Page:Christ the only refuge from the wrath to come.pdf/2

 Christ the only Refuge, &c.

GIVE me leave to relate an uncommon incident which happened, a little while ago, in this neighbourhood, and of which I myself was a spectator. The day was the Sabbath: the place appropriated to divine worship was the scene of this remarkable affair.

A boy came running into the church, breathless and trembling. He told, but in a low voice, those who stood near, that a press-gang was advancing to besiege the doors, and arrest the sailors. An alarm was immediately taken. The seamen, with much hurry, and no small anxiety, began to shift for themselves. The rest of the congregation, perceiving an unusual stir, were struck with surprise.—A whisper at inquiry ran from seat to seat, which increased by degrees into a confused murmur. No one could inform his neighbour; therefore every one was left to solve the appearance, from the suggestions of a timorous imagination. Some suspected the town was on fire. Some were apprehensive of an invasion from the French. Others looked up, and looked round to see if the walls, were not giving way, and the roof falling upon their heads. In a few moments, the consternation became general. The men stood like statues, in talent amazement, and unavailing perplexity. The women shrieked