The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-12-06
PLYMOUTH CHURCH.

The Inflgsnce Of the Love Of God-sermon
~ the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher.
AZ It was anticipated that the Rev. Mr. Beecher
might possibly refer to the Richardson case owing
to the comments which his connection with the n.y.
meneal services In the Aston House had elioltsd
plymouth church, Notwithstanding The fnclement
weather., was crowded to the doors. he did not,
however, advert TO It, and not few were accord
ingly disappointed, 40 his views upon the subject
were looked for. After announcing that In c0nse.
quence Of domestic affl1ction, the approaching
death Of his grandson, there would be no evening
service the reverend gentleman took his text from
the Episte Of st. Paul to the Romans, VIII, N-''Oh
wretched man that ami who shall deliver me from
the body OF this deathn He first alluded to the
traveller wandering on In wretchedness. he was
over wearied, was discouraged, was on the point Of
giving up all hopes OF the struggle for rescue; he saw
suddenly the glimpses OF light, and, know.
ing that the road was near to Q dwelling
house, he exclaimed, "Thank God, am saved ~ and
yet he did not stop to point out all the reasons
which led to that exclamation. In this wise
victory was interpreted. God in Jesus Christ was
the solution Of that profound mystery Of human life
which man In all ages had observed. Rising up
from all competitors man was found standing at
the head Of all earthly tribes in power and harmony
and while he might be inferior to animals in certain
special organs, collectively he was far superior to
them. And yet larger and transcendant as he was,
man was not Happy not IN any proportion 70 the pro-
q he history Of TIE ace was
sad one Man knew more Of everything than he dld
aa he could ns ns s @
grand facts that met the student was the physical
force which had been given to man as creature
living upon the material globe; the next
fact was the supreme supra elements existing
in his nature. lie was the creature Of affection,
love- moral sentiment and spiritual life. Men had
learned but very imperfecty to carry themselves 30
that every part OF their nature should have fair play
Regarding man as race, the animal propensites
was q conflict waged. ne hoped with some degree OF
power between mans PHYSICAL ne o. ,s. %
Guiding his social affections and imagination. This
was the strife which had been going on, and to all
souls aroused to true light the struggle had been
severe one. How to have the power over our whole
organization. over the despotlsn OF animal and
lie. Remedies had been proposed to bring the con-
nct between the sou! and the body TO close
as saa XII Sfs the TO Sys way Feelings 70 che
however. was brilliant opening, but . dismal
close What was more wrstched 70 behold than
themselves from the struggle were IKE party en-.
tering Mammoth Cave. They have lights enough to
carry them through II they are sparingly used but
they at all their candles on fire. needless Of
| the warning voice Of the guide, and they wander
| many miles from the mouth Of the cave when one
light after another begins to flicker, burns low and
| goes out. In nasty alarm they turn back. Twilight
miles from the exit Then follow the outcries for
| help, ana some, wandering they know not where,
plunge down the chasms, while Others giving up
lie down in despair There was. as method to rid
themselves OF the struggle, the example OF those
who wasted all their powers and passions In youth
and at last wandered into great darkness lar from
the exit. Superstition was another way, sort OF
stupefaetion which, while IL neither strengthened
nor Weakened succeeded in bantshlng sharp ALARM
Morality had given to 1t q compromise, not that mo-
rality to be despised It was The average OBJ
servance OF the laws and customs Of society. 1t
was, however, empirical remedy, but 1t did
not fully enable the radical fundamental
conflict between the flesh and the blood to be carried
on Then came philosophy II propounded TO men
maxlms and proposed certain rules for guidance
but they were not applicable to oil, and therefore,
| IL there was no remedy except philosophy, IL GER
tainly proposed none. What, them was the final
remedy. What did Christianity offer In this case9 II
| undertook to bring 10 men higher power In them
| selves and apply 10 that side where the power Ii
most beneficial. 1t undertook to bring God In con.
| nection with mankind.
| The reverend gentleman then dilated at consider
| able length upon the love Of God for man and the
| sympathy which he entertained for him. This was
the grand remedy to be sought, no other being OF
any avail. 1t was the representation OF God as the
| teacher, the personal friend, the one dictator
supremely beautiful In his intense sympa thy-this
| was the view OF God we needed in our souls dis
tress-the power brought within the conditions OF
understanding and that by 1t the greatness OF
Gods nature acts upon spiritual life. IL was the
love OF God that gave man power, hope, elasticity
| ami victory.