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

RELIGIOUS. The Church in Its Garb of Penitential Purple and the World at Worship in the Raiment of Fashion. Inauguration of the “Forty Hours’ Dev ! Meanderings Among the Peculiar Creeds of the Metropolis—Free Methodists, Mora- . Vans, Christian Israelites, Camp- bellites, Apostolic Catholics and Spiritualists, “THE LOST ON LAND AND SEA.” Corruscations of Piety and Precept from the Oracles of the Pulpit. Sabbath Discourses Among Roman Catho- lics, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, Unitarians, Con- gregationalists, Baptists and Universalists. ‘The principal feature of the religious services in the various churches yesterday was the full mangu- Fation of the holy season of Lent and the opening of the “forty hours’ devotion,” which commenced at noon and will be continued until ten o'clock on Tuesday morning. The obsery- ance of this pecuiiar fast was the suvject of exhortation in all the Roman Catholic and ritual- istic churches, and as a rule the congregations in attendance were unusually large. The question of the Bibte in the public schools formed the subject of theological controversy in several of the Protestant churches, and a few of the preachers drew their themes from the current history of the age and local events, but the majority of the sermons were confined to purely theological doctrine. Rev. Mr. Evans, of the Laight street Baptist church, spoke of the recent shocking isasters which have startled the community, hay- ing particular reference to the sinking of the steamer Oneida; Rev. Mr. Hepworth spoke on tne subject of education, and Mr. Beecher took occasion to express some of his views on the “new creed of Plymouth ebureh,”” ' As a whole, the array of sermons reported below will be found gratifying both in variety and treat- ment and will be worthy of perusal. GRACE CHUACH, Lerten ServicesBeautiful Music by the Choir and a Short Lecture by the Rev. Dr. Potter. For the Protestant iconoclasts, the cola and austere believers in the faith of Luther, Knox and Praise-God-Barebones, yesterday had no unusual significance. In their view it was an ordinary Sab- bath and no more sacred than any other seventh day of the year; but for tne Roman Catnolic world, and for the multitudes wno, religiously considered, Stand half way between Rome and Geneva, it was a deeply important day. Commemo- rative of the Saviour’s Passion as is the Lenten season, the greatest interest naturally centres in the first Sunday. Something of the gloom of Puritan houses of worship surrounds the altars of the churches in which the day 1s celebrated with the pomp and pride of the ancient faith. The Teverberating sounds of the organ strike solemnly on the ears of the enraptured worshippers; tne low, Monotonous chant of the officiating priest thrills throagh the most flinty hearts, while the words of admonition and of warning falling from the pulpit have @ double power. Just in proportion to the Atrength of the inclination that exists in a ehuren or community of Protestants for the Roman ritual is the respect for the Lenten season manifested. Where High Church fantastics are fondly cherished there the strictest Protestant interpretation of Christian duty during the forty days’ fast 1s exemplified. So much as a prelude, Grace church, though most decidedly “high” in one respect—so much so, in iact, that nothing “ow” could possibly find its way through its arched doors and ruo the gauntler of the watentui Brown—is vot temple devoted to the practice of Teligious genuflexions; yet, owing to the fact that none but the ‘upper ten”? of the metropois pray beneath its gorgeous roof, a careful observer will not Jail to notice av evident partiality for form ana ceremonial. The feeiing 1s, perhaps, the consequence of gorgeous decoration, rich trappings and melo- @ious music, and prevaiis wore or less in all wealthy congregations. Krom door to chancei the church was crowded yesterday by New York’s lavored of fortune. ent over their richiy ornamented bovks or leaning back in languid enjoyment of the music, tne queens oi fashion were present in hundreds. But on their Tair faces no trace of mental suffering aud physical moriilicauon could be iraced. Pernaps the uabit of reserve, the studied stare of fashionabie indliference, hud the soul's emotion and concealed the snaits of pain. ‘the solemn services of the day, however, were followed with more than usual attention, and during the long agony of the Litany pretty partuog lips suggested tue idea of @ whispered “Good Lora deiiver us’? ‘The insane fanatics whose misdirected zeal ban- ished the Organ irom the sanctuary laid religion up 4D ordinary. 1) woud be as impossible to suppose fora moment that Grace church could survive tie taking off oi the ever aifable Lrown as to imagine that this distinguisned Congregation couid worship with- out music. ‘the sounding organ, trown into rei gious ecstacies under the giiled hands of Warre: aud the cuitivated voices of tue well trained quartet Of singers brought Leaven to the uearts of the wor- shippers. ‘Ihe services might ve long, monotonous aud Weating; the preaching dull, heavy aud sopo- rific, but HO soul Could rematp long uninoved wiule sweet sounds filled the church. Pity it is that the Litany cannot be set to music, tne Contession of Faith chanted to organ accompaniment aud ali long sermons arranged for focr voices. ‘The ser- Mons might Not be so easy Lo report; but, then, con- gregations—lashionable congregations, at least— would be sure to keep awake. ‘Ihere could be no douvt of the effect of tue music at clus church yes- terday. The selections were excellent, though too Tew, aud were given in @ musteriy urauuer. The following was THE MUSICAL PROGRAMME, Venite.. Gloria Patria. «++ -Inosenthal, ‘The merits of the ladies aud gentlemen composing the choir have frequently been acknowledged in the HERALD reports, and it 18 unnecessary to say more Wao that four more higuly cultured and well bal- auced voices cannot ve found in the city. immediately after the reatiing of the lessons of the day the Rev. Dr. Potter said that it was ois duty to remind the congregation that tuis was the first Sun- day in Lent, and asked wem to foliow him ina due observance of ite scuson, so that on Easter Sunday, when they repared to the church, they would feei chasiened in spirit. It was the duty of parents to get their children toabstain and to make sucrifices in tue holy sea- sop, The habit of prayer and self-denial woula grow with their growth. The reverend gentleman urged that while no sacrifices should ve made un- der the orders of an earilly potentate, 10 Was the duty of all good Christtaus to iast aud pray in obe- dience to the will of God and in His honor. ‘The beautiful 260tn hymn, couciuding as ivliows, was then sung:— Just as I am Thou wilt recei Wilt welcome, pardon, cleunt Because Thy promise | believe. U Lamb of God, T come. ‘This being communion Sunday, the usual sermon ‘Was dispensed with, vut in liea thereot the Rey. Dr. Potter delivered @ short address ou the lusts and pride of jife, after which the benediction was pro- nounced, the organ peated forth a lively air and we congregation moved out mto Broadway. FIFTH AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH, Whnrt It Is to See Jesus Defined by Rev. Dr. Armitage—Interestiig Baptismal Ceremony and Communion. The services yesterday morning at the Fifth ave- nue Baptist church, over which Dr. Armitage is pastor, and over whose congregation ho has been pastor for the last twenty-two years, were of Qn unusually Interesting character and the church more than usually well filled. This church, as is well known, ranks among the finest temples of wor- NEW YORK HERALD, MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1870.