The Portland daily press., 1877-03-15


The prayer meeting yesterday morning was
well attended, as was the afternoon Bible talks
OF Mr.. Needham. According to appointment
he spoke of the Jewish priesthood as contrasted
with that of Jesus, and his remarks upon the
jewish priesthood are illustrated by fac smiles
of the. ancient priestly robes
Inc evening services commenced with sing
ing hymn No. 76 "Wben peace, like river, -
aud kev. MIR. Perkins offered prayer. Mr..
Stebbns read from Acts concerning the Apos
ties declaration that through the name of
Jesus alone can salvation come to any of our
race, and then followed with solo, ''No other
name Mr. Needham read the 9th chapter of
I'd Samuel, narratng David's wish to show
kindness to the house of Saul-taking to his
own Mephboshett, on account of his loving
memory of Jonathan. 1t is good illustration
of Gods dealing with an alenated race. When
the son of Jonathan came into the presence of
David it may have been with the fear that the
king would take his life, because he was the
grandson of Saul But when David saw him
he called him by name and promised to give
him all the lands of Saul and to take him to
his own palace This favored one is the type
of the sinner in all his course. The name it.
self is good index of the sinners character.
bitterness, and he was lame in both feet. So
is the sinner, evil in speech, lame and weak,
and therefore wholly unable to save himself
But this man was also beggar, dependent up =
on another So is the sinner beggar and he
must realize this before he can be saved. But
this man dwelt in land the name of which
Si,f 1d M Sft1vo Go fhn
in land of famine, near to death. But this
man is type of the convicted sinner-he was
conscious of his he lplessness, want and hope
lessness, So must be the, and so is the con-
vlcted sinner. But this man was also like the
converted sinner. He had nothing and he re-
ceived everything. lie was taken from his
state of misery, helplessness and want to the
king palace-to Jerusalem, the city of peace.
and is blessed as one of the kings sons. But
this man continued lame, though he had re-
ceived all these blessings. So the converted
man retains much of his old, sinful nature and
is lame in both feet.
But this should not cause the convert too
much trouble for he was in the Kings presence
and would receive strength to overcome his
lameness. He was doing the Kings work ard
he could rejoice in his happy lot So the con-
vert can rejoice in his glorious calling and be
happy, exultng worker. But a subsequent
chapter tells us that he was worker David
was in trouble and he was accused and SANDER
ed by his servant. But time made it all right.
for his fidelity and good name shone out un-
questioned. So good will bring every thing
ont right for us if we trust in Hin and do his
work. Mr.. Stebbins sung solo, hymn of
praise to the Redeemer, written by Mr.. Bliss,
just before his death. The choir sung hymn,
No. 40-'I hear thy welcome voice. and Bev.
Mr.. Hincks pronounced the benediction. In
the Vesty Mrs. Needham spoke upon the
Good Samaritan, and very deep and tender
feeling was manifested. The church was full
in every part, and large numbers remained to
the second meetings. Mr.. Stebbins sung in
the Vestry meeting as well as in the main
audience room, and the singing by the choir
was very impressive. A very large number of
lnquirers were present in the vestry at the
second evening meeting, aud while there is an
entire absence Of all excitement, the deep
religious interest is steadily advancing The
appointments are as follows: At nine o'clock
this morning, prayer meeting at Free St.
church; Blbble talk at the same place at three
o'clock this afternoon; and preaching at State
st. Church at half past seven this evening and
the oveIfown meeting will be held in the Pine
St. Methodist church, and it is expected that
Mrs. Needham will be present at that meeting