The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-06-17
Y. M. @. A.
Phillips Brooks at City Fan.

The Y. NJ. G. A. celebrated it's 2Sth anniver-
sary at City Hall before packed house last
evening, President j. r. Liscomb In the chair
The order of exercises was:
Invocation by Rev. DIR. d. NJ. Seward. of Plymouth
Church.
Singing by the State street Choir
Reading Of the Scriptures and Prayer by Rev. DR..
McKeown, OF Chestnut street church.
Music.
Benediction by DIR. Carruthers.
Rev. f. E. Clark, of Wiliston church, made
short and appropriate opening.address.
Phillips Brooks was then introduced and re-
ceived with loud applause. He said it gave
him pleasure to visit this city, with which he
had such agreeable associations. 1t gratified
him to see that the Association had so many
friends. The Association rely upon the
sympathy of the people for success. Through
out the land they are generally Of the same
character. The beauty Of an anniversary Is
that it recalls the beginning and the first princi
pies Of life. The first principles which lie at the
foundation must be recalled. The first idea of
your existence is that of applied Christianity.
Here it places itself npon the hearts Of the
people. The first ideas of Christianity are
bound up with these Associations. The great
corporate life of the Christian world Is forever
altering and yet still remaining the same. The
identity of Christianity is coming forward in
every age.
What is the special feature of Christianity
as it manifests itself in tho present age. Our
place as Christians is to assert that it is not
only alive but has q special power for the age
in which we live. The great mission Of the
Christian world to-day is to use the personal
power of our Christian faith. In this concep-
- III -.
mon regard as insoluble. The desire to do
duty characterizes this age more then ever be-
fore. There is absolutely nothing but person.
ality to control and direct. This is no dog
matte, legal and personal conception. The
hope of the world lies in a nearer, deerer,
stronger hold upon Christ. There is no enthu-
siasm for dogma.
1t was young man who began to inspire
the first personal enthusiasm. There Is an oc-
casional panic because somebody finds else
where something resembling the foundation
truth of Christianity. Christ taught not
truths, but the truth. Christianity must al
ways remain fresh thing to a man. II proved
only as a dogma then men become factas-
tic wanderers among strange dreams. grow
tired Of some facts but never OF friend. III
heaven was only believing truth and keeping
the commandments it might become dull, but
how can it when we are alone with our
adorable Lord.
value dogma, but it must come in its true
place. 1t should retire into place behind q
personal Christ. Jesus welcomes any soul
that sees his love, and nanifests to him It's
faith. Men may unite in their common loyal
ty to him.
The only chance of Christian union is the
sympathy OF personal union with Jesus Christ.
You did not ask me here to preach a sermon
but you wish to hear the thoughts that are
deepest in the speakers heart 1t is the place
OF your Christian association to embody the
largest conception OF Christ. 1t may stand in
this city, with his gracious presence, with a
deep sympathy and a tender love for the race.
The conception must be such that it may show
forth Christ; that it may be little Christ.
The time will come when you will have larger
accommodations. God will send them In his
time; in the mean time let every member
show forth the almost new gospel; the personal
life of Christ.
President Chamberlain spoke briefly but
pointedly.
W. E. Gould said to carry out high Christian
motives we must have money. We want your
contribution and we do not feel that we are
beggars. We are working for you and for
your children. We need $500 to put us in
good working order to pay rent, salaries and
expenses. have so, out Of 100 men, Who
pledge $40 a year, and 30 out of 100 more,
who pledge IS. A subscription Of 500 was
then taken.
The receipts of the society for the year were
81, 336.71, and the disbursements 81 ,323.11.