The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-28
PLYMOUTH CHURCH.

Animal Closing Sermon by Rev. III. w. Beecher.
Rev. Henry Ward Beecher last evening delivered
his closing for the year to very large congre
CATION taking his text from the eleventh chapter OF
st. Matthew and twelfth verse: "And from the days
OF John the Baptist until now, the kingdom OF heaven
sufereth violence, and the violent take 1t by force"
This seemed to him religion in times OF war;
campaigns are be laid out strength and power are
to gain the victory. The kingdom OF heaven Is to
be won heaven sufrereth violence and the violent
take it by force. There is needed spirit Of energy
to gain success and energy In such fight is sure to
win. This was ngure OF speech speaking
OF the efforts 10 gam Or t me ugge o lur e
Man in his bodily lie grows to physical MANHOOD
but man while growing to physical strength does
not grow to be mechanic. This Is voluntary
effort OF the mind Every single step that man
grows In his mental development he must take by I'm
mental mental development The higher moral sentiments
for their acquisition require higher course OF
training. The mind as It develops itself requires
more individual energy and development GOD Is not
wanting this Development he lays the basis OF II and
the more he Is appealed to the more perfect VIII be
the Development Right aims directed by the right
faculties OF the mind viii be sure to succeed No
part Of mans nature or mind Is to be destroyed III
Seeking this higher order OF development. There is
no need OF any new creation in a substantive sense
though there Is need OF new creation figuratvely
Seeking religion, like the sacking OF the soul OF a
larger sphere OF action, TO the n0bler ordinances
OF the spirit actaating to higher thoughts
and deeds No man eyer reached a.s, to great
innate germs OF power. Not altogether, for
without the spirit OF God man can attain even to
earthly power. 1t must be guided and directed by
the divine power. friend says, "Look look" and
look out and see the sun set In horizon OF glory;
but II had not been called on to look would never
have seen it. SO with man In the higher walks OF
life to the attainment OF which God must call him.
In important respects religious life is open to all.
vaileth; the Kingdom OF heaven suffereth violence
and the violent take It by force. 1t was believed
that men were aoreordained to eternal damna-
m rSaai no sense Of religion requires such
. monstrosity as that No blood for Moloch
posed by that God calls some and leaves others
uncalled hold God calls all men, and calls just as
sincerely those who do not come as those who do.
The only difference ia to be found in the human
heart and the only discrimination is to be found In
the human heart ITSELF There are journals in these
these mechanics read and profit by these teachings
and grow in knowledge and skill. The same teach.
gs ana now @ are accessible d 70 All o%. there
they do read they will not comprehend, and
they are as -, crude ,le and ignorant as before
ence but all men are not equally
stimulated thereby some reject the principles Of
election working IN mems minds and disposltons
some fail The fault Is not Gods nor nature's but
that man ia satisfied and wastes his life in lower
the attainment OF the higher principles and higher
morals Of life. Man may desire to lead Christian
@ to as and sracr aaa higher
he does not desire TO, take on himself the
trouble OF acquiring this. The means by
which knowledge Is gained be does not de-
sire. The ndolent man wishes he could succeed
In BUSINESS he wishes he was Christian: he would
like to enjoy the fruits OF being one he would like
to enjoy the remunerations that follow Christian
life but he Ia too indoent and too unwilling TO
the instruments by which this only be obtained.
Some suppose there is q catching opportunity for
religion. There are times OF revival which some
times press religion on men. Men say:-"My time 10
not come yet; will wait while, and by and by
will be gathered into the fold; am not going to die
yet or as am now.n Men have been living on the
poor pittance OF hope years and years. some wear
the livery OF age, and yet wait till the time
to catch them up and make them Christians before
they know 1t. Now is the time Begin now by con-
secraton and holy purpose to live in Christ. Many
who sat in this sanctuary this night twelve months
ago and listened TO my counsel and to my adm0n
tiOn have seats here more they are gone TO their
account. l beseech YOU who are here tO-nght,lI
beseech you TO listen TO my persuasions, to my
warning, that now Is the accepted time, now Is the
day OF salvation.
The reverend preacher was listened to with the
greatest attention by very large congregation.