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1994.CHURCH GLORIOUS;
A ms COURSE
DELIVERED
ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING,
f5r
HI TINE WORSHIP,'
THE
BUILDING ERECTED BY THE CONSISTORY OF THE REFORMED
PROTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH OF THE CITY OF NEW-
YORK, ON THE CORNER OF FOURTH STREET
AND LAFAYETTE PLACE, MAY 9, 1839.
BY THE
REV. JOHN KNOX, D. D.
senior pastor op the collegiate church.
Scatcherd At Adams, Primers, Gold til. ,THE CHURCH GLORIOUS
A DISCOURSE
DELIVERED
ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING,
FOR
DIVINE WORSHIP,
THE
BUILDING ERECTED BY THE CONSISTORY OF THE REFORMED
PROTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH OF THE CITY OF NEW-
YORK, ON THE CORNER OF FOURTH STREET
AND LAFAYETTE PLACE, MAY 9, 1839.
BY THE
REV. JOHN KNOX, D.D.
SENIOR PASTOR OP THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH.
NEW-YORK:
ROBERT CARTER, 58 CANAL STREET.
1839.To the Consistory of the Reformed Protestant
Dutch Church of the City of JVeiv- York, at whose re-
quest it is published, the following Discourse is most
respectfully inscribed, by their affectionate friend and
Pastor.
JOHN KNOX.
New-York, May, 1839.SERMON.
Isaiah lx. 13. “ And I will make the place of my feet glorious.”
When the first temple had been erected, the am-
ple and magnificent structure, with impressive so-
lemnity, was dedicated to the Most High. The ark,
and the tabernacle, and all the holy vessels were
brought into it. The Lord took up his residence
therein; “ and the glory of the Lord filled the house
of the Lord.”
In the midst of the services of dedication, King
Solomon, as if oppressed by the sacred wonders of
the scene—as if scarcely able to admit the fact, clear-
ly as it was demonstrated, gave impassioned utterance
to his admiration, “ But, will God indeed dwell on the
earth! Behold, the heaven, and heaven of heavens,
cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I
have builded!” Will he, who inhabiteth eternity,
and the praises thereof, who humbleth himself to
look upon the things in heavien and upon the earth,
who s'aith, “ the heaven is my throne, and the earth
is my footstool ”—whose immensity pervades the uni-6
verse, and whose omniscience is everywhere,—so
condescend, as to dwell with men upon the earth 1
Will he, whose name is holy, and who dwells in the
high and holy place, and before whom the very hea-
vens are not clean, in friendship, and benignity,
dwell with man, sinful and polluted as he is 1 Yes!
the truth is as real, as it is gracious and wonderful.
His own blessed lips have declared it—“ I dwell in the
high and holy place, within him also, that is of a con-
trite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the hum-
ble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones”—“ To
this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a
contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word.”—‘ ‘In
all places where I record my name, Twill come unto
thee, and I will bless thee”
In the first temple, his presence dwelt, during a
long succession of ages; until, at length, the holy and
beautiful house, where generations had worshipped,
was destroyed. The temple, however, was to be
restored; and the promise of the text was a guaran-
tee of its glory.
There is no difficulty in ascertaining what is
meant by the phrase, “ the place of his feet.”
Previously to the erection of the temple, David, in
presence of the assembled princes, and officers, and
mighty men of Israel, declared, “ As for me, I had in
mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the
covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our7
God, and had made ready for the building;” and at
the same time announced that, being himself prohi-
bited from its accomplishment, Solomon, his son, by
the Divine appointment, was charged with the exe-
cution of the work.
Often, afterwards, we find the movements of the
pious heart, in resolves, and exhortations like these,
“ We will go into his tabernacles; we will worship
at his footstool ”—“ Exalt the Lord, and worship at
his footstool, for it is holy.”—It is called “ the place
of his throne, and the place of the soles of his feet,
where he will dwell in the midst of the children of
Israel, forever.” “ The Lord hath chosen Zion, he
hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for-
ever ; here will I dwell, for I have desired it. I will
abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her
poor with bread; I will also clothe her Priests with
salvation; and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.”—
All this is spoken of Mount Zion, and the temple
the place of the ordinances of Divine Grace; the type
of the visible Church.
Of the New Testament Church, he by whom she
has been established, and who holds the seven stars
in his right hand, is said to walk in the midst of the
seven golden candlesticks; and the golden candle-
sticks are expressly explained to signify the Church-
es themselves.—The earth is his footstool; but, in a
peculiar sense, his Church is the place where he both8
resides and reigns. As, of old, “ he chose the tribe
of Judah, the Mount Zion which he loved; and built
his sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth,
which he hath established forever,” and there erect-
ed his mercy-seat, and displayed the manifest sym-
bol of his presence, and received the service of his
chosen tribes, and commanded his blessing, even life
forevermore; so, although the holy city has been
polluted, and all its sacred enclosures laid prostrate,
the Church, of which Zion was the type, has never
been forsaken by the Divine presence.
God still dwelleth in Zion.—It is “ the place of his
feet” It is peculiarly, the sacred, awful place, apart
from all the world beside, where mortals may ap-
proach the present Deity, and enjoy the communings
of his grace.
