Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-11-04

Yeste rday a day of great interest with the
Free Biplsts of this ciiy,--oue of our most prom
ineut religious d, minations-the occasion being
the Appropriate and very beautiful aud successful
obs,ryance of the twenty fifth anniversary Of the
dedication of their church ediicc. The morning
d,wned with great beauty, sud long before the
hour of service a large num7er had wcnded their
way to the beautiful sanctuary. The decorations
of the au lieuce room Of tie chuich were quite
elaborate, the altar d, coration~ and the wal IN the
ar procuring picture of great beauty. Con-
slicaous IN rear If tie pulpit wa. large cross of
cAiyssntht nuns, wrought on u ground work of
green, and cross of the same, but smaller in
size, on the font of the pulpit. Also this,
and on either side, in rear OF the pulpit, were
lamentations in which evergreen, teins aud shu-
mac were gracefully irtcrtwned in various en-
bems or devices.
On the panel in right Of the pulpit, this text
in large German text letters: "Nov. 3, lSj3-We
offered in Thy Tabernacle sacrifices of JOY" On
the panel at the lett "Nov. 3, lS7S-We re-
member Thy Loving Kindness and Thy Tender
Melcies." Beneath these were flowers and au
tumn leaves. Bouquets of howels, autumn leaves
and ferns placed on stands aud about the
sacred desk, and the communion table bearing the
emblems for the Lord's Supper. was decked with
beautiful lilies. The center chandelier trim
med with evergreen vines and autumn leaves, and
wreaths of the same, with hanging baskets de-
pended from the gas jets on the ftescoed walls OF
the church. The singers gallery decked with
plants and flowers besides lis evergreen dccora-
tions. The decorations were certainly fine, aud
we understand were design by Mr., u. c. Stone
Of III ne htp WAS al deco
rated and on the wall in of the desk, hung
the portraits of the persons who had been the five
pastors of the church Very appropriately also
there were bung upon the wall fine portraits OF
the late John ~ Clifford and Rev. Eoenezcr
Knowlton, sainted now, who in life were warm
friends of the church IN Augusta.
But three of the pastors were enabled to be
present at the exercises yesterday, Rev. Messrs.
Curtis. Bean and Penney.
The church was crowded yesterday fotnoon with
people to hear tue sermon delivered by Rev. sias
Curtis and settees had 10 be placed IN the aisle.
Mr.. Penney opened the services with prayer,
which was followed with singing by the choir
Rev. Mr.. Cuitis desired to say few words be-
fore he commenced upon his sermon. 1t
twenty five years since he stood on the platform
beneath hun, aud preached the dedica ory sermon.
He had been told that upon TINS occasion he could
consult his own pleasure IN choosing a subject
from which to preach, and what he was to say
would have no particular reference 10 the ann
versary
He then read selections Fl ON the scriptures, fol.
lowed by prayer
MIR Gurus took his text from the lih chapter
of Exodus, part OF the 10Th speak unto
the children OF Israel that they 20 forward" The
circumstances connected VITA tins people are
familiar TO nearly every reader. The lsraelltes III
coming from their place of bondage IN Egypt
came to the Red Sea and we're surrounded by their
enemi-s. But they were told to 20 forward, and
they went forward and soon were IN possession oil
the land OF their God. Ptosftss is generally used
to signify Improvement; but ii does not always
mean to go from good to better; for persons may
go forward to their own destruction People pro
gress toward rum. Men progress IN sin and
crime. They are progressing little faster than
he ever knew before IN fasc iliiy and all manner of
crime. Who ever knew b,tore III the good old
State of Maine 80 many murders, 80 many differ.
emf kinds of vices. Men who used 10 thluk il took
number OF years to become wealthy now be
come wealthy in a day; break open banks aud get
money in Other wicked ways.
To progress in the christian way no new schemes
must be devised Many think mat Liberalism i
progression. The planets It'll 20 on III their old
tracks. yet they ali the time progressing "a
their Maker desigued The engine progresses on
the track but goes on in the same way. it Is be-t
to keep the engine on the tack. so 1t Is best iof
christians to keep on the night track God meant
that we should discover new things; hut there are
fundamental principles that never change; that
always have been permanent ana always "u lie
hOu uOt- ubt NuaDES, anu tulu upts
not change. Man must be regeneI before he
can 90 forward on the Gospel track. People OF
God should advance in knowledge. Many want
to begin at the back part OF the book TO read, and
not commence at the beginning. People may have
intellect without morals; II Is the sPIrt OF God
that we want. Men should progress III strength.
The preacher believed IN progressive religion.
The Truth is that those who walt upon the LoId
shall renew then strength. good healthy con
vert will become stronger child sometimes
has his head grow faster tran the other pats OF
his body so IT Is It'll those who have only know
ledge. We should advance in holiness. some
persons seem to witheI ON hearing the word holI-
uttered.
Though we are all sinners. yet there is power
in the glorious gospel to cleanse us all. Go on.
20 forward, advance in holiness and pety. TIE
love Of God may fill the heart that there will
be no room for hatred Who can comprehend the
love Of God, which pa>seth all understanding
How men tell whether they are progressing
or not The only way 10 progress Is to 20 on the
good old gospel track. No drunkard can 20 this
way. No one who loves pleasures so a to make
a god Of this world can 20 this way. We should
overcome evil habits by spiritual force. Ii i.
time for the church 10 buckle on Its armor
christian soldiers.
There Is no way in which can be saved ex-
cept by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. God com
mands us, and that Is the word all along the line
go forspdrdi" This is the only way TO succeed
in ANYTHING. The encouragement to 20 forward
is that God will make the way before Our
Father does not make any comm ndments that it
is impossible Tor man to obey. lou take one step
in religion and he will help you along. If we
do not go forward we shall 20 backward we shall
either 20 up or down. Make an fort to 90 for
ward or you will drift down the current. Did you
ever know of a person who had started faithfully
on the christian track to regret it
Forty -four years ago the preacher left this city.
Where were all those whom he preached to then
He was sure that one after another of them had
gone to glory. Gather up new courage and new
strength and press forward. We are passing the
twenty.ffth mile stone; twenty five wears ago
this house was consectated to God. There
many people in this city who very to
the preachers heart; he bad noted the progress
of this church in past years, AID wanted to give
watchword to be Inscribed on its banner Go
FORWARD.
At the close of the discourse, which was given
the closest of attention. Mr.. Penney invited those
who wished to do so 10 remain and take part IN
the communi services which goou part of the
congregation did. Daring the exercises MIR. Pen
ney made the gratifying announcement that the
entire debt of the church had been taken care of.
In the evening another congregation gathered.
which packed the church in every part, to listen
to the Historical sermon. This was preached by