The New York Herald Newspaper, February 7, 1870, Page 3

RELIGIOUS. THE § JPERFICIAL IN RELIGION. Artful and Artistic Atcessions to Gospel Preaching. Fashions, Feathers and Furbelows of the Church-Goers—The Places of. Di- vine Worship Yesterday. Discourses by Henry Ward Beecher, Rey. | Drs. Potter, Chapin, Hepworth, MeSweeney and Others, That many people here as well as elsewhere fre- quent the churches on pleasant Sabbath Gays to see and be seen as well as to hear the Word cannot for a moment be doubted. Yesterday being remarkably fine the temples of divine worship, where the vota- ries of fashion and the ministers and disciples at other times of Mammon moss do congregate, were Hilled almost to overflowing. In many of the churches interesting and instructive sermons were delivered, and, it i# vo be hoped, with good elfgc!, and the chief @splays of fashion and of ecclesiastical oratory will be found chronicled in the following reporu. , GRACE, CHURCH. ‘The Creme de ia Creme at Worship—Fashion- able Piety and Musical Religion—Prayertul PretoriansThe Service of the Communion. ‘The departure of Prince Arthur from our bright ‘Metropolis to the gloomy village of Boston naturally produced a feeling of depression in the upper ten- om of New York. But, happily for us, tne elastic vemperament of our people 1s fatal to despondency, and so 1s happens that even the utmost deprivation of delight does not interfere to prevent the enjoy- ment of such pleasures as are present and available, Routed hilarity takes refuge in religion. Grace chureh, on Broadway, which is the recognized tem- pie of fashion on the Sabbath, and at the same time the house of prayer for the elite, was yesterday the Mecca of the F. F.’s of New York. Perhaps mf the little secrets of the beautifnl and splendidly attired Jadies Who knelt uuder the arched roof of the church and languidly reaponded to the monotonovs and sometimes unintelligible whisperings of the sur- pliced ministers couid be kuown it would be found that"many petitions eseaped from beautiful and parted lips for the safety of “Prince Charmant,” whose lite was threatened on Saturday ta a one vent paper by a bold and bloodthirsty Bohemian. DISTINGUISHED WORSHIPPERS. , When the bells rang out on the frosty atr at haif- o'clock, ing On the plousty imelined to dy disposition of breakiast and hurry to prayer, Mr. Brown stood ready at tae door to usher jn the members of the congregation who were not already familiar with their rank and piace inthe church, With aristocratic disdain for time, but With their minds, no doubt, filled with thoughts of eternity, the weil dressed and diéleifayti worsnip- pers came siowly in.” After these, the first offermes of fashion, me the reiigious and F, F. heavy weights. Among the latter were noticed tne follow- ing named ladies and gentiene: va, and Mr. D. B. Fearing, Mrs. snd Mr. W. Butler Duncan, L. P. Morton and lady, Geo. W. McCulium, 8. H. Field, Sidney Brooks, Adain Morris, ex-Judge Uish Richard Mortimer, Mrs. General Wadsworth, Decker, Benjamin Aymar, 8B. B. Sherman, Gould, Hoit, Lloyd W. Weils, George Jones, W. J. Scher. merhorn, Charies Landor, Charlies A. Green, Mrs. G. W. Burnham, General Irwm McDowell, Smith Citi, David Stewart, Frederick Prime, John D. Wolff, Mra. Henry Robbins, Joseph Ogden, John Warren, John W. Mitchell, James L. Paulding, Hugh Auchin- closs, P. ©. Williams, Mra. ©. M, Potter, Mrs. J, Watts De Peyster, Mrs. Caulford Jones, George W Pell, Wim. P. Hofman, H. W. Vord, Mrs, Wact Sirer- man, rank E. Karuocban, Wasnington Mills, Kichard Sciierteiu, Denniuwg Duer and family, sobn P. Marsh, J. C. Woodward, B. 8. Turner, John W. Hawersiey’s family, Abram Vaa Huren, Siuth Yan Buren, J. THE MUSIC, ‘The organist of the church, Mr. Samuel P. Warren, 18 one of the most distinguished in tus line we have in this city. His mastery over the nobie instrument 1s of the most thorough cnarac in voluntarie: ‘alg Ideas are poetical and classical, and he never scends to ciap-trap or sensation, as any others of dis craft. He ts an anerring guide in the ttricacies: of the fugue, and he ennobies the most ordinary theme by his delicate and refined treatment of it. The choir under his direction isa simple quartet, but four highly cultured and well balanced voices. Mrs. Kodenstem, the soprano, is well Known as one of the representative choir artists of this city, and she communicates fervor and feeling to everything she sings. Mrs. Rachau ts the contralto, George Simpson tenor, and Mr. Wiebrisch basso, ‘The mu- sic at the Morning service yesterday comprise: Venitedy Warren, which we have fully described in 1 review; Gloria Patri, from of Mozarvs smaller works; Te Deum, Greatove. Jubuate, Fykens; psalm 15, Spoor, aud hymn 250 trom Gounod’s St. Cecilia Mass. ‘The selections were good, taking them individually; bat why cannot there be ma morning service at & church of this kind we same unity of thought and dramatic Mlustration of the feelings of the Worshipper m music as there is in those grand old religious tone poems—the masses of Haydn, Mozart, Cherubini and Beethoven? A ser- vice nade up of fragmentary selections from differ- ent composers of every school in music cannot form an ensemble such as a cultivated ear woulda desire. Mr. Warren has ali the instincts aud educa- tion of @ musician, and he shcuid endeavor to pre- sent a better evsenvie at @ religious serviee. Church service should present unity oF idea in every respect, and the music should be one grand work tistead of a number of selections which have no musical affinity with euch other, There are many catire works written tor the Episcopal a8 well as ihe Catho- le service, and they should get the preferencs One never hears 10 a first class Catholic chotr a Ayrie by Mozurt, a Gluriaby Haydn, a Credo by Cherubini, and a Sancivs aud Agnus Dei by some other com- poser. A mass is sung to its entirety or not at’ all. We trust Mr, Warren will take this hint tn his moru- ing service. THE FASHIONS. The fickie goddess does nos believe in sackcloth and ashes al any time, except wien she dons the setter ata ball Or reception in the matter of pow- ecred nar. When she wishes to be religious sic betieves in arraying herself in her most elegant cure, and taking the kingdom of heaven by storm, clad in silk, veivet aud saun. The last mentioned may be imvended a8 4 revuke to the arch enemy. She sinks io rapt deyotion on her knees on a cushion uch as a Sybarite could envy; raises ner eyes above, peering through the intersiices of a costly veil, and her soul takes jlignt to heavea irom the summit of a fearfully aud wonderfully made chignon. When sve shakes her head in response to the earnest ex- nortations of the eloquent preacher, diamond ear- rings and a bird of Paradise, as may ve, jingle and rumMes its feathers in unison. Standing outside the Gomic entrance, like ine Peri of Moore ac the gates of Paradise, we watched the busy ibrong of devoices as they streamed out of the church to the rich harmonies which Warren drew Irom the three-banked lustrument before hin. A double line of carriages, witi liveried jesus, re- ceived a portion of thein, The Lollets were in wene- ral quiet, although many were costly and elegant, Here was @ mawondy brunetie, in velvet, with a dainty haton her considerably developed head, with @ bird which appeared tw us as @ cross between a South American paroquet and a humming oird, such as Audubon ever dreamed of, Again, a sylph- brown-eyed, brown-haired vestal stood for , yet exceedingly elegant in its graceful foids and so{t, misty fringes and tassels. A modified Fra Diavolo hat, with a single tuft of peacock feather, nestied amid the labyrinth of coils and bunds that formed her coitture. The -street dresses, asa generat rule, were of biack suk, ornamented with veivet bands, jorming geothetrical tigares Which would drive the most accomplished stu- @ent of *Kuelid crazy to solve. it is very hard to gay much about chureh toilets, .