The New York Herald Newspaper, April 12, 1869, Page 3

RELIGIOUS. Interesting Discourses Delivered Yesterday by Beecher, BeHows, Fisk, Dix and Other Lights of Divinity in the Metropolis. RITUALISM AND RATIONALISM. Denunciation of the City Railway Scheme Now Before the Legisla- ture by Rev. Father Quinn. Sermons in Washington, Trenton, Bridge- port, Newburg, Brooklyn and Other Cities. ‘The services at mos. v1 the churches yesterday, as ‘wil be seen from the subjoined reports, were largely attended notwithstanding the face that the weather ‘was chilly and uncomfortable in this city. In most of the cities embraced in these reports, however, the day was very propitious and the worshippers were proportionately punctual and numerous. The discourses delivered were of an interesting charac- ter and embraced the usual variety of subjects. LGIGUS SERVICES IN THIS CY. ST. PETER'S CHURCH. Discourse by Rev. Father Quinn on a New City Railroad Act=Threatened Dewolition of St. Peter’s and Trinity Churches. At St. Peter’s church, Barclay street, yesterday, there was a large congregation. The services were very imposing and the music was of the highest order. Rev. Father Quinn, on ascending the pulpit, addressed his congregation as follows:—I think it my duty to call your attention to-day to an act which is pending before the Legislature, which has passed tie House of Assembly and is at present before the Senate. It is an act authorizing the construction of a railroad, which necessarily interests us very muck. Our at- tention has not been called particularly to it before. because the title of the act was so general in iis character. Its number is 273, and It is entitled “an act to authorize the construction of certain railroads in the city and county of New York and across Harlem river.” This road a part of the way through the city isto be an underground railroad, and, unfortunately for us, is to be an elevated rail- road from Canal street to the Battery, running east of Church street, not less distant than twenty-five feet from the sidewalk, and not more re- mote than 100 feet. From the terms of the bill which I saw yesterday, you would imagine that those who are laying out this road were con- structing a road through Westchester county— through some foreign county—wnere there are no ‘obstructions, no property or buildings of any value— 80 sweeping, so utterly regardless of the interests of . private individuals and of public interests are these terms. When you consider that this elevated rail- road istorun on a line certainly not far remote fiom the point on which I stand at the present mo- ment, from Canal street to the Battery, you will see what sacrifices ure necessarily involved. Within the gst lew years. as you know, this part of the city has changed entirely ita character. Fiftcea or twenty years: ago the houses that were on Church street were not ©! great value, but within a few years the property has increased immensely in value, and some of the most magnificent and < ostly stores tiave been erect- ed on the whole line that this road pro; to cut throagh, and stores covering ground which in itself 1g of immense value. If this act which 1s before the J egislawure should be we must certainly consider that the company that shall undertake to bil. a jine of ratiroa: through such buiidings, ex- tending more than a mile, must be immensely rich, or if not immensely rich, they wili have the property 80 appraived as to allow only a smail valuation for ‘what is taken. Leaving twenty-five feet between the line of the railroad and the side otf tne street necessarily renders that, as well as the ground which they would occupy for the road, almost worth fess to the owners. Up to this time the incon- veniences which we have had to endure from rail- roads with wich we have been surrounded have not been slight. Having already two lines of ratl- roads alongside of the church in Church street, having two also in frogt of the church on Barclay street, we thought we veen taxed sufiiciently to accommodate the public Fives the Fall cor nies. We to think thgt these lines of railroads which now copstrucied QF sre under way are amply sufficient for the wants of bic in this lower part of the ‘city. There sigh ich a high-ha.ded measure as the oue pro; This if bull hia Dok only to destroy private property of the most ie char- acter, butistorun throagh the sanctuary of God. Tne men who are in ‘ations of this kind have no as fur as we can see, either for private or public interests. or interests the most sa- , if they can only increase their wealth. We certainly have a right to protest against any measure of this d protest in the strongest lan- that we are able to use. We are not here of esterday. The property on which this church is mm and the grounds surrounding it, on whi is the in which the Sisters of Charity reside, were purchased bi ancestors noe ge hunared years ago, wi urchased for the very purpose to what they have een ever since devoted—the use of the Catholic —— Our Nena so at that — were Nery few in numbers, and it is fuir, also, suppose that oi, were rr, the church, which pre- ceded tl re although @ very smail building, they ‘were not able to complete until they sent to loreign countries for assistant ‘There 1s in the sacristy on ‘the wail a record which is dated 1792, in which the fist pastor of this church, Father O’Brien, placed an obligauon, which rests upon thts church, and will to the end of time to celebrate a certain number of masses for the le of the island of Cuba, who had contributed iy to enable nim to complete this church; also to celeorate a yearly mass for the the soul of a certain of = bree Maced Dona aed moe he ng for the purpose of enablin, wher mn to com- plete the church, and thereby founded this mortuary mass. After that the Catholics gradually increased in number, and from this church a pastor went forth to erect another church in this city, and also from this church went forth those who began to raise the foundation of St. Mary’s church in Albany. Though frequenily in adversity, having erected this church oniy by incurrmg a heavy debt, we have, never. God, removed entirely the heavy obligations under which we have labored for so many years. Now, after havi seen ali this, knowing that the bones and azhes of the first Catno- Hes that settled in this city are reposing beneath this ciureh; after retaining this property when large amounts of money were offered some years ago by those who desired that it should be turned to com- mercial pur ; after retaining it, not for the rich, but for the iarge number of the poor who wil always reside in this part of the city, we are informed that Qn act of the Legisiature, utter.y regardiess of rights #0 sacred, so long held, is by its fat to send a ratl- Toad through its centre and destroy the church and des) the sanctuary of G I believe ‘hat this bil has — through the Assembly con- fused with other bills of jes; importance, and that ach member was s» occupied with his own private Interests and | usivess that oe neither attended nor had opportun \y of ont to the terms and the Mitive Of tis