The New York herald., 1870-02-28
ZION coloaep cavAcW.

The Congregation, tho Minister aud tho
Sermon--The African Arist0cracy, Their
Costumes, Manners und Pioty.
This arstocratc tompe OF our coIored brothers
was not 80 well filled yesterday m0rni0g as II often
IL. but those that were present most ably repro.
ssn,sd the unfortunate absent. the congregation
OF this church comprises the most wealthy, refined
and aristocratio OF the colored population
Of the city, and tnelr manners and dress
fully show how proudly conscious Of II
they are. common person. whether white or
black, will hnd no place in this church. for
the mora elegant win crowd others out 1t u the
Grace church OF Africa, and the great Brown finds
ft corepresentative 10 the person OF their dtgnt-
fed yellow sexton, with the only difference that he
moves much faster. The .ntorior OF the church Is
plain dnd neat light coors being mostly used In its
decorations. which, besides being always clean,
shows Oh the people to great advantage.
The congregation Is decidedly well dressed one
for the most expensive silks and velveis form the
materials OF the iaies dresses as the finest OF broad
cloths clothe the men. Upon entering the building
tins Is observed once and there is nothing In
10 distinguish the worshippers from Fifth avenue
congregation but the uncovered neads OF the men.
The ladies' display much good taste IN their toilets.
but lew bright or gay colors being seen. subdned
qnietness prevailed, which gave o more elegant tOm
Ensemble than the brilliant colors seen else
where. All seemed TO be partial TO deep pur-
pie silk ana blacx velvet and these are the
materials above all others which via show
TO advantage a dark skin and peary teeth.
Many OF these costumes were heightened 10 effect
by diamond PIN or earir0ps and were Stich as any
lady might envy. The ladies wearing them were IN
many cases rich, and were looked upon most
admiringly by their sable companions. The male
portion vi the congregation less deserving OF
notice. Most OF them wero large. broad-souldered
men, such as would put 10 shame the puny little
follows that are found in most arstocratic churches.
The leading men OF the church are IN general
pelSons isa @ oa oonsasraoio weaila ana stanang IA
Brooklyn, president OF the board OF trustees James
Pierce who resides at Flushing during the summer
al his country house. but at this Tune of the year IN
the city; John Jones' OF Corneia street. - also one
Of their leading men, and the posscssor OF consider
able property. At this church viii be found the
wealthy Golored people OF the city, and together
they form small arlstocracy winch Is just as ex-
elusive ana severe in Its laws aud regulations dS any
other clique III the city.
The pastor Is Rev. william u. Butler. The reve.
rend gentleman Is "a tall man OF gentlcmanly exte-
rior, vita Il complexion iuucu lighter than that Of
most or his congregation. lie has good voice ana
pleasant delivery, and HIS sermon was listened 70
he proposes 70 preach on the same suoJect, sell
conservation taking for his text Second Corinthan
as We hoped, but arst gave their own selves TO the
Lord AMI unto US by the Will OF God" 10 lead a
true and noly NE and 70 prepare ourselves
selves 10 God and become part or Him.
aEu TO be acceptable the surrender must
be cntire we must do away with tribes and w0rldi-
and consscrate our whole lives to His service
II you have received this conservation you need not
tell it. You need not say Il am sancilfed" for It
win be plainly seen by your outward actions KIN.
dred spirits 40 come together, and considering this
their walks will be such that the world win soc their
holiness and respect II. Bus don't tnnk that this
consecrat0n and devotion TO the Church Will save
you from sin, for II Will not Sn ~ failing Of the
body and rs long as we are In thus state we are
apt to fall. Ali temptation should DO resisted.
ana, though the opposition to goodness was great,
those who had been cOnseCrAted would find tbem-
selves strong 10 resist and would grow stronger and
stronger TIL they wOn.the battle. The Apostles say
should seek one degree OF grace after another Till
glory at last crowns what grace has begun. Christ
has also told US 10 consecratc ourselves TO Him. We
should obey Him; and what happiness 1t will be- as
leave this lie, to DO abo 10 sayl have kept the
faith; nave gwen up all ana VIII now see my re-
ward az The loot Of the cross