The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-06-11
Yesterdays Sermons in New
York and Brooklyn.
THE LILIES OF THE FIELD.
Mr.. Hepworth Tells the Story OF
His Trials and Success.
GOSPEL TENT SERVICES.

FACULTIES AND FINAL SUccEss-ITs PAsToA
PAYS ITS DEBT.
Rev. DR.. Hepworth preached to largo congregation
yesterday beng the last Of his sermons prior to his
departure for Europe Saturday next The text So
lected tor the occasion was from the Epistie OF
Paul to Titus, H., 14-"Who gave himself ior
us. that he might redeem US from all inquity
ana purify unto himself peculiar people jealous OF
good worksn In the early part OF his discourse the
reverend gentleman dwelt upon two thoughts-nrs,
the cross as symbol OF Christianity. Of faith, love
and sympathy with the Godhesd OF obedience and the
practices Of religious liic iecondy, tho Bible az the
hand which points to heaven and tells US OF our rest
ing place there. The Church, with Its thousands OF
preachers is simply truth crystalzed and finding ex
preston among who, but for its existence, might
yield 10 the entcemepts OF tho world and to
the enoyments which the soul would fain
lay aside when It leaves the body Around the
Church. therefore, clusters many tender associations
Tho children brought TO be baptized at Its altar
the beloved doad carried from It's portals 10 be laid
in the tomb; lifc so to speak. Is begun and ended
within its shadow. The preacher utters words OF
encouragement aud commiseration, points the way 10
the Joys OF and teaches his people TO look IN
their trouble through the rainbow above their
heads. In this connection Mr. Hepwortn saudi
CHURCH. TRIALS
am sure you will pardon me II give you as sue
cncty possible history OF our own church organ
ization and OF the edlco under whose roof We have
worshpped Tor the last i've years. When went forth
from the denomination which had sheltered me from
my youth and severed associations that will remain
among tho dearest and sweetest of ray liie went un
der. stern conviction OF duty. The future was I'M
certain. II impossible to forecast even the NOR
row. only knew that 30 far as this world Is con-
cerned had personally lost everything. Not only
thuI, but had admirably succeeded in changing the
friends of many years into the Dteres or loes think
would sooner have died than undergone the expert
ence, then should have rested from my abors My
heart wrung by tho bitterness and GOODNESS Of
those with whom had been associated from the carly
years when began the work OF educating myself Tor
the Christian ministry Yet il was, perhaps, natural
that they turned their backs and scarcely one
remained 10 say .God speed you !" tor they could not
understand that WIS DONG that which believed TO
be right
A GREAT GAIN.
When say lost everything ought also 10 add that
gained everything What ost N connection with
tho goods OF this world gained concerning the world
TO come, and not only have never regretted the step
l have taken, but have never ceased to thank God
that He called me 10 walk In the thorny path which
is bearer 70 me than ever before He is The anchor TO
ship, like sheet anchor that 10 firmly buried,
the vessel may rock but i Is held. ! have come SO
and looking up In the face OF my Saviour, hear HIM
say that when the hour comes wnen shall be called
up higher my will be overlooked, my ten thou
sand shortcomings be forgiven and can SIT among
the redeemed blessed. When | went out Coz in
His providence raised up friends around mo in tho
most unaccountabie way. They stood by me with
Loyalty Tor which snail never cease 10 be grateful
There was hard work TO be done and they did II aith-
fully and we'll
We had no house OF worship but they engaged
Stenway Hall, lnd determined TO dciray all
IN order that the experiment might be fairly tried.
Alter while saw what every one sees, that every
family must have a home OF It's own, that II was I'm
possible thorough Christian work without
gunlzed church. went AROUND among strangers 10
ascertain whether they would give me money with
which TO build this church. and It was one OF the
trials VI my ltie but soon found out that New
YORK mad al large and generous hcarI How often
have wanted TO thank the dear friends who
cheeriuly gave me their God speed backed their
wishes with their money After while We found 10
surprise that We had uncs enough with which 10
begin great enterprise. The society was formed,
and trustees chosen who look hand the matter
oil purchasing land and beginning the construction OF
this edhce. The trustees were men OF large cxpe-
Renee, and entered with enthusiasm on their work.
Suddenly, however, We found ourselves on the brink
OF u precipcc. Then that the builder
rescue, anu to him would bore publicly
accord tie praise that is MS due. When we coud pay
more no kept on building still We had our SER
OF dedIcatiou, but The church almost crushed
BY tho overwhelming debt Circumstances over which
had controi maae u necessary that we should
10 OF Two things--either abandon our enterprise
Or compel our creditors 10 submit to aru'noas ios&
Had the crsis oil the panic passed We should have
been in NO trouble for could ried the
den shoulders tut the times
riDie that every man compelled To look alter the
Individual interests oil his own family We offered to
transfer 10 our creditors the cnt property, but IN
gpi OF gen rosity they ut first refused receive It,
THE SALE OF THE Property.
The trustees, however, insisted tnat in order 10
show that honest mast nothing,
and give up everything 10 those whom We owed Tue
property was Sold yet purchased by mon who are IN
ierested in us and IN our cause. After the
sale l made proposition for repurchaso
ing aud land. II accepted aud the parties gavo
me u long TIME IN which 10 raise the money Again
went around among the merchants Of New York, and
again have reason to thank God for their
l:beraty. We raised the last dollar, and on
lawyers Office and there had tho great pleas
to the deeds OF the church, which we
compelled TO rolnquish because We were honest
THIS connection desire 10 state that because nave
been thus engaged what may be called the business
practicable TO perform tho pastoral duties be-
longing TO my oiico that extent winch would have
been my pleasure. Hereafter, when we ASSEMBLE
again in the autumn, l hope 10 have The opportunity
OF meeting with you all lace TO face IN socAi and reIi-
gous conference. long TO know you better, because
II know you more, your wants, your aspirations ami
your weaknesses. can preach more directly 70 your
hearts
one word about the Church proper and shall be
done. Only little than tour years ago twenty
three church members met at residence AID formed
themselves into the Church Of the Disciples From
that time until this been ide, and our
membership SHOWS the handsome number oi be-
tween 100 anu 500 names. And more Iraternai, q
more loving church have never known or heard OF.
We united In heart because love each other,
ard we united III work because VIC love the Lord.
al blessings how was heartily sung by the congr ega.
tion alter which Rev Mr.. Hcpworth formally presented
the tale deeds Of she church 70 The Chairman Of the
Board OF Trustees, Mr. Russell Sage.
The latter gentleman In accepting them paid brief
but eloquent tribute to his PASTOR and thanked him. la
The name OF the congregation, for the INDUSTRIOUS and
Bucc esstui effort he had made In building up the
enurch and removing It's debt
Mr. Hepworth sails Tor Europe on Saturday, and q
large number OF his people will accompany n,m
the harbor in steamer thas has been chartered Tor
,hs purpose.
PLYMOUTH CHURCH.
4 SERMON ON THE LEADERSHIP or PER-
soYAL CHEIsT-wHAT Is MEANT By TRUST
ING IN HIM.
Mr. Peechcr preached 10 q full house yesterday on