The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1890-02-08
JOHN MURRAY.
THE BLIND PREACHER.
He Compelled the Admiration Of
Profane Congress men.
[Zion's Advocate.

In the fall of 1916. Rev. William Fl. Mil
burn, now the chaplain Of the House of
Representatives, made his appearance In the
Northern and Eastern States, as an advocate
for the cause of education In the West, and
was everywhere received with enthusiasm,
not only on account of his intellectual
qualities, but also for his amiable disposition
and eminent social virtues On his journey
North. Mr.. Milburn found himself on board
an Ohio river steamer. on which were
three hundred passengers. From the num-
Der Of days the passengers had been together,
Mr.. Milburn had become pretty well in
formed OF their character, and he found
most prominent among the gentlemen
were number Of members of Congress on
their way to Washington. These gentlemen
had attracted Mr.. Milburn's attention, on
account OF their except0nable habits, On
the arrival of Sabbath morning. it was ru-
mOred through the boat that minister was
on board, and Mr.. MilbuiD, who had up to
this time attracted no attention, was hunted
up and called upon to give discourse. He
promptly consented, and in due time COM
menced divine service The members Of
Congress, to whom we have alluded, were
among the congregation, and by common
consent had possession OF the chairs nearest
to the preacher. Mr.. Milburn gave an adj
dress suitable TO the occasion, full of elo-
quence and pathos. and was listened
to throughout with the most intense
interest. At the conclusion he stopped
short, and turning his face, now BEAM
ing with fervent zeal, towards the hon
orable gentlemen, he said; Among the
passengers in this steamer are number of
members Of Congress; from their position
they should be exemplars of good morals and
dignifed conduct, but from what l have
heard of them, they are not so. The union
of these States. If dependent on such guardi
ans. would be unsafe. and all the high hopes
Iihave Of the future OF my country would be
dashed to the ground. These gentlemen, for
days past, have made the air heavy with
profane conversation, have been constant
patrons Of the bar and encouragers of intem-
perance; nay, more-the night, which should
be devoted to rest, has been dedicated 10 the
horrid vices of gambling, profanity ana
drunkenness. And, continued Mr.. Mil
spoke as if by inspiration, there Is but one
chance Of salvation for these great sinners
in high places, and that Is, to humbly repent
of their sins, call ON the Saviour for forgive
ness. and reform their lives.
las might be supposed, language so bold
from delicate STRIPPING, scarcely twenty
two years Of age, had startling effect. The
audience separated, and the preacher re-
turned TO his stateroom, to think upon what
he had said. Conscious, after due reflection,
budb udu Ouiy uOuC uuby, uC uCtOl-
mined at all hazards to maintain his posi-
ton, even at the expense of being rudely as
sailed, il not lynched. While thus cogitat-
ing rap was heard at his stateroOm door, a
gentleman entered and stated that he came
with message from the members Of Con-
gress-that they had listened to his remarks,
and in consideration of his boldness and his
eloquence, they desired him to accept purse
of money which they had made up among
themselves, and also their best wishes for
his success and happiness through life.
"But this chivalrous feeling, so character
istic Of Western men when they meet bold
thought and action combined, carried these
gentlemen into more positive acts Of kind
ness. Becoming acquainted with Mr.. Mil
burn. when they separated from him they
offered the unexpected service of making
him Chaplain to Congress-a promise which
they not only fulfilled, but through long
years that have passed away since that event,
have cherished for the blind preacher the
warmest personal regard, and stand ever
ready to support him by word and deed"