The New York herald., 1879-07-14
CENTRAL METHODIST CHURCH.
THE SUPREMACY OF LAW SERMON ny REV DR.

II.
NEWMAN.
The Rev. DR.. Newman preached at the Central
Methodist Church In the evening on the 'Su-
premacy of Law" taking his text from Romans,
viii, 2-"The law is holy. just and good" Law
said the Doctor, is tho expression of the legis-
lative WILL When applied to natural phenomena it
implies the observed order of facts--the force by
which such facts produced, the of said
force and the combinations of forces for given
purpose. When applied to rational creatures law
is the manner in which IN act shall be performed.
In morals it is rule of action proceeding from
superior having authority to command directed to
Interiors having the ability to obey. Moral laws
are mandatory, prohibitory and permissive--com-
manding what shall be done. restraining from what
shall not be done and permitting what may be done
without incurring penalty. The divine will is tho
supreme law of the UNIVERSE written in the order
and constitution of nature and contained divine
revelation. Law has its home in the bosom OF God.
30 thought the ancients. Plato sad, "No mortal
can make law to purpose" Demosthenes SAID. Law
Is the gilt OF God" Socrates said. Even the
written laws OF mankind were given by the gods"
WILL.
But it was Christ who declared the supremacy Of
the divine will. 1t is reasonable to suppose
Creator has will concerning His creatures and that
He has revealed the same to But. in these days
OF liberalism. men demand the right to do they
please and to be free to follow their own inclina-
tons But the cry for absolute liberty is inconsis-
tent with the interests OF and the well being OF
society. Law Is prevalent the universe-it
binds atoms and worlds, rain drops and oceans
Eephyrs and whirlwinds. Every flower, herb and
ree the >h OF the deep the BIRDS of the air and the
beasts of the field sui ject law. IL man, his
morals, an exception? He is o living. walking code
OF laws. One course of conduct is attended with
pain; another with pleasure. Prudence and impru-
dence, temperance and intcmperance. economy and
prodigalit. natural virtues and vices. They who
demand absolute liberty morals should rcmember
that tho law OF limitation prevalent law ITSELF
The earth can revolve only last, the ocean can
now only so tar. Man grow only high.
Throw OF this law of limitation and confusion and
destruction would ensue. What would be the con-
dition OF society tho laws forbiddng murder,
theft and adultery abrogated? This earth would be
turned into living ho The great duty of the
pulpit in this day OF prevalent crime In preach tho
law. stern morality should be proclaimed from
every pulpit with discretion, but with severity.
The people have taken advantage Of the mild teach.
ings OF the pulpit and have grown too familiar with
the pardoning mercy OF God. The Church has sung
too long,
While the lamp of lifo holds out to burn
The vilest sinner may return.
Its new and better song should be,
Vain man. thy fond pursuits f6rbear,
Repent thine end IL nigh.
Let our metropolitan pulpts proclaim to tho
people the law, which is holy, just and good Lot
them teach the people the bencfcence of law. 1t
was Burke who said Law is benefcence acting by
rule" The divine law IN good in what 1t forbids no
less than what 1t allows. Every act of obedience
adds to the perfection OF mans nature. Virtue and
happiness insoparable. Love s the fulfilling of
the law.