The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-06-08
LEE AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH.

ssThe Greatest Wonder''-sermon ExcIu-
sfvely to Men by Rev. j. Hyatt
Smith.
Last evening the Lee avenue Baptist church. in
Brooklyn, was filed to its utmost capacity by an
audience composed exclusively OF men, drawn
thither by the announcement that the Rev. J.
Hyatt Smith, one of the chief movers OF the liberal
movement which Is exciting considerable commo-
ton in that denomination, would preach special
discourse to the masculine portion OF the CON-
munity. Mr.. Smith has on three previous occa-
slons, during the winter and spring, summoned
such an audience, and over Thousand men have
responded. It Is said that this novel expedient,
which was resorted to especially for the purpose
of reaching young men who seldom frequent
houses OF worship and OF presenting Gospel truth
In q unique and original garb has resulted In the
reformation OF a large number OF dlssfpated young
men. The spectacle which the assemblage pre-
sented last evening was one that Is rarely wit
messed at q religious service. where the female ee-
menr usually predominates, there not being even
the glimpse Of o bonnet visible In the spacious
audience room. After appropriate Introductory
exercises, consisting OF singing, led by precen-
tor, reading the Scriptures and prayer Rev. MIR.
Smith proceeded to deliver his sermon, which he
named THE Greatest WOnder.u HIS text was
taken from the third chapter OF Acts which con-
tains the narrative OF the curing OF the lame man
at the beautiful gate OF the temple. The preacher
said that human life In all lis varied conditions
was full OF prayer, and In eiucidatng this
thought he instanced the one-armed soldier play
ing hand organ, the senseless drunkard lying in
the gutter, and the laying Of the lame man at the
temple gate as eloquent appeals for help and SYM
pathy The helpless cripple who figured 80 promi-
nently In the Gospel story which he was trying to
tell them was In the way OF receiving blessing,
carried there no doubt by friendly hands, and
the sequel showed that he got infinitely more than
he expected; for, while he was simply seeking a
repienished purse, Peter and John, who were on
their way TO pray In the temple little thought be-
fore they approached that they would be instru-
mental IN furnishing the poor fellow with pair OF
perfect legs.
The preacher main tanned that this miracle
clearly Illustrated the gracious provisions OF the
Gospel. There we're mutttudes OF moral crpples
found in every grade OF society. poor,
struggling fellows famed by evil habits ana
passions, who had to contend with numerous ad
verse Influences, and among those untoward
agencies he mentioned false friends, crOakers ana
Pharisees. Human agency carried these uniortun,
ate people by faith and prayer to the peautllui
gate OF the temple, and often these agents were
devoted mothers, wives and sisters. Tnere Jesus
Christ, the almighty and divine healer, met ana
healed them at the beautiful gate OF grace. Re-
liglon enected perfect cure upon all VINO submit
TED to its gracious power, and the subjects OF con-
vertiDg grace, like the lame man, experienced the
JOY Of Gods salvation. Tue wonder pI conversion