Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-07-28
Ihr freeman.
England.
IONnoN Iuna 1890


As you approach London from Scotland
YOU will see England in all her Juno
beauty. Many of those quiet, naturally
artistic, sweet, composing scenes of vale
and swell. of tree and field. of climbing
vine and blooming flower, with long and
wide vista, break and linger upon the view.
England is famous for her rural loveliness.
Everywhere there is thorough culture,
and there is time for it. This last our
northern farmers are denied from the
shornesS of the season. Their months
must be devoted 10 the production of nee
essaries There is not sufficient length to
our seasons for rapid or extensive orna-
mentatiUn. Besides. the British islands
are favored with IA moisture that helps
secure the planting continent cannot
experience. The cottage homes of Eu-
gland are lovely. Her ruined palace or
castle is covered with long grown ivy,
whose suspension from window, pillar and
wall adds charms TO the loveliness OF STU
alton. But this is all the work of centu-
ries. The ivy runs not up as the wood
bine in one season. An ivy we saw on
ruined palace was three feet across its
trunk. 1t would hold up the wall as well
rs clothe it. So years may add many
BEAUTIES 10 the rural homes of America
that are not yet seen.
1t did not rain the Sabbath we were in
London, and we enjoyed the day very
much. 1t was hospital Sunday, when all
the churches take collections for the sup
port of free hospital beds during the
year. In the morning we went to the
tabernacle of Spurgeon. 1t was crowded
not less than six thousand present. 1t
was refreshing 10 see every pew, stairway
and gallery filled, eight and nine rows of
heads above rows of heads, all interested
and eager for the service, as if in theatre.
Sturgeon occupied high platform neces-
sary to size of building, with Il high rail
ing to keep one from falling off. A table
with hymn hook and Bible, and a common
chair for the minister was all the furni-
ture-a simplicity we much admire.
Spurgcon was simply himself; natural in
all his movements, but in earnest in his
work, and evidently heartily in love with
God and man. All this is exceedingly
admirable and taking with the people, He
spoke with the English upward slide
of voice; rested his knee two-thirds OF
the time in the chair, and so stood on one
foot; put on no airs, made no pretences
held every ones attention to the word of
God. He comments largely in reading
tue Scriptures, adapting exposition to the
nee of his flock. He is a good shepherd,
for he feeds and defends his flock well.
No wonder they are flourishing. He has
faith in God, and the people have faith in
Gods servant. The collection began be-
fore he had done speaking, and seemed all
over the tabernacle as the patter of a hard
storm on 4 roof. How we love to see men
put down cheerfully their silver at the
feet or our Lord. Worthy is the Lamb to
receive riches.
The city temple was near our hotel, and
we went there in the evening to hear DIR.
Parker. The church is gorgeous. and its
gilded ornamentaton reminded US the
most of n rich Jewish synagogue. The
choir is strong one, too. the doctors wife
the leading singer, sitting directly above
and before him. They led the congrega-
tional singing better than the one man on
Surgeons platform. By-the-way, when
you hear those congregations sing you
will never more be in favor of choir sing
ing alone. Sing" cxhorted Dr.. Parker,
with all the energy of your love for
Jesus" The doctor wore robes; dresses
his hair after the old style to the shoulders
looks rs IN old fashioned English minis
ter as seen in wig and gown in portraits
His whole manner is not, apparently, easy
t. himself; but it is natural, and perfectly
fearless in utterance of divine truth
There is some hesitancy about his speech
but his words are wei9hty. lie warned Of
danger to all interests when style in pulpit
was preferred to vital truths.