The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-08-06
The Half Century Sermon OF the Rev
DIR. Spring.

SERVICES AT THE BRICK CHURCH, IN FIFTH AVENUE.
Yesterday was the deth anniversary Of the pastorate
OF the Rev Dr. Spring the congregation which for
merly worshpped in the old Brick Church In Beekman
street. in th city The interest Of the OCCASION and the
name Of the distinguished clergyman whose labors II
oommemorated called out many in addition to the regu'
lar preeen. members Of Dr. Springs church, and the
pews asles and galleries Of the spacious cdi1ce at the
corner OF Fh and Thirty seventh street, TO which
the congregation have recently removed filled TO
OVERLOOKING with attentive and sympahzng audience.
Even the lobby of the church was crowded, and many
we're obliged TO leave, unable 10 obtain even standing
place.
The exercises Of the occasion introduced by the
singing Of the Thirty.sixth Palm.
An eloquent and impressive prayer was offered by the
Rev Dr. Ferris Chancellor Of the New York University
The fine solo, "The lord ~ mindful Of his own" from
Nendcisschn's est Paul !" WAS then sung.
IN SPRING aroec and announced ~ the text which he
had chosen the 10Th verse Of the DIS, chapter 2, Az
magnitude Of the work Of reicmpton-Gods sreasest
work. All His works exhibit regular gradaton but all
derive whatever Importance interest they may have
from their relation redemption The preacher went on
10 consider the subject at length and concluded with the
following ella m for the Office OF the Christian minstry-
For this reason magnify the once OF the Christian
minister because Of the intimate relation which II sus
ains TO this redemption has le tolls is so,,ei.sde,
no office like that which calls into exercise all the intel
ctua moral powers OF and consecrates them 70
power AZ this Go, 70 ministers Of God--so many Of
whom see before me todsy-go forward and study the
mysteries Of redemption toll in the cause OF the great
Master for The good Of the people tell them how God
saved fallen world; tell the weary and heavy laden
where they may ind rcst Had my own ot been ess
minister Of HIS word The iaurels OF Cesar are nothiog
when compared with the glory Of the humblest minister
Of the eternal Gospel.
nc pastor here paused short time, and then proceed
ed TO aidress the congregation as follows
I b spsG are ss remaining Of the
large congregation IN whose presence received my com
mission BY ibe laying Of hands. To me Il was a so
omn daya dag fraught with solemn responsibilities My
call was not a secular felt that came from above
r johnson said he ptcd the man who looked upon
the once q the Christian ministry as slnecurc II
I am not mistaken, my work has been my
Joy ! did not covet case ! sought rural
charge, but God sent me here among the wealthy. y
know myself my aim has been single. was associatef
with many Of tho leading clergy Of the time, and saw
that must work TO be faithful, worthy minister Of
Christ To what extent and how have fulfilled my duty
will ere long, be decided by Him who will Judge the
quick and the dead While this thought hils me with SO
ciute, u also ms me with hope; ] know
not been sufficiently ned with the spirit Of God but
pray him that be not laid TO your charge have but
one desrcto know Christ as my master. feel TO say
In the words Of the poet
Nothing in my hands bring;
Simply 20 thy cross cling.
was he who watched over my youth Aud guided me In
my academic yeis ne has given me the love and conf
dcree arnlted people and their bounty IL the channel
through Whicn havs receivcu lne Ol,ssngs nns Ins
He has given tho reals u my ministry. When all
was dark around lie took the scales from these sight
ees eyekaIs, and whereas was once blind now see.
Lastly, IL is lie who careth for my od aye. When look
back upon The scene Of nearly my ycrs labors say,
Not 7, but the grace OF God which wIs With me The
memories connected with our old temple many aud
sweet. Many time when the smote us by day and
the by night and when the dark wing Of pcsscnce
overshadowng us, that was our refuge The place
Strange 70 that ct The age Of three score and fifteen
permitted not only 70 this beautiful cdhce
pleted but filed 70 ovcrfowpe and 10 hear many within
It's walls insuirhg the way TO Zion, with their fsces
thithcrvnd. AZ the time Tor my departure draws
feel c more the separation nom the people Of my
charge. The great struggle with has been oblivion Of
self, and remembrance Of God. The past gone like
the star rom the curtain OF nieht-gone like The word
ust spoken never 70 be recaledgone Ike the coud en-
hasod q lie ressure-eone like the leaves ~ autumn
Why DO say goneY Nothing 10 Of which The nfu.
eroe remans They all live 70 Gods universe. What 10