PULPIT TERRORS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1162, 7 March 1874, Page 8

PULPIT TERRORS.

A member of the congregation of St. James's Church, Notting-hill, London, writing to the Echo, gives the following particulars of the effect of a sermon on "Death:"—

Last Sunday the Vicar took his text from the 11th chapter of Hebrews, and oOth and 40th verses. After j>roacliing for about 20 minutes, he worked up one of those sensational sermons now too often delivered in onv churches. The subject was "Death." Giadually, and undoubtedly fluently, he had nearly disposed of every member of different families, when a lady vvho appeared to be a widow, about GO to 70 years of age, went into hysterics. She fainted, and was with difficulty removed into the vestry by three or four gentlemen, some churchwardens, and others, including the curate, in his surplice, during which the vicar ceased for a few moments, then continued his sermon. The lady slightly re- j covered, and no doubt on sight of a man | in white was much terrified. She exclaimed, "1 cannot bear this." The excessive excitement caused another recent widow lady much suffering. Then a young married lady, who might have lost a dear child, screamed, fainted, fell in the middle aisle, and was al^o carried into the vestry ; after which the service was obliged to be closed, otherwise, there is no doubt, there would have been some danger of an accident occurring, as the people had risen from their seats and were getting very excited.