—TRIPLE SHEET. - sbip in our city, and ita congregation embraces many of our wealthiest and most influential citi- zens. As the congregation were coming in Mr. Root, the organist, played some exquisite voluotaries, selecting those pecultarly low, soft melodies so generally prevalent ag the introductory service in our fashionable churches. The choir— @ very excellent one, whose pass singer, Mr. Thomas White, and soprano, Miss Case, are surpassed by few protessional church singers in this city—sang a set piece, after which Dr. At delivered a prayer, which was followed by ing the Scrip- tares and singing by the congregation. In reading the hymn—and this is a new and pleasingly demo- cratic feature of public worship, ta juced specially im this church by Dr, Armitage, 60 as to give all a share and voice 1D tne services—the minister read one verse and the congregation the succeeding one, and thus alternately through tne hymn. ‘The on with” = wonderful ac- cord spifit, giving, with the suvsequent animated singing, fervid life and peculiar anction io this portion of the services. The preiiminary ser- vices of prayer and singing concluded, Dr. Armitage delivered his sermon. On this occasion his sermon Was unusually brief, owing to the upusual and some- what lengthy services to follow. He wok for his text Jobu, Xil., 21—that 18 to say, @ portion of this Verse as found in the Bapust New Testament, or, as it 18 sectarianly defined, the commou English ver- sion, corrected by the fina! committee of the Ameri- can Bivle Union.” Tne words “Sir, we would see Jesus.’ zs without notes—and the entire sermon was extemporaneous—the discourse wag full of elo- quent ought, and its reasonings were pre- sented 1D @ logical sequence of rare and convinc- ee He mhowen in the firet how may, a came to: Je! wo & giim) Jesus, whose wonderful teac! go full a wis- domrand power, and whose giving such assured evidence of his divine ) made him & It was a great subject of widespread wi Ualng 10 those days to see Jesus, te hear his divine Utterances and to gaze upon the light of his divinely glorious countenance. Jesus accomplished tue great mission that brought him to our earth. He expiated upon the crows sins of tne world, and his glorious work of human redemption .perfected, he again went to heaven, where he is seated now on the throne at the right hand of God, It ts not given to as to see Jesus face to face in the flesh as He was while on earth, but there 18 a strongly marked and distinct ability to see Him in the soul as well now as he He was seen dn the bodily form while oh earth. From this pot he divided hig sermon into four heads, showing, first, that in the glance at Jesus there arises an em- bodiment of ail that 18 nobie in man and majestic in God; secondly, that one giance at Jesus discerns a | pee embodiment of incarnated love; thirdly; that in seeing Jesus are received all the impulses of a transformed immutability, or, in other words, that we catch the spirit and teachings of His life, and, fourthly, that in looking at Jesus are experienced all the assimilating influences of a complete Saviour. He elaborated and enforced these points with bril- Mant and cogent effect. The sermon finished, which was listened to with the closest attention, there followed the ceremony of baptism, and which, as conducted here, 13 cer- tainly of a most impressive character. Only one per- gon was baptized, @ man of about middle age. ‘Tne baptstry is in front of the pulp and quite spacious 1u dimensions, and the exterior, wrought of white marble of simple but elegant design and beautiful finish. The candidate and minister, 80 artistically 18 ine Matter arranged, seemed to walk into the water. While the ptismal rite was being per- formed additional solemnity was given to the scene by the singing of that beautiful and impressive hymn of Thomas Moore, Known and sung as lar a8 civilization extegds, beginning with Come, ye disconsolate, where’er ye langu's Come, ang at God's altar ferveauly kuee! Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish— arth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. Administration of the communion followed, which Closed the morming services. ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDIAL, Opening ‘of the Quarant Ore—Details of the Ceremonial=Fasuion in the Minority, but Little of It Appreciated—A Sweet Orgun and Cultivated Voices in Rivalry—The Sac ramentai Procession, Prayers and Sermon. That singularly beautiful device of modern piety and Catholic devotion known Jn continental Europe as the “Quarant Ore,” and among English speaking people as the ‘Forty Hours’ Adoration,” was com- menced yesterday with becoming pomp in St. Pat- rick’s Cathedral. The church wasjquickly filled, and the congregation took a deep interest in the proceed- ings. The altar was tastefully decorated with flow- ers and @ judicious admixture of evergreens, and the sanctuary was abiaze™ with light, the candelabra being arranged so ag to produce a ine effect. The cathedral mignt be sald to nave divested itself of its usual sombre appearance and to have put on holiday garb, did not the mourning robes worn by priests in the Lenten ceremonial for- bid the idea of a gladsome celebration. The church was crowded at every point before the celebration, aud the demeanor of the congregation was eminently pious and edifying. The world was there, no doubt. It wag there in men representative of wealth, substance maid Ahcectin this city, and it was there, too, in dresses more remarkable for expensiveness than for style or effect. The vast body of the congregation were well but plainly attired, 1t may nave been caused by the weather, the day not inviting brignt colors or gaudy plumes; or it may have been the austere spirit of ihe Lenten season. It did not seem likely that it was caused by any criticism of the HERALD, because the HERALD 1s ever foremost in the cause of human liberty im every direction up to ube point of duty. ‘The absence of any outrageous ebullitions of fashion was, however, a marked feature of the kneeling auditory. The sprinkling of stylishness which seatea itself prettily and cosily In the comfortable pews was, therefore, an agreeable relief to the eye and the feelings, Indeed, the young ladies still in their teens mm gray and tartan poplins, im three flounces, and With the latest novelty in the shape of “angel’ sleeves, the panier with frill, the bow behind, and the cultivated gait, seemed totally unaware that they attracted any undue amount of attention. The interest of the worshippers did not, however, evi- dently centre in individuals, As much a3 might be it Was devoted to the objects and spirit of tue cere- manial, The trustees of the church, with the lady members of their familles, mustered in strong force. ‘They are at present ex-Shermf John Kelly, Hugh Keily, D. Carolin, E. Fanning, J. W. McKer- uey, Dr. James O’Rourke, P. Lyuch, J. McKeon and P. Hogan. At haif-past ten o’clock the Very Rev. Dr. Starrs, Vv. G., richiy robed in purple, gold and fine linen, commenced the high muss, attended by the Kev. Dr. MeSweeny as deacon and the Kev. Dr. McKeen as sub-deacon, ‘the Rey. Mr. Kearney, as master of ceremunies, displayed a thorough and tasteful knowledge of the rubrics and considerable talent ag an organizer. ‘The choir sustained the high charac- ter it has attained under the direction of Mr. Gus- tavos Schinitz, Mercadante’s grand mass in B flat was rendered in the happiest style. The singers were im good voice. ‘Ihe organ had neither coid nor cipher. So the Kyrie in its pathetic melody and sonorous supplication inducea