The New York Herald Newspaper, February 10, 1873, Page 4

4 SERMONS AND SERVICES Religious Offerings and Teachings in the Churches Yesterday, LIBERALISM IN LIFE. "Frothingham on Seeking, Speaking and Living the Truth. “‘WORK-DAY CHRISTIANITY. Faith and Imagination Compared i by Dr. Armitage. ‘GOD'S DISTRIBUTION OF GRACES. ‘Dr. Tyng Discourses on the Old Testament’s Trees. ‘Father Mooney’s Tribute to the Late Very Reverend Vicar General. ‘Beecher on the Battle of the Conscience with Good and Bad. Father Kiely on St. Paul as an Eleventh Hour Apostle. THE CROSS OF CHRIST. The churches yesterday were densely crowded gn all parts of the city, and unusually impressive ‘permons were preached, as will appear by the fol- owing digests of the utterances from the leading jpulpits. The services at St. Patrick’s cathedral— jwhich are just now of a specially sad and jinteresting nature—are described in another ‘column devoted to the theme which is now jthe Only one in the minds of religious people in ‘this city, the sudden demise of a much loved and ‘faithful priest, whose body 1s lying in state to be ‘viewed by thousands of those over whom he was &piritual shepherd, f Piety seems sometimes to be governed by moods, ‘ana yesterday was one of its fervent seasons, judg: ing from the tenor of the reports which follow. CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH. The Liberal Church”—Sermon by the Rev. Henry Powers. The Church of the Messiab, Park avenue and Thirty-fourth street, notwithstanding the disagrec- ably cold and raw atmoshere, was quite well filled yesterday morning with an intelligent congrega- tion. The subject selected by the pastor for con- sideration was “The Liberal Church,” and the text, Matthew xiv., 16—“But Jesus said unto them, ‘They need not depart; give ye them to eat.”’ It is, my friends, Mr. Powers began,no part of my present purpose to enter intoa critical examina- tion of the terms in which this miracle, so-called, of feeding five thousand and more with but five loaves and two fishes is given by the four Evan- gelists. So far as the objects of this discourse are concerned, it is immaterial whether the story from which the text is taken be understood by us as a matter of fact and literal account of a transaction which took place just as it ds told us in every respect, or whether it isa nar- rative ‘founded on fact,” the relation of a remark- able incident in the life of Jesus Christ, which at- tracted the wondering attention of His disciples and companions all, that It was recounted by them again and again, but always, as it is natural in such circumstances, with some unconscious changes and additions in detail and coloring, until, APTER SOME FORTY YEARS or more had elapsed from the time of its occur- rence, it was written out and so fixed forever and saved from all further transformation, and handed down to us in the shape in which we now have it, For, admit if you please, that that story is in form mythological, its substance is genuine neverthe- less, and what of it, therefore, remains, after its drapery has been wholly removed, is worthy our profoundest attention, Doubtless it is true, just as itis here asserted, that Jesus, when he came out of the boat, saw the multitude and was moved with compassion towards them, be- cause they were as sheep without a shepherd; that in the greatness of His compassion, unmind- ful of His own exhaustion and that of His disciples, and disregarding the scifish and earthly motives which had drawn these people together, golng up into a mountain, He sat dewn with His discipies and taught them many things about the kingdom of God and healed such as had need of healing; and that, finally, in order that His ministry unto them might be entire—that it might reach and sat- isfy their every want of body and mind and heart— after He had thus fed them with THE BREAD OF LIFE, and when in that desert place the day was far spent, and there was nothing to eat, He directed His disciples to distribute among them of their little store of foed as much as they desired. And, lo! to the astonishment of all, this wonder was somehow performed. They did eat and were satisfied, and some of the food remained. And the muititude,when they saw this miracle, said :—“This 1s of a truth the prophet who was te come unto the world.” This Mmiracle—what was it and how was it performed? A miracle 1s an unusual, an exceptional and so an astonishing occurrence in one or more respects. The ge as What mote this tremsaation miraculous wed the extraordinary effect that was produced by apparentiy so little cause—the feedin; of s@® many persons with #0 little material food, Dut are we sure that it was the tive loaves and two | dishes apy that satisfied the hunger of these souls? jam liveth not by bread alone,” we are iol, eee that we believe it. ‘The conai- on ng apd heart, we ougit to remember, has ‘ny haa a5 With fhe wants of the body at any given moment. The fact Ix that n tic Occa- sion we are considering there WAS MORE SPIRITUAL FOOD and less physical to be had than is usual for the Je of 80 many; more of the mantiested power of , and less need, therefore, for the use of ordinary means for the accomplishment of the de- sired result. And, underlying this fact, is the truth that nature and spirit are not opposing prin- pee rather, differing manifestations o1 the same hidd pot bey “All that is natural,” says Hodge, ‘is spiritual in its assent and cause; all that is spiritual is natural in its descent and being; even matter is nature at rest, while spirit is nature in action,” and, together, matter and spirit make up the universe of God, But the aisciples were not acquainted with this truth. And with the remark that the measure of duty in this world is not the inherent or apparent ability that a man may think he possesses jor the doing of the will of In any given case, but rather his conviction that a ce th is de- manded, accompanied with the trust that the Beeded strength for its performance will be im- ge to him soraehow or other, Mr. Powers came the application or rather the im ment of the line of thought submitted, In the spirit and nt of this exposition, he continued, I wish to @ a look, first, at modern soctety; next, At THY LIBRRAL CHURCH as related to modern society, and finaly at the special word which is given to this church here and now to accomplish. This American life of ours, ‘taken in its religious aspects—we shail discover 1m- mediately, if we look carefully enough, that it 18 distinguished by certain characteristics which are very marked; aud aiso which are very like the liarities of the religious lite of Palestine at the referred to in the text. There is the presence of a vast multitude of people fitly described by we rase jeep without a shepherd.’ Mr. Powe pre t# the millions in the United Staten ‘that are without allegiance to any Church, and ex- plained for it, They have ho privileges or ven them to make such attach- men’ le al elt upon the perils surrounding ‘them and the Church because of this. There is no one to help these people, he said, unless we do, The Romish Church cannot reach them because of its exclusiveness, The Protestant, Evangelical, or orthodex, Churches, so called, cannot aid them; and here was instanced, in the matter of the work- ; God and 1 “— + jor God's pen EW YORK HERALD, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1873—TRIPLE SHEET. — ings of certain Christian organizations, the refusal recently of the Young Men’s Christian Association to allow the Rev. Jonn Weiss to deiiver his literary lectures in Association Hall, This was proof of how they were their work. The modern Evan- gelical Church advocates es 190 Rupes sup Migr reroee o and confines its teachings to the n>;rowest limits, and in this wise has piety become divorced rom morality, The Liberal Qirurch 1s siune suflicient ior Po gietaets Si tnifigs, because of the freedom, of its thought, of its organization, of its history in the ast, and ol known Jives of ve adherents, It osition to declare ail the counsels of ministers to the entire man—body, mind and heart—teaching to live the life of God here ag well as hereniter. It is asserted that the Church has no creed, It has one, but it 1 indi- vidual and demands a positive faith, but not alike from all. We bave principles instead of @ creed, and these are sufilcient for the time, Our mission- ary workings have been attacked. It 18 not the responsibility of this Church to convert whole world to God, The ability, privilege and oppor. tunities offered to other organizauons should go hand in hand with their duty. Our societies are kept small that they may maintain their freedom, their intelligence and purity. In conclusion Mr. Powers said they must do what their hands find to do, urging renewed efforts in their faith, and agreed that the signs of the times were propitious and encouraging to their Uhurch. LYBIO HALL, The Soul of Truth. oking, Speaking and Living the Trath—Sermon by tho Rev. O. B. Frothingham. The Rey.-0, B, Frothingham’s congregation was, a8 usual, large and fashionavie at the services yesterday morning. He announced as the subject of his discourse, “The Sow of Truth.” I shall not speak, he began, of truth on the divine side, but of truthon the human side, In man there is an instinct for it the same as for water, a desire to have and te hold it, Though some doubt it, there issuch a thing as trath. It 1a God’s constitution of the world, and the race of man may have it or not. It is established upon everlasting founda- tions upom adamant, the dust of diamonds and iron. WHAT I3 THS SOUL OF TRUTHT It 1s the desire to find that which is established. Our duty towards the truth may be summed up under three heads—seeking the truth, speaking the truth and hiring the truth. Mankind has an instinct that never is satisfied until itison the track of the truth. Everywhere you go you will find man seeking after this thing. The artist will have the truth about colors, the philosopher of the human mind and the worshipper of the secret of Divine love, See in religion what men have suf- fered to find the truth. They believed if their children were not baptized they would be cast into everlasting hell en torments fis Was A DEViLisH bkcigv. They were not happy, and have upon their hearts frightful burdens, in all the heroic ages there bas been a passionate desire for truth. The man who bas been travelling long on the desert finds 4 little oasis and a single palm. He stretches himself beneath its inviting shade and drinks of tho cooling fountain. He wishes to go no further over those eternal sands, although he might reach a larger and better resting place. Does not science betray here and there the Same weariness? When this age of indolence comes then comes fear, Are explorers afraid? 18 LIVINGSTONE AFRAID while searching in the jungles of Atrica, surrounded by wild beasts and dishonest guides? Was Galileo alraid the heayens would come dowy when he pointed his rude tube to the skies? Professor Tyndall afraid in bis experiments? These men exult in danger. They are sure they will find something if they persevere. Then comes another duty—speaking the truth. How shall aman know the truth? Speaking the truth is a very dificult thing. How is @ man to know but that he has some selfish ends in view? Let him communicate the truth, though it cost him money and frienas. This duty of sperking the truth is serious and solemn, There 18 no duty greater than it. Luther told the truth about Rome, and it brought about the thirty years’ war, William L, Garrison spoke the truth, and it shook America to the centre. But the most important thing of all is LIVING THE TRUTH. Let there be true living and there will be true speaking. Living the truth isas difficult as speak- ing it. There is a woman whose husband is a drunkard. He abuses her and neglects their chil- dren. She is poor, heart-broken and suffering, yet no one knows it. If she speaks of her husban She says ho is good at heart and that his abuse of herand neglect of her is all a mistake, Is that true living? It is a true and honorable and A BRAUTIFUL FALSEHOOD. The false appearance is assumed to keep up sclf- respect—a very jdiiferent thing from putting it on where there is no self-respect to preserve. The life that does not dread the reporters, the detec- tives or the scandal mongers is the true life, the life into wnich ali may look and see no skeleton. 8T, BRIDGET’S ROMAN OATHOLIO OHUROH. Twenticth Anniversary or Father Mooney’s Pastorate-A Call to the Unconverted=—A Requiem Mass for the Late Father Starrs. Yesterday, as usual, @ large congregation gath- ered in St, Bridget’s church, avenue B and Eighth street, It was the twentieth anniversary of Rev. Father Mooney’s pastorate in the parish, and this circumstance probably called out a Jarger con- gregation than might otherwise have gathered. ‘The mass did not commence uatil nearly eleven o'clock, and at the close Father Mooney, before reading the gospel for the day, which was taken from Matthew Xx., 1—16, announced that on Tuesday next at nine A.M. a solemn re- quiem mass would be sung there for the repose of the soul of the late Vicar General Starrs. The chureh, Father Mooney said, owed this to Father Starrs, bis dear, his bosom friend, The late Vicar Feneral loved to come to St, Bridget’s, and the last time that Father Mooney called on him to invite him to his (Mooney’s) lecture the shadow of death was already there resting on his brow and peering through his glance. Father Mooney thought a little drive would do his friend good, and hence as a recreative measure he invited him to St. Bridget’s. THE RECORD OF TWENTY YEARS, Father Mooney then read the gospel of the day, and said :—Beloved brethren, before making @ few remarks on the gospel which I have just read, I will say a few words on a theme that