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

Tho Sacrament Of Baptism-Sermon by tho
Rev. DIR. Montgomery.

Tho Sacrament Of Baptsm-Sermon by tho
Rev. DIR. Montgomery.
On the conclusion OF the second lesson OF the
morning service yesterday the Rev. DR.. Mont
gomery went into the pulpit and taking MIS- text from
the Acts OF the Apostles, KILL, leland now why
Earliest thous Arise and be baptsed and wash away
thy sins, calling on the name OF the Lord"-sald:-
In ancient tlnes, when but one sacrament was
known in the Church. the TWO great seasons OF the
death and resurrection of our Lord were celebrated
by great deal OF outward show and pomp. A great
concourse of the people would assemble at the
houses OF worship and walk In procession through
the streets, clad IN long, white flowing robes When
everything IN the material world tad begun to put
on its beautiful raimcnt; when trees ana flowers
and plants OF every description bud forth In all the
uxuriance OF their varied loneliness, the Church of
Christ In all the abundance OF Its rejoicing, gloried
In the resurrection Of the Lord. hut, following In
the Judgment OF our beloved Zion we adopt simpler
tastes, and with hearts lifted up to Jesus we robe
our souls In the pure waters of His life in the
ment OF baptism. When the grace OF true religion
taxes possession OF the penitent, 1t may
be asked, can the outward sign be done
point, and He refers distinctly TO the outward and
Visible sign. Baptism not only q sign and mark
Of ian and washing away the guilt OF the soul, but
MANIFESTATION OF THE REGENERATION
OF the sinner. The twenty seventh article OF our
ialth is remarkably explicit this sacrament and
1t would be well for the Church and It's mem
bers that these twenty-seven articles we're
more generally studied. Man, n ne truly
for our blessed Lord died upon a cross that we
might have the right to live. HOW blessed Is the
love OF our Lord to us II viii only turn to Him.
the reverend Doctor then referred TO the emblem OF
hope and Gods promise to the early Christians, and
said the sacrament OF baptism ~ the rainbow OF
faith and the signal OF life 10 the repentant sinner.
After describing the venerat0n and homage paid by
the old Roman soldiers to some particular CON-
mander or nag the preacher continued:-The water
Of the baptism does NOT purify the soul: the blood OF
Jesus Christ alone can wash away the stain OF guilt.
II Is not alone the outward signs OF our faith will
save us II We disobey the Gospel In our lives and
acss. The sacraments are no use II We do not lift
our hearts 10 God and truly repent OF our sins.
Christ Journeyed from Galllee to Jordan to
be baptized. Why, then, Will not We arise
and come into the Church to be ccansed
the mysteries Of religion like the marves OF the
world, are beyond our comprehension. Religion Is
Of far Importance TO US than the AFFAIRS OF this
world. When our blessed Lord says this ~ thus,
or tins Is 80, we must obey. speak to you now In
the name OF the Lord and beg OF you to come
within the fold ana be purified IN the Lord. 1t Is
shown ny statistics that lew men are converted
after nifty years Of age. say, then, to
Do You feel the longing after tha new ilic9 Are
you detained by the dread that you arc not 1T
enough to come 10 Him who mas the power 10 ceanY
" TOO late 10 spare when all is spent. DO not
the vigor OF your life to Christ the Lord. Bring win
you all your faculties IN their full vigor, that you
| may afterwards more loudly proclaim the
| glory and goodness OF GOD. Ihere is no
Come to Him. them In the full bloom OF all your acu-
ties that you may realize the beauty or Ills countc-
nance. with head erect and conscious heart you
Will walk In the Lord; for godliuesa IMPROVES tue