The New York Herald Newspaper, April 18, 1870, Page 3

RELIGIOUS. Easter Sunday Fervor, Fashions, Deco- rations, Discourses, Manners, Mu- sie, Exhortations and Exotics. “WHEREFORE LET US KEEP. THE FEAST.” Religious Teachings of the Resurrection. The Batteries of the Church and the Battlements of Hell, / Wise and Foolish Virgins in Propria Persons. Plowers of Fancy, Floods of Melody and Floods of Rain. The Central Truth of Christ the Root of the Christian Faith. Discourses on the Resurrection, Redemp- tion, Christian Harmony, Man’s Physi- cal Weakness—Monstrosities in Dress, the Necessities of Christian Ministry and Easter and the Passover. In & meteorological sense yesterday was a poor day for the churches, but still there was no lack of devout worshippers at all the Catholic ana Episcopal temples of worship. The reports which we sub-+ Join teli the story of the magnificent homage paid the day of the Saviour’s resurrection and the breaking. down of the heavy gates that barred man from participation in the glory of the heavenly kingdom. ‘The flora! decorations, the Vocal outpourings m anthems of praise and gladness and the general spiritual joy finding expression in divers ways of jubilant piety, make the great teature of yesterday's reiigious celebration. ST. PATRiCH’S CATHEDRA! The Great Festival of the Resurrection. Notwithstanding the heavily falling mists and threatening indications of a severe storm the strevts leading to St. Patrick’s Cathedral were thronged yesterday by devout worshippers flocking to partici- pate in the grand festival of the resurrection, and ong before the church bells had commenced to sound many of the pews were filled with people, As the hour of half-past ten drew near the vesu- bules of the cathedral became crowded by dense masses, that owed slowly up the alsies and intoevery available spot within the editice until it was packed to its utmost capacity, and scores were compelled to turn away from the blockaded portals and seek @ place of worship elsewhere. As the imposing Easter services of the Koman Catholic Church com- menced the scene froin the organ loit, crowded with singers and musicians, was indescribably impres- Bive. Immediately beneath and extending far to the very altar rail Was the vast congregation, scem- ing like a dark sea ladea with wreatus and bios- soms. Beyond its gently agitated surface there Diazed the splendors of the altar, glorious with the Fadiance of its gorgeous sunburst, its clustered tapers that burned with ail the brililancy of the stars oh nied, ANd its Masses Of passion flowers, Sudden, che organ breathes a long, majesiic strain that swells into a great anthem, and a procession in white and scarlet veacments, bearing a crucifix and tapers, ewerges from the vestry, foliowed by the ec- closiastics in their golden roves. Slowly they ad- vance without the altar rail and march to the front. Of the resplendess aharewhiles rusuing sound, ike the visiag of the sea, comes up from the worshipping cougregaiion, and the services are begun. THE OFFICIATING CLERGY consisted of the Vicar General; Rev, Dr. Starrs, cele- brant; Rev. J. H. McGean, deacon; Rev. J. Kean, sub-deacon; Key. J. Kearney, master of ceremonies, and Rey. L. Jouin, S. J., preacher of the sermon, as- sisted by several seminarians from ‘troy. ‘Their eccte- alastical vestments were of extraorainary magniti- cence, being those obtained by the Archbishop in Rome and probably exceeding in richness al) other priestly robes in America, ‘Their mossy wreatns of gold shone belore tie tabernacle with a radiance scarcely less than that of the great bursting sun of the altar; and as the inspiring music peaied through the lofty arcies, and the smoke of incense rose in ‘the chancel, tie mind soared away to an infinite reali and fancied 1 could a:most caten the strains of the heavenly hosts singing the giory ot the risen Reaeemer. it wouid see almost profane to dissect THE SOLEMN MUSIC of the occasion, for 1t bor: the mortal in its swelling volumes up and away trom ail worldiy thoughts ito lofty admiration of the Creator, and made the catne- gral wails a visible tempie of Gog, ‘The mass per- formed upon the occasion was the composition of the organist, Gustavus Sclimitz, No, 4inG, the Kyrie beginning with a fugue for basso, tenor, alto and so- prano, wih the Gloria Chorus, Gratias Jergecio, for soprano, tenor and bass; ue Tals, chorus anu 80- prano solo, and Cum Saneto, chorus final. The prin Cipal singers were Miss J. Chomi, soprano; Mrs, Werner, tenor; lr. Alvers, and basso Mr. Sahst. Kev. Mr. Jouln preached ap tmpressive sermon ‘apon the resurrection of ihe body, eloquently de- piece ae glory of its tmmortai existence and ex- oriing ihe congregation to lead devout lives and ever bear io mind the precepts and example of ihe Son of God, whose resurreciton trom the grave they so solemnly celebrated. 1t was listened to with the deepest attenuon, and at the conclusion of the ser- Vices the congregation siowly dispersed, leavin many of its number kneeling within the cathedral totally absorbed 1n their Laster worship. CHURCH OF THE DIV.NE PATERNITY, Easter Services and Flora! Decorations—Damp Weather and Consequently No Fashionable Dispiay—Christianity a Fact. ‘The weather of yesterday was but il!y calculated to coax fashionable church goers out of their covey parlors, and as @ sequence, notwithstanding the great importance of the festival which the day com; memorates, there was hardly a pretty hat or feather to be seen throughout the whole spacious edifice which rests with so much architectural majesty and beauty on the corner of Fifth avenue and Forvy- Aith sireet. There was, however, a pretty fair con- gregation, but the appéarance of chings would have ween of a dectdediy lugubrious character, were it not for the elaborate aad exceedingly tasteful manner in whica Mr. Walter Keed threw alt mis abuity and energy as a florist into THE D JON OF THE ALTAR and the spaces around the reading desk, which were literally overcrowded with Jowers ot the choicest and quost luxuriant description. Tae central oral plece ‘oss surmounted by a butterity, © unmortality of tue soul. On ’ sie of the reading desk were the letters mely wrougils i Vari-colored fowers “A” “O") signiving Alpha aud Umega—the be- apa giuuing and ihe 'end, ie musicai exercises were also speciaily inter- esting, the choir consisting of @ quartet and chorus under tue direction of Mr. J. A. Huiden, the organisi. ‘The Jollowing was THE M Overture, “Messiah. L PROGE Introductory Song Began”. Boloyquarter and chorus, d Descended trom Abo § a ihe quartet comprises the names of Miss Mathews, Mrs. Asidorti, Messrs. Kelicy aad Deyo. George W. Wood, the geuuemanly and efficient ‘on ol tae churea, deser mention lor ue man- er in wich he maae arrangements to provide sirangers With good seats durmy Lue service. Kev, Dr Chapin took the text of his _diecourse fro Jou Xx,, 16—"Jeens satth unto her, Mary. Sie turned herself and catia unto him, Rabbont, which js to say, Master.” Tue preacher id that in tne record of the resurrection of Jesus Cnrist there was Not the ieast trace of eXaggeraion—not a sencence of any artificial attempt to deveive or to tntensify facis. TurougiLall (iat transaction of change and excitement of pata, shame, grief and giory, tie record Went on unbroken by any sign ot human acceit of purpose. THE