Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-03-17
FAITHFUL pREACuINc.

Rev. w. II. Miburn. to illustrate the pecu-
liar failhfulness of some Of the early Kentucky
clergy, says in his lecture -
"An incident, related by Ewcll White, him
self man Of note, will illustrate this. II hap
pened at one time that meeting was appoint
cd in --- in old Simon Kenion's county. A
preacher named James Axley, familiarity called
Jenny Axley, by his friends and very popu-
lar, was expected. But when he came he
brought another with him, who spoke first
This disappointed the people, and there was
good deal Of noise and confusion and great in-
attention on the part Of the audience. II Gus
tomary when too ministers arc present for both
TO address the meeling il one drives in nail
Of truth, the other clenches it. When Axley
rose, all was still, everybody was disposed 10
listen.
'My fricnds,' said he, looking round with a
keen obsorvant glance, sit is perhaps painful
but always necessary duty of yonr minister to
reprove sin, wherever found, and be assured |
shall not shrink from it on this OCCASION
Now said he, "thai sandy headed man stand
ing by the door, that went out while the broth
er was speaking, siad as long as he wished,
got his boots covered with mud, came in and
made such noise cleaning them as 10 disturb
everybody, and prevent their hearing scarcely
word, that man thinks ! mean him. And
well tina, he might think 50, for it was dis
grace to Kentucky to say he was raised here
and had no more manners. Now, my friend,
advise you to go home, and learn how 10 be-
have when you come TO the house Of prayer
BHt i don't meaH him.
"That little girl about the middle of the
floor, with flowers inside If her bonnet. tina,
was giggling and laughing and chattering all the
time the brother was speaking, thinks mean
her. And she ought. | am sorry for her par
enls, who have raised girl 10 fifteen, without
he' learning how to behave mOdestly and
properly, and they are 10 be pitied. Little
girl, before you come again, learn TO be quiet
al reverend in the house Of God, and respect
ful TO the ministers he has sent. But don'i
man her.
"And now that man on the bench, towards
the corner, that's looking up as bright and
wide awake, as il he had never been asleep il
his life, and never expected to be, but wh'
was nodding and bowling all through the preach
Ing, and snoring SO as to disturb all around him
he thinks | mean him. And indeed he wei
may. My friend, the house of God is not in
tended for a sleeping room. When you wan
to iakea nap, 60 home and 60 TO bed and TAX
it regularly; but you come here for anothe
purpose. Blu ] don't mean him.
And thus he went on, fixing his dark, pierc
ing eye on each offender, singing him out il
such manner that he could not be mistaken
till he had gone through with all who had mad
any disturbance, ending each reproval with
Bu l don't mean him, or her. White, mean
while. citing on bench in front Of Az
ley, enjoying the fun amazingly, laughing, rub
bing his hands, chewing more Justify, and spii
ting more vigorously and proiusely than before
as each new offender was brought, till the aisl
before him was puddle.
Now" said Axley, drawing himself up
and with severe look, 81 calculate you war
10 know who do mean.'' II mean" poin
ing directly to Which, meaa that mast,
dirty, filthy tobacco ehacer. Look at The fun
bro0n puddle l.fore him 4: toad ,conidn't no
in IL, and 10 think Of tAe sisters dresses hapin,
10 go d,oughhr"
White was thundersiruck. He never agai
was known 10 chew tobacco in meeting.