Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-04-19
THE ANNUAL FAST.
How 10 was observed In this CITY and
Vicinity.

Fast Day was more generally observed in
this city in the cessation of business indus
tries than for several years, the bland air an
revivifying sunshine of the beautiful spring
day inviting to rest and recreation in the open
air. Many improved the day in that direc-
ton, not few glancing longingly towards
the garden plot, and cleaning up about the
edges, preparatory to spring planting The
streets were remarkably free from drunken
ness OF anything like disturbance, although
they were thronged with people, walking or
riding out, enjoying the blessed spring sun
shine. Neither did any accident happen to
mar the beauty and quiet of the day.
UNION RELIGIOUS SERVICES.
A good congregation, filling the chapel,
gathered at the union meeting, in the fore
noon. at the Congregationalist chapel. The
meeting was of Il social character, led by Rev.
w. NJ. Sterling, pastor of the Methodist
church. Services commenced with singing
the familiar hymn, beginning, "When sur
vey the wondrous cross Rev. Mr.. Tilden
of the Baptist church, led in prayer, followed
by Rev. Mr. Ecob, of the Congregationalist
church, and Rev. Mr. Sterling. Rev. Mr.
Penney, Freq Baptist afterwards offered
prayer. There is fountain" was sung
A portion Of the 9th chapter of Mathew was
read as the scripture lesson.
Rev. Mr.. Sterling spoke of Gods goodness
in saving and keeping us through the year
He Gas glad that he stood before the congre-
CATION a saved man, saved through the merits
of Christie know what it is to plunge be-
meath the purple tide, and lose all his sins
We have ample divine authority to fast and
to pray. Victories are thus often achieved
which cannot be otherwise. Scriptural fast
ing is not merely abstainng from food, but a
fasting in spirit. This is the deeper inner
meanng-the breaking down of our wills.
Christening our hearts, and by the grace of
God putting away the wrong.
Rev. Mr.. Tilden remarked that the dav is
one of humiliation, fasting and prayer. The
fasting should be of such character as to
lead to humility and PRAYER. 1t is the duty
Of Christians to rescue the day from the
hcartless Journalism into which it has fallen.
He trusted the day would lead to thorough self.
examination and to a new spiritual impulse.
He wondered if christians during the winter
had not become buried in worldliness. Isn't
it good time to roll back this food, and
come on to a new platform of activity?
Rev. Mr.. Ecob said the scripture lesson
was very penetrating. 1t comes to us in
these days like revelation. The fasting re-
quired is not like that Of the Pharasees,
which was done for publicity. Let us look
back and see what has been our motive in
our good deeds during the year. Have we
not in our prayers lifted our faces towards
heaven and then prayed to the audience?
Have we not been satisfied with n formal
confession of sins? Have we apparently
forgiven our enemies, and then down in the
silent depths of our hearts cherished the old
grudge? We should be satisfied only and
alone with the appreciation Of God.
DR.. Kicker said that in some views the
effects of sin in the world are alarming, but
still he was satisfied that view Of the en-
tire field would show real progress. As he
had advanced in years he had been more in
the habit of looking upon the bright side.
While we realize the obstacles in the way Of
the progress of Gods cause, it is cheering
and inspiring to summon Gods promises,
and recall the wonderful progress that has
been made. We should come up to higher
plane and give ourselves anew for toll and
effort in the cause of the Master.
:. S. Brooks thought we had no right to
ask God for those things which we could Sc
cure through our own efforts. We can an
swer many of our own prayers. He thought
it the duty Of the churches to rise up and
crush the evil of intemperance. We should
give the officers of the law our united moral
support. He did feel that we ought to put
stop to liquor telling in our community.
Dea. G.. +. Halves spoke of the propriety of
the public observance of the day, as well as
the privilege of secret, closest communion.
The closet seemed to him to be a good place
to Fast. A portion of this day should be
spent there.
Rev. Mr.. Penney said that there was
large amount of work which the churches can
do in common, and trusted the present service
would lead to a conce ntration of effort for the
good of the community.
Hymns were sang at various intervals dur
ing the service.
GLASS BALL SHOOTING.
A glass ball shoot was held on the eastern
shore of the Kennebec, near the old Fort. the
contest being for the championship of the
city. A large number Of our best citizens
were in attendance and participated in the
sport Everything passed off very pleasantly
and to the satisfaction Of all present. Fol-
lowing was the result:
IODsuble rises. Traps yards apart. is yards rise
T.. w. Moore. liiOfli0l0lOi 0i-i2
II. A. Thorndke,l l0i0oi0 OLA.
and the prize of a nice Game Bag was won by Mr. II.
c. Clements with the following score. 10 single balls,
Is yards rise.
Colcord, 1ll1li0O -
vckery. lllO00ll 0-s.
Thorndike, lll0lliill-9.
Fish. ooiiiiiioi-7.