Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1891-03-26
"rHD BLIND pREAcnER.,


/ tuuFcn on Suihiny-
The Rev. w. H. Milburn, chaplain OF
the House of Representatives, preached
two able sermons at Grace NJ. +. Church,
this city, on Sunday, Mr.. Milburn is OF
imposing and venerable appearance,
rather above the medium height, of
heavy build, large head with high, prom
inent forehead and deepset, sightlcss
eyes. His hair is gray and his beard
long, full and white. He possesses n
strong, clear and musical voice of which
he has complete and wonderful control.
Soft and sweet in pathetic passages il
rose to trumpet-like clearness in its ex-
ultant tones. His gestures were grace
full and fitting
The preacher was given close atten-
ton throughout his eloquent discourse,
and although he spoke quite rapidly
for exactly one hour his hearers would
have been pleased to sit under his elo-
quence and drink in his hopeful and
joyous utterances for some time longer
He chose for his scripture lessons por-
ton Of the LII. chapter of Isaiah and
the I. chapter of Revelations. Both
selections were recited with admirable
evolutionary effect and this was height
ened when it was remembered that the
preacher was doing so by aid of memory
only.
The text was from Hebrews Nv, Is:
''Let us come boldly unto the thrown of
grace, that we may obtain mercy and
find grace to help in time of need"
Attention was first directed to the
reference by the text to Jewish temple
service; TO the mediation of Christ as the
great High Priest of the new dispensa-
ton, the force and effect Of which could
not be fully realized except through an
intimate knowledge of the old temples
Of worship and the splendid, solemn
symbolism Of that service.
The preacher then launched forth
with all the vigor of his powerful elo-
quence into beautiful word picture,
describing tho imposing grandeur and
magnificent architectural design of Solo
mons Temple. Then attention was
directed to the services conducted
therein, and especial reference was
made to the Atonement day exercises as
found in the Jewish ritual. His descrip-
ton of the priests, the sacrifices and of
the grand chorus of four and twenty
thousand voices and four thousand mu-
sicians, was of most interesting nature.
The moment when the High Priest was
described as about entering behind the
veil and proceeding to the holy Of
holies, was one Of thrilling interest.
Pausing an instant, as if waiting for the
temperance Of the High Priest, there
was that solemn and impressive stiffness
which plainly indicated that the
speakers audience was following his
every word and gesture with undivided,
rapt attention. Then, suddenly, he burst
forth in tones Of exultation and extreme
joy, announcing the temperance of the
High Priest. The change from deep
solemnity to exuberant joy was electr-
flying, and a sigh of relief was audible
throughout the congregation.
In conclusion Mr.. Milburn said
"The terror is gone, The High Priest
has entered finally behind the veil The
final sacrifice has been made, and am
sent by my Master to bid you come
boldly unto the throne Of grace that
you may obtain mercy and find grace
to help in time of need"
In the evening Mr.. Milburn preached
another powerful sermon to congre-
CATION that crowded every portion of
the large auditorium of the church. His
text was Ecclesiastes l., 90: 1.-THE root
of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and the
branches thereof are long life"