WONDROUS STORY ‘was told with the calm wij sty Of simple fact. Re- ferring specially to the answers of Jesus Christ to Mary te (tie preacher) called the attention ot bis hesrers to their naturainess. Admitung the bare material face ef the crucifixion, It seemed to oun tuai the eenducj, avutuce pod movements of the Gisciples were precisely such as we might expect a@iler such ap occurrence. i hey were siricken With sorrow and dismay; they gathered togetuer im dis- consolate 8, and they taiked as they weat along of ail that bad transpired, boubtiess there was @ peculiarity fu thor condition, ‘ber reat hopes ad been ing ea ge oe ad lont ther great Lord and Master and Hi glorious compantonsiap. i ut novwithstandmy these peculiarities, whien ied that transaction above tae ordinary degree of events, how much there was in it to rivet the experiences of our daily human lives. All the naturainess wich surrounaed it Was appa- rent at # glance, and this naturalness was supported by the jact that the divcipies expected no eartuly return of the living from tue dead, ‘ihe resurreciton ‘Was regarded by teu at free as ONLY AN IDLE 1ALB until it Was ot iast confri.ed lo the groun of dis- ciples by material ana patpaole demounsiration, kus Tiere was stul another aspect in whieh to look at UNS DaLuratness, ‘ihe men among that litte cand of discipies sorrowed a8 men; the women sorrowed as women, with the thought that eomething mignt yet be done for the dead. And so, With tearful eye aud heavy peart but stl With busy Hapas, they employed the few hours of tbe Sabbata lett im preparing spices and ous to anotay the body of the Saviour. The earliest of these women who were A? THE SEPULCERE was Mary Magdaleue, who, waen it was yet dark, caine to that sepuloure, ‘ihe preacher then went on in a forgiwie aud eloquent manner vo further e.aborale and eiicidate bis subject, concluding with a powerful appeal in favor of the autheaticity of ChrisUaUiye After vse services the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was dispeased to uiose who wished to par- lake thereol, CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR. Tho Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Style and MusiceFashion and Flowers= Sermon by the Key. J. M. Pullman, Owing, doubtless, to the inclement condition ot the weather yesterday the attendance at the Church of Our Saviour (Sixin Coversalist), in ruircy-fitn street, near Sixth avenue, was not so large as could be desired, although Unere were some 250 or 400 persons present. The congregation seemed a model one, earnest and cheerful in Christian and natural duty, and altogetuer devoid of cant and fanaticism, It numbers among iis members many solid, sub- Slantial business men of the metropolis, who give to the support of the chureh and God's poor with a most liberal hand, STYLE AND FASHION. A glance at the assemblage told of toilets carefully gotten up. The latest fusulons were there 1: the Jresbest siiks, satius, velvets aud moire antiques. Ample and, we might say, immense chignons, platted and piled up with indetimite care, were to be seen upon every hand, while sparking diamonas aud pear.s, beauiiful praceiets and pina were scat- tered avout here and taere amoung the audicuce with We greatest profusion. THE MUSTO, although devoid O1 wat dperatic style which is always beard in many churcnes oi otter deuotmina- Uons, Was, nevertaciess, tui! Of rich, simple sweet ness. Lf the cavir ot thus little churciis not as highly tained in he art of singing as that of some otuers it certauuly atones tox cis 14 the tact of 1ts contain- img two or three as handsome youug ladies as may be seen 1n a Sabouth day's journey. but & very nouceable feature of the service yesters day was THE BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS, which were in great abundance, very tastefully ar- ranged and filled the room with the richest, sweet- est per.umes imaginavie. Around the top of the pulpit Was twineu a splendid wreath of evergreeus and white lilies, and ia front of it hung suspeudea irom tie Wreath @ beautiful large cross, composed, tor the most part, Of Japonicas and tube roses. ‘Lue marbie fountain, too, Which stood upoa te platforia hear the puipit was literally covered with Howers Oi almost every Colur and description, While around 118 buse was tastefully eacwined several wreachs of exquisite beauty and almost heaventy {ragrauce. SACRAMES? OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. Immediately alter the ,ermon the sacrament of the .ord’s Supper Was partaken of by the members ol the church, Very muci ater the Manner of tue Bapuist persuasion. Six ladies were also bapuzed aud received into the churea the same way as is doue by ihe Methodtsts. THE SERMON, which was preached by tue ev. J. M. Pullman, was fron Joun XX., 29. fe suid that the sabject of tae resurrection of the human body was cue tbat had been discussed for ages, and yet tt is oue upon Which compucatively lew persons were agreed. it Was necessdiy 1M discussINe Wis question that we should lay uside every particie ol prejudice and superstition, aad tisk Upon the suvject quietly and aispassionately, You tus remeuber that tue eveui which Wanspircd 1,500 years ayo, aua which We are this day celepraung, 1s the irst aatimaiion the world ever had of A LI¥8 BAYOND THE GRAVE. For ages and ages previous to that ime men laid their friends and reiwtives always in tue “round without even 80 much as @ Spark of nope that tuere was for them such ® thug as a futue Kuew that death was movitabie; thas when it Stretched OUbIts “brawny band and beckoned them BWey (ue deiuanegewasemexorabie; and they also believed thavouce dead thal was the Jast of them, ‘they did not dream of a resurrection. It is a very common thing to hear persons say that happy, in- Geed, uust Uave been the disciples of Ubrist—tiose who were near Him und could hear the words low irom His biessed ps; for doubis to them upon tne SUBJECT OF A FUTURE KXiS7ENCB Must bave been impossivie. Bub he would assure his hearers (hat we of tue present day nave equally strong proofs o1 @ fuvure exisience as did any of those who lived in Christ’s time aud heard the Gospel preached by His own mouth, He beteved in te resurrection ot Christ, because 1t seewed to hin quite itting that God saould sometines make Mudtiess to fs culldren that there Was such a thing us aiuture existence, ‘The proot Uiat man survives Ube grave 18 twoiold, and twofoid only. We tind in tue resurrection of Christ and In we prowises of God, The speaker conciuaed his remarks by re- viewing af consideravie length the argument of infidels, alter wich tue choir sung— Ail hail the power of Jesus’ name! Lei angeis prostrate fai; Bring ‘orth tue royai diadem And crown Him Lord of all, CHURCH OF THE MzSSIAH, Beautifal Floral Decorations and Splendid Husical Programme—Sermon by Rev. George H. Hepworth r the Life and Teachings of Cirist. Somure ciouds, giving ghastly gloom to earth and sky, a rain delicately fine but subtly penetrative, and @ Wind rampant with rage and hostiie to um- breilas, and very deranging to ladies? skirts in par- ticular and demoralizing to feminine finery m gene- ral—suco a state of allairs which existed ag the church bells rang yesterday inviting to periodical Sabbath worship, and thi Easter Suuday, too, would seem bardly calculated to draw out large copgregations