| wvidually, as there 18 nob much scope for the amanuensis of fasaion. At a ball there is a umitiess fleid, a perfect Champ Klysées of costumes, but when the chameleon deily goes to churen sne has but one rule, and that 1s a3 intexivie as the laws of the Medes and Persians. ‘Tne odor of #4 tity is about all, even when the perinined bandk chief wipes the beated brow (the irou healers of every faruionable church exhale to an’ uncomfort- able extent sometimes), or brushes away stray tears which the exhortations of the preacher cull fort. A word avout fasbivpable prayer books. Ked is en regle, black 18 mot. Gold clasps are always neces- wary, as are also gold edgings. ‘hey must be in octavo form—quarto 18 awlully incoavenlent, except one can bring a footman along. When opening tne manual) be careful avout the Clasp, for vookvinders are unreliable. A couple of scariet tassels, marking the pages Which it ts necessary to peruse, will be found useful. So much for fasnions, THE SERVICES were conducted with the solemnity and pomp pecu- har to the Episcopat Courch. Epistie and lesson were severally disposed of without any of that noisy religious enthusiasm which ts 60 Characteristic Of other Provestaul congregations in te conduct of thetr services. P Puritanical severity of dress forbidding architecture impel istration. of the fecl- to seek relief in demonst ings; and thay om the other hand, the soft, “dl religious” light”? from * beautifully adorned windows, failing On orname mted floor, misters ha rao ‘atone at We & qui serve to subdue the spirit. ‘Except fire. Bodestein, the soprano, whose splendid voice filled and thrilled the church whenever during the service @ hymn or Dsaint Was sung, was very lite of religious fervor m the responses. But it was @ fashionable service, and; as such, impressive and elegant, The church was very crowded, but the popular and courteous Mr, Brown, who is one of its pillars—a very substantial ope—was eqnat to the occasion, and managed, somehow, LO provuie @ comiortable seat for every visitor. At the conclusion of the regutar morning service the Rev. Henry ©, Potter, D. D., rector of the church, read a portion of the thirteenth chapter of St. Mat- thew’s gospel:—*The Kingdom of heaven Is likened unto @ man Which sowed good seed in his fleld; but while men slept me enemy.came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went bis way; but when the blade was sprang up and brought forth fruit then appeared the tares also.” Instead of the regular sermon the reverend gentleman delivered a short lecture on the value and necessity of the communion service, taking the passage of Eeripeote quoted as the basis of his remarks, Then the silver plates were handed round, and the customary collection was taken up. The simple but solemn communion service followed; the sacred. bread and wine was administered to the pious few who remained for it, and the church was left epanvesa. PLYMOUTH CHURCH. = + Whe Go TheremMoney und the Gospel— Marder in New York City—Mr. Beecher and the Unitarians—Christianity Without # Christ. . It is a very interesting sight for a person who has: potuing 10 particular to do on Sunday to pay a visit to Piymouth church and there witness the avidity With which the Gospel is sought after. Let such an one betake himself to this wealth-bound church, seat himself among the choriatera and watch the Worshippers as they come in. Bankers, brokers and merchants, who for the last six days have been eyeing their neighbors’ business with @ feeling far from that mcuicated by the teachings of the sacred Book, come up the aisles, beaming, berehance, with Ulristian smiles, and beautiful as to thet broadcloth, and humble as to their seats at the foot of the altar. There are their wives and daughters, tripping lightly besiae them, nodding to a friend here and admiring a duck of a bonnet there, looking eagerly aronnd for some decorated pew to hoid the Prince, but meeting with disappointment, and finaily seating themseives, thinking, doubtless, how nice it 1s to be @ member of Beecher’s church, And in they come, filling every seat, every chair, ev- ery step, out Lo the door, up on the gallery, pack to the very ceiling. Over ums vast assemblage his eyes wander until some familiar face greets them. Yes, there is Paymaster Eldridge, U. 8. N., one of the faithful of Beecher's flock. Then there is H. B. Clafin, looking a8 modest and unassuming as the humplest clerk in his establishment ; “and H. ©. Bowen, having a careful ear to Beecher’s fowing words ; and Rookwood, the artist, singing his prayers from the chou, Now, he sees Moses S Beach, and im clos@ proximity Joseptt Howard, oue of the veritable pillars of te church, More there are in the circles of art aad polities and letters and commerce, as the eye wanders from row to row; and as it reaches the eXtremest part of the church, far re- moved trom ‘the pulpit, it encounters a solitary black man, alone of bis race in all that vast assem- blage, aud accorded the privilege of @ back seat. Ilow he reveis in Beecher’s eloquence may be judged rom the smiles which play over his features as the spirit of Cartst, led out by an able hand, eaters his Very soul. But the cye becomes wearied of this vari- colored spectacle and setties now upon tne form of the much apused and inuch beloved wan, Beecher, the cause of this great gathering. Soon the Nuttering of SUKS and te muttering of empty Ossips cease, Lhe Old men adjust then glasses, the young their delicate ‘eyebrows oa their upper hips,” und Miss ‘Thursby opens the ceremonies by singing irom the “Messiah,” “How beautiful are the feet of those Who preach the Lord.” ‘then Mr, Beecher at- teved a prayer, calling in the sinner to seek the dwelliug of Christ and not be content with viewing it ab & distance; He would not despise them, but would soften 1 hearts and draw them coward: Himself; he yed that they might learn to Keep their hands from their brothers’ turoat, aud that ho- uhess night prevail through all the work. Foliowing tbe singing of the 216th hymn the preacher announced the annual contrtbation for the City Mission; he was not satistied with the offering made last year by his church; where it stood three on the list 1b shot have been first, for the wealth and the mimbers ahd the intelligence of the congre- gation shouid have warranted tais. The church taet Stood first Was culied aristocratic, having a couserva- uve congrtgation, but a Kind of conservauism which he liked; & conservatisma which allowed the mem- bers o1 the chyrelt to tink of the poor and outcast, ius church was cai? aeuocratic; he loved demoe- vy, the true principies of democracy; but there was & youd deai of democracy be did not believe In; ne liked the self-denyimg, savorious democracy. Thea tue whole congregation burat forth tn another authem, and Mr. Beecher read trom Paul's Ppistie to the Ep! ans, ti, 17-19:—"*Phat Christ may dweil in your hearts by faith; tbat ye, being rooted apd grounded tn love, may 0¢ abié wo compre- ed With ail Saints What is tne breadth and lengti, and depth and heignt, and to know the love ot Christ, Which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fainess of Gou.” ‘This epistle con- (aimed the very supreme of piilosophy; these words touched on the very laws of €bristianity, which dit. fered Irom ali regions vy demanding a giving up of the heart vo Christ. The Christian religion was not asystem of laws, not a phiosophy of tratn, bnta state of facts im inaa’s own consciousness. ‘The personal relationstup of Christ, which is tie seminal form wanity, made a man