The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1860-09-19
gabbath geadiug,
Ananias' Visit to Paul.

Fashionable religion diners Wloely
from the simple and earnest religion of
the New Testament, and when the two
are brought in direct contrast, one is
struck forcibly by the unlikeness.
Rev. Mr.. Grubner, an eccentric Meth
odist preacher in Maryland, whose
memoir has lately been published, once
attempted to show this contrast in
sermon on the conversion of Saul of
Tarsus. He described the visit of
Ananias to the blind and penitent per-
secutor, and one may recognize in the
sketch style of visiting not unknown
in our day
While in Washington be attended
campmeeting on old Frederic Circuit
about twelve miles from the city. He
took occasion at particular time when
there was large number of the clergy
present, of showing up fashionable
preachers and their mode of conduct
in certain cases. He chose for his
subject the conversion of Saul of Tar
sus. Ananias who lived at Damascus
was used to represent the velvet-hpped
modern preacher. He thus introduced
the subject:
A great many years ago bold bias
phemer was smitten with conviction
when on his way to Damascus to per-
secute the Christians He wss taken
to Damascus in great distress. An
anias after hearing of the concern Of
mind under which Saul was laboring
started out to find him. 1t seems he
was stopping at the house of gen
tleman named Judas, not Judas Isear
lot, for that person had been dead for
several years. The residence of this
gentleman was in the street called
Strait. | suppose it was the main
street or Broadway of the city. hence
it was not difficult to find. Arriving
at the mansion he rang the bell, and
soon servant made her appearance.
He addressed her thus:
:" Is the gentleman of the house,
Mr.. Judas, within -
d" Yes sir" responded the reryant.
he is at home"
Taking ont a glazed, gilt edged
card, on which was printed. Rev. Mr.
Ananias, he handed it to the servant
and said, Take this to him. quick
ly"
Taking seat, with his hat, cane,
and gloves in. his left hand, his right
employed in arranging his classical
curls, so as to present as much of an
intellectual air as possible, he awaited
an answer Presently Mr. Judas
made his appearance. whereupon Mr.
Ananias rises, and makes a respectful
bow, and says
Have the honor to address Mr..
judas ?"
That is my name sir please be
seated"
I" / have called Mr. Judas, to in
quire if a gentleman by the name Of
Mr. Saul, legate of the high priest
at Jerusalem, is guest at your
house,
Yes sir, Mr. Saul is in his cham
Der, in very great distress and trouble
of mind He was brought here yes
/ terday, having fallen from bis horse q
few miles from the city, on the Jerusa-
lem road"
O. am very sorry to hear of SO
painful an accident ! hope he is not
dangerously wounded. =
mo sir, / think not, though bis
fall has affected his sight very much,
and he complains considerable and
prays good DEAL"
"Well, am very sorry but that
is not very strange, as believe be be-
longs to that sect of the Jews called
Pharisees, who make much of pray
ing How long since be received this
fall, Mr. Judas ?"
About three days since. and all
the time he has not taken any rest or
refreshment"
Indeed you dom say SO he
must be seriously hert May I be
permitted to see Mr.. Saul ?"
Il will ascertain his pleasure Mr..
Ananias. and let you know if you can
have an interview"
After being gone short time, Mr.
Judas returns aud says:
Mr.. Saul will be much pleased to
see you"
When he was nsherea into his pres
ence, Saul is reclining on his couch in
a room partially darkened. Ar
preaching him, Ananias said; How
do You do Mr.. Saul understand
you have done our city the honor of
visit. Hope you had pleasant
journey. How did you leave the high
priest We have very 6ns weather
Mr.. Saul. | thought | wonld call
aud pay my respects to yon, as was
anxious to have some conversation
with you on theological subjects
am extremely sorry to hear of the
accident that happened to you in Wis
ting our city, and hope you will soon
, recover from your indisposition