The Portland daily press., 1877-02-01
The Revival Meetings.


The First Baptist church was we'll filled last
evening, and the opening exercises was hymn
by the choir. Rev. Mr. Clark then read the I'd
chapter of lst Corinthians, and Rev. DR.. Shall
er offered prayer, and the choir and congrega-
ton sung the hymn, "Come thou fount of every
blessing
Mr. Clark took his text from Phil. 8; =. s.
But what things were gain to me, those
counted loss for Christ; yea, doubtless, and
count all things, &C. This text leads us to
look at the Christian life from the standpoint
OF experience. Paul entered npon an entirely
new life when he became a follower of Jesus.
Our Lord declared that the Kingdom of Heaven
was like precious pearl, and Paul gives us an
idea of what this meant. In this text he makes
comparison between the old and the new.
This interest in the new life arose from chang
ed circumstances. Before his conversion he
looked alone at his wealth, his reputation his
worldly prospects; but when Jesus appeared to
him he had soul to be saved or lost. He was
an immortal SOUL and all merely worldly inter-
ests sunk into utter insignifcance. All are i'm
pressed by seeing one thoroughly Indifferent to
the world. How impressive do the ancient
worthless appear when we look at their noble
self-denying lives. We learn from them that
it costs something to serve God faithfully.
What did it cost Paul? 1t cost him all his
self-righteousness, his pride, his supposed ner-
Its and his claim to Gods favor. This was not
small sacrifice for Paul to make. How many
now, even among the professed followers of
Jesus, suffer their pride or worldlness, or self
righteousness to keep them from true Chris
tian life. Again, Paul relinquished all his
worldly prospects and hopes of wealth aud
honor. We can see what sacrifice this was
for him to make. Again Paul gave up his
reputation and good name Many men will
give up their property before they will give up
their good name. Again Paul gave up his ease,
his comfort, all that ministered to his earthly
pleasure. for a knowledge of Christ 1t is i'm
possible to fully describe or unfold TO men the
nature of his knowledge; it must be experience
ed by the human heart IN order to know what
it means. He gave up his own righteousness
to be clothed with the glorious righteousness Of
Christ. He had given up his worldly prospects
in order that by this knowledge be might OBJ
tain the glorious rewards of heaven. 1t was
the reference to these glorious prospects that
led the ancient saints to despise all the allure
ments or dangers of earth; and it is this hope
that alone can satisfy the human sonl. But
some here have no desire for this saving knowl-
edge. What can be said to you who are stand
ing in this fearfully perilous position? Nothing
but this experimental knowledge of Jesus can
save you But some have desire for it and
yet hesitate till all their doubts and difficulties
are cleared up. You are restless and dissatis-
fed with the world, but are not yet ready to ac-
cept the only thing that can give you rest, peace
and safety. Oh how many are thus delaying,
forgetful of their danger, forgetful that the
present moment is the only time that God has
made their own Throw away your indifference.
your doubts, your unbelief. and hasten to Him |
who alone is able to save you, and who entreats
you to come Him for salvation.
In closing hymn was sung by the choir and |
the preacher pronounced the benediction.
The truth presented in the sermons of Mon
day aad last evening constitute fitting prep
aration for those further services upon which
the churches are to enter the coming days.
Mr.. G. G. Needham, the Evangelist. who has |
been assigned to Portland by Mr. Moody, ar
rived last night and will commence his labors |
at the First Baptist church this evening. Mr.. |
Needham is fully endorsed by Mr.. Moody, and |
the people of Portland are fortunate in secur- |
ing his services.
There will be prayer meeting in the after
noon from to o'clock, followed by preaching |
in the evening at u o'clock. Music by the |
choir of 100 voices.
The general committee of the churches to.
gether with the ministers, are requested BY the |
executive committee to meet Mr.. Needham at |
the Y. M. G. A. rooms this afternoon at Al |
o'clock.