National Republican., 1873-09-29

Services In the Assembly Presbyterian
Church-srrnon by the Rev. George %,
Little.
The weather yesterday was all that could b,
desired by church-goers, and Its genial influence
drew out a large attendance at all places OF wor.
ship. our reporters yesterday selected the As
seinbly Presbyterian, vermont-avenue Christian
and New York avenue Presby terian churches, an
abstract OF the sermons preached In which will
be found below:
\. Y. AVE. PREsByTERIaN CHURCH
Moral aud spiritual Growth.
yesterday at II a. IN. large audience Assem-.
blcd In the beautiful audience. room of this
church, 10 hear the pastor, Rev. DR., Mitchell,
whose return from a summer tour was noted
about two weeks since. Mr.. Mitchell addressed
the congregation from 20 Peter, nrst chapter,
portion Of the ffth aud sixth verses, add to
your faith virtue" the speaker remarked that
sy VIRTUE" was meant "all virtue. This Is the
csli oi the gospel TO newness Of life, to a new
and full manhood. Is as possible for all men to
character g, imProyinF an Immoral or debased
stock. Though as possible. 10 Is not as easy 10
bring our manhood up to tho Bible standard a.
TO build OF Improve material structure.
moral reformation Ia not easy, but it Ia possl-
ole-possible for sinner to make progress
heavenward. Few recognize this a. a fset In
every day lie and practice. The great majority
morals and duty. Some are holding their own
BY ordinary effort, while few are to be found
adding daily cubiis TO their moral stature, and
higher anil more noble development of Christlan
manhood. What is the cause OF the moral IN.
sSaxty and retrSsression Of the great mass OF
civilized mankind? Why are men living uncon.
scions Of God and results, not set.improying,
but sliding downwariss-
SOME HINTS
as to success In our Efforts to moral growth
seem appropriate to the occasion. What must /
DO? What steps must take 10 become a better
and more Christiike man? are pertinent In.
qulries, In that our eternai happiness depends on
redemption from the thrallom OF sin.
clear recognition and acceptance OF the
truth that moral and spiritual Improvement are
necessary and possible, proves the trst step in
such improvements.
Thousands are se.f-deceiyed concerning their
e better 10 ,ni. truth: They dream that they con-
nrst Importance, while their lives are practical
deninls OF it their best energies and constant
Efforts are gwen to the attainment OF position,
wealth, and other worldly objects, while the
sabbath morning hour Is alone devoted to moral
aud spiritual ends. To profess strong desires
i9r rellrion' growth aud live thus indifferent Is
all "bosb," all nonsense" Such wouldn't be
better u the preference were given them; they
enjoy their present moral bluntness too Inuch
aud wouldn't sacrifice the objects to attain
III.
greater growth Of morals; they prefer wealth 10
character, nne dress, Luxurious country seats,
cnampagne s1ppers, and easy surroundings to
all that Is good. Why, the men Of America who
have been lately sacrificing all for money would
have gotten 1t by frightful leaps II
HILL MAD LAID BETWEEN THEl Aspr,
Mothers are daily heard expressing anxious
care for the salvation OF q darling boy, when
were the choice presented them Of having their
son In his present immoral condition but enjoy
ing a good position and afiiuence, or poor but
devoted missionary In distant climes, Working
for God, they would Invariably choose the former
sition on ourselves. We are depending largely.
II not solely, on position and church member.
ship, as II these mean anything. We fail to 70
TO the heart where lies the nucleus Of all our
depravity. Mankind may be divided into three
distinct classes In this discussion First, those
who care nothing about the moral quality OF their
lives; second, those who recognize the import
have It, but who mix this desire with other
stronger ones so that II never gets Its 'share" OF
influence; third, those who, recognising the I'M
Tor 1t In their daily lives.
To which Of these classes do you, my hearers,
belong, as indicated by your strongest desires I
or worldly ease? II you had your choice, would
you prefer to be good to any and everything
But let us part compauy with those who desu
religion of little importance, and, turning our
attention to those who are sincere In their de.
sire to improve, suggest q few important points
OF value TO them In their efforts to grow In spir-
itual matters.
First, avoid unnecessary exposure. You can
do much IN governing circumstances, and thus
GIVE YOURSELF cHAScE
for greater development and larger freedom.
Be cautious OF dangerous besetnents aud TEN pta-
tons. Don't think that you can look IN the lace
Of the noon.day sun because your eyesight ia
good. Do not venture 10 smoke in a iaQazlne
Ia climbing up from the hill OF evil by diiiicult
paths, don't attempt rugged clin. and arduous
heights, II there Is path around by which you
can go round them; make safety as safe as pos
siDle. In your Efforts for moral Improvement,
homes must be remodeled, business renovated
and many OF the associations OF life abandoned
before you can expect TO make any spiritual
progress.
secondly, be religious rather than have re-
ligion. Make your religion the full round form
oi daily lie rather than section OF life. Any
separations or distinctions between religion aui
every day life are false. Religion Is our daily
lue aud conversation, and not profession. We
want no "formal righteousness, ,bnl piety," Every
time man exerts an influence he should show
himself religious IL Is not certain set of par
tlcular actions OF life which Christ regards, but
the life itself. Religion Is ordinarily taken to
lie what we zee NJ church, but business and
domestic life are true indices Of religious char
aeter as are our Sabbath observances. We
should love our religion every day and hour
Thirdly, you should grow in moral and rellg-
l0us character by faithful use OF the means Of
grace. OF these prayer Is the most prominent
morally shipwrecked who made proper use of
prayer. In It we have communion with God and
breathe our souls out upon Christ. II Is not the
say lug OF prayers but the spirit OF prayer which
Is most important In the development OF more
loving spirit, larger charity and more ennODling
Proper preparation for and participation In
public worship, preparation by prayer at home
and dlscardlng all seldsh carnal and sensual
thoughts and desires-with such spiritual con-
gregation whole community could be reached
and saved.
We advance in moral and spiritual attaiumen,s
by taking care 10 keep ourselves unspOtted and |
blameess BY entering not into the way OF tempta-
tion; by striving TO bring ourselves into daily
conformity TO ChTists Will concerning US, and |
BY proper use OF the means Of grace.
Let Us work, then, In the vineyards ofour own |
hearts, which Christ has given to our especial
charge, pulling up the weeds Of sln-pulyeri |
The soil and planting 1t full OF the Mowers oi |
truth and virtue, for the Master cometh.
Make haste to live this high ennobllnR life, by |
constant effort slowing up all good day and Il light,
looking unto the appearance OF the Lord.
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