Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-04-17
7Dallomell lural NemS.
Revival Meetings.

REVIVAL
Last Sabbath was one of the loveliest Of the
season, and the religious meetings throughout the
dav were of unmistqksble interest aud profit. The
PRAYER meeting in the Methodist vestry at nine
O'Clock in the morning well attended, and
those assembled appeared anxious that the eNer-
cises OF the day should be abundantly productive
of good
In the afternoon the South church nearly
filed long before the hour appointed for the meet
ing; and at the commencement of the exercises
about every available seat was occupied IN all
parts Of the house. Many were in attendance
from Augusta and other nelghboring localities
At thcihour Of halt past two, Rev. DIR. Butter
read and commented upon that interesting ac-
count. rs given by the Apostle John in the last
chapter of his gospel, OF the interview OF Christ
with his disciples after his resurrection, when be
said to Peter three times in succession: "Simon,
son of Jonas lowest thou me more than these -
After singing and PRAYER, and the giving of no
tees for subsequent meetings, DIR. Batter stated
that he would now endeavor to fulfill his promise
ofpreseniing gospel Truth in such way that leach
individual present might 20 out of the house a
saved soul If they will" His text was from the
last chapter of the book of Revelations, and the
last part of the seventeenth verse: And whose
ever will, let him take of the water of life freely;
and also another passage in demonstration OF the
efficiency of the power to accomplish the work,
from the first chapter of the first epise of John,
and the closing paragraph OF the seventh verse
"And the blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth
embraced in this invitation; and all that wish and
are willing to be saved may fad the blood Of
Christ an a-suiiicent atonement for sin.
The speaker expressed his belief that God will
save every soul he can save. If any are not saved
it is because they put themselves in place where
lie cannot consistently save them" Passages in
Ezekiel were quoted to show that God has no
pleasure in the death of him that dieth, but rather
that he might return and live. Turn We, for why
will We die oh, house of Israel" You have got
IN a in m IL
conferred by God, ana to those willing TO receive,
God imparts the blessing. This point was elabor
atelv illustrated from Scripture ana Christian eN-
perience. You cannot do anything to put yourself
in a better condition to be saved. man clnging
to spar in the midst of surgng waters does not
wait I'LL he grasp another SPAR until he can
to lch bottom with his feet before accepting the
means of rescue. The best condition of salvation
is when we feel ourselves in need of help. The
promise is not whosoevcr prays rises for prayer,
but whosoever WILL. We SHOULD, however, place
ourselves in union with the means divnely ap-
pointed and avail ourselves of all the helps to be
derived from Christian associations and labors.
Pardon is offered without money and without
price-it is for us to accept it, thankfully, joyfully.
The entire sermon was listened to with the utmost
attention and satisfaction by all. and at its close
the speaker offered short and fervent prayer, and
the service closed by the congregation joining in
singing in effective manner that beautiful gos-
pei hymn "W hosoever will may come"
The house was again filled in the evening, and
while the congregation was assembling eveial
gospel hymns were sung, with the spirit and
the Understandings" by volunteer singers from all
the religious societies in the city. The spirit and
excellence o. the musical contributions to these
services have been subjects of frequent and favor
able remark and one can fail to observe the in
terest manifested not only by the singers, but also
by the congregation generally. Precisely at half
past SIX o'clock the regular services of the eve
ming were opened, with praser by Rev. Mr.. Burr,
Principal of Ilallowell Z .asscal School, and also
by Rev. Mr.. Leiacheur.
After singing IT'S the promise of God full sal
walton to give" scripture selections were read by
DR.. Butler, and a text selected from the first chap
ter of the Acts OF the Apostles and the last part of
the twenty fifth use: THAT he might go to his
own place." This was spoken with reference TO
the Apostle Judas, whose betrayal of his DIVINE
Master caused vacancy in the number of the
Apostles which the remaining faithful ones pro-
cceded to fill by the choice of Matthias, that he
might take part in this ministry and apostleship
from which Judas, by transgression fell; that he
might go to his own place." The speaker
deavored TO demonstrate, and he succeeded most
effectively, that it is the natural tendency of the
| human family TO mingle in that society for which
they fitted by character, taste and association
The future state of The righteous and the wicked
was declared TO be not so much question of place
as of character; and numerous illustrations
in proof of this declaration given.
Every one has the natural right
| TO choose that society most congenial to them !,
and all will eventually be gathered to their own
place." wherever that may be. Those who love
Christ have the promise of an abode with Him in
those mansions tie has gone to prepare for them !;
and it was also declared that the wicked would
fail TO enjoy such associations, but would Ego to
| their own place" Not all the people of this city
elsewhere, find pleasure in the services of
religion, even in this life; and the inference was
| considered conclusive that when the spirit is
| leased from the body, every soul would go to its
own pace-the place of their desire. The speak
| followed with the closest attention through
out his discourse thus mperfectly sketched. After
prayer and the singing OF "Oh7 think Of the Home
over there large number Of enquirers and
those who have recently experienced change IN
their religious views and feelings, repaired to the
vestry to meet their christian friends and converse
| upon the great subject of paramount interest to
them at the present time.
Meetings will continue through the present
week about the same as last; preaching by DIR.
Butler at the South church every evening except
ing Saturday, with noon meetings as usual at the
| Methodist vestiy. Fast Day services on Thurs
| day according to appointment. Praise meetings
| each evening, previous to the preaching service.
| Our City Assessors are now busily at work pre-
pairing little bills for payment by the property
holders of this city. No one will complain should
| he be overlooked in this particular case.
The Kennebec is fast finding its usual level af-
ter after the "high time" recently INDUCED in.
Excursions to Boston now seem to be in order ;
both by steamboat and rail. The Moody and San
key meetings are the recent attraction.
The exceptional pleasant and sparkling days
now prevailing give us foretaste Of beautiful
spring, when woods and fields will be clothed W it'll
verdure and fragrant flowers.
"Will you take hack sri" "No sir. had.a