Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-04-16
NalloWeU Zoral Nems.
Revival Meeiinrs.

1
On Friday evening while the peo. lie were as
sembling for the preaching service, several gospel
hymn. were sung; and at the time appointed for
| commencing the meeting prayer was offered by
! Rev. &. Fuller. The opening hymn, There is
| life in look" was sung by the volunteer choir
and congregation. mothers request for prayers
| for her son was read, and prayer was offered by
| Rev. Mr. Newcomb. DIR. Butler then read from
the first chapter OF st. Johns Gospel, the account
| OF interview, of Joun and his disciples with Je-
sus, and the results thereof The hymn "Come
| thou fount of every blessing then sung,
| and the appointments for the Sunday services
were announced by Mr.. Butler. lie then selected
his text from the 18th chapter of John, and the
closing part of the 2lst verse "Sir, would see
| Jesus. This was the request OF certain Greeks
| hat Philip would give them the directions desir-
ed for finding Jesus. The speaker then remarked
] that there were many present who desired to have
| the way pointed out whereby they might obtain
| the blessing desired. lie referred to the various
| classes of persons who have special need of one
who will save them from everything that can
| harm either soul or body and there are none so
| abandoned or vile but may find Jesus as person
| al Saviour and an omn potent protector in every
| time Of temptation trial. The ocean will bear
upon its bosom the mighty ship as easily as the
straw that floats upon its surface; so the ocean of
Gods love is sufficiently omnipotent TO bear up
| and save even he chief of sinners.
AT this point OF the discourse, DIR. Butler aled
| upon Mr.. DArhenay of Augusta to give brief
| account of his experience in the ways Of sin,
| aud the efficacy and power Of this same
Jesus to confer absolute and complete pardon, sal
| vation and elernal life. Mr. D'Arthenay spoke
with much feeling and power; giving portion of
his history during fifty years OF transgression, and
| referring TO the miraculous change in his habits,
views and feelings since trusting in the merits of
| THIS same Jesus who invites all to come unto Him
and be saved from their SINS His appetite for
| stimulants, which he described as unconquerabc
| by his strength, had been taken away, and his
| habits of profanity and Sabbath breaking, which
Lad almost become a second nature, had been en-
tirely reformed. With all the persuasive elo-
| quence at his command, he exhorted all to come to
| Christ, the Saviour of the lost.
| DR.. Butler then proceeded with his discourse,
/ and referred in detail, and in words Of fervent
| eloqueDce and heartfelt sympathy to various
classes who need the assurances and comforts that
| can alone be conferred by the Saviour whose pow
er and love is so manifestly exhibited in this com
| munity as well as throughout New England, and
| elsewhere at the present time.
The meeting in the church was closed by prayer
and singing, when an unusual number of inqur-
| ers, old, middle-aged and young. repaired to the
vestiy, where the hour was spent in prayer and
religious instructions appropriate to the occasion.
There was no public service Saturday evening;
but the usual noon meeting was held in the Meth
odlst vestry and on Sabbath morning at o'clock
a union prayer meeting was held at the same
place. In the afternoon and evening DIR. Butler
conducted the services in the South church, &C.
cording to appointment.
The progress Of this religious awakening in this
city has been remarkably encouraging, and char
acterized by a general interest among all classes
TO investigate the important truths presented with
candor and calm consideration. Results already
apparent may well be regarded of inestmable
worth to scores of individuals from all classes of
society. And still the good work goes on. nvit-
ing the ard and cooperation of every christian
heart and mind.