to the various churches, However the weather may have affected the at- vendance at other sacred edifices, it is certain that the Church oféhe Messian, vorner of Park avenue and ‘Thirty-fifth street, bad the same overflowing attendance as usual. It is true that very many of the large and fashionable con- gregalion worshipping here rolled up 1u weir car- riages; but many, as the attendants at chucches in viuen Umes, Cae on foot It tnere was darkn-ss and storm oulside there was brighiness and beauty INSIDé THE CHURC the brightness of iaces radiant with smiles and the beauty of dowers, diffusing @ .giagsome aroma throughout the broadiy spacious mterior—in front of the pulpit, indeed, the profuse Moral display Was @ periect parierre, lowering avove all, with deautuiul aud appropriate symbclic majesty, was a cross wrought of purest white ‘lowers, and at Ms feet, a seeming Horat Oflering to te sovereign cruciix, Were the rarest exotics of the floral king- dom in sinwier crosses, mm vases, in bouquets and Wreaths, ail most elegautly and tastetuily arranged. Over tie puiplt were further vases and wreaths and evergreen festvous aud & floral anchor, and, bighest of wil, standing out irom tue trescued wall in seem- lug vas relief, auocuer Moral cross, enveloped in a wreat below 1b the woros “Carist 13 risea.”” Beautitul tribuves tiese to the memory of Him (ie anniversary of whose resurrection was yesterday celebrated wii joyous and wide- spread jubilee wroughout tae jength and breadth of the Christian world! While tue cougregation is noticiug tWese beautiful flural me- meutoces of the day, Mr. Howe, the organist, 1s play- ing upon the organ with tine power of expression and teeing the voluntary “fhe Heavens are Teil- ing,” forma Hayan’s eaiton.’”? Altogether tbe PROGRAMA OF MUSIC yas most excellent. ‘iat Kastec authem by Mozart, the fall chotr—Mrs. Ficher, soprano; Miss Rusty, i tr, Whituey, tenor; Mr. Shattuck, bass— “Love's Kedeewing Work is bone,’? with » solo by Mrs. Ficher, was wost beanilluliy sung. The gem of all, however, was tie solo trom Handel's “Mes- sian,”? “i Know That My Redeemer Liveti,” as sung by Wie same gifted soprano. Compared with these Italian tri & i raptures raise, Nor uuison have they with our Creator" Suc ling tits was sung “0 Deign to Hear Us? by the ful choi, aud next, but of course with read- lug Scriptures aud prayer intervening, Was @ cul- gregauoual bymiu. At ieagth came HE SERMON, and certainly: one of the most eloquent and tm- pressive delivered oy Rev. George H. Hepworth, the Pastor, Since Ms Connection with tie churca. We Soall only «tlempt to give the merest outline. He anavdaced as his text St. John, xx., 1—"1ne stone taken away from the sepuicire.’’ No one could read the story of the last Week in Christ’s ie Without a feeling oi love (or Christ and revereuce tor is Muster, Jesus Onrist aiways walkea wich fait dn his Ataster. He rose vo ius leet from hus prayer a very God—one ready to Walk tirough the dreary suadoWs o! the vplé and suifer that men might be robber was offered in his stead, and the mob shouted Lhe more, “*Cruciy him |? He carried his own cross and perished on it, Lefore tis he gave nis disci. ples & Commission to preach the gospel throughout ali world and he would to prepare @ place for them. These notes still ring through: out the world, Jesus stauds a3 @ giant among ordinary wen, He stood in an erect wannood as & reformer, see him pointing to the tempie in waich the Seribes and Pharisees “had worsiipped Lor cen- buries, aud saying he would level it to the ground; see him with wiip in band whipping the moue: changers from the temple; see him wiih the sick an maimed; see him 29 all the relations of life—how like a child this giant and yet how sterling and strong in bis mannood, After pursuing we o10- graphical sketeh of Christ frou o1s birtu in te stab.e at bethany to the crucifixion, ae envered upon tie lessons unught by his lie. ‘They never could be too thankinl for this precious history, Its great teachings went with tiem everywhere. Once the scales dropped trom their eyes through bitter tears might tall on their cheeks as plenutui as rai drops on an april day, they woud gee mito the glorious Kingriom of the future world, and feet that a Piace had beew prepared for them there. He thanked God that the future was not dark to bin, gua thus, he urged, it shoud be with everybudy. ‘They ail had to go down mito the dark shadows, but there were augeis there to lead tuem forth into the light of the eternal day. Chanting the Lords Prayer, a congregational hyma and beuedietion terminated tue services. » STLPHENS. CHURCH, An Immense CongregationImpressive Ceres monies, Light and MusiceSermon by the Rev. Dr. MeGlynun, Squally and Juciement as was the weather yester- day and spacious as 1s this magnificent temple, there were mole persons uaabie to gain admi-sion than would have dled any chureh in the city, When the services commenced standing room could not be obtamed and crowds were constantly leaviug the doors. The interior of the edifice preseuted a bril- ant a3 weil asa very mprces ive appearance, In Jact, the spectacie was oi the Lost solemn charac- ter. ‘The altar, which 18a veantuful plece of work- maaship, was handsomely illuminated, while the appropriate surrouudimgs were weil caiculated to iuspire reverence and devotion. There could not have been less than seven thousand persons in the building, and as the mulutude knelt down to pray, amid the grand pedis of the organ, the effect was very tine. veremouies began at half-past ten O'CLOCK bY & procession Lromn Lue Vesu'y aud around Outside We diiar rails, prior to Lue eeiepration of R SULBMN HIGH MASS, The Rev. Dr. Mesweeuy was the celebrant, Rev. Fatuer Gridin deacum and tue Rev, kather tency sub-aeacon, ‘there Was lo atiendauce @ lurge nuin- ber of acolytes and asoistanis, suitably atured, Who Arranged themselves on eller side Of the aliar, and ux part mM tue services With & reverenual Dearing Uiat contrioused vo the tmpressive at the Lerimimation of tie lirst gosp: Glyan preached u sermon on tue resur n Was listened to with aevout atteuuon, He alluaed to Ue great event Which was being celebrated, show- ing that the resurrection of Christ Was the accom- plisument of the redemption of man. Lae mystery Served Not oniy as a Comiirmation of our faith, but likewise as a picdge that We Would vue day arise from tue dead toa Lives OF IMMORTALITY, He referred to ve sincerity displayed by the holy Women, Wo, a8 the Gospel relaced, went on this day vo vistt the sepuichre of Our Lord. Having made @ provision Of Deriumes they rose early in the morn- ing to carry them to tue sepuicare, without reflect- jug on the inconvenience of having none tn their company capadie of rolung away the stove. shey were bot discouraged because Uns difficulty occurred to them, and pursued their journey Wit ab IMPLICIT RELIANCE on Providence. They found the stone removed from the door of the sepulcare, and were assured of carist’s Deiug risea from the dead py ‘the testunony Oi two angels that appeared to taem, and were ordered to give notice therevt to the Aposties, There Was another felp recommenaed in the Gospel, namely that of diligence and indusiry in all the concerns of tue soul, siguiied by tne early rising of the pious women. ‘the reverend geutleman concluded by reierring to whe obugations