bill, ‘The bill has been allowed to go tons far through ject or want of attention or reading the teruis oi the bill before them, Certatniy in the lower house there is a large number of Catholics. But | do not address m, to Catholics alone, 1 address myself to all who have any Ch sentiments, And there are other interests, itis not necessary forme to speak for them. If this bill pass it will destroy not only the first Catholic church, nest: Protestant caurch in the city of New York—that 1s, Triuity church. But itis not for me to speak for Trinity church; yet I think there are in the Legisia- ture! tinnk there are throughout the whole clty_-a Vast number of persons wno aheare strongly ‘With that church; who would be dissatis- flew if, by any act of the Legisiature, such vandalism snow d be committed. Tue bill 8 before the Senate, a body of men whose judgment is supposed to be cain; who, from their education, from their posi. tion 1n society, are supposed to have the interests of the gs atheart, and who are not, or should not be, incnenced by mere railroad speculations or corporations, se one duty 20 watch the votes of these men and see on are given of & measure which Is destined, if passed, to be 80 which side they Fuinous in its character, three or hundred city. I the name of all the Vatholics in the State of New York, who would consider an act of this kind as an act of vandalism. We then to the members of the souele, beiore w! this bill is ponding, to consider it in its true fight and to consider how ne it wonlg be for any corporation pay the value of the —_ taken of ruined by — build such road on the line marked out in bul cE aE : ~S5EE ithe on! sacrificing the inwreste of the , consider gee f the Legis- Dai upper Ouse OF Jature. You, i att who are acquainted with business of kind better than | am, will, if you please, use your influence unmediately, and in writ- ing to your friends in Aibapy. Write to your friends iu the Senate tais very evening. There is no time for petitions, ‘Ihe bill may pass per! to-morrow. ‘1his 18 ail that remains for us to do, bill comes upoa us by surprise and under circumstances that could not haye been foreseen. 1 trust the measure will not pass. [i we nad any hope that prayers would influence the p eapiin ns in Albany, I would ask you to pray that would change their hearts, that they might be sottened, and that their minds mughe be enligitened to see something else besides a 10% i z E Bt CHURCH OF THE DIVINE PATERNITY. Discourse by Rev. Dr. Fisk. Owing to the continued illness of Rey. Dr. Chapin, from an attack of rheumatics, his place was sup- plied in the pulpit yesterday by Rev. Dr. Fisk, Pre- sident of the Canton Universalist College. He said ie wished to speak to the congregation that morn- ing themselves, as @ people, as a class of protessed followers of Jesus Crist, as one of the organic churches ot the Christian Church. His text was Corinthians, xil, 14;—“For the body 1s not one mem- ver, but many.”? ‘fhe preacher then proceeded to say that they (the Universalists) claimed in common that the Church was divided into variously varying parts that had risen gradually lo great influence, and that stil bore relatiousnip to each other, not- withstanding the doctrinal antagonism which existed between the several denominations, Protestantism was not a fuilure on that ground atleast, butagreat success. Protestantism was @ hundredfold more auve to-day to the serious investigation of Scripture busvory tuan iLeould have been had it been devoted only WW one Class Of men eimvosomed only in one doctrinal Church. AS weil attempt to gather and conine the earth’s great diversity of vegeca- tion under the influence of oue latitude as vw bring human society to coniorm t any one present organization of ideas or ouinan thought. While twey had assumed the imporiaace of the mission of the Universaist brauch of the Church they in no wise sought to undervalue the importance of tie other essential branches of the Curisuan Church universal. ‘he one great body they regarded as made up of all these branches. “They believed there Was sowedhing great and good mixed throughout them all. If they would stop to tae the measure ot religious afairs at the preseat day—it tuey wou.d stop and take an obse: v4.10n of the status ol the controversies going on bet.veen the many branches of the Caristian fo.d th»y should find an almost unparalleled activity, avd tat, notwithstand- lug ail that had been written aud s4.d in respect to the tendency of the age to muieriulism. He main- tated that if they took an observation to-day aud looked down into the hearts and spirits of earnest men and women they snouid int tacy were living ip an almost unparalleled inieliectaal activity, which was actually recasting the old impiements of con- troversy on tae question of faith aud life which lay very near the heart of every thougatful man and woman. ‘The dificult probl:ins wich vexed the tue metaphysician of every age had, as every gen- eration progressed, @ppeared to lessen, until now, by some new achievement of human ingenuity, skillaud intellect, a wonderful inilueace lad been exercised over these things in this age, wich made thein clearer aud more distinct. ‘nat they (the Universalists), a3 @ marked Class of Curistians, had some men capabie of setting forth and disseminat- ing the spirit of Universaiisin and giving a better, purer aud, he believed, a more uplifting interpreta- tion to Its teacuings. ‘There was an item in its hus- tory, especially on that spot, he rejoiced to be able to state. ‘They were now nearly in the centenary year of tne organization of the body, and he rejoiced that they had accom- plisaed s0 wuch, \fejoiced tat tiey were begin- hing to find powerful ales in many of the pulpits of otuer denominations. He rejoiced at the growing positiveness of some of tae influential meimbers of ume Untiarian Church. But they must remember tuat the great differences between the Universalist mierpretation of Curistianity and human history and ine interpretations of other denominations were by no meaus setticd, nor were they about to ve settled. He did not believe, then, that these controversies were ht anend. These questions could not, by the shattng of their eyes, be washed out of sigutaor be carried out of the fleld of discussion. It would be as serious to have acters | ry the re ligtous world at an end, and society fall into ir indifference in consequence, as to have nothing but these controversies continually going on. Ali theolo- gies cannot be truth, nor any one of them come clear up to the trach. Some might be nearer the tryth than others, aud to tad out as near as nay 08 Which ‘was nearest the trutn and how to make reitgious truth most felt was certainly aa eflort wortby we wisest and the best ty inake, “ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL. Address by Archbishop McCloskey. At the principal mass at the Cathedral yesterday the choir, under the direction of Professor Schmitz, sang Schmitz’s Mass No. 5, with Conconne’s Salve Regina, for the offertory piece. The mass is for chorus, and was given by the regular choir and