The New York herald., 1875-07-19
THE PILGRIM BAPTIST CHURCH

SERMON YESTERDAY BIZ THE REV. ,. SPENCER
KESNARD-" COMPANY THE TEST or CHAR
AcTER."
Yesterday morning the Rev. J. Spencer Ken
nard, pastor Of the Pilgrim Baptist church,
Thirty-third street. west OF Eighth avenue
preached to his congregation sermon on the
subject company the test OF character de
took his text from st. John i'll, 23-"And being
let go, they went to their own country"
The preacher undertook 20 show that the force
OF evil example, rather than mems innate iAcnna-
tion toward vice, has much to do with leading
multitudes away from the right path. He scourged
the vices OF the day and held mp to ridcuie the
faiings OF fashionable society Men may grow up
In the midst OF ungodly recklessness, or they may
become an ornament and an honor TO society,
When they have attained the years OF discretion
and are cast forth to 90 for themselves, how many
choose the better path by giving attention to busi
ness observing she rules OF strct economy and
soorietyS TAKE, for example. young man at AZ
were offered for his success. Enter the domicile
which he makes Tor himself; there is no loose
company in IL or any corruptlng lnnuences near
him. In his solitary hours
GOOD BOOKS ARE HIS BEST FRIENDS
and truest companions. LOOK vt the young shop
woman OF vlrtuous antecedents steadily, cheerily
doing her duty anld bad examples or frequent oc-
currenee honoI 70 her virtue, peace DC a. aS ner
ness amid her nlultiiarious cares and struggles
through lie. Sne keeps forever clean the gar
ment OF her souL Another example may be
found In man who, let US say, IS neither young
nor olo. He has bad heavy days Dusiuess bat
lacks little hands TO smooth his cares aud well
come smiles 70 greet MS return In the evening.
where does ne go AT night 10 tue gaslIghtS Per-
haps past the church, where Ia OOyhood be has
knelt into some bOisterous club house or noisy
Darroom, where the lewd song aud coarse jest are
hesrd. lie SITS and watches for a while the whirl-
pool OF excitement emanaung from evil passions.
lie mingles in the dance and listens TO
THE sIREH's SEDUCTIVE SONG.
He Is Muing into bad habits, and nothing much
ourselves Wnas pers0ns In society do our souis
mud the truest social level WithY Whither 90 our
inmost incinatio tend TO carry us1 Among the
good and noble, or othcrWlsef THIS Is momen-
nous question that we must never cease TO ask
our consclencss until response IN approval OF
our social, moral and religious acts shall spon-
tareously spring TO our lips from the conviction
that we have done our duty When on bed VI
sickness remorse Enawg the sinner Tor EAST mis-
Geeds. He Is prayed for, and anon health is
restored, together with a 1rm resolution 70
health on his eneek and the rush OF
worldly business hampertng his mind, where
be his thoughts OF salvation nowf Oh friends,
FORGET not while yet there ls time 70 set your
heart on heaven. The Gospel Is free alike 20 oil
IA bleasinas and its benefits within the reach
every ona The piOus and cody viii not associate
Theu1selves with the wicked ana immoral nor
will these seek the companOnship or righteous
and iust men. Tnoae who love Tor its own sake
Ihe society OF this world Will keep TO their OWE
vids on the highway OF c, walle others loving tnc
Lard shall band themselves together ana nnd con-
SOla;ieR N His holy Word. And bhuAA VVssEYlns