And the divine presence is the preservation of the
Church; so that, amidst all the mutations of time,
the machinations of earth, and the powers of hell
have not prevailed against it, The bush has burned,
but has not been consumed. “ Not one of the stakes
of Zion has been removed, neither any of the cords
thereof broken, because the glorious Lord is a place
of broad rivers, and streams to her, and the Highest
himself has established her.”
Whilst empires, the most stable and mighty, have
fallen into ruins, and the very memorials of them
have perished from the earth; and the proudest9
monuments of human skill and greatness, have crum-
bled in decay,the Church, founded on a rock—guarded
by Omnipotence, and sustained by the divine faithful-
ness and truth, remains imperishable. And, not only
so, but, oftiraes the very means which have been em-
ployed for its destruction, have, by an invisible and
uncontrollable agency, been marvellously overruled
to its advantage ; and it has emerged from its trials
in renovated strength, and 'in all the freshness of
new-born beauties. “ Its waste places have been
comforted, and its wilderness made like Eden, and
its desert like the garden of the Lord.” No weapon
formed against it has prospered.—Chosen in eternity
—ransomed with blood, divinely precious—rescued
from a drowning world—once and again redeemed
from captivity by miracle—all elements and agencies
Commanded into its service—its gates thrown open
as a sanctuary for the perishing of every kindred and
name, it stands this day a monument of the presence
and power, the faithfulness and graciousness of him
who hath declared, “I, the Lord, do keep it, I will
water it every moment, I will keep it night and day.”
“ God is in the midst of her, she shall not be
moved; God shall help her, and that right early.”
“ How dreadful then is this place! it is none other
than the house of God, and the gate of heaven.”
But, the Church upon the earth, is “ the place of
210
his feet.”—Language,exceedingly instructive and im-
pressive. It teaches us a lesson of humility.
It is “ the place of his featnot the throne of his
heavenly glory. Encompassed by the infirmities of
mortality, no man can see God and live. The ef-
fulgence of his glory is too bright to be sustained.
He shews us, as it were, his hinder parts—causes his
goodness to pass before us, and proclaims his name ;
and is gracious, to whom he will be gracious, and
shews mercy on whom he will shew mercy.—We
approach him, invited by his condescension and kind-
ness, and without right or title of our own to the least
of his regards.—’Tis the place where we are permit-
ted to bow down and adore—to look up, and to learn,
and humbly seek the blessings which our perishing
wants require, and which grace—free grace alone has
to bestow. Pride and arrogancy are every where
odious in the sight of God, but, in his very presence
in his sanctuary, where we come, worthless and vile
as we are, to seek and to supplicate for mercy, they
are utterly abhorrent.
The whole economy of grace, is humbling to the
sinner, and none but the humble are blessed thereby.
The glory belongs to God alone—“ God resisteth the
proud, and giveth grace to the humble,”
Let reverence, then, as well as confidence, character-
ize our worship of the God of majesty and mercy.
The Church, notwithstanding, is the very focal11
point, where the brightest beams of the divine glory
any where seen upon the earth, are concentered.
“ I will make the place of my feet glorious." To
what has this divine and gracious engagement
respect 1
Certainly, not mainly, if it all, to the splendor
and magnificence of any material structure. Such
an interpretation would be unworthy of the emphasis
and complacency with which the promise is given,
and of the character of its Author. And, in point of
fact, on some of the most gorgeous and stupendous
edifices which the world has ever seen, nominally
devoted to the service of God, “ Ichabod” is written.
The true glory of a Church consists not at all, in
the costliness and art, and ornament of the house
reared by the hands of man for the dispensation of
ordinances, nor in the multitude, or wealth, or world-
ly consideration of those who congregate therein; but
in its spiritual riches and beauty. With regard to
outward magnificence, the latter temple was in all
respects inferior to the former, and yet, the glory of
the latter house was really greater than the glory of
the former—because, that in it, the messenger of the
covenant himself, full of grace and truth, personally
appeared—And, the glory of the present dispensa-
tion, notwithstanding the unadorned simplicity of its
ritual, exceeds that by which it was preceded, with
all its imposing ceremonies, as far as the brightness of12
the noon-day sun exceeds the light of the early
dawn.
There is a glory of the sun, and a glory of the
moon, and a glory of the stars. The firmament is
glorious. The earth is glorious. All creation is
glorious. At this moment the vegetable world,
bursting forth with renovated life in bloom and
beauty, is spread out before us, fresh, fragrant, and
exuberant.—The world of mind is glorious. To the
higher order of intellectual excellence mankind ren-
der homage. The mightiness of the divine power,
and the boundlessness of the divine resources, are
everywhere apparent in the works of Creation.—
But yet, in all these the glory which excelleth is not
seen: relief for the wretched and salvation for the lost
they nowhere reveal. In the Church are the revelations
of Deity, no where else to be found—the only disco-
veries which can convey hope and peace to a sinful
soul. Here alone, is made known “the manifold
wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose
which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
And, a Church is glorious, just in proportion as
God is there in the displays of his Divine perfections,
his eternal truth, and the saving efficacy of his Spirit
and grace—just in proportion as she is found robed
in holiness, and clad in the garments of salvation.