the Cathedral chorus, in all some thirty-five or forty voices. It is a graceful composition, with a vein of devotion apparent throughout the entire work, ren- dering it more than ordinarily pleasing, The Salve Regina was @ soprano solo, and was sung by Mme. Chomé with good effect. At the conclusion of the gospel in the mass the Rev. Father Kearney ascended the pulpit and, tak- ing for his text the gospel of the day, preached an eloquent and impressive sermon, The pei was John xX, -i6, and from fhe words of the text the reverend orator drew the conclusion that all the world would be brought to recoguize the authority of the Church; that, the words, “And other sheep I have that are not of this fold; them also | must bring and they shall hear my voice and there shail be one fold and one shepierd” hag reference to that idea, Immediately after the sermon had been concluded the Most Rev. Archbishop came forward to the sanctuary rails and addressed the congregation as follows:—To-day, beloved bretheren, as is weil known to most of you, is the fiftieth anniversary of the priesthood of our, holy Father the Pope—or rather the fiftieth anniversary of the first mass which he offered up as @ simple priest in an humbie chapel in the city of Rome before a congrega- tion of orpnan children, Now he ofiers up the holy sacrifice no longer in an humbie chapel, but beneath the dome of the world’s moat glorious tempie—not as an humbie priest, but as the solemn Ponti; not as a simple shepherd, vut as the universal shepherd. To-day beneath the dome of St. Peter’s there are to remind him of the first day of his priesthood the orphan children from the same asylum in the chapel of which he said his first mass, side by side with cardinais and prelates and potentates to remind him of his dignity; and in their presence he will offer up the holy sacritice of the mass in thanksgiving for all the mercies which God has shown, and asking for the favors and biess- ings which Almighty God can bestow, Not only for himself does he ask these, but for the whole flock of which he 1s the shepherd; and around him in spirit everywhere are loving and faithfal hearts uniting their Van ag witn hus. ‘Throughout the world to-day is oifered up tl fice of the mass for our Most Holy Father, ye will unite your intentions with his and pray that God will enlighten him and strengthen him; that his life may be spared, and that it may be vouch- safed to him to*preside in person at the Ecumenical Council which he has summoned to meet in Rome on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, on the sth day of next December. Pray that this coun- cil may be the great concluding act of an eventful and glorious pontificate; that it may be the har- binger of r a and blessii to the whole Obristian world, and that the day of the triumph of the Church typitied in the gospei of the day may be at hand, and pray also that his closing hours may be spent in sweet serenity and peace, Sermon on the Impending Doom, by Bishop Snow. A sermon was preached yesterday afternoon in the University on “The Impending Doom of the Nationa,” by Bishop Snow, of the Church of Mount Zion. The text was Zeph, iil, 6:—“Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rive up to the prey; for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my flerce anger; for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.” This pas- sage points directly to the great day of final judg- ment upon all the world, as is evident, not only from the general connection and harmony of the subject, but from the closing declaration of the text if, Never has ail the earth been devoured by the ve of Gou’s wrath since Sete was written; never will it be (iil that great and terrible day of the Lord that will burn as an oven, when all the proud oy Wicked will be as stubvle, (See Malachi iv.) Hat is the time When Jenovab rises up to the who are Be nee Church nis up a3 & ize apon hus us waiting for hers the locally, but m ail that is wrath. (see aptnse i, ul here He de- indignation, even wrest day of wrath has the: of the ted of God, and imstruction in His unfailing word hold ourselves and able to n of corrupt Christendom wicked world is coming with the wer of a mighty tornado,*and like the ina dry forest. The whole har- ture shows ‘that the final execution of rath of God upon the nations of the earth will be in the different forms of war, famine pestilence, to which will be added the awful calamities which are beginning to be experienced already by the ayency oi the ciements of nature and the various appilances of art, which will in the hand of God and of is _hoiy angels, to destroy life and property more and more, continuaily. Soon will the nations of Kurope, and of all tue so-called Christian world, be engaged in bluodier wars than were ever bclore kuown, and multitudes will thus go down to the siaugiter, fhousands on thousands also will per- ish with famine, wie myriads more will be cut oif by the pestilence that walks in darkness. By earth- quakes and by floods, by tires and by explosions, by tempests and destructive agencies of every kind, the earth will be made most desolate. Tuus will che God of cruth and rigateousness vindicate his word, and punish the wicked of the earth, Will not the children of the Kingdom need a hiding place? In Hd fs eueess sEsSEEEE = g & Fi Mount Zion, and there alone, will they be uble to find t. TRINITY CHAPEL, Lecture on the Incarnation, by the Rev. Dr. Dix. ‘the first of a course of lectures on the incarnation was delivered by the Rev, Dr. Dix, at Trinity chapel, last evening. Being the opening lecture, the speaker conned himself rather to the importance of the dogma of the incarnation as the foundation and essence of Christianity rather than a theological disquisition on the subject. The dogma of the incar- nation, said the lecturer, is a mystery so profound that no finite intelligence can explain it; it is the first truth of Christianity, the one which, if we understand, we feel that we need no more, We live in eventful times; our lot has been cast in strange days when there is a great work to do and it must be done quickly. There are signs of an alarming nature in the horizon, a tume when we must engage in an active struggle with the spirit of infidelity. Rationalism was never bolder than now, and it is startling to hear the man- ner in which men speak of religion. The spirit of infidelity now speaks not by argument, nor in curses, but finds expression in jest ng, and in laughter. What is needed by the children of the Church is a true conception of what Christianity is, The Incarnation ig the sum and substance of our religion. What is the great truth distinctively shown \ the worid b; Christianity—a trath which Judaism did not teac! and which cannot be learned from a study of the natural world’ All truth that was ever known is included in Christianity, bus all truth 1s not Chris- tian truth. What is it which, if removed from Chris- tianity, would compel a return to Judaism and the creed of the patriarchs? ‘he Holy Scriptures teil us that it is not necessary to have the Bible and revela- tion in