not only flan, but brought him to the central potnt of Christianity. The heart allegiance is ali the Onris- tianity one can have, a3 outside of experience it is nothing but a pale refiex, like to a lunar rainbow. ‘The New Testament recognizes Christ in taree ways— by the senses, the intellect and the heart. The re cognition of Christ by the sense is not pre-eminent, and ab the present 18 hopeless; the inteilect. may Jurnish an important guide to Nis kuowleage, yet the Jove of Christ is generated by the heart. But there were those Christians who did not believe in Christ. They conid be likened t a man having his brains and nervous powers taken out and yet von- tinue to eat ana @rinx and live; thts Christianity haa ho Christ, and it was cowardly for these people to call themselves Christians, ‘They lad obliterated its very geutus, taken ont the very essence, yet they would not give up the name. ‘The speaker then gave # more elaborate detail of the three methods of recognizing Christ, and at times was very eloquent, tears arising to his eyes and his congregation fairly lifted op by the , heart spoken words of the preacher. Jn the course o! his discus- sion on creeds—for every man or every party had a creed or platform—he alluded to the fact that the want of @ certam creed, some years ago, in Oxford or Cambridge was fatal, as it was a crime. Murder in New York, he said, was not so fatal; in fact, mur- der m that city 1s not fatal. And a sensauon, Which found vent in a simile, ran through the audience at the remark, the heart to in Chris- a Chris: CHURCH OF THE COVENANT. The Wealth, Fashion, Beanty and Music Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Prentiss. Yesterday dawned with such propitious auguries dora beautiful day that the people responded to the chimes and peals in numbers scarcely exceeded by any previous Sunday of the scason. They came out atan carly hour, many seeking their several churches on foot and. many others in their handsome equi- pages, At the Church of the Covenant, standing at the corner of Thirty-fifth street and Fourth avenue, just tronting the park and resting on the crown of the hill, & One congregation gathered, representing an important element of the wealth, fashion and veauty of the Presbyterian denomination of the me- tropolis, and especially of that presiding social body, the Kuickerbockerss Though the seats were not crowded to excess they were well filled, and the in- terior of the church presented a view of nnostenta- vious and easy refinement destitute of the gaudy and glittering folies of the day, Tbe church itself isa compact structure, built on the Gothic order, with the main features of this school tn cléar contrast with tie lomely and purposeiess rectapgularily of the private dwellings about. On the interior the finish ts developed in wail tint of a softened corn color, with the ceiling wrought im blue and orna- mented ee figures. The columns, shafts, capi- tais aud cornices all show artistic taste, and the fout ensemble {3 exquisite, ht, blended with its softest and most “agreeable shades, enters through the stained glass windows, and, joined to the rich darkness of the black walnut pews and altar, throws over the congregation a subdued ether that calls to mind the deep soiemnity of some vast cathedral, Here gather ladies and gentiemen cistinguisied in the city for various degrees of Social prestige. Wiiliam H. Webb, the famous. ship- builder; Witham E. Dodge, known for his wealth and piilanturopy; C. T. Raynoids, the eminent mer- chant and participator in nerous henefactions; the family of Marshall ©. Rol rts, Mr. Thomas B. Hiaden, Dr. A. Post, Dr. Skinner, Mrs. Woolsey, Mr. John Crosby, Mr, ey, Mr. Charles Butier and daugnter, Mr. Hoe, Mr, R. H, McCurdy, Dr. Hatfield, Benjamin F. Butler, son of the late Benja- min utier: Edward Ketchum, Mr. W. H. Hl. Moore, Vice President of the Atlantic Mutual Insur- ance Mee age Colonel Le Grand B. Cannon, HH. GriMin, E. P. Grifin, Robert Lockwood, Dr. Buck, Joseph F. Joy, Secretary Panama Rallroad; Dr. Noyes, and Mr. Marshall Webb, known tn fashion: apie circies for the tasteful elegance of his attire. ‘The ladies generaliy wore rich toilets, and among tue most wobveah'e was that becouwing costume of * the charming ang beautiful Mra. C. T. Raynolds, Who attracted mith attention; Mias Lewis and the handsome laay of Mr. W. HL H. Moore were also distinguished for their attractions of dress and per- son, ‘The singing was excellent and under the direc- tion of Mr. Kingsbury, the organist. “{t con- sisted of psalms, hymops, doxologies and in- strumental pieces, The preliminary services hav- ing been completed, the reverend gentieman ad- vanced and preached a learned discourse, selecting his text Job x., 1—“My souls weary of my life, T will leave my complaint upon myself; I wiil speak in the bitterness of my soul.’ He referred to the un- satisfactory retrospections of ® man’s life, looked upon it ag a failure, and drew from tts too frequent canses the associations in crowds and the adherence of man to that which is merely external in life. In its former aspect he considered the deleterious in- fluences of tife in this modera Babylon, tn the close conating houses down town, in the teeming thor- oughfares, tm the bysy Workshops and throughout ail the channels leading to the social structure. In discussing man &3 a failure, in the clinging tenacity with fhich he bonds himself to wealtn, ambition for honor, either soctal or poiitical, he proclaimed that such a being sinks his own preaiitg aud lives constantly a8 Iu a foreign land. For a man to seek Wealth a9 an instrument, a8 & means of benevolence and a source of patriotic imfuence was not wrong— it was right; but for him to live solely for gold as an idol, for him to seek honors and emoluments soley for themseives, was what constitutes the burden of big shame. Pursutug the externals was chasing the shadows; neglecting his individuality and Geet cultivate his heaven-born facuites was turn away from the golden substance. To work out hi own being man musé not seek the isms and whims of the idie crowd, but develop that which belongs to himseli—that given by nig Maker, ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Fashion and 0 rg Religiov, MusicObservance of the Sabbuth—Sermdn by the Rev. Dr. MeSweeny. Devotion, earnestness, fashion, wealth and re- spectability were among the elements that churac- terized the congregation which assembled at last mass yesterday in St. Stephen’s. The limits of the Spacious edifice were well taxed, as indeed they are almost every Sunday, and few churches, if any, present @ more linpressive scene in the midst of ser- vice. At the end of the centre aisle stands the beau- tiful new altar, brilliantly lighted, the main floor crowded to the door, while along the splendid gal- lerier scarcely a seat is left unoccupied, Fair wea- ther or foul, the assemblage 1s rarely diminished, though the san, shining through the handsomely stained windows, contributes to render the effect of the interior more picturesque and imposing. The dancing of the vartegated rays bend harmoniously, and tends to exhibit m bold relief the chaste yet {aghionadle toilets of the congregation. Then burst forth the powerful and majestic straing of the organ as the celebrant enters, attended by acolytes and ® host of assistants, and the multitude kneels in prayer. [he array of fashion at St. ste- phen’s yesterday was very fine, not less remarkable for tts elegance than for its taste and appropriate- ness. Among the families*of the menmers of the church occupying the pews tn the vicinity of the altar were those of Messrs. Ponvert, Brian Lawrence, o’Brien, Deviin, T. McCahill, Chrystal, Bernard Kelly, H, A. Swain, Bedetty, Tramor, McGowan, Es- trella, Ripon, Mrs. McDowell