Mavkind Was under to tae Lord. During the delivery Of tne discourse tuere was @ marked Bluless prevailed, Lotwithstancing the dense crowa inside tue church. ‘The congregauion was a iashion- abie one, altiough the inauspicious character of the Weaiuer debarved anything like a display of the hovelties of spring toilets. THE MUSICAL ARRANGEMENTS under the direction o1 ir. George W. Morgan, the Organist, Were, higaly creaitavle and evidentiy adordea great sitistacuion to the numerons asseu- blage. Although not pretending to be of a very classical character, Millard’s mass in G, the one per- Jormed, was euurely appropriate, from the rather light and joyous naiure of the composition. it was auimirably rendered by the ohoir and brought out to the best advantage. ‘There was un orchestra in attendance, con- sisting of twenty-cight pieces, including some of the best instrumentalists 1a the Philtarmunic So- ciety—a chorus of twenty-four well trained voices, ‘The harp accompaniment, by Mr. Youlmin, was very sweet aud etieciive. ihe double quartet consisted of Mme. De Lussan, Miss E. Batley, Mme. Anschutz, Miss Sut, Signor Lotti, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Wein- lich and Mr. Cauidweii. ‘The solos were, with few exceptlons, executed in a pleasing manuer, but the Shinultaneous efforts of the entire urdists were excel- lent ana deservedly excited much attention. Mr. Miilard couducted, Altogether, the music av st. ste- phen’s yesierday Was lulily up Lo the standard en- Joyed by the choir of the charca aud reflected nota little credit on the atiention and ability of the o1 fhe services did not termiuace unti after one o'clock, the organ and orciestra playing, in su- berb style, Mendelssoun’s grand “Wedding March.’? LEXINGTON AVZNUE M. E. CHURCH. The Resurrection of Christ—Plain Facts Uttered to Plain People in a Pialn Church— The Central Truth of Christianity the Pivot of the Church’s Faith. Christianity, which is Judaism verified, yesterday commemorated its great central truth—namely, the resurrection of Christ—witnout which, a8 @ religious system, it could never have succeeded. Jesus, living or dying, would have made no more impres- sion upon manklud than other good men in all ages of the world; but Christ, risen from the dead, be- comes the first fruits of them that siept. Hence the life and character, the sufferings and death of the Saviour, become to us much more than the mere example of a good man—they are living reali- ties by waich, and by faith m Him, we rise from eartl toward heavew, and, Icaving temporai things, we attain to things eterual, It 18, theretore, proper that Christendom should commemorate this great fact once a year. it was tho event specialty referred to In our city churches yesterday. in Lexington Avenue Methodist Lpt-co- pai church it was the theme of Rev. K. M. stratton’s discourses, morning and eveaing. His moruing text wis I Corinuhians xy., 20. ‘Tue birta, deatb and regurrection of the Lord Jesus Carist are the THREE GRBAT FACTS OF HISTORY, he said. But On this glad day a brighter scene Of glory was dispiayed By the eteruai Word, than when ‘The universe was made. He rises who mankind bas bougat With grief and pain extreme; "Twas great to spewk a world trom nought, ‘iwas greater to redeem. This event was declared in prophecy and by tie Baviour Hinseif, ‘the fact of His death was ever Lefore Him, aud 60 was aiso His resurrection. The acceptance Of this fact leads to the belief that He lived and that ite was buried. Both events were poo. Multitudes of men knew them as facis; us, hOCWithstanding this, there are yet many Wid assert that tue Cause Of our rejoicing is nos 1ounded intrath, Tuey, nevertheless, acknowleage the lact ot an empty tomo; but tuey account for tt py say- ing that cis discipies stole Him away. But it was Impossible thaceieven men, timid as they proved themseives to ve, should undertake the perilous task of svealing ilis body from a Lomo guarded by sixty soldiers and sealed with the Governor's seal. Moreover, 1: was the season o1 the full moon, tie tomb was within the walls of Jerusalem, und it was the time of thie Passover, when the city was tull 0; people; and besides that they could not have rolled uway tne stone without awaking the guard. ‘This has always seemed to, ine preacuer to ve THE WEAKEST LAB that ever was invented, and yet it has numerous be- lievers. Admitting tiat the dtsctpies were incimed to steal the dody o; weir Master, 10 Will beapparent that they could nut have done 1 secretly, uuder the aiiendant circumstances, it 1s something e<travr- dinary that sixty men should all tali asiecp at tne game moment and remain asieep unth this theft had been decomplisued, and then sould be abie to de- clare that its disciples were the thieves. ‘iney knew that death was the punishment for being found asleep on post, and it Was uot at all likely that they would incur the pewaiy and atterward ac- Knowledge to tt, und especially uader conditions of 80 great anAtety as chen prevailed. ‘the same argu ments aguinot Us fact are presented co-day, alter the iapse of nearly nineteen hundred years, but the rock of our enemies 19 not as our Kock, themsel)es being the judges, Down through the thropping gen- erations Of men las come thls biessed assurauce of ie Mas Lam tue resurrection and the ite. [tuts the grandest truth in history—ve pivot upon which ail our Lopes revolve, the anchor to witich we chug. Let our hearts therejore rejoice and be glad, Lift your glad voices in triumph on hig’ Fors ath risen, and man #hall not die; Vain were the terrors that gather'd around him, And short the dotinioa of death and the grave He burst from the fetters of darkness that bouud tim, Kesplendeni in glory, to live andto save. Loud was the chorus of angels on high— ‘The Saviour hath risen, and man shaii not die. Glory to God fn fuil anthems of joy, The being he gave us deata caunot destroy ; Sad were the [116 we may part wita to-morrow, If toars were oar birturight and death were onr end; Bui Jesus bath cued the dark valley of sorrow, And bade us Inimortal to heaven wacend, List, then, your voices In triumph oa hixh, Yor Jesus hath risen, and man shail not dle, Lexington avenue Methodist Episcopal church 13 happy. ‘tae mod outside calied out ivr vloud, Ala plain brick edillce, sanding on Lie coraer of Filty- afeeuug virapture. The mind oi tae alten will re- vert to the oid jand; te may beur in his soula filial jove sor the scenes of “his buyhvod, and may have sworn to siike a plow against the fen $ ings Whet vis appetiic for Jreedow tie more, and teach him ou the day of nafonal janiiee to adore NEW YORK HERALD, -MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1870.—TRIPLE SHEET. 