The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-04-24
NEW ENGLAND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

| Sermon by Rev. Merrill Richardson the
| Responsibility of Great Men-WhaI a
/ Yankee Can DO with Plenty of Money
/ Political Corruption ScathiDgIy RebIked-
/ That Good lime Coming When Once
| Holders VIII Work From Patriotism, and
Not for Pay.
1t having been announced that Rev. Merrill Rich.
arison would preach discourse "The RESPONSE
bllty OF Great Men," there a crowded house yes
terday morning his church. The gentemaniy chief
usher, Mr. George H. Gilbert and his gentemanly at
lendants were taxed TO lind seats for the large at
tendance. An observable feature rarely seen at our
churches was an aZella tree in fun blossom, placed
in front OF the pulpit, whose beautiful white flowers
and the deep emerald of its leaves gave to II Chris.
tlan-ke purity, simplicity and sanctity emblematic
OF the bright spring Sabbath day.
The sermon by the Rev. Mr.. Richardson was from
the text, jeremiah ", 5.-'I will speak unto the
great men," He said the text was an appeal to
the chef men OF Jerusalem to remove the evils
which threatened It's Destruction. The mass OF the
people were ignorant. The leading men knew the
laws OF God and now His judgments could be
averted. Jerusalem was the centre Of influence
and there the reform should begin, and men Of
education, property and social standing must take
the lead. His first head was, there is
RESPONSIBILITY IMPOSED UPON GREAT MEN
by the very nature OF their positions. As the sun
placed IN the centre OF tne planetary system must
control the lesser bodies. so for good or evil Will
men great by their talents wealth and position
sway the destnes OF town or nation. The king
who takes the crown takes Its duties. He yields 1t
not for himself Eternal nfamy is stamped upon
emperor or ruler who lives in pleasure ana betrays
his trust. Every one who has influence on others Is
responsible that extent and rules by divine right
Power over others 10 sacred trust Ills second
head was
GREAT MEN GODS AGENTS.
agency OF leading men. They are "to come to the
neip OF the Lord against the mgnLy.u God needs
and will nave the cooperation OF great to give
victory to the right. The history OF all reforms
proves this. cities are purlfed, freedom won,
people elevated, arts promoted and nations adj
vauced by the agency OF great men. COD uses the
influence OF such IN every age TO promote righteous.
the great reformatiOns OF the past, showing how,
through the instrumentaty OF man, these reforms
had been accomplished. Christ was Gods agent; the
apostles were God agents; St. Paul was Gods agent;
Peter the Hermit was Cots agent, and Martin Luther
aTana n md 50 men VINO fasnd vaS ana
establish schools, endow colleges. promote charities,
build churches and do any great ana good work are
Gods agents From the training or a child 10 the
building Of an empire Goa needs and uses such men.
The
PATHWAY OF NATIONS,
from Egypt down ~ strcwn win the ruins or EN-
pres This was so because the great men old not
obey the behests OF God. IL Wa common TO see 1t
stated In the religious press, speaking OF great
evils that God would remove them IN His own good
time. SO lie Will. Gods time, though, Is not IN the
future. II is to-day; this very hour Great
His instruments TO do IT, HIS third head was that
| great men are the governing power. II our people
were better educated this law OF influence would
| remain. In Parliament and In Congress few
| men take the lead. il must be In republics
| In lnonarcnles great names power. Few have
/ opinions Tor themselves. Ihey follow leaders. The
divine right OF kings Is fast becoming thing OF the
past. Not kings or queens wearing golden crowns
| or waving golden sceptres WELD the power to-day.
There Is power behind the throae-the power OF IN
tellect, the force OF wit the divine GIFT OF genius
u command ana rule. The snews OF war are
| money. Money marrIes even royalty. Put
MONEY IN YANKEES POCKET;
that Is, enough OF IT, and he can go TO Europe and
| bring back the farest Of her daughters IL may
| take pile Of money 10 DO, but money Will do it.
The old ideas or blood are getting played out Par
ticulariy great men the governing power In re-
publlcs. Here the great men, the men OF influence,
| the men OF governing power, rise from tue ranks.
| The path to prominence aud power lies open To all.
Young men can rise to any position. such the
glory OF our free institutions. All could
not become great, but VINO do become
| so should become great In goodness, great
| In the power TO lead millions to a
| higher and DoDler life. There was greatness TO be
achieved In every field OF endeavor, IN politics, In
| the professions, on Change, In commerce. IN schol-
arsls the arts The great were not TO be idle not
| To be self-indugent. Their example carried power
with 10. Their influence was great. Men stood ready
| TO follow them, anu wi follow them
| HEAvENwARD OR DEyILwARD.
They could not overrate their responsibility They