The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1865-09-28


was bathed in tears; for like Paul and Whit
field, and others of the same spirit, he thus
often besought men. 1t was sometimes with
great difficulty, and only after considerable
pause, be could find utterance. Under this
appeal the whole congregation was deeply
moved, and many of the stout-hearted were
melted like wax. His own feelings, though
still under intense action, at length found
vent, and were more calm. With the utmost
solemnity he next pointed the class he was
addressing to the future. If they had been
like the troubled sea in the past, what could
they expect in dying hour, and day OF
judgment? He recited Jer. Il: D: "lt thou
hast run with the footmen, and they have
wearied thee, then how canst thou contend
with horses? and if in the land Of peace,
wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee,
then how wilt thou do in the swelling of JOr-
dam" If in this world of mercy, said he,
sense of guilt, and apprehensions OF the
wrath of God, make you sometimes so un- |
happy, how will it be in that hour when
mercy is departing forever? when such
sense of .avenging justice shall seize you as
will reverse the very instincts Of nature
ITSELF
IN illustration Of this point, he added
Suppose, as you are seated here this mo-
ment. you should see the heavens above sud
denly gathering blackness, and feel the earth
trembling under some mysterious power be-
meath your feet, aud you who are seated upon
the mountain should feel it shaking to its
foundation, and looking up to its top, we
should see it nodding to its fall. What would
nature dictate? We should all flee in horror
from the fated spot. But how completely
will all this feeling be reversed to the impep-
itent at the last day You will then say to
the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and
hide us from the face of him that stitch on
the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb;
for the great day of his wrath is come, and
who shall be able to stand p "* This was
the substance, and in the most material parts
the language used.
do not think it possible to convey to
others an adequate idea of the impression i'm
mediately produced. The effect was indie
scribable; but something may be gathered
from a statement of what witnessed. Twas
sitting with other boys close by DR.. Baxter,
on the edge of the platform, and facing the
vast assembly. From the very beginning of
his sermon their attention had been riveted.
1t had increased with every step in the
preachers advance, until more complete
absorption in the subject, and consequently
forgetfulness of everything else, can hardly
be Imagined. The emotion of the crowSRow
reached its climax, and an amazing one it
was have beheld many assemblies since
deeply wrought upon under sense of eternal
things, but never scene to be compared to
eilis. 1 eau testify thar saw numoer OF
persons turn to see if the mountain was not
really about to fall Indeed, so wrapt was
my whole soul in the subject, that also for
moment looked up in apprehension of such
catastrophe.
Among all the instances noticed in history,
where whole multitude were swayed like
forest before some mighty wind, L doubt whe-
Their there is a more remarkable one than this.
1t was a Divine power, but the Holy Spirit
of God commonly uses means suited to the
end designed. 1t was so here If the uni
versal judgment of the most competent men
who knew him may decide, DR.. Baxter had
endowments of mind, and powers as preacher
surpassed by none and equalled by few of his
great contemporaries. Of his piety, exceeding
mOdesty and great worth, it were superauous
to say anything. Many can still call to mind
his majestic presence, his kindling eye, and
head moulded so grandly as to "give the
world assurance of man." His theme on
the occasion of which l speak, was exactly
suited to his cast of thought, and his sonorous
voice rang through the grove and along the
mountain like the sound of deep-toned
trumpet. When with all this you consider
the place, the great congregation, and the
great religious awakening over the country,
it may be understood in some measure how
we'll suited these agencies and circumstances
we're in the work Of mercy and salvation
Still it was not any the less Divine. "There
are diversities of operations, but it is the
same God which wOrketh all in all" Ger
tainly must ever remember the scene here
imperfectly described as one of the most iu.
teresting Of my life. I have ventured the
sketch, believing it will be reminisceuce
not without interest to many, and especially
of great and good man so much loved and
revered.
Passing out from the shadow of the noun
tain, and riding in the twilight of evening
! l.. A. r;yar N tba Rnok hridoa Rotbs the