The New York herald., 1875-07-12
PLYMOUTH CHURCH.
THE PROMISES OF eoD-sEnMoN By THE REV.

THE PROMISES or eoD-sERMoN By THE REV.
DIR. NOAH PORTER.
The absence on vacation OF MI. Beecher from
the Plymouth pulpit had a marked effect upon tie
attendance OF worshippers yesterday. The etince
was, nevertheless. comfortably filed. The sermon
was preached by tae Rev. DR.. Noah Porter Presi-
dent OF Yale College. After the usual preliminary
exercises the reverend gentleman seiecIed mis-
text from the Gospel according to 81. Peter H. la,
''WhereDy are gwen unto us exceeding great and
precious promises that by these you might be
partakers OF the divine nature, having escaped
the corruption tnas Is In the world through
lust.n This text, when translated correctly and
slightly expanded would read somewhat thus -
Christ by His power and holiness has given 10 us
the greatest OF promises, even promises that al
exceedingly precious In order that by faith in
them we mignI De lifted so high in character as
TO share In likeness TO God and 30 thereby be
wholly delivered from that corruption and death
which are IN the world tRrough unrestrained
ana unregula;ed desire. 1t is in many respects
remar kable and almost unique. 1t is singular as
taking line not unlike that of the morasts ol
the stole school as 1t speaks OF partaking Of the
Divine nature within the reach OF man and as 1t
describes The eyn that is In the world corruption
threugh lust or uncontrolled desire. It is in one
sense Singular and In another sense NOT singular
that
THE PRACTICAL AND uNREFLECrINa PETER
should have fallen into phraseology ana concep.
tlons ike these. The leading thought. however,
rises higher than any conception when the
ancient teachers attained. Indeed, IL goes
athvart all their teachings when II declares that
IL ls only by the fatth In the great and precious
promises Of Christ that this deadly corruption Can
be escaped aud likeness TO God can be recovered.
The reverend gentleman then proceeded to ex-
plain the different views entertained as TO the
cause ascrioea for cerruptlon among Men. Inat
corruption exists and puts for th fearful energy
all men confess and bear witness. Every man
sees IT very readily In others as he looks on and
wonders that this and That individual OF MS
acquaintance can abuse his body by such degrad-
ing appetttes, can waste his time Ia such foolish
ldling, can eat out The peace OF his heart Dy envy
or jealousy oward men or py distruss or hatred
pielOn, concelt and pride. Ii is indeed easier 70
see II In others tnan in ourselves When man
Looks in mis- own soul he may for the moment
FAIL TO FIND CoRRUPTIOa
there, but as he looks again be cenciules that
the very circumstances which proves the
so insidious that what would look very }oul
when seen In anOther looks fair when experienced
IN ourselves. But most men 81 times discover aud
own themselves to be corrup by sons sudden
outbreak or surprise tnat preclades entire sell
deception.
MANY JOLLY EVENING
has prepared for gloomy morning. Many
chamber In our dwellings has witnessed bitter
erous, loving youth has become corrupted " oe.
sire into mass OF rottenness and hatred. 10 es-
cape from tn1s corruption Is the greatest OF ali
blessings because it is TO find the Secret or true
blessedness. IL suggests tAe secret OF reforming
the individual and OF reforming sgciety by rightly
directing the desires that impel TO action. Were
all human tests brought into harmony with God
man would become Ike God In character. each In
dlvldual ne -rt would De nled with the peace That
rules Ia the heart or God. But how q man at
tain that alter whlcn so many have dreamed and
aspireaf u 10 Dy the iorce Of lts promises that
done mucn ior tho world, Dut IL was by the prom.
lses OF CHRIST that men were ~ escape corruption
the congregation TO open their hearts TO Cod ana
receive the promises shat were given rom above