The Portland daily press., 1877-02-17

In the afternoon of yesterday Mr.. Needham
spoke at High street church on the proper treat
ment OF inquirers, and in the evening address
ed great throug in the City Hall. At the hall
the exercises commenced with singing hymn
No. 50, "Rescue the perishing," and Rev. Mr..
Clark offered prayer. Mr.. Thurston sung hymn
No. &C., 'The ninety and nine, and Mr.. Need
ham read the 51st Psalm, "Have mercy on me,
&c." and the choir sung hymn No. II, GAN
glory to Jesus be given.'' The text was from
Luke 23d commencing at the 32d verse; narrat-
ing the erucifxion of Jesus and the conversion
of the thief ON the cross In the business world
much ofteG depends on right start, but not al
ways. In the religious world everything de-
ponds on starting right. Conversion is the
starting point of the Christian life. The dying
thief set out in the Christian course at the very
close of his earthly life. Better do it then than
not at ALL Think Of the wonderful compassion
of Jesus at this time. 1t was the darkest hour
of His earthly life. He had been betrayed by
disciple, his Fathers face was hidden from him
in this dreadful hour; yet He in this fearful
time forgot Himself and His sufferings and
thought of this poor penitent at His side. The
thief did not seek to cover up his sins, nor did
he excuse them; he confessed them and looked
to the wonderful being at his side, and thought
of His love and compassion, and his heart was
broken over this view Of the love of Jesus. Sc
verify, harshness, the EXTREMIST punishment
will not affect the hard heart of some, but love
will affect such hearts; and so the exhibition
of the love OF Christ will move the hearts of
the children of men. Think also of the mighty
e Al c. &c II IL
His earthly mission to heal the sick, to raise
the dead, and to forgive the sins Of the vilest
sinners. Think of the instantaneousness of
the conversion of this maletactor. Some do
not believe in this instantaneous conversion. If
child is brought up properly they think he
will be gradually brought to Christian life;
but the Bible says the change is instantaneous.
1t does not take long time to step from the
old platform to the new. But every one, good
or bad, needs this change of heart or CONVEX
sion. Again, look at the reality Of this change
in the thief. The Saviour told him that he
would be in Paradise that day; if so. there
must have been wonderful change in him.
He showed that his heart had been changed in
calling Jesus ''Lord." He had great faith, for
he took Jesus at His word; and why should we
not believe the word of the Lord of life and
glory. But the thief confessed Christ and de-
clared to his fellow culprit that Jesus was an
innocent sufferer, and he trusted in Him for
salvation, for Jesus died for him. Is it not
amazing that any one who has tasted of the
love Of Jesus should refuse to confess Him be-
fore the world? Refuse to confess one who has
given His life for them. May such awful in
gratitude be far from us; rather let our hearts
be filled with love and devotion to Him who
has done so much for us.
Mr. Needham offered prayer, and Mr.. Nc.
Winnie pronounced the benediction. A large
company remained in the hall where prayer
meeting was held for half an hour, and another
company went to the vestry of the Second Par
ish church, where temperance meeting was
held. In the hall the exercises of the evening
were impressive, holding the close attention of
the audience, though many were obliged to
stand through all the service.
Sunday services will be held for Christian
workers from 9 to 10 a. m. at High street
church. 'Preaching at and p. m. at City
Hall.