The New York Herald Newspaper, February 22, 1869, Page 3

RELIGIOUS Divine Services Yesterday in the Me- tropolis and Its Suburbs. THE VOICE OF THE PULPIT. The Doctrines and Dogmas of Christianity. The Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy of Wash- ington, Trenton, Newburg, New Haven and Other Cities. A Washington Theatre Turned Into a Place of Worship and Political Spleen. Yesterday almost all places of divine worship in this city were well attended, and the services in many of the churches.were unusually interesting, the presence of most of the noted clergymen of the Metropolis and of some distinguished divines from other cities lending, at least, wherever they oMiciated, the attraction of novelty or of standard reputation tothe devout occasion. The day was by no means fine so far as the weather could affect it, the lowering clouds and damp atmosphere of the morning and the drizzling mist of the afternoon and evening being decidedly unpleasant, though not altogether ‘unbearabie, Below will be found reports of the more interesting discourses delivered in the metropolis, in Brookiyn and Jersey City. SERVICES IN NEW YORK CHURCHES. ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL, ‘The grand solemnity which marked the services at the Cathedral yesterday, and the unadorned and almost sombre aspect of the sacred edifice itself were highly characteristic of the holy season of Lent. There was present @ very large congregation, with which gaudy fashion had very little to do, and the earnestness and devotion which throughout were manifested fully demonstrated the religious appre- ciation of the assemblage. The Rev. Dr. McSweeney ‘was the officiating clergyman, assisted by several ‘acolytes. At the termination of the first gospel a lengthened discourse was delivered by the Rev. Mr. McGean, who took his text from the of the fatthew xvii., which described the miracle of (nga leer of Christ upon the mountains of Thabor. t miracle tended to manifest the er ofthe Lord, The festival was honored by the Churc! with a view of raising the hope and aspirations of her children in the midst of the hardships and labors of their mortal piigramage to the glory of the heav- enly country. The miracle itself held forth encourage- ment to all Christians to bear with patience the afMlic- tions, troubles and persecutions of this life. Seconly, it fully confirmed the faith of the Apostles in divinity and strengthened them against the evils of this life by the hopes of that glory in the world to come. The glorious mystery was presented by the Church in the time of mourning that we it tra- verse the dificult ways that lead to happi- ness and struggle fap ee gree the confiicts and [Sica this life. But ardent longing after leaven must be tempered with meek subi jon, in order a Maggie wien the Peer Pe our strugg! treading le: that terminates in everlasting bites. The impres- sion of eternal goods should be greatly atrength- ened in erder that earthly ones might be sufficiently contemned. Thirdly, the Ey, of the Lord was manifested but once during ifetime. At all other periods his abasement was shown to the eyes oi the world, As, therefore, the disciple is not above his master, we must expect that our lives should be lives of humility, which would make us more closely united to the Divine Redeemer. The reverend tleman brought his sermon to a close by a fervent exhorta- tion, in which he alluded to sounds, again with us strains. Among the selections was a mass b; Pauseron. The Xyrie was well performed, the soio allotted to Mrs. Grosz being sweetly rendered. Quite a @ interpretation artists— Chomé, soprano; Mra, Werner, aito; Mr. H. Schmitz, tenor, and Mr, A. Sohst, basso—full oppor- tanity for the display of their powers. At the offer- tory @ beautiful selection was performed on the organ, which was presided over by Mr. Schmitz. The Sanctus and Agnus Dei were like- wise creditably given, and all ther the choir was deserving of commendation. The ceremonies ended shortly before one o'clock. ST. PETER’S (R, C.) CHURCH. Sermon by the Archbishop of Halifax. St. Peter’s church, Barclay street, was yesterday attended by a very large congregation. The pews, galleries and aisles were filled with devout wor- shippers. The interior of St. Peter's is rather sombre, without being reHeved by the imposing sur- roundings that usually are to be observed in Catholic Places of worship. Seraphim in marble at each side and @ painting of the Crucifixion above in the centre are the only ornaments of the altar—a plain piece of workmanship. The absence of sufficient light sa serious defect in this church, and it may be added that while gas was burning for the benefit of the choirthe taithful in the galleries couid hardly read their r books in consequence of the darkness that obtulned, Yesterday was the second Sunday in Lent, and the vestments of the clergymen and drapery of the sanc- tuary were of purple, or cplors inaicative of the pent- tential season. lt was known that his Grace the Most Reverend Archbishop of Halifax (Dr. Conelly) was to preach, and the circumstance of the church being to an extent beyoad ordinary occasions was due to this fact. As usual, high mass was commenced at half-past ten, the celebrant beiag Key. J. Quinn. The pastor, Kev. William Quina, as- sisted during the ceremonies, The choir sang a Goria from one of Haydn's masses, and a the orfer- tory aduet. “Quis est Homo" was rendered in an Pea and effective manner by soprano and ‘The Most Rev. Dr. Connolly preached. He took his text from the seventeenth chapter of St. Mat:hew, which relates almost exciusively to the transiigura- tion. He read as follow: ‘And after six days Jesus taketh unto hima Peter and James and Jobn his brother, and bringeth them up toto a high mountain art. And he was transfigured before them. And face did shine a8 the sun; and his garments be- came white as snow. And behold there yo to them Moses and Elias taiking with him, nm Peter ——-. said to Jesus, Lord, is it good for us wo oe here; if thou wilt, let us make here three taber- one for thee, and one for Moses, and one as he was yet speaking, id @ bright cloud overshadowed them. And behold a voice of tne cloud, saying, my beloved soa, in whom | am well pleased: hear ye him. And the disciples hearing, felt upon their face, and were very much afraid, And Jesus came and touched Al which was a stepping fromm the ways of sin to tie favor of out in giowing and the ee the Christ. Nothing that human tongue could utter tie majesty, the beauty, would be equal the super-excelleuce of our Saviour. ideuts aud kings were as dust when compared with the Son of Cod. He, for & miraculous pa for over thirty years from before the we 3 bat it Was done so a8 to demonstrate that He, the son of Almigity God, needed no ordinary means to have mankind know He was the Messiah. The most reverend relate drew a picture of heaven, the