3 second strect, [tis attended by plain people, and but few of Wem If yeswrday’s congregation a mdex. but as there ts another Metnodist Episcopal churen withta two Diocks east of it, and several within a circuit of balla mie, tt provaviy suners by semova.s or Hon-ablendance of its own memver- siip. The chured consists of an audience room, wit it galleries (save one for the organ), and capa- ble of seating avout eight hundred persons. ‘There 13 & very “ood Sabvoth School sustained in the base- ment of the church, ‘The choir 1s equal to the aves age of Methodist church choirs, The preacher is a young man, apparenuy in earnest, bat without aoy Marked or peculiar traits of style or pulpit oratory, ‘The seats oi the courea are free to all, which fact may 1 some degree account for the absence of wealthy or fashionable people tneretrom, The re. suits of the resurrection of Chitst was the subjer of Mr. Stratwn’s evening discourse, which was also silly aitended, owing tO the rain, combined with other causes. The church is comparatively new, but 18 well located for the purpose of secugng & good congregation when that part of the city salt become more thickly nbapited, ST. JSSEPH?S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. Gladsome Celebration of Easter Day—Superb MusicmEloquent Sermon by Rev, Father Clancy. On yesierday this elegant church, which 1s sit- uated on the corner of Sixth avenue and West Washingion place, was tastefully decorated on the occasion of the Haster celebration, A rich musical feast wus accorded the congregation m Paolo Georza’s grand high mass, which Was tincly rendered by the cholr—Rev. Father Thomas Varreil, the pastor of the church, acling as celebrant; Kev. Fa- «ver Clancy as deacon, and Rey. Father Duypiy as sub-deacon, ‘This mass is a work of much merit and affords scope to the exercise of the lighest talent. The Cuom, Mr. A. ©. Martinez gave the organ accompantment, with Madam Anna V, Martinez as soprano, Mrs, Mi. Kennedy contralto, Herr ©. Hubner tenor and Pro- fessor C. Hamer as basso, The regular choir were ably assisted by the sweet and well wwamed voices of Mrs. Kome, M Moren, Miss Kate Ennts, Miss Keating and several other volunteer artistes, As s00n 45 the notes of the due organ fell on the ear the iull choirtook up the Ayrie Bleison, which they had evidently revearsed wita much care. The music rose and surged aud sank like asea of living melody, rivetting the attention of those ieast allve to the Infuences of sweet strains. Among the solos of this Works deserving especial uotice are tue Laudamus, whien Was weil execaied by Protessor Halmer, and tue d/we Deus, Whose soul reaching and sadiy sweet suraius were givea by Madame Martine, with the Warmth and graceiul finish of a thorouga arust. THE WORSHIPPERS, ‘The forbidding appearance of the weather did not tell Of Che alveuvance ao this church. Tbe congre- gation had evidently come impressed with tue bevel taat to Worsulp tie Almighty op the Sabbath day 1s @ bifding duty which no whun or trivial excuse can set usiae, Tho arrangements for members of tae Charen and occasional Visitors approaca as near perieetion a3 the most fastidious could desire. ‘The earnestness and Well direcved zeal of the pastor, Rey. Father Farrel, are spoken of in the higaest terms vy tle congrezauon. Tue cour ensemole of the chureb, When tLed on such @ festival ts unique and strigiog, and a stranger entering during sucu a ebrauivn as that of yesterday will involuntarily murmur Witin Mis InMost soul “This 1s surely the Mouse of Goa" \o atcempt at gaudy display was visib.e, but an dea Wiican the casual Observer could easly grasp seemed to engross the souls a1 the wor- slippers. THE SERMON. ‘The Rev. Father Clancy preached the sermon on the festival o1 the day, taking his text from the Gos- pel of St. Mark, XVL, 6—~"tAnd He said unto them be not afirighted. Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified; He 18 risev, lie 18 not bere; behold tue place woere they laid tim."’ The reverend preacher gave @ grapuic account or the death of Carist and the cireumstancefatiending His resurrection in ao brief und pointed @iscourse. He said tae sole aim oj man on earth Is the pursuit of happiness, and the one fatal misiake Which brings griet to the heart of erring humanity i8 tuite that happimess 13 souguiin huattug ater pleasures which religion and right reason tell us can bring but the cup of grief and bitterness, Men aim for fortune at ‘THE GAMBLING TABLE, and wanton violence and aching heads speak the re- suitin trumpet toues, and men attain tortune by crossing the bounds which separate Justice from honesty, aud the result is scarcely less desirabie, Ou this s1G@ Lue grave pertection caunot be atcainea, aud the most that the precepts of religion demand 43 hac We strive to avoid evil and vial we effect some reai good. The spirit of the Cuurch to-day ts that of rejoicing, and the mind of the Christian, sub- dued by the fasts and morafications of the Lenten season, 18 directed heavenward. From the dave of the resurrection of Christ the Church opened its batteries ou the world, aad in & war of love and godlike charity tusttiled tie strict Gospel principles into ite heathen mind. We celeorate this day with @ feeling of pride and exuitanon, as great nations ceicbrate the day on which freedom dawned on them. THE CIIZENS OF THIS REPUBLIC annually celebrate the day of the Declaration of In- depenttence, aud the resiueut of these States, be he mative of the solu or an emigrant from @ less Vored.clime, jolns 1m the general euthustasm wit, Lat Grove Lim theace; but these deep fecl- ire.dowm erect in her majesty, wiulé is heartstrings twine around THR ENTHRALLED GODDESS, whose sufferings form a part of nis lite. Onaday of national rejuictug We 100k into the record of & people's troubles aud jeara their hisiory. On this day let us remember the turtavils of tie early days of the Church, and learn from her history the true course to that lasting Happiness Wiilca such continu. ally sigh for. CHURCH. ae Service and an Admirable Dise course. ‘This venerable edifice was filled to overflowing yesterday morning in anticipation of the unusually interesting service prepared to commemorate the fivst resurrection, Easter has ever been regarded as a feast demanding the profoundest homage by the congregation of st. John’s chureci, aud, in view of the extraordinary attractions provided for celebrat- ing this greatest of ali days in the Christian calen- dar, the regular attendfmce was increased by lang accessions irom abroad. Long before the com- mencement of divine servi could be obtained im any part of the buiid- ing. Standing room im the nave was sougat for with eagerness, ana the galeries devo! strangers were avatled of to theic utmost capacity, Punctuaily at hatt-past ten the organ pealed forth its opeuing voluntary; and immediately after the fail chotr, chanting a grand processional, moved soiemnly into the chancel, ‘The scene at this moment was truly sublime, The air was tremulous with straius of thanksgiving, @ profound expression of religious awe was observable upon the counte- nantes of all present; and, asthe minisier recited the confession, no accessory Was wanting for an ime preasive opservance of Haster Sunday. FLORAL OF PERLNGS aecorated the sanctuary. A cross, formed of jupomiecas and tube roses, relieved vy fern and ivy, was erected above the conimuntion table. ‘tne bap. usmad font Was wreathed with ihe choicest exotics, and every sense Was gralilied by what il saw, ueard and feit, ‘The morning service concluded, Rev. S. H. Weston ascended the pulpit aud preached A AN ADMIRABLY SERMON, He took bis text from f. Corinthians xv., 12~ “St 13 SOWD 1D Weakness, It 18 raised in power.” He dweit upon the weakness Of inan’s physical nature. Christ, durmg tie greater pars of his life, sudered toe infirmuties common to all men. ‘Tiirs it were spent in the toll rendered nece lowly origin, Want ana penury did thei ‘work in preventing that development which, by the