The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-06-12
CHURCH OF THE COVENANT.

THE PEACE OF GoD-sERMoN By THE REV.
MARVIN VINCENT.
Rev. Marvin Vincent preached yesterday from
Psalms cxx. 165-sGreat peace have they which love
thy lnw nothing shall offend them II does not fol-
low from this promise that the lives Of those who love
Gods law aud follow its teachings shall be smooth and
uneventiu In following Christ and forsaking all else
they accept all trials which will Inevitably bcset
their paths and all the disturbances the Satanic
powers evoke. 1t is ancient saying that when
child all tho legions Of hell cry in alarm
The peace Of God means something deeper than
freedom from trouble; u mans worldly affairs may
him deep disquietudc and yet may be peace
regards his soul Look upon the ocean, vexed with
storms aud swept by furious tcmpcsts through II is
passing organized little world sac and to its
destination. SO every day OF mons lives do they
pass through tho midst oil trials sustained
in the possession Of their perfect peace. We have
right 10 expect that great stream shall low from
great fountain. but the stream cannot rise higher ,nan
passes all understanding; that Is the peace whch man
cannot affect or himself or for his brother man. This
peace shall guard hearts We all know how hard
they to guard, but tho sentinel who keeps watch
them is clad in heavenly armor and Is vIg-
liant Christ, IN leaving HIS disciples, said My peace
give unto YOU In tho smy'' vAs all the g,st Of tho
saying. Tho peace was not OF the worlds quality tho
promise bore deeper Significance II they had known
all there would have been need TO add, Let
not your hearts DO troubled" When man says
TO himself have acquired al the wealth that
upon earth; have gained all the knowledge that l
require. and my reputation learned man has gone
throughout the world; my social position is secured;
have reason 10 lear Tor my standing In society
these things do not bring peace Perhaps perfect
peace ever known upon earth was known by tho
three Hebrew children in tho fiery furnace; not that
they did not experience the torturcs inflicted by tho
flames which surrounded them, but because they
cIusc TO God mere mechanical obedience does
not produce the peace required. may live
under martini law, which every instinct of his
rebels and still he good and obcdent soldier. He
may live under civil government which no dctests
yet DO dutui citizen, but matter OIL iact
subsection 10 Gods laws ali that is required IF
Ho Is not good subject unless he loves laws
aud he who made them.
Nothing should offend them, or, In 0thor words DO
stumbling block to them. The Bible is tremendous
stumbling block 10 who cannot believe that such
and such expressions CHILLED ut random from tho Scrip
lures, cmanaed from tho Almighty. You have been
acquainted with whose conduct at times gricved
and surprised you. Alter while the circumstances
Understood tho mau. loved him and became cnthusi-
astic his virtues Tho Bible presents difficulties
10 those who believe in II and love IL There Is
course to pursue but 10 trust IN II you would
trust iricnd In spite OF any seeming tnconssicn-
cics Some parts at which labor suddenly become
clear and lumne others which dark heretofore.
The lover OF Gods law tinds stumbling block in
Gods providence all things work together for good TO
VINO loves God. When the broken Atlantic cable
being repaired the electrician before his nstru
ment which clicked and wavercd uninteiligbly as II
suddenly the mut,crng turned TO living words Of joy
SO does the poor hafb,nd spirit struggle against its
dehcencies until i finally proclams aloud It's belief In
the Lord forever.