The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1880-05-31
THE NATIONS DEAD.
The Services Yesterday-The Celebration
To-Day

Yesterday afternoon the members of Bos-
worth Post No. 2, G. A. R.. assembled at Grand
Army Hall, and at a few moments before 8
O'Clock; marched to the New Jerusalem Tenn
pie, on New High street. A large number of
the body pews had been set aside for their ac-
commodation. About fifty comrades attended
under command of Post Commander Nicker-
erson.
The pulpit, reading desk and Ark of the
Covenant, were prettliy decorated with floral
emblems, tropical plants and ferns, while
very handsome floral design, that had the ap-
pearance OF an immense crown, supported bya
bank of flowers and shrubs, was placed d.
rectly in front of the pulpit recess.
After. the usual services, consisting of music
by the choir, reading of the Scriptures and
prayer, Rev. Mr.. Smythe delivered the me-
mortal sermon of which the following is an
abstract:
The subject of Mr. Smythes address was
"The Christian Warfgre," and he took for his
text Saul's eXhortation to David; -"Only be
thou valiant for me, and fight the Lords bat
ties" After describing the scene which this
incident suggested, and calling attention to
certain traits of character in Saul and David,
he went on to show that the Israelitish wars
were recorded in the Bible, not because God
loves war, but because they were so MANY pic
lures OF that Christian warfare which must be
waged within the soul of man. The foes in
this warfare are various form of sinfulness in
the mind, and to these Christ had reference
when He said, ga mans foes shall be they of
his own household" These foes are treacher-
GUS and not easily conquered. Brave is the
man who dares give them battle at all times
Those who had stood on the field OF battle and
had fought under our countrys flag had seen
no conflict more severe than this internal war
fare against sinfulness which every man should
fight under the Christian banner. No death
SO appalling as the destruction and mutilation
OF what was once good and fair by uncon-
Guered lusts. No victory more grand than the
victory over ones self. Fame has engraved
on her shining tablets the name of many a
hero which we honor to the FULL but let us not
forget those whose valor in this Christian war
fare has.won their enrolment on record that
IS not OF this world, and on which the light of
the heavens falls. The weapons to be used in
this warfare are in general, Ithe truths of faith
and of the Bible. Gods Word must be our
armory whittier the soul must go to equip it
self for the fray. Wa must, however, lay hold
OF these weapons, otherwise they are unava1l-
ing. Truths stored away in the memory SIM
ply and not loved nor practised are Intellectual
in keeping off our evils. All have realized
that this Christian warfare is not an imaginary
IL
the Rebellion is over, but there is need of
valor still, for there are battles of the Lord
within ourselves yet to be fought. In endeav-
orlng to enforce the reality and importance of
this spiritual conflict. and the braverytof those
who faithfully engage in it, we should not be
understood as in any way detracting from the
honor which is to be bestowed upon those who
a few years ago fought for the maintenance of
liberty and equality. All honor to that brave
patriot who went forth with his heart throb-
inn for hJC I.x4
ergles and, if need be, his life to do her bid
ding. A countrys love, a country's gratitude
are still warm for those who struggled and for
those who fell. Tomorrow the graves of the
slain are to be decorated with blossoms. A
noble spectacle, to gee those whose hands could
grasp the implements of war bearing now Ma
lures sweet emblems of peace Their own
brave livesiare rich legacy for the country to
possess. He who knew human nature so we'll
had once said:-"Greater love hath no man
than this, that man lay down his life for his
friend" Peace to their memory, sacred,
doubtless to more than one heart in that as
sembly, and cherished by, all. The days of
their warfare are ended. They have folded
their tents and moved ON to the heavenly en-
campment. Blessed are they who have planted
the standard of holiness in Heavens sacred
soil. Blessed are they who fought the Lords
battle as well as those of loved nation. Full
soon must the same call that they heard come
to our ears Full soon must the struggles of
earth cease and our own hearts 90 forth with
the record that is on them. May it be that
courage and fidelity shall be found written
there. May it be that we shall go forth as
victors over sinfulness and not as vanquished
The Custom House and other public offices
will not be open to-day.
This morning the cemeteries Ever
green, will be decorated. AT Eastern Gene
terry Rev. Mr.. Clark will officiate, at Western
Rev. Mr.. Southworth, Calvary Rev. Father
McKenna, and aHForest City Rev. Mr.. Murphy
will make prayer and the Sunday School at
Browns Hill will take part and an grafton be
delivered by John G. Cobb, Esq.
AT 1.3O P. M. the line of procession will be
formed on Congress street, the right resting on
Preble. in the following order: Portland Mont
gomery Guards, Portland Cadets Portland
Light Infantry, Portland High School Cadets,
Portland Mechanic Blues. The procession
will pass over the following up Con-
gress to Congress Square, down Free to Middle,
down Middle to Temple, up Temple to Con-
gress, down Congress to City Hall. After re-
ceiving the members of the City Government,
proceed down Congress to Pearl, down Pearl to
to the cars. The train will leave Preble street
station at 2.15.
In the evening, at City Hall, the following
will be the exercises:
Concert by Chambers Band from 7.3O to 8 o'clock
Singing of Memorial Ode by Male Quartette
Prayer by Rev. Mr.. Clark.
Grafton by Hon. Wilbur f. Lunt.
Benediction.