The New York herald., 1871-10-16
C:EgAGO TEE paiDE OF THE NATION.

Now Garland Congregational Cturc:,--Scrann
by Rev. Dr. EIcrriIi iichardsan.
An unusually large congregation attended the
services yesterday morning at the New England
congregational Church. corner OF Madison avenue
and Forty seventh street. Wide awake 10 the sir
ring themes OF the times Rev. Dr. Merrill Rich
ardson. the popular pastor, always is ne made the
subject OF his discourse the late terrible condagra-
ion in Chlcago-a subject that could not fail 10 eli
list his most eloquent energies. His text was Isaiah
Kill, 6-"rhey helped every Que his neghbor. AMI
every one said to his brother. Re of GOOD cour-
age" This text, he began. was suggested 10y tie
noble responses being made to the
suFFERINGs OF CHICAGO,
tnat city SO young, yet strong and fun OF life,
sitting as queen upon the broad lakes, the great
artery OF the food trade OF haaf a continent, sud
denly desolate and asking for bread. Wrapped In
a devouring whirlwmd OF fire massive mercantile
warehouses bank, insurance, commercial and cx.
change buildings; blocks OF marble aud stone and
BRICK. railroad depots printing houses, holels;
whole square miles In the very centre OF the city
built to defy the names-these together with thou
sands OF wooden structures aud the tenements OF
mechanics and labcrers have been destroyed. Forty
blocks OF great city
ONE SEA OF FLAME
What anguish In such u scene They had rea d the
facts and been panied by the dreadful disaster. Ills
this calamity nor the lessons OF caution which
such disasters teach, for they are plain to all and
the daily papers enforce them. lie found in tile
prompt ana generous response OF the cities OF the
land 70 the
CALL FOR HELP
an illustration OF the moral power OF society. 1t
was clearly Gods design to have mankind reach
their best and highest development In the social state
for the greater portion OF the Bible was addressed
TO them as members or society. Herein Is the
sphere OF duty and activity. The strongest virtues
OF character could only he cultivated In this state
Society is the Impeng force which man peeds to
make the most Of his powers. On is rushing tide
achievements are o found where % inc Stimulus i Is
found; The educational force OF society could
not Ss oyer ues mated MRa Is in
spread. Each pursuit ID aided by Others
Competition comes INTO play and every art and
Inc guilds" or associations Of artisans IN the
Middle Ages led 70 wider liberties OF the people.
freedom in one direct ON VIII demand freedom in
all. Already the mighty powers OF nature are made
social state wherein these manifold activities would
be seen working IN harmony, each help 10 al the
@ "a e e Of eo Good d sye e as Tass 70 acn
Idea IS that all are members OF one body. and II
suffers the rest suffer with him. and II one rejoces
Gil rejoice with him. After eniarging on this point
he showed how IL was Illustrated with words or
good cheer and
DEEDS OF HELPruLNEss
sent from thousands OF villages and cities 10 Chi
cago. This city OF the prairie has been held up
as the most striking example OF enterprise and
thrift. In one generation it took rank with the
great commercial centres. In schools and
churches and works Of public bcuevolence
Cnlca9o was the prodigy and pride OF the nation.
Her lines or business. OF social life ana OF Christian
were felt by the nations OF Europe. Did other cities
envy her prosperity There was but a Wholesome
, he's sooner sGern %n ng 'e'egrapn sena
than words or courage and helpfulness went back;
trains OF cars loaded with provisions were speeding
10 her renel. Profound sorrow and sympathy we're
felt BY her calamities Substantial help wi!l be sent
rom all parts Of the nation.
MILLIONS OF MONEY
nave been cent to her and millions more will be
sent That great calamtes wiz befal cities aud ma.
ence and the ravages OF war have often swept over
lhc world. But rarely has a single connagranon
made such havoc In CITY Having ampllded thus
Tap q s words s. s Tee G "s c
from every craft and calling, association ana pro
fession, and from men OF every nationality. Aud
n ns q GnSssU
glrdlng herself for the
Phoenix like Chicago Will rise from her ashes.
Sne VIII start upon new career OF prosperity. Her
energies are great, her spirit iEdomitable. How
fellowship and to hear the words Of cheer Every
| such striking example does much TO MAKE men
know know COOS win III our social and business rea'
| cpes OF Chrlst's kingdom are practical.
| Great occasions stir the general heart Christian
help Is extended to every suffering people. Greece
| and Ireland felt the aid Of this nation. Now Chi.
cago feels that OF foreign cities We see in this how
| the gospel OF charity and true fellowship can be
made real. lie enforced IN conclusion that not onlJ
can every man say to his neighbor In his trials pt
OF good cheer: but city to city, nation 70 natlon
| continent TO continent and the whole world be nap
PLY bound together by their industries, their inter
| has taken eighteen centuries 10 reach IN,
| present average culture OF the bes
| PARTS OF Christendom. We are born TO th
| Inheritance oil six thousand years OF though
| ami effort ana into society OF Christian ibcrt,
| aud light. Aud n great crimes and vices mar IN
Christian societies OF our age, yet We do see evdenc
1 OF a deeper and broader
CHRISTIAN CHARITY.
No aspect OF the Gospel Kingdom on earth given u
| fna Itble ia 40 prDmtueut "a ina boupv0