The Portland daily press., 1880-11-08
SUNDAY SERVICES.
SECOND PARISH.

Rev. Mr.. Norman preached an able and
beautiful sermon in the morning ON the 'Per-
sonal attractions of Christ's Love-" The
church was crowded with attendants from va
rious other churches. Text-John, 18th, 1st.
The speaker referred to the difference between
impersonal and personal love. both noble and
desirable The former represents phianthro-
Ply and the latter deep. intense affection for
the individual. Wilberforce was noble ex-
ample of the former principle, and Christ the
latter which eomprehends the former These
distinctions were ably and eloquently enlarged
upon and illustrated in the speakers peculiar
and touching manner. sChrist'sIdeep, earnest,
yearnlng love for his own disciples and church
was shown up by references to the incidents of
his last hours with them. The betrayal by
Judas, the denial by Peter, the dangers of the
cross and the darkness and the shame thereof
did not check that deep personal love for each
and every one of His followers. HIS washing
of the feet of His disciples to check their strife
and ambition, His temperance and inter-
course between His resurrection and ascension
We're also mentioned. If he so loved His own
beloved when on earth, we may infer He also
loves His disciples of today. So also 1--we ought
to love another. AS our closing days narrow
the circle of friends and objects of affection and
interest, Christ remains our refuge and our
friend, who loves us greatly and continues I'M
to the end.
NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH.
The Rev. Mr. Smyth, instead OF a sermon,
delivered an address upon the third anniver-
sary of his pastorate here. He thought we
were passing through critical period in relig-
ion; that the old churches are disintegrating,
and that it is very important to hold fast to
our organization in this period of transition.
He alluded tenderly TO the faces which had
vanished from among US during the three
wears. He did not believe that it was the fate of
the New Church to be borne along on iwave
of popularity. The growth of true church
must be like regeneration in the heart. Al
though this society has not largely increased
In numbers during bis paStorate, he felt that it
had grown stronger and more united. He
eulogized that spirit of unquestioning faith
which new churchman above all others
should possess, and pictured a model congrega-
ton who should be occupied ON Sunday only
with spiritual things, putting all worldly mat
tiers aside. He thought affection and earnest
ness should characterize the minister, and that
straining for dramatic effect will not wear, and
finally he exhorted his hearers to try to make
his picture OF an ideal congregation an actual
one.
CONGRESS SQUARE CHURCH.
Rev. w. e. Gibbs of Congress Square
church, last evening, by request of the $50
ciety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Ami
mails" and several prominent citizens, repeat
ed his sermon on kindness TO animals de-
livered June II. The church was filled. The
reverend gentleman's text was Proverbs, 10th
chapter, LIST verse. ga religious man regard
eth the life of his beast, but the tender mercies
of the wicked are cruel.' The leading idea of
the sermon was religion as at the root Of real
ly all valuable life 1t is right for people to
not only care for themselves but for whatever
and whoever are dependent upon them.
We should be merciful to ourselves, and that
we may be we must cultivate the righteous
spirit that we may be just to ALL The real
manllnesS which Christian sef-control will
enable us to win is to be sober, honest, sin
cere, charitable, patient and kind, and these
virtues are the abiding foundation on which
we must build if we would make the temple
OF life fit for the indwelling of the Aoly Spirit
We are commanded to do good in all direc.
tions, not that we may boast but that we may
be the children of our Father in heaven
NOTES.
Yesterday morning Rev. Asa Dalton of St.
Stephens church preached a, discourse COM
memorative of the late John G. Toford, for
many years warden of that church.
Rev. G. A. Hayden of the India street
church delivered temperance lecture last
evening.
There was Sunday School concert at Preble
street chapel last evening.
There was a love feast at the West End M.
e. church yesterday morning at $50 a. M,
Rev. Parker Jacques preached at 10 a. M,
and communion services followed.
Rev. j. Wills preached an interesting SER
mon before the Liberal Christian Fraternity
yesterday. Subject-"Is Christianity the re-
lgion of freedom enlarging on the affirma-
tive idea of the question.