The Portland daily press., 1876-01-10
Week of PRAYER.

The week of prayer has been generally OBJ
served in this city. Very interesting sermons
have been preached every afternoon.
In view of the strong expression of the Sec
ond Parish church Saturday afternoon in favor
of continuing these union services, arrange
ments have been made for service Monday af-
ternoon in the First Baptist church, corner of
Congress and Wilmot streets, at which the Rev.
Mr. johnson of the Pine street church will
preach, at three o'clock. Further arrangements
will then and there be announced.
Rev. Mr.. Perkins of the Casco street church,
preached the sixth sermon of the series, from
Matt. TX So: "But when He saw the multitude
He was moved with compassion on them, be-
cause they tainted, and were scattered abroad
as sheep having no shepherd" Jesus and HIS
disciples were nearly exhausted by the work in
which they had been engaged, and He, with
the thoughtful kindness which He ever exhib-
ed, had directed them to seek retired place
for rest and refreshment. But the eager null
titudes fastened thither before them and met
the weary disciples as they came from, the boat.
The disciples were disappointed, for they were
tired and hungry, and would have sent the null
titude away; but Jesus was glad to see them
and was greatly moved by their lost and DESC
late condition. He spoke to them of their lost
condition and sought to lead them into the way
of life, safety and peace. The multtudes about
US are in this same lost condition, and Jesus
has the same desire to save them as those of
old; and it is matter of deep interest to learn
how the compassion of Jesus may be manifest
ed or brought to them. He is not here, and
t. J..
through His people; and in order that they may
do this, they must possess the same mind that
was in Jesus. First, we must be free from sin
in its ruling power, and must hate it before we
can help others. Again, we must have the
spirit of sacrifice that He manifested. If our
love Of ease, of pleasure, or honor prevent us
having this spirit, these must be cast out. We
must strive to save men; few souls are saved
unless some one seek for them. Again, we
must have realizing sense of the danger of
| sinners. We can not see or understand it as
| the Lord Jesus saw it, but We can get such a
view of it as shall greatly move u.s. Look at
the picture in the text-the wandering, lost,
| torn and bleeding sheep. So we see multitudes
about us crushed by the common burdens of
life. winch they try to bear alone but sink I'M
| der. They feel .he burden of sin, not knowing
it, perhaps, yet heavy, and calling for our deep
| est pity. The sheep were scattered abroad,
without shelter. or food or care So the multi,
tudes now are wandering, without rest or peace
| or safety; for when the night comes to these
scattered ones, the wild beasts will destroy
them or they will perish on tie mountains.
| How deeply was Jesus moved by the fearful
| condition Of the sslnne-. We believe His SOL
emn words in reference to them, but how we
| need to feel their force and be brought under
| the power of these truths. Let us pray that
| God will help us feel and act let these sermons
| ard these meetings have the effect to impel us
| to fervent prayer and earnest action. Some Of
YOU in this meeting are in the lost condition.
You are feeling these heavy burdens. Sorrow
of heart has been yours, and you have felt how
good it is to hear the consoing words of friends;
but they could bring only partial help. You
need the help of Jesus. 1t is my privilege to
tell you Of peace and rest and safety in Him.
Do not complain of God or find fault with Him.
He wishes to save you, and has sent His Son
to give you eternal life. Jesus bids you come
and leave all yoar sins and this burden of sor-
row and find rest in Him. May God lead you
to accept of Him as yeur Saviour.