tue closiig scene situated sufere ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL A Splendid Scarcely a seat of the sacuiues ower of the Holy Ghost, filusirat of His passion. Ail men thus in the same inunner from the jufluence Of t itwere hard to teh how many “village Hampoens” went to the grave who would lave been micliectau! Litaos if their talents iad not oeen clouded by the surround. ings of Obscure birth. There was so latch to labor for, to procure the means of liviag, Uiat bread, not culture, Was the first and Mount Consideration; So that intellectual distinction was topossible to those so situated. Chere was ittile time lefs for re- Jaxation, and the study necded to educate the mind Was veglected. Millions of men wio tolled tot bread Were no beter than Wie beust# that pers: Their LAWEUL ASPIRATIONS strangled ia infancy, baving no opportunity revca the great goal. God's truths were vo ve In the fatnre Life ed BLGANADIE EX- ap. by Siow degrees. The mind was the siav@or the body; but after the infirmities of this ive were iost in glorious resurrecuon the mimd wold grasp the Miysu 6 Of truta, jor tuere Would no longer be any material Wants to be sausied, ‘The Lamb himself would feed his peuple, ‘ihere was a bondage all through life caused by the fear of death. Mona tried to combat the great enemy, but at lasi deat would be the conqueror, INVPLLECTUAL VOWER was never cailed fully taco ptay in this life, and it needed we inspiration of Bis divine mission to enavie the Master to rise superior to tie toll couse- quent upon bis nuMbie DiTt, Sin should ve over come tuay the murat iucuities may Lave play. i soited With Indulgence; the inveliect would become impaired, for a sanctiNed life was the true school wiere knowledge Could be cultivated. Tuere were nusserous pagans dwuagaisbed in art, Loe Bod kiadred = endowments, bat wie could tell how much greaier Socrates, Plato er Coufagus might nave been had he been @ Cnriatian? Christ was the hght of the world, and througa Him alone could man’s wind atiain ts proper de- velopment, W future was be‘ore them wno ao. cepted and practiced the teachings of the gospel! We ask are tae planet® inuabited? Do they need a ke- deeiner? Soon we shall be able to auswer, for at the best a few years will settie we question for Us ail, ihe reverend speaker concluded his eloquent dis- course with, A POWERFUL APPRAL, urging that as Christ’s fleshly nature gave way to Spiritual pertection so woula man’s ignorance be re- placed beyond the grave by mtellectual perieccon, Man Was “sown in Weakness; he would be “raised im power? i ‘the Sunday school anniversary of St. Jotn's chureh was celevraied at three P.M. by a proces: S100 OF the clildren, ‘They entered the caurch pre- ceded by the Kev, Morgan Dix, Dr, Weston and the assistant pastors, Kev. Messrs. Wiswai aud Covke, BEAUTIFUL BANNERS Were borne by the several classes, displaying the names and emblems of the Aposdes. = Dr. Dix delivered ati lipressive address to his youthful audt- ence, and at 16s Conciuston a grand recesstonal cio- rale Was sung by the scholars as they Bled slowly down the nave. LYRIC HALL SERVICES. General Denurciation of Everybody and Everything—Sermon by Rev. O. B, Frothe ham, Service was held in this edi yesterday morn ing, When the Rev. O. B. Frovuiagtat teld forta to a goodly throng of iis disciples, The preacher said that tis was Resurrection Day, tae spring-ude of the Christian as well as the spring lide of the hus- bandmian, Resurrection was supposed to give per- sonal immortality ta another state of existeace, 'Puis Was the best religion, lor the Jews were always hoping {gr the new heaven to come oa the earth, Nearly all classes hoped for a better state of things inthe future ta all circles aud in all taings, Mau, When actuated vy feelings which miitiate agaist the world, 13 on the roud \v Mmamortality, aud bis re- Surrection 18 1m one sense accomplished. Some mena—nay, almost all meu—hold selfisa views In re- lation to imimgrtality and resurrection, as a it was their inalienable right yal they had a right w go there, and that they would go there uo imatter What Was tieir condition and siate in lie, It was only the over day ina’ a poor wretch, iinbrued mm “the biood ol one vf bis ellow men, Who regarded not life, aud Who sitot another poor ita Wit HO more CoupuaL- tion than he woud have siot a deer, Went oul to be executed, and as be went by the cells he shook hanus with agotier, aud they botu satd they would Test in tae bosom of their God. Piiuk not of tae caricature of tins, but of tue Dlaspheiy, IMMORTALITY WAS TAKEN VOR GRANTED by man, Waeiher he was prepared fori or not. He did nol DeLee IN body resurrection, La Uae urtho- sense, but he pelleved in thelr bodies belag traustigur Man was nob the elevated and pure bemng which his Creator intended fe should be, bub he followed the bent of bis ine!imations and wan- dered on biiadty, hoping for the Livine teaching aud for unmoriaity. ‘ae yous mostly Worsilppea were the gous of jashion, drink and depauca L00K at that girl, with that nice and fasitoiuable walk, with & mast of faise bufr, and, looking upon her face, you see tuat it is ’ patnied. ou can tell tinmediately that se nas no real and righteous craving for everything that is just, precious and elevating, Was tnat ine temple, then, Unt God had chosen for the dwelling of 113 spirit? [ts present siaie was atiributapie to te being. Many things ought to be changed, Drink suouid not be ailowed Lo Wake Meu beasts and mur derers of themseives, for a druukard was Lo maa or creature, ‘Lhe press, if tings were changed, would nol be allowed to tusuit people and covpora- tons and everytuing wilh their bod Caluuiuy aud unceasing asplralious. Lhe sweetness aad biessed- noss of THE MARRIAGE RELATION should be considered with & view to its better de- velopment; husband and wife should nt be jealous: oft each other, and each should dave ili priviie aud right to property to use aud eujoy se that the marnage bond sidil oe her Gond, alu not a legat one; $0 that man and Woman sivuid be bound wo- getuer by their hopes and aifecuons. These were tne conditious upon wilca bappy aud neaitutul mar- riages Could bo consummated, Marriage shoud noc ve the result of mere Whi, ldpuise or Caprice, but be tne result of thought and couscience. ‘Then a seatiment of loving Kindness wail pervade the com- munity, a low state of murals would be cuecsed, aud the cuttdren would be reared in acradie of purny and truth, charity and respectability, » BRIDGES CHURCH. Imposing Easter Services=Hande?s Muss SolenucllomSermon on the Resurrection Lessou Deducted, Easter Sunday brought to St. Bridget’s church an unusua'ly large congregation, and seidom on such @ lowering moruing does church-gomg huwanity leave the pleasures of tiis day of rest to aitend in 80 great nambera to its religious duties. The beautl- fully decorated ediilce was crowded to excess to listen to the superb music, wich aloue could ele- vate the minds of the most cullens and inspire a deeply reverential feeling, commited with one @: the purest inteliectuai delight. The deep inconed service for the day,was very impressive, and the splequidly Uluminated altar shed a halo of subdued light throughout the building. Rossini's MASS SOLENNELLE was pilaygd, for the first time tp chorus tm this country, by Grafulla’s band of sixteen