New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-12-02
Al.
VIGOROUS SERMON BY THE REV. GEORGE II
M0REw, THE PASTOR OF ST. PAUES
METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH.


The sacrament OF the Lords supper was celebrated
in st. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church yesterday,
and both the morning and evening services we're con-
Quoted In keeping with the thought Of the Communion
In consequence the following IS sermon preached
by the pastor, the Rev. George Harrison McGrw,
week ago. which received than ordinary attention
from all who heard It. Mr.. McGrew Is earnest
preacher lie graduated from Wesleyan Uni
versy, took his lawyers degree from Harvard and
finished his studies at Drew Theological seminary
After that he spent ten years in India As missionary
and has since had pastoraes in Brooklyn and Merden,
whence he came 10 ST. PauPs Church.
His text was Matthew vi. 23 " But seek ye first
the kingdom OF Cod and His righteousness, and all
these things shall be added unto You" lie said in
substance:
1t Is commonplace remark that every man has
ruling passion That IS, there Is something VI anothef
tbs obianne Of Which he makes Ivory Thing else
bend. historical characters are classified ana az
ranged according 10 their master passion. Love
of power was the master passion Ia AleAan TgI
Caesar and Napoleon Love or country governed WIZ,
lam Of Orange, Washington and LINCOLN Love Oh
money ruled CrOesus, ne hIst Earol ho.sciliu, aI
the elder Vanderbilt. In Ike manner, every person.
seeks with gcar diligence sacrifices for aud earnestly
strives to secure 1t matters not how each particular
done 80 suddenly and fortously Or 1t may be of SLOW
growth and based upon CLEARLY perceived reason. In
duence in all the mans actions; lie may be diverted
from IL for time. But he Is like pendulum, I'm
PEELED by human hand, the pendulum swings 10
and fro but as soon a. The impetus impaired by the
hand has ceased gradually but certainly the pendulum
It was started. The great trees poIat
steadily toward the skv swept by the winter winds
their tops sway violently from side TO side, but
soon as the wind dies out they point upward more
constantly ard firmly than before.
In like manner, man may he turned aside for a
time from his main object in life. but
the disturbing Influence is removed he rebounds even
Thcse objects of search commonly wealth. social
position, fame, or learning
Now, the text rcvelscs this order Of importance
as ii actually exists among men, and tells Us what
i ought TO be. Christ tells men to seek first Gods
kingdom and righteousness, and adds piOmis that
all the things referred to in the preceding passage
shall be added thereto
here noticed IS the Kingdom Of God' By this phrase
we understand that dominion which He exercises In
e hearts noi eo 9i aar mans 6 b 10 Ce b
King desires 10 make subjects but they are 10 be
come such only IN to appeals to their sense
as subject in the kingdom OF God he must enter
the fact that this IS the only night thing 10 DO.
MIsAPPLICATIoNS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Coming under the dominion of God in His heavenly
righteousness Indeed tho great object OF establish
ing the kingdom to extend and promote the righteous
ness.
Unfortunately this word has such applications that
many persons are preludiced against II. but ms
prejudice is at dissipaicd when observe that
by dropping single syllable, righteousness becomes
rghtcous-that is agreeing with right and right mean,
nothing than straight. Anything in The literal
of the term I, right when it Conforms to the
standard which Is selcctei for measuring f. In the
before US the standard for measuring our conduct
and character Is found in Gods nature and acts.
We are then to have Gods kingdom set up IN Us in
order that thereby We may become like Him What
lie loves, men are 10 come 10 love. ana what lie
hates, men arc 10 come 10 hate. Could any higher
destiny be proposed b. his Creator for man than that
perfect even as your Ia her in Heaven +, perfect
now m'a>urrc ourselves by this direction OF our
those Of us who profo~s TO be Christians religious
this verse seem, t0 should be.
IS no dpn W o u 70 Pg on Og 1a r a
al, WIN them on Pat evening. Then we think
ma mat II has been 50 sinlrched meanwhile that
nuch crashing and smoothing necessary 10 mako
It preSon'able When business and social duties
nave all been attended TO- and We find moment |
when nothing presses upon our attention. We turn
our thoughts anguidly 10 God. Thi, hafhearted r.
ligon this divided ale yanco Will NOT suffice. We
cannot serve God and MammOnl
g.. Many Of US wonder why our religious experience
comes misty II Is like an April dav when clouds
and sunshine alternate necessarily Even when #
IS at IT'S brightest II Is shadow, and as compared
with other things, unreal. While This should be a
ground Of uneaslness II should not make us wonder
How much should know about our business. or |
about our ordinary duties. II We paid as little att-n
non 10 them as we do 10 the state OF our igiOls
s1periencel II business men u go to their
Dnces Only once week and stay there one hour !
then return and sit for another In the evening II they
mould leave the entire management meanwhile TO
hen. how much should they know Of their affairs o.
NE end OF year? Nothing absolutely nothing |
The man who would undertake 10 carry on business !
n that way would find himself a bankrupt: |
IN order 10 secure success IN the ordinary affairs OF
Ire sustained attention and energy. ssgaclty and for
nought are indispensable. II this Is In ordinary |
ife where we contend against nothing more serious
han 1ucuating markets and rates Of exchange |
lgainst men ENGAGED In sharp but generous. competl
ION how much more are the same qualities and
'onduct required when we wrestle not against flesh
ma Dool bui against pHncipaes. AGAINST powers,
against The rulers OF the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places
THE INCONSISTENCY OF MEN
How readily do assent 10 the abstract propOsion
hat God IS b Ing Of innn te vsdon and Goodness