Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1846-01-03
Correspondence OF tn. phi,.. Ledger.
wAsnrseros, DEC. %, ls45.

WASHINGTON, DEC %, 1845.
The new Chaplain of the House of Represen-
tatives delivered Discourse in the Representa-
tives' Hall this mcraing. It was crowded with
the beauty and fashion Of Washington; and no.
tced, also, some of the members Of the Cabinet,
Judges of the Supreme Court, and a number Of
other distinguished magnates Of the land among
the audience. Cave Johnson and the Hon John
Quincy Adams were seated Immediately beneath
the "dripping of the sanctuary"
Mr.. Milburn is young man, apparently not
more than thirty or thirty five wears Of age,
sincere disciple Of his Lord and Master, and for
some time past has been preaching in the West
ern and Southwestern States. He has had the
misfortune to become nearly blind, and a few
weeks ago was on his way from the West TO one
Of the Atlantic cities TO obtain surgical aid.
When on board Of one Of the steamboats, on the
Ohio, he became acquainted with distinguished
member Of Congress from Kentucky, who indu-
ced him to visit Washington; and when Congress
assembled, this same gentleman proposed him for
/ Chaplaincv of the House, and his election has
/ been the result
The discourse Of Mr.. Mlburn to-day afforded
evidence ofthe propriety of this selection. 1t
was marked by simplicity. sincerity aud iervent
eoquence His text was selected from of the
epstles Of Paul and he dilated with much force
upon the Characteristic traits of that bold and ell
oqucnt apostle He referred to the arrival ofthe
apostle at the capital of the Roman Empire,
whence he proclaimed that he was "ready to
preach the Gospel Of Christ at Rome also" show
ing that Paul, though then prisoner in bonds,
was nothing daunted at the power and grandeur
of the Roman Empire then in the height Of its
glory. Though following at an immense distance
in the footsteps of his great prototype he also
was ready. according 10 his humble abilities to
preach the Gospel a, Washington.
lie proceeded with much force, TO point ont
the excellenc;es of this Gospel to man in all con-
ditons of life Did men desire wealth. Here
we're treasures inexhaustible. Did they seek
{ fame? The glory OF the serarhic hosts will sur
: render, in the world to come, the followers ofthe
meek and lowly Jesus, Did they seek happi-
ness Through this Gospel the way of access is
opened 10 the source of all good.
He referred TO the grace promised through this
gospel which he affirmed to be the only safe re-
. lance upon which man should place his hope,
- whether on the mountain top of prosperity. or
in the deep vale Of Observation-Disclosures enjoying
the smiles, or suffering from the frowns of the
n world
h, He dwe't then at some length and with be-
g. coming earnestness, on the excellencies and i'm
,or+,p.o Of tho Christian reliuiop cont sting IL
m with the various false religions which, in the alb
n sence of the only true religion drove their unhap-
py votaries, through their instructive efforts to
rid themselves Of a consciousness of sin, and to
d. appeasc an offended Deity, to the perpetration OF
lie acts from which human nature recoils.
- He concluded with an earnest appeal to his au-
F" dience to seek that salvation which is truly offer
ed to all who come within the sound of the Cos
N. pei.
=, The announcement in the Union and some
:, other papers, that the nomination of Hon George
. w Woodward to the bench of the Supreme
an Court, syas confirmed Wednesday is errcne
70. ous. He has not yet been confirmed, nor wa
the Senate in session on Wednesday. Considera
ble dissatisfaction is expressed, in some quarters
St at this information. but cannot perceive tina
sh. his qualifications for the Office doubted. HI
nj course in the reform Convention is the prncipa
objection urged against him. The idea prevails
too. that Mr.. Woodward was nominated by Pre-
IN sident Polk, under the impression that he is
II free trade man, aPproximates IN his views
free trade principles. Such is alleged, by som
of his friends, TO be the fact while il is state
"h- by others on what would seem to be good autho
d. ity that while his nomination as U. 5. Senate
ON was pending before the State Legislature, +
wrote to a member of the State Senate, that
nil, was not only Tariff man, but that in the evei
tho of his election he would sustain the Tarofi isi
tod If he be really free trade man, as is assert
bv with great positlveness by some who know hi
well, the probability is tina, the pledge referr
to was given because he believed that the inte
,ys, ests of Pennsylvania required that the Tariff
nty, 40 should not be repealed 1t seems to be G
de- neraly conceded that this is one of Mr. Polk
81 o,pn appointments and has been made witho
ury dctaton from any quarter.
The Committee on Military Affairs, in {
a.. House have been industriously engaged for sor
Of days in the preparation ola bill to provide
,,,h placing the country in complete state of 1
-; fence. They will, it is thought, recommend a,
i, ~ liberal appropriation for the purpose and
h;s very bill which they may report on this subje
run " '' y '' rf
sr, to be determined TO prepare for a national cris