performers and a voluntary choir of forty voices, ‘Tne orzanist, Professor Harley, from Loudon, swept over tue keys of the magnificent organ with a master’s touch, now fillmg the eatfics with flood of sweet im pressive melody, and then melodious chords seemed to reverberate with an almost supernatural grau- deur, Tila mass, as performed yesterday, is cer- tuuiy one of the iinest efforts of cathedrai music ever performed, ana the lover of grat noble strains would be filied with an exquisite d light, ‘Tiis quart 88 Annie Wauy! soprano; Miss Annie Gegan, alto; Mr. E. Emeimann, tenor, and Mr, A. Exkarn, bass. have arrived at much ex- celle! and their cultivated voices are not mfertor to those Of any in tie © ‘The organist played Handel's ‘fuiletujau’? offertory with spirtt and power. The sermon by Father J, P. Mooney was, of course, appropriate vo We day, and his impres- sive Gelivegy and foretvie, convincing logic made ii deeply edif}ing. The reverend tleman took Lov tue subject Of Bis discourse the twenueth chapcer of St Jou, which treats of THE LBSURRECTION and manifestation of Clinst to fis disctples. in opentug bis discourse be remarked Uiat on Chis day aunrilt of holy joy tls the heart of Christendom from the iuct taaé the greatest und mest giorlous of God's irysteriés 14 Coulmeworated—the resurection ot the ctucifica Saviour. It 18, he said, bat some few weeks ago when our holy mother, the Charch, was beard, in the words of the propuet Joel, crying out, “Hiow ye the trumpet of Zion; sound an atarm in My holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the earth trembie, because tae day of the Son cometh, Decause i 13 nigh al baud, aad rend your hearts and nol your garments, and wuru to the Lord your God.” On that occasion the Church aroused her; bec children, the monarch, peasant, scholar and the iilterave, whispering to ‘hein this salutory admonition, “Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return.” She covered them with asues dnd clothed thein with sackcioub, enjoining on them to FAST AND PRAY, that the mercy of God might come upon them. She then led them tu the garden Gechseimane to witness tue frst agony of the Saviour, Again she brought ber cuslaren trom thence through the sireets of Jerusa- Jem, parpled with the bloom of summer. she brought them to Calvary’s Moubt ty witness the Saviouis death, and then sue cried out, in the words of the prophet, “0 all ye who pass by the way, wit- hess aud seo If there ‘the gricl and sorrow is like unto my sorrow.” To-day she brings us to tle sepulcare, where angeis are wailing to tell the Holy. Mother and the disciples that He is risen in glorious triumph from the dead, the divine victor of sin and deaib, Let us ARISE WITH HIM from the death of sin, and He will share with us the glorious trimaphs of His resurrection trou (he grave, waich forms the great testival aud exaltauon of the Church of God on this day. ‘Cho sermon ciosed with geverdl exhoriations to seck tue Saviour apd lo @rise irom tue grave of sin vo the giorious resurvegtion of rignteousuess, EGLISE DU ST. ESPRIT. First Communion Services and Sermon by Kev. Dr. Verren on Baptisn One of the most cosey and atiracit arches in tuis city, as far as the interior is concerned, 1a We ¥reuch Protestant Jhurch of the Hoiy Ghost, or Egiise du St. Esprit. But, unfortunately, its regular cougregation ts exceedingly small, and the number of persons present ou Sundays does not, a3 a rule, average over one hundred. THE SERVICES yesterday Were of tie usual order, With the excep. tion of the ceremony of the “frst communion” of some sixteen young ladies, who were all attired in white. Zhe sermon was preached by the pastor, the Key, Dr. Verren, 1.6 spoke of “Baptism,” and wok occasion, ti dilating upon the efficacy and great grace derived frou to by all towhom it had been administered, to exmort Ue young vatecuumens present Lever to euily tueir Laptismual roves by aught that could give offence to God. Baptism, ne said, Was aa all-essentiat bing, in fact i INDISPENSAULE 70 SALVATION, for withont it, he coutenaed, no soui could entor ueaven. There Was, (i Was “rue, No particular virtue in the Water Which Was used in tne administration Of bue sacramenh 1b Was OUly @ Visible sign, a sy uu ne- an. dol, and nothing more. Baptism was the rator oy which ‘be sul, burdened with origt) WW Ale, as Lt Were, Into & Lew belag, and Fens veaul‘ul any attracuve in the signt of Almighty God. Itseeined, indeed, & hard theory, or rather belief, toat Little children who died befure being bap- tised sould be deprived of the delights of heaven. Puey were vot respousivie for comiug invo the world in a state of original sin; OUL It Was contended that they did Nor GO TO HEAVEN, and the charitabie vellef of some Caristians was that Weir souls Went Lo @ pace Which Was uelther heaven or Leila sort of middie piace, partaking neither of the exceeding happiness of the one nor the Lerrtv.e torments of the other. What an inesamagle Dlesstig 1 was, therefore, ior those Who had been Cunate as lo Lave been born Within the pale of Cartsuauity, aod to have Leen ushered Into ail Ite graces bY means of baptisal Lae parents of the young ladies aad euen present who were about Lo partake of the communion for the frst tae NO GoUdL LOW iooKed back With joy aud gratl- tude to God to the une whea thelr Lite ones re- ceived bapusm, and tuus tooc tue first step inte Chiwshanity which made thew prepared to follow 1S Leacitugs WILD UncLOL cud ooser ve ALS HOLY LAW Wiih reverence abd awe. ‘ney cuemscives col noW apprec.ate Wow much they nad been favored, bow good God had been Lo thea, and what @ terri vie Unug 16 Would Rave becu jad they DIED WHEY YOUN befure they had been vapiized. ive vows made at bapt sin by the sponsors Were Not were formalities, aud Ww Was the cuilo’s bouaden duty, wuen i had come wW the age of reasvu, lo Wake Liose vows good, LO fmilli WO Lue best Of lis power, Win tbe grace of Christ, all ual his sponsors bad promised Wien he Was Wade Lo spear, We sould do, These vows the Young iadies and gentieued Gad renewed. aud by them they bad delermiued to fisht the good gue of the Lord througa tue, aod never to fuer by ice wayside or to urn back frum Uke narrow path, waicn is a bard one, but the ouly one Whee jeads ly sulvalion. lue pastor then, after an earnest exhortation to the cuceciuinens, aduinisiered tue commanion, ERLE MULGODIST CHURCH. Dedication of the Church in Forty-cighth Street—The Religious Aristocravy of the resent Day. ‘The building known as Baker's church, tn Forty. elgath street, between Eighth and Nisth avenues, having lately been purchased oy the community of Free Methodists, their religious services were indus gurated yesveFday for the List ume. o congrega- tion was numerous, and the dedication sermon wast delivered by the Key, B. T, Koberis, of Rochester, N.Y. Une doctrine adopted by tae Free Methodtats is simple in the e: They do not tolerate apy suow or display, either in refereuce to their reitgioud services or their social life, ‘The present discipline was adopted at a convention of ministers and lay- men held at Pekin, Niagara county, N. Y., in the fail of 1869, Since then the growl of the commu- bity has been very rapid, and the oficial returns tor 1863 show that there were four couierences, 100 stationed preachers, 5,719 meuibders, and church property estimated at $146,500, The first Free Meth: odist church was organized ta St. Louis, and, al- thoug It Was thea @ slaveholding city, Che memm- bets openly Opposed Lie deadug ta and the holding Of Biaves. ‘ NON-SLAVEHOLDING was @ test of membersity, ‘The service coummeuced by singing tie 460th hymn, Alter which the Kev. B. ‘I. Koberts read the dowd Psalm and chapter seven of the Gospel of St. Mat- thew. ‘aking his text from tue Acts of Lhe Apos- tes, XXVIL, 22—"Hut we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest; for ag concerpiug Luis sect We know that every where 1. 