Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-09-10
gufaI ann 4srs0nal.
Jndecorum m Church.A some dane ago one

Jndecorum In Church.-Some time ago Qhe
exact period is not materially stranger, middle
aged man, arrived in the city, and at once made
himself an object Of comment. He selected the
Sabbath as the better day, and several oil the
churches as the more appropriate places, for his
eccentric performances. First visiting church
in the western part OF Washington, he startled
the devout worshppers by frequent and stentorian
EXPLANATIONS of" Amenp Sometimes, however,
throwing in the word at the wrong time, and In
such way asto render the interruption provok-
ing and ridiculous. The people, OF course, d.
rected their attention TO the source whence pro-
ceeded the indecorum, but said nothing; and the
sexon stood by him, undetermined whether or
not 10 remove the offender from the sacred pre-
misses. The minister frequently paused, and di-
rected more than one piercing and indignant look
from his anger-fashing eye; but still came forth
the moderation, loud and deep, "A-men" At
last the clergyman administered sharp oral re-
buke whereupon the stranger hastily picked up
his hat, and made his exit without even bowling
farewell. The Divine services were then re-
sumed, and concluded in peace, and, ii is to be
hoped, with profit. I40.
Proceeding from that church, he entered ano-
ther and there reenacted his farce whthe addition
Of groanings, as though he had mountain-load of
sin upon his heart which was struggling for liberty.
His case appeared really desperate, The assem-
bied Christians at once perceived that the fellow
over.acted his part; and "good brother" obey
ing the nod Of the preacher, approached the Of
fender, and politely requested him either TO main
tain order or TO retire. He preferred the latter,
having several similar places TO visit before the
expiration Of the morning; and, beside, he was
not thus easily 10 be deprived of his sport As he
left his seat, loud amen from his lips filed the
house; startling the neryously affected.
With the proceedings at the third or fourth
church which he visited we are perfectly familiar.
having been one of the congregation. He hurried
in at brisk trot, and proceeded TO what's known
as the amen corner There he first drew the
attention of the people by his groanings, and sud-
denly an "amen!" was heard, alarming every
body-remindng us of Ned Brace, whom, per.
haps, the adventurer had selected as his unworthy
pattern. The brethren who had been INDUCING
in heartfelt " amens y were silenced, and chances
were exchanged, and there was not little litter
ing by the boys and girls and whisperings among
the men and women. The preacher however,
travelled on; arguing in behalf ofthe Gospel truth,
and absorbed in metaphysics. Now and then he
would pause, and look directly at the noisy man
in the corner; but all to no purpose. At last his
patience was exhausted and his I" forbearance"
had ceased TO be a virtue y so he directly and
pointedly said, addressing himself TO the distur-
Der: II is not respectful, sir, thus 10 act in the
house of God"
The man, recovering from the reproof, hurried
on his hat, and, leaving his snug retreat, posted
himself near the altar for few moments. was
now his time to say something. The sleepers
had aroused themselves, and every ear was open
TO hear him. IL didn't use to be out ofordsr to CRY
| amen in Methodist church before" he ex-
claimed. addressing himself TO the minister; and
Immediately turned his face TO the door, and, as
consequence, his heels TO the pulpit; and before
| the word "amen" could be uttered, he was be-
| yond the threshold. +.
Every one now "breathed freer and deeper"
Whether the disturber had time 10 visit any other
church on the morning of that day, we never
heard. Certain il is, his " amens" were the loud
est that ever broke upon the ear Of religious
assembly He was amusing himself at the ex-
pense of decency and good order