The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-03-13
Revival Meetings.

Revival Meetings.
A prayer meeting was held yesterday morn
ing at Free street church. and in the afternoon
Mr.. Needham gave Bible talk-developlrg
the nature and characteristics of the Gospel of
God.
In the evening State street church was filled
by an attentive audience. The exercises COM
menced with singing hymn, after which Rev.
Mr.. Hincks offered prayer. Mr.. Stebbns sung
the SOLO Nothing but leaves" and Mr.. Need
ham read the 10Th cha ter of Genesis-the mar
rative of Lot in Sodom. Lot was like great
many Christians in our day. He had pitched
his tent toward Sodom and by degrees had
reached the city and was now in great peril
so they get engrossed in the cares of the world
and lose their Christian power and usefulness;
and it is only by Gods great mercy they are
saved Ws see what Lot has lost by his ALI
ance with the wicked. He lost his peace with
God, his usefulness, his sons, his property and
his wife,
Mr.. Needham offered prayer aud Mr.. Steb-
bins sung solo -"Let the lower lights be
burning.
The text was in LIST Coz, 15:5S-"The refore,
my beloved brethren, be We steadfast, immova-
ble always Astounding in the work of the Lord
1t is the speakers usual custom, when thinking
over a subject upon which he would discourse,
to note down some leading thoughts on slip
of paper from which be might speak. His
mind was impressed with the duty of
preaching to Christians, and he noted some
thoughts that seemed precious to him; but he
came away without the slip; he was not sorry
for it, as he trusted the Holy Spirit would sug-
gest Eight words to speak to the Christians
present We have come to a very important
point in this work in Portland; and the preach
er felt impressed to take this evening to speak
word of encouragement and cheer to the Chris
tian workers, that they might grid themselves
anew for the great and good work that God had
given them to do here. Thus his mind had
been directed to these words of the Apostle to
to his Corinthian brethren and fellow workers.
Paul is speaking in this chapter of the resur-
rection of Christ. and says that as he was rails
ed we shall be raised; and then reminds his
brethren of the glory and blessedness that
should follow; SO that in view of it all they
might be spurred to increased diligence. First,
we see here the relationship recognized by the
Apostle-brethren.-T great heart of the
Apostle recognized the whole company of the
disciples at Corinth as brethren No one class,
no clique, no exclusive set,-but all brothers
and sisters. We greatly fail in this practical
union in these degenerate days. We need to
mend our ways in this regard. Again the
apostle gives his brethren an admontion-to
be steadfast and unwavering in their faith and
constancy They are upon a rock and they
should hold there They must also be always
Astounding in the work of the Lord. Not to
work little time and stop, but to be diligent
all the time. Then the apostle adds word of
encouragement assuring them that their work
should not be in vain. 1t is pleasant to reap
bountful harvest; but it is also pleasant to dill
gently SOW the seed. Why do we not always
abound in the work of the Lord? First be-
cause we lack in personal devotion and conse-
creation to God. We lack in love, sympathy
and heartself devotion to God. Our love must
be unwavering, trustful, absorbing. Again,
we are so engrossedsin the cares of the world
we are troubled as to what We shall eat and
wear. Again we are fetteIed and hinde.ed in
our Christian work by the fashion and conven-
tionality and etiquette Of worldly society. We
ask if this will be proper, or that be decorous
or becoming, and forget to push on in our work,
asking only if it is Gods work and if He has
given it to us to do for him. Why should we
abound in the work of the Lord? Because our
time is short. How brief is our life and how
soon over. May God help US to be earnest in
redeeming the time. Again our opportunities
are slipping away. God places before us work
to do. Again, we can influence some souls
that no otaer one can influence, and if we neg
lect them they will be lost. May God help us
to secure them, and lead US to be faithful.
Again our work is to be investigated. If we
are faithful, we shall do work that will abide
forever, if not, it will all be swept away.
Rev. Mr.. Fem offered prayer aud Mr.. Steb-
bins sung solo-"Oh what are you going to
do, brother?"
Hymn No. 112 was sung-"Work, for the
night is coming" and Rev. Mr.. Perkins pro-
nouneed the benediction.
Some of the audience left, while large num-
Der remained to the second meeting.
The Bible talk to-day will be by Mrs. Need
ham at Free street church vestry at 3 p. m.
Morning prayer meeting at same place at Ga.
M, and preaching at State street church az u
D. No.