order to kuow something of the truths of God. Some there are who think and say that any one who believes in God and lives morally 18 a good Christian. But they speak without warrant; this is not Christianity; the heathens have done this, and very many of them have set an example that Christians would do well to follow. But the heathens’ morality was based on what they could learn from the natural world. If Christ came to teach us no more than this, there was no need of His coming. Christianity is not a belief in God or in one God or in the necessity of morality, This does not consti- tute a Christian, for a man believe all this and stiilbe a pagan. There is one truth which contains essence of Cl janity, a truth which absoris- all others in itself—firat in importance yet last to be known—it is the truth, the mystery of the Incarna- tion. This 1s the sum of God’s revelation to man. *fhe truch that God has united himself to man by taking our human nature; that He has brought the finite and the infinite together—a truth which nature no- where reveals to us—is the foundation of Chris- tianity. God was, in the person of Christ, recon- ciling the world to himself. Ali truth necessary to salvation is included in this. The Incarnation is Christianity, and constitutes its sum and substance and lite, He who denies the Incarnation 1s anti- pur I do not use this m ig @hard sense, it iu & of oppoatiioh—perhay f conscienHois Sproation. say that tie a tidn is ne true is to Sgaiget Christ; for if Christ ‘The than is antL-Oht $09 eugun xa irons te fro Christianity wuat 1s Christianity itself. joctrin of Incarnation involves the personality of God. Ac- cording to some pretenders to wisdom God has no more personality than the law of Witation. He who was made man and lived and died for us surely had personality. The doctrine of the Incarnation 1s a shield inst rationalism and infidetity, for no one who believes this doctrme as taught by the Catholic Church can be lost in the fog of doubt and error. Christ in one person unites two distinct natures, yet there is no commingling; these natures exist eternally together yet eternaliy separate. The Incarnation teaches us our absoluie dependence on God, for God would not have made man if without it man could have gained that for which Christ came. The Incarnation 18 not a past event which concerns us now no more, but a state which exists and will last forever. The dogma of Incarnation involves also the idea of the progress of humanity, for God, in taking our nature, carried it up until it was almos divine. Th. exaitation im- plies a similar exaltation of man, ‘The ideal man of aay looks somewhat like the stage hero, nowing much and boasting more. If we would see the ideal of humanity as presented by the Catho- lic creed we have but to turn heavenward and con- template Corist. ST. ALBAN'S CHURCH. The Ways of Wisdom in Religion—Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Merrill. The ritualistic services were yesterday conducted at St. Alban’s church, Forty-eighth street and Lex- ington avenue, with the usual solemnity, in presence of alarge and fashionable congregation. The day being all that could be desired, the display of toilets was very ciegant and picturesque. A very notice- able feature was the thorough earnestness and de- votion of the assemblage throughout the lengthened proceedings. Indeed, the exercises were marked by much solemnity, in which every one present most zealously participated. The celebrant on the occa- sion was the Rev. Mr. Mines; the Rev. Mr. Mor- rill, deacon, and the Rev. Mr. Noyes, sub-deacon. At half-past ten o'clock the sweet strains of the organ. swelled gently forth, and be- fore. the procession issued from the vestry a faint though beautiful harmonious chorus in which the soft and melodious voices of many children mingled burst upon the ear, at the coa- mencement seemingly afar off and then gradualiy increasing with the most delightful effect. At either side of the altar the choristers and acolytes arranged themselves in appropriate order, while the oficiating clergymen proceeded with the services, which were ofa highly interesting description. Not the leas’ important characteristic was the excellent manner in which the musical portion of the proceedings was conducted. At the termination of the gospel the Rey. Mr. Morrill ascended the pulpit and preached a sermon upon the “Ways of Wisdom in [eligion,”’ tak- ing his text from Psalms ci., 2, The reverend gen- tleman referred to the many aspects which reli- fon presented. It was grave and caeeriul, it was in- juigent and severe, it was love and it was fear, it ‘Was contemplative and it was imaginative. Under such circumstances certain perplexities arose, but the yoke of Christ was nevertheless easy and the burden light. ‘The cross of Christ was to be taken and never laid down if we expected saivation. ere Must be a © disposition to love God, a determination to foliow His holy mandates, and all the seeming boyy? of religion would roeney fade away. an must give bimself up to the guid. ance of the Holy Spirit and the light will shine upon him, Perplexity of mind in to the line of Paes Aad as pursued in order to please God could gi Temoved by sincere resolution to do His holy bidding. When the mind became disturbed concerning the best manner to lead a pure and reli- ious life @ commencement at_ smull mat rs was generally effective, The reverend preacher referred at considerable length on the Various conditions of the mind anxious to become God, and contended that all apparently great diMcuities could be di by earnest sup- Plication and good works. He must exercise con- stant watchfulness. It was true to the rich and the poor, high and the low, that Cnrist’s yoke was = but yet it was a cross to be borne manfully Sioa by ONY tase Now, it was Bot ly means, to rest overmuch on any one o! the various of b were feasts, but there were also fasta; there were indulgences, but there were aiso restrai ve to what was termed a purely spiritual re- ligion, aad pointed out the dangers by which it was invariably surrounded. He strongly Lt pa the great necessity of bat our good actions with true fervency, otherwise they were almost valuc- . Some prayed long and often, but the action was mere motion of the lips. while the heart wae far away. Others were boundless in their charity, yet were not actuated by the proper motives, After dilating af some length upon Wwe | Men must means necessary, which he pointed out in forcible terms, the reverend gentleman concluded by exhort- tng the congregation to endeavor to do their utmost in the w of truth, and be themselves living Trembling, and’ whould’ not be content with an . and should not be content wi! merety i aaging, “Lord, Lord,” but should work with fervor earnestness in order to arrive at the haven of eternal peace. The sermon was liatened to with the utmost attention, and at ita conclusion Dartiipated in Uy the Congrexation, Large sumbere vy congregation. numbers approached the communion, and the benediction bavingy been finally given by the celebrant, the pro- — were brought to a close