Is interesting to every one of us. In the good providence of God, on this day, and I believe at this same mass, I close my twentieth year among you. And inas- Much as you have been the first to receive my ministry when I came here with empty hands and the zeal of the young priest, it is due to you and to myself that I should say a few things to you to-day. They have been long years, yet they have been short years to me, because 1 have veen #0 _ bus with my parish, trying to do you all good, feel to-day as if 1 had but just come among you, and no i lest has had more kiydegg @nd consideration shown him than thie St. Driagel 8 peupié have shown towards me. Our own St. Bridget’s is to-day free from debt. She is rich in religion and in zeal for the souls of others and rich in her priesthood. But I owe all to the people. If were on the mountain top, said the reverend father, what could J do, no matter how eloquent I might be, without the people? And if the people had not ine what would Ido? he asked. But Iam not bere to compliment myself. 1t was my duty to do what I have done; but one $ ty has been to me a pleasure. Father Mooney the: toyed 4 upon all who had been in the Chiftrca When he came hither, and upon all who have since joiica ect are still in it. And now, said he, I need not tell you how Miuen ¢ love i all, Dor need I ask you he mach I am beloved by = For myseli | care for the smiles or the Trowns of ahy man. business is trying to save souls, and in this work frowns or smiles make no difference with me. Referring, then, to the gospel read, he said he was sent here twenty yegrs ago by the householder—by God—to say to the people, “WHY STAND YB HERE ALL THE DAY IDLE?" And to very many he has to say the same words yet. The vineyard that needs cultivation and care is the human soul Ite owner is God and the laborer is man, And unless @ man lives up to the spirit of religion he cannot ect a re- ward. Unless he goes to work in the vineyard he cannot expect his shilling. Father Mooney then explained the significance of the hours at which the householder called the laborers to go into his vineyard and work, and compared them to tne different periods of human life as chiidhood and outh, manhood and even old age. We are called 0 this duty atevery hour—as early as the use of reason is given and as late as ife itself, The rev- erend Fr then referred to St. Paul's conver. sion, The divine favor and mercy of God entered his heart, and from being a relentless persecutor of the Church he became its most zealous apostic. Many are called, but few are chosen. very one is called at some time in life. but lew are ready to answer the call; hence few are chosen. Special graces are given to those who are ready, and we see illustrations of it every day. Wives pi for unconverted husbands, sisters for brothers, for friends. Where is the woman that has not prayed to God and to his Virgin Mother forason? And while she has prayed the son or the daughter or the friend has repented and changed. GOD GUIDES AND INSTRUCTS US to pray not only for ourselves but for others. The Lord's Prayer teaches this—‘Our Father.” And at whatever hour we hear and answer the call of God He gives us the same amount for working in His Vineyard, Those who go into the vineyard at the eleventh hour get a shilling Just as well as those ‘Who goin at the sixth hour and who may think that they have burden and heatofthe day. And this, too, because the la st callcd will, im their zeal, often do more for God with feebie voice and little knowledge, but with all | and the Church than those who appear to bear the burden and heat of the day. There are too many — in kept ye Pee! — enrye and he (the speaker) came to say to m: o! nS, i “Why stand ye here all the dar ‘att gaid it'especiaity to those who aro Ba" (ving and keeping tne commandmens- Goa ena at the " an aoa Gpurch. See" are standing idle in the market piaces while God wants them to go into His vine- yard and work. With some this may be the sixth hour, with others the ninth and with others it may be the eleventh hour. Alas for the indifference of those who stand thus idle in toe market pane when God and the Church is call- ing them! The reverend Father then calied up incidents in his ministry here, when he had been called to the dying beds of men and Women who had left this call and command of Ged unheeded and unanswered until the closing hours of life. He had also witnessed the triumphant deata of many a young disciple of tho Lord, and he could, therefore, from expericnce, urge his hearers to answer this call of God ect eh He had seen many bright fires on the hearths of his arishioners put out by the rutiless hand of death, any & dwelling is now dark which once the light of joy and smiles illuminated, But it was not for him now to bring back those scenes of sorrow or of joy, nor to call from thelr peaceful slumbersa the many beautiful children he has buried during b13 twenty years’ ininistry here. But he could not help asking himself why he tad been spared all those jong years, while so many fathers and mothers ahd wives, and husbands and children, had been cat off? The people had come to him by thousands in those twenty years of his ministry to ask him to perform the last rites of the Church for their dying or deceased friends. And , to-day memory carried him back to those scenes, Goa has spared him to call some o/ them over again, perhaps at the cloventh hour, to GO INTO THE VINEYARD AND WORK if they would hope to receive the reward at last from God himeeli, It is more for your interest, said the reverend Fatber, than for God's that you are thus called, and he therefore urged a prompt response by every man present who was not lead- ing a Christian life. And upon all he prayed that God's blessing might rest, 81. GEORGE'S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL OHUROH, “Trees for Meat, Whose Leaf Shall Not Fade”—Discourse by the Rev. 8. H. Tyng, Sr. At St. George’s Protestant Episcopal church yes- terday Rev. Dr. Tyng took for his text, ‘“‘And by the river, upon the banks thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed; it shall bring forth new fruit accord- ing to his mouth, because their waters they issue out of the sanctuary; and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine,”— Ezekiel xlvil., _ the reverend gentiem do opening nis dathirae iets “of the Goa teas fruits of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thus, as the text describes, we see the saving grace and wonderful results of THE SPREAD OF THIS GLORIOUS GOSPEL among men that has taken root by the river that flows from the throne of the sanctuary of God. The-Gospel gives to man not only the privileges he has lost, but privileges he has never had. The prophet Ezekiel saw a whole land that was a vast desert waste bloom like the rose. Aiter giving an extract from a recent traveller descriptive of the desert stretching from the