The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-10-06

1nOSS Ol your I6duSTS WHO nave DeS0
much in the back settlements" or in
rural districts, and know the rustic curl
osity to see and "get acquainted with"
those who at home are ordinary people,
can appreciate what these foreigners are
receiving at our hands. We are the rus
tics at this time-however much we pride
ourselves on our refinement. 1t is this
trait of human nature which secures
a standard of criticism much more
lenient than that by which our own
preachers are tried. We say this not by
way of complaint, for no doubt our dele
gates received the same attention at Ed
inburgh three years ago. To arrive
at true judgment we must look at
these respected delegates not as English
men or Frenchmen or Indians, but as
tance they have travelled but by the or
dinary homiletic standards.
DR.. William Graham,
is Professor in the English Theological
Seminary, London He is hardly of me-
.dium height, of forid complexion, and
light sandy hair, with the broad, square
face, SO characteristic of his countrymen.
many others, but in his articulation he
manifests the well-known Anglican indis-
tinctness. Especially is this true in his
prayers. In their matter these are rich,
fervid, appealing to the higher princi-
pies of Christian experience, and showing
a life constantly near the mercy seat
but. the want of clear articulation,
the unusual emphasis, the unexpect-
ed dropping of the voice, all combine to
distract the listener In preaching, these
things are not apparent, and the audience
is held in excellent attention. His SER
mon in the First church, formerly Dr.
Albert Barnes, on Sabbath last, was a
fine illustration of the expository style of
preaching in which British preachers are
much superior to American, and which
in its simplicity, its vividness, its oppor-
tunities for fresh, practical application, is
one reason of the success they meet with
in this country.
The sermon was intended to be con-
trast between Moses and Samson. 1t
was said of both that they wist not
Moses that "his face did shine" Samson
that the Lord had departed from him"
After expounding Moses side of the con-
trast for upwards of an hour, DR.. Graham
was compelled for want of time to touch
but lightly upon Samson. These cases
united in teaching the doctrine of Uncom-
ScioalS Spiritual Influence Moses face
flashed into spiritual splendor; Samson S
with fellowship with sin, guilt, and shame,
and the great fact was the unconscious
ness in both cases-that thus both wist
not what was done in them. So for us
now from this contrast we have the UP
line of Moses, given for our encourage
ment, and the down-line of Samson for
our warning.
In the case Of Moses, notice that it was
only after many years of godliness that
his face did shine. This is weighty with
encouragement to young believers who
sometimes look for heights of spiritual ex-
perience at the time Of their conversion.
But Moses face did shine only after years
of trial, years which dated from that
choice he made between being called the
son of Pharaoh's daughter and one of the
people of God. 1t was here that the
shining began-in the soul, working It's
way out to the face. This was the Their
mopol@ of the soul of Moses, in which
having been victorious, his soul derived
a tone for future conflicts. So also let us
indeed stand up for Christ, but let us also
60 on for Christ.
1t was only after forty years of trial,
temptation, that God blazed out upon
Moses and revealed himself in the bush
which burned but was not consumed
Moses would see the glory of God and
his desire was granted, but it was Gods
goodness that was made to pass before
him-till the very quick of Gods hearc
was laid bare before him.
The features of that fellowship were
these; 1t was,
l. Personal-Moses and God-the poor
creature, the infinitely rich Creator. Dost
thou speak face to face with God?
2. Private-away up from the camp in
the mount Of God. The deepest things
are the most silent. Let us get up from
the clash and clamor Of the camp to the
quiet of the mount, let us cultivate secret
religion, spending time in secret inter
course with God.
8. Profound.-While the disciples fshed
near the shore they caught nothing; but
when they launched out into the deep,
their nets brake. 1t is pleasant to rest
quietly in New York harbor but to
know the United States we must get out
of barbor TO the continent itgelf Co