that sweet, soicuin stillness which, In a crowa, adds so much to the intensity and fervor of prayer. Its performance was the work of Madame Chomé, soprano; Mrs. Werner, Alto; Mr. H. Schmitz, tenor, and Mr. A. ‘Solist, basso; the accompaniment by Mr. G. Schmitz. At the offertory Fac et portem, from Rossini’s Siabut Mater, was given as a solo, by Madame Chomé, in a style which callec forth the bignest adimiration and was pronounced one of the best eflorts of this gifted singing bird. At the Eleva tion Mr. H. Solist, basso, rendered Panseron’s OSalateris in @ manner at once masterly and ma- Jestic., At the conciusion Ol mass the choir of priests, In rich vestments, headed by the Rey. Dr. Starrs and preceded py along douvle tlle of youthful aco- lytes, in white surpiices and bearing lighted candies, formed themselves into a procession and marched solemnly through the dimly lighted aisies of tne church, While the organ pealed iorth the solemn notes and the choir gave harmonious utterance to the bnraing words of the Pange Lingua, It was a simple procession, relieved by little but the swing- ug of Silver censers and clouds 01 fragrant incense. Yet, except that no young maidens cast iresh sinell- mg fowers in its path and smilinglypaid-the hom. age of their love aud hope and truth, 1t was such a scene ag made tue logical and cynical Diderot declare that he never witnessed it without becom- ing 4 “Chrisuan in bis heart.” The blessed sacra- ment was next placed upon @ high throne, where, surrounded by the adornment of fowers and by @ brilliant illumination, it wili remain for adora- on until Tuesday at midday, when 16 will be re- moved with similar solemnit) ‘The sermon was by the Rey, Mr. Monroe, of t! Society of Jesus, He preached from St. Matthew, jy., 1-11, in which are related the temptations of Christ in the desert. He appiled the text to snow- ing that the soul required to be nourished as well as the body. Both should nave their, proper nourish- ment—that of the soul being prayer, the Word ana the Holy Eucharist. ‘The Church was pointed at as a tyrant because she called on her chiid to rationally Jast and avstain, He challenged the world to pomt out tie victims of fasting, While in the streets, in muserable, wasted physica! frames, and in the hospi- tals, by disease of every form, the world’s votaries were suifering the consequences of excess. CHURCH OF GUA SAVIOUR. Services Yesterday—The Church Officers=The Congregation. The Church of Our Saviour, in West Thirty-fifth street, is a neat and pretty little edifice, in which the congregation seems almost like a family, so quiet and attentive are they all, ‘nis 18 not one of your bril- lant churebes, where the men are all bombast anda the women ali vanity. Miss Fiora McFlimsey woud, indeed, have no show here, and her flowers and feathers and diamonds, that wouid relieve for a day all the poor in New York, would be frowned duwn. A few silk dreases were there, but many more of iess costly fabrics. Nor is this on account of poverty in the congregation, which counts some of New York’s most solid men, Io such a place, and among such a people, there does seem to be some true religion, not simply & worlaly mockery of it, The Ustepers do BOt stare round and pass whispering comments on their neighbors’ dresses until the sermon comes and they go to sleep, All here 18 calm and serene and the preacher's words fall as milk and honey on Uirsty souls and seem to open the porta's of heaven to those who care to pass within and find hope and Salvation. The minister bere—Rev. J. M. Pullman, @ brother of the great palace car maker—is a middie" aged man, evidently earnest and weil meaning 10 all he says. Possessed of none of the burning elo- quence of @ Beecher, he speaks common sense and puts it in clear phrase, #0 that ail understand. He has none of the orthodoxy Which conceals truth in a mass of rhetoric, but rather that earnestness which makes everyti apparent to tne naked eye, His discourse y yf ‘was on ‘Whatis to be saved?” and he illustrated his subject by the apt text from Acts it, 2—Unto you first, God, having ralsed his Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, turning away every one of vou from his iniquities,’’ He dwelt on the fact that Jesus came to save, not todamn. That the theorists who held that God was @ God of vengeance and not love stated absurdiues which they could uphold by nothing in the Scriptures. ‘The world salvation occurred nearly two hundred times in,the New Testament, aud never bad any reference to salvation from punishment. Saivation referred sunply to the great mercy of God's lorgive- ness to us poor sinners, Some people thought sal- vation could be got ina moment and without any preparation. ‘This was a musiake, Salvation was not a state, but # process, and therefore tiekets for salvation could not be given like tickets for soup. Some people thought they could go into ® chureb, pray @ bit, and, like bot es, De ed round and done brown on every side, then labelied “Saved,” and stuck invo a pigeon-hole until it pleased the Lord to take them up into heaven. But the Lord didn’t do business in that When He created man He created @ con- acience within him, and that conscience was Une monitor Which should guide nim, Anything in de- Teliction to it would suffer its own punishment, ‘There Was no need of an everiasung Nell for that. The worst punishment God could inflict on a de- graded and lost beimg would be to place him in Jront of his own conscience and there make him live forever. But God was too merciful even for that. ‘Ihe worst man that ever lived would some day find forgiveness at His hands, and be purified forever. The sermon was attentively limened to and was effective. ‘The trustees of tais church number eight— E. P, Smith, Nathaniel Smith, vu. H. Delamater, I. J. Coleman, Dr. J. W. Clowes, Walter Scott, C. B, De Baun, J. A. Conover and Munro Crane. There are Ubree deacous—W, T, Dewee, Jonn Russell aad Nathaniel Cheney. CHURCH OF THE DWV.NE PATERNITY. The Goddess of Fashion and the Word of God=—How the Congregation Looked Yes- terday—Gossip in the Church and Extra Maral, Shadows, and not sunshine, fell beavily around the portais of the Church of the Divine Paternity yesterday morning. A leaden, heavy sky bung over Fifth avenue, as well as the Five Points and other minor places, iike a funeral pall, and gave a strong indication that the elements above our visual hori- zon somewhere were in dispute among themselves whether they should let us have snow or rain. ‘Th is state of affairs threw @ decided damper on ail fashionable church-goers, and on Dr. Chapin’s congregation among the rest. But, while the church was not as wejl patronized as on pre- vious occasions, yet the Goddess of Fashion asserted her full prerogative, and reigned inside the saeread edifice as much supreme mistress of the situation as uf the gental rays of the sun were in full blast. Punc- tually at eleven o’clock Dr. Chapin bowls up to nis church in his spleadid carriage, drawn by an ele- gant pair of full-blooded bays, driven by @ couch- man in expensive livery. Evidently the reverend doctor, while preaching strenuously against all out- ward pomp, display and ceremony in religious ser- vices, is not opposed to a little of it in a worldly sense. He hurriedly ambies (owing to his rheumatism) into the church, and is soon seated behind the reading desk. Before him, spread out like a gorgeous panorama, 13 a sea of fashion, Tie Lollets of the ladies are as gorgeous as they are ex- pensive. Some minutes elapse before the opening of the exercises. Ad tatertin the youtlful members of the congregation indulge in low, soit whisperings, which are doubtiess meant to fll up