feeiings that would be awakened im the human heart, and impressions made upon the human mind, by behviding the radiant countenance ‘om postiea, the Apocaly’ an igs of the Saints, to show cicariy Tis fact. Next was brought to view the iessons Christians should take from the events recounted in the text, ‘His face did suine as the sun” was a figure as to how the coun- fenance of @ man released from sin appears in the wight of God, “and his garments e white as snow" was only @ continuation of the simile. Seek- ing the benefits of the sacrament of ance was suggestive of t And it had been said by one of the fathers that the best way of com- menctug &@ wew life was by confessing the faniia of one ly. The three A) es to accompany Him up first, one who betrayed dim, another the one He loved most, and the third was the first martyr in His cause. This showed that ai! classes of sinners were inciuded in the scope of Christ's mission to save mankind, The most rever- relate dwelt with great eloquence and almost tu & matchiess figurative form upon the importance of the act that God, in the old law and in the new, Ri WHYS Be mountains for the purpose of con- ‘vey Lug la) «i commandments to the iroran race, de couciusion he urged sirenuously Upon bis hearers NEW YORK HERALD, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1869.—TRIPLE SHEET. to ful] the commandments of the which could chain to the spoke in the name of their governments, and the government of the Church was God ~The archbishop finally concluded by all to their reward by occupying a place in the of heaven. TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH, Life and Character of George Washington Sermon by Rev. Dr. Holme. Before a large congregation assembled last even- ing at the Trinity Baptist church, corner of Fifty- second street and Third avenue, Rev. Dr. J. Stanford Holme, the pastor, delivered @ discourse om the “Life and Character of George Washington.” Trite as is the theme, but specially selected for the occa- sion, it being the eve of the anniversary of the birth- day of Washington, the discourse was unusually in- teresting and listened to with earnest attention. As the basis of his discourse the reverend speaker selected the following text:- Psalms oxil. 6, “The righteous will be held gin everlasting remem- brance.” Death was no barto the influence of the Nignteous man. sacre@: Mistory presented put few instances, and sectilar history certainly none, of which this might be more justly sald than of George Washington, His character had been better appreciated im the last few years of national history—t years and Garkuens through which our etd a! It was fortunate that the anniversary of the birth of this great and good man felf now and then on the Lord’s day, Gohl ees it. Such times sug- gested the spirit of his as worthy of contempla- tion in @ patriotic view. It was no easy task to fully understand his rare sttainments. Inferiority cannot appreciate superiority, His character could ily comprehended and delineated until never be his peer was found, Tne way to estimate his character ‘was com sel Ho ‘was not a brilliant iman—no meteor shooting athwart the horizon, He was never found deficient in action. He was always equal to every occasion. Like Moses he was sent as a ruler and (eliverer. He governed men either in the army or in civil life. Other men than Lord Erskine felt an mnate reverence for him. His control over others was only surpassed by his control over him! He was afraid, hovever, that his character was not yet fully estimat by our American people. "But few waning Greenough’s statue of Washington at the Natio Capitol appreciate the transcendant power of moral andeur embodied in that masterpiece of art. lady told him that this statue had a more werful effect on her than looking on ie terrible cataract of Niagara, There was much eaioar in every portion of it. The patriotism of ‘ashington was dwelt upon at i . He wished they could all sit at his feet and learn the lesson of his life, With him no sacrifice was too great for his country. No temptation could lure him from the ee conscientious duty. He could bide his time. hile vilified at home for his delay he waited quietly the development of his plans. The speaker de- scribed the army ofthe Revolution, their destitution, Mr. Fo: lish statesman, spate justly of Washington, gi’ him credit for the greatest virtues, a dence, a calm @ moral heroism as rare as itis estimable. Now, what made Wi yn great? He was unquestionably a man of great talents, but it was not these that made him great. men of great ities live and die in ity. He was a good boy, as shown in his love of truth as exemplifed iu the story of the hatchet. He was a pro! young man. But it was im his mature years that his showed themselves, He had weaknesses; was high spirited; was paoetiens of restraint. He found no music in the wi ling of the death dealing bullet, as might Napoleon or Marshal Ney. The Reyo- lutton brought him ont. Like the gnarled oak, he stood up the monarch of the m! forest. ‘ro the in- Tonge = A ot yes the ee beso ess of his subject, dwelling on this portion of iis discourse at. considerable There was in her the same inherent majesty as was seen in Washington himself. Her life was founded on deep- seated religious | agree 7 ‘to the day of Wash- ington’s death held her in highest veneration. She lived to see him in the zenith of his glory and ‘Was still his mother and counsellor. Passing from this topic he proceeded to the reiigious character of Washington. h not, as the world might call it, @ pre-eminently pious man, he always associated re- iy ion with morality, as was shown in his Farewell \dress. was truly evangelical. Keligion was with him iple. Success in battle, m his view, not u generalship or vaior or good luck, but Will and dispensation of an —es idence. While never failing to put forth best to accomplish efforts certain resulta, he always attributed the results to gee @ man of pi This was ty De BLEECKER STREET UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. The Victory of Christ—Sermon by Rev. Day K. Lee. Rev. Dr. Lee, pastor of this church, delivered an interesting discourse last evening, before a numerous congregation, takiag his text from John, xvi, 33—“In the world ye shall have tribuation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” These words of Christ he said were spoken in a gloomy hour. It was before the crucifixion, when perils menaced them and flerce persecutions were rising. They looked to Him for hope and comfort. He knew their anguish and despair, and told them frankly they would have tribulation, and there was no worldly hope for them, and no physical escape. But even though they could not escape suffering, there was a spiritual triumph they could win. Chrtst himself found not a primrose path of ease and mirth im the world. He had great tribulation; sin assailed Him, suffering