The Portland daily press., 1863-03-17
MISCELLANY.
A Scene in Surgeons Tabernacle.

A Scene in Epurgeon's Tabernacle.
Aletter from an American merchant publish
ed in the Boston Transcript, thus describes Mr..
Spurgeon, his Tabernacle, and the services on
Sunday, the 18th of last January:
Last Sunday we attended service at Spur
geon's great Tabernacle. Every seat and
aisle was filled before he entered. There are
seats for over seven thousand persons, although
eight to nine thousand, it is said, may be got
into the building. do not doubt that over
seven thousand persons were present at this
service-all weli-dressed, good and respectable
people, averaging equally with any of our
churches. Or course none of the nobility
were there. The shape OF the hall Is about q
double cube; the interior is oval, with two
galleries completely around the room, even
behind the speaker. It's acoustic properties
are perfect Ii cost e4S,000-all paid for be-
fore Spurgeon would preach In t. There is
no musical instrument in the house, but the
hymns are deaconed out by Spurgeon himself,
who stands with his full figure before his au-
dience, with only simple banister railing to
rest upon.
In appearance he is stout, weighing say 225
pounds, yet good height and figure, although
very full In the face, clear complexion and
dark chestnut hair, with small half whiskers.
De looks like good man, and l doubt not
he is one. In some intellectual traits he re-
sembles Mr.. II. w. Beecher, although less
fiery or emotional. There is nothing at all
approaching ranting style. His voice is
powerful, sweet and earnest, flling every one
with the thought OF his subject 1t is always
gentle, yet strong aud clear, without any ap-
parent effort. He is young, not over 81 or IS
years Of age; a remarkable reader, and must
have studied elocution thoroughly. He Is
graceful. did not see q single awkward ges-
ture. He spoke about one hour, the whole
service occupied about two hours the remarks
were extemporaneous and were reported BY
q stenographer. The audience all sang, and
the volume Of sound as it rolled up from
1000 fervent voices was solemn and imposing,
rs it was grand and powerful. The hearts Of
a multitude seemed moving heavenward. His
prayers, which were in supplicating, CONVEX
sational tone, were fervent aud excellent. He
prayed to God as child would ask of a father;
the words were not rolled out in the usual
pompous intonations, common in the daily
service of so many churches here. He prayed
like good man, and no one could doubt the
sincerity of his heart After opening bis
prayer, and praying as usual for his fock and
matters near his heart, he said, as nearly as l
can repeat 1t, which think is word for word,
as wrote 1t down at the tme,-
"And now we would offer mp prayer upon
some months. Now, o God, we turn our
thoughts across the sea, TO the dreadful con-
dict OF which we knew not what to say; but
now the voice Of freedom shows where is
right. We pray Thee give success to this glo-
rious Proclamation of Liberty, which comes
to US from across the waters. We had feared
our brethren were not in earnestand would not
come TO this. Bondage and the lash can claim
no sympathy from us. God bless and strength
en- the North-gire rictory to their arms and
speedy end TO the fearful strife. As lovers
OF freedom, let us not belle our calling; now
that we know their cause, we can but exclaim
God speed them"
At this point in the middle of his prayer be
threw up both his hands toward Heaven, and
10 the momentary pause, a deep low, sonorous
and distinct amen came from every section
Of the house, and many an eye bathed in tears
told how truly this prayer had met the hearts
of seven thousand hearers and followers.