When the Son of God first appeared in our world
on his errand of grace, no outward pomp was there,13
and yet it furnished the theme for the song of angels,
“ Glory to God in the highest; peace on earth, and
good will to man.”—When he suffered, and expired
under circumstances of the utmost ignominy, the at-
tention of creation was attracted by the moral sub-
limity of the scene. It was the hour of mercies’ tri-
umph, of hell’s defeat, of man’s deliverance. Then,
“ mercy and truth met together, righteousness and
peace kissed each other.”—Then, the problem, too
hard for all created skill, was solved, how God can
he just, and justify the ungodly.—When, upon the
day of Pentecost, by a single sermon, three thousand
immortal souls were converted unto God, and added
to his Church, he made “ the place of his feet glo-
rious ”—and so also, in all subsequent conversions—
as well as by sustaining, sanctifying, and saving his
servants.
When justice has its course upon the trangressor,
it is a glorious thing—really, though awfully glo-
rious—much more does mercy, when yielding to jus-
tice all its due, it triumphs in the rescue of the im-
mortal soul from the pains of perdition, and sets it
free, and restores it to favor, and purity and bliss,
exceed in glory.
The Church has been made glorious by the per-
sonal presence of her Divine King and Redeemer—
God manifest in the flesh. She has seen the glory
of him who was with God, and was God—-the only14
begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. God
hath spoken by his Son, and given to us a bright
manifestation of his own Divine perfections. Life
and immortality are brought to light.—The econo-
my of salvation, replete with light and grace, adapt-
ed, and adequate to all human necessities, is unfold-
ed. By the Church God has made known unto prin-
cipalities and powers in heavenly places, his mani-
fold wisdom.
Here, moreover, the most benign influences are put
forth, and the most blessed results achieved; and
thus, she is made glorious.
The mind is illumined, and the fountain of the
heart healed—that corrupt fountain, whence “ pro-
ceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications,
thefts, false witness, blasphemies ”—all that is most
defiling and debasing—all that embitters existence,
and sends a blight upon society; whilst all the sweet
charities of life are awakened into being. Hence,
proceeds a sacred influence, to hallow our domestic
sanctuaries, and to sweeten human fellowship in the
great community—all the sympathies which flow out
to soothe human sorrow, and to relieve human
wretchedness—all that is just, and merciful, and
kind. The citizens of Zion are the salt of the earth,
and the light of the world. A fine writer has said,
“ Blot Christianity out of man’s history, and what
would his laws have been—what his civilization 115
Christianity is mixed up with our very being, and
our daily life; there is not a familiar object around
us, which does not bear a different aspect, because
the light of Christian hope is on it; not a law that
does not owe its truth and gentleness to Christiana
ty; not a custom, which cannot be traced in all its
holy and beautiful parts to the Gospel.”
But, especially in the Church, the life Divine and
imperishable is communicated to the soul—a life to
be developed in holiness and joy, throughout eter-
nity ; and thus is she made glorious, “ Of this man
and that man, it shall be said, that he was born
there born into the family of God, and constituted
an heir of heaven.
Principles are implanted of controlling efficacy;
which no allurements of earth can corrupt, and no
terrors of persecution and death are able to van-
quish—principles which triumph over death itself.
A glory is diffused which lights up the pathway to
the t grave, spreads its radiance over the land of
silence, and chases away its mazy terrors, and is
the very type of the glories ineffable which lie
beyond.
Is it too much to assert, that in the visible Church
upon the earth the greatest events take place, that
anywhere occur in the universe of God?—Events
over which the high and holy intelligences of other
worlds, bend with eager gaze—Events which wake16
up fresh transports in angels’ hearts, and render
more thrilling, the notes of angels’ praise.—Events
which furnish constant and peculiar illustration of
the riches and glory of Divine love and grace.
Events, every one of which brings relief from an
eternity of wo, and secures an eternity of bliss—
whilst light breaks in upon the darkness of the mind,
and peace and joy succeed to fear and sorrow. The
regenerated soul is brought into a new world, and
trained for all the high fellowships and felicities of
heaven. Boundless excellency is developed.—Oh!
it is here that the guilty are pardoned, the weak
strengthened, that the very anguish of despair is suc-
ceeded by a heavenly hope, that healing is brought
to the broken-hearted, and the poor are satisfied
with good. He maketh “ the place of his feet
glorious.”	“ Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
the Lord hath shined.” And, a brighter, and more
pervading glory yet remains. The Church, at first
like the prophets’, cloud, merely visible in the vast
expanse, has increased, and sent abroad life and re-
freshment from generation to generation ; but it shall
at length fill the whole earth, and shed its blessings
upon all nations, and kindreds, and tongues, and
people. The number of Zion’s converts shall be as
the dew; and the earth be filled with the glory of
the Lord. And, what a glory will it be, when the
earth shall be full of the knowledge of Christ, and17
all hurtful passions be subdued, and every heart be
filled with love and kindness, and every virtue shine
out in its own appropriate sphere and lustre, and
every relationship of life, be joyous—when the lion
and the lamb shall lie down together, and nothing
shall hurt or destroy, in all God’s holy mountain.
