The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-04-29
PLYMOUTH LECTURE ROOM.
Various Experienced.


Mr. Beecher was In his w0nted place last night on
the lecture roon platform, looking contentedIy
upon his large congregation. which included his
sister. Mrs. Stowe. He commenced his talk by say.
ing that he found many persons who hestated upon
the threshold OF Christian life, thinking that they
needed an experience. sucn as
THE METHODIST
would call receiving the blessing, and others would
designate by the terms assurance OF pardon" or
esprit Of adoption" 1t all amounts to one thing.
They want an inward impression sacred, so light
bearing, 80 different from the ordinary sensations
that 1t shall be token that they In the right
way. These Impressions on many accounts are for
tunate. The idea Of the Christian life as soul life
makes the necessary broad
distinction between morality and spirituality. Yet
while would not deprecate such teaching exalts
the feeling Of the community in regard 10 Christian
experience, think 1t quite possible for persons
TO BE MISTAKEN
when they suppose these experiences to be neces-
sarily initial. In the spring some plants blossom
before they put out their leaves; but a great many
more get their leaves FIRST and one Is as good as the
other. II man has real communion with Christ 1t
doesn't matter whether he commenced by an in
tense experience or whether he grew
LITTLE BY LITTLE.
think that the greater number Of sincere Chris
tians begin true spiritual lie without these power
lul impressions. Many never feel very deeply; they
don't feel much on any subject, and their religious
experience Is on o level with the possibilities Of
u
choice; and In combating with life, Its doubts and
difficulties they come to a knowledge OF Christ and
by and by rpen into joyful Christian experience.
Some have
NO OTHER CALL
but this:-FollOw me. We can all ind out how
Christ lived and soon as we are really deter
mined to follow him that moment we have right
to feel that we are pardoned and are II the right
way.
II God makes certain states OF mind on your part
condition OF pardon, then when you come 10 these
states you are pardoned, whether you
u
The grace and love OF God all the time drawing
and preparing the way. You are hoping that you
Will some time come where God can pardon yOu He
Is all the time willing ana at last will overcome
your evil. When you take the resolution TO live
according the best OF your ability for Christ then
you have right to your pardon. Think who 1t Is
we are trying to follow. All the good that we ever
dreamed Of in human being Is not enough to make
the shadow OF the goodness OF God. The goodness,
the freshness,
THE TENDERNESS, THE DELICACY
OF God and past all expression and 1t Is ont OF this
great centre Of divine compassion that all hope
and expectation spring.
In answer to some questions about Joining the
church Mr. Beecher said:-I am very liberal In my
views about men being able to live Christian lives
out OF the church. know they can. There are
those VINO live useful lives out OF the Church, bu;
they are exceptions. They have larger, stronger
natures. Common people cannot do It, There are
fruit trees that bear fruit in
THE HIGHWAY;
but nobody thinks Of planting an orchard there.
There IS nothing mysterious about the Church. 1t is
only grouping together OF men to help each other.