Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1851-06-06
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WHITEFIELD.

There was nothing in the appearance of
this extraordinary man which would lead
YOU to suppose that a Felix would trcmble
before him. He was something above the
middle stature, we'll proportional, and re-
markable for a native graeefulness Of man
nef. His complexion was very fair, his fea-
lures regular, and his dark blue eyes small
and lively in recovering from the measles
he had contracted a squint with one ofthem
but this popularity rather rendered the
expression Of his countenanee more remem-
befahle than ia any degree lessened the eff
feet Of its uncommon sweetness. HIS voice
excelIed, both in melody and compass; and
its fine modulations were happilyaccompanied
by that grace Of action which he possessed
in an eminent degree, and which has been
saidto be the chief requisite of IN orator
To have seen him when he first commenced,
ONE would have thought him anything but
enthusiastic and glowing but his heart warm
ed with his subject, and his manner became
impetuous and animated, tin, fOrgetful of
every thing around him, he seemed to kneel
at the throne Of Jehovah, and to beseech in
agony for his fellow-beings.
7AAer he had finished his prayer, be knelt
for a long time in profound silence ; and so
powerfully had it affected the most heart
less Of his audience, that a stiffness like that
of the tomb pervaded the whole house.
On one occasion 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
straight gate ; for many say unto you, shall
seek to enter in, and shall not be able"
q See that emblem Of human life" sale
be, as he pointed to a shadow that was fit
ting across the floor. cit passed for a mo
ment, and concealed the brightness of HEAVIER
from our view-but it is gone. And wherr
will We be, my hearers, when your live
have passed away, like that dark cloud p
@, nav dear friends, / see thousands sittini
attentive, with their eyes fixed upon tn
peor unworthy preacher. In a few day
We shah all meet at the Judgment seat 0
Christ. We shall form a part Of that vas
assembly which viii gather before his throne
and every eye will behold the Judge
With q voice you must abide and answer
he will enquire whether on earth ye stroy
10 enter in at the strait gate-whether you
hearts were absorbed in Him. Ny bloc
runs cold when I think how many Of 70
viii then seek to enter in and shall not
able. O, what plea can you make befol
the Judge of the whole earth? Can yC
say Il has been your whole endeavor to mo
tify the flesh, with its affections and lustE
That your life has been one long effort to
the will Of Gods No! you must answe
L made myself easy in the world, by Aatte
ing myself that all would end well, but
have deceived my own soul, and am lost.
/" You. o false and hollow Christian
What avail will it be that you have do
many things-read much in the sacr
word-that you have made long prayers
that you have attended religious duties, q
appeared holy in the eyes of men WI
win all this be. if, instead Of loving HI
supremacy, you have been suppOsing y
should exalt yourself in heaven, by acts
Aly polluted and unholy?