Nevertheless, whilst it is God’s own promise, and
prerogative, to “ make the place of his feet glorious,”
it is not effected by the immediate and miraculous
act of his omnipotence, but occurs, because there the
institutions and means of his grace are established,
and through these institutions and means.
The declaration and promise of the text, like all
other engagements of the Father of mercies to bless
mankind, stand connected with human responsibili-
ties and activities.
Amongst the means by which the Church is made
glorious, to the living ministry is assigned a position
of singular prominence. It is the Redeemer’s ascen-
sion gift.—“ We have the treasure in earthen vessels,
that the excellency of the power may be of God,
and not of us.”—Irrespective of ministerial agency,
there is no ordinary salvation. “ God is pleased by
the foolishness of preaching, to save them that be-
lieve.” “ How shall they call on him, in whom they
have not believed 1 and how shall they believe in him
of whom they have not heard 1 and how shall they
hear without a preacher, and how shall they preach,
318
except they be sent ? As it is written, how beauti-
ful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of
peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.”
If, therefore, we would see the Church glorious, the
gospel, the only hope of life to the world, must be
preached:—and, if the world shall be filled with the
knowledge of Christ, the gospel must be preached to
every creature. And the ministry must be found holy
and exemplary, skilful, faithful, and devoted; mighty
in prayer and in faith ; instant in season, and out of
season, rightly dividing the word of life; speaking
the truth in love; declaring the whole counsel of
God, reproving, rebuking, exhorting, with all suffer-
ing and doctrine. “ Necessity is laid upon us—yea,
wo is to us, if we preach not the gospel.” We watch
for souls, as they that must give account. “ And,
who is sufficient for these things V’ There is no other
station assigned to mortal man upon the earth so
awfully sacred, and responsible—none so deeply im-
portant in its issues, as that of the ambassador of
Christ, put in trust with souls. Nor, is there a being
on God’s footstool, whose condition is so pitiable, as
the man on whose skirts the blood of souls is found
—the man who, standing where Nadab and Abihu
stood, near by the Altar of the Holy, and the Jeal-
ous One, forgetful of the high behests of his sacred
office, offers thereon unhallowed fire—burns incense
to his own selfishness and vanity, and preaches him-19
self, ratlxer than Christ—who alike, by his neglects,
and his aims, tarnishes the Divine glory, contributes
to men’s eternal ruin, and renders deeper and deeper
the scars of the Divine reprobation, on his own soul.
Too great stress cannot be laid by the Church
upon the character of her ministry. “ If the blind
lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch.” It is
recorded of Barnabas, that “ he was a good man,
and full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith ; and that
much people was added unto the Lord.”
But, upon this subject there is a meeting and a
blending of responsibilities. If to see the Church
glorious, the gospel must be preached, faithfully, hum-
bly, prayerfully, holily, it must be heard heedfully
and diligently; with conscientious punctuality, with
candor, with meekness, with faith, and as for your
souls. You may not “ forsake the assembling of your-
selves together;” for, “ whosoever turneth away his
ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an
abomination.”—“ Ye shall keep my Sabbaths, and
reverence my sanctuary; I am the Lord. ”
- You must come to his house, not to indulge cap-
tiousness and caprice, but, with a docile temper,
willing to have your sins exposed, your faults re-
proved, your hearts humbled, and to bow down at
the footstool of sovereign mercy, beseeching for your
lives, and desirous to be guided in the way of life.
If we would have the Spirit of glory to rest upon20
us, we must enthrone the Divine Redeemer «in our
hearts, humbly confide in his atonement, and submit
to his authority. The Spirit of prayer must be
cherished, the graces which belong to salvation cul-
tivated, the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace,
preserved; and our whole souls yielded unreservedly
to the Divine service. We must see to it that our
hearts are right with God.
What avails it, though the place of convocation
should be the very admiration of art, and the palace
of luxurious ease and grandeur; and though you
should wait upon a ministry of the highest intellect-
ual accomplishments and of entrancing eloquence,
and though every attendant circumstance should
impart a charm to the mind; if the heart is unhum-
bled and sin unpardoned, and the soul is left unpre-
pared for death, and judgment, and heaven, at last
to lie down in sorrow, so far as you are con-
cerned, all that is really glorious; all that can im-
part value to the house of God, is wanting.
Moreover, if we would see the Church glorious,
our domestic relations must be regarded with the very
deepest solicitude. The family is the foundation of
society. Our children, through the favor of God,
members of his Church by their birthright, are com-
mitted to us to be trained for him. From the bosom
of our families, the Church is to be replenished and
adorned; and we owe to our offspring no other ob-21
ligation to be compared with that of bringing them
up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, by all
holy example, and prayerful instruction, counsel and
control. “ These words, which I command thee
this day, shall be in thine heart. And thou shalt
teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt
talk of them when thou sittest in thine house,
and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou
liest down, and when thou risest up.”
When you appear before the Lord in his house,
bring your little ones with you. There is not only
a seemliness and beauty in it; but there is a moral
influence greatly important, connected with whole
families assembling together from Sabbath to Sabbath,
in the enjoyment of the same outward dispensation
of ordinances, where God has promised to meet his
people to bless them, and to make his glories
known.
Thus, in all things revering the Divine authority,
and honoring the Divine institutions, we may hope
to find the place of ordinances glorious—none other
than the house of God, and the gate of heaven.