hill of Zion te the Dead Sea, showing that there is no sign of a house or habitation, but volcanic eruptions that had rent the rocks asunder, the learned divine stated that the prophet saw under the sanctilying induences of that river trees growing by THE RIVER THAT FLOWED FROM THE THRONE OF Gop, These were the trees of righteousness watered by the spirit of truth. They were trees whose leaves shallever be green. They are living trees, ser- vants of the living God. They were the living trees brouglis to God by the poree of the Holy Ghost. The trees are symbolical of such men as the Gos- pel has called into being and such as the world has never seen, beside—such men as the disciples of Christ Jesus who went out into the world to preach the Gospel of salvation. These wonderful trees the prophet saw in the desert of Judea are only illus- trations of THE PROCLAIMERS OF THE DIVINE GOSPRL of God. How bright and elevating they are! When tae record of man is made up no man in this house wiil dare deny that these preachers of the Word are the princes of the world in propagating the principles of the Gospel. After glowingly por- traying the joy and peace and happiness that the Gospel bring to the missionaries as THE GREATEST BENEFACTORS OF MANKIND, whom God will bless and man magnily, They are the living trees that apd by the river flowing from the throne of God. He spoke of the infidelity of the world and the sin that follows, and declared that it is the refining influences of the Gospel alone that will purify our moral atmosphere and ORNAMENT THE SOCIETY OF MAN. Take the Gospel away and everything would be a hopeless desert such as Ezekiel saw. Every con- verted soul brought to the knowledge of God is an ornament by the river that fows tr the throne of God, They are ornaments that can fever perish, for there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. GOD KEEPS THEM BY HIS COVENANT. Becanse He lives they live also. There is also in every generation of men a succession of these ornaments, These trees continue to spring up wherever the river of His holy spirit flows. Per- secutions will not blot them out, for they are heavenly, and the dews of God abide upon their branches, and these living tree—these living men— CONTINUE TO GROW BY THE RIVER OP LIFE. They are justiNed and sanctified in the name of the Lord Jesus. In all lands and all ages where the Truth has been preached we see the same thing. ‘The world bears its testimony to the truth of the declaration that the river of life stl ows on, and leafy trees grow up upon its banks, spreading out their branches until they cover the desert waste, and make it bioem the rose. My brethren, welcome this stream of grace to your hearts, and let it bear your heavenly fruit to Christ Jesus, who will watcr your branches, and your fruit shall not be consumed. CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION, Mission Work in the Episcopal Diocese of New York—Addresses by Bishop Potter and the Rev. Mr. Applegate. A missionary mecting of unusual interest was held at the Church of the Transfiguration, East Twenty-ninth street, rear Fifth avenue, last night. The meeting was opened by the usual religious exercises. Bishop Potter, who presided, then addressed the meeting. It was, he sald, dedicated to the discussion of the missionary work in this diocese. Their good rector had very kindly allowed them the use of this building on this occasion. Often ag they were called upon to give, there was one, he assured them, who gave more than any of them— the Almighty—whose goodness is new every day, It nad been estimated that some hundreds of thou- sands of doliars go out of this city for missionary purposes, The whole amount which they had been able to bestow on the mission work of this diocesé was less than $10,000. There was one large connty im which there was but one parish, and there were many large counties In which there were but two or three or four parishes, but where there ought to be twenty, Besides these destitute districts they had some thirty points at whieh their clergymen were at work, There were a great many reasons why @ church, a liturgy like this should be spread over the face of this country. In twenty-five or thirty cases the continuance of the services of i clergymen Was depending on the small sti- HPehds which they received from the mission fund of this diocese, Withhold this stipend, and they would extiitcuish the lignt of the Gospel in all these Places. He ‘hought that large appropriations Ought to be given {4 this great work. he Rev, Mr. Appleyte, of Newburg, made AST remarks, There were 104-000 persons bv ae at their very doors, be said, who never jarken 4 church door, He kuew tbat some good work was being done in these placed, He KI cn one clergyman who had three different » 0) stations, In the same county an effort had been made some two years ago to revive a parish, and as a result of this good work they had now forty-five communicants instead of eight, and a Sunday school of eighty-five children instead of fifteen. In Orange county, in a town of 6,000 inhabitants, the church was not enclosed, and in danger of being blown down by any severe gust that might come along. Was it not a shame that this charch should remain unfinished in this wealthy diocese of New York? Three thousand five hundred dollars con- tributed for the completion of this eharch would be money well bestowed. The Kev, Mr. Harrison, of Peekskill, then deliv- ered an address. The only thing which he felt to be Lage D to-night, he said, was to call their at- tention to the counties that lay immediately around them, They were apt to overiook the wants of these counties in thinking of the needs of countries across the ocean, It was some- simply times thought that they appealed for ‘their own ‘donom- the extension of nation, bat there were bogie in those districts who were ignorant of the very first principies of Christian refinement, and they must reach those pers. Take Rockland county. A few years ago hey had only one church, and now they had five—still @ very small number for the extent of that beautiful territory, It was true, the in- crease of the number Of our communicants had been double the increase of the Jast ten years, missiona: pulation in the They had nesré ¢ vometines of a who was doing some good work at a jon who had to retire from_ hii suffer the missionary want of the necessaries of life, Was torn one way and another with conflicting Claims, They had come to ask them to aid these to the belever the minister referred | rmotsstonaries in this noble work. It must pe re- inembered that in tue Summer, when they were absené from: the city churches, these missionaries blill needed thelr small stipends, Ing Key: Pp Seymous t¥on delivered an address, and a coucctlon Was taken up. —_ 8T, PRANOI3 XAVIER'S CHUROH. Sermon by the Rev, Father Romayne, S. J.