shortly before one CHURCH OF ALL SOULS. Lecture by Rev. Dr. Bellows. There was numerous and fashionable attendance at the evening service of the Church of All Souls yesterday, The lecture was the fifth of the course which the Rev. Dr. Bellows has delivered, and was on the origin and history of the sacrificial ideas con- nected with the Christian doctrine of the atonement, He referred to the nature and extent of sacrifice among heatben nations and the different forms ob- served in their religious system before Moses came to lay down the lawa to be ob- served by the Jews, and described the transition from the sacrifice of human beings to the selection of beasts for that purpose, aud ac- ‘counted, for the employment of them instead of wine, corn, jewels or matters of that character. Moses found this system in existence and modified it, ag wo extirpate it was impossibie. He availed himself of the customs then prevailing to facilitate and ren- def more extensive the observance of the true re- ligion, The preacher thea proceeded to explain the necessity and vaiue of sacrifice in supplying the religious wants of the Jewish people. If the Mosaic sys'em looks complicated from our Christian point of view, it was not so at the period for which it was intended. Instead of being the inauguration of a new system it was the beginning of the end of that which existed. Just as limiting the extent of slavery with the ultimate view of removing it. loses saw that by using the sacrifictal forms of the heathens he would assist in destroying idoiatory and leading men to the worship of the Creator. Dr. Bellows continued to explain the value of the sacrificial system to the Jews in making it understood that sin is abhoreat and that means existed of making propitiation for it. The nature of sacrifice was illustrated by the case of a father who requires his child to confess @ fault before forgiveness. ft was not necessary to the father that it should be done nor was the sacrifice of goats and oxen necessary to God, bat was demanded as a recognition of his authority and man’s dependence upon him. The reverend lecturer proceeded to point out the treat- ment of the subject in the New Testament and re- ferred to the toleration and favora night be taken of the sacrificial form a large portion of Christendom, MURRAY HILL BAPTIST CHURCH. “A Young Mun in a Grent City.” The small but elegant house of worship located on Lexington avenue, near Thirty-seveuth street, known as the Murray Hill Baptist church, was filled im every part last evening. The Rev. Sidney A. Corey, D."D., the pastor, conducted the services and delivered the second of a sertes of Sabbath evening lectureg to young men, his subject being “A: Young Man in a Great City.’ The reverend gentleman took as his text the forty-first verse of the nineteenth chapter of the Gospel according to St. Luke:—‘‘He beheld the city.” In commencing his discourse the preacher narrated a story of six young men, who belonged to the rural dis- tricts In England, but who went to Loadon. Of the six all but oue went tothe bad, being dazzled and carried away by the temptations of the metropolis, One ended his career of sin and vice in a London workhouse two days after admittance to the institu- tion; the second robved his employers, and coming to this city died here, among strangers, of a loath- some disease; the third was reduced to starvation and died in the street, being found dead upon the stoop of a house in Islington; while the fifth, led despair by his wrong doings, placed a pistol to his head and blew his brains out. A well Known merciant in this city, who had many opportunies for observation, had made € calculation based upon personal recoilection, and had boldly stated that out of one hundred young mén ninety-seven perished and. only three gained for themselves a good name and reputation. The wish among young men to take up residence in a Breat city seemed to be universal, and any one visiting the railroad depots of this city would find a con- tinual infex of young men from North, South, East and West. Young men coming hither soon found themselves wild with excitement, and they were then peculiarly open to temptations. There were browiels, gaming hells, houses of prostitution, thea- tres and marble statues (which waiked, though) all luring them on to destruction. The vilest literature of Europe could be obtained in this city, which, both in letver press and illustrations, are cal- culated to inflame the worst passions of men. The fact of leaving the whulesome restraints and the associations of home was one reason why young men s0 easily went astray in this city, There was a feeling of freedom thus engendered which always seemed to have a tendency to lead to license. The reverend gentleman then proceeded to speak of b vrtanbagerd aud devoted the closing portion of his jiscourse to advice to young pen to flee from temp: tations and to vbtain ‘strength to resist them from the provisions gad teachings of God’s holy word. “NORFOLK STAEET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Last evening this church was filled to overflowing by a devout and attentive congregation to listen to the farewell sermon of the pastor, the Rev. Charles E. Harris, who has been removed to Brookiyn, after pergmeeige o their spiritual wants for the past three years. During his administration he has not only been instrumental in greatly increas- ing the congregation of the chureh, but has view which f adopted by through his religious teaching under God’s grace ah °P many sinners to the fold of God. His eloquent addresses, his constant zeal for the good of his congregation, hts visits to the sick and dying and his efforts for the good of his church and Cony yrie in general had so much endeared him to his lasi congregation that the part- ing was, a8 might be expected, one of deep regret. ‘The reveread gentieman took for his his text che third verse of the twentieth chapter of Acts, and during its delivery both the pastor and congrega- tion were deeply affected. He carries with him to his new sphere of duty the affection, prayers and best wishes of his old congregation. RELIGIOUS SERVICES IN BROOKLYN. PLYMOUTH CHURCH. The Cost of a Christian Life. Rev. Henry Ward Beecher preached yesterday toa very large congregation, taking as his text the ‘twenty-eighth verse of the fourteenth chapter of St. Luke:—“For which of you intending to bulid a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it.” It was plain from the text and the context that Christ here spoke in a figurative sense. The crowd was at this time throng- ing to Christ with altogether an msuficient concep- tion of what his idea of building meant, or of what his discipleship wished. Counting the cost, that is a caicuiation of value. A man may caicu- late whether to build small or large, whether he will build expensively or cheaply, whether he will decorate profusely or limit the expenses to a mint- mum. But there Is a calculation which lies back of all this—whether he shail build at all or go without a shelter. The cost of building depends largely upon the question, whether ne intends