The New York herald., 1871-03-27
NEW ENGLAND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Religion is Liberty-Sermon by Rev. Merrill
Richardson.


Religion 10 Liberty-Sermon by Rev. Merrill
Richardson.
There was the usual large and fashionable atten.
dance at yesterday mornings service at Or. Merrill
Richardson's church. corner OF Madison avenue and
Forty seventh street. Despite the semi.sombreness
OF the day there was the bright caeerfulness OF
beautiful spring t0ettes the brightness of smiling
facesfOr there Is no old fashioned, Puritanlc blue
law notions in this congregation-and the pre-emi-
nently bright smiles OF the courteous ushers George
H. Gilbert, F. w. Dormon and George Wright
whose gracious and delicate style Of showing
people to their seats goes good way toward
putting them into pleasantly worshpful mood.
But these ushers are always smiling whatever the
weather, and In front of the pulpit always sweet
owers fng the air with their delicious fragrance,
and soft and low the music OF the organ and
mingled harmonies OF the choir. The sermon was by
the pastor, Rev. Merrill Richardson, and Its subject
Religion is Liberty The text was Romans will,
2Because the creature itself also shall be deliv-
cred from the bondage OF corruption into the glorious
liberty OF the children OF God" This was one Of the
grandes conceptions OF the Gospel OF Jesus Christ
He bid them stand forth as heirs OF God. Jews and
Gentiles were alike under this bondage. Christ
opened the doors to all. The religion OF Christ was
liberty. After further Introduction he plunged into
his subject IN nedtas res first answering the ques-
tion
WHAT is RELIGIOUS LIBERrYS
The idea OF G0d'S government was personal.
Christianity W as freedom; Christianity allowed
every one liberty to think and do as he pleases 1t
permitted largest freedom Of conscience Al the same
time It was religion OF law, order right, RESPONSE
blIty. Within this compass there was the fullest
reeasm WorHing o Together WtSn the
circle Of family relations further Illustration was
drawn from the relations existing between the citi
zen and the State. None dreamed OF being con.
strained OF their liberty except such as placed
themselves in bondage through violation, OF
e Of the prison sSaskles ana s the naer
draw. The good and law.abidng citizen was free
to the % Of Goa Tne Gospel held up ali sne
liberty one could enjoy-liberty Of thought, con-
science, action. The Gospel freed from ali possible
every evil passion. II they were the children OF
God liberty. was their Inheritance. II auy one at
tempted to deprive them Of this liberty they should
"aEr BEHIND ME SATAN"
HOW Is religious liberty ODtained2 While they lived
TTnssy were M pTodigai sons.waiis ei lie. ire
or last or strong drink, or ambition. The chains
Of slavery are getting each day firmly riveted.
dom. They try 70 free themselves, and do not sue.
ceed This IS particularly 80 with the slave to drink
and
the Anal struggles Of remaining self-respect rightly
put forth will prevail and how great IS the free.
helps all such. His hand is stretched out to all.
The third point considered was the
EXTENT OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.
Like pebble dropped in mid ocean, whose influ-
ence extends and dlssemnates itself 10 tie farthest
shores SO it had been with religious liberty There
was not land, or people, or nation that did not now
feel TO greater or less extent. It's influence. In
England It was felt in Prussia, Austria, IN
France, in Rome. the Eternal CITY itself; Asiat:c
Turkey. IN the Archipelago OF Greece, In the most
distant waters and the remotest Islands OF the
Much had been accomplished since the commence
ment OF the Christian era. great work still re-
mained TO be DONE and in describing this work the
pastor reached acme OF enthusiasm and elOluence
that electrified the audience. The sermon indeed or
which the above but the merest kind or abstract
was one or the best and most earnest and impas
stoned he has delivered since assuming the pastor
snip or this church.
The services last evening at the church were OF
varied but deeply interesting character. 1t was on
behalf OF the Howard Mission. Rev. Mr.. Van
Meter, Superintendent or the Howard Mission and
Home for Little Wanderers made an address, which
was followed by addresses by Mr.. A. s. Hatch, Pre-
sident OF the Mission, and Rev. Mr.. Richardson.
An interesting feature was singing by the members
OF the Mission who were In attendance. cOntrl-
button was taken up at the close, which met with
generous response.