—The Phases of God’s Dealings with Mon=Ehe Distribution of Graces—G od Wishes that All Should Know the Truth aad Be Saved, ‘The Church of St. Fr sneis Xavier, West Sixteenth street, was densely crowded yesterday at last mass. ‘The moimbers of the congregation appeared entirely aristocratic and intelligent, The beautiful cere- monies of the mass were rendered magnificently impressive by the presence of a number of the young students acting as avolytes, by the grand appealing music of the choristers, and by the soft streams of sunshine which poured in at intervals through the stained windows, THB SERMON was preached by the Rev, Father Ronayne, of the Order of the Society of Jesus, The reverend Father chose his text from a portion of the Sunday's gos- pel—St. Matthew xx., 15 and 17—‘Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil because mine Is good? So the last shail be first and the first last; for many are called, but few @re chosen,’ The preacher said the text was one which offered to all a subject for the deepest thought and most earnest considovation. God had entire and sole dominion over His own giits, and He can, in the depths of tne secrets of His wisdom, make any division of them which seems best to His omnisci- ent mind, When Ho bargalos with his seryants for ® denarius, or penny, & day, He rewards them justly according to the contract—that is, for the homage they have rendered to Him. He bestows by a them the graces which He has promised them. Again, He very often gives to those who labor in His vineyard during the eleventh hour as many graces and blessings as He does to those who have labored the whole day—that is, through a iiletime. ‘Lo some envious and selfish minds this appears an unfair dealing. THE BYE OF CHARITY can never see it in that light. The intensity of that love which one truly contrite heart may pour forth towards its Creator in one hour may be more ac- ceptable in His divine conception of a creature’s homage than the selfish, but necessary services of you or me in His vineyard tora lifetime. Hence it 18 that He answers us back in the striking words of the evangelist, ‘Is it not lawful for me to do what iv wit zaine own? Js thige eye evil because 6 18 good 7? ‘The reverend preacher continued to extend the application oe the text to the numerous examples on record of those who, living in a state of sin and error, on the one hand, become immediately and omeobaaly converted toa knowledge of the truth and a life of perfection, while on the other many who, during a long period of their lives, have been in receipt of God’s graces, abuse them, perhaps, in- stantaneously, and become rebellious and profi- ‘ate. This, he said, was but one phase of God’s lealings with men, aud served as an introductory illustration of CHRIST'S OWN WORDS, “The first shall be last and the last first, for many are called but few are chosen.” Here the rever- end Father explained in touching language, which made an evident impression upon his con; aay the meaning of the text he had repeated. All had been called to a knowledge of the truth, and the will of Goa was that all should be saved. There was not a corner of the earth in which a single human being existed, whether he may be Christian, pagan or idolator, but felt in some manner the mysterious workings of Divine » The whis- perings of His voice penetrate and secrch the incli- nations of every heart, like rays of sunshine pené- trate the near and distant corners of the universe. Some hear His voice and misinterpret its mcan- But ing. Idolators know Him by works, but are blind to a knewledge of His majesty and omnipotence. Christians vary in their knowledge of the truth, but truth is one and in- divisible, and to know it you must know it in its entirety and unity, otherwise you cannot know it. Hence those outside the true Church often seek the truth porsevecingiy: and itis only after long study and experience they at length find it. To those within the pale of catholicity God’s grace is ever within reach. Some grasp it because their minds are stamped with the golden glldings of divine faith, Others waive this grace because they regard the teachings of the Church with in- ditfereace. The first whisperings of divine grace may be the last chance of vocation and the first conviction of living well the last gitt of Divine grace. The reverend preacher concluded by beg- ging all to avail themselves of the special gifts of grace Ireqaently sent to them. MADISON SQUARE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, The Rev. Dr. Paxton on Christian Work. The Rev. Dr. Paxton held forth last evening in the Rev. Dr, Adams’ Presbyterian church, on Madi- son square, by invitation of the Young People’s Christian Association, and at their request re- Peated his discourse on ‘Christian Work.” There was not so large an attendance as was expected, owing, no doubt, to the severity of the weather, the congregation being composed mostly of young people. The Rev. Dr. Paxton in his opening remarks alluded to the Young People’s Association, Its con- nection with the Church, and its duties. He spoke of the great work that was before them, and how few realized the true duties of the Christlan. The association had banded themselves together to carry Out the good work of SPREADING THR GOSPEL. farand wide. They had a mission to perform in seeking out the poor, wandering sinner and to bring him into the fold of Christ. How few jcon- sidered the importance of their mission, or how many were there who asked themselves WHAT 13 MY MISSION? What is the Christian to do? or where shall I go? God had placed in their hands the implement, the word of iife and the truth of God,” and by this they have the power and the vitality to speed the word of God, and seek to save the souls of men. Many scemed indifferent, he claimed, to their duties. They should seck to keep the power and wisdom of God before them. The pcos go out in the byways and dark corners of the earth, bearing THR TORCH OF LIFE apd light the wayward sinner to the paths of Christ. There was no greater field for the true Christian than in this very city. Go where you may sin and vice can be found at every corner, It was in the dark cellars, filthy garrets and low dens of iniquity where the lost can be fowl where humanity is suffering and where the Christian mission lies. Some think, he said, that their sphere lies inside the church, but it is not so; it is outside the house of God and where souls are perishing. Mr. Paxton continued at some length, dwelling intently upon THE DUTIES OF THE CHRISTIAN, and what should pe done by every one who seeks to do good. It was, in fact, a plain lecture as to what bsakt be done to advance the work under- taken by the young people of the church, and it was received with marked attention, PIFTH AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH. Faith and Imagination Compared=—The Difference Which Sepazates Them— Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Armitage. The Fifth avenue Baptist church in West Forty- sixth street was poorly attended yesterday morn- ing. Most of those who were at the service came in carriages, which lined Forty-sixth street from Fifth to Sixth avenne. After the singing of hymns and the reading from the Bibie, Dr. Armitage preached the sermon, which was founded on the xt—"Open the oyes of the young man,” &c.