Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-01-01

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WATCH NIGHT The custom OF watching
the Old Year out and the New lear in was
observed 10 tho Methodist Episcopal Church
last night with the form and all the devotion
that characterized its observance 10 the years
long since gone by, When the meuib ers of that
denomination wore costume somewhat reSem.
ing that o! the Friends OF the present day, and
when the church building was called the Meet;
ing House The congregation commenced to
assemble about half past pine o'clock, and
from that time until alter ten, they came in
singly, or in pairs, or 10 half dozens, to the num-
Der perhaps of two hundred, and scattered
themselves all over the floor OF the dimly
lighted church. At ten clock the full head
Of gas was turned on, and the pastor, the Rev.
Mr. Haynes, and the Rev Mr. Richardson,
advanced up the aisle and took their seats in
the chancai ia front OF the pulpit. But 90 e
person, an Old coored woman, sat In the gale
ries, aud ;he choir was also without occupants.
The Service we're begun by the pastor, who
said that the first halt hour Of the watch would
be devoted 10 singing aud praying. lie then
gave out the hymn commencing with
Sing to the great Jehovah praise;
All praise TO him belongs,
Who kindly longthens out our days,
Demands our choicest songs
his providence has brought us through
Another varied year
We now with vows and anthems new,
Before our God appear.
Mr.. Thomas Davy, at the request of the
pastor, then Invoked Divine grace. Another
hymn was then sung, after which prayer fol-
lowed by the Rev. Mr. Richardson. Another
HYMN, and then Mr. Richardson preached
sermon from the text, I'VE are bought with
price" porlraylng in vivid coors the cross aud
passion of the Saviour of mankind, and saying,
Though gold in Jumps as large this and
other worlds could not bny one drop of the
Redcemer's blood, it was free to all who were
atbirst for it, and could have heard the words,
my God, my God, why hast thou torsakcn me,
methiuks would have been melted into tears ;
yea my heart, though adamant would have
been softened.
Singing again followed, after which Mr.
John Johnson made a long and ierVld
prayer. The pastor then said he felt inspired
by the Holy Ghost and the spirits OF departed
friends, Which he felt in his heart we're hover
ing around him, to call the congregation to sing
Praise God FROM whom al blessings flow;
Praise him all creatures here below,
Praiee him above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Hoy Ghost
This being done he appealed to the lmpenltents
present to mend their ways, and asked the con
= gregation to sing
NJ Rock of ages, cleft for me,
.4A Let me hide myself in thoe;
SA In the water and the blood,
From thy wounded side which now,
Be- sin tho double cure -.,.... .....
Save FROM wrath and make me pure.
Tho long hand on the dial Of the clock hat
now reached three minutes before twelve anc
tho pastor said that the most appropriate wa!
to spend that briel space between the Old AM
the new year would be in silent prayer, and tina
time having siapsed, the congregation still Of
their knees, sang the covenant hymn, commen
cling with
Come let US use the grace divine,
And all with one accord,
In a perpetual COW nsnt join
Ourselves to Christ the Lord ....
Then rising they sang with spirit and etfect
Shall we gather at the river; : r
Where bright angel feet have trod;
With its crystal tide forever,
Flowing by tho throne Of Coo.
The doxology was then sung, and the Assem-
blaze dismissed by the pastor with wish lor
happy new year. which wish was endorsed 40
repeated among the congregation with gener
shaking Of hands.
The singing during the evening was conuuc
ed by Mayor Berkeley and Mr. Clark.
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