The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-02-09
THE GOSPEL ON AN IRONCLAD.

Sunday Services on Board the Port Admit
RAILS Flagship hsOanOke-The Dangers OF
the Rock Of Demo mi N a tiOn-Serm0n by
Chaplain James j. Kane.
There were services yesterday on board the
United states triple turreted ship Roanoke,
which vessel flies tile broad pennant OF Vice Admit
raj Rowan, and lies at the dock at the Brooklyn
Navy Yard. This ship rates as entitled to the lux.
ury OF q chaplain, and enjoys the gospel ministra-
tons OF Chaplain James ]. Kane. From the attend
ance at the services yesterday 1t is apparent that
though the snip is impregnable the hearts OF the
crew are not so. Among the congregation were
Captain Cooper and family and several officers OF
the ship. with number OF ladies and gentlemen
from shore. The musical portion OF the services
was rendered by a cabinet organ, at which Mrs.,
Kane. wife OF the Chaplain, presided with much
skill thereby enhancing the devotional sentiment
of the attendance. After the preliminary services
the Chaplain announced as his text Joshua XIV,
i5-"Choose ye this day whom We will serve"
The preacher referred TO mans free agency and
the power of taking any course in life we see fit.
The choice Of religion Is Tree. we are free to
God-iree to serve the devil; but the requirement
at the bar OF Judgment OF strict account for the
choice made here viii be exacted from each one Of
as, and the choice thus made will decide our des-
tiny In the future world. thousands halt between
two opinions, and do not come TO decision in
reference to the rival claims OF Christianity and
infdelity until death summons them to the pres
ence of their Creator The speaker referred to
THE TIDE IN MEMS AFFAIRS.
Some take the mood which leads to prosperity and
happiness, others take the ebb which drifts them
out to the broad ocean where destruction awaits
them. The Importance OF coming to decided
point on the subject of religion was urged by the
Chaplain. lie spoke OF the WOrthlessness OF posi-
ton, fame and wealth, when tested by the light Of
the eternal world which breaks in upon the dying
hour. The all,absorbing question then will be,
What does God tnllk OIL us and what will be
ception at His handsS The speaker urged the ne
cessity OF coming TO decided stand to-day, and
not walt for the morrow, which may ring IN the
QUEEN OF our departing souls.
reference was made to the large class OF per-
sons VINO do nothlng in the world floating IDLY
thousands to destruction. Up and do something
ior your God, your country ana your fellow crea-
lures
ON WHAT WE ARE TO DECIDE.
Joshua called upon rhe people to decide between
Jehovah and the false gods OF the heather nations
we are called upon TO decide between Christianity
and infdelity. brief exposition was made on
each, and what they had 10 offer. and the hearers
were urged to consider well the claims OF the reli-
giOn OF Jesus Christ. The chaplain referred, In
closing to the large numbers who spend their
time investigating the claims OF the different de-
and never arrive at any definite conclusion until
death tears the veil IRON their eyes, He urged his
hearers to let denominations alone. Go first to
the fountain head, tine rock OF our salvation, Jesus
Christ, find peace and pardon in believing in him,
and the alter consideration, OF which particular
fold of the Redeemer 1t would be well to take
company to the Kingdom OF heaven, will be a mat
ter OF minor importance. The rock on which thou
sands are wrecked Is called denomination.
The hearers were urged to be consistent in their
manner OF living. Ii they were Catholics, then
i've up to the requirements OF their Church. If
Protestant, OF whatever form, let it be known.
Never be ashamed OF letting the world know what
you profess. Host the flag OF the Cross OF Christ
aud carry IL boldly until the anchor Is cast within
the harbOr or eternal rest.