— |. Kings, Xvii., 2. The gist of his remarks will be found below. Rt Ry pas nae THE SERMON. ge When the King of Syria was returning from Da- mascus and attacked the chosen people he was many times repulsed, with severe losses, He could Rot divine how it was thut he, with euch a power- ful army, could be repulsed by the small and insig- nificant army of the Jews, He sent his officers to find out if there was a spy in bis camp, but the of ficers could find none, and so returned to their King and told him. Subsequently tney discovered that there was a prophet among the enemy who apprehended every move and intention of the King’s forces, and was, even, by some enpernataral dane rivy t© the consultations held im the cham- T of the King. The King now saw that to con- quer bis enemy he must take this man and destroy him. For this purpose he ascertained the locale of the prophet. and then enciroled his abode with his army. This was done in the night time, and when the morning revealed the hostile hosts encircling the eH town the young man came to the prophet and told him that all was lost, The prephet did not try to reason with him that there was hope, but sald the prayer quoted in the text, “OPEN THE EYRS OF THR YOUNG MAN," which was answered, and the young man saw the mountain covered with horses and chariots of be togethor with the hosts of heaven. If this hi been told to the y man he not have be- lieved it; but now be had been blessed with supernatural vision he believed, and although he belr had not faith, for eved, Bee yada — us, ‘unseen. Teason en there ‘ale gins; a as it is belie! in what we do not see it is @ cult something to explain. ‘There is this difference between faith and imaginas ons faith is belief im the unseen, wikeh is fact, and imagination is the belief in the unseen, whiok feilctions f cannot beliove fa ~onr TH LS OF PANT Oy oct spew, % * fictitious and the pr Of teeir i tion; but I velievo in the Of the Apostles, who imouy to what + them We cannot have taith in anything imaginary, lor we know that it is not real. A short while ago an astronomer discovered a star which er had seen before; no one ed in the existence of such a planet, it bas been there for an Faith — does not reat on and is harder reasoning, to re than imagination, which is a natural characteristic of our mind. Where the imagina- tion predominates faith is very weak, and, vice versa, where the imagination is undeveloped faith is strongest and most enduring. In oer day the gentier portion of our race have little or no occu- pation save the pleasure of the imagintion, and the sterner Vmgiry) who are im a fierce struggic with the world of tact, are skeptical about anvthing that. they cannot handle or see. In fact, we are be- combng meee. ane more like THE BOY IN THE BOOK OF KINGS, =a can not in re - ly prayer tor who sit darkness and who snun the light is, “May their eyes be opened.” OHUROH OF THE DISCIPLES. Work-Day Christianity—Sermon by the Rev. George H. Hepworth, ‘The usual large congregation was assembled yes- terday morning at Steinway Ilall. Mr. Hepworth preached on ‘Christ a Vite! Force,” his text being John xv., 6—‘“‘Without wie ye oan do nothing.” Only one man has ever had the right to utter these words, They are not arrogance. They are the simple statement of a plain truth. Christ com- pares Himself to a vine and us to the branches, We know that if the branches are severed from the stem they must die; and go Christ tells us that if We are severed from Him we must die. And so I come to tell yu this morning that Onrist is your vital ‘itfe, “You have’ physical instincts and Qppetites, an intellectual organization and @ spiritual organization that reaches God Himself, and stretches its hands to the angels, Now, a man may drop his physicat life and still ive. His mind is secondary, but his soul force goes right into the core of his life—dives into the centre of things. And so I say that Christ is vital because he does this thing precisely. He is not satisfied without the core. To Him LRGAL CHRISTIANITY is nothing. How did He point the finger of scorn at those who seemed religious, but who refused a word of sympathy to @ neighbor? ‘Ye are like whited sepulchres; white on the ourside, but on the inside dead men’s bones.” What I want is to Foush the mo, of your soul. Now, there is an im- portant question that has occurred to you and to mea thousand times. What is the relation be- tween God and your soul? That lies at the foun- dation of all human possibilities. When you tell me, simply, that there is a God because there is désign everything, Iadmire that power which took a handfui of dust and threw it into space for worlda, austen on system; but I am as cold as ice. gaze upon the stupendous ted Tam less than a speck of dust. You say that is as powerful as He is wise. Suppose that the whole universe works like clock work; everything is perfect. Ilook at you with @ cold eye, and only admire the world intellectually. But go a step further. There is another attribute—love. You tell me that God's iove cares for me. Now Iam warm. After enlarging on thia the speaker pro- ceeded to declare that it is jpaatate a Christian not to profess hia Christianity. Two men are by the side of a dead child.. If there is a doubt then tt is like the sting of an adder. Some go to God ouly in cases like these. Let us not go to God on occa- sions; let us be with Him always, APOLLO HALL Religio-Philosophical Trance Speaking by the Spiritualists—A Theology of Love, Philosophy and Flowers. There was a fair attendance at Apollo Hall yes- terdky morning, when Miss Nettle Maynard ap- peared upon the platform to become the medium for “departed spirits,” in the delivery of a pleasant address. Like the “somnambula” she came for- ward, but she carried no candle, as her prototype did, doubtless belleving the “electric” light more suitable in our time to illuminate the world. She was plainly and nicely dressed, and she looked for @ moment upon an elegantly apparelled audience. Then her head dropped and “her ‘waxen lids drooped down” and glued themselves tohercheeksa, Acslight shiver ran through her frame, her hands were slowly and tremulousiy ex- tended towards the audience, and in a voice thrili- ing with emotion she began :— THE LOVING CHILD OF GoD reaches out through the universe in am infinite number of golden chords that bind the world together in a web of beauty. The same inspiration that guided the movements of Moses in the wilder- ness and moulded the beautiful ideals that sprang winged