Dear brethren; hitherto, the engagement of the
text has been graciously fulfilled towards us as a
people called by the name of the Lord—a branch of
his Church.
We have the written word, which we are permit-
ted to search, deliberately and without molestation.—22
We have the glorious gospel of the blessed God, mi-
nistered, as we humbly, but confidently believe, in
its purity.
In all the great doctrines of grace, we are agreed,
and upon them our common hopes are built. The
lost, perishing, and helpless condition of man by na-
ture.—The true and essential Deity of the Saviour—
His vicarious, and, infinitely efficacious atonement
for sin ; the renewing and sanctifying influences of
the Holy Spirit; and the obligations which bind us
to holiness of heart and life.
We have an authorized, an acknowledged, and a
scriptural ministry. Upon this subject we have no
concessions to make.
We have the abiding evidence of God’s gracious
presence, rendering effectual the means of grace, in
the conversion of sinners, and the edifying of them
that believe.
We have a church organization and discipline, in
their operation salutary and excellent. And, without
the slightest wish to interfere with the right of judg-
ment, and the preferences of others, we deliberately
regard them as more in accordance with the Scrip-
tural model, than any of the forms which differ from
them.
In the government of the Church, no right is in-
vaded. The amplest provision is found for the pro-
tection of innocence; whilst sufficient vigilance is23
secured to detect the guilty, and sufficient vigor for
their punishment. The ministry and the eldership,
serve as mutual checks against all usurpation.
Every individual accused, is fairly tried by his Peers.
From the lo.wer courts, the way of appeal is open to
the higher, away from the sphere of local sympathies
and bias, where sound judgment, impartiality, and
decision are to be expected. The different judicato-
ries of the Church are so linked together, as at once
mutually to strengthen each other, and serve as
checks against abuse.
The corporate organization of the Dutch Church-
es possesses a peculiarity which has always appear-
ed to me to be an excellence. The Consistory is
the Corporate body, and is therefore always subject
to ecclesiastical control.—So that the abuses which
may easily grow out of the circumstance of placing
the corporate powers in the hands of men, as trus-
tees, who are not even Church members, but aliens
from the very community which they control, and
therefore amenable to no tribunal in the Church,
cannot arise amongst us.
. We have a Church, peaceable, harmonious, united.
No root of bitterness has been permitted to spring
up and trouble us. And, in looking back upon all
the way in which the Lord has led us, we would in
this day, so full of interest, and of subdued solicitude
to our hearts, with fervent gratitude, “ lift up our24
JEbenezer, and say, hitherto hath the Lard helped
Nor, in the midst of our boundless blessings, would
we forget the means—the struggles and the blood,
of our fathers, to which, under God, we are indebted,
that the yoke of despotism, civil and religious, does
not this day press upon our neck.
This, was the first Christian Church organized
in the City of New- York. It is the Church by whom
the Gospel was introduced here.
Its history now reaches back over a period of
more than two centuries.
The first Church edifice, and of which I can find
but little information, stood near the junction of
Bridge and Broad Streets. The next, and by which
it was superseded, was built in 1642, within the Old
Fort, near the Battery. In 1693, the Church in
Garden Street was built. Previously, however,
Governor Stuyvesant had erected a Church on his
own “ Bowerie.” The Church in the fort was burn-
ed in 1741, and not afterwards replaced.
In 1729, the Middle Church on Liberty, Nassau,
and Cedar Streets, was erected; and in 1769, the
North Church on Fulton, William, and Ann Streets.
The several congregations, worshipping in the
three Churches, continued under the one original
Consistory until 1813, when the Garden Street
Church assumed a separate organization.25
The other Dutch Churches in the City, from their
origin, have been distinct.
The Middle and North Churches have continued
united in one Collegiate charge. And, now, the en-
croachments of business upon the neighborhood of
these Churches, the enlargement of the city, and the
removal of many of our families into this vicinity,
have rendered the erection of the edifice in which
we are assembled, indispensable for the accommoda-
tion of our people. Without some such provision, the
vigor and prosperity of the establishment, venerable
as it is, and endeared to many a heart by many an
association, could not longer be maintained.
The corner-stone of this house was laid November
9, 1836; It is substantially built; and, as you see, is
a beautiful edifice, capacious, convenient, adorned;
at the same time of chaste and becoming simpli-
city.
As our City becomes more and more extended,
we would take our place, side by side, with our sis-
ter denominations, and labor in extending to the
growing community the blessings of the common
salvation. We would trespass on no one. The
charge of bigotry, which is sometimes brought against
the Dutch Church, does her wrong. She has ever
lived in harmony and good-fellowship with her
neighbors; and with them has always been found
426
ready, heartily to co-operate in the promotion of
every good work.
Existing facts, and matters of recent occurrence,
are familiar to you all. There are, however, inci-
dents in her early history and relations that are not
so well known.
It is a fact, that the first Rector of Trinity Church
was inducted into office on the 25th of Dec. 1697,
in the Dutch Church in Garden Street; the Rev.
Henricus Solyns, the Pastor of this Church at the
time, and the Rev. Johannes Petrus Nucella, Pastor
of the Dutch Church in Kingston, officiating on the
occasion.