1s spokeu against"—tae reverend weacher delivered an avie aud lnpressive address. ne Apostic iaul was then creating a great sensa- tion, and it was therefore that the chiets of the Jews appealed to hint iu that cordial and irank mauper to learo more apout the new doctrine thas he preached, Many comments were paturaily made on the new sect, and they wisved for tuformation in order to judge Of Its merits lor themseives, ages altference of opinion in respect to religion haw ever been subject to persecution. in fact, no better Ulusiration cao be given than the Ite of Christ, wha Olmsell Was persecuted Wate death, that through Hot biood mau migut be saved. No nian can be saved until Ne tits passed through & cErtain ordeal. Christautty was but 4 new sect, and ten followed Protestantism, both of which aad oeen severely per- sectited in turn. One Of the principal features of the Free Methodist doctrine 1s the pertecr equatity of alt men. Wealta or Wordly postivn induces wo distinc. tion, and members of ail classes are admitved without any reiereace to ihe rank they boid in society. THE RELIGIOUS ARISTOCRACY that was at present being fostered; at many fashion- apie places of Worship tn (iis count. y, aud especiahy th tals cicy, 18 quite Contrary to Wwe Lrue spirit of re- © sule of pews or seals ts a question uid be energetucally tougut against, Could It possibly be righu ual aDy poor person should be scluded from aviead! .g public worship merely be- cause he cannot aiford to pay for tls seaty Known that tue possession of worully riches more detrimental than otherwise to the saivation of mankind. In order to secure the love of God it iw necessary Lo renounce all pleasures of the world. in tace of religion ail men were equal. ‘The Free Metho- dists work on tis principic, aad invice all, wihons any distinction, to meet inem. They protest agatned the theory of religious aristocracy and forbid its being ooserved ta reference to their meetings. The seats tn taeir chures were all iree and open to all, Voiltics aise are now brought to bear too imuch upon the Churca of the preseut day; in fact, poit- Uciaas eVen monopolize religion. Afier the couciusion of the sermon was delivered by the Ki t It 16 hort addres ‘ould, of Bing- acon, In Which he alluded to tie cost of the new i churen—$17,000—and caied upon tae mewbers to contribute their share towards defraying Uie same, Supseriptions were tien invited, which resulted im asain total of $2,000 being given by thove present. Services were subsequently coudueted by the Kew. Wilhom Goud, at three o’¢lock i’. M., and im the evening, at hail-past seven o’viock, by the Kev. B. T. Ropers. The thanks of the commuutty of Free Methodists v. Willan are due to Mr. Joseph Mackey for the liberel spirit dispiayed by him iu ref tueir general interests. srence to the promotion of BEREAN BAPTST CHURCH. The Moral Records of Life=Scrmon by the Rev. P. L. Davies. Tae Baptsis, pay little atrention to Baster, lees perhaps than any Other deuomination of Chriss tians, and this was noticeable at the Berean Baptist cuurch yesterday, the services differing in no respect irom those common to any other Saboatn inthe year, Inthe morning, at half-past ten, after the customary preiimunary exercises, and 4 prayer by the Rev, Dr. Dodd, the pastor, Rev. PL L. Davies, recently cailed the churen from Camden, New Jersey, announced as tue text of his sermon the twenty-secona verse of tue niusteenth chapter of the Gospel according to Si Jolin, as fotliows:—“Pilate anawered, ‘What I have written 1 have written.’’’ Commencing his discourse, the reverend gentleman said that the writing referred to in the verse quoted was a super- scription witch, according to the superstition of the Jews, had veen natied to the cross of Jesus. It had been written by Pilate in a spirit of mockery, but wheu tue chief priests tried w get him to alter tt ne was angered by thetr constant efforts to control hin and determined to show them he woald regard their wishes no louger, he said firmly, “What | gave written 1 have written.” ‘this resoiuuion of Pilate may be taken as tlastiative of the unchangeabieness of the moral record of human tie. ‘ihe preacher continued, tuat he designed iuvestigatiag Orst THE MORAL SIGNIFICANCE of the superscription, Tas short sentence had a rave signiticance, Withone daring stroke of ble pen he had uncovered his heart. [1 suggested his opinion of the sublimest of characters tne world But he did not understand Carist's real position; wat he wrote was phemy. After giving Jesus decided that be could find and said ne would chastise LH jand let him go, But because he said he would let Jesus go tue citef pries’s accused tim of treason to Cresar. Hany tad been brought beture Pilate before, never any lke Christ, Who Was a perfect man, O7 this embodiment of perfection Pilate said, “I wild cuasiise Hin’’—chastise Him before whom angels how! As [he sentence dropped from his lips every ange] ju heaven must dave iooked down In astonish. Cat the presumption of insigaificaot, sinrai All these taimgs are 8 Pilate to ever saw. vias realy Pilate a trial no gut in Him, but and ui man. a recorded. What ao had, and now near he came to v the real truth | He stood nearer the truth than ever before, aud yet ne was so Write iu jest, in MISERABLE BURLESQUE, which will be as immortal a trata itself, “Jesus, King of the Jews.” instead of “Jesus, son ‘of Goa.” Pilave was in a terrivie dilemma, He vactilated pe- tween two options, Vanity and @ sense Jear said, coudema hin; aly copvicuops said, let him go. Pilate’s. mind wis fae atena of a au dous confict. One stroke of its pen would de whether his name should be nanded down honol or disgraced. ‘Thus 18 notconfived to Pilate alone. Tels applicaole to a8 au, as it is a represen(auve Case, ‘THis is & UNIVeroul conflict He allowed tue chief priests to determine bin against ious, but at iast be repeded with disdain those false masters, and he suid, “What L have written £ have written; he would not be dictated to any more, ‘his is @ self-recording universe m which we live, ‘The rolimg rock eaves its mark upon tke Mountatn, the river (races its course upon wae sands and tae fern leaf tmprinis useif upon ine coal. So with Iman; the thoughts which pass througe his mind, the €iuotivus by Which he is swayed, record themselves iu the luce. Every nis ousy every day writing Upon ihe tablets of His heart. it stands as ag ever. lasting record, aud Waat 1s (rae of the one man ts true Of aii men, inalages, mevery part of the world, What you have writica May not de found aione upou your own person, but also upon those With Wuom you come ta contact. GOD HAS WRITTI as Clearly, as truly and as decidedly in the book of avure as of cevelaon, Tlua syggeate surve things, e blind as wo OF slavish his opia-