and others. Nearly two-thirds of the pews on the main floor are regu- Jarly occupied by their owners, the remainder, with those in the galleries, being set ap&rt for casual visitors. At the celebration of the mass yesterday the Rev, Mr. Henry was tie officiating clergyman. After the tirst gospel the Rev. Dr. McSweeny preached @ lengthened sermon on the proper ob- servance of the Sabbath, taking for his text the third commandinent:—“Remember thou keep holy the Sabbatn day.” He alluded tothe hygienic, social and political necessity of observing the Sabbath. In the modern state of society a large number of the people, from their continuous employment, espe- clally a3 modern machinery was increasing, did not give suilicieut time tothe religious work. Move- over, the Sabbath shoud be observed as a day of rest by the workingmen, to enable them to cnitivate their ideas and develop their mental powers and allow them #0 opportunity of aumiring the beau- ties of nature. ‘he over-pressure of work made the poor hate the 4 and was pot untre- quently the cause.of revolution, such as broke out in France, In & religious sense it was necessary for society to see that the Sabbath be observed, because when people forgot the Jaw of God they likewise tor- gotto practise truth and honesty and their oaths could not be trasied. Religion was the basis of security im society. Servants in either a public or private capacity conid not be trusted unless they ob- served the Sabbath and were made to recollect the Jaw of God and practise it. Employers should 100k that those under their control should observe the Sabbath, for if they did not they could not ve ae- pended upon. The reverend genueman also cailed attention to the subject of festivals, which cailed to mind the religious mysteries of the Catholic taith. The Jews, although fewer in number, were not ashamed to observe their festivals; how much more, then, ought Catholics, whose numbers were so large, honor the days set apart as particular occa- sions for devotion. "The nou-ovservance of the san- barhjdaay bad ere this been marked by temporal pun- ishtent, for the o@euders Were subjected to cuptivity, disgrace and dishonor; and the peopie of this great republic stowid toek out lest it be broken, consequent upon the failure to observe the law laid down in che taird commandmen t the coreiusion of the reverend gentiemaa’s discourse the services were proceeded witt. The choir of St, Stephen’s is well known and justly appreciated by the vast throng that every Sunday fills the church, ‘fhe double quartet 1s especially fine, ior the best afd most dificult selections receive at their hands a satisfactory rendiuon, That the artisis have been admirably trained is apparent, and the Ingh standard of music performed speaks vol- umes for their capacity, a8 well as for the assiduity of the director, ‘The music given yesterday was as usual most acceptable, and, with a very sight excep- fon in the Benedicts, @ beantifal quartet, not the slightest fault could be found. ‘Lhe mass played was by Weber in G. a composition that few choirs filly produce. Schmitz’s Veni Crecior, as inverpreted by Madame de Ly-san, the soprano, disflayed to advantage the richness and lecitug which charac- terize “her singing. She was equally successful in the Ineamatus, In tine, the entire mass was well performed. At the offertory an appropriate and melodious selection was played by Mr. George W. Morgan, who presided at the organ, accompanied by Mr. Toulmin with the harp. The other soloists were Mme. Anschuiz. contralto: M. Boy, tenor, and Signor Collett, basso. As the services Were beng finisued Mr. Morgan played Bach's fugue with bis asual power and briiliane CHURCH OF THE DIVINE PATERNITY. Pacts and Figures ‘About the Church— Pashions and Fiowers—'The Sabbath School and Bible Class—Rev. Dr. Chapin’s Sermon erduy. Of the many temples erected in New York wherein to worship God perhaps the Universalist church located on the corner of Fut avenue and Forty- filth Street may be set down as among the most prominent, both in point of architectural beauty and the fashionable and weaithy character of those who most do congregate therein. A large propor- Uion of the rank, beatty avd fasion of the avenue contributes towards the support and maintenance of the church and its popular pastor, Rey, Dr. Chapin, and on every fine sunshiny Sabbath, as was the case yesterday, the interior of the edifice is jammed and crowded witht te falr worshippers at the shrine of fastiion, decked out in the most gorgeous and costly toilets, and imparting quite a reireshing and enlivening feeling. The chureh can seat comfortably 1,500 persons, and its estimated value now 1s $300,000, the income from pew rents being $22,500 annually. The church was organized in 1838, and Dr. Chapin first officiated in the building now knownjas St. Andrew's Catholic church ,in Doane street. In 1865 the Church of the Divine Paternity was built, when Dr. Chapin at once commenced his pastorate over it and has con- tinued to do so up to this time, Attached to the church isan elegant and commodious Sabbath school, in which 300 scholars are taught. Besides this there in @ Bible class of fifty young people, ranging from eighteen to twenty years old. Messrs, D. D. T. Mar- shail and James Cushing, Jr., teach this class. Among the prominent members of the church and who are almost continually to be found in their places on Sundays are the following:—Horace Gree- ley, P. T, Barnum, Callis P, Huntington, Jason Clarke, Abner Mellon, John H. Wilcox, ‘Joseph Jameson, J. A. Robsden, Colonel Ondyke, Charies Goodhue, Charles G. Terft, George Hoffman, Kaward Elisworth, John H. Harbeck, Lemuel Smitu, Samuei T. Peters, Benjamin F. Bush, William H. Coventry Wardell, E. T. Sherman, Silas Herring, Jacob Weeden, C. 1. Cook, J. 0. Khines, and others, Dr. Chapin took the text of his discourse yes- terday morning from the Epistle to the Ephesians, V., 1.—“Be ye, therefore, followers of God and Hi a nildren.’’ The preacher sald that the injnnc- tion of an arbitrary law was not expressed in the words of the text. On the contrary, it rested upon Treason. He doubted not. however, that there were many people to whom religion was a matter of diff- culty—hard to understand. And perhaps such peo- ple had some reason for this from the fact that religion {taelf had been presented before them in a Mowat indnner and decked ant with useless formalt- tes. In the text we had the essence ef religion stated in a few words. It was @ solid, com- plete mass, but contained various phenomena of different characters, wmich might ve clas- sifled. There was another stage of it which was & more comprehensive and «& newer view. Modern science had still more dis- tinguished this subject by the assertion of tie fact that all these phenomena ats J from one source, and are the highest manifestations of a Supreme Being. We all had knowledge and expertence of the fact that the highest 1dea of man was the state of a child. “Except ye become littie ciitidren ye cannot entor the kingdom of beayeu.”? Whatever Pope or council or Church might say on the individual aaser- ton Of reason DY Men Up to the extremist voint of his power, still he (the preacher) said man should never give up his independence of reason. There Was nO limit to it, No one man had a right to say to another man any more than to the waves of the sea, “Thus far shait thou go and no farther,” ‘The sermon was quite a lengtiy one, and was 118- tened to with profound attention. ‘The musical exercises, under the direction of Mr. J. Holden, the organist of the chureh, were exe- cuted in a firs® class manner by @ quartet choir. ST, PAUL'S METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. ‘The’ Fashionable Uptown Church of ‘the Methodistw-sermon by Kev. Henry Slicer, D. D.