A DEDICATION
We have met here to-night to dedicate this beautiful church to the memory of the late Russell Sage, given by Mrs. Sage to the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Far Rockaway as a testimonial of his fidelity to the old church which this new one will replace. I, therefore, warmly congratulate you upon the interesting object which has caused you to assemble, in such numbers and spirit, as you have here to-night. This occasion is in some respects remarkable. Wise and thoughtful men who have led their race in finance have accumulated great wealth, and it is only the true Christian principle which this man possest, that has led to the erection of this magnificent church. They lend grace, glory, and honor to the object for which we have here assembled, and may God's blessing rest upon her, the donor of this gift, and upon him in whose name it is given, and upon you, and upon all the future congregations of this church forever. Animated by these sentiments may we earnestly strive to make this in the highest and truest sense, a temple of the living God.
GOVERNMENT BY THE PEOPLE
The powers of our republican form of government originated with the governed. It is the theory of our fundamental law that the people choose their representatives, yet no fact is so true as that this object is deliberately thwarted of accomplishment. Nor is it less true that the primary cause of this condition may be traced to a sordid commercialism which pervades the body politic and stops not even at the threshold of government. But whatever may be known of alliances between predatory interests and party leaders, whatever may be known of corruption of public officials, it is beyond denial that a despotic influence invades alike political conventions and the halls of legislatures. Policies sacrificing the public welfare are dedicated by a bold and powerful coterie of men whose motives are governed, not by a sense of right, but by the false ethics of expediency and self-interest. Shall this system forever prevail, or shall the intelligence and conscience of the people be aroused to its iniquity, and the money-changers be driven from the temple of our government? There can be but one answer. Remembering with Lincoln—and with Hughes—that ours is a government of the people, and for the people, let us return to the pure ideal of the Constitution and secure a government by the people.
BREVITY
The feature of any address should be its brevity. Few people realize the importance of this, on account of their very great love for self. I often recall the story of the Rev. Dr. Joseph Channing, whose brother was an eminent surgeon in New York. One day a stranger called on the medical doctor in error, and after being admitted said, "I hope you are well, but you have changed considerably since I heard you preach." "Heard me preach?" said Dr. Channing. "Why, yes," preach?" said Dr. Channing. "Why, yes," answered the visitor; "aren't you the Dr. Channing that preaches?" "No; I am the doctor that practises," answered the eminent physician. And so do I.