The New York herald., 1871-02-20
GHE FLOirlSG RE THEL.

Combination Services by the Right Rev.
Bishop Liiiielohn-A lie. or ,.cneous, bus In
teresfing, Congregation.
Tile floating Church Of Our Saviour for seamen.
moored al the foot Of Pike street East river, was
yesterday afternoon filled to osernowiug by hetero-
geneous multitude, drawn Together TO witness the
administration OF the
APOSTOLIC RITZ
OF confirmation by the Right Rev. Bishop Little
john, OF Long Island. II being known throughout
the neshborhood for weeks past that the ceremony
would take place, the deaizens OF the district
were present In force, aad together made
up such congregation as IS seldom seen
In the Goating church. There were the rough
bearded seamen, who, in many instances, perhaps.
fol the first time ha visited place OF worship; &C.
companylne him was his wife, who, for the 0cca-
sion, was decked in all the aaery that Jack could
buy her. There they were. 'longshoremen, whose
wondering glances betokened the interest they felt
In all that took place. Then came the CHS OF the
neIghb0rhood, whose accustomed haunts are the
corner rum shops. They were accompanied by their
girls, who to inspect The deyo.ees ana laugh at
them; bur once inside the sacred structure. tho
soemnity Of the and the devotion Of those
whose TRENDS were about to makea
PROFESSION or FAITH
dispelled any tendency to irreverence. and those
wac came to scoE remained to pray. Mingled with
TINS mass OF humanity wcro many from other con-
gregailons whose interest In the cause OF Chris
tanlty led them thther Their expensive ralment
made singular contrast with the secdy. though
well brushed clothing OF tho others, but iher pre-
sence s, wa was ma hailed as ray OF sunshine by those
the door were thronged the little "Arabs''
who abound In such neighboraoods. Their
curiosity was awakened by the immense at
that was going they remained about the entrance
and appeared to be interested. Altogether the varl
Gus elements being considered, the congregation
was most devout one and one from which mvny q
more pretcntious church could take a lesson.
the pastor, the Rev. Robert W. Lewis, the conclu-
sion OF which he extended an invitation to all pre-
make use OF the library. TO all who were not pos.
sesscd of copy Of the Holy Scriptures offered to
present one, tnat they might always have the
WORD OF GOD
with them to refer to times OF DANGER and thereby
gain new strength and courage He spoke OF the
many dlniculties that were encountered IN the re-
llgious work VI that particular parish. The prefa
tory work OF continuation, which is usually the labor
OF year. he SAID had to be done In a few months
for, on account OF the occupation OF those Composing
the congregation they are here to-day and gone to.
morrow. AT the conclusion Of the pastors remark8
the congregation stood up and united In
A song or PRAISE
III which the deep bass OF the mariner and tho
lighter notes or the women were blended together
In harmony. When the last notes had died away
ana tne people had resumed their seats Bishop
LlttieJonn arose and in voice tremulous with
tlUn addressed the assembage. He said that not
long ago God had led hlm to this beautiful sanolu-
ary and 1t was his privilege then 10 address them
with words OF promise, which lie trusted had not
been forgotten. On that occasion he had prepared
sermon, out ne mad not proceeded One-half
way with It's delivery when his own heart
ana the feeling exhibited by his hearers told him q
sermon was out OF place. stale and Improbable. ana
inadequate to do justice to the sentiments he wished
to convey. A few moments ago nc had thought to
20 TO the desk and preach sermon, but now he
would claim the privilege OF standing front OF hfs
hearers TO look them face 10 face, and speak to
thom the w0rtis OF his heart.
Inc present occasion Is more than person would
at 1rst suppose.
THE SACRED RITE
AZ anout 70 be administered is no modern innovation.
Or ceremony OF the nineteenth cOnturv, but it Is
as old as the Apostles, and Is handed down to us az
ceremonial OF the church from It's most primitive
doys. The Bishop spoke OF the Joy that should be
the lot oil those who were about to bc confirmed
and eijolned those present to profit by the example,
There are many persons, ne said, who 20 aDout the
world and their own homes and throw about this
matter Of personal religion such degree Of
pyscry that thoy keep others away. 1t is tr,ie
there is mystery In everything. There is mystery
In the sunbea ~ tho ray ol light that shines from
heaven; in the stars IN the Ill inament: there is q
great mystery hidden in the drop or water aud the
atom OF earth; and VINO has ever solved the great
mystery OF Gods providence 10 man9 The mystery
yet remains. but the Word or God is gwen IN such
Clear unmlsakabc language that
THE f0oa MAyFARER.
even though he be fool, must hear and understand
rCnrYNrT ~