time, and have some reiation to matters concerning the church and the general welfare of the poor human race. ‘the congregation indulge in no preliminary prayers. They enter the church with firm and elastic steps, take their seats in @ statd and formal manuer and walt for Dr. Coapin to do the praying. While he is thus engaged the congregation sit suil In their seats, There are no genufections or anything of that sort. If ho makes w good point or two in his prayer, some of the congregation, who seem to watch him narrowly all tne while, may be seen to put their heads together and whisper, no doubt in criticism of what the Doctor has just got ot, But now he has finished the prayer, ana alter the singing ofa hymn in exquisite style he opeas the book and gives out his text from the fourth chapter and thirty-second verse of Luke, as follows:— “For His word was with power.” This assertion (ihe preacher said) had immediate reference to the preaca- ing of Jesus at Capernaum, to wich place ne had 5 around Him, in many instances, Hy, moved by curiosity and wonder at His miracies, but also, it seemed, to listen to His teachings; and we were told that the common people were astonished at His doctrine, for He talked as one having author- ity. All this showed that there was some peculiarity, some special force in the words and teachings of Jesus, In His utterances there was a divige strength and efficacy, aud drew the thoughis of the peopiec spontaneously towards him. Immediately after tne passage in which we found the text we were told Uhat there appeared in the synagogue a man pos- segsed by an unclean spirit, which Jesus cast out, and the people exciaimed, “What @ word 1s this! for with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits and they come out.” Now, although we were not. like this listening multicuae of old, im the presence of Jesus, notwithstanding we could realize certain elements of bis teachlag, which carried With tnem @ power such as no other teacher was ever possessed Of; go that tne very essence of his power stood before us to-day with ail the tresh- hess and beauty which characterized it when ue was present on earth awong that muititude, These words of the texc, 80 simple and 30 adapted to the wants of tue human heart, were suited to the appre- hension of the common mind, ana yet were deep and pregnant with spiritual trata and revelation. There were words which pioughed human eviis and doubts into furrows of conviction and which lifted men up from the shackles of their mean- ness into life and holiness. ‘These words were like an artesian weil. You descended into them, and you could never get deep enough, They were pure and simpie, yetdeep. They had in them sometning that the child apprehended, and yet something that fowed underneath the profonndest thought. The more you examined 1 tte deeper, and deeper and deeper it became, until 1t became in- exhaustible. The preacher then went on at greater length to elaborate his subject aud apply it to his congregation and the whoié buman race, closing with an eloquent peroration, As we huve heretofore given the names of many of the leading members of this congregauon, st may not be out of place here to give (he names of Unose who Watcn over and guard tue interests of the church with efficiency and zeal, The deacons are Messrs. George W. Platt, Arctibaia A, Peterson, Owen Hutchison, J. 0. Brink; D. D. Marshail, clerk and treasurer. The trustees are Messrs. George W. Platt, George G. Lake, William Banks, D. D. 1. Marshall, Willtam Montross, B. F. Romaine, Jacop Weeks, James Cushing, Jr., and C. L, Stickney. Alter the services the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered to those who wished to partake thereof, FIFTH AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHUNGH. Sermon on the Mystery of Godliness—Extem- pore Prayers—Presbyterian Simplicity— Knickerbockerism and Shoddy—Fair Women and Affluent Men. Awinter morning, not clear, bright and bracing, but slightly sombre, with snow flakes floating erra- tically, ag 1f loth to roach the earth, such as that of" yesterday, brought crowds of worshippers to our Christian tabernacies. To that of the Fitth avenue Presbyterian cburch came a large number of its aristocratic congregation to listen to the expounding of the gospel by one of the ministerial lights of the metropolis. The formal Cameronian, strictness and rigidity of the services, seemed to correspond with the plainness of the architecture; and tue solemn, almost mono- tonous melody of the choir was in striking contrast tothe enticing semi-operatic quartet of its fashion- able rival, Grace church. The carriages deposited their burdens of fair women and affluent men, most of whom were to the financial purple born, bat many were there who have evidently recently stepped into taste and large fortunes. These displayed it in superb neckties, yellow kids and supercilious sniffles towaras unfortunate strangers whom the sexton had placed in tneir pews. Indeed, one inaig- nant gentieman, evidentiy from tbe South, muttered as ne left, after Leing ejected from a seat, “f thought | had come to a Cliristian temple; not a religious club house,’ ‘The spacious building was crowded and camp stools were in inuch request, and it was some time before the eager seekers for the word found posi- tions within hearing distance. Here sat a solemn Individual, with pious, profound atiention in his looks, and immediately behind was a young geatie- mau Of the period, casting cursory glances towards the pretty laces of demure-lookingy young jadies. Matrons, Rena jntent on spiritual ‘alfuirs, feb a oe Ing, and hke Goldsmith's Madame Ze At church, in silks and ‘Chignon of monstrous size; She never slumbered in her pew But when she shut her eyes, The eloquent divine, after the psalms and extem- jore prayers, preached in the afternoon a pro- found|ly theological sermon on the ‘Mystery of God- lineas,” in which he demonstrated that 1t should Bot be confined to a sect, but that the general prin- ciple of gomg into all the world and preaching the Gove to everv creature should be its definition, ie referred to th at agencies that bad helped to diffuse the gosp: coh as the art of prinung, steam, tue telegraph. The reverend geatieman also spoke of the discovery or the New Worid by Colum- bus as being instrumental in bringing the lignt of Christianity to so many millions of benighted souls, In the course of his remarks he spoke of the Saviour becoming man and that 1D this incarnate capacity He was justified by his Works, aud recommended his bearers to let their actions oe their record and endeavor to emulate Christ in His demand, “Who of you convicteth Me of sin” Men should shew to the worid by their Works that they conformed to Him who was made Manuest in the flesh and justified in the spirit. Christ became a man, not an angel, but was seen of abgeis; and so should all mankind, though living in the flesh, live so as vo be iiited for the companion- ship of the celestial host. All should be ambassa- dors of Christ, and the spread of the Gospel will go On until the vast congregation of nations bows be- fore the name of Jesus. This propagandism would @o on by all agencies, even VA war and revolution. After a fervent exhortation to become co-heir with Christ, the congregation dispersed to the melodious symphony of the organist, | s MURRAY WILL BAPTIST CHAPEL. The Treasures of Darkuese—Ser Sidney A. Corey. There 18no more dimmmutive chapel tn this clty— it will not seat over two hundred persons—but none of more delicately elaborate and exquisitely chaste design and finish than the Murray Hill Baptist chapel, near the corner of Thirty-seventh street and Lexington avenue, where