from the soul of Jesus are being shed upon the earth to-day from the inexhaustible Source of Good. In our briefmoment and century we are presenting from a thousand varying sources earn- est questionings of deep importance to each and all of us, and from thousands of sources the challenged answer comes echoing back. “TMMORTALITY—IMMORTALITY” is the cry of every yearning soul in Christendom, and itis the truth of the immortality of the sou! that we are trying to promulgate for the saving of the people. The deep appreciation of the value of these proofs to earnest and thoughtful minds shows how widespread is the want of them. The age is ripe for these proofs, as is shown by the uncon- uerable desire of the thoughtful to possess them, if the spiritualistic philosophy is weak, the whole chain ef human belief in immortality must be as weak as this its weakest link. Spiritualism does away witn the old materialistic and narrow doc- trine of ‘a tooth for a tooth and an eye for an eye,” and it throws over COLD AND CAREWORN FORMS the pure mantle that childhood wears when it dawns upon this life. Itis The first faint streak of the morning that Longfellow so touchingly painted as stealing over the brow of Evangeline, as the “dawn of another life that breaks on this earthly horizon.” If yon look in your halls of legislation you will find corruption on the one hand and the basest uses of the forms of law for rank Injustice on the other. Yet for eighteen centuries the Man of Peace and Sorrow has been teaching yon better things. For elghteen centuries the Mantle of Jesus, rent to fragments by the soldiers of Rome who crucified him, has been letting the brilliant light of His truth and spirituality shine through and fall upon a selfish » And now the Church that should preach His truth bands its sects together 0 SHUT OUT THIS LIGHT. “Oh, verily, I say unto you, if @ man die he shail live again.” The spiritualistic element is moving on to take its position on thts question, and that ition will be discovered an {nvuinerable one. fe are marching in an army without wea- ns, without munitions of war, but stron; in the might of troth, an army whic shall biess, and not curse mankind. The sects of Christendom teach issues of falsehoods and appeal to the passions and prejudices of men and wo- men. We appeal only to the reason of men and women. Atthe conclusion of the lecture Miss Maynard passed through a slight spasmodic ‘‘spell,” and re- treated to a seat on the platform, where an aged and jai il lady had sat pensively listening. A fine quartet sang in th ery, and as the music died away the audience dispersed, THE RUSSO-GREEK OHAPEL, Father Bjering on the Internatlonal- Asts=Liberty, Equalit:; Fraternity, as Viewed by Christia: and by Commanists, Tne Nee # eek ghapel in Second avenue was crowded yesi erday morning atthe regular service. The great need of a larger church building for the Congregation and for the hundreds who would like to worship with them was never more apparent. To meet the oft-expressed wish, not only of the regular congregation, but of many others besides, Father Bjering has translated the liturgy into English, and such portions as are to be sung or chanted are set to music and a choir is already in training, 80 that when the Spring opens the entire services will be rendered in English, At present they are rendered in English and Russian. The previous announcement that Father Bjering would preach on TNE INTERNATION ALISTS doubtless drew the larger congregation yesterday, ‘The theme of tho discourse, as annonnced, was “Unbdelief and Indifference in Religion.” Referring briefly to the increasing tendency of the age in this Girection, the reverend father said it troubled his heart and filled his sou! with pain. apostacy ffom God he considered the greatest evil in the world, and the perpetual source of corruption. A nation im which scepticism prevails ts certain to end in perdition, for unbelief undermines all the founda- tions of society, and in its hostility to the divine government secks to upset everything that exists in society and in morals, Iustrating this thought by the terrible scenes enacted by the Commune in Paris, Father Bjering likened them to THB APOCALYPTIO VISION OF THE SCORTIONS, coming Up out of the bottomless pit. ure of unspeakable misery then unfolded itself under the red, vlood-steeped banuer. God permitted this for let other nations see the fruits of taoy oa "fue letter killeth, but the syns giveth tife. ed evit is simply ‘the ape of the reverend father, and by taking the pre- cepts and promises of God ana explaining them for his own ends, he induces men to believe alle. “Ye be as "was the key to the first tempte- » I give you all the kingdoms of the world,” aid the tempter to the Saviour. But he led, He could do. it. They were not his to give. The promises of the Luternationalists and Communists have no greater value. They are but weak repetitions of the at archcommunist's promises, But they are just as worthiess as his. and they must, by and by, have the samo disastrous fuldiment. Taking up THE WATCHWORD OF THE INTERNATIONALS, Father Byering showed that the “liberty” they seek is not freedom from the slavery of sin and its aegrading consequences, but rathor a license to break and violute the commandments of God, to despise the riches of His grace in Jesus Christ, and to spurn the ordinances of His Church and the fel- lowship of His spirit, The “equality” which they proclaim is not Buch as the Gospel offers—sons! to God, likeness to Him and anu equal right of alt men to His salvation—bat is rather the gratifica- tion of the passions and lusts of the flesh and of the aepraved heart, The | ‘fraternity’ which they hope for is not the commu- nion of saints, the brotherhood of believers, but tho secret right to pillage and murder the innoceat and the unoffending. Christianity alone, said the reverend father, gives us the true meaning of these words. The Christian church is the real Commune, where all men are equals before God. There cannot be a bond of men who have no bond with God. Andhere is the fatal mistake of Communists, God is lett out of their calculations as if He were nothing and they all in all. Father Bjering then referred to the effect of unbelie/ wand indiiference to rei in the home.aud in busipess life and the corruption that is now being unearthed all over the Jand—alt of which he charged to the Godless education of the people. He would not only have the Bible read tn the publto schools, but he would have it made a text book in them, and he Would have all men taught the beginning e wis- dom, which is the fear of the Lord. BROOKLYN CHURCHES. PLYMOUTH OHUROH. The Battle of Conscience—Animal and Spiritual Men Conflicting—Universal Sinfulness—Toleration of Imperfec- tionseSermon by Mr. Beecher. Plymouth church yesterday morning was lite- rally packed, and, although the ushers are proverbi- ally polite