The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-04-28
CHURCH OF THE PILGRIMS.

The Meaning of Truthfulness-The
Power of Love-Sermon by tho Rev.
DIR. Storrs.
Yesterday morning DR.. Storrs church was well
attended, and the dark interior was frightened by
the Spring sunshine falling through the many
colored glass on the worshippers below. After read
Ing the fourth chapter OF Ephesians Dr. Storrs Sc
lected the fifteenth verse of that chapter for his
text:-"But speaking the truth In love
may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christi The duty
Of veracity in speaking is principal and
universal maxim recognized instinctively by
men as being duty required by nature; con-
science recognizes lie and rejects it. But In
these words of the text something more is i'm.
piled, not only speaking the truth, but acting the
truth, honesty as well as truthfulness. Moral
light Is also implied, not only that we speak the
truth, but that we are really truthful. This is es-
sentialy implied in the precept
SINCERITY.
sincere character is honey without wax, with
out naw, sun-tinted. Such character Is required
when we find the word sincere. Be truthful in all
things, in actions and speech. in virtue OF this
character, and he adds to this, speak the TRUTH act
the truth, live the truth, in love to God and to
man. This is the highest maxim OF human ethics.
Be sincere, not only in character but in love.
1t suggests general principle In the government
Of God and His rule for future character. Just as
the sun gives color to flowers this love enters into
every feeling and gives to it its own glory.
We see that Illustration many times in our own
experience When health and vigOr are complete,
in seasons OF leisure, with no sense OF immediate
duty and In the companionship Of friends we are
Ills a1 ~ IN h Soa
be all we would desire. Yet we love and give
gratitude to Coda gratitude out OF which comes
the highest songs OF praise. 1t il love combined
with enjoyment which makes gratitude. On the
other hand we have . sense OF pain, our hearts
heart we contrast eur state with the past,
but with this state let the element OF
by the mere force OF love to God, and then comes
forth submission to His will, which dear to His
sight; submission which makes all future trials
lighter, ana 1t Is merely the sense OF pain and
WEAKNESS combined with love to God. Again, we
have yielded TO temptations when we should not;
we have been proud; We have offended against
our conscience and against God we have grown old
in years without growing mature in Christianity
Ideals which we formed in our youth have faded
from us, and as we look on what we are and re-
member what we might have been, 1t Is a con-
tinued self-reprsach, and into this enters
THE PRINCIPLE AND POWER OF LOVE.
And observe how instantaneous the cmngel 1t Is
not now dun, leaden reproach; it is a sorrow
this ep and then the IN which,
the heart sings itself forth in JOY. And so we
have conviction OF truth concerning Christ
We recognize the portrait OF life serener and su-
premier than any other. As in picture gallery we
can single out the portraits rom the other pic
lures, SO the moment the portrait of Christ stands
before US in the narrative OF the Evangelists we
recognize a true picture. we see Christ with His
pierced yet kingly hands: we see Him intellect
ually. Let the element OF love into this intellect
ua condition and you have faith. There Is faith
precsey-intelligent conviction united with love.
You know how IL has caused dying lips 10 burst
forth In song.
Men VINO have resolute intention to do right
In all things, 20 refuse all wrong, and say, "a Will
do precisely right and walk In the strict line of
rectitude," have a grand purpose, principle
which, II carried out would remove the stains from
history But 1t Is a hard line, and every man who
tries fails somewhere; but with such purpose of
obedience, combined with love, comes religious
man; pay my debts; l cheat no man 90 to
church, What Is the difference9 Just here Your
PURPOSE TO DO RIGHT
Is good, but there is no element OF love-
There Is strong desire In us for some good
Love enters in combination with DESIRE when
has this love towards God, with this desire
for good, though he utters no PRAYER his
eve will nash with prayer his whole being
will be instinct with It, That is the difference be-
tween desire and prayer; we desire and love and
that Is prayer. so you may all know the reason
why Christ came into the world WHY did He not
accomplish His work on some other planet and
send angels to preach afterward IL was that He
might so reveal God to us that we would love Him.
we see Him IN His amazing self.sacrifce; we see
HIM pouring His heart out, given to harlots and
publcans; we see His love OF individuals Christ
SHOWS That lie came to inspire the love OF God In our
hearts There Is no other revelation like this OF
CHRIST 10 inspire love In our hearts. II the Gospel
mas ialled 10 DO It's work IL Is through our indneI
ence. speaking the truth Is good acting tne truth
Is good, living the truth is good, but doing u a In
love IL what God demands OF us. Every cndatvor,
every desire Is to be gorifed. and then WIZ Gou
open the gates Of His Kingdom.