The New York herald., 1870-09-26
CHURCH OF THE REFORMATION.

Election Guaranteed to Diligcnco-Sermon by
Rev. Abbott Brown.
The pretty little Church OF the Reformation on
Fiiteth street, between Second and Third avenues,
has been thoroughly repainted and redecorated, and
though always elegant, at present presents more
than ordinarily tasteful appearance. To add to its
completeness, new and sweet toned organ has
been purchased, which sounds through the church
the hymns OF Zion and helps TO raise the thoughts
of those who worship there to their Creator. The
credit OF these improvements must be given to the
rector the Rev. Abbott Brown, who gives most OF
his attention the wants OF his congregation and
his church.
Yesterday morning ne preached really Instruct
i've sermon, taking for his teXt-"Give diligence to
make your calling and election sure;" Peter H. l. TO-
He said:-The epistes OF Peter are everlasting
rebekes to those who would make their
author the foundation OF the Church What
glorious opportunity he enjoyed to proclaim
HiS OWN INFALLiBILIrY,
to set forth his Claims 10 the highest position Of
spiritual authority AS he sat with pen IN hand
ready to address himself to the churches, how
easily might he not have written to his supreme
eXaitatlon lis epistles are q monument OF con-
demnation to thai faith which reposes Itself upon
him Us the rock OF permanehce. For as We SIT 1t
his teet and listen 10 his owa teachings we learn
that he WAS a consistent adherent to the PRINCIPLES
which he announced 10 the PROSTATE Cornelius when
he SAID TO hihi, stand up; myself also am o
man." The whole tone OF the epistie in which the
text stands tends alone TO the eXalt tion OF Christ
as the safety OF The believer. Two grand objects
TO be before the W .ter's eye-one 10 warn his
hearers against the prevalence and increase OF error
which threatened the HE OF their souls; the other
to point tnen III the only direction OF safety,
GROWTH IN GRACE,
and IN the knowledge OF our Lord. His warning
prepares for His counsei, and the ultimate anu OF
TINS Is 10 impress the absolute necessity OF know
ledge OF the saviour ~ the only means by which 10
Establish the Christian HE. TOO many res: satisfied
with u vague knowledge Cf the great WORK OF The
redemption OF ther souls, ana therefore, found
sluggish ana inactive. TOO many permit the cares
OF riches aud pleasures OF life to cheat them out OF
their privileges Ia the care and wealth and pleasure
which the WORK FOR ChriSts Church on earth and
or God as their daily bread. How few add TO their
faith virtue, and TO virtue knowledge, and to know
ledge temperance, and 10 temperance patience, and
10 patience goGliness, aud to godliness brOtherly
Kindness. and to brotherly Kindness charity" that
these being IN them aud aDounding may make them
that they shall be neither barren nor unlruitful in
the knowledge or
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
While we are not alive TO the necessity OF greater
devotion to our Lord IL Is Impossible TO attain TO
that high calling and election TO winch ii is the duty
or every Christian To attain And ~ there
here for diligence when the inroad5 OF the world
upon the Church are so PLAN; when day after day
is given 10 earthly cares, while single day is
Rrndged TO God; while churches are half empty and
places or amusement are crowded, while excite
ment OF the seDscs is more desired than communion
with our Father in heavens Much need then, Is
there for earnest counsel.
Mr. Brown continued at some length and con-
cluded by sayIig:-Oh, give diligence, give diii-
pence, TO make your calling and election sure; make
haste to secure your hope IN Christ. Tor HIS blood
was shed for yOur S0ul.