the small but refined con- gregation over which Rev. Sidney A. Corey is pas- tor meet on Sunaay for stated Christian worship. It will be remembered that Rev. Mr. Corey was the former pastor of the Twelfth street Baptist church, and that his large and worthy congregation sub- scribed for building the palatial church edifice at the corner of Fifth avenue and Thirty-fifth street, but through the sweeping reverses of the great financial panic of 1857 were unable to carry to completion their splendid purpose. thos it was that the reverend clergyman became sented over his present small congregation, but with abright hope in the future of soon assuming the pastorate of the grand Fifth avenue temple of wor. ship. But for chapeis, the one in Thirty-seventh street, to which we have referred, and where he preached yesierday morning, 18 @ beautiful gem of this class of structures, and as unique as it is beauti- ful, It is lit from three domes, through the stained glass windows of whose vaulted arches a “dim, religious light” is shed upon the worshipping con- gregation, giving, with the superbly rich frescolag of the walls and ceilings, unsurpassed in their splendid coloring and pleasing harmonious effect in any public or private edifice in the city, a richer ‘giow of beauty to the Mae church toilets of the jadies, to say nothing of a ruddier glow of nealtn to the countenances of the men, and thus robbingytheir untiormiy black broadcloth attires of their other- wise sad and sombreiike hue. In a little gallery there is a pethe organ, but of very rich tone, and @ ehoir of singers, whose singing, i point of culture and expression, vies with tat of our larger and more ambitious churches. after the usual prefatory services of prayer, read- ing portions of the Scriptures aud singing Key, Mr. Corry preached’ a sermon from Isaiah Xly., 3—“1 give thee the treasures of darkness.’ No brief aUSiract, such as our ilmited space only allows, can do justice to the sermon. His style of elocution is of that grandly lervid and impressive school of puipit oratory in Which the presence and manner of ine speaker are everything, and withuut waich are iost half the beauty and impressive force and power of the sermon. He began with explaining the circum- stances under which the words of the text were ut- by Rev. lered—the capture of Babylon by Cyrus. it was @ long and vigorous siege. They had to cut away the river. ‘They had to level the strong encompassing walls. When at length the proudly victorious army entered the city taney saw no magnificent ee ie of war, no rich stores of gold and silver that bad been hid away in darkness. 4bus it Was in the great material world. The rich treasures were hidden in darkness. ‘the grain ger- minated in the dark bosom of the earth. Ail the great forces of nature work in darkness; hidden trom the eye of mortals are the beds of 1ron bosomed in the great mountains waiting to be drawn out into rail- road tracks, spun into machinery or sheath- ing for mammoth snips, Jt was so in the divine oracles, They work in invisibie silence. Darkness ana shadows are round about them. in this connection he spoke of religion as viewed from an intellectual standpoint—the modern school of liberal Variscianity. ‘Tals religion, he urged, las as 1t3 basis God’s 1ove; but the amply hidden ireasures of Goq’s grace and Curjst’s redemp- tion were not seen by tose men who make religion one of esthetical puilosophy. Aiter next aaverung to the hidden treasures of true Christianity and drawing Copious lilustrations from tue Old and New ‘Testaments he iaia bare, with» singularly graphic power of description, the mysteries of the human heart. Upon we bumbug of benevolence he Was scathingiy eloquent, and so upon modern demo- gogism siriviug for personal aggrandizement ana tne spoils of ofice, He #80 drew a Vivid coutrast upon the pseudo-putriot, who only scented the vattie from alar, and the maimed soidier, winning his scars in tne Iront oi the figat; and yet the former got ali the glory aud the latter turnea band orgaus In the streets jor pitifully bestowed peunies, heverting next to the more airect theme oj his text, he showed in con- clusion that death and heaven are each treasures of darkness. Most eloquently vivid was his picture of mortal transit torough cue dark vatiey of death, and how to the Christian the clouds of overshadowing gloom are gradually dispelled and through the rilted clouds burscs through with effulgent beauty and brigniness tie iiuminating sunsuine of God's face. iils closing sentences, revealing tue treasures of tne life Lo come to vie great victors over the flesh and tne aevil, and the temptations of this ilfe aud tose accepted of God herealier, with the redeeming words, ‘Well done, good and falihiul servant, @aier thou into the joy of the Lord,” were granaly veauul- ful. He was listened to with breataless attention. Alter prayer, singing and benediction the smail con- gregation witharew, while from the duninutive orgal la the small gallery was poured iortn a wealth of rich, excelent melody, seemingly @ forecast of tae juoliant rousic of salts in heaven that had just beel #0 graphically described. ST. JANES? ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. A Jesuit Father on Temptation—The Congre- gation—Tho EdificeThe Season of Penile tence. The congregation at St. James’ church is always large. Yesterday was no exception wo the rule, It cannot be said, as @ general thing, that the wass of the congregation are dressed in veivets, feathers, silks and satins, but there is enough to even the most woridy observer to denote that those who attend are influenced, while present at divine ser- vice, with devotional sentiments. Looking around the galleries and aisies, there 1s nothing to be seen but Kneeling jorms ana vended heads. The outside world seems to have no place mm the minds of the silent devotees, It is worthy of remark that the in- gress or egress of worshippers takes no effect on the large cougregation, Prayer books are in évery hand, and all eyes, never diverted, are fixed upon the aitar—the repository of the sacred elements, St. James’ church 33 gue of the oldest in the city, and attached to it 18 @ school, a very’ su- perior buiiding, where many hundreds of boys and girls receive a thorough business besides moral education. The celeorant at high mass yester- gay was Rey. Father McKenna, As usual, he was atiended by numerous acolytes. Tne vestments worn were purple, indicative of the penitential sea- son of Lent, ‘Ihe interior of tne edifice is not, as 18 the custom, highly ornamented. ‘There is no altar painting. To supply this want there is presented, on wood, the Crucifixion, with Mary and Martha weeping at the foot of the cross. a After the Oras gospel the choir sung the Veni Creator. Rev. Father Thebaud, of the Society of Jesus, then read the gospel of the day from St, Mat- thew iv., wherein is related the temptation of Curist by Satan alter his forty days’ fast. He proceeded w say that the temptation was threefold —sensualty, pride and covetousuess. Although presented tn tle Gospel very different trom wnat it seems to human creatures, -yet the temptations we undergo or are subject to comes, after all, to the same thing. Too temptation of sensuaiity to which mortals are vic- Ums, though more gross than that descrived by Satan to our Biessead Lord, yet, aw ihe reverend Fainer said, In a few words, are embraced in the category to Which the devil sought blindly to attain his bad euds. Sins of that description are to be re- sisted in the same way 4s our Saviour resisted Satan—by words of Scripture. “Not by bread alone doth man live, butin every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.” The