assailed Him, death assatied Him, yet he conquered ag og His friends by His wer could conquer. ie speaker then described he attacks of Sin, Suffering and Death, and the vic- tory of Christ over them. Speaking of the assault of death and his defeat, he said, like a cunning war- rior who reserves his best force till the last, the world let forth death like a monster to destroy Him, But He conque death in his own dominion and returned with the trophies of His victory—the keys of death and hell. Let me give an illustration:— Take a village for the scene, and suppose that adja- cent to it a frightful cave of darkness yawns and from that a horrid monster comes day after day and seizes the people and bears them 1 triumph to his den. The town is kept in constant alarm and grief, for the dragon grows bolder and uglier, and takes first a father, then a mother, then # then benefactor, then a little dimpled and glides howling away with his prey lair, Hope dies, and fear and anguish Ml all hearts, At last it is expected that all will be taken and none living left behind. Bit now @ beantifal youth enters the Village and declares be will slay the dragon and deliver his captives. He is @ rare and gracious being. Heaven itself shines out of his eyes and smiles from his face, and if he will deliver us we feel that we can worsiip him. gentle and delicate, but his graces cover him like the bosses of a coat of mail, and he is so brave we hope he will triampb. The a comes forth again, more terrible than before, while our sobs are hushed in thriling suspense and fear dries the tears on our faces the youth steps forth to meet him. ‘There is a struggle, a sigh of grief and a howl of anger, and our hope forsakes us, and the monster goes off with our champion tn his Now all is over, ana despair casts us aown to the dust, What can we do? We clasp hands and declare we will all die ther. Butis there no hope? What bright form is that emerging from the cave of the ‘on its features, joy trembles on its lips, and triumph beams from its eyes. Uh, look seme des- pairing! Itis our champion returning. lives, and has words of joy to tell us. He conquered the dragon in his own dominion. He bound him in chains and returms with tokens of his and with visions of ail our loved ones restored, is my illustration. ‘The village may it the world, the dragon Death, and the cave of darkness comes and promises to slay the monster, meets him and # borne away comes bac! he has conquered Death in his Tangara nn ap of ate a He aaen on and et ae tory. Henceforth, while veath con’ \ tive. He can stil seize his vict ims and them to his abyss; for he is permitted to act foratime. But be of g cheer. He harm us. He cannot fine us in his . From his ly caves Christ will deliver dear heart he ote as us union in heaven, Of He escape the Hebrew did, even if we oan our : ents in Rs hg rm I—Suffering assails ts in many ways, C sical, We suter bereavemenis, Jur friends di¢ and our hearts seem buried with them, and our lights ar¢ hidden by clouds. Bat all suffering least hk may ve above iioat of fy ogu if welll spirit Christ. ‘Third—Death jay aasail us. “eat will ane stand at this ae Sail us, and bear us to his cave. We hour im his shadow, Our hearts are time to ie sad music of his arch. Our minds will be sobered and our breath hashed when he comes. ‘There js no gay romance In Death, With the best faith and hope to cheer as, few can give him welcor or smile as he approaches. But Christ overcame Death, and by His power we can overcome him, and pass through hia valley shouting victory, Letus cuiuvate faim aad bop, Let us live in the and of the soul, and not the senses. ‘tee te walk with God in prayer praise, mortal! our present and heaven into our iris ‘apd our deeds, and Will pass to death as pass to a coronation, ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH. congregation Matened to the Rev. Mr. Tyng proved the interest it ‘ook in his simple, persuasive discourse. The rever; end gentleman wok his text from Isaiah, Ixiv, 7:—“And there is none that calleth upon Thy name that stirreth up himself to take hold of Thee; for Thou hast bid Thy face from us and consumed it because of our iniquities.” Among the many things that ing Chris. tians in self and i if fe a in Zz 5 i i Be went on to say that, although nt and responsible beings, sired salvation, vet they failed from want of energy. All work more or less, but not sumMeiently to conse- | crate themselves to a glorious Saviour, in God 1s a primary necessity, and prayer—earnest, ap yet heartfelt prayer —addressed to an all-power- ful Father another. Fatlures to become a Christian are mainly owing to apathy, to weakness, to want of spirit. ‘ere any one asked the question, “Do you expect to stand before God in peace {” the answer would undoubtedly be “Yes; yet how many are dot amalt action they take in all religious mat- ters and their negiect to seize on what is offered them of aid and encouragement from on high! To secure Pivine co-operation one must humiliate one’s self. As an instance of the force of perseverance the reverend orator cited a case under his imme- diate observation:—A Southern gentleman, a con- verted soldier of Christ, wrote to anotiter, an ordi professing Christian, begaing, him to. strive, and strive earnestly, vine aid, and that were he to do 80 such perse- verance would be rewarded. The: recipient of this letter, after mature reflection, placed himself out of the reach of mundane contamination locking himself in his room, and after many hours’ humilia- tion and prayer came from his closet a true, devoted servant of the Cross, armed with such aid as to ¢n- ‘able him to continue his allegiance to God to this hour. Nobody ever tried in vain. Earnest prayer at every opportunity—at home, travelling every- where—is necessary, however. If we take hold of God with the fixed purpose of cleaving to him we shall not fail. Di r, however, arrises from procrastination. Life is known by all to be very un- certain—too uncertain to be trifled with. Only fair exertion 13 requisite to obtain the highest of God's blessings; for there is none so fallen or so sinful that may not, by strife with the devil and by taking hold of God and exerting himself to merit all He promises to those who cleave to Him, become as pure a8 one of His etree The Sane ree — == congregation the necessit ro! je presel holy season, as abounding in opportuuities for be- coming real Christians, Persuasion, he said, is not ee ig example; and if one really de- sire holiness the instruments of our salvation are not ae A sad retrospect, indeed, is that of the sinner lost beyond all hope to say, ‘I might bave been , pure and undefiled as one of the angels and my iniquities pardoned but for want of be 4 and earntst prayer.’ God will not come to us. Fait is not suMicient, although necessary. If we would have God we must go to him, FIFTH AVENUE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. Sermon by Rev. Dr. Chapin. Rey. Dr. Chapin preached to a large and highly fashionable congregation yesterday morning, taking as his text the following words from the second chapter, tenth, eleventh and twelfth verses of the Gospel of St. Mark:—‘“That ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sin, I say unto thee, Arise, take up thy bed and go thy way into thine house; and immediately he arose, took up his bed and went forth before them all.” This inci- dent, the preacher said, occurred at Capernaum. Jesus Christ was in the midst of Pharisees and cer- tain doctors of the law, and was surrounded by a great crowd, when four men towards Him bear- ing @ man afilicted with the palsy. Unable to ob- access to Jesus Christ, by reason of the im: crowd, the bearers of the sick man ascended to top of the and in some way removing the thes and an making entrance through the rec. they let down the pallet with the man on it throug! the midst of the crowd and placed it before Jesus, Drought him there He immediately sald, “son, thy. t him there He imu sald, “4 ry sins are forgiven thee.”” “Who ig this,” said the doctors of the law, ‘‘who speaketh blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone!” Jesus replied, “Why reason ye these things in yourmind? Whether is it easier to say thy sins be forgiven thee, or to say take up thy bed and walk; but that ye may know that the Son of Man hath power to forgive sins, I ee eens omar en | way!” In the first place, this work of Christ was in out set a work of forgiveness. “Sop, thy sing are lor- given thee.”’ Perhaps this sentence might seem as singular to us now a& it did to those who hog sent at the performance of the miracie. ir Saviour apparently took no notice of the bodily disease of the man, but addressea Him- self directly to the man’s soul. More than one reason could be advanced why thts should be so. ‘Tt_was quite possibie that that poor man lay on his couch, not only suffering from physical calamity, but with a consctousness of guilt and feelings of re- morse. Something like this must have been in the mind of Christ when he said, “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins are forgiven thee.” This poor paralytic suf- ferer wasin the presence of the Great Physician, not only of bodies, but of souls; one who not only knew the deep wounds of the human heart, but who had power on earth to touch and heal them. So, when the poor paralytic was brought before Him, the Saviour gave him a better and more blessed re- lief than the man’s friends had asked for. If this man with palsy had not been brought before Christ suffering under the actifal consciousness of sin, there was another reason why Christ may have raised him thus, Sin is the transgression of the divine taw, hysical «as well as# moral. True, we should hardly be warranted in any specific case of in assert- ing thatthat disease was the result of absolute, direct personal sin. We might also fatl to look on it as the uence of hereditary sin. We might remember that Jesus said in one particular instance, “Neither has this man’s sin nor his parents’ aught to do with that he was born blind.” Notwithstand- ing, it was intrinsically true thatQlisease does come from @ violation of morai and physical law, The healing of the soul’s disease may insure the heaith of the body. From this point of view he might sug- gest that Christ struck at the root of the poor man’s malady when He said, ‘Thy sins are forgiven thee.” There was another reason why Christ took this course. The very method He adopted! here devel an evidence of His divine authority, ow, if Christ had performed a mere act of healing by itself, if be had simply satd, “Be thou healed,” it might not have conveyed so striking a testimony to Llis peculiar power and dig- Uhrist was more than a prophet. fie was Peter. fle showed Himself as one Who stood in a pecullar relation to God and God's people. On the other hand, if He had made this declaration and said, “Thy sins be forgiven thes,”’ He would have furnis! no visible or tangible proof that the man’s sins were forgiven. So it seemed to be rand fitting that the two pro- cesses should work ther—that is, the declaration of the fact of his sins being forgiven, and also the palay two things produc- evidence which seemed to +, the —_occaston. There great deal of discussion abont these things in our day; but he had no fear but that these sublime nd wonderful miracles of the Gospel would survive aiwaysin the minds of the faithful. There were those who said that miracies were no proof of di- Prove there is @ ralin; i aT 3 i ! 3, ot how large a man’s scientific man to stand up in the ‘and say there cannot be If all this world were was no miracle ever I iF 3 i i ‘ Repentance—Sermon by Rev. Dr. Bellows. , The services at All Souls church, corner of Fourth avenue and Twentieth street, were conducted last night by the pastor, the Rev, Dr. Bellows. After the usual opening services the reverend gentleman an- nounced as his text the seventh verse of the fourth chapter of Matthew:—«From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent, ior the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” By the kingdom of heaven was to be understood @ happy state of life to be set up in this world. At the time the Saviour spoke the words Messiah, and those to whom they were spoken did Hot appreciate their real ritual truth, although, ion the hearers weald have found satisiac- to follow. Repentance was ihe key to the i of heaven; it ned that palace in which Carist: lives, uamely,. the human heart, unlocking it to Soneciomoess ‘The Kingiiomn of heaven was ney was, indeed, within his hearers, although had not found it, Many persons 7 4 E : i A : CHAPEL OF THE UNIVERSITY. Discourse by Bishop Snow on the Approach of the Judgment. Bishop Snow preached yesterday afternoon in the University, Washington square, on “The Near Coming and Kingdom of Christ.” Bis text was Luke, xxi, 31:—“So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” Of what things was our Lord here speaking? Read the pre- ceding context, from the twenty-fourth verse. He there declares that the Jews shall fall by the sword and be)ed away captive into all nations. This was fulfilled at the destruction of Jerusalem by the Ro- mans about eighteen hundred years ago. He further says that Jerusalem thall be trodden down by the Gentiles, or nations, until the times of those nations be fulfilled, Surely this has been in process of ac- complisament during those eighteen centuries, But what does he mean by “the times of the Gentiles?” As “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” he doubtless referred to the periods of time written in the “sure word of prophecy,” and which were given to measure the duration of gentile rule in the world, According to the beloved prophet Daniel, who was chosen of God to write the