The New York herald., 1869-06-14
Reports of Religion.

The reflex OF religious progress as SET iortn
in our columns this morning is, speaking gen.
orally, of very consoling character, our
reporters in this city, Brooklyn, on the Hud-
son, in NV NV jersey, Connecticut, Washington
ord other centres either of attractive deluslons,
active Satanic operations or powerful revivais'
.,forminp ns hv telegraph and mail that the
Wits ond -ading desks were served
with ve.J ond .,'oquence in ..- -..or.
crowded and attent,v," congregations YES.
day. Religion is more coz uof'.as ~ p,"'''0s
to-day than 1t was in prospect :. u 'ne '@Ho VI
holy Job, as we enjoy all the Chris. 'an PIE"
sures of church associations and show. ana
inviting ceremonial, while the patriarch w>ss
supported in his solitary trials, daily discom-
forts, bodily pains and Questionable personal
appearances by faith alone. In circum-
stances so widely different 1t is easy to
understand why our writer's pay such atten-
ton to the state of the weather, besides de-
scribing the fine scenic effect produced in the
different temples by display Of rich dresses,
beauty and fashion. Reverend Henry Ward
Beecher, forcible apostle of the church mill
tant, preached before the United States Army
Cadets-having dined with President Grant
on Saturday-at West Point, exhorting to val
liant action in defence of country, home and
humanity, yet not damping the spirits Of the
embryo heroes by any strained application Of
the Scriptural assurance that he who ''lives
by the sword, shall perish by the sword" In
New York Reverend Doctor Northrop leo
tured before the Sons Of Temperance, taking
Scripture text for his theme, in the words
righteousness exalteth nation, but sin is a re-
proach to any people"-a Gospel truth generally
acknowledged, but the force of which has
been neutralized to very sad extent by the
modern worldly reading Of "pity it is that
pleasures sin, and sometimes sin pleasure"
The reverend gentleman was very effective in
his pulpit inferences, during the delivery of
which he acknowledged the powerful evangel-
ism Of the newspaper press as distinguished
from the ruinous social effects produced by the
circulation of periodical literature of the ''yel
low covered" class. In the Church of the Pill
grims the newly nducted pastor gave "Three
Reasons for Hell," in strain of metaphysical
argument, two of the reasons, with all the
logic, being quite unnecessary, if larger
number of the people would only just believe
that there is such place-a fact which appears
to have been very generally forgotten, if we
are to judge from the police returns and judi
cial records. 'Liberal Christianity" an extra
ordinary classification, was treated by another
clergyman. A Boston gentleman preached on
the Sudden Coming of the Lord" commenc-
ing at the period Of the Deluge and running
from the fall of Jericho to the days of the
ton man, not saying word about the Peace
Jubilee or the superior cleanliness Of the
streets in the ''Hub." The Presbyterians were
in animated expression. The Spiritualists
were out with extraordinary manifestations,
fallible to degree, as appears from
the report, yet tending forcibly towards the
lunatic asylum in effect. The country was de-
cidedly fervent, and Washington not oficiously
devout. Bridgeport was particularly pious, as
good and fourishing Connecticut town
should be. Catholics, Episcopalians, Method
lists, Universalists, Star Of Hope missionary
folk-white and colored-were out in great
force, engaged In church dedication, preach
ing, lecturing and discharging the good work
generally. The Catholics dedicated St. Au-
gustines church with all the ceremony and
pomp of their ritual. Rev. Mr.. Murray ex-
horted the prisoners in Newburg jail-a mis-
sonary movement in most useful direction
while the Methodists Of the city were liberal in
aid OF their Church. Each denomination was
active in its sphere, giving our people good
reason to rejoice that they are blessed with
free Church and free religion In free State,
and that there is little chance Of our country
being ever bothered by arguments about ''en-
dowment" or "disestablishment."
FOUNTAINS. .-Forty-two drinking fountains
are to be put up by the Board of Health at