Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-04-20

WhOle den 1mlnati0n, in this place; and not only
so, but from the bosom of our churches, aud
from the candor and endearing Christian init
maeies and fellowship, in which we were united,
we have cordially sent forth with PRAYERS and
benedietions those who were laying these new
foundations"
Mr.. Lamsop alluded to his own peculiar IN.
tereSt 10 the object of the present meeting, and
SAID that year ago he was given a choice of ac-
ton, either to be settled at once, or wait ,lx
weeks and have the installation and dedication
take place together, Rat the six weeks have
heightened into twice six lunar months. The
experience OF the society during this time has
not been altogether unpleasant, thanks TO the
courtesy of another people, who cordially well
coined this society to their house of worship,
but 1t is pleasant once more to be able TO meet
IN place that can be called home, and it is
proper that the sentiment of congratuIation and
thanksgiving be Joined to the serious spirit
with which this renewed house is dedicated,
Inc world has always horne witness TO
the truth that the religious sentiment
Is the deepest This is shown by the fact that
all nations, from the earliest times. hare had
T'NeNs '''ilN ~ AhOl ott apart r. sacred and de-
voted to the worship Of God. The most ancient
remains of every nation, whether in literature,
languages or architecture, are Those whose ex-
PLANTATION is the religious devotion of its people,
Inc speaker gave a very interesting account of
the various forms and places of worship used
among the different nations of an tiuuity, and
said a history of religious declarations would be
COmOlptp history If tbn I'll
glory of the church is in the work which il
seeks to accomplish. A clear view OF the broadly
oenehcent purpose OF the church, while it in
ciudes the elegant and imposing in architecture
does not make it an end. The true church is in
the hearts OF the people. Mr., Lamson then
compared the temple by the Nile with the New
England meeting house" of the last century.
One place replete with rich and gaudy orna.
ments, devoted to the god alone; the other A
barren and unsightly structure, devoted to Cod
and the congregation. We now endeavor TO
avoid the bad qualities of each, and unite the
good in our house Of worship. The bouse Of
God should he a comfortable aud cheerful place
to invite alike the rich and the poor, regardless
oil class distinctions. This church is dedicated
tonight to MANI as Christian church its doors
will ever stand Hospitality open for all alike,
We dedicate it as a means of bringing the t,uths
of the Scripture to the heart We dedicate if MS
house for worship, and we dedicate it to Christ
This is our most comprehensive act. BY this
we include nothing that is super1uous. exclude
nothing that is good. The foundations of this
building rest upon the solid rock. Nav it be
typical Of the firm foundation of the church
within its walls,
Mr.. hanson spoke eloquentlv in regard IN
what the aim of the church should be- and
closed by reading the fertn of dedication used
quarter OF century ago, paying a glowing
tribute to Rev. Dr. Sweeser, from whose sermon
he read.
REV. Df. Cutler offered the prayer of dedica.
ZION, which was followed by music.
Rev. Merrill Richardson, D. d., was then pre-
scented to the audience by Mr.. Lamson. He be-
gan by describing in graphic language the grand
dedication of the temple at Jerusalem, and spoke
OF the strange garb which the religious senti-
ment has worn through different ages. The
idea OF religion has survived the rise and fall of
all nations. The forms and places of worship
have varied in different times, as the fashions
have differed. And as all varieties Iof clothing
have covered true hearts, so in all the forms of
belief were to be found true worshippers. We
cannot say that there is but one true religion in
all these forms of worship, for wherever a man
worshpped God in spirit and in truth the
offering was acceptable. Wherever the great
father has looked down and seen devout heart
striving after the right he would not reject it,
All God ever requires of man is to live up to
the light which he has.
As men increase in wealth and prosperity. if
is right and proper that they use part of this
income in adjoining and identifying their
places of worship, as they do their homes God
loves beauty, and has adorned the vast temple
of nature with beautiful things in endless
variety. There will be some who will ask wby
so much money has been expended upon this
house, in the same spirit in which Judas asked
why the Mary of old wasted the precious oint-
ment upon the person Of Jesus; but we can
answer them, that beautiful place of worship
is an offering acceptable to God, and it tends to
elevate and purify the soulSof those who build
it. The wealth of this congregation has more
than quadrupled in the last fourteen years, and
it is proper that part of this increase should
be laid out upon this edfce. He told his hear
ers that now they had effectualy excluded the
cold and dampness from the room, they must
not allow the dampness of their absence TO creep
in. DIR. Richardson closed by urging the peo-
pie that as they now dedicated this building,
they should dedicate themselves anew to the
service of God.
A.. Al.