vread here means evidently the dispositivn of sinners to gratify their passions, and, said Father Thebaud, it is not of sach @ Dature as to procure happiness, The oniy hapi- ness the banishea sons of Eve can obtain at this side of the grave is by strictly observing the laws pre- scribed by the Almighty and ail merciful God. Io reference to pride tie preacher remarked that man Was vot usually temnpted to torow himself from cue steeple Of a church; out by pride we are tempted to exalt ourselves above our true positions; to domi- neer over those that accideat may place under our control, oF, Daving power or authority, act as tyralts towards those Wuo should enist sympatny, or at leust impel to treat with Curistian forbearance, aud tyrants and hard Toasters inflated with pride shoulda ber the words, “inou shait not tempt task remem- wy Lord thy God,” and toe proud and heartiess man | tempts God by piacing Limseif superior to God's own creatures, Covesousuess, a3 presented Lo our Lord, asked Hiin to accept the whole world as His pro- perty, it would be unreasonabie on te part of any moral bemg to expect anytuing of tais Kind. We are often tempted to increase our possession by un- fair means, oy cunning, fiaud and other vicious practices, It is oiten the case we are tempted to override the just claims of others, to secure pro- perty tuat 1s not justly our own, and even to go #0 far.as to be Importunate and violent. The poor man WIL Opportunity beiore hin and who by an act of Injustice could relieve nimseif and family from want when they are sugering and refuses to do 60 18 @ | ‘hero In the sight Of Gud. The reverend Father fur- ther dilated upon temptation and concluded py | noting, “Te halt worship the Lord thy God, ana an alone wi z thou adore. pce ta * pS. ADAMS’ CHURCH, Its Distinguished Attendants—Ite Wealth, Beauty, Fashion—Sermon by Rev. Dr. Adams, Yesterday morning, by its brightness and cheerful aspect, encouraged and urged every one possessed of @ conscience and a pew, of beauly or fashionable apparel, to attend church. Handsome equipages dashed along the avenues, driven by coachmen in gorgeous liveries, bearing to divine worship, now benevolence and philantnrophy, now parsimony and ostentation. The streets full of pedestrians of both gexes, in gay aftire, wending their way to the various popular cathedrals, presented an animated and interesting appearance. Here Flora MoFlimsey, who happens to have something to wear on this oc- casion, toddles along on heels three inches high, leaning languidiy on the arm of Fitz Low—happy fellow !—who, reaplendant in yellow whiskers, a la Dundreary, and an eyeglass of vast proportions, Seems the picture of contentment. There Count Noaccount, the idol of the ladies, the possessor of—no income, who “lives by nis wits,” struts along the unobserved of all observers, The church bells toll in solemn tone. People hurry along with accel- erated step. The last tone dies away. All are in church—when up dash the Wouild-be’s in tnetr ele- gant clarence. Out they jump. There is a stir at the entrance. The doors fy 0) with a bang. In they come with a rustie and a tliter, ushered by the obsequious sexton. Alleyesareupon them, Sensa- uon. They are satisfied. New York possesses fine avenues, but none are fmer than Madison avenue. It owns many beauti- ful churches, but few exceed in beauty the one on the corner of Madison avenue and Twenty-fourth street. It has many attractive and popular ene - era, but none are more so than Key. Dr. William Adams. Dr. Adams is a preacher of rare power. He has one of the most easential elements to success aga divine in @ voice of clear and fine intonation. His delivery is fervid, His presence venerable and imposing. ldentified as hes been for years with tho church in Madison ue, it is not surprising that bis co ion feel attached to him. Situated On an eligible site his church is accessible to all. Hts congregation 1s one of the weaithiest and one of Uhe largest in the city. The trustees of this churca are Apollos R. Wetmore, George W. Lane, trea- surer; Jono Ten Brook, Charies A. Bulkley, Fraucis . Warbury, John Van Arsdale, Amos T. Dwight, William C. Martin and Edmund D. Stanton. Its ruling eiders are Robert M. Hartley, Frederick Bull, ‘Tredwell Ketcham, Oliver E. Wood, Ezra M. Kings- ley, George W. Lane, David Wetmore, Charles Col- lins, John F, Trow and William E. Dodge, Jr. Its deacons ure John Ten Brook, Aug. 0. Van ‘Lenaep, D. Wulis James, 8. ‘Tyler Williams, Joseph Gillets, S. Hastings Grant, William C. Martin, Francis H. Slade and Benjamin 8. Wolcott. There was @ large attendance at this popular temple of worship. yesterday morning, every seat being taken. Entering, the full, rich tones of the organ salute the ear, ‘then are heard the voices of the cnoir, As the beautiful tones of Mendelssohn's hymp, ‘1 Waited for the Lord,” ascend in sweet harmony, the most.uacultivated ear listens with de- light. The subdued light reflected through windows of stained glass nts the walls with mejlow rays, The pews, galleries, wainscotings, tn fact, ali the woodwork, 18 of black walnut, contrasting weil witn the crimson carpets of the alsies. fhe wails are of apale buff. The cetiing of blue and white, here and there relieved with red and gilt. ‘The whole is frescoed in Moresque, ‘Tue interior is large—the effect striking. ‘he congregation are simply, yet righly dressed, modest colors preponderating. The pervading tone 18 quiet elegance. Ostentaviun in dress 1s here the exception and notthe rule. But many beautiful faces are seen among the feminine portion of we audience, The sermon was on death. The text, Hebrews, chapter il, 14 al 16:—"Forasmuch, then, as the children are partakers of flesh and biood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same, that through death be might destroy him that hal power of aeatn— wu 1s, the devil—and deliver them who through fear of aeath were all tueir lifetime subject to bondage.” ‘rhe preacher tn explaiming tue text said that 1 described @ certain great achievement accein- plished in our behall by Jesus Christ. The thing to be accomplished was this:—‘To destroy him that had the power of death—that is, the devil—and to deliver them who through fear of death were all ther lifetime subject to bondage.” The metnod by which this was done was by Cnrist’s own death. The possibility of his death is ex- plained by nis taking upon himself tho nature of those whom he had detivered, tnus becom- ing subject to mortality. very manu bas a rational fear of death. Tais is not weakness. it is not su: perstition. There i# novhing more rational than fear of death. “(No man,” said Mr. Webster, us nis last words are reported by his biographer, ‘“wuo is Hot & brute can say that he ts not afraid of death.’ ‘The reasons of this tear are evident. In the c: of man death is appoihted with sin as @ curse. The first instance of aeath in our race was ausoclated with crime. There 1s one way by which this iear of death may be destroyed. abolished death. ‘The music ts very fine at the church, the choir being composed of the celebrated cuntraito, Mrs. Jenny Kempton, Mrs. Morris, soprano; Mr. L. P. Thatcuer, tenor; Mr. Herman ‘Trost, basso. The organist 13 Mr. H. K. Bassford, Among te distin- guished persons who are prominent members of this church are Prof. 8. B. Morse, General George B. McClellan and wife, Mr. Cyrus Kiela, John kK. Fora, ex-Judges Porter and Strong, General Dodge and Supervisor Eiy. The following gentiemen are also rominent members:—Mr. Marquand, Mr. Patterson, . S. Ely, Mr. ©. Collins, Mr. Gossett, Mr. J. Stokes and Mr. Forsyth. Among the young ladies noted for beauty are the Misses Strong, Miss Yates, Misses Forsyth and the Misses Patterson, The sextou, Mr. J. 3. Huyler, is @ rival of Grace church Brown 10 urbanity, THE CATHOLIC APOSTCLIC ciLURCH, Latter Day Apostles and the Second Coming of Christ. Among the most peculiar of the various religious wects represented by congregations in this city 1s that styling itself the Catholic Apostolic Churen, and which hoids its services in a modest edifice on West Sixteenth street, between Sixth and Seventh avenucs, Its first appearance took place in Scot- land in 1830, when @ number of individuals professed to be inspired with the spirit of prophecy and invested with miraculous power in healing diseases, casting out devils, &c., as performed by the apostles of the Bible. shorty afterwards the game powers were claimed to be held by a portion of Rey, Dr. irving’s church in London, from which Ubey seceded and united with the Scottish society; and finaily @ reguiar church organization was established. ‘The body claims’ to hold no other faith than that of univeraal Christendom, and adopts the three great Catholic creeds which have been used in the universal Church for over fourteen centuries, viz., the Apostles’, the Nicene and tie Athanasian creeds. Jt believes in the permanent endowment of the church with the gifts of the Holy Ghos! as exer- cised by the ancient apostles, and tuat these powers have been restored; and, in addition to this, looks for the second coming of Christ in the body upon earth to take to heaven his chosen people; alter which shall come the periods of tribniauou, the willennium, aud the final judgment day. Twelve persons were designated as Aposties, chosen of God, but three of whom are now living. These manage the alfairs of the sect, which has churches in various parts of the Old World, one 1p this city, one in Hartiord, Conn., one 10 Boston, and three in Canada. The oMiciais of each church are styled respectively the angel, or head of the congrega- tion, priests, prophets, evangelisiv, pastors, deacons and teachers. The services are composed of @ mix- ture of the Roman Catholic and Episcopal exercises, and are very peculiar in the fact tual a stranger carele: iy seaming, with is eyes closed, would imagine himseif in an Episcopal congregation, and observing, With closed eare, would suppose himself at some jorm of Cathollc worship. Most of the ceremonies, recitations and responses are taken boaily from the exercises of both the avove denomi- nations, and it would puzzie @ Visitor nos perfectly famiiar with the two different services to distin- guish their distinctive auchorspip, so adroitly are they blended together. Tue church is entirely sup- ported by tithes, each member contributing one- tenth of his income. ‘This is not enforced by rules or personal inspection; but being one of the funda- Inental principies of the sect It is supposed that every member will conscientiously make (his payment, No contributions are ever solicited, but each person, at his or her convenience, places in a receptucie conspicuously located the amount of his tiche. Some of the churches of wis denomination are very fine, especially in Engiand, wiere they rival in Magnilicence the most spiendid Catholic ana Epis- copai edifices, The church in Sixveeuth street is quite plain in all appointments. The walis and cetl- ing are undecorated, the seals are uncushiona and the altar 18 as devoid of ornament as tie character of the services will adwit, Immediately within the vestibule is @ baptiginal font, a vessel containing holy water, in which the imembers, afier bowing as tney euter the church, dlp thew flugers and then make Lhe sigh Of the cross upon their loreneads; and two boxes, one for Lie epuon of thes and the other jor general contrivutions, The aitar is danked by ‘two pillars, on cach of which & lighted iamp sands during the services, and has nothing upou it except a tabernact Above aad in front oi it @ small burning iamp 1% suspended from the ceiling, beneath which incense 1s offered, as In te Catholic Church, Toe chief ecciesiastic—or angel, as he 14 terimed—is attired in a long white gown, over which he wears a white suarpiice, bear- ing upon the back a large white satin cross, His functions are similar to those of the celebrant in the Jatholic and precors Churches aud be 18 assisied by priests and deacons, aiso ¢lad in ‘The congregation yesterday was not a large ohe, ana consisted principally of the middie ciase of Engilah and Scotch residents. There was 10 display of fashion. Every person seemed to have attended church with the ule object of humbiy and devouliy worshipping God apa lcipated in the exercises With ao earnest Worthy of omuiation by f# more pretentious congregations. ibe ser- itis by faith in Him who vices «ponmeet ¢ 8 celatieasion pE...g euchariat and naiaisters bion, of which members ma all Christian churches are invited to partake, The character of these exercises has already been indicated in the proceeding paragraph explanatory of the services of this churen, No sermon was preached, as 18 gea- erally done, bat in its stead @ printed Lomily, suit abie to the ‘ovcusion and applicable 10 the seeond morning lesson, which was lakeu from Matthew ly., 1 to 11 inclusive, Was read by the angel, Rev, D. Me Fackler. The music was good, but not marked by any pecullarities worthy OL note, the congregation uolting Wit @ small choir im chanting the responses, moana bywans id the 7e Dewin Laudanus. ae e services the congregation remaine: BIOTA UNI wiver the ecclesiastics had retired, and without further ceremony dispersed. CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY. Select and Fashionable Congregation—The Sexton, the Singers and the Sermon. The little church corner of Madison avenue and Forty-second street, where the Rev. Stephen H. ‘Tyng, Jr., holds forth to a pious and admiring au- ditory, regardless of Boggs and Stubbs or tne cleri- cal consiatory, is the snuggest little temple of wor- ship on Manhattan Isiand. Atsome litve distance it appears to be made up altogether of a billowy rocf of slates. The eaves dip very low and the fan- tastic slopes from the pinnacle downwards bave quite a picturesque effect, Itis astonishing to find that # church apparently #0 small, 8 mere miniature of other churches, accommodates 1,000 persons, Every pew but one or two 1s rented and the congre- gation ts of @ highly respectable order. The interior ia everything to be desired in a house of prayer— Warm, comfortable, cheerful, with @ bright, sunny, yet meliow- light and just large enough for ail the eek ee up) on ow ochre. The chancel is spacious and finished im & style of chaste ang attractive ge ig a But by deh Peed ee costest oo person gi with vocal powers might Vo ait Lhere singing all the day loug, and even that dinner was a part of existence. The c! ic oung ladies who warole forth the appoimted hymns rom this deligutful cage of achoir are and comfortably accommodated, They sit shaded from Observation, but can eastly see for themselves every face in the congregation. A small, round bwin 9 glass hangs by the orgam wall, when there nothing to engage more by attention the fair young ladies can admire their delicate charms un- observed. ‘The attendance at moruing service yes- terday waa large. A line of extended around the corner from Madison avenue into Forty- wecond street; handsome carriages, with liveried drivers and horses in gold-mounted harness, The exhipition of female loveliness was extensive, and of female iashious, tuo. Black velvet manties and Jackets preponderated. A blonde face above black Velvet bakes @ very pretty contrast. Such contrasts Were quite common yesterday. ‘The tout en- semble presented by the congregation was de- cidedly elegant and