—The Relations of Christinny to Each Other and to the Unconverted Around Them. ‘This 18 the largest and most fashionable Methoaist church in New York, or probably within the bounds of the conference. The congregation formerly wor- shipped fn @ plain, unpretentious buikding in Mul berry street, near Bleecker (then better Known a6 Wesley place), now oecupied by St. Philip's colored congregation. The Rey, Dr, Jonn MeCimtock—a man of commanding presence in the pulpit and of massive iteilect—was then its pastor. The uplown movement had then commenced, and the Church, to save itself from dissolution, was obliged to follow. fhe trustees purchased Jots on the corner of Fourth avenue and Twenty-second street and erected there- on @ Magdificent temple, a chapel adjoming and a parsonage, at a cost of about a quarter of a million dollars, The congregation moved into this building ‘about twelve years ago, and snortly afterwards Dr. MeCiintock was called to the pastorate of the Amer! can chapel in Paris, where he remained three or four years. He now fills a professorship in the Drew Theological Seminary, near Morristown, N. J. St. Paul’s can accommodate about 2,000 persons. Iris admirably adapted to seeing and hearing. The glare of sunlight that enters is greatly softened by passing through stained glass windows and fallmg upon gombre-bued walls and black walnut pews. When the cnurch was built its fine granite exterior, with its spire pointing beavenward, and its superb = internal appointments were con- sidered imnovations on the established sim- ple styles and cnstoms of “Methodism. And qp the day of its dedication a blunt ola gentleman, who had not learned of Christ in marbled temples and cushioned seats, remarked that “it was & capi- tal place to ; 0 to perdition from'’—meaning thereby that fashionable Christianity 1s a curse rather than @ blessing to the world, Although the church ts pretty well filled with worshippers every Sabbath, its communicants do not number more than three hundred and fifty or four hundred souls, and the average attendance of teachers and scholars in the Sunday school is scarcely one hundred. Neverthe- less, it pays for the best ministerial talent in the annual conference and subscrives liberaily to all the connecting institutions of the Mechodist Church, Its pastors receive an annual adlary of $5,000 and a house free; and on Sunday, January 39, ts liberalty toward the Mis- sionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church Was shdwn by a subscription of $10,000—about fifty per cent on its previous snbscriptions for this cause. But St. Paul's can better afford to give thousands than other Methodist churches can give hundreds; and, indeed, it is the opimon of some of its former NEW YORK HERALD, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1870.—TRIPLE SHEET. trimmed with black Pnglish crape, gave a | luxurious air to the coup awit; and ag the sunlight poured im through the stained glass windows aod was reflected in mallow tints from the tastefully decorated walls and ceiling the kneeling throng looked as leaposing 9 arouy of worshippers as any the city could sen ther. Of the music it 18 diMeoult to speak without ap- pearing to be too eulogisuc. The choir, consisting of over twenty stingers, was in fine voice, and the organ accompaniment by Dr, William Berge bad the power, pathos, precision and witchery that art and the genus of inspiration can lend vo music., Berue's second mass, a sweet and gental composition, was rendered tn masterly style—Miss Teresa Werneke being soprano, Miss sary Werneke alto, Signor Tamaro tenor and Siguor BaceYt basso, In the Glorta the duet between tenor and bass was quite @ musical feat, tne tenor having B fat in ait and the bass G flat.’ The Qué Zollis in quartet, Which ig Berge’s masterpiece, was haudied very ably, and was much admired by the congregation. Tn the Credo, the ein Cru Dominun (tenor Solo) gave fine scope to the depth and power Ol Sig- hor Tamaro’s cultivated voice. ‘The.£t Incarnatics, Wwitbout accompaniment, was followed py Cruciinus, @ soprano solo, which, together with the aceompani- Went, seemingly brought back the echoes of the many-voiced rabble who ined the life of the Rodeemer, a8 well ag the vaciliation of the Roman Governor in bis dealing,with tne crowd, Bt ruin (alto 8010), @ gem of melody, Was given with glorions effect Oy Miss Mary Werneke, ‘The rendering, in a.l the sweetness of its beanty and finist,.camne upon the congregation as a must agreeable surprise, and actually electrified the choir, establishing at once the reputation of the fair debutante and the genius of her teacher, Signor Marco Duschnits, who, for Sightenn years, was first baritone in Milan, ana who was the first to bring out “Lucretia Borgia” in his own “class. ‘Yesterday he would be proud of his pupils, the” sisters Werneke. Signor Bacelli gave Unum Sancian in his own magnificent manner. The Agnits Dei 18 an ingenius composition: It begins with a full, soft chorus, and after a few bars is chanted as a trio in © without organ accompaniment, which has the effect of the people apparently becoming silent and prostrate in prayer, while the monks and vuns (supposed to be part of the congregation) take up the cry to God for mercy. All ther, the muste does mach credit to the church and to Dr. Berge, and is quite in character with the tact, energy and enlightened piety of the disciples ef Ignatins of Loyola. The sermon was preached by Father Mignard, from St. Paul to the Colossians, xii., 1-12, and was a simple, but earnest and pathetic discourse upon the force of divine charity in enabling Christians, not alone to love one another, but also to forgive ‘one’s enemies and even do them good. CHURCH OF THE “MESSIAH. Those Attending the Church—Scientific Music pastors that if the church should lose a dozen or | more of its rich men it would be spiritually bene- fited. Its choir has a fine alto voice and @ tenor, and there 1s also a very fine organ to accompany them, Among the wealthy men of the church may be named Daniel Drew, the millionaire; A. R. Corbin, the brother-in-law of President Grant; Police Com- missioner B. F. Manterre and others equally promi- nent, besides some of lesser prominence apd wealth, including R. R. McBurney, vrelary of the Young Men's Christian Association; C, W. Kirby, Messrs. Colgate, Wood. Pray, Cushman, Stephenson, Dickin- son, Bangs, Chamberlin, Hal), Foster, Storrs, Reed, Lane and their families and others, A stranger entering the church yesterday wonld first be struck with the number of carrigves that line the stroets In front 0 doors, and secondly with ty of the worshippers within. be evident knowledge of a competence of this world’s goods and of an abiding treasure above, there 18 not so much showiness of dress and gaud+ hess of attire among them as appear among some other religious congregations, There was also greater apparent heed given to the services than is sometimes noticed. This may, however, arise from ‘the fact that the church 14 now holding revival ser- vices four evenings in the week, and the pastor, Rev. li. B. Ridgaway, D. D., is assisted in these services by Rev. Henry Shicer. D. D., of Baltimore, who is in the city as a member of the Book committee now tnvestigating the alieged ir- regularities in the wement of the Book Concern. He 18 @ man of large frame, fine, intellec- tual face and head, and his white locks and silvery voice and earnest manner must command the atten- tion of an audience. His sermon yesterday morn- ing was an ample exposition of the reiations of Chmstians to each other and the unconverted around them; the duties and obligations imposed upon them, and the denunciations and punishments that Inst resalt from an unfaithtul performance or neg'ect of those duties, His text was Psalm exit, 4— No man cared for my soul.” Selfishness he copstdered the great crime of life, We are all too apt, Christians as weil as others, when asked by the D copcerning our brother’s welfare, to answer WS Cain, “Am i my brother's keeper?’ Curis- tianity comes Into the world to controvert this principle of selfishness and to teach: us the fallest and purest sell-dental and self-ab- negation that it 18 possible for humanity to learn or to imitate. The duty of caring for souls, he said, involves a due apprectation of the value of the soul und an earnest desire and effort for its sal- vation, And this duty devolves upon heads of fam- ilies, upon church members and upon ministers. In its application to heads of families the octor vouched upon the marriage relation, which, he said, he was wiad to perceive had recently been pretty thoronghly discussed in the pulpit and the press. Marriage 18 not, said he, a matter of romance, but of solid, solemn prose; thongh of late ts has become as mercenary as the sale of @ horse or the transfer of @ plantation. And many an innocent and unso- phisticated girl is wedded to ‘an unwashed villain who has nothing to recommend him but # pleasing exterior or money. Atthe close of the sermon the s: Lord's’ Supper was administered and the pastor was assisted In this service by the Rey. Dr. Slicer, and by Bishop Janes and Rev. Drs. Durbin, Secretary of Mis- sionary Society, and Lananan, book agent here, who are also members of St. Paul’s, Tue communion services Were Interspersed with brief and pointed addresses to the worshippers, urging fuller conse- cranion and greater dliigence doing the work of God, The pastor, Dr. Ridgaway, is a Mar ylander, and at the outbreak of the rebellion his aympathies were strongly With the South, but from the day that the flag was fired on at Sumter he became a pro- nounced Union man. His defence of the Union made him immicai to the people of Virginia and Maryland with whom he labored, His talents being more highly appreciatea here he was transferred to this section of country, joined the New York Con- ference acd has spent @ pastoral term with the peo- ple of Washington square Methodist Episcopal church, Sing Sing, and St. Paui’s, where he now ministe He is yet a young man, small of stature, bat very cloqaent, and with the best of the land still before him. ‘he Doctor also preached in the evening, ment of the Sr Sia CYURCH OF ST. FAANCIS XAVIER, Rich Musiey Genuine Fashions—Devout Vather > Mignard, . The varied and magnificent music of this church and the characteristic decorousness alike of the services, the congregation and the choir attracted an immense gathering to the high celevranon yes- terday morning. So anxious, however, were many of the late comers to join in he devotions and enjoy. ail the spiritual and musical advantages offered that quite a number performed their devotions in a standing posture at the door, and with the most eat- fying patience. Tue yast body of the congregation had arranged themselves in their piaces long before the appointed honr for the commencement of the mass, and the HERALD reporter had ample opportunity to maite notes of everything, with a view of “‘prenting em” for the edification and instruction of the public, And first there was no mistaking the character ofthe congregation. They had evidently come to pray. ‘The chancel and aisles lookea one sea of heads reverently bent, of men and women, in devout communion with the Almighty. People could not help being seen there; but few evidently had come to be seen, as Was suMiciently evidenced by the high- toned piety manifested ta the thousands engaged in prayer and praise, There were many of the ladies, however, towards whom even the most devout eyes could not help tarning occastonally during the ser- vice, and whose dresses were as tastetul as they were substantial and expensive. Camel's hair shawis worth $1,000 gracefuliy hung over magnif- cent maroon-colored slik dresses, and formed a fine contrast with rich ermine mus of rare value. Alpine hats and satior jackets had a charming eifect sive by side with brilliant blue corded silks, made in the Grecian bend style and surmounted by blue Ristor! bonnets and dark hair done up in the latest and prettiest form of chignon, White, Mowing ostrich feathers waved proudly over dark Alpine bats, There were black yeivet suits innumerable, trimmed in vast variety of styles, some with black fur, iu the Marle Antoinette fashion, and others with vlack eatin. Black velvet sailor jackets, trimmed with black fur and auppismented by Marte Antoinette bonnets, trimmed with black thread lace and brightened up by bunches of pretty rosebuds, were 4 marked feature, Of course there were dark green and plaid velvet suits, and there were purpie dresses, Which harmonized well with green Alpme hats, green Ostrich plumes and flowing curls. One Jady wore @ magnificent naval suit, with brass bui- tons, and @ jaunty hat of the species jaxt mentioned. ‘The number ia sombre costume was large. Mourn- ing dressea were very numerous, and among them some expensive black bambazinea, richly +y and the Sermon by | qnen| and Congregatior Singing—Rev. Mr. Hep-= worth xs a Preacher, 3 pment Prayer. Itis asweet and subduing transition from the sermon. Its melody is indescribable. A con- sregational mong Is again sung, ‘hen comes the bene- dic ie » and the vast congregation rise and slowly earl, cHuRey OF THE ROLY LIGHT, Sermou by the Rey, Enstburn Beujamin. ‘That Ubu! Lite structure, the Chureh of the Holy Ligh, on seventa avenue, near Thirty-fourta street, Was weil tilled yesterday morning by an in- telligent and fashionable audience to hear a dis- course by the Key. Mr. Benjamin. . The church was tastefully aod elaborately decorated with ever- greens, ahd the beautiful burning cross in the rear of the altar never jooked more picturesque or cast @ more heavenly meiiow tight over the congregation than upon this occasion. ‘The singing, too, by the choir was inaeed Sue, and was accompanied by Mr. Pantord on the organ without a fault, Ladeed, it a @ great treat to bear such music us was yesterday performed at this church. ‘The reverend gentiemen read the sixty-first chap- ter of Isaiah for the first leason and the ifth chaprer ol Mt. Matthew for the second lesson, atter which he preached a very goou sermon from Luke xvi, 5-9, af. ter alluding to the commendation the unjust steward had received from lis lord, notwithstanding he bad done wrong, Mr. Benjamin proceeded to speak of the worship of Maminon in the olden time and the wor- ship of Mammon durmg the present day. te said red Bp to there were of Course no longer beasts o! whe golden god, bui alinost every day there are thou- sands of hugun belugs offered up to hin. Jt is the money god that isevery day ruining men’s souls. Meu, aud women, too, he said, Will barter, not only ‘Vhelr souls, but everything within their possession for thesake of being one of hia votaries. People in tmis enligbttned age of civilization are fast forget- ling their duty to God and hig Church, and are thinking of littie else but acquiring mone), Wearing Que clothes and living io samptaous houses. A SACRED GURWOSIIT. . A Handsome “Crucifix” Stolen in Mexico Presented to the Church in New York. The Staters of Charity at St. Joseph's school, Sixth avenue, near Waverley place, have lately re- ceived through Senator Micbacl Norton a magnifi- cent crucifix presenvad by “Messrs. Algernon S. Sulllvan and Thomas Bracken, The crucifix i re- markabie as weil 4s valuable, both as @ work of art and on account of its peculiar and somewhat romantic Bistory. ‘Ibe cross 1s of ebony, two