The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-12-12
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Character and Work of Chriss-scrmon

The Character and Work Of Christ-Scrmon
by the Rev. Halsey Knapp.
The pulpit or this, the oldest Baptist church in
Brooklyn ordinarily occupied by the Rev. Mr..
Gallagher. was filled yesterday by q gentleman or
somewhat different intellectual calbre. Mr.. Halsey
Knapp Is middle-aged, very fervid IN his manner Is
rapid speaker and delights in quick changes or
veice, sometimes speaking in hoarse thunder
tones and as often indulgng in the mlldcst
treble. The church was well filed by an attentive
audience, which, despite the many provocatons to
laughter Afforded them by the reverend gcntleman's
vocal vagares, listened throughout the sermon with
sage from ST. Pauls Episte to the Hebrews--'For,
being perfect He became the author OF eternal SAL
vatlon to all who obey Him."
In the course OF his remarks he conbatted the
opinion which ne said was entertained by many
persons that
GOD HAD MADE MISTAKE
In Adam, and that He sent His Son Jesus into the
world to correct the blunder God never made
stake in all the eternity Of years. He sent HIS be-
loved Son to complete the work of which lie spoke
through the prophets, 10 crown the edi-
fee Of His wisdom by one supreme act,
which would redeem and save fallen
world Mr.. Knapp also explained that there
was nothing supernatural in the appearance
VI tle Jesus, mOTc i'll any Otler onilu CO.
temporary with IL; that as q youth the saviour
as other youths: But lie Was flied with divinity
and grew in the strength OF His Father who sent
HIM. What we would call IN other youths precoclty
OF intellect was in Him divinity and inspiration.
Following Him through His trials and temptations.
and largely Quoting from the Scriptures for opposite
ILLUSTRATIONS, the preacher proceeded to describe
THE LIFE OF JESUS,
dwelling with much power and eloquence the
scene in the wilderness, where the devil tempted
Him. Christ at the supreme moment cried out
"Father, why hast thou forsaken me?'' Here His
humanity spoke out in agony. III 1t is possible, let
this pass from me' he cried, in ihe intensity OF
his anguish. But 1t could not be; the work
he was sent to do had 70 he done
perfectly. Without the shedding OF blood there
could be no redemption, and the life OF the Son OK
God had to be given that mar might be redeemed.
As an illustration OF the necessity that exste for
THE DEATH OF CHRIST
the reverend gentleman quoted with peculiar unc-
ton, that passage OF the Od Testament where Saul,
being directed by GOD TO 60 out and slaughter
large party OF men, women and children their
nocks and herds, neglected to XIII a few sheep, and
was told by Samuel his return that ODE
dtence was better than sacrifice. This blending
Of the principles oi murder and Christianity was
done with warmth Of manner which seemed TO
have considerable effect on the congregation. After
applying all MS precepts and teachings drawn from
the Scriptures the reverend gentleman made q
ferycnt appeal 10 his hearers walk In the footsteps
OF the Redeemer when they fell frsm grace to 70
70 the Saviour aud govern their lives that they
would eventually obtain everlastngilfe In the realms
OF bliss.