The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1875-06-07
SUNDAY SERVICES.
SECOND PARISH CHURCH.


In the absence Of the pastor, Rev. e. Y.
Hincks occupied the pulpit in the morning,
taking his text from Galatians, vi, 14,-"But
God forbid that should glory, save in the cross
os our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world Is
crucified unto me, aud unto the world"
The speaker first referred to the sin of self
glory. 1t is one thing to glory in what is our
own, and quite another thing to glory in that
which belongs to anoth err A mother glories in
her son, who does some great deed, not because
the deeds are hers, but the son is hers by the
proprietorship of love. So the true Christian
can glory in the cross of Christ not because he
has done anything, but because Christ died on
the cross to save him. Love gives itself but in
return receives handsome recompense. So
through love a man may with perfect propriety
glory in what belongs to God, and he should
glory in the cross of Christ. The cross means
more than that Christ was crucified on it and
suffered as no man suffered before; it means
that it is the dazzling radiance of Christ that
Eliminates it. Paul gloried in the cross and
SO should every true Christian. In it the Chris
tan sees a pledge of divine mercy, and however
humble he may be he should glory in it, This
shows how Christian can glory in the cross
of Christ He puts everything at Gods disposal
and relies on Him for direction. He lives for
God and in return he gets sense of ownership
with Him. The Christian has taken Him for
his God and he feels that God has taken him
for His child and his heart leaps for joy and
he cannot help glorying in the cross when he
hears the name of his Father spoken. The
whole transaction shows the goodness of God
to His children.
The speaker then referred to the reason why
the Christian should glory in the cross of
Christ. The cross is the most complete pledeg
of the goodness of God. When mans char
acter is called into question, and he comes out
with it untarnished, his friends glory in him,
and are proudsof his Acquaintance. Just SO
with our love with God Ga Calvary he showed
his love for mankind He is holy and loves
all, good and bad. He loves those whom others
will not love. The Christian cannot help feel
ing exultant when he beholds God upon the
cross ready to rescue men from their sins: The
Christian church has looked upon the suffering
of Christ to atone the world. They have come
to see that Chrst's suffering has bought their
salvation, their peace aud joy. This doctrioe
is true unless the Christian religion is d sham
and a delusiOn.
1t seems dreadful to think that Christ should
suffer so on the cross, but it was all for our re-
demption. In this agony can be seen full
revelation of the holiness of God. The ques-
ton is often asked, what does it mean? 1t
means peace aud forgiveness for the vilestmen;
the love Of God speaking out to you, forgive,
ness In this the character of God shines out
in ali its light.
Another reason why the Christian should
glory in the crsss of Christ is Gods manifesta-
lions of his character in the saving of men.
The power of the cross is felt all over the
world. Every Christian is identified with it,
and they should glory in it. Its record IS the
very best, and every true Christian feels pride
in shearipg it exalted. If hesdoes not he is
not loyal soldier aud is not respected by God.
All Christians are called upon to glory in this
cross. The true religion is that of the croSstor
it helps us to sacrifice for God.
ST. DoMINIcK's
Mass was said at 9 o'clock, Father Wallace
oficiating-125 children took the first commun-
ion preparatory to their being confirmed at the
Cathedral in the evening. The girls wore
white dresses and wells, while the boys wore
black jackets with white rosette. AS they
marched from the school house to the church
they looked very pretty. Father Lunney deliv-
cred an address TO them.
CATHEDRAL OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. D..
High mass was said at 8 o'clock, at which
time about 175 children received the first COM
munion. They were attired in their usual
style and presented fine appearance. Bishop
Healy oficiated and delivered very fine ad-
dress to the children In the evening the
children from the Cathedral an from ST.
Dominick's, to the number of 300, were con-
firmed. The sight was very pleasing one,
each of the children carrying a lighted candle
as they marched in the procession. Bishop
Heay also oficlated at this service.
CONGRESS SQUARE CHURCH.
The pastor, Rev. Mr.. Gibbs, preached
practical discourse last evening, taking his
text from Galatians, vi, 81: Bear ye one an.
others burdens, and 80 fulfill the law of
Christ" The central thought was thas every
one should help his neghbors, and by SO doing
help himself.