The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-07-04
Church services Yesterday.

II Is true that we have no national Church,
but this fact does not prevent all the preachers
from being exceedingly patriotic. Yesterday
religion aided in clarifying the noble bird of
freedom, and in the sermons was said great
deal which the mere orator Of to-day would
hardly have thought of saying. 1t is, indeed,
gratifying to reflect ON this Fourth of July that
but for American independence Christianity
would, by this time, have been almost lost to
the world. Not that any clergyman yesterday
said it would, for none did, that we are aware
OF. But there was something in the manner in
which they connected the anniversary of our
independence with religion which suggested
the idea that this republic was made specially
to save Christianity from utter ruin. DIR.
Chaplin. at the Church Of the Divine Pater-
nifty; Rev. Mr.. Smyth, at the American Free
Presbyterian church, and Mr.. Swift, at the
Attorney street Methodist church, eloquently
dilated upon the glories associated with this
memorable day and showed wherein they are
connected with divine glorcs.
But it was at Hartford, at the Park Congre-
gational church, that the most remarkable
sermon of the day was delivered. The cler-
gyman, Mr.. Burton, is a relative Of Henry
Ward Beecher, and his discourse was as origi-
nal, not to say as startling, as anything the
apostle Of Plymouth church ever delivered.
Whether it was that the presence Of President
Grant in his church hurried Mr.. Burton we
regret our inability to state. 1t is certain,
however, that the reverend gentleman, If we
may Judge by his sermon, was considerably
fustered. He opened by inviting his congre-
CATION to ''ascend into the upper air, doubt
less in a balloon, and they would see ''an up
roar" wherever they looked. Not only on the
face OF the earth does this uproarlous state of
things exist ely out beyond the stars.
said Mr.. Burton, ''and you'll find aims and
spheres of uproar; or go straight into the
solid globe, and from its rind to core of fire,
the whole way, there are signs that even the
whole world does not escape
This is very interesting intelligence, and we
deeply regret the certainty Of no living person
could fly, to get Beyond the stars would in
volve journey Of some millions Of miles,
with no means of carrying an adequate sup
ply of provisions; and as for going straight
into the solid globe, we decline the trip at
present. This universal uproar the clergyman
seemed to be personally aware of, for he even
assured his hearers that the Infinitely stead
fast nature" of God is moved by it, although
he did not explain how anything infinitely
steadfast' could be moved at all. Further
more, Mr.. Burton asserted that ''there is
partnership of heaven, earth and helr' Limited,
we suppose), and that general sensation
doubtless President Grants presence) shocked
all. 1t was gratifying to learn from the
preacher that all this discord is to cease. Ellis
torical investigation" said he, ''shows the
necessity Of readjustment, and he proceeded
to explain how things are to be readjusted. 1t
may be that after hearing this sermon Pres-
dent Grant enjoyed his dinner but if he did
it was due solely to his being soldier, and
says much for his digestion.
After reading Mr.. Burtons sermon all
the others delivered yesterday appear
tame and commonplace, excepting that Of
Bishop Snow, who, as the only true prophet,
predicted all sorts of woes. At Mohawk
Hall DR.. Boone gave the Pope and Catholi-
cism raking. Of the others that of
Father McSweeney, at st. Stephens Roman
Catholic church, on the Apostles as Fishers
of Men," of Dr. Deems, at the Church of the
Strangers, and Father Kearney's, at st.
Patrick's Cathedral, will be found full of in
terest and religious instruction. In Brooklyn
the Sabbath discourses were as good as usual.
The absence OF Mr.. Beecher from the city
kept large number of his congregation away
from Plymouth Church, they not caring so
much to worship God as to hear their pastor
preach. Some of them did go to the taber-
nacle, but rather rudely left before the prayers
were finished and reverend editor could
begin a very learned and very dull discourse.
In the matter Of attendance none of the
churches were crowded, and even at the
watering places it was apparent that the
season of summer religion had been checked
by the sudden change OF the weather. We
hope to make better record of next Sunday s
churches.
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