Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-05-29
From fhe Le~is5srg Clro~icse.
Sketch OF u Lun0tiC's Sermon.
BY LEWIS NEwsoM.

BY LEWIS NEwsoM.
| While sojourning in Northern Ohio, ,ant
disposed to rest myself and horse, l mad,
up my mind to pass the Sabbath at III,
lourishing town of s., on Lake Erie
and located at the Rutan Hotel. Wher
the church bells were ringing. preliminary
to divine service, mine host gave me an in
vitationto accompany his family tochurch
the offer was accepted, and on arriving
there, bell and beau, matron and sire, were
each dressed out in their best Sunday-go
connecting clothes.
| About 1O4 o'clock the bell sounded il.
notes Of welcome, to the christian com
munity, to attend divine service. In Q
short space Of time the house was literally
slowed full-all sitting in digni6ed com
posure, beftting the occasion.
About the time the Rev. Mr.. Willough.
by was commencing the morning services
a tall young gentleman,dressed in the livery
Of priest, with the most graceful ease,
walked directly up the aisle, to the pulpi,
door, shelving an evident desire to enter
it was Immediately thrown open, when
he was invited to take seat the young
gentleman said to him in an audible voice,
"Sir, | have come to preach for you," and
without waiting for an acceptance of the
offer, he stepped upon the platform, and
extending his arms in curved graceful
manner, said "let us pray" the congre-
CATION arose. Under ordinary circum-
stances, the Rev. Mr.. Willoughby would
have asked for some evidence of his per-
mission to preachin the church os which it
was inferred he was a member-but his
dress, dignifed department and gravity,
inspired him with the conviction that he
was an acceptible minister, and tacitly per-
mltted him to proceed. AS soon as he com
menced, his language, his elevated and
chaste conceptions, convinced the audience
he was divine of prc-eminent talents, a
highly gifted oracle.
He commenced the initiatory services
| by prayer His words, his intontations,
and his invocations, were full Of classical
eloquence. Never had the community of
that church heard more acceptable pray
er. When it was concluded, and an ap-
propriate hymn had been sung, the mys-
terious stranger opened the ponderous
quarto Bible; on the first page presenting
ITSELF he took his text, evidently without
thought or premeditation, which was as
follows: Il was a stranger and ye took
me in.' He then made an exordium re-
plete with exalted views Of the moral and
spiritual tendency Of scripture, and then
commenced commentary on the mora
and spiritual duties of christians in all the
relations Of life, and especially in THEN
treatment of strangers, as in that guise
angels had been entertained aforetime una
wares, without previous knowledge ot
their emanation. He then enlarged upon
the subject of charity. His whole soul
was poured into his subject. The audi
ence (at least many Of them) burst into
tears, with selfcondemnation, still it was
inexplicable who this mysterious preacher
could be.
lie wenton taking cursory view Of
our sojourn here, the trials and temptations
that daily leads US astray, our lack Of char.
table exercises for the benefit Of the be-
nighted heather, and the poor and needy
OF all classes-ofour accountability for al
the transactions of life, and our certain ex
lstence in another world, and the reward.
that are laid up for them that have dont
good, even to the least of Gods creatures
After the subject of charity had been ably
eloquently, and conclusively examined, h,
then made an exhortadon, full of pathos, il
which he brought the glories of heaven ii
full view E; he pointed to the golden streets
OF the new Jerusalem, where was the Laml
of God sitting on his throne, to welcome
all true christians to his presence. Tha
"eye hath not seen, nor ear heard. neither
hath it entered into the heart of man to
conceive the things which God hath laid
up for them that love him and keep his
commandments" 1t is there the best mel
that ever lived will be collected from all
kingdoms and quarters Of the earth it is
to this collected assembly the Almighty
Will unlock the treasures Of his wisdom
the secrets Of his government, the wonders
Of his grace; it is there the soul shall re.
ceive fresh and superior inlcts of intelli.
gence, the wondrous pages Of nature will
be made plain, the mystery of redemption
be unfoldcd it is there we shall meet in
immortal bloom. He then urged sinners
to come to Christ, to join the Christian
band that heaven was as unlimited as
Gods goodness there was room, and am
pie room, for all who may die to the end
OF time. 1t is place where happiness is
to be found without alloy; substantial pleas
ures are there to be found it is there the
heavenly choir will join in concert to praise
the Almighty, to give thanks to Christ for
the completion of his mission for mans re-
demption; then, said he, forsake your sins
and turn to God, and when death shall
overtakc you, your departure will be in
peace-your entrance into heaven certain
your happiness secure-its continuation
everlasting.
During the delivery of this unexpected
sermon, Of which some Of the most promi-
nent points only have been skctched, the
congregation were often in tears, and melt.
ed down withnew desire to seek the King
dom of Heaven.
When the sermon was concluded, the
speaker stood a few moments to observe
Its effect on the congregation-then turn
ing to the Rev. Mr.. Willoughby, he made
a most respectful bow and departed-leav-
ing the congregation and their minister in
utter astonishment, who could this preach
er be? whence came hel and whittier had
| he gonel When the services were conclud-
ed and the congregation dismissed, many
started in pursuit Of him, but he had pass
ed the confines Of the town, and no trace
Of him could be found. He had been seen
before entering the church, but no one
could give his name, nor could any clue
be had ofhis residence or destination The
people Of s. found new theme for
conversation, and one and all agreed that
it was one ofthe best and most powerful
sermons ever preached in that church.