And the Rev. Mr. Vesey, the Rector, continued
to officiate in the Garden Street Church, the Dutch
and English congregations meeting at different hours,
until the ensuing March, when the building of Trini-
ty Church was completed.
In 1714, Trinity Church was entered, plundered,
and desecrated, by some evil-disposed persons. The
Vestry offered a reward of £30 for their detection.
An immediate meeting of the Consistory of this
Church was held, and the spontaneous offer, made by
them, of an additional reward of £15 for the like
purpose.
Upon the records of Trinity Church, under date
Oct. 27,1779, this minute is found, “ It being repre-
sented that the old Dutch Church is now used as an27
hospital for his Majesty’s troops, this corporation,
impressed with a grateful remembrance of the former
kindness of the members of that ancient Church,
offer the use of St. George’s to that congregation,
for celebrating divine worship.”
The offer was accepted, and on the 11th of April,
1780, the Consistory passed a vote of thanks to
the Vestry of Trinity Church for their kind offer,
and use of St. George’s Chapel, couched in the most
cordial and affectionate terms.
Governor Burnet, a son of the celebrated histo-
rian, Bishop Burnet, during his administration of the
Colonial Government, presented the Church in Gar-
den Street with an organ; which was destroyed
during the revolutionary war.
In those times it was not uncommon for indivi-
duals of each communion to give benefactions to the
charity schools of each.*
The spirit of kind regard with which other denomi-
nations ever have been, and still are treated, is
known.
These early illustrations of the christian-like tem-
per and behavior of the two oldest Churches of the
* For several of these facts the author gratefully acknowledges his
indebtedness to the kindness of Geo. B. Rapelye, Esq., who has long
been engaged in researches connected with the early history of New-
York, and from whose pen the public may expect hereafter a work re-
plet e with interest.28
City mutually towards each other, I have thought
worthy of being commemorated on the present oc-
casion.
The Collegiate form of our organization, being,
with a single exception in the City, peculiar to our-
selves, may perhaps render a remark on the subject
proper.
The practical operation of the system does not, I
think, indicate the evils which in theory are Some-
times alleged against it.
The difficulties and labors of pastoral duty are un-
doubtedly increased by it, but the pressure of pulpit
services is in some degree diminished. As far as I
have been able to observe and to compare, I am not
aware that the families of this charge receive a less
amount of pastoral care and attention, than do the
families of single charges generally.
The system is calculated to secure a greater va-
riety of ministerial talent; and in various ways, a
moral power, and a stability, greater than can easily
attach to a separate charge.
In this relation I have not been made to feel, or
to perceive, the absence of a mutual confidence, and
affectionate attachment between the Pastors and
the people: and, after an experience of twenty-three
years, in which I have been associated with five dif-
ferent colleagues, nothing has ever occurred to in-
terrupt, or to mar the harmonious, and cordial inter-29
course of the Pastors with each other. Our mutual
communications are ever free, and without con-
straint. There is no case in which the spirit of love
has been interrupted. And I have often, and thank-
fully regarded it as a special mercy from on high,
that among so many men, with the usual diversities
of views and temper, so closely and constantly as-
sociated, it should thus continue to be. But so it
ought to be—So may it ever be.
Whatever, in the erection of a new establishment,
may be deemed expedient, under all the circumstances
of this Church, it appears to me that an attempt to
interfere with its existing organization would be
hazardous and unwise.
What, then, have we to desire, but that God will
render this place glorious—by ever preserving with-
in its walls the ministrations of his own pure and
blessed Gospel—by here calling into the fellowship
of his grace many who shall be saved in the day of
Jesus Christ—by shedding down the rich influences
of his Spirit, sanctifying and comforting his people,
rendering them fruitful in holiness, and fitting them
for the inheritance of the saints in light.
And now, in his own Most Holy Name, we do so-
lemnly DEDICATE THIS EDIFICE TO THE SERVICE OF AL-
MIGHTY God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the
God of our salvation ; and fervently beseech him
THAT HE WILL FILL THIS HOUSE WITH HIS GLORY.30
“ Peace be within its walls, and prosperity with-
in its palaces.” “ Arise, O Lord God, into thy rest-
ing-place, thou, and the ark of thy strength. Let
thy ministers, O Lord God, be clothed with salva-
tion ; and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.”
Here, may we and our children, and our children’s
children, for generations long to come, successively
worship the God of our fathers, in the joys of peace
and in the beauties of holiness.
Here may multitudes be born into the kingdom—
many a laden conscience be relieved; many a bro-
ken heart healed, many a mourner comforted, many
an erring soul reclaimed.
Gladdened with the joys of salvation, may heart
meet heart, and blend in holy gratitude and praise;
and hence, bear away the very fragrance of the
skies, to be diffused throughout all the associations
and relationships of life.
Here, the recording angel will hold his station.
