Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-04-18

Inc nve principal clauses to which he .o,
nned his remarks were. lst. the chan,
wrought in the condition and feelings of III,
oisciples; I'd, proof of Christ's divinity
ID, the pledge of Christ's continual pre.e,c.
with the believer; i,h, inspiration of Christ
ian labor; 9TH, the unchanging character O
Onrists religion; all going to show the re
SUIT OF the resurrection as narrated by tbt
Evangelist and taught by hi. precepts. Tn,
congregation was unusually large Ano,he,
feature OF the services highly deserving o.
mention was the singing of Capt. Snow o.
haiiowell. who occupies the position of Choir
lster. In the evening the church WAS filed
with people who have become greatly inter
ested in the series of illustrated sermons now
being delivered, to listen to lecture on the
Hardening of the Heart"
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
While there was no formal observance q,
the day, the large congregation seemed to
partake of the spirit of the resurrection
thought. Mr.. Tilden, in his sermon, founded
on the text in John III 5,-s.Jesus answered.
verify, verify, say unto thee. except a man
be born of water, and of the spirit, he canuo,
enter into the kingdom of God" unfolded the
thought Of the true christian idea of the moral
life. The standard of moral character is the
perfect character of God. The regenerated
soul is not the bond slave to a set
OF commandments, but the willing son OF
loving heavenly Father The moral life
can come only from the new birth. We
should not be surprised if this supernatural
power is unseen, as the greatest forces in the
material world are unseen, and must ever re-
main mystery. The change proceeding
from the new birth is not an arbitrary change,
nor does it take away the power of choice.
But the subject of it will seek what he once
stunned. and shun what he once sought.
The difference between the subject of the new
birth and the simple moral man is, the Chris
tian depends upon the strength of God, and
succeeds; while the moralist depends upon his
own strength, and fails.
INSANE HOSPITAL CHAPEL.
The brightness and glory of Easter found
its way into the chapel connected with the
Maine Insane Hospital. Any church in the
State might have envied the beautiful
floral exhibition made there. 1t was really
prodigal in its magnifcence. The stage was
covered with Towering plants and arches and
other designs in evergreen. At the end an
alter had been erected on which was a large
cross composed wholly of blossoms almost
tropical in their richness and beauty. On
the walls were appropriate Scripture
notices in evergreen. Prof. f. X. Harlow
had charge of the musical part of the pro-
gramme. which was a sufficient guarantee of
its excellence. The Hospital choir sang
splendidly. The Easter talk by Rev. Mr..
Penney was very comforting and appropriate.
Something of old memories of new-found
beauty, permeated the blurred brain of many
an unfortunate in the congregation, and per-
haps will help kindly the slumbering spark
of reason into life. The officers and attend
ants deserve the warmest encoumiums for
their untiring efforts to make Easter a day of
rejoicing to the inmates of the Hospital.
WINTHROP STREET UNIvERsALIsr CHURCH.
The services in the forenoon were appropri-
ate to Easter. There was quite an extensive
display of flowers and plants, the platform,
the pulpit and the communion table being
literally burdened with these Accomplishments
of the occasion. There was no attempt at
decorating other portions of the church.
The service opened with the anthem,
"Christ our Passover" which was finely
rendered by the excellent choir of this socie-
ty, composed of Mr.. Charles Johnson, Mr..
Rev. Mr.. White delivered an interesting SER
mon from the text,-''And they shall call his
name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is,
God with u.s." the tendency of the discourse
being to show the relation Of Christ to the
Godhead, and his character. In the evening
there was fine concert by the Sabbath
School. On both occasions the attendance,
was very large.
ST. MARY's (CArHOLIC.)
Crowds of devout Catholics filled their
pleasant church. The floral decorations
were superb The main altar was loaded
with profusion of the choicest flowers. and
vines and blossoms were twined in among
the scores of candles which sparkled in the
.ubdued light The altar of the Blessed
Virgin was also finely decorated. Roses,
pinks and geraniums mingled their fragrance
with clonds of incense. There was large
number of potted plants. The music was
very grand. "Peters Mass in d. was sung,
and also "Lambillotte's Regina Cali.
The Easter sermon by Rev. Father Murphy
w.s from Mark XVI: eye seek Jesus of
Nazareth which was crucified: he is risen +;
he is not here" 1t was very eloquent and
impressive discourse, and was listened to
with rapt attention.
CHRIST CHURCH USITARIAN.)
The Unitarian church is so pretty thar spec
;al nreparations are hardly necessary on any
occasion to give it a festival appearance.
Some of the Christmas decorations yet re-
main on the wall. At the ''vesper services
last evening a large audience was present.
On the table before the altar was a large vase