refined. From Madison, Lex- ington and Filth avenues the majority of the attendance hailed. Whether tt be the youth and sandy side whiskers of the distinguished preacher or the ravishing notes of Mr. Weeks’ tenor voice, cer- tain it 1s more young and beautiful ladies were’ pro- sent ip this lillie church yesterday than are usually found in @ congregation of tue same numbe Mr. Tyng oMciated, assisted by Kev. U. T. Tracy. Mr. George S. Weeks directed the music, Miss Wells caroiled oprano, Mr. J. M. Boulard rolled forth Voiumes of bass niviody and Miss Mary Barker gave fuli play to her sweet contralto voice. Mr. James Quigg acted as usher with a grace of manner fit for au attendant at the porcelain court of Pekin. The wardens, Mr. Robert Dumont and Mr. H. Hurd, gave tieir attention to the coliection of such loose change ag tue iibera!ly disposed were anxious to Bac- nifce. The eight vestrymen who attend to the secular affairs of the church were in their family ae plously chiming the hyMus of the day. Mr. lenry E. Brown presided at the organ. The music Was simple, but effective, and consisted of the Com- munion service, with tue Litany hymn “Saviour, when in dust to Thee,” the 149th hymn, from the fourth verse, “Then we shall see His face.’? Alter the reading of the* Scriptures the Gloria Toi was sung. and in this easy programme consisted the musical performance of the day. The Lent calendar was read, trom which tt appears that every day of Lent wili be devoted vo some kind of religious service either in the morning or afternoon. gregation would enter heartily into the pious wi Of observing tne season of Lent with becoming de- votion, tnat God, the Holy Ghost, will unstop deat arouse sluggish consciences, unseal selfish constrain obstinate wilis, and convert Christ- Jess iives among us during these forty days, Cards were furnished giving the dates and hours of ser- vice, and no doubt the littie churca will show an Sunday. ng took for the text of his sermon Luke xv., 19, ‘And am no more worthy vo be called thy son; make me as one of thy hired servants.” From tnis the reverend gentieman proceeded to tn- culcate beautiful lessons of humility, showing how false and destructive 18 that principle of pride which huried ‘rom Heaven the archangel Lucifor and his nest of followers. Administering the communion concluded the religious services of the forenoon. CWURCH OF THE HEAVENLY REST. Sermon by Rev. Dr. Forbes, the New Dean of the Theological Seminary—What the Charch = Editfice im Like—Its Deeoration— The Leaton Sorvices, In @ cosey littie niche m Fifth avenue, between Forty-fith aad Forty sixth streets, stands this com- fortabie Protestant Episcopal church, of which the Rev. Dr, Howland is rector and the Rev. Mr. Conroy assistant. The church edifice stands on the rear of the lot and 18 not conspicuous from the street, as are others. It is yet in an unfinished condition without, bat itis purposea next summer to add a tower to it, which will give it @ very handsome exte- rior. Internally the church 1s withous galleries. It is capable of seating about 1,000 persons, and considering that 1t has been in existence but one Year its ordinary cougregation, of about 650 souls, is comparatively good. There is a Sunday school num- bering about 160 children connected with this church. Its sessions are heid every Sabbath morning at half-past nine o'clock, The regular preaching services are at eleven o’ciock in the morning and three o'clock in the afternoon, except on sacra- mental occasions, wnen an eventng service at elght o'clock takes the piace of the aiternoon service, The congregation 18 composed of substantial residents of Fifth avenue and the intersecting streets in the vicinity. Iu the northwest corner of the church a neat litle organ is jocated, ‘The altar and its sur- roundings are built of black Walnut, the seats are of white wood, very plain, and witnout doors, ‘The altar front “18 decorated with a largo golden cross, around which, in spiral form, are entwined in gilt German text letters the Scriptual quotation, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and { will give you rest.” Be. heath this is w smailer cross, under which are the e: clamations, ‘iloly!” “stoiy! “Hoiy!? Toe south wall of he chureh Goutains @ large stained glass window on Which are represented scenes in the Saviour’ life, Liiusirative of bis affection and care for chile dren. ‘The north wall abuts against adjoining houses, and consequently has no windows, but has instead six tablets, four of them neatly portrayed with figures of the Evangelists, and on either side one containing the texis, “fbere remaineth @ rest for the people of Goa,” and “My presence shail go with thee and [ will give thee rest.’ Encircling the arch of the door 1s the admoni- tory command, ‘Be ye aoers of the word and not bearers only.’ The rest of the walls are painted & Tich cream color, its gotie pillars that support the side roofs and es are finished in variegated marole isle. These arches are wrought in scrolls, aa are aldo those that divide the ceiling Into sections corresponding to the piiars. The ruling colors are gold, blue and vermilton, with which are v many other shades iniermixed, #0 as to give a nea and pleasing effect to the eye, without creaung that Impression upon the mind that one sometimes feels in new and modern churches, that the artist or painter bas overdone his part. ‘The church is ughted mainly irom the roof by @ series of small stumea lass Windows. Eight magnificent gas chandeliers lepend from the centre of iho arches between the Bes, and supply ample light to the church at night. Yesterday being the first Sunday In the month, as Weil as the first in Lent, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was adininistered. About 200 persons re- mained after the close of the sermon and com- Muued, Jn consecrating the elements the Rev. Dr. Howland elevated tue chalice as priests do in Catho- lic churcics. At ie name of Jesus ana at every mention of the Trinity the worshippers reverently bowed the head. and during prayers a kneeling pos- ture was assumed more generaily than is done by Congregations of other churcnes and denominations. ‘The Rev. Dr. Forbes, formerly pastor of St. Ann’ chureh, Eighth street mow Roman Catholic), cl the sermon. He will be remembered as javing, with severg! of uis church and congregation, Teltaquished the Frovestant fain and become a Cath. of tie Koman i$ fovlish, be returved to the Protestant Episcopal foid. and yesterday he delivered a dis- course iliustrative of persevering, Victorious faith as drawn irom tie narrative of Jesus’ conversation with the Svro-Phinic woman, a8 recorded in cerdotai robeq. | Wi Matthew xv., 21-28. ‘There are few scenes or inci- dents in the iife of Christ so touching id yet so simple aa thts. But there is one thing to be especially noticed in it, namely, that it is the only iustance in which Christ left his own peo- ple to minister to Gentiles, He haa always main- tained a Jewish dignity aa a preacher sens forin to Jerasaiem. He bad aiso sent forth his discipies two by two to preach to the same people. But when ile had conquered death and was triumpnantly ascend~ ing to;heaven he gave commandment that his {ol- lowers should then go everywhere preaching tne ‘ord. Once tie went as far as Cesarea Puilippi, | the ancient Dan, the extreme border of the Holy Land, and uttered those remarkable words to Peter, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock will | butid my Church,” &c., which the sophiatries and cunniag of desiguing and wicked men have perverted to establish the greatest system of superstitions heresy and fraud that the world bas ever seen, ‘The Doctor upon hie