New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-06-08
GODLY FEAR IN THE RIGHT SENSE.

r. Vinnt at the Church Of ne Covenant tPreSbv
teran)
The Rev. Marvin r. Vincent preached in the
Church Of the Covenant Parkave. aud Thirty fths
from l. Peter, /. 10. He said that many Christians
imagined that the period Of their sojourn on earth
should be one OF fear toward their Maker. To this
they were led by certain misunderstood passages OF
Scripture, but far greater number Of other passages
directly contradicted such inferences and defined
truly religious life to be one OF JOY inward peace and
holy aspiration. Tho fear Of God should be al fear
fear as toward loved father whose precepts 1t would
pain to wrong, rather than fear which anticipates
punishment. It should be the fear implied in the
savors command to watch and pray lest ye enter into
temptation and fear that we might lose the esteem Of
Him we most loved Il should also be the fear Of the
bullet but that through any relaxation OF duty, tho
enemy should gain an adyantage should father let
that childs heart be filed with unspeakabe misery
true Christian .hS should Id, be BE- In the position
should regard him with averted eye. No punishment
should be regarded By Christian as equal 70 forfeit
ure OF his Heavenly Fathers approval As the earthly
child Familiarity names bis parent and looks to HIM for
help and sympathy should God be looked upon by his
children with the familiarity OF deep affection, mingled
with the reverence he naturally creates Heart: should
be opened TO him n minute particulars His and should
muned with. This element OF fear. in Its right sense
ns and self eating hero has dreaded pun
is6ment for omissions. He has looked forward to o
nna G ns
he more poignant to him the forfeiture Of Chrsts
recognition at the Judgment Day. before God and His
The preacher then enlarged the necessity for doing
work through life with reference to Gods WILL All labor
upOn which Gods blessing and especial counsel cannot be
asked should be avoided 1t IS not enough that man
shoud be digent In his emplOyments, but how those
employments may be in keeping with Gods wish.
Many men pursue their work through life without
Thought that 1t has any relation to God In this they
greatly err. A correct view OF the subject OF work
would cause them carry the sentiment OF cody fear
into every OF their lives When men are on the way
10 meeting big with consequences 20 Church or State,
they do not appear as II going TO dance They are
serious and impressed with the weight OF their task
10 should be the walk through life OF Christian He
sHoud be earnest aud constantly view every effort
dedication duty. To eat. drink, and be merry, is
eadly false system and God who Is Judge well
our Father. will Judge us In accordance with our acts
The preacher finally remarked that passages OF Paus
works might be sometimes read with Q smile, and the
writer be regarded enthusiast. closer consider
alton however would reveal the magnitude Of Paups
work, and that 1t necessarily absorbed almost every
Thought and act Of his lifetime aud pulsati0n OF
his soul The lives of ell men should be thus held, and
shOud be regarded - Gift which 10 purchased by the
precious blood OF Christ and OK which the highest use
shouId be made.