho
same person as him whom had previously heard
in Regent Square Church.
The last time that | saw Edward irving was at
Chepstow, in South Wales, and not long before his
death lie was then visiting elderly lady there
who had erected Irvngite place of worship, in thar
town, in which he preached at the opening. l was,
with others, invited 10 spend the evening in his
pany; and If had been struck with the alteration in
his appearance in Berners street from what it had
been in Regent square, was even startled at the
difference in his person since had noted him ut the
former place, lie was half seatt d, half ying on a
sofa, when entered the room in a Ianguid and hair
out state, and evidently undergoing great bod
" suffering. His long black hair was, now that
saw it near, prematurely streaked with grey; his
eyes were sun&en; his nose pnched up; and damp
sweat was on his face. When took his hand in
mine, knew there death in it-he had n short.
troublesome cough; but on hs face pleasant