Puslapio vaizdai
PDF
„ePub“

SERMON

PREACHED IN WORCESTER, AUG. 17, 1862,

THE SUNDAY AFTER THE

BURIAL OF MR. WILLIAM HUDSON,

A PRIVATE IN THE TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT OF

MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEERS.

BY ALONZO HILL.

Published by Request.

BOSTON:

PRESS OF JOHN WILSON AND SON,

No. 5, WATER STREET.

SERMO N.

1 Cor. iii. 13: "EVERY MAN'S WORK SHALL BE MADE MANIFEST: FOR THE DAY SHALL DECLARE IT, BECAUSE IT SHALL BE REVEALED BY FIRE; AND THE FIRE SHALL TRY EVERY MAN'S WORK, OF WHAT SORT IT IS."

THROUGH means of material representation, we are here taught the sublimest truth in regard to the spiritual edifice which we are all to build, - the Christian character and condition. In the easy flow of life, when the world goes well with us, and yesterday was as is to-day, and to-day is as shall be to-morrow, we have no test by which to measure our weakness or our strength, or to determine the degree of inward beauty or deformity. We are moulded by outward circumstances; we cast ourselves upon the current; we are drifted along; and no one knows, not even ourselves, what manner of men we are, nor of what stuff we are made. But let the fiery trial come; let there be a change in our outward condition; let the sudden, overwhelming calamity fall; let there be

[ocr errors]

the prostration of our dearest hopes, and the onset of fierce temptation, and we shall soon learn of what material and with what solidity our spiritual house is built, how it is mortised and braced in every part. We shall learn the strength of our principles, the firmness of our faith, the reality of our trust, the absolute worth of our Christian characters. If they cannot stand this test, no outward appearances, no show of strength, no semblance of excellence, no habits of external conformity, will avail. We are found wanting; and our painted, gairish structures, which we would pass off for buildings of solid marble, granite, and gold, are swept away by the blast; and our loss is inexpressible and irremediable. I have heard

these great times in which we live described as awfully perilous to the character of this people. I have heard it said, that no scenes on earth are so fearfully demoralizing as those of the camp and the battle-field; that this war is plunging the nation into a gulf of moral ruin, in comparison with which all outward ruin is inconsiderable. I have heard it said, too, that it is not immoral in its tendency, but healthful, invigorating, and purifying, curing selfishness, staying self-indulgence, and calling forth manliness, sympathy, and tenderness. But I think it may be

« AnkstesnisTęsti »