The New York herald., 1873-09-08
SCOTCH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

A New Presbyterian Pastor-Sermon by
the Rev. Mr.. Hamilton-A Touching
Appeal to the Congregation.
The Scotch Presbyterian church, in Fourteenth
street, after being closed for some months for re-
pairs, was opened yesterday, and the services
were conducted by new minister. Rev. MIR.
Hamilton, Of Belfast, Ireland, is for the future to
be the shepherd Of the flock. DR.. McCosh, Presi.
dent OF Princeton College and the former tutor Of
Mr.. Hamilton, was instrumental in getting the call
for the young clergyman, and, to Judge from his
first sermon, no better choice could the Doctor
have made. Mr.. Hamilton is only twenty-five years
OF age, though he looks somewhat older; wears
spectacles Is sparsely ouilt and about the medium
marked degree OF intelligence presented itself to
. large congregation, which listened most atten.
lively to the words that fell from the new minister's
lips. The text and It was most appropriate one,
was the twenty-eighth verse Of the First Colos-
sians-"Whom we preach, warning every man and
teaching every man. In all wisdom, that we may
present every man perfect in Christ Jesus" Like
most cities, said the young minister, Colossi had
ing the thoughts and morals OF the people and
raising doubts BY the questions which those
Of those Of whom he lett himself in
charge, and worked most heroically TO CON-
bat the evil effects OF the doctrines preached
to his charges by these false teachers. At that
time the mystery OF Chrst's person seems to have
been the subject that caused the greatest thought
lures could be united in one person Is certainly
MYSTERIOUS ENOUGH,
and can never be clearly explained by human rea-
comprehend everything, will not bring itself to
receive truth humbly on Gods authority, but
must ask itself the how and the why OF 1t. The
called theories of Colossi seem to have ex-
planned the mystery OF the resurrection, that Jesus
man, but spiritual existence, appearing, il /
may SO term 1t, as human shadow. The cross OF
Christ, he thought was the Gospel, the glad It'd.
ings which god had given to the world. What
greater gift could the creator give to sinful man
than his only begotten Sons That Son was freely
suffered such agony as few men are called upon to
suffer He freely did IT, and said, Father, thy will,
not mine, be DONE II the preaching of Christ is,
anG above all things, the proclamation OF one
truth, the truth Of Gods forgiveness OF the world
through the blood of Jesus Christ our Saviour then
1t is a very strange thing that the religion Of
JESUS SHOULD HAVE BEEN BONE
OF contention among men. am merely called to
TOM and shall christ and saau ae aood G he da
on earth. will pray that Christ be with you always
and that he so turn your hearts that you may
crucifed will always preach. The minister then
asked the prayers OF the congregation. He said a
wanted strength to combat all the evil that might
come before him. Pray for me that divine grace
may De me To- 9e WORTHY ny OF the charge that
Christ shall be
and, with the grace OF God to help me- will try and
be an acceptable shepherd.
After the services were over the young minister
was introduced 10 many OF the congregation and
warmly welcomed to his new home by them. At
night the Rev. Dr. McCosh, or Princeton College,
delivered the sermon, alter which he formally In
troduced Mr.. Hamilton to the congregation. The
organ, during the morning service, was presided
over by Mr. Place, the precentOr being Mr.. Crosby
and the following hymns were rendered Mo-
49," Arlington; mo. 34s," Downs; ''No. 201,''
Stockwell. The music, from first to last, was ex-
ceedingly beautiful and the church. which has
been put in thorough repair, presented most fit
ting appearance for q building In which sinful man
should humby ask forgiveness at the throne OF
Heaven.