to build sump- tuously, and also upon the architect who builds for tim. Can @ man afford to go with. out a building? This question is twoiold. If the cost counted, you may say you cannot afford to build; but then comes up the ques- tion, can you afford to go without sheiter and a home? Therefore, two questions are involved im counting the cost; and sometimes by far the most important consideration ie the cost. Thousands of people Ww. they had religion; bat the article of lime comes in and they say they cannot be religious now. But this is often an involuntary idea rather than an avowed and expressed condition of mind. Men reason among themselves that it is useless for them to think of atcempting a religious lite, because they have really no moral feeling. They have little in- terest in religion. If a man already under the influ- ences brougat to bear in a Christian community upon the conscience of men—if that man has but lit- te moral feeling—it is likely that aa he grows older his moral feel will increase. On this ac- count men count the cost, and say, how shall I act? At this point all uncertainty arises. Some men are born with every disposition in favor otf @ religious life. They do not get an- arty. Why? Because the original a 18 so balanced that there is no crash within them- selves. But there are of different disposi- tions that ie a, their passlons. Ten integers akc ota ay , and Wi should I spend my time in this it world hunt. ing @ will o the And some men will Aiton’ everything taught. by religion’ when, the re wi churches ives almost doubt everything and are quarreling upon points of faith? While the churches do disagree u; immaterial points the; all that man of God in hi het Some men that their doubts go eoren ‘Theycannot see any cogma grounds for these belie But men shouid be willing to explore the unkiiown, as Columbus did—he saw or. nothing, but he moved with invincible atm, through the night and through the day, through the clouds and the balk- ing winds, in spite of insurrection among his com- ie ie he #tiu pressed forward till he saw beyond horizon the land | sought, now found. ush On to that land that lies beyond the grave and they must be re to enter upon it and take possession, leulate that you cannot attord to live without the consolation arid joy of a Ohristian fatth—that when old age and infirmities come upon you, yeu cannot afford to go without the staff of God side, The reverena her Closed his sermon with en exhortation to lus hearers to aogure fee theesaves wellings in the kingdom Jersey City. The Right Rev. Bishop Odenhemmer held his annual visitation in the Episcopal churches of Jersey City yesterday. Services were held in Grace church at half-past ten o’clock in the forenoon, at which a sermon was preacned by the Bishop, who took his text from the Gospel of the day—‘I am the good shepherd: [know my sheep, and my sheep know me; She | pod mmenhers lays down his life for his sheep.” Jesus is the Prince of Life. ‘All power,’’ sald He, ‘is given to me in heaven ani on earth.” Ever; ig included in this power. The healing of the soul is his; so 18 the healing of the body. No matter what second- ary agencies he may employ, whether the drugs of the physician or the instruments of the surgeon, Jesus is still the author of all lite and health. He gives us life by his Holy Spirit. He hath given us tne new life of penitence for our sins, a readiness to abandon our own ways and follow the path which He hath marked out for us. He is the Prince of Lite, whereof we are witnesses. These were the leading points of the sermon. When the preacher had con- cluded about sixty persons advanced to the railing to receive confirmatio. The Bishop was assisted in the services by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Rice, and Rev. Mr. Harriman. After the customary payers came the imposition of hands. ‘the services were con- ducted in a solemn and impressive maaner. The Bishop held a visitation in St. Mark’s, Rev. Mr. Macurdy pastor, at four o’clock in the afternoon, and confirmation was also administered here. At half-past seven in the evening the visitation was held in St. Mathew’s, of which Rey. Dr. Matson is pastor. Newark. Except at,one or twoof the numerous temples of the }.ost High in this city the services yesterday were’ of no special interest; still large con- gregations were in attendance at each charch. The religious revival in the Methodist and Baptist churches continues. At the First Baptist church in Academy strect, in the forenoon a very feeling ser mcn Was preached by the pastor, Rev. Dr. Fish, on the subject of children’s duty to their mother, Dr. Fish ailuded to the fact that tue subject had natur- ally suggested itself to him owing to bis having just been bereaved of his own maternal parent. In the afternoon the eighteenth anniversary services of the Baptist City Mission Board were held in tue same edifice. Besides Dr, Fish there were present Kev. Messrs. Morrill, Siegiried, Horr and Baxter, of this city, and Kev. Messrs. swan and Teesaaie, of New York. The children of the various Sunday schools connected with the Baptist churches in town were present to the num- ber of about 1,300. The annual report of the Board shows that to carry on the work of the ensaing year it will require $5,700. Though there was cause for sincere congratulation as regards the collections made during the past year, yet was there great neca of increased effort in tas respect. Rev. Mr. Morrill, late pastor the Fifth church, delivered his farewe.l address preparatory to starting for the West. Ad- dresses were aiso made by Dr. Fish, Mr. Horr and Mr. Charies Caliender, Superintendent of the Sun- day school, all of which were no less interesting than instructive, In the eveumg nine persons were received into the arms of the faith through immer- sion. Trenton. The agreeable weather of yesterday attracted thousands of worshippers to hear their favorite pas- tors dilate on spiritual subjects. In St, John’s Ro- man Catholic church Rev. Father Schmidt preached from the twentieth chapter of St. John, commencing at the eleventh and ending with the sixteenth verse. In the course of Father Sctimidt’s remarks he ob- served that many Catholic children had forsaken the Irish school and adopted the public mstitutions as a means of acquiring imstruction, This Father Scimidt deprecated the attendance at the public schools of the Irish Catholics, and hoped that parents wouid be sufficiently wary of their religious tendencies as to deprive them of such an iniquitous oppor- tunity. Father Schmidt's sermon was mainly of a practical character, and comprised no individual notions worthy of comment. In the State Prison on Sunday afternoon, the moral instructor, Rev. Mr. Warner, delivered an im- ressive and practical discourse. In the course of ‘is remark he said that it required some ability to teach something concerning God. The fall of man he attributed to tne predestined flat of divine law. When a righteous man dies on earth he virtually undergoes a religious transformation and beco.wes under the influence of religion a presentable being in