The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-02-04
TINE STREETS OF NEW YORK BY eAsLsAr-1H SOCIAL EVIL.

Lecture by Rev. Charles II. Smyth.
The Rev. Mr.. Smyth commenced the second course
OF his series of popular lectures lessons for the
Cergy,,' by delivering lecture yesterday upon the
subject Of ''The streets Of New York by Gasght" at
Argus Hall, No 900 Broadway, to full audience. In
his introductory remarks the speaker said that at the
outset of his he ntmaed that tho pulpit had
lost to great extent influence and that the
press through its superior tact and talent had taken It's
place. that daily paper In this city, through
its reports and editorials does more to shape the destiny
and direct the course Of the nation than all the
pulpits put together, and had awakened spirit
Of inquiry and investigation all over tho country,
which Is stimulating our legislators and msny
of the clergy who had been sleeping upon their
posts; and in consequence the pup!ts OF New York
have sounded forth and lectures this win
ter on the vices and foes OF the age than tho oldest
remembers them to have ever done before IN the
short duration. The subject before him was so
comprehensive that he should be obliged 10 postpone
much thai he had say the and best curc OF
the great social evil until next Sabbath, when he pro-
posed to give startling facts, we'll as remedies
that have not yet been proposed by any one, believing
as he did, what the editorial in the HERALD OF Friday
last remarked, that Tho causes OF our social evil ana
they many touched" After referring TO the
remarkable character of the CITY, Astounding in wealth,
education energy benefcence literature and enterprise
which made il the most glorious as well as the appest
and most healthy city the globe the speaker said
IL about 10 be revived in the most brilliant aspect
whether OF vice or virtue either the extension OF s
component clements gs.ens in the twinklng light Of
the many Thousand lamps that iumne the darkness
dssected by ts numerous thoroughfares or az tne
rior of various edfces from the costly snG magnn-
structures of enduring marte granite or sand stone
where wealth, fashion and luxury regr, down 70 the
shabby erec0ns where heartless avanca hath slowed
away In poverty misery or crime, w thousands the
despsed and the outcast TO do tks Alright one must
visit It. traverse ts at all hours of night and enter
sufficient number OF It's dwellings and places OF busi-
ana of dissipation and It's resorts OF pleasure 70
become familiar with ies pecuiannes, wsnin ana no
without wherever sparkling jet doth CAS- its
light gloomy with vice, or on these wnere eyes
cleaning with pious devotion and bright With VIII or
hearts light with innocent pleasure and Fun Greats
cheerfncss Of their own and make the dGrkestplCes
radiant with JOY For the sake Of the reputation o. tur
Incompatible city 10 much 70 be regretted tnas WHAT
OF humble pety there may pc IN the hearts OF mr.
inhabi.ants was completely overshadowed BY fashion
vice and pleasure that scarcely apartcleef IL could b.
seen by gaslght except ID few families where tho an.
cientcustom Of parental instruction SILL continued
The speaker th drew an admirable picture OF vis 70
the city BY country cousin" to city relations
and the which viewed during an evening
stroll from the Bowling Grecn Broadway, mentioning
the landmarks BY the way. such IS Trinity church. -
visiting in imagination, concert SALOON snd describing
i the orgies Of midnight revel, a. which biz
country friend became disguised aud beos has'y re-
| tract In combustion he said that NO more important
subject than the social evil claim the attention o
any who have desire reformation from ne evi
practicee or the age time when great an el
encouraged BY tho style OF our pubic amussmets
suppressed, fosiered by companonship IN fash'onao>
| bis az on last Wednesday night; when those wh'
prcscc and preside In it, dwellings can lit nei
brnzcn foreheads Ia open day. and shameeasy assemble
In convention to organize society Tor is protection
ard when there is manifcsty under current or puD
opinion scxing Ia favorable 10 its lcRazaton, ant
wen IN ,s evil tSe
tion Of law, Awake, ye clergy Lift up your voice Q.
high This 10 nat time 70 sleep OF DC DUMB LII
up the voice OF waning Of instruction and Of prayer
our may be forgiven and hearts sanned through
Christ