The New York herald., 1870-05-16
LEXINGTON AVENUE METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH.
CHURCH..

Sermon by Rev. H. NJ. Stratton-ImpOrtanc
\ Of Christinn Activity-The Lesson Thereof
Drawn from Nchemiah's Building oil the
Temple mt Jcrusnlem.
The smiling sun Of yesterday was not more genai
than the countenances OF the congregations that
gathered for worship in their respective churches
The numbers were larger than have been nouceu
for some time and this increase was not more appa
rent anywhere than in Lexington avenue Methoois'
Episcopal church. of Fifty second street, yes
terday morning. The singing was congregauoha
led by choir under the direction oil Mr. hooert
Johnson, who WIN be remembered in connect on
with the Cooper Union musical classes HIS daugh-
ter, beautiful young lady, performed very credi-
taby on the organ. Some OF the leading members
occupy choice seats in pews named after them
selves But as the church is not large and contains
no galleries, save the choir gallery, there Is not
much difference in the choice OF pews.
The Rev. r. M. Stratton, the pastor of this church.
is a young man. apparently about twenty-five years
OF age with smooth face, expressive eyes and a
deep basso voice. His utterances are deliberately
made, and vet his style and manner show him TO be
man OF nervous temperament, jealous in the cause
In which he IS engaged. His sermon yesterday was
very eloquent plea FOR
CHRISTIAN ACTIVITY.
and was Dlsed upon Nehemiah w., o, last clause
"For the people had mind to work" In describ-
ing the character of the work the preacher detailed
the circumstances in which Nehemiah found himself
Ill presence of Araxerxes King of Babylon, his great
anxiety for the land of his birth, and especially
Ior the house OF ms Cod ms oonn,emaice ,,r nc,
King, who, upon learning the cause, sent him forth
to rebuild the walls OF Jerusalem. Others had pre-
coded him in this work ana failed. HIS success was
complete. for the people had Il mind to work. They
caught the inspiration OF his own zeal and earnest
ness. And those that wrought in the work, even
every one with one OF his hands built the wall and
with the other hand held weapons spear. a
shield, bow, or habergeon. And the builders or
Overseers every one had his sword grded by his side
and SO bullded. Too many Christians are found in
the Church willing enough to work. but they are
IMPERFECTLY EQUTPPED.
They are not ready to fight with the enemies that
surround them on every side inc or Dreastplate 9I
lackng the shield OF faith is land asde the eet are
not shod with the preparation OF the gospel of peace
and the sword OF the Spirit hangs rusty over the
mantel lies unused some dusty shelf. No
wonder that the Samsons of the Church are weak,
like other men, and that some Of them yield to
must be laid upon rock foundation, Jesus Christ
himself being tile chief corner sEone. The rubbish
must be cleared away before the alls be built
or the gates Set up; and the hardest work OF life
sometimes Is TO dig down TO the foundation OF IA
and pleasures OF liie with the deceltfulness OF
riches and with quantity OF other rubbish which
must be removed before the Spirit do His work.
SIXTEEN HOURS WORK A DAY.
Nehemlah's WOrkmen labored not On.y eight or ten
hours day, but from the rising of the morning till
the stars appeared. they wearled not, neither
tainted III their toll, because they loved Jerusalem.
And this was the secret OF their success ana this
was why they had mind to work. The sermon
closed with appeal to the congregation for re-
newed religious activity and greater zeal and devO
tion to the interests Of the church. And then when
all are active and all are building, while they are
ready TO fight, may we expect to see the Kingdom Of
God spreading over land aud until all, from the
least unto the greatest are gathered INTO his fold
Yesterday beng quarterly ''meeJlngr day, col
lection was taken up To pay the pastor and FOR other
purposes. In the evening ''the pillar Of sat' on the
plains OF Zoar was pointed out TO the females OF the
congregation, who were warned to
.'REMEMBER LOTS WIFE,
Among the strong men OF The church are the
Messrs. i.aor Cartwright, Bowen, Tower, L0omis,
Fowler, Peasc, MyTck ana others. That portion oil
the city Is being rapidly built up and In few years
more no doubt this church VIII rise tO importance
among the lengious institutions OF the CITY.