the sight of God. The Rev. Mr. Warner then de- scanted on the fall of man, illustrating his argument by several instances since the fall of Adam. He ad- ministered a mtid but forcible reproof to the con- victs, aud undertook to manifest their moral im- potency in at once yieiding to the desire of their passions, and when in the recluse of the State Prie@n they come to think of their misdemeanors in thew sober moments, regret with ping anxiety their unenviable fall. The Rey. Mr. Warner preached a very eXiaustive discourse, and seemed to impress the couvicts deeply with his opportuae remarks. RELIGIOUS SERVICES IN CONNECTICUT. NEw Haven, April 11, 1869. This morning at the Centre church, Rev. Mr. Walker, the pastor, delivered a discourse upon the subject, “The captivity of the Devil,” taking for his text the Second Epistle of Timothy it., 26, He considered the ,effects of a submis- sion to the influence of evil, and referred especi- ally to those who became the captives of the devil by their eager pursuit of material things, by their fondness for wine and women; for the ele- —— of life by their love of office, thelr pursuit of ivolous pleasure. &c. - Rev. Mr. Walker preached a discourse of an able character at the Untted Congregational church, be- fore a very large audtence, upon the subjeet “The nature of Religious Trath.” Rev. Profeasor Clark Seeley preached both morning and afternoon at whe Chapel street church. Inthe morning he delivered sermon of especial interest upon the subject, ‘in wisdom be as men, in malice be as children.” Rev. Mr. Clark, of the North church, exchanged pul- its with Rev. Mr. Cone, of Springileia. ing u rds ‘What shall I do to be saved.” In the afternoon he considered the subject “If God be for us who can be against us? Ana if God be against us who can be for us?’ At the Third Congregational church Rev. Mr. Gregory, pastor of the church for ten years past, teudered his resignation, to take effect in May next, on ac- count of failing heaith. At the John street Methodist Episcopal church Rev. Mr. Feivis, of West Haven, reached in the morning, and Kev. Mr. Svebens, of ‘he Providence Conference, delivered @ sermon in the afiernoon. At the First Methodist Bpiscopal church Rev. Mr. Fletcher aelivered a discourse in the afternoon upon the subject, “The Silent Indu- ence of Christian Character.” In the evening the United Episcopal service was held at Christ church and Rev. Dr. Beardiey preached a discourse. At the morning serv several aduits received the sacrament of baptism. Bridgeport. Bripeerort, April 11, 1869, ‘To-day was very pleasant and the congregations large. At the North Congregational church the pas- tor, Rev. Mr. Richards, preached from the text, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” The circumstances under which the words were written were clearly ex- plained, and the advantages enjoyed by Christians in their house of worship were illustrated, The auties of Christians in attending the places of worship and inducing others to do #0 were urged. The speaker alluded to the particular appropriateness of the sanctuary as a place im which to attend to the duties of public worship, and that the out- door meetings, so common nowadays, often attracted worshippers from the courches, It was important that Christians, while buliding up the cause of Christ with one hand, should be careful not to pull it down with the other, The singing at this ~~ pd was voce ag = ig 5 eeeeen iful passages very finely. Paui’s Episcopal chureh, East Bridgeport, the rector, Kev. N. 5. Rich- ardson, D. D., repeated by request his sermon on “Sensational Religion,” a powerful discourse, full of sound argument and forcible illustration. The Rev. Mr. Bottom, a former pastor, preached at the Metho- dist church on Beaver street, to a large congrega- The preached a tion, The Rev. Mr. Sylvester Clark, rector, of- ciated at Trinity churen, preaching two fine sermons. ine at this The singi was very church. At St. John's ‘Rev. E. W. Maxey, rector, omictated, and at the South Cor ional church Rev. Daniel Lord preached morning and afternoon. We are Cy Ae say that a has accepted a call from a Chicago society and will shortly leave for that fleid of labor. He will take with him the well wishes of &@ of friends, At the Catholic churches there were the regular services by the pan, Rev. Father Synott, of St. Augustine's, and . Father Drea, of St. Mary's. At the Advent Christian church the services were conducted by brother Andrews, and the attendance was lai The Spiritualists held the reguiar meeting of the Children’s Progressive Lyceum in their new hail, at which there Was a large audience gathered, New York East Conference. ‘The Twenty-first annual session of the New York East Conference is now being held in Middletown, Conn., the seat of the Wesleyan University, Bishop Thompson presiding. On Wednesday the Conference opened, and after the appointment of the various committees @ series of resolutions were unanimousiy adopted, protesting against the passage of the amendments to the Excise law now pending In the New York Legislature. It is necessary to atate that a large proportion of the churches resented the Conterence lies within New York sna Brooklyn Sermons were preached by Rev. Messrs, Woodruit and Pegg. On Thursday the exhibit of the Methodist Book Concern was read. The following ts exhibit of the affairs of the concern:. ASSETS, Real estate—-New York Conce! Western Concern. Merchandise— New York Concern. [Western Concern......-- Note, &c.—New York Concern (net) Western Concern (net)... exam! and a very interestin, a ig and ay ate address was delivered them by the eT bishop. It was found that none of the brethren were addicted - jammond, ©. P. Carver, L. Webb, C, 8. Wing, F. L. Lockwood, J. W. Burnhardt The presiding elders then made a report of their respective districts, which were in a prosperous condition. Over 1,000 conversions had taken place during the last six months in the South Long Island district and 2,000 during the year in the North Long Island district. In the afiernoon the missionary sermon was preached by the Rev. W. C, Hoyt, and in the evening the anniversary was held. Eloquent speeches were made vy Rev. Drs. Durbin and Butler, the latter naving recently returned from India, The most interesting featur. of Friday’s proceedings was the presentation of $%,000 to the venerable Heman Bangs, presiding elder, who. by reason of advanced age and 1il health, is compelled to retire from active ministerial work. Eloquent speeches were made by Rev. Drs. Crooks, Curry, Roche and others. Rev. Mr. Bangs nas been preach- ing over fifty years and is universally loved by the Methodists of America. On Saturday morning Dr. Butler, who was recently appointed Secretary of the American and Foreign Christian Umon, delivered an address, advocating the clans of tne society, which has tor its object the conversion of Roman Catholics to Protestantism. ‘The rest of*the sermon was occupied in the transac- tion of routine business. Bishop Thompson is to ordain the elders and preach on Sabbath morning. The Conference will probably Gnally