The New York herald., 1874-10-10
PLYMOUTH PRAYER MEETING.
Christian Activity for Use, and Not for
show. HlH

CnFlst1oh ACTIVITY fOr Use, ana NOT IOT
Show.
The attendance at Plymouth prayer meeting
last evening was SO large that the deacons con-
cluded to hold t In the church nsJead OF the Iec-
ture ROOM After the customary services Of prayer
and song Mr.. Beecher said 1T is not often that
Q clergyman is obliged to say he is sorry so many
people want to come to prayer meeting. I am
both glad and sorry. am glad so many want TO
enjoy the prayer meeting; for, setting aside all
transient feeling which brings some, believe the
most OF you come because you feel the need OF 1t.
Now, the Church is ike piece Of artillery. most ad-
mirabe In It's place; but the lecture room is like
rine or pistol. Each has It's own work, and don't
know how you could make an audience SO large as
this so homellke as IN the lecture room; but we
must take this misfortune and make the best Of it.
I wanted to speak tonight on the subject Of
Christian activity, and | am afraid shall be un-
derstood to incucate professional activity. Far
from It, There is great deal OF Christianity that
men nourish as dandy 1ourishes his cane. Now
wien 10 rescued from the spirit OF death he Is
to begin live for Jesus; but how is he do its
How can he personally live for Christi BY living
in such a way as that God shall feel that he is
seeking to do his will. And think in doing this
EVERY FACULTY SHOULD SHINE.
Every part In man has something to do with 1t.
To begin with. those nearest to you have q right
to demand tina. your negative and Affirmative hfe
shall be sweet ana pure. In other words, 'Let your
light SO shine that men, seeing your good works,
shall glorify God" Men live SO some times that
others seeing them damn God. Many are imper.
tinent; many act as n 1t were contamination to
associate with their fellow men. The reply Is, that
wicked love the good. Bad men I'd don't nj ike ike
10 be restrained, but to say that bad men
say say what hat is is not W true w Religion % makes
men sometimes unsocial, aseetic; 1t empowers
way inconssteDt with reedon, % and because m men
are repellant Ia not because they are Christians,
but because they are 50 , little Christian. Many
when they become Christians they leel that they
must put away such trining things. Now, why
world, wnere there Is 80 much trouble, to have o
SINGING NATURE
thy for % Christian uses S Ts Then ao' sners sanS
Sror sss VIII no ws have ,oes1
Of mems consciences. Conscience is an indispen-
sable thing. SO is backbone. suppose mems
clothed also Besides this, il Christians have
personal experience sney ought to talk to Others
Of their life. This can be done without ostenta-
ton. II by the goodness OF God he has led you
simple nasSral way L Is salvation to tom men. n
Then beyond snas there Is given 70 many the
all were brethren, but later came the
idea that the diffusion Of the knowledge
OF truth was an oficial right. and to-day, II you
were to begin just as q minister does with
hymn, and then . long prayer, then another
hymn, then sermon, followed by q hymn and
benediction, people would 70 away and say, 'sTnat
man is perfectly audactous; he has never been
dained." should like to know why the man who
has the power to preach has not the right 10 do
It, man has Q right to all his own giits and
nothing IN religion Is withheld from any. II you
want to partake Of the Lords supper you need
not send for minister 1t is an
INDIVIDUAL RIGHr.
though the idea that religion belongs to an order
class, stll cltngs. Any one who has the power
to speak mas the light nay, the duty 10 speak.
Just as soon as the aymen feel tnat 1t Is their duty
to teach christianity there viii come into the
Church feeling OF light aud warmth never felt
before. In such 9 great city as this, know there
are many persons Overw0rked, but there are many
VINO are tndolent on the Sabbath day who might
spend the day in visiting the poor and sick with
great advantage to their own religious experience.
Mr.. Beecner here gave chance for any one who
chose to speak, and Brother Bell, Superintendent
OF the Mayn0wer school. made quite lengthy ad-
dress, urging the great need Of teachers and beg
glng all who were able to offer their services.
After he had finished Mr.. Beecner said, 81 don't
want 70 scold the Church, / don't want to scOld
the young people and you are all young till you
are sixty. only say hope every person who
has the gtft and Is not engaged in this work Will
have good and sufficient reason. IL Is not
matter OF convenience, but Of duty, and II any Of
you have light hidden under bushel there is o
personal remark made about you In the Btble.n