chronology o: prophecy, there were to be four grand earthly em- Pires that were to rule not only over the hauons, but aiso over the church, whether Jewish or Christian, down to the great day of the kingdom of God, (See Daniel, chapters two and seven.) And as the perfect measure and number of God is seven, the times appointed of Him to mea- sure those Geatile monarchies are seven in number. These were represented in a miniature type or figure by the seven times, or years that passed over the king of ancient Babylon, when bereft of under- standing and of his kingdom and driven out to dwell with beasts. Now a “time” in symbolical rophecy consists of 360 prophetic days, each day ‘ing the symbol of a natural year. As, there- fore, seven of those times amount to 2,520 days, the times of the Gentiles consist of that number of years. They began with the captivity of Manasseh, king of Judah, which was in the year be- fore Christ 677. Therefore they ended in A. D. 1844. But, when the times of the Gentiles are ful- filled, what comes next? Our Lord answers, “And there shail be signs in the sun, in the moon and in the stars.” These are to be understood spiritually; the sun being the emblem of the Divine Spirit, the moon of the written word and the stara of the ministry. In the correspondin years in Matthew x: we read:— “The sun shali be darkened, the moo! ail not give her light, and the stags shall fall from heaven.” ‘This darkening of the lights of the spiritual heaven has certainly come to pass. He then speaks of signs upon the earth. ‘Distress of nations, with per- plexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts ark them for fear and for lool ing after those things that are coming upon the earth.” Are not these things coming to pass? No intelligent and honest man will deny it, Our Saviour bids us look upon the trees as a comparison. Witn the same cer- tainty that we know that summer is near when they put forth their buds, he telis us to know by these signs that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. He also deciares the very generation that sees these 8i shall not pass away till ail these things be ful- iilled by his coming in the glory of His Father, and with his holy angels, to complete the redemption of His people and to give them full possession of their rightiul imheritance, “the kingdom aud dominton and the greainess of the kingdom under the whole heaven.” The times are ended, the signs are coming to pass, and therefore we look up. with joyful ex- pectation of our glorious coming King. TABERNACLE (CONGREGATIONAL) CHURCH, Discourse on the Life and Character of George Washington by the Rev. J. P. Thompson. ‘Tne, Rev. J. P. Thompson, pastor of the Taber- thicle (Cotigregational) church, corner of Sixth ave- mue and Thirtyfourth street, delivered a on last night, an which he adapted the life and charac- ter of George Washington to the words found in the fourteenth verse of the second chapter of First John:—“I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you and ye have overcome the wicked one.” The reverend gentleman commenced by saying that mankind universally admired « strong charac- ter, even if in that character there should be a lack of the kindlier virtues. In ancient times man be- came famous as he became a conqueror. Peter the Great commanded a large page in history principally ‘on account of his brute force. At one time when on @ visit to Frederick the Great, in order to show his power and the manner in which he treat his offending subjects at home, he ordered one of his attendants be hanged, and the order was carried into effect. But as the world ripens under Christianity and civilization brute force ceases tw cause admiration; for itis not compatible with the gentier phases of life. Jolin was gentile and was kKpown as the apostie of love, but he was strong and earnest in eS. — evil and bold in the defense of the Master. ie Oak 18 strong in its native majesty, yet it has a leaf of ex- quisite beauty, and it throws out its arms with ex- quisite frase and welcomes the birds of the air to a shelter in its branches, Willtam the Silent is now more admired than Peter the Great, America has raised up by far the lest character in history, Lord Brougham said that no historian wouid allow the oecasion to pass without dome him homage, and Irving also id him the highest compliment when he said that the root of Washington's strength lay in his moral character, Washington kiew no divided fidet His highest duty was to his God, his country and himself. The cer analyzed @ traly Strong character and used of Washington a# an itlustration. Judgment regulates us and ts an acquired habit, Mere crea- sof impulse never command confidence to lean Erratic or eccentric are never placed in pus of trust or responsibility. He reviewed ashington’s character and = sition in relation to the effect and bearing they had upon his pub- lic life, It was his judgment that inspired confi. dence, and that led to his promotion. — Traih is anvther matnspring and a guarantee to confidence and success. The Jews endeavored to condemn Daniel, but were compelled to admit that he was a man oftruth. Almost the first Knowledge we have of Washington is in connection with the popular speliing book anecdote in relation to the cherry tree. So careful was he in to the troth that @ barrel of four coming from nis plantation and branded with his naine wonlit pass in the Indies aa all right with- out inspection, 80 great was the confidence piaced in him. There was nothing of the whiskey ring in George Washington. In the seitiement with Eng- Jand some one had suggested that certain remit- tances be withheld that were due that country; but Washington said, “No; while demanding justice from others we must be honest ourseives,”’ and de- terminedly opposed repudiation tn any form. His next characteristic was honesty. A hypocrite can never be @ strong man, A man’ reputa- tion is an inestimable character. He who dare not face his own conscience will sneak from his post. Washington was incapable of acting the part of a Cromwell or a Napoieon. In him we eee, not the treacherous rapids of Niagara, bat the doep flow of the river as it pursues ite silent but irresistible course. His contidential secretary sald that he had nevef seen anything in Washington that would lessen his veneration for him, and times he thought he was more then aman. A hi purpose in Iife, and a resolute will In it were further characteristics in the life of Washing- , This does not mean obstinacy, The in the executive function of the mind Ere Deo Wome aun eat to alten: ‘ormi warned ve. the route his Find beck buried and thet his condemnation was a f ne he possessed the will and determination un ives his Sua At nie Gy 4 emael vi ges. present in the city of Worma is erected the finest sroup of stawuary Ly in which Luther, Calvin and other martyrs to faith had a place. When the