adjoarn on fuesday. RELIGIOUS SERVICES IN WASHINGTON. WASHINGTON, April 11, 1969. At the Metropolitan Methodist Episcopal church Rev. Dr. Newman preached from the text, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city”— Proverbs xvi., 32, The speaker announced as the principle contained in the text that self-control Is the greatest of human achievements. He recounted the triumphs of Cesar, Alexander, Napoleon and other great conquerors, and showed that while they exhibited great courage and seif-command in battle, in the control of their own passions they utterly failed. He compared these mignty conquer- ors with the humble Christian, goveraed by the spirit of Jesus, who was meek and gentle, and asserted that they were the true conquerors. He argued that one of the most dificult tasks allotted to man was to bridle his own spirit and passions and keep them under control. He instanced Christ as the perfect model of meekness and self-control, who, when he was reviled, reviled not again, but sub- mitted to all the indignities and cruelties indicted by the Jews and Romans, and in his darkest hour prayed for his enemies. Notwithstanding the day was marked by a northeast snow storm, the church, as usual, was well filled py a fashionable col tion. The President of the United States, with his famiiy, was in his accustomed pew and seemed deeply interested in the discourse. At the First Presbyterian church the services were conducted by the pastor, Rey. Dr. Suaderland, who preached an able sermon from tue text, “There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, bat after the spirit.”—Romans,* eighth chapter, first verse, He announced as the doctrine of the text that those who are really converted were no longer subject to the terrors of the law. While they re- mained on earth they were not freed from the pro- visions of the law, but a3 Jesus had borne the pen- alty for them they were no loager subject to its penalties. This, he said, did not mean that they had a license to sin. He argued that man of himself could never pay the penalty of the broken law; and it was, therefore, those ouly who were in Christ Jesus—that is, those for whom Christ had died—to whom there was no condemnation. Considering the weather, the attendance at this chureh was aiso large. Among the audience were several Senators and Kepresentatives. The congregation assembled at the New Jerusalem Temple this morning listened to an interesting dis- course by Rev. Javez Fox. The subject was m re- lation to the proper interpretation of the allusion to King David as'a man rGoi’s own heart. The speaker observed that the manner of conveying many things in those early days was in parabies, and, as an instance, cited a num- ber of the most notabie peepee found ta the old and new dispensations. He then applied his deductions to the case of David, and demonstrated that the expression alluded to had reference to the eminent spiritual feeling of the xing and aid not ap- ply to him asa mau, and that his great holiness made him truly a man after God's own heart. There was a large attendance, considering the inclemency of the weather, RELIGIOUS SERVICES ELSEWHERE. Newburg. Newsure, N. Y., April 11, 1860. In St. Patrick’s church this morning three high masses were celebrated for the benefit of as many different congregations. Atthe third of these ser- vices the choir sung Concone’s mass in F, embel- lished by a tenor solo from Cherubini. The sermon was by Rev. Father Pendergast, who took for his theme “Christian Perseverance.” The reverend preacher said we should maintain the faith delivered unto us, for a thousand fold worse was the lot of him who had received the grace of God and then apostatized than of him who went down to heil never baving received that grace. Our salvation in eternity depended on our perseverance in the life of faitn while in our present state of provation. If we would reeeive the crown promised to the righteous we must persevere im the life of the mghteous. ‘There were three prominent means of grace, in the use of which we might persevere to the end: first— ‘The exercise of a continual unchanging trust in God; second, frequent communion with Christ in tue Holy Eucharist; and thirdiy, by earnest prayer. The pulptis of the Methodist churches were occu- ed by strangers to-day, the regular incumbents Raving me to attend the conference held at Sing Sing. In Trinity Methodist church Kev. R. L. Ritchie discoursed ta the morniug and Rey. Dr. Forsythe in the evening. In tae western Avente chureh Rey. Mr. Hidron oificiatel, A mission Sunday school was fouaded tats afternoon at the Wastungton Iron Works, whica is located in the midst of a large foreign popuiativa, Poughkeepsie. POUGHKEEPSIE, Aprii 11, 1869. ‘This has been a fine spring day, and the churehes * have been weil attended. Bishop Potter this morn- ing administered the rites of confirmation to twenty- one persons at St. Paul's churca and this afternoon to forty-four persons at Christ's church, in Market street. This evening he attended the church of the Holy Comforter, when he administered the rites of confirmation to thirty-three persons, In the course of the evening he delivered a very earnest exhortation on the duties which now devolve upon the new adherents to the church, His remarks Were listened to by the vast congregation with deep taterest. Among the clergyinea who were present was the Rev. vr. Cady, Rev. Mr. Sya- not, Kev. Mr. Thomas and Kev. Mr. Crary. At the First Reformed Church, this evening, Rev. A. P, Van Giesen preached to a small but attentive congregation. He took mis text from Mathew vt, 33, ‘Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His rigateous- ness, and all these things shall be adde i unto you." During his sermon he urged ail to lay up their treasures in heaven, and not to de; worldly goods. He knew of no saying of the Great Master more worthy to be heeded than the words of the text, No man need fear of coming to want who serves God faithfully. Men are very apt to sacrifice heaith and everything eise in search of fortune; ey itis strlouy, enjo! ined to seek the Kingdom of rat. At St. Peter's church this morning Rev. Father Macken preached an eloquent sermon from the twentieth chapter of John, eleventh verse, At the © ingress jonal church Kev. W. Charles ‘ork, preached this morning and evening. Rev. , of New York, preached in he Cheam ot the New Jerasaiem, and . Mr. ‘ork, in the Hed. lng church, aha a About 600 troops of the Twentieth United States infantry arrived at St. Louis on Saturday from Baton Rouge bound for St. Paul. The house of Dr. A. H. Kerr, on Big creek, near Senn, said to be one of the finest in Tennessee, ‘Was destroyed by fire on saturday. Loss $00,000, The old Siocum House, butit in 1905 and the first frame dwelling erected within the present city limits of Scranton, Pa., was partiaily destroyed by | lire Saturday evening. Brevet Licutenant Colonel F. M. Fottel, Fourth ' United states mfantry, committed suicide, Friday | evening, at port Mclienry, Md., by shooting himself with a pistol. fle had been several Weeks couflued to his bod by Lines.