And here, beloved colleagues and beloved people,
transactions will take place, which, for good or for
ill, for weal or for wo, we must meet again, and con-
front, in eternity, “ Haw dreadful is this place /”
Arise, O Lord—fulfil thy gracious Word, and ren-
der the place of thy feet glorious. Amen.The Church in La Fayette Place was dedicated
to the service of the Triune God, in the afternoon of
Thursday, the 9th of May, A. D. 1839; when, in ad-
dition to the delivery of the foregoing Discourse, a
part of the 6th chapter of 2d Chronicles was read
by the Rev. Dr. De Witt, prayer was offered by the
Rev. Dr. Brownlee, and the dedicatory prayer by
the Rev. President Milledoler.ADDRESS,
Delivered by the Rev. Dr. Knox, JVov. 9, 1836, when
the corner-stone of the Church in La Fayette Place
was laid.
My Christian Friends :
The occasion on which we are assembled is pne full of interest.
The enterprise here undertaken, possesses an importance which eter-
nity alone will be able fully to illustrate.
We are about to lay the corner-stone of an edifice, not to be a mere
human habitation—the scene of domestic joys and sorrows ; not for
the purposes of traffic, or the transaction of other worldly business; not
as a place of public amusement or dissipation; not merely, nor mainly,
to be a material ornament to this great and splendid city, but an habi-
tation for our God to dwell in. A place where we and our children,
and our children’s children may render homage, and praise, and suppli-
cation in presence of the Father of mercies; receive instruction from
His word, and grace from His throne; and, under the culture of His
hand, become prepared for serving Him in the temple above.
The enterprise is, we trust, prompted by piety, and undertaken with
solemn deliberation and prayer.
The purpose is, that God shall be here worshipped as we believe he
requires in His word ; and according to the faith, order, and usages of
the Church of our affections and our choice; the Church by which the
gospel of salvation was first published upon these shores; a Church
which, under the benignant favor of her covenant God, is found this
day happily united in her adherence to sound doctrine, and to pure and
spiritual religion; a Church whose form of government, according to
our deliberate conviction, is scriptural, simple, efficient, stable, and guard-
ed—such as, faithfully administered, is calculated to preserve purity,
534
promote piety, and effectually exclude spiritual tyranny, and all lording
it over God’s heritage.
It is the Church of our 'preference. With our sister denominations
we have no quarrel—we rejoice in their prosperity. To all who love
our Lord Jesus Christ, we bid God speed. With mutual sympathy, m
harmony and love, let the tribes of God, all ranged under the banner of
the Captain of salvation, ascend the holy mount, until, upon its high
and sacred summit, they meet and mingle in one triumphant burst of
praise to him who hath gotten them the victory.
All asperity of rivalship among the disciples of the common Lord we
deprecate. Let the only strife be, who shall most resemble the blessed
Master in purity of heart and life, and in toils and prayers for the pe-
rishing.
This enterprise is undertaken by the Consistory of the Collegiate
Dutch Church, the parent Church in this city.
The fathers who first brought civilization and Christianity to these
shores, gave the earliest heed to secure for themselves, and their
households, safe and befitting accommodations for enjoying the public
ordinances of grace.
Nearly two centuries ago, (in 1642,) a church edifice was erected
by them in the fort which stood near the Battery. The next in order
was built by Governor Stuyvesant, on his own “ Bowerie	and subse-
quently, with the spreading population, the Churches in Garden Street,
Nassau Street, William Street, Franklin Street, Amos Street, Market
Street, Broome Street, Houston Street, and Ninth Street; together
with the Mission houses in Third Street and Houston Street, have
successively risen. To all these establishments the Collegiate Church,
where she has not been the sole agent in their erection, has been a
generous and liberal contributor, both in means and members.
A new erection in this part of the city has been called for by the
convenience of many of our own people, thrust out of their former
abodes by the ever-encroaching spirit of commerce. The plough-share
of commerce has broken up the foundations of their former dwellings
in the older parts of the city, and indeed has already invaded places
greatly hallowed in our associations.
It has been called for by the state of this particular Church, if she
will continue to sustain her wonted numbers, and vigor, and efficiency,
•*—called for by the duty which we owe to the denomination of which
we form a part.
There is no enduring light or warmth in that benevolence which
floats, meteor-like, without a point of radiation. We are to look to our
own hearts, to our respective households, our individual Church, our
particular denomination, and the cause of Christ at large. It is thus35
alone that the field of the world will ever be efficiently occupied. The
man who looks well to his own heart and house, and immediate sphere
of Christian duty, we can calculate upon with confidence on every oc-
casion of extended benevolence.
This Church, both in her corporate capacity, and by her individual
members, has ever shown a cheerful willingness to aid in sustaining the
public institutions, and promoting the extension and prosperity of the de-
nomination; whilst her hand has been extended freely to help the desti-
tute and perishing.
The enterprise is called for by the wants of the community, and the
obligations under which we lie, to do our share in purifying and preserv-
ing this great city, and sending hence a healthful influence all’‘abroad.
By means of the gospel it is that we are to expect a sanctifying and
saving energy to go forth. The aggregate results of the ministrations of
the sanctuary, in the formation of the principles, habits, and character ot
men, both with reference to their career upon the earth, and their des-
tiny in a future world, are inconceivably great.
Let the institutions of the Gospel be disregarded, the churches closed,
the Sabbath repealed; and with these, the sense of moral obligation will
pass away, and the very elements of society become dissolved. Slight,
indeed, will be the best remaining safe-guards of life, liberty, and pro-
perty. There is no calamity so much to be dreaded as a famine, not of
bread, and a thirst, not of water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.
