The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1870-02-18

The Portland District Methodist Preachers
Association met at Alfred street church, Bidde
ford. Monday eve, Feb. IA, at n O'Clock. The
discourse Of the evening was delivered BY Br.
W. II. II. Pillsbury, from John, 4: 10. The
speaker introduced his theme (The Love Of Cody
by remarking that the Apostle John was peeul-
iarly adapted for developing this attribute Of
the Divine character, because Of the intimate
relation he sustained to Christ during his event
full ministry. This Is seen by the pathoe and
affection breathed throughout hi, writings.
1hsse are constant bies,hings Of spiritual aspi-
r,tions and bepignant charity. Referred to the
objections based upon the natural and moral
evils existing In our world. Claimed that these
objections have not valid weight, from the fact
they were no part Of the original plan OF the
original plan Of the Creator. but are the means
that he employs to OK our attention on heavenly
things. In proof Of the love Of God, notice the
intellectual constitution Of man and the adspta-
ton Of christianity to his wants. Noticed the
two sides Of mans nature. the one being the
intellectual and stronger, the other being the
sensuous and weaker; and to this side God nd
dresses the gospel. Noticed the different theo-
ries thst have been advanced TO show the true
nature Of Gods love rs manifested to man -
LIST, that the natural instincts Of the heart lead
to God, without the aid Of revelation. III,
That Ii grows up, not. indeed, spontaneously,
but Is developed through the manifestations OF
divine goodness shown In the natural creations
Of God. Sd. That the truths OF the Bible with
no other aid are capable Of leading the heart to
God without need Of the incarnation Of Christ.
The true theory Is that which claims that the
greatest display that God can make Of his love
was seen in the incarnation, sufferings and
death Of Christ This great provision was but
to open the way for an ampler display OF Gods
goodness which was to follow us all the days OF
our lives by his sacrifice justice was satisfied,
the law was sustained, the end Of Gods govern
meut was met, and his displeasurc against sin
was manifested while his love for his intelligent
creatures was most imprcssiyely and sublimely
disclosed. l.,
On Tuesday Interesting discussion occurred In
connection with the passage Of Scripture i Pet.
3:18, 10, 20. Different views were held by the
exigeses on this text the one holding that Christ
preached TO the antediluvians by means Of Noah
while the other assumed that Christ descended
to Hades after his crucifxion. A very exhaust
i've paper was presented by Bro. wetherbee on
Swelenborgenism In which the glazing evil OF
this system was disclosed. ...
Sketch Of sermon, Acts IL %. "He was q
good man &C." Spoken to Birnab,s. General
subject, o successful ministry, and the essential
qualifications.
I. 0BJEcr on THE MINISTRY, TO turn men to
Christ. $50 ye and disciple all nations" Not
to bring them into the congregation merely as
into the visible church, but to holiness Of heart
and life. .....
II. QUALIFICATIONS LIST. "Goodass."-
How win men to goodness unless good ourselves.
Implies avoidance Of sin and sinful SELFISH
ness and obedience to the law Of God in life
and heart. ''Holiness TO the rd,"-implies
Regeneration and full Specification. in order
to complete ful6llmcnt Of the condition.
Cultivation Of the spirit Of love in all its
branches and relations.
2nd. The second qualification, the Fullness Of
the spirit. Gan filled with the Holy Ghost"
Disciples not prepared for the work till this
baptism Is given. "Tarry yein Jerusalem &C."
How can we fulfill our mission without this.
Are we better able than they. II gives courage
rs In case Of Peter, wisdom and all needed
graces.
81. Faith, the third item Of qualifications.
Faith In God as necessary TO success. Depend
ing on him. and confidence Of success with his
presence and blessing. by faith we see God
vita US, as by sight we perceive material things.
Implies personal faith in Christ for salvation.
Faith In God for His strength with US.
In conclusion, stated that when the sinner
feels that there is M security out Of Christ, and
that he must accept pardon through Him or
perish. he resolves to hasten into the presence OF
the Saviour whom he has cruci6ed. This hcav-
enly Father behOlds him when yet great way
of and comes to meet him and treats him as q
friend and makes him an heir Of glory. Then
II Is that he realizes the great love Of God.