The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-08-09
LAFAYETTE AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The pulpit OF this fashionable Brooklyn church
was occupied yesterday by the Rev. W. Baker. OF
Ohio who chose for his text Third Corinthians w.,
s"For our light affection, which is but for mo-
ment worketh for US far more exceeding and eter.
nal weight OF glory" He said that the great differ
ence between one man and another was the culture
and discipline OF the moral spirit, as for instance
the antitness OF characters existing between the
Apostle Paul and the Emperor Nero. Character is
that indefnabe something which depicts the moral
Rovernance between the standard OF minds OF a
high and low order. Referring 10 the text-there
Is nothing In mans personal anlicton- which
rebounds TO the glory OF God. IL Is ali part OF the
Divine scheme OF mans earthly probation. The
manner In which the blow is received is the criterion
OF It's action on the mind Heaven saves
as II affcts according to our Makers good
wiz aud pleasure. When Jesus told that We
should be inherltors or heavenly mansion He gave
mankind the promise OF glorious inheritance Tar
Oustretchng the realms Of our earthly imagination.
Apostle we are all behoden to do utmost as frail
and erring mortals to attain the standard he has
laid down for our example, 50 that we may make
our calling and election sure and be shining lights
in the religion profess disciples OF Christ. The
honor and glory or such conduct is within ourselves.
There is sparkle and weight OF solid worth In
words which incite us to possess larger and
bier character Every CLEAN OF prosperity, every
by the inscrutabe designs of an all-ruling Provi-
deDce IN the formation or our characters
either to noble or degenerate standard, which
All Gods great machinery works together In ad-
Inirable union like as II were, TO adopt the homely
simie Of potter, making vessels III for use, and
our proclivles moulded at an early period OF
lifetime Tor good evil. Religion, instead OF being
regarded as the greatest cause OF mundane happi-
ness 10 too often looked upon as bugOear, and q
coat necessary 10 be dOnned each Sunday. We are
taught that man was not made for the Sabbath, but
Sabbath for the man. As TO the benefits OF true re-
gOn. we are also taught 10y God Himself in the gos
pei OF Jesus Christ, that its object Is to make US
worthy or salvation.
General sheridan once remarked, ii tell you, sir,
that the Federal forces were never defeated when
they were In earnest; but had under my command
30 many negative and SO few positive men," SO in
life q stern reality In which no hestatng course
OF religious views can be tolerated. The great God
ordained That our Saviour should give Himself up
willing sacrifice for our sakes, SO that we may be
Gree from all blemish. He therefore was emphati
caly our Saviour, and let US do our part 10
reference to this let US remember the prophecy Of
our Lord, who said He should see OF the travail OF
MS soul and should be satisfied. The object OF our
heavenly Father with regard to ourselves Is use,
ana TINS quality Is TO be found In personal char.
acter, which may be likened to trusy steel which
face and body are an almost infalllbe index of his
mind. Purity purifes. An open brow bespeaks tAe
nobility Of soul aud makes man look every inch a
king.
There Is something radically wrong In our exist.
ing state OF society, so many centuries have sped
aheir way and 30 few real Christians exist More
prayer and more effort Is wanting IN the glorious
task Of the regeneration Of mankind. Science has
given us electricity, nitroglycerne, &C., but Chris.
ttan work flags. Let US never forget that we are
Gods workmen on earth and into our hands have
been committed the power OF love and Christian
charity Jesus IL the author and 1niser OF all that
Gods spirit and work develops and he 10 King OF
Kings and Lord OF Lords.