Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-05-26
An Interesting Historical Incident

Mr.. John w. FERGUSON. one OF our
most prominent citizens, and teacher
I'm Trinity Methodist Sunday school.
which on Sunday celebrated its eighty
second anniversary, related TO his class
2 very interesting historical incident.
Many years ago. the reminiscence runs,
Rev Mr. Hammett OF Irish lineage.
was pastor Of Trinity church. when the
congregation worshipped in the old
brick building still standing on Franklin
street near the Exchange Hotel This
minister was wonderfully endowed with
pulpit talents and his eloquence capti-
waited his congregations. Withal his per-
sonal piety was of a high order and ne
was esteemed by the public and beloved
by his Pensioners. His preaching or tho
Word was attended with great success.
lie obtained a vacation for the purpose
OF visiting his old homestead on tho
Emerald Isle and upon his return IL was
noticed that his entire manner had under
gone n strange change Instead OF the
warm-hearted. congenial unassuming
pastor. he was naughty, and by many
considered very vain. 1t came to his ears
that he was being criticised. which so
nettled him that he stated from tis pull
nit that he expected 10 look over tho
battlements OF glory and behold many OK
his critics IN the regions OF the damned
From this time on his imperious manner
and vanity became more and more pro-
nounced He went from bad to worse and
-
the begcary elements OF the world.
Years went on and II was only now and
then that his old Pensioners heard any
tidings from their former beloved pastor.
who was now In a far distant State. and
all the news from him went 10 show
that he was still on the downward grade.
with brakes of" Years went on. and II
so happened (or what Is the better way
to state II. by a providential interposi-
tom Mr.. Hammett. on certain Sunday,
oil nd 10
termned to stop over between trains and
view the scenes of his earlier and better
DAYS. He determined 10 visit his old
church at the evening service, and found
the old red brick building lighted up as
OF wore. He was an attentive but not q
devout listener 10 the discourse, and not
n soul In the building knew OF his pres"
ence. Old Brother William Wills
being called upon TO follow the sermon
In a prayer. offered a fervent petition 10
the Most High. In the course OF wnieh
tender reference was made 10 Hammett,
and the Lord besought 20 bring him back
10 the fold OF safety. This prayer touched
a tender chord In Hammetfs soul, ana
although he slipped away from tho
church after service without being re-
cognized. HIS reformation dated from
that moment. and he entirely reformed,
publicly confessed his sins. and reunited
with the Church. and when. some years
later. tidlngs came OF his death. they
were coupled with the )0ytui abstihnvo
that he had died I'm the fulness OF faish
In his sours eternal salvation. and that
he ascribed a. In Gods providence. TO old
Brother Wlllis's prayer.
In this connection. Mr.. Ferguson, who
vouches for the truth Of this interesting
incident states that Mr.. Hammett was
member OF Congress after his fall from
the ministry and prior 10 his restoration
To Christian fellowship. During running
debate. In which Hammett was engaged.
some one twitted him with having once
been n minister OF the Gospel where's
upon Hammett replied, That was one OF
my youthful indiscretions." which caused
John Quincy Adams TO, remark soto
voce. but loud enough 10 be heard across
the hnn. Rank, rank. rank.'