The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-03-02
The Revival Meetings.


log hymn No. 1l2-"Work, for the night is
coming" Mr.. Wheelright offered prayer and a
hymn was sung, sob, to be nothingr' Mr..
Needham remarked that the subject given for
consideration will admit of but brief discussion
in the half hour devoted to it. "Why are
there four Gospels?" We need to remember
that there is a progress of truth in the Bible
that types and shadows are used, moral and
relig truths are taught by facts and events
in our material life. First, the preliminary
teaching of the Old Testament, and then the
clearer light of the New Testament instruction.
The sixty-3ix books of the Bible were written
by thirty inspired men, who were directed by
the Spirit of God, and yet exhibited their own
peculiar mental habits and training in their
writing. One great theme underlies all these
books-that is, they give so much of the his.
tory OF our race and Gods dealing with man as
may have connection with the Divine plan of
leading our race back to its allegiance to God
Each of these books has its own purpose and
takes its place in the general plan. Thus in
Genesis we have Christ presented as the
Creator, as the originator of all life upon the
earth. In Exodus Christ is presented in His
redeeming character. In Leviticus the idea of
worship and Christ as lawgiver is presented;
IN Numbers the wilderness experience and
Christ as provider; n Deuteronomy, Moses,
the type OF Christ. is presented; aud in Joshua,
also type, Christ is presented as leading his
people vlctoriousy into the heavenly Canaan.
So in the New Testament, each writer speaks
from bis own standpoint-one taking one view
of Christ and his work, and another giving
another view, not conflicting and yet quite
unlike each other, as in human productions,
we lind different authors presenting the same
subject in different aspects. We have Matthew
giving us the geneslogy of Christ as the Mes
slab: Mark gives no genealogy, but his earthly
service, writing from the Gentle standpoint.
Lake gives his descent from Adam, in his
human aspect, bis spotless life as man. John
gives his life as the Divine One, the Goodman.
Matthew was jew and he gives the Messianic
character Mark was Geutlle and a servant,
and so he naturally gave his view of Chrst's
working life. Luke gives his life as man
linked to our race by common descent from
Adam. John saw the glory of God yelled in
humanity.
Mr. Cato sung him "Oh what are you going
do, BEethren"" and Rev. Mr.. Perkins pro-
nounced the benediction.
The evening service in the City Hall, opened
with singing hymn No. 12-"To the Work, to
the Work." Rev. Mr.. Wheelright offered
prayer, and hymn No. "a was sung-"Oh where
are the Reapers?" Mr.. Needham led in prayer,
and Mr.. Cato sung hymn, the choir joining in
the chorus" will sing of my Redeemer.
Mr.. Needham read from Rom. 10th chapter,
telling of Pauls earnest desire for the salvation
OF his brethren through the righteousness Of
Christ. This righteousness is wonderful
thing: how shall we possess it? 1t comes
through hearing the word, believing it, and ac-
knowledging our trust in Christ as our Saviour
Paul had seen bis own danger, and had found
the way of safety through Christ and now he
wishes the salvation of others. Good news
is brought tonight, for there is salvation
friends to prosper in this Worlds good; but we
wish much more that they may prosper in eter-
nal things. The religion that rests quietly over
the eternal danger of the unsaved, is not the re-
liglon OF the Bible. Paul not only ayished the
salvation Of his brethren, but he earnestly
prayed for it; and every true Christian will do
likewise. The man who prays earnestly for the
salvation of sinners, is in a quickened state;
and when professors cease to pray for sinners,
then they begin to back-slide. The worlds
pollutng breath will tarnish the brightness of
the Christians hope; but the breath Of prayer
will make it bright again.
But Paul not only prayed for the salvation of
his brethren; he was willing to labor for it
also. Let us be like Paul-let us 90 forth as
toilers in the great harvest field, working for
the salvation Of those who ara perishing. But
SO far the discourse has been to Christians:
"What did Paul say of his brethren?' he
told them that being intent upon establishing
their own righteousness, they refused the
righteousness Of Christ. So are many in this
assembly doing. May every one throw aside
this worthless trust, and rely solely upon the
Lord Jesus for salvation. Jesus was to Paul
glorious reality-a blessed Saviour; he can be
the same to us. Let me ask you, are you
saved? saved from your sin? saved from all
your evil ways? saved from all eternity? God
grant that you may secure this great salvation.
Mr.. Cato sung hymn, "Mighty to redeem
and save" the doxology was sung, and Rev.
Mr.. Wheelright pronounced the benediction.
The church in the afternoon, and the hall in
the evening were filled with most attractive
audience, and in the evening quite large af-
termeeting was held. There will be a morn
ing prayer meeting today at 81 and a girls
meeting at 3 o'clock, but no Bible reading OF
evening meeting Mr.. Needham will preach in
City Hall Sunday afternoon and evening.
There will be the usual meeting at the rooms of
the Y. NJ G, A., Sunday evening.