Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-01-13
Sensation Preaching.

Few things have of late done more To de-
preciatc the influence of Christian ministers,
and indeed, of Christianity itself, than the
ing. 1t has been set by Mr.. Beccher and
others of his stamp-men Of talent, men Of
energy, and determined to make mark, to
accomplish an object by somemeans or other.
They do. indeed, make "A mark; but it is one
not altogether enviable they do accomplish
an object. but at the same time they iniure
the cause they spouse. They decrease the
consideration to which their calling is enti-
tlcd-thcv bclttle great themes by their
mode Of handling such-and they induce
others without their ability To initiate their
faults for mitatorS always copy faults)-
they themselves caricaturc preaching while
they frittcr away its influence. What can
be said Of the remarks of Mr.. Beecher, on
Sunday last, that "Ihe Aposties wsre take"
from he Unrest dreys Of s"ciety; that they
were men without character, intelligence, hon
esty. education, or worth; that, comparing
these men with the great majority OF people
pie in that age. the comparison sunk the
Apostles greatly below their fellows. Some
were liars, some drumkards. some betrayers,
mono seemingly worthy: they never hesitated
to indulge in the most shameful receptions
To lead him Christ astray as to their real
motivnSy'
This language is taken rcrJdfim from Il re-
port of the sermon. and. we are told, was con-
tinucd for some time in similar strain. Not
only is it inaccurate and Incorrect i'll state
mcnt.--for the apostles were not liars and
4, l. Il - .bar nd
ligcnce. such tone INJURIES the effect OF
sermon. 1t may prove taking with Il
fcw,-that IL, il creates a sensation ut the
moment of delivery, but with all thinking or
sensible hearers. it must detract from any
consideration they might otherwise allow to
the discourse Now, rs the object Of preach
ing should be hardly Of the al captan,lnp.
sort, the style that We object 10 cannot be
considered appropriate.
In the same journal from which we make
the above extract we find report Of the SER
lnon of the Rev Mr. Bartlett. whose style is
described "a 'thickly strewn with BON mOts. "
Among other things he remarked in refer,
ring To the fashionable style Of mourning,
that "chri>t, though he wept. never stuck a
weed i'll his hat" Such absUut" irreyerence
ana bLl taste. certainly cannot contribute ~
the conversion of Mr., Bartlett's listeners; his
ban motS are surely out of place in the pulpit,
and the pertnrss of his illusions to the Be-
ing whom he calls Master, sayOrs rather OF
blasphcmy than awe, lnfdelty and unbclief
could not express themselves more freely than
these two Christian ministers, nor, indeed
could scarcely ask more effective assistance
than is offered by such Il coursc.-N. }. Erp.
OTICE.-lIaving just added largely to my
" stock | am now prepared TO furnish at torsst
,ate. all good. in my line. and name 4. part OF my
stock the following articles, viz:
Bar. Rod. Band. Hoop ard other IRONS
Best Blister Cast, and Too STEEL
Hubs. AXles, springs. &c.
Saith, Tiles and RaspS. OF all sizes.
Also, for sale n prime cost large stock OF
HARDWARE, CUTLERY, &c, &c.
Farmer, Black ,i!iths, and others, in Nan'. rre
solicited to call aud examine before purchasing
elsewhere urdcrs promptly executed
GEu. I. BALDWIN,
i.plr No. Is, North Fairfax street.
I CAN HONEY III the CouIb, for sa!e by
Ianl PERRY / PENNiBiChEk,