in procuring seats forall, and especiaily strangers, a large number were obliged to be left unprovided for, and a large numper went away disappointed. Mr. Beecher’s sermon was very im- pressive, The text was Romans vil. 9, 25—‘For I Was alive without the law once: but when tho commandment came sin revived, and I died. I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God but with the flesh the law of sin.’” It is a question, said Mr. Beecher, whether Pauy was speaking of his own experience or of a fact common to all mankind. The probability is that ne ‘was speaking of himself; but it does apply to all men. Imperfection ts universal; there is no one perfect, High moral natures come to strong re- sults, yet examination reveals disappointment and discontent of men who endeavor to do right, and the more they examine the more they are disap- pointed with the results. They cry, I'VS GOT TWO MEN WITHIN ME, one animal, the other spiritual, constantly conflict ing with each other. The spirit is anxious to do right, but the flesh is too strong. My bet ter self admires God’s law, but my under self ig continually puliing down, bruising, maiming. it always shoots under, don’t hit the mark. It is like a struggle of a man chained to a dead body, and compelled to march in the line, dragging it after him. Who shali deliver him? Every part of a man stamps the fact of universal sinfulness, We learn the law by running against it, It is the world’s universal sentiment that there is no man that can obey perfectly. Con- sider surrounding circumstances. Men are met by good or bad persons, as it may be, and well- meaning peopie may impress wrong things. Con+ sider the jorces of natural life. Consider that it is the universal conviction that _ MEN MUST SIN. What is a mother; what is she—thinking, feel. ing, caring for her as deed babe; but a divine prov- idence? A child is hope organized in imbecility. Is it held to account for all its delinquencies, as imperfections were not an absoiute necessity ? If justice was not tempered with mercy and _for- bearance a child would not have skin enough to whip, and if they were made to suffer for every little offence there would not be a child left to pan- ish in ten minutes. The principle of tolerating sin is inherent. If you shonld open the whole con- ception of character and the whole ideal of manhood at once upon a _ reflective, imaginative, conscientious nature, you would drive it through condemnation despair. It is the benevolent principle of toleration with imperfections and sympathetic helpfulness Which saved men. Soctety could not stir; life would devour itself if it was not for this principle of toleration, There must be something higher than justice. Not a man could live if he was bound to obey all laws, Paul says, “If that is the law, and Iam held responsible for obedience to it, 1 am a dead man.” This principle of toleration with imperfections is to me the first twilight dawn of the conception of true religion, Itis right here that Christ reveals the true moral government of God, makes God in his own nature—ijather, schoolmaster, patron, friend, redeemer. When we see that tuere is a devil In the hearts of men we should have patience, forbearance and charity for tuem, There is no legal or commercial element in divine justice. WHAT CONSTITUTES GUILT. A large part of sinning may be called infirmitys itis only that part of sin which can be avoide which constitates guilt. Our Lord reveais no other experience but universal siniulness. Living is amighty mystery. Have patience and pity with sin and hope and pray forredemption, Nogovern- ment can be adminisfered in this world that does not make allowance for sinning. A man sheuld not lose hope because he sees that he is imperiect. God knows that we are all siniul; but the thought of God is not a thought of anger. Where wrong mounts to heights we are punished, and bt ge ishment and praise are means to anend. God has not cast them abroad in their helplessness; there is something in God DIFFERENT FROM JUSTICE. For I am persuaded that neither death nor lite, nor angels per nrincipalities nor powers, nor thi present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us — the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our ord. OHRIST EPISCOPAL OHUROE. Glorying in the Cross of Christ=Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Partridge. The rector of Christ Protestant Episcopal ehurch, on Bediord avenue, the Rev. Dr. Partridgé, preached a practical discourse yesterday morning, taking for his text Galatians vi, 14—“God forbid that I should glory save in the cross.” In his introduc- tory remarks the preacher said that few men un- derstood those words experimentally as St. Paul did. It was one of those deep sayings which must come from the ground of a heart renewed by the power of the Holy Ghost, or it would be nothing more than a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. The words of the text were uttered by # young man at whose feet they laid the clothes of Stephen, the | man of God, as they pre- pafed to stone him. No man of aif Ysract had greater reverence for Zewish Inst tutions or greater love for pomp and splendor in re. lon, and po man was {dre prejudiced against ‘all other creeds and rituals than was Saul; and could any one have approached him when his hateful zea¥ was at its height and say to him, “The day wilt come when thou shalt say, ‘God forbid that I should glory, Save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me and Tunto the world,’ he would have exclaimed, “18 THY SERVANT A GOD that he should say this thing?” Such a conversion to the Christian faith seemed almost impossible, for Saul was far from the kingdom of heaven. He was rich in mind, rich in purpose and im Zeal, and yet how hardly shall they who bave such riches, living in attachment to error, enter into eter. nal jife?. But what is impossible with men is possible with God, who doeth wonders; and great’ is the proof of this in the fact that saul of Tarsus ottered the words of the text, “God forbid that I should glory save in the cross.” The apostle Meant more by this expres- sion than glorying in te symbol of our faith, and giorying in the ae ay and teaching of Jesus christ, Bat little did men know of Him who regarded Christ simply a8 an exalted exemplar and @ matchless teacher, for it was at the foot of the cross the world mustlearn His grandest attri- butes and greatest achievements. There a ray of glory encircled Him which eclipsed all earthly Splendor and revealed His Godhead, crowning Him with immortal glory and honor, resonted to mankind now's inkind now as to Paul the # | a and loveliness, shedding upon all who came within its hallowed influence the same blessings, C3 ie akal men, women oe children partakers ath and resurrection who died t le Dr. Partridge then oe ue should glory in Chiris' Fooninas to show that men coulng to the cross, Lt was