The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-08-05
NEW JERSEY CHURCHES.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, HoBoKEN,

Leaye-Taking.
The Rev. Alfred Harris, Pastor OF the First
Baptht church, Hoboken, who, some few months
since, figured conspcuously in the police reports
OF the metropolis yesterday preached his farewell
sermon, and took q fnal leave of his congregation.
Although there were many strangers present, the
cliuren was hardly more than well filed owing
probably TO the heavy rain clouds which hung over
the city all the morning, and finally descended in
deluse. After the customary. hymns and lengthy
prayer, the reverend gentleman, who bears
stronx resemblance to Andy Johnson, preached
romthe following appropriate text from the Acts
of the Apostles, Xxx, Is to 25:-"Ye know from the
first day that came into Asia after what manner
have-b been with you at all seasons, serving the
Lord with all humility of nina, and with many tears
and temptations which bcie me by the lying In
wait Of the Jews and how / have kept back moth
Ing that was profitable unto you, but have showed
you, ana have taught you publicly, and from
house 20 house. testiying both to Jews and also to
the Greeks repentance toward God, and faith to-
ward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now behold, go
bound In the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing
the things that shall beal me there, save that the
Holy Ghost wltnesseth in every city, saying that
bonds and affctlons abide me. But none OF these
things move me, neither count my life dear unto
myself, so that might finish my course with Joy
and the ministry which received of the Lord
jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace OF God.
And now behold, know that ye ALL among whom
Ths sermon was substantially as foows:--In
this farewell discourse the apostle reviews the
past and takes survey OF the future. He refers to
his first day at Ephesus and his last and between
the two they had seen him under AL circumstances
and they perceived That there was grand purpose
running through al his career ana all ms acts to
serve the Lord This he teaches us, IL the true
business orliie 1t is what we can all do. A child
can serve the Lord and saint can DO no more
Saint Paul tells us he served the Lord with humility
tears ana temptations. His humility would not let
him lord it over Others nor say, 81 am holler than
thonr Paul speaks OF serving the Lord with tears.
Can we do SOP Oh yes with tears of 10y ana tears
of sorrow tears for ourselves and tears for Others
When convert Is made there are tears OF Joy In
heaven, in the Church and in the heart of tho con.
vert. But when we fail in duty there are tears OF
sorrow Peter failed and wept bitterly. Every
orc saw him fall but none saw his tears save God.
would not come to him to be saved. And how many
a one weeps for child, husband or wife
ThS s M SPOKEN Of BY rnS
aretwo trials for the soul-the one is Gods; the
other the devils But whichever trials the soul is
viii come forth purified as gold from the fiery fur
nace. remember the first day Icame to Hoboken,
thirteen years ago, and the Kindness with which
you received me, and which has continued I'M
broken to the present day. Is there one here who
recalling the events Of the last few years of his
that i's should Sa wish to Change. do not think
there is one among you who would say So We oil
make mlSttkeS titI We NOuu Hihuiy IeC-
tlfS. 1t makes me sad to see how much
there Is In those years that | should like
| to alter. But it ia impossible; there Is no going
back for rs, no hating; 1t Is on and on and on.
The past cannot be altered but 1t can be forgotten
and forgiven. Our errors can be forgotten, and
our good deeds alone recalled to memory. In look
ing those thirteen years can truly say that
I have preached the salvation OF souls, and saliva
ton is the proper business of mankind In another
century you and and all the men and women Of
the world will be In eterntysaved or lost forever.
In that illimitable roll of centuries what matter
will 1t be whether, In the brief moments that
or the reverse TO he saved forever
is the only thing that should concern in this lie.
On this last day OF my ministry among you have
no new Gospel to give you give you my belief
to-day as gave it to you thirteen years ago-man
is lost sinner and Christ Is the Saviour OF the lost
We know and preach this because God has said It,
and Gods word must fail before tho believer can
perish.
After few friendly words of advice and counsel,
addressed to his flock Mr. Harris took formal leave
OF them as follows :-"And now, my brethren and
sisters, l must say farewell. Here we part
for a season. but we part In hope that we
shall meet again on the shining shores OF
the better land. Brethren pray for me that In the
be blessed Farewell May the Lord be with you,
bless you and prosper you Once more commend
you to God and the word of His grace, which Is able
to build you up and give you an inheritance among
those who sanct1ed Of the Lord. Once more,
my brethren, and for the last time, FAREWELL
At the conclusion of the service many OF the con-
gregatiOn pressed forward to bid farewell to their
pastor, and all seemed much affected. This week
Mr.. Harris enters upon new field OF usefulness In