feet and #1X Inches im length from the top to the bottom uf the upright. The figure of the Saviour is of tron and some eighteen or twenty inches in heigat, It is in @ good state of. preservation, and ts remarkably Aniong our numerous magnificent metropolitan churches there are very tew excelling in majestic proportions, and completeness and beauty of design and finish the Church of the Messiah, corner of ‘Thirty-fourth street and Park avenue. ts locality 1s at the great centre of wealth and fashion. The religion, too—1f we may characterise the speciat tenets of any religious denomination as re- ligion—1s also of a popular character. It is a popn- larity, however, that is growing and that nol yer has been able to attract from the Episcopal Church—the great head and front at present of our fashionable church worship—the numbers which promise before long to come croWding within Its broad and free folds, Rev. Mr. Hepworth, the pastor of the Church of the Messiah, in succeeding that able and popular preacher Rey. Dr. Osgood, suc- ceeded to @ apiendid pastorate im numbers, in wealth, in intelligence and refinement. To give the names of the prominent men who make this the place of their Stfinduy worship would require columns, Among them may be named the well khown miliionnaires Josepn Miller, D. A, Hawkins, George F. Penviman, William B. Dinsmore, l’resi- dent of Adams Express Company; J. R. Lawrence, the carriage manufacturer; W. L. Cogswell; George F, Gilmer, ana of the American Tea Company; Peter Paine; G, W. Miller, one of the principal men of the Manhattan Club, Besides these and their families there are ex-Judge Hilton and family, including bis daughters, 80 conspicnous for their personal beauty, and ex-Judge Steriing; the family of the late Vaoifo Wolfe; A. Dodworth, of musical memory, and family; both members of the heavy dry goods firm, Messrs. Anthony & Ball, and Henry Frothingham, Whose incarceration in a lunatic asylum some time since created such ap excitement in the newspa- pers. Among the established belies of our fashion- able society nay be menugned Miss Pierce, of Irving place; Misa. of Thiriy-seventh street: Miss Marcy of Forty-seventh street; Miss Perry, of Fifth avenue; Miss Phipps, of Madison avenue, and Miss Palmer. But on every side are tobe seen youth and beanty and people of fashion, and with them exquisitely rich totlets, Such @ congregation, sach refinement and wealth shouid stimulate any minister to elo- quent utterances, At the services last evening—which are a sampie of the general Sabbath evening services, and, for Uhat matter, except in the difference of sermons and the singing, a counterpart of the morning services. the church, as usual, was crowded, Something More than the mere filling of the pews is here meant by being crowded. It mens filling the with stools a benches, oecupying, a3 sometimes happens, t steps of the platform froutme the pulpit and all the standing room besides, and this, alter thus being filled hundreds going away who are unadle to obtain admission, O1 course if ts the magnetisin of the preacher that draws so many here, abetted certainly to some, and possinly a considera. ble, extent, by he unsurpassed excellence of the church music, AS the congregation are coming in: as the urbane and efficieng sexton, Mr. Berry, and the polite janitors, Messra. Whipple ter and Phipps, are striving to seat str not renting pews—and the pewholders her; Universally characterized by a marked = spirit of politeness and accommodation to sirangers — Mr. George Howe, the accomplished organist, is playing on the organ a series of sweetly diving Voluntaries. There 18 nothing like music to diffuse a sacredly calm and worshipful feelmg over a cougre- gation. The congregation shortly are seated—for this congregation is punctual in its atendance—the bunister ad vances into the palpit and the choir sing their opening piece, which to-night 18 a “Magni- ficat,” the composition of Mr. Howe, the accom- plished orgaaist. It opens with a long solo, most Swestly and effectively sung by that ‘unsur- passed soprano, Mrs. Ficker. -AS the birda-li tones fill the vast interior of the sacred editice, ris- ing and falling with a divine melody, one almost despite this pulpit and sacrital altar—thinks tie is listening to the impassioned music of a prima donna m We opera, Soon the deep varitoue of Mr. J. K. Thomas adds {ts melody vo the song, wad then tl aweet-voiced contralto, Miss Rusby, aud tien tha exquisite tenor, Mr Whiting, woo reminds one uf Brignoll, In enrapeured sileuce the vast congregal listen W this song. Next comes a trio from tie “Creation,” sang with tae same exquisite perfection. Following this the min reads @ome select pas- ture. He is 4 fine reader, With a clear. flexible volce, aud by bis style of redding, suinple but elfective, adds greatly to the force of the sues read. Closing tle sacred volume, leaning gently forward in the pulpit, extending his bands spat as wishing to take in ali before him in his coming supplications vo the giver of every good and pertect gift, he offers a prayer. It is model of a prayer, simple im its full of hope and far reaching in its aspiratio: there is anything in expression It is as flaely worded as any printed prayer im any litany, Next comes a congregational hymu. After reading {t, says Mr. Hepworth, “Let ali sing a8 though they were not afraid.” Rising, the congregation do sing with fearless and inspiring fervor. Those umted vou ring together with a good harmony. There is a ring of congregational worsmp and teeing in if, Mr. Hepworth now rises from ui3 softly cushion seat on a capacious sofa, steps forward a coupi steps to the pulpit facing him and lays upon the veted covering two small cards containing bis notes. He stands @ moment, casing lis eyes over the idrge congregation. There ts breathless silence. Iu aiow lone, but in the all-pervading stiliness parfectiy audible to the farthest limits of the far away gallery, he announces the place of his text, recites the verses and then repeats them, sull same low tone of voice. He slow and measured tone, and the opening sentences to his peroration. [very word Is fitly chogens each sea wo eis ily and ejegantly finishéd. ‘It is the ubdned pre- lude to @ good piece of music. Soon his tone of veice reaches @ bigher aud broader and deeper com- pass. It is the gentle rivulet at the source of a great, Inajestie river, murmuring and rippling to its yraduai descent from the mountain height, and yet full of beautiful melody. Onward courses the stream, widening and reaching Ww fartier depths till 1% becomes # great river, permeating the hearts of States, winding through valleys and waters Into the great bosom of the sea. And such 48 his style of oratory, growlpg more impetuonsas he warms up With his subject. itis text last might was Acts, X1V., L0:—"Stand upright on thy feet? The theme of Which this text is the basis 18 one inspir- ing ajl his oratoria) energy. He told bis audience how to make life imouly. It was to him a \estrong purpose, and let nothing under God's heaven keep thein back. ‘Times of trouble brought out the traitg of trae manhood. He talked of cor. Tuptions in polities, of corruptions in the judiciary, of corrupuons in business, and ail with woaderful cto- quence, Ax he warmed tp with bis subject, seniences of living fire one after the other came pouring fori from his lips With resistiess impetaosity and force, His earnestness Cailed up that passage of Cowper: By him, the violated jaw Speaks out ite (hunders, and in tones as aweet AS angels in the gospel whmper peace. ‘There is religion in such aw#ermon; there is elo- im it; there iS power and conviction, Ma- cauley’s finest sentences are po vetler, He talks with the brijliancy of an eseaylst, He