enemies of Wi atvem| ve him displaced and that be had i to been iy Ray hy duty and would rely upon the justice of his country, Modesty is essential to real strength. Not the Uriah Heep style of modesty. Men are not called to themselves. The modest man does not think too highly of himself and is not intru- sive. Washington never put himself forward for office, and even wi he accepted the ofice of Commander-in-Chief of the American forces he #0 a8 @ matter of duty. While modest in himself he aiways expected and exacted that of res fue him as the representative of a great nation. hen the British eneral sent him an oficial communication wider a if directed to Washington, Eaq., by the of # subordinate officer, he deciined to | receive it and gent the officer back into the British lines, from whence he soon returned bearing a letter directed to George W: m, Com- mander-in Chief, 4c.” He alw: preferred the privacy of home to publicity any kind, and Turrentiered his a8 soon as the exigen- cies of the case would it, One who was familiar tn hia family said that he never heard him speak of himself in connection with anything pertaining to the war. While habit calm he could be raised toa and he was always awake to the public intereat, last in mention, but first in order, it was his faith in God that made him strong. ith would ny, timid man a very giant in th. fie W ~ mn had teen careful of his he instituted prayer, kot the Lord's in ee He foolish and wicked habit of pro- fane swe He wrote to his brigadier rals cee emage Vice and see that the men nded divine tue wor up. wie asked, ‘How could We expect fro whom we asked favors?” valle ne Was seen, knee! the At Valle Forge he assistance in that our off ios ies, aa en be. fore he sald:—“I cot der itan eta lite by bie duty to close this last of my of by commending you to Sof, sud slzo those wan have the carrying out of the formation of this govern- Reneeat a words to — effect, Piney er besou; young men present to imitate the character of Washington, He: axlifuily 949} ted his subject to his text. He condemned the pal! ery of commercial life. The tram tn the lusts, Vices or in- firmities of men was beginning to be condemned, Let Washi n, Luther and Paul descend and take their places in the dust, and let the one example of the perfect man come down and make known his ‘Will, and let all menjconform to his teachings. ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH, The Lenten Fast—Sermon by Rev. 8. J. Core nellle. ‘The Rev. 8. J. Corneille, rector of All Saints’ Pro- testant Episcopal church, corner of Henry and Scammel streets, delivered a very eloquent sermon on the Lenten Fast last evening, taking for his text:—“Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off and cast them from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.” (St, Matthew, xviil., 8) The text was singularly inap- propriate to the subject of the discourse, but the Sermon Was none the less interesting, The origin and antiquity of the Lenten fast were discussed at considerable length, The preacher said there could be no doubt that it was of Sey) origin and was rigidly observed in the primitive Church, and therefore it should be duly observed now. But churchmen in the present day do not enter tnto the spirit of its reilgious exercises as fully as they ought, In conciusion the preacher earnestly exhorted his eens to acloser observance of the rules of the Shureh, RELIGIOUS SERVICES IN BROOKLYN. PLYMSUTH CHUACH, Is it Well with Thee t—Sermon by the Rev. Ray Palmer. Plymouth church was but parttally filled last even- ing. The small attendance was in part the result of the inclemency of the weather, but principally caused by the absence of Mr. Beecher, who has not yet entirely recovered from the sever cold from which he has been suffering for some days. Plymouth pulpit 19 @ very embarrassing position for any one but Mr. Beecher to occupy. So many attend the church for the sake of hearing him that when they discover @ stranger in his place, even though they have been seated in the pews, they have the courtesy and politeness (?) to retire, Itis also annoying and vexatious to Mr. Beecher, who has considerable trouble in getting a substitute when unabie himself to preach, But last evening the | shows was most acceptably filled by the Rev. Ray mer, who delivered a very impressive discourse, taking for his text the ee verse of the fourth chapter of the Second Kings, as foliows:— “Is it well with thee?” Im application he sald ttis a usual custom for friends when they meet to inquire of each other’s welfare—their health, prosperity and happiness, and in this act there is much pieasure; for it is pleasure to all of us to have friends who are 80 solicitous for our well being. When we look on the more sertous side of the question the fact of ask- ing ing the welfare of our friends would be superfluous if we were not then living in a world where sorrow or calamity may come upon us at any moment, and how often do we ask with dread in our hearts of this or that friend’s health and wel- fare? What, in the higher sense, does the welfare of man include? It includes all that is essential to his whole well being, and thus the ques. tion becomes @ very serious one. To vast numbers of men it is understood to be health and worldly prosperity. To them there is no idea rs a higher hope. To them all is of the world and {ts belongings—not! higher. Such is, indeed, the melancholy fact. To bea man of vast capabiilties and resources and not look to things above and the is hike being on a dark and stormy sea without a compass, On what ground re we to rest our judgment? The quesuon is th us—cannot be answered by our outward cit+ cumstances, Let the coe, = on high, the lion roam the dock He down in green pas. with them they so full the end of their existence, But to you, sons of mankin it for this end that you were created? Many, far too many, think so. ‘Their whole welfare seong to then to be hound up in perishable thi ‘Moraffenection teaches us the error of believing that it ia well with us when we have nothing but the pleasures that this life gives, Men who have rolled in wealth, known throughout the world, so great their fame and renown; yet they are so miserably that they ery out for relief from their doubts. They want to know concerning their future; of what will become of them in the final end; their minds are racked with tortures and dou! Iv is so in thousands of cases, The more they have of earthly jons the more impoverished are they; for they have none of the wealth and happiness that ts in God, We cannot tell by outward Sarge It was not well with Belshazzar amid all his splendor and wealth. But it was well with Daniel when cast into the lion's den, Itia not well with us unless we fulfil the glorious end for which our Maker designed us, He made us in His own likeness, and gave us —_ to echo back His own sr = mor no e with wo the paths of moral perfect — lo’ Take the true test of welfare and honestly apply ‘On her death bed lies one who has been dearly loved by many friends; who has been the happy centre of f circle of companions whom she has charmed by her beauty and vivacity and has been herself charined by leasure; now she has but a few short moments to jive! now she realizes bow miserable and pov- erty-stricken has been her welfare, and she throws t her hands and cries in her anguish, “Oh, my God, what a miserable being 1 am!’ In the ment of the world it was well with her; how a judg- ment! Again, we go to where death is nigh; Utils time we enter abject and miserable ut, buts happy face gree! , althongh the hard lines of sat fog are drawn all over its features. Ask her the tion and she answers, “Yes, for the good God 1 tees care of me and will not let me hunger or thirst.” She is far richer, for she is on heir to the kingdom of God, and it is well with her, for her soul is ready and pplished asa Jewel. Yet another illustration, show! the true welfare of inan:—A father and gon, botlysokiers, 8: in their tent near the range of the ene cannon, Ashot takes off the head of the son The father stands up, looks sorrowingly on the of him who was but a short moment ago his aw: his hope and Vee now latd low by deat stride, Yet it ts well with the , for he lifts ap his eyes to Him who es and who had taken away and said, “Thy will done.” What nome faith, what pare and faithful love, sublime submission of the man who had lost his will In God's! The ques- uon, “Is ft well with us? is one that should receive constant attention. Riches, glory and fame are all perishable, They avail us nothing when we are called Cyh leave ail. Then let us win oar citi xenebip in the great city of God, Rest not in earthly joys; they will soon be left behind. See to it that ‘all ia well with you. Look up and hold oa. Hasten thee on by faith, winning thy way with prayer. God gave us all the blessings we have recefved. God ‘aut us that it may be weil with u4 when our nal jay shall come, Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church—Ser- mon by Rev. Dr. Caylor. As usuall there was a very large congregation yes- torday morning at the Lafayctte avenue Presbyte- rian church, Brooklyn. ‘The services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. T. 1, Cuyler. Me took as the text ‘of his discourse—which was a very ear- nest one—the words of the fourteenth verse or the seventh chapter of Matthew, “Few there be that find it” Thore ts, said the preacher, @ great, crowéed, beaten thoroughfare with an open gate, into which all men naturally go. At the end fies a precipice, over which millions are ory day. Some walk over it, with looks of Ea Ay md tough ly, others carel and caronsing aa they go; some in the full vigor of life, bly, as if aiready stricken with death, pad wots rated point Is reached @ voice is heard by each traveller, Saying, “Come to me and | will give Be hint ce ett ta ies em, re mer outer into Ife. “strive to enter in” ta the Ian and enter into { Christ, whosite at the gate, What does lie froan by this? To make the door narrow, so as to it only a few? No, “Enter ye i venient season. t site of crooked; bot * 9 wee of trees le Yonder gate ts wide, but they enter in do it to the destruction of body and soul. The Greek word for narrow is intensely expressive, meaning a7 @imicalt. ‘The it way is a foued’ wy the by *) throng went Gows 100 crowding do’ the bi . Youder road is vroad. Why? Because it 18 road of self-indulgence; that ts the reason Lh AA ng ody) they can do as they like; they can follow the ‘“ust of the eye” or the “inst of the fies’? or the “pride of life.” No sacridce iv needed to be made by them. Bub to enter into the strait gate two are required—frst, understanc- jog; and on. To find it it must be looked for, when found there must be deter- “. is @ way seemeth t.”? Men are search, to poader iF goings. “Seck me early and ye shall find me.’ The arch-deceiver has opened one very wide gate, over which is written, “Yo shall not surely dic.” That is the road of universal salva- fon. There is another door, with a gateway at- tached, and many enter in thereat. Over it 1s the atone Rpm Boor = another on broad jor pride and vain-glory to euter; itis ae ot ng ol Xx is ie not CLE mates, jothin, geen ol = rounded side, His Oatetretohed’ hagas; nothin His words of love,’ The gate at whic! Jesus stands is a diferent gate from all Over It stands, “The just shall live by faith.” No tum Mg ig lh "whose ts - bry 1080 i It o * LF in no wise be cast out.’? Migotry and ty ig and all ev good desires, The reason why more do not find this gato is because the multitude are running after an easier plan ofsalvation. There are many Uiat do not Seek perncn, faith and obedience essential, Only those who entered the ark were saved. ‘The entering of thase who were to be saved. enter in at the strait gate. The work of those in need of salva- Many come up to the gate and look tn, but enter, just a8 people come to churen and the next morning, or even fore leaving the house, turn into tee popalae. helil-bound road to perdition. Iftt is wished by any man to get a policy of insur- ance and then return to his business and do as he will, he will find the gate hedged up when he pre- sents it. Ifhe has any unjust gains he will have to empty his pockets, He had better throw away his dice and his cards and leave behind his decanters, a smuggie in a concealed hatred of @ fellow New Swedenborgian Charch, The first church of the Swedeaborgian Society in Brooklyn was formally dedicated to divine worship, with all the unpretending cere:ionies of that sect, in presence of a very large and respectable congrega- tion, yesterday afternoon, The dedtcatory services were conducted by Rev, Chauncey Giles, of New Jerusalem church, New York, isted by the itor of the church, Rey. Mr. A A Gne choir dis- coursed excellent music, and a collection was taken up, With the most satisfactory result, The building thus secured was formerly Occupied by the congre- tion of Universatists presidea over by Rev. Dr. janchard, on the corner of Mouroe place aud Clark street, and cost $48,000, RELIGIOUS SERVICES IN NEW JERSEY. Jersey City. The second of a series of sermons on the “Social Relations of Life,” was delivered last evening in t Third Reformed Church, Hamilton square, by the Rev. J, Suydam, who took for his subject “The Par+ ental Relation.”” ‘Phese sermons are likely to prove interesting, Jadging from the respectable congrega- tion that attends wus church, The Rev, Mr. Beswick delivered a sermon on “The Soe Coming of our Lord” at Union Hall, last evening. The eleventh anniversary of the Sabbath school of the First Congregational Cnurch :was held at the Tabernacle last evening. The exercises were of an interesting character, consisting of singing by the school children, with addresses by the