The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-06-25

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brethren.
For don't think that thanks and compliments,
though repeated weekly. can discharge our real oosa-
tons 10 each other and much less those Creator
You VIII see IN this notion OF good works. that am
lar irem expecting 10 merit heaven by them ny
heaven VIC understand state OF happiness infinite ia
degree and eternal In duration can do nothing TO
merit such rewards
Hc that Tor giving drausht OF water to .
good plantation would DO modest In his
demand compared with those who think
they deserve heaven for tho little good they do on
earth. Even the mixed imperfect pleasures We enjoy
In this world are rather from Gods goodness than our
merit. How much more such happiness OF heaven
For my part have not the vanity to think deserve
IT, the Jolly TO expect II, tho ambition To desire IL
posai OF that God who made me, who has hitherto
preserved and blessed me- and In whose fathery good
ness may well conade. that He Will never make me
miserable, and that even the affections may
at any time suffer shall tend to my bene.
nt The faith you mention has certainly ITS
nor would ondeavor to lessen - in any man but
wish Il were more productive Of good works than
have generally seen IL ] mean real good works
works OF kindness, charity, mercy and public spirit;
no holy days keeping, sermon hunting or hearing,
performing church ceremonies, making long prayers
by wise men and much less capable OF pleasing the
Deity. The worship Of God is duty The
hearing and reading OF sermons may be
useful, but il men rest in hearing and praying, as
many DO II Is No II tree should value itself on being
waered and putting forth leaves, though = never pro.
duces iru. Your great Master thought much Tess or
these outward appearances aud professions than many
OF HIS modern disciples He preferred the doors OF
the Word to the hearers tho that seemingly
refused 10 obey his father and yet performed his COM
mnnds 10 him, that protested his readiness but
neglected tho work: tho hcretical but charitable
Samaritan TO tho unchartablc though ortho-
dox priest and sanctlned Levtc and those
who gave food to the hungry drink 10 the thirsty, raj
mcnt 10 tho naked, entertainment TO The stranger and
relief to the SICK though they never heard His namc
He declares shall IN tho last day be accepted,
when those who cry ''Lord. Lord. who value them
selves upon their faith though great enough TO per-
form miracles but neglected good works. shall be
rejected
Hc professed that He not TO call the righteous
but snnors, to repentance. which implied HIS modest
opinion that there some His time who thought
themselves good.tha they did not hear Him Tor
improvements but nowadays we have scarce littl0
parson that does not think II the duty OF every
within his reach TO sit under his petty minstrations,
and whoever omits them oiends God wish to such
more humility and TO you health and happiness being
your friend and servant, g. FRANKLIN.
FRANKLIN
Merciful GOD Wonderful Power Increase In mo
that wisdom which discovers my truest interest,
strengthen thou my resolution to perform what that
wisdom dictates, and accept my kind offices Thy
other creatures the only return my power Tor
Thy inlnto goodness TO me.