Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1884-05-01

ana vlille tney are Vet sPSaAiuS "i""N@-'
and realize how more rapidly Gods an
swers can come to our prayers, than even
the electric spark can fly. for he knoweih
cur thoughts ere they are formed into words
and at the beginning of our prayers the COM
mandment goes forth
Next followed the reading OF the notices,
and / seemed to feel new interest in all
| the benevolent work of the church, as
heard the calls FOX the various meetings read.
The next hymn was sung, in which again
/ ioined. and then I knew the sermon would
follow. Twas so excited at the thought OF
once more hearing sermon preached :rom
q pulpit TO d large congregation of living
souls. that could scarcely hold the car
niece while | listened for the text. But
osie,inr myself as best could | heard It
distinctly and hastily turned to it in my
Bible. that / might have Il before me. Never
did human being listen more closely TO eyers
word that proceeded from preachers lpS'
never did thirsty mortal drink in cooling
/ draughts of water, or s;arviugmendicant de-
vour life-giving foed mere ravenously than
did those precious words. Ani as the
speaker anslyzed the scripture, and explain
eI its meaning and brought argumen! aeef
argument to prove its truthfalnes', anu thea
warming up in his discourse, made the most
gentle aud pleading application OF the
thought 20 each soul within the soand OF
his voice, | felt as though his eye was on
M. and that il was all meant for me.
know not how appreciative the rest OF his
hearers are. but doubt whether he has one
who feels the force and directness of his ser
mon as much as do.
"At the close of the sermon prayer was
offered, to which ] responded in my heart
and audiby; then followed the closing
hymn. in which joined, and then we were
dismissed with the apostolic benediction TO
which bowed my head with reverence, for
it again seemed like Gods own voice speak
ing directly to me. heard the organ strike
up loud strain, the movement oil. footsteps
gradually growing less. until at length ell
was quiet, and was home again from church,
having enjoyed such n service as | never did
in the days of my youth and health. had
nothing TO distract my attention; my
thoughts were not Oh the congregation hne
dressing and new styles had no effect on me-
"Since that day have gone to church
every Sabbath morning and night, unless
from some arrangement of the wires or some
atmospheric disturbance my telephone does
not work. and then | am Gu. off from my
great enjoyment Bat these do not often oc-
cur, and probably go to chutcli as often
. dnring the year as the ma jority OF the most
) regular church -goers. and thank God from
my heart that he has brought this won ier-
, full machine into the world in this my day,
and only wish that every shut-in invalid in
the land could enjoy the same pleasure and
blessing aud If the publication Of my de-
lightful experience will be the means of hav-
ing telephones introduced to other sick
rooms throughout the Land and thus bring
the helpless ones into direct contact with
the living preacher, shall greatly rejoice
There is something inexpressibly weird
/ and almost superhuman in the sensation
+ ptodnGed, and there are times when am
, almost transported from earth TO heaven.
Thus when the sacrament OF the LORDS sup
per is administered, the pastor steps down
frsm the pulpit TO the communion table,
and that removes his voice somewhat from
the microphones beside the pulpit; consc-
quently it seems TO come from greater die
tance, and when hear those solemn words,
This is my body broken for you feel that
Jesus himself is speaking right to me, that
Il is his voice am listeningto. And some
times when the choir sing new anthem or
set-pece | think hear the angelic choir
singing the new song, which is being sung
in heaven. And when the soprano singer
sings certain SOLO in which her pure sweet
voice scars trilling away, softer and softer
: it seems rs though an angelic visitor had
been with me, and as she departed she went
,, singing back to heaven"
could tell you much more that is inter
es.ing concerning this excellent Christian
invalid, but have already taken up much OF
yaur space. If the recital Of this interview
shall result in extending the beneficial ef-
fects Of this wonderful invention, shall
feel amply repaid.-T.e NeV York Obserrer.
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