New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-12-26
GOD In CHRIST.
he R.r. Dr. William, r. Norman at 81. Thomas's {
(TrO tsSfanf EptfcopdD

William r. EOTqdc at ~. THomdss ChnTch
PROTESTANT EptscopdD
Heavy masses of dark green foliage adorned
the walls of st. Thonas's Church at Fifh-ave. and
Ffty-thrd-sL yesterday The dim recesses or the
church made moro sombre by boughs OF
pine trees. The red berries OF the holly
brought sharp relief by the deep green OF its glossy
leaves. cleaned from the pillars about which 1t was
twined Along the fronts OF the galleries were placed
branches OF and tall green shrubs stood
against the pillars at each side OF the cbaDcel arch On
the walls In the OF the galleries large crosses
also in green. The base of the pulpit was
mass OF green foliage. On each end OF the
communion table, which spread for the service OF
the Holy Communion. stood two beautiful palms. The
only floral decoration the church chaplct Of
camess,' which surrounded the memorial tablet OF
George C.. Collins This Is the wall To the left OF the
chancel, looking towards the altar.
Three services held yesterday nj this church.
Before tho sunrise c, at 1880 q. the church
chimes rang the traditional Christmas carols. In
the afternoon the annual Sunday-sch0ol festival took
place. The principal Of the day was celebrated
a o'clock and 1t lasted for nearly three hours The
church was well filed with audience that listened
to the service with marked attention. The music
was given by the choir OF the church The rendering or
tbe Tc Dcnm" composed Tor the choir by Richard
Hoffman, was listened to by the large audience with
rapt attention. The anthem composed by the organist
OF the church, Mr Warren, and Gounod's Nativity
Hymn were also prominent features OF the musical
service.
The Rev Dr. William Z. Morgan. OF the church.
delivered the sermon. he text at which was from st.
Matthew l., %, and XII. 81 God with u and In his
shall the Gentlles trust"
The central thought OF the discourse the union in
Christ OF the attributes Of Divinity with human strug
giles and sympathies The speaker said In substance;
This truth, God in man. Ills to-day the whole earth
with great Joy We have done well to leave lighter
things to celebrate here the nativity OF Emmanuel;
we'll TO hail the rising OF that lnminary which
gives light to the world. The birth Of Christ
was the source OF endless benefits 10 the
race. lie was the ransom not Of con-
tncnt Dut Of a world. Let the cOmmemoraton OF His
BIRTH therefore be bright and cheerful. In England.
the mothrrcountry its celebration has always been
iubiant. n has been always a season Of anticipation
10 childhood. OF realization e. manhood OF hope 10 old
age. Let never depart from this pleasant custom
the old country sordid AS TO forget to
follow It's example.
Emmnnnel-Cod with us-this is the mystery OF all
mysteries. The more reflect upon 10 the more
derfuir becom,s What sublime opposltes meet In
JESUS Christi Tho Creator OF worlds, He had NOT
place 10 Inv HIS head The divine nature 81 the Son OF
God and the human nature OF The Son OF Mary were
united one person. God was ~ Christ God on tn
cross purchased the woIll with his blood That H.
tue great mystery we believe il we adore IT,
Tuning from what u mysterious to what Is practical
and plan: God is with ia weakness He is
sary The Gospel comes man guilty sinner,
prey TO rempr.e bound down with sorrow affrignted
by the fear Of death II Is soace 10 grief gives to
weakness strength Tue great salvation has 5r,,
IMPLIED and the whole world IL redeemed. But
there salvation except through Emmanuel There
who believe that, with the advance OF cVliza
ton, Christianity VIII be superseded De,ding dream
Civilization unbaPsed brings neither comfort nor
rest. Men do not become happier because they
become richer wiser. No heights Of mortal
asccndeuoy satisfy the needs OF man.
We shall not remain here always; we are
here discipline. TINS craving tor happiness must
have for It's objects only those offered by Emmanuel.
lie alone leads tn The infinite Father TO whom
we may ascend. He forever leads upward This
fact the only hope OF the world. Christ comes the
grand OF fallen world. Study the map and
You will confess that Christianity alone makes pc pie
truly great truly free And rjOicc 10 know that the
leading men OF France, the custodans OF her
liberties, declare aloud that atheism Is the
enemy Of freedom, or progress. OF prosperity.
WHAT : individual concern IN this salvation
What place does Emmanuel no d IN yonr affection . Is
lie the life o. your N Do not leave this question In
doubt. without HIM You will fnC no lasting peace
earth the whole creation cannot satisfy you without
Him. Come then TO a common table May you IN the
etd be admitted dyiuer fellowship whcre all intel
lectual doubts Will o. removed, where may sing.
GLORY to God GU High"