The New York herald., 1871-09-18
ST. J0My'S METHODIST CHURCH.


The Flower Of Exampic-AeruiOn by Rev. DIR.
Chapman.
The Methodist Episcopal church on Bedford ave.
nue. well filed yesterday morning, and the pas
tor, Rev. Mr.. Chapman, preached short, practical
sermon from Matthew W. 14-"Ye are the light OF
the world" He said that in speaking from those
words last Sabbath he dwet upon the fact
that example was the source of the Christians most
powerful influence upon the world, and in analyz.
ing that power he called attention to three or four
elements OF u-viz., that 1t was the most
successful method OF illustrating truth and i'm.
parting instruction: that It was demonstra-
ton of the practIcablity OF q religious life as
well as OF the truthfulness OF Christianity,
and the most successful method Of removing obIec-
lions TO it. lie proposed now to name some other
elements OF power IN Christian example. First, it
attracted attention. The first matter OF importance
in attempting to enlist the sympathy, interest or CO.
operation OF men in any enterprise was to arrest
their attention ana bring 1t to their notice. Men OF
the world thoroughly understood thIs for the chill
dren of this world wiser in their generation than
the children OF light.
THE BENEFITS ADVERTISING.
what was the design OF placards that were I'd
be seen In the highways and the handouts that
were put into our doors but to attract attention.
And IN reading the daily press II We perused the
poetry or the columns headed by the announcement
Of a fearful tragedy some other startling occur
renee 1t not unircquently ended with the
advertisement of rticle OF merchandise. Thus
thousands of devices were resorted TO TO catch the
attention OF the people. And the practice was
founded upon the profoundest principle, as well as
upon the most successful method. II one has anv-
thing OF real merit, and what the world needs, the
more constantly he keeps II before the attention Of
men the more successful he Is likely TO be The
by what they hear aud meet with IN daily life than
by what they read IN books. The Incarnation,
lie, death and resurrection OF Christ were pre-
sented TO the world III theory; but, although
of infinite importance this matter was en-
lew to whose minds the subject came often
regarded IL as mystical abstraction Inc Iact
and HIS Spirit to sanctily the world was one about
which muttudcs thought little and cared less.
their attention must be called 10 religion. Bibles
and religious literature ought to he Circulated inv.
people ought TO be talked TO upon the subject OF re-
lgon; but such Is the influence oil worldliness tnat
the IMPRESSION made by nese ageru,es rs cnald hs
peaceiullv inonensivcly and unobtrusIvey kep. oe-
lore the minds OF tne careless was ay oy pcrsona
pety was tile most striking, mover anu uuaqu9s
Thing IN TINS world waJ arSnmen for lie
divinity OF religion before the world than wouia 90
tan stood before The world as Cbrist's representa-
tive, shining IN the very likeness OF God. lie would
SAID e to Company Of Young Christians Study the
Bibe.r eyes, observe an old saint VINO was
standing by, "bccluse the world wiz study yOu."
Again, Christian example was the most successful
method or reproving wrong.dong. There might
not be an allusion TO the conduct OF the sinner, ami
yet the life a Christian was always powerful and
not unlrequently an influential repr0of. There
might be something In the position, education
or age OF wrongdoer which would rob o
ulrect reproof OF all It's power; and yet one
thus sheltered was open to the inoliensve and Oh
trusve influence of holy life. In the domestic
Gle, assocatng with those whose lives were imper-
feet, the consistent Christian, although not able to
openly rebukc wrongd0ers, might reprcvc and
preach all day long by holy living. Let "a man
hbt reverent spirit, bc economical OF probatiOn's
precious hours. snow unsued integrity In business
transactions, 1--we with reference TO eternity, and he
scrupulOusly Obedent 10 the requirements OF tue
Bible, and nc will be living power in any commu-
nifty. such life IA That could not be
cyphcr Tor God was IN II. Where the
tongues Of men and Of angels would prove
ineffective holy nvn9 woald sometimes 10