Rev, GJ. Mingins, A. S. Hatch and Rev. J. M. Holmes, In the North Baptist ‘church, where a great revival is in pregress, sermons were delivered in the morn- ing and evening. ‘To-morrow will be observed in this church as a day of fasting and prayer. Meetings will be held at ntne and ten o'clock in the morning and at three and seven o'clock in the afternoon. The annual observances of prayer and other rell- gious services for colleges and insiitutions‘of learn- ne will take place next Thursday in all the churches this city, Meetings will be helu at eleven o'clock A. M. in the lecture room of the First Presbyterian church, with an address _ bj at three P. M, tn the First plist church, with ad- dresaes by the Rev. J. M. Holmes and J. AH. Suydam; at half-past seven P. M. in St. Paul's Methodist Epis- copal church, @ free conference, Rey. Dr, Imbrio will make the opening address, The congrega- tions of the different churches were notified yester- day. rf St. Peter's church, Grand street, solemn high mass wes celebrated at half-past ton o'clock, Rev, Dr. Wiseman officiating as brant, with Rev, Dr, Janssen, deacon, and Rey. !, Corrigan, sub-deacon. After the first gospel it was announced that the forty hours’ adoration would commence in St. Peter's next Sunday, and the membera of the con- gregation were urged to approach the sacraments of penance and the Eucharist during that holy time, The sermon was delivered by the Rev Dr. Janssen, who took for his text the following verse from St. Paul to the Thessalonians—‘For this ts the wilt of God your sanctification,” a portion of the epistle of the day, which is an exhortation against avice which is known in our day as “the social evil.” This subject, from the delicacy of the questions it involves,epresents no ordinary diMeultes to a acher, yet Dr, Janssen treated it in a highiy prac- Manner, classifying the sin under three heads: First, the offence against the triune God; second, against ourselves, and third, we society, The lamentable consequences of this debasing ‘crime May be seen in cur hospitals, the large number of marriages which prove so many helis on this earth, nd last of all in that sure passport to hell—snic ‘he Kev, Dr, Van Cleef; Trenton. ‘TreNTON, Feb, 21, 1869, In St. Jobn’s Roman Catholic church to-day & crowded congregation attended to participate in the forty hours’ devotion, a ceremony which ts ob- served throughout the Catholic world with extra reverence, solemnity and grandeur. Children to the number of about two hundred, the females attired in snow white raiments, the maics neatly apparelied, and all bearing lighted candles, proceeded through the church, accompanied by the pastor, Rev. Father Schmidt, High mass was celebrated in this church at half-past ten o'clock, and at the conclusion of the firat gospel Father Schmidt ascended the pulpit and preached a brief but impressive sermon, taking as his text the gospel for the second Sunday in Lent, where St. Matthew treats of the transfguration of our Lord. The reverend preacher, m consequence of hia ar- duons labors in the confessional and on the altar piste J the week, beged to be excused for not dwelling minutely on the beauties of the text. He touchingly alluded to the increased reverence with which the con tion should adore Jesus in the sacrament; tt should be vizived often, and not leave Jesus @ stranger in his own tabernacie. To the liquor dealers he administered @ well-deservered re- buke, exhorting them for once on the Sabbath to sus- pend their nefarious and ili business, and avord making it the medium of ie for unholy gain, by shutting out the devil and visitiag the church to adore Jesus in his own dwelling. Father Schmidt concluded by announcing that the members of the Sodality and St. Vincent de Paul's Society would march in procession on Tuesday at the close of the exposition. Priests from the surrounding parishes will be in attendance tn this church on Monday and Tuemlay for the purpose of hearing confession In the Pirst Presbyterian church to-day @ !lui! but select congregation attended the forenoon vice, which was performed by the Rev, Dr. J Hall, wor, who, in his preitminary invecatio: asked the blessing of Heaven on the President elect, who Is surrounded by abject fatterer, watching every word he utters to use in his condemnation, and continued:—“Keep him, 0 Lord, unser a sense ‘Of his own anworthiness, and teach hin that Thy Jaw governs all things, Make him @ sincere man, ‘and let him do nothing in his administration that ke will be afraid of to appear before Thee on the day of judgment. In lis opening orisons the reverend clergyman also begged God to open the eyes of the Legislature to the insufficiency of the State Prison, 4 | any ote disadvantageous to reform, and hoped hat the vices of binsphemy and drunkenness which at present #0 desecrate our otherwiss beautiful country would boon er ‘The pastor then selected as his text the nineteenth chapter ant twenty-fifth verse of the Gospel of St. John: — oN there stood by the eross of Jesus hia his mother's sister, wile of Cleophas, and Mary Magdatene,”’ ac. e reverend preacher then proc to descant on the filal love of Jesus and of Ma’ maternal affection for her onl the mother must have follow: with an intensity whict no other woman could ha felt, The words of Simeon, “A sword shall pierce thy own soul,” had never so deep as when, standing at toot of the cross, Jesus uttered the exp ive words, “Woman, behold thy son!’ The pastor with subduing pathos reviewed the trials, sorrows and su(fe of Jesus and hia mother, fol. lowing them minutely through every vicissivude of thetr dolorous life, and showed that throughout all their ordeals the same undying love—a love not con. sisting of occasional emotiona and fis of passion, but afove the very essence of divinity—cbaracter- ized their reiations on earth, The reverend speaker then concluded by exhorung his hearers imbibe: & leaton from this text—to cherish an abiding faith in the love of God, which Knows no discrimination, and then 2 N mother and Mary, the He who dies beliewng Dies eafely lu His love, ‘Tho Rev. Dr. Bartine, of the State street Methodist church, repeated Ins lecture on tem a ES 2,000 viously delivered from pulpit) tn thts Afternoon to an audience of persons of bot sexes, The reverend fecturer took as his text the words, “Woe unto bim that lifveth the cup to bis neighbor's lips.”” He conflued himaeif mainly to the tempter more those Who manufacture and sell wg rages rather than the unfortunate maid it Was avi thas actuates the gratification La the: Lo -4 gooatiens those ds. The avarice by wi ele in money, sant proceeded to jainan . vonmmerate the resait of of wuiskey, brandy and Wine, and that, with one of tWO exceptions, the howis and barrooms of New York contained nothit but adulterated liquors. Among tue tempters this evil he included the gentlemanly and refined wine CONTINUED ON TENTH PAGE