THE "LION" SERMON.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 261, 27 December 1880, Page 4

THE "LION" SERMON.

In perpef uiition of nn ancient custom annual]}' celebrated at _»t Cftth'rine Freo Church, iii Leadenhall street, London, the Fev W. M. Whittecnore, D.D., rector, on Saturday preached what is termed the "Lion" sermon.. The preacher, in the courße of hia remark., alluded to the fact that about 250 years ago, upon lhat very day, Sir John Gayer, a citizen of Lcndon, who "(terwoids become Lord Mayor, was in the deserts of Arabio upoD business, which required bis own perßor.nl attention. By some means he became letnched from the caravan, and while quite alone and unarmed be was much 1 alarmed at seeing a lion approaching; bim, knowing wbat to *<30, he fell upon bis knees, and asked the Lord to deliver him from his perilous, po.iiion. The lion looked at him savagely, but upon seeing bim in this position, after a few moments, walked away in an Opposite direction. Tbe merchant, on rising from his knees, made a solemn vow ibo. upon bis safe return home he would commemorate thia providential deliverance by some bem:voleut act. Upon reaching England be accordingly left a eura of money to provide for this sermon every year, in addition to a bequest to the parish church of hie native town, Plymouth. The rector further mentioned lhat Sir John Gayer, in consequence of bis loyal attachment to King Charles 1., wus ordered by Cromwell's Parliament to pay a fine of £500, a considerable sum at tbat time, and that iu default of payment be was committe! to the Tower. In the British Museum might be eeen a copy of bis petition to Parlia ment asking, not for mercy, but for justice. He ultimately obtained his freedom, and soon afterwards died. Considerable interest was displayed in tbe service, and it was understood that some descendants of Sir John Gayer were among the congregation. — Citizen,