Reminiscences of Isaac Marsden (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1883. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XII. PULPIT POWER. A Stranger entering the chapel when Mr. Marsden preached would be struck with his commanding appearance and devout earnestness. When he was in his prime, about ten or fifteen years before his death, he had great power in the pulpit. He was a little above the medium height, broad-shouldered and muscular, with a slight tendency to corpulence. He had a massive forehead, with all the intellectual and moral faculties fully developed; and, though his hair and beard grew prematurely grey, his complexion was florid, and he seemed to enjoy excellent health. He would read the verses of the first hymn with great reverence and impressiveness, occasionally giving a brief comment on some particular verse, or emphasizing and enforcing its spirituality of worship. Then he would kneel down, with his body erect and his face uplifted, and begin to pray. His voice was often thick and husky in consequence of the strain and injury he had inflicted upon it in former years; but as he warmed to his work, the hoarseness usually passed away, and his voice became clear, and penetrating, and powerful. He spoke with deliberation and distinctness, so that every syllable and word could be heard and understood. He frequently opened his eyes during prayer, and noted the reverent and earnest worshippers, and kept a strict watch on the lawless intruders who came to disturb the service. His prayers were often individual and personal, and he would sometimes mention the singers, and the organist, and the chapel-keeper. He prayed for every member of the congregation, and for all sorts and conditions of men, and concluded with an eloquent and impassioned appeal to God for a present blessing on himself and on his hearers. He did not believe in long prayers. He knew what he wan...