preaches, nob Without preparation, doubtiess, but eertamiy not Wiihout mapiration, Bub the congregation de not wish these inspired Witerances lost. Near by sits Mr. Wiiham T. Salter, a skilful phonographer, who is speciaiy employed with the swift cunning of his subtle art to take down his sermons, “Lot me veg of you to live noble tives! are his closing words, He sita down, Shere Is perfect stillness in the house; but only for amoment. The choir im low tones chact, aud the chant i bayuly dbove & wiisver—tie Lod’a aisles , accurate in the de'ineation of the anatomy of we figure. It \s altogether an evidence of rare skill and Wworkmansiip, and as a spectmen of art 1s, perhaps, not equaiied by any ‘hing of ite Kind tp this city. In regard to tts history, as much of it as is known wil be found qaetailed im the following letter, which accompanied (he crucidx when transmitted to Sena- tor Norton:— New York, hrivimae, 18%, Hon, MiowakL Nowron :— Deak Siu—With this note Leend to you a crucifix of un- ueual size, in ivory. As a work of art it ye adi Im history is Interesting. A French gouave, in Vera Cruz, sold ittoa gentleman who was returning to this country.’ The onave had becn at the siege of Puebla, and when the city Was captured one of ihe places sacked Waa a large convent pilin gy S pleaded” in of thi iewus had pled the build aged aud the: eatablishiyent was broken to tind shelter fudividually wheraver they could, remained togeilier es a society It would be « pleasure, well as a duty, to restore to them their property. hat l4 not practicable the Most {tut view of the eee fesned Lord, having been heir place of worship by Cathoile ei Church everywhere. Imply to have become & truatee to give it back to its Lene owners Tam pensed that tan write (bison this Christmas morn. ing, when, ast holy religion. I have know. deep interest you take in dome Catholic inatitutions tn the district where we both reside, and particularly in institutions for the benetit of the wick and poor, under the supervision of Sisters of Charity, Ast am not acimainted with thore who are wt the head of these socteties TL hope it will be agreeable to you to transfer this crncthix ta them, 1 leave (be matter to your disere: My (riend, Thoman Bracken, whos conjointiy wi owas the cracint, was entitled to join In a tion, which be heartily approved. “He inmgied on leaving It t rey ut { would not be bappy to leave ye. SULLIVAN, LITERATURE © sins of Now Books. Tur Poems ov Tuomas DiArcy Mc@ie, with Copious Notes; alsp an Introduction aud Bio- graptical Sketch. By Mra. J. Sadler. New York: D, & J. Sadiier & Co, Among literary men tn general, and to educated Irishmen in particular, it Was known jany years ago that Mr, MeGee wrote poetry; but we do not think that ¥ person, excepting bimse.f, was aware how much he had written. We confess to having been somewhat star led by the sight of the ponder- ous volume containing his poemg, and, after perus- ing Mra. Sadiier’s very gracefully written, if even somewhat enthusiastically worded, biography, to reading the contents with feelings ol disappointment. ‘That they possess merit we do not deny. Their lat guage 1s Warm and glowing and the verse easy and flowtug. Mr. McGee evidently found no dificuity in writing, He possessed a prominent characteristic of the irisb—so extensive . Vocabulary of words, which be used with great Muency. but here we must limit praise.” However impassioned lan- guage may be it must contain ideas to create effect upon the mind. Here and there throaxtont the volume are real poetic gems—poems tliat, selected front amid the mass of tifertor yerses, will live, and for many years. But of the ®o poems five-sixtns are rather ordinary productions, White all exhibit traces of poetic genius Inost Of them are wanting in Ireshiness.and orginality of conceptfon and depth of thought. They were evideutiy written on the spur of tie moment abd received bus scant correction arterwards. hus we seek in vain for that com- pactness and feltcity of expression winch form #0 esirable feature in good poetry. ‘The best ideas are marred by difaseness justead of being improved by elaboration. Pervaps it was that Mr. MoGee's po- hteat occupations wafitted hign for poetic composi- Hon of a bigh order. It is fue he wrote Sefgre en- lering Into polttic ; but all of hig earlier pro- re wanting tn Bini endeavored to briefly state what appears” vo us the fauits of these poems. To balance their shortcomings is Chat intend’ passion for ireland, her pegple ani ber traditions, whicn proved Mr. McGee ‘© Nave Been a true Irishman. fe ne tired of ig native ind. No Irian sounding the praises of poet belore him has displayed in song & wore ardeut | devotion and intense patriotism for whe Green Isie, And this foature, which says 30 much for the poet, will uadoublediy recommend his works to the vast mujority of tis educated countrymen; out to others, aud to tue coldly critical especiitiy, the poems must be judged by their literary merit,” Mr. McGee wus nndoubiedly 4 man of genius, tis tw gination was quick, if even somewhat sombre; senti- ment aud tenderness were cousploHous in his cha- racter; and yet, while he possessed all the ¢ constitute & great poes, he seemed iu call them into action or to develop Wem, 4 perusal of this volume will leave upon the minds of ail critical reader SALLY CAVANAGH; OR, THR UNTENANTED GHaves, A Vale of Tipperat by Charles J. Kickham, Hostun: Patrick Donahoe. Nearly all of wie novels descriptive of trish life pnblished tn the United States at the present time are conspicuous for their political character, and this story ts not one of tie exceptions. [1 18, how- ever, very well written, the incidents are numerona apd sufficiently exciuug to retain the atvention of the reader, and the charaeters are, in cue mato, faily drawn, The thread of the piot is by no means original; but, a8 Yeople seem never to Cire of the old story, it is hardly proutabie to condemn wani of originality, Certainly uch impression JSOURNALIST.C NOT * The Southern Witness is the title of ancw weekly paper published at Monroe, Ga, There ts an assoctation of editors ta Indiana which moets ab @ dinner once @ month. The Camden (N. J.) Democrat wali hereafter be coaducted on the Co-operative prin ie. Naples has nine daily papers, the aggregate circu. Jatvion of which i# less than 40,000 copies. The Woodville Repudtican, established in 1824, is the oldest paper tn the state of Mississipp!. At Chicago journals are already published by the Methodisis, Baptists and Congregationaiists, aad Ue Presbyterians are establishing one, ‘The first number of the now negro organ has ap- peared in Washingtou. {tis a large weekly, edited by the Rev. Sela Martin and Frederick Dougiasa, Says the New Orleans 7iies:—What Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe is trying fo do is to make a child of #in-sation outof “Tne Child of Sin.” Tuat a6 her Leigh. Mr. M. L. Scudder. Jr, for the past two years editor of (he Waterbury (Conn.) American, ret from the ediforial chair snd the newspaper busiue: to give his whole (ine (0 th@.more congenial aud we" presume more projitane business of banking. ‘The Galveston Cwilian is opposed to the proposed political conference of TPXas editors, and very sen- sibly remarks:-—The opimons of the Civician can be given ina very few words, We advise editors to Slay at home aud endeavor to make good news- papers of tneir puvications, Leave politionl tt Trigues lo professed pollticians, and discuss the m and nreasures they preseat before the Independent, Irank aud honest spirit. This ru mii of newspapers as political machines, to be sui. ppol by contrfbutions from scheming rings apd shares in omer! plunder, is nut true journalism, aud does ne credit to the press of Texas.