The fact, therefore, is as melancholy as it is unquestionable, that were
every place of public worship, in the city statedly filled, one half of our
population would nevertheless be excluded.
Here, Brethren, Providence has assigned us the peculiar sphere of our
labor, and a more important or responsible sphere cannot easily be ima-
gined.
Here, our children are to be trained for life and for eternity, and to
transmit their influence to posterity more remote.
O ! what a stake have we in the character and destiny which lie be-
fore this community! Here our sons and our daughters dwell.
The corrupting influence, active and pervading, to be encountered
and neutralized, and overcome, is exceedingly great.
Five Theatres in our midst, which, let misguided men imagine what
they will, are exerting an influence of unmixed hostility to religion and
morality, and all the best interests of society. Various other places of
common resort exist, which are, perhaps, of no less evil tendency. Al-
most every receding tide leaves upon our shores a mass of foreign infi-
delity and depravity. Commerce is pouring into our lap its ample trea-
sures, and spreading around us all its peculiar temptations, pampering36
the lust of power, and of pomp and of display. O, there is a desolating
torrent already swollen into terrific power, to be encountered.
Nor is there another spot on our vast continent, if there is upon the
face of the globe, whose influence is felt more widely and deeply than this
on which we dwell.
I do not exaggerate when I say, that probably millions of immortal
beings, every year, carry with them throughout the land, and throughout
the world, impressions of good or of evil, received here. The position,
the wealth, the extended intercourse, the power, physical and moral,
of New-York, give her a most'commanding attitude* Deep and wide-
spread depravity here, is to the community what disease of heart is to
the body; its heavings and pulsations send anguish and death to the
remotest extremities.
Commended by these and similar considerations, let the work be
prosecuted to its completion with zeal, and harmony, and love, as a
work for the glory of God, and by the servants of God, ought to be
prosecuted.
It is designed that the building to be erected shall be substantial, con-
venient, and in a becoming degree ornamental.
In a structure for the worship of God, tawdriness and tinsel are out of
place. At the same time it should not perpetuate a monument of par-
simony and meapness. It should hear a just correspondence to the
circumstances in which Providence has placed those for whose occu-
pancy it is designed. It was not piety which prompted the exclama-
tion, when the box of precious ointment was poured out, “ Why was
this waste David was afflicted by the thought, that whilst he him-
self dwelt in a house of cedar, the ark of God was in tents.
We are, in this spot, surrounded on every hand by the evidences of
opulence.
These remarks I have considered proper to the occasion. I shall not
further extend them, but proceed to the act of laying the corner-stone of
the edifice here, by the favor of Providence to be erected.
The corner-stone Was then laid; the act accompanied with the follow-
ing form:
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, Hay this
corner-stone of a church edifice, to be devoted to the service of the
Triune God ; according to the doctrine, discipline, and usages of the
Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of North America.
And may the gracious Providence of the Most High superintend the
erection of the structure; His name be here recorded; His presence37
dwell: sinners be converted and saints edified in faith, holiness, and
comfort unto everlasting life. May His glory fill the house. Amen.
Under the corner-stone, enclosed with a view to their preservation,
were deposited:—
A SILVER PLATE—ON WHICH WAS ENGRAVED,
The Names of the Consistory, Building Committee, Architect and
Builder*
A box suitably enclosed, and containing a Copy of the Psalms and
Hymns, with the Constitution, Canons, Confession of Faith, Liturgy,
and Catechism.
Minutes of General Synod, for 1834, 1835, 1836.
Rev. Dr. Kuyper’s Funeral Sermon; containing a list of
the Pastors of this church for the last half century.
A File of the Christian Intelligencer.
New-York Observer,
Churchman.
Copy of the several large Daily Papers of 9th inst.
Twelfth Annual Report of American S. S. Union for 1836,
with a history of its formation, principles, &c.
Annual Report of the American Tract Society for 1836.
The Annual Report of the American Board of Commissioners
for Foreign Missions, for 1835.
The Annual Report of the American Bible Society for 1836.
Catalogue of Rutgers* College, for 1835.
Copy of the Statutes of Rutgers* College.
Catalogue of Columbia College, 1836.
Constitution and Annual Reports of the S. S. Union of
Reformed Dutch Church.
Act of Incorporation of New-York University.
New-York University list of its Officers, Organization, &e.
Plan for the Organization of a Law Faculty in the N. Y.
University.
Map of the City of New-York.
Portraits of the Rev. Drs. Knox, Brownlee, De Witt, and
Livingston.
Lithographic Print of the South, Middle, and North
Churches, and the History of the Church, connected
therewith; compiled by Theodore De Forest, M. D.
Incorporation of Blue Hill Granite Company.
Williams’s New-York Register.
Lithographic View of Middle Dutch Church, and neighborhood.
A copy of the Address now delivered.38
Building Committee:
Wm. G. Jones,	Wm. Mandeville,
James Suydam,	David L. Haight,
Jas. V. H. Lawrence,	David Board.
Josiah Rogers, Architect.
Daniel Hazelton, Builder.*
* May, 1839. Most of the members of this Committee have given
to the duties of their appointment a large share of their personal atten-
tion during the entire progress ot the building.