Morning journal and courier., 1881-03-31
United Lenten Services.

;
 The fifth in the series of united Lenten services took place last evening at Trinity church. The discourse was by Rev. Dr. Beardsley subject, Christianity in Domes- tic Life.'' The storm kept many away, but there was quite good sized audience. A number of the Episcopal clergy participated in the services. The Rev. Dr. Beardsley took for his text the words in Jeremiah, 31st chapter, 1st verse, ttAt the same time, saith the Lord, will be the God of all the fami- lies of Israel, and they shall be my people," The preacher in opening said: ''The insti- tuition of the family preceded the institution of the Church and State. In the order of the divine work of the creation the making of man in the image of his Maker was com pleted at the evening, and the morning of the sixth day. From that point onward the hu- man race multiplied and gradually spread over the earth, but in all this spread the type of the family was not lost. It was per- petuated in one form or another, the whole development of man as an individual being, with his attributes, rights, influences pros- poets, shaped according to the spir- itual light which he received and
  was the beginning of the religion of the chosen race. He became himself the church which at that period of the divine dispensa- ton dwelt in him as 8 wanderer in strange land. At the very morning of the time be- fore history had begun, and when as yet no family of Israel nor seed of Abraham was in existence, he laid hold of the word of inheri- tance; though without child he saw all the earth grafted upon his stock by conversion to his own faith. Thus, in being the pro- genitor of a new nation, he was also the transmitter of a creed, of creed which has been victorious over the idolatry of the hu- man race and grown from deposit in the breast of single individual to be the relig- ion of the civilized world. 'fAt the same time, saith the Lord, will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people, Moreover in accord with the cov- enant which he made with Abraham and his seed, God followed them with his protection and blessing Even when Judea was carried away captive he gave them assurance that in due time he would return them or their children to their own land and make them a happy people by fulfilling the predic- tion of the prophets and sending them the great boon of the Messiah. He showed him. self to be God indeed of all the families of Israel; not of two tribes. but of all the tribes.
 Religion in the family was not more 8 strength and merit of Bible times than now. The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ pene- trates the household and permeates it with it's hopes, influences, teachings and benedic- tions. It fills with ever fresh delight and lr- radiates those who make it a subject of con- stant daily interest, like their health, wealth, home, business accomplishments or other anusements. propose to treat the subject placed in my hands, Christianity in the fam ily under three heads. While do not ex- pect to present an exhaustive view of either topic, hope to give utterance to plain, prac- tical thoughts which may be remembered be- yond the hour taken for this service.
 The first of the topics named was the say ing character of religion in the family, it's power for good in the family and its indi- vidual members.
 All Christian families should be praying families. Under this head also Christian teaching in the family was enjoined Not that this teaching should assume the form of dry discussion on the mysteries of the Chris tian faith or to engage in theological contro- versies, or to attempt to explore theological depths which the most learned divines have failed to fathom.
 Secondly, Christianity in the family is not only saving; it is sanctifying. It's principles and precepts tend to goodness. The inwork- ing of Christian truth expels the spirit of every hatred and selfshness, and makes the household on a small scale 8 church and kingdom to our God. Whatever else there may or may not be in the family, one thing must be ever present, the brotherhood of charity and the medication of religious sen- timent in the children. The gospel in the face of an enemy recognizes brother; 1n it's sympathy it fits every place and it preach es everywhere the best and purest morality. The preacher went on to speak of preaching in the family by example, and gave an illus tration. An incorporate and debauched father may address his children on holy things, or a woman fashionable and worldling, fond of frivolity and show, may expatiate to her daughters on the advantages of modesty and reserve, but what effect can their words have destitute of the moral effect of example? good mother under God is the great purifier of the Christian household. Then the husband of such 8 good woman, how much he can do to bright en and make joyous his freside. He tolls steadily at his post during the day to earn bread and support his family or to make gains that are to increase his wealth. He works to gain fair and honored standing among his fellow men and create among them respect for his industry and ability; but if when evening shuts down he goes to his house burdened and still carries his business there and is impatient with everything, is not as he could wish, and frets at his weary wife, and reprimands the children with wormwood and gall; in such a case the influence is harmful and not what a Christian should exert I believe that as in the lower, so in the higher orders of society there is too much neglect on the part of the heads of households to help the mother and neglect of the culture of domestic piety; too much dis position to take the evenings meal and then rally out to find companionship elsewhere Our besetting mania of speculation, whether in one form or another, is the great bane of this age and country. As I understand the relations of human life, it is the duty of men as well as of women to be sometimes keepers at home and to see that when terms of en- dearment are used they are not empty or frivolous. The speaker alluded to a beauti ful sight he witnessed in London, of family of father, mother and eight children, wend- ing their way cheerful and bright to the sanctuary. The third head of the discourse was the power of Christianity in the family to sustain and bless in hours of sorrow and affliction. When earthly props fall away Christianity in the family gives us something to lean upon. The thought was eloquently unfolded and enforced. The sermon was a very valuable addition to the Lenten course.
 The Parallel Road.
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