Year: 1874

TIE LESSONS OF TIE CONTROVERSIES IN RELIGION.


The lecturc-room of Plymouth Church was


filed last evening, the occasion being the Friday even
ing prayer-mectng On Mr.. Beecher's table was vase
containing FERNS coored leaves aud flowers of brilliant
hue. Prayers made by Messrs Davidson ana
Garbutt After the regular preliminary exercises. Mr.
Beecher said among other things: suppose person
who really wished to lead Christian life would. II he
could be endowed with the power of looking upon all
the professed Christians and churches In the world,
soon come 10 believe there real Christianity The
organized religion is the worst kind and Is what most
skeptics found their disbelief upon. But II this person
could the individuals who devote their lives TO
afford professional nurses, who cast about them an
atmosphere OF sweetness and love- he would
certainly believe that whatever became OF
tho records and OF the bible, here was
an everlasting religion. II looks at the develop.
ment OF the power OF God in one human soul he
must believe In the power of God in humanity.
Now I, as q clergyman, must necessarily all
things that In my congregation - the
troversal conflicts that are going on about the
philosophy Of relgiOn-and must also the other
forms Of Objectionable Christianity; and in observing
them do not wonder that there inddels In the
world Indeed 1t Is wonder that there not more
When see the amount OF design and deceit that there
is in religion say DO not wonder to many skep
tics and yet, on the other hand, my personal expe
riencts, caE. have met cause the bright sin Of


Christianity to bright in my sight and throw its
beautiful light all things forever To-day, II we
look out on the denominations situated on the outside
of religion and the controversies that perpex Ihem
we how utterly diverse the thoughts OF indlvid
uals believing In the same creed"


Mr. spoke at some length about the dlnculties
met by Paul when lie attempted to bring together the
members Of his belief In bond OF unity Continuing
his discourse, he said "NOw 1t is true that II men
believe grand thing there Is no diversion
among themi The spirit is given man that II may
impart to individuality, sweetness, and spiritual
beauty. We all members OF one body, as are the
limbs Of the human body, but still belong 10 the
same body" Mr.. Beecher signhed that love was the
one thing which should be used to draw together all
these branches, that they would act In unison. He
said If there are any quarres, any disputes, or
any rivalry. the person who has tho most love
is the nearest 10 God. When the last day
shall arrive and God and Christ shall TO the 'front.'
there will be things that Will not be thought Of The
question whether man was baptized by pluneing or
sprinkng will not arise the question whether unbaptl-
zed hands have lifted bread 10 mouths VIII not be
thought Of but love aud faith aud charity Will rise eter
nal grandeur and will 1--we forever. IL Is not an
uDiInp0rtant question how to build and organize
church. but TO have the power OF love and
individual religion shine forth prominently among the
parts OF It's composition. When builds house In
which, winter tender pants and vines 1t does not
make any difference OF what material IL Is built: but
suppose he should forget to put in furnace The
roof and sides OF the house all right. but what does IL
all TO II you have forgotten to warm H. Let rs
unfold faith, not In name but In christ mat
prince love who unfoded his o TO let Us sec that God
WAS Summer"