Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-08-16

bI'Dhi ar
Thesnnual meeting of the Association was held
at one O'Clock. The following were chosen a
committee TO nominate officers for the ensuing
year: ii. X. Baker, r. Sanderson, \. S. Ladd,
Z, j. Roberts and Geo, ii. Gushing. Adjourned
to meet on Friday at one O'Clock
At two O'Clock the tabernacle was nearly filed
to listen to a sermon by Rev. \. {. Clifford, from
Luke IA % "Lord il is done as thou hast com
manded, and yet there is room" The speaker
commenced by saying that he liked the spirit of
this servant; he was obedient. If the church was
generally obedient we could conquer the world.
|. There is room in the mercy of God. Very
often in the things of this world there is room,
the SICK VIII die, the train won't wait for us; leg
islation in reference to church matters is Obliged
to larry. But Jesus tasted death for every man.
Lazarus did not probably have a fine house all
beautifully furnished, but Jesus saved him.
2 There Is room IN the activities OF the church,
That is the most useful minister who has the be y
success IN getting all the members of the chui CHI
at work. In organ ization we see Moody's sue
cess also in this is seen the secret of the success
of the temperance work and yet there is room for
better discipline and wiser plans. Here during
this meeting why cannot the young men organize
for work.
3. There is room in the experience of the
church. 1t is our privilege to constantly grow in
grace. In the vegetable world things reach ma
turity but in the christian life eternal progress is
the law. 1t is possible that there is too much of
criticisms too much of making nice distinctions :;
too much of hair splitting, even among christians.
We need to be simple, submissive and trustful
we need constant indwelling of the Holy Ghost.
Rev. A. >. Ladd assisted the Presiding Elder in
the altar service. A large number came forward
10 seek new baptism. Several earnest prayers
were offered and several testimonies given.
WEDNESDAY FORENOON
Your types made me say that there were
about seventy preachers present, instead of 20 as
wrote. Among others is Rev Mr.. Wheeler,
pastor OF the Corliss ST. Free Baptist church in
Bath. lie is tentng with his family on the
ground.
1t is estimated that there are already more peo.
pie stopping on the ground than at any time last
year. and still they come and the prospect is thai
when the weather clears up there will be large
crowds.
Tuesday evening was devoted to social service
IN the tabernacle under the direction of the Pre-
siding Elder, who has very happy faculty for
conducting such service.
Rev. W. S. Jones has kindly consented to take
charge of the singing, which was prominent and
interesting feature OF this service. A large num-
Der OF passages OF scripture were quoted in all
parts Of the tabernacle. This was followed by a
large number of brief testimonies, several being
their feet at Near the close Of the meeting
Bro. Martin invited the people to come to the al
tar. Quite large number came forward, some
who had wandered from God, some to seek the
baptism of power, and perhaps some for convert
ing grace. 1t WAS a season Of Joy and triumph.
The campaign has had most auspicious opening
The weather has been rather threatening" but
Tuesday night it rained. But the nature of the
soil here is such and the walks have been put in
such excellent condition, and tue tabernacle has
been so finely preserved and affords such comfort
able shelter, that We really but little discom-
NODDED by the weather.
Tent meetings are to be held at s A. NJ. and &
L. NJ, and young peoples meeting in the taber
nacle at l.. There will be preaching at 10 aud ?
and part of the time at IL o'clock.
The Wednesday morning sermon was
preached by Rev. Bro. Rogers of South Paris, who
Is well known by the peop.e of Augusta as zone
of them" The text was from | Cor. 80, EYE
hate not seen, nor ear heard &c.
The spirit is still bleathng through this word
of God. These words are very suggestive OF
Gods wing kindness towards US. This text is
generally used TO indicate the joys of heaven.
But it is in re'erence to the present experience
that the inspired al ostle is speaking. The word,
the awful word eternity, is used only once in the
Bible.
l. God hath prepared himself Tor his people OF
this preparation the prophets spoke, and in due
time God came tabernacled in human flesh. The
parable of the prodigal son is a clear illusta ton
OF the freeness with which God receives sinners.
This was deneated at length.
z All good things of earth are prepared for
them. The blessings of nature and providence
are received and enjoyed in different spirit from
what those do who are not the children of God.
They see all the beauty OF the rainbow, as well as
others, but they also see in it Gods everlasting
covenant. The Christian scientist sees God in the
earth's strata, the &ink!ing star and revolving
worlds
So far as the things which God has prepared
for us in the world to come are concerned, all we
know is what the Bible tells us. The strongest
language and the grandest symbols possible are
used by the levelsor to set forth the glories OF
heaven.
The spirit that reveals these thing. to us is al.
ready poured out. Will we open our hearts and
receive Him VIII we come 10 Christ this morn
ing!
The sermon was well delivered and well re-
ceived. Rev. MIR. Wheeler followed nth a STIR
ring and glowing exhortation. A brief taberna-
Gle sergi ice was conducted by the presiding elder,
who il parfpctIv NJ homo in evatv nart If a Meth