The Portland daily press., 1883-10-01
PULPIT AND PLATFoRM.
SECOND PARISH.

At the Second Parish church in the morning,
Rev. Mr.. Daniels, pastor-elect, preached his
introductory sermon to the people of his new
charge. His text was in Rev. %: 17-ssLet
him that heareth say come =" The preacher
remarked that first words and last words are
often peculiarly impressive. We listen with
delighted interest to the 6rst words of the pratt
Ting infant, and cherish with sad yet sacred
memory the last sayings of the loved ones who
leave us for the unseen shore. The beloved
John was recording the last words spoken by
him who said: 81 have sent mine angel to
testify unto you these things in the churches -
But the words of the text are not important
because they were spoken by John; but be-
cause they are the words of the Lord Jesus
Christ. They give the keynote of the spirit
OF the gospel. Other religions may cease to
gather converts, but the religion of Christ
never. Its unspeakable blessings are free to
all the world; and it is the Christian g
highest privilege to proclaim its fullness and
freeness to the whole family of man. He
who drinks most deeply of the spiritof the
gospel. and lives most closely in sympathy with
the Savior will in speech, in work. life and in
fiuence devote himself to the practical develop
ment of the words of the text: "Let him that
heareth say come" The Christian will do
this in his own action in reference to the public
sacred duty, binding upon every follower of
Christ; and yet it is amazing to see the frivol-
GUS excuses that multitudes of church members
will consider sufficient to keep them from the
services OF the sanctuary. Now to arouse the
Christian conscience and lessen this great evil
is a problem yet unsolved. But surely every
faithful disciple should by his own example Of
regular attendance upon public worship. carry
out the spirit of the text and thus incite others
to come and enjoy the blessings of the gospel.
Again, the Christian will act upon the spirit
of these words, by manifesting an enthusiasm
in his observance of public worship. 1t will be
joyous occasion to him; for he will realize
the preciousness of the privilege and his soul
will rejoice in the God of his salvation. Not
the cold demand of duty, but the delightful
promptings of grateful love and ardent devo-
tion will lead the children of the King to seek
their Fathers house and join in it's sacred SER
vices; and while in his presence, their revere nt
attitude and devout attention will be such as
becomes those who appear before the Lord Of
Hosts. We are also to carry out the spirit of
this text in meeting all the demands of Chris
tian friendship. The disciple is member of a
family bound together by tie more sacred
than any earthly bond A spirit of loving
and unsefish service towards each other and
towards all our race is to be the distinguishing
characteristic of this family; and the kindly
look, the friendly word, the helpful deed will
be to the world at large most effective illus
tration of the hospitabe and kindly spirit of
| the gospel OF our Lord. He who goes forth
with his heart permeated with the spirit of
| Christian friendship manifested in courteous
and helpful acts will most practically and sue
cessfully obey the command in our text: "Let
him that heareth say come" Once more we
are to fulfill the command of the text by
cherishing spirit of Christian faith. There
will be dark days in our history and,in the his
tory of the church. Yet, though others may
despair, we are to be courageous. 1t is easy TO
be hopeful when all is pleasant and prosperous;
but, when dark clouds arise and advesity
comes, then the Christian is to hold fast to his
trust in God and to the divine promises, and
thus AXE evident to tie world his unwaveriDg
belief that Though the earth be removed and
the mountains be cast into the midst of the sea,
yet the word of the Lord abideth forever"
This faith in its members will draw the world
to the church and will in its great results tell
what the divine word means when it says
Let him that heareth say Come"
The speaker closed with the earnest and APP
proprate expression of his appreciation of the
responsibility he assumed in becoming their
pastor; and also reminded the church of the
reciprocal obligation they incurred in calling
hun to the office, and expressed his hope that
the union now commenced may prove mutual
blessing, that both pastor and people might en-
ter joyfully upon the great work before them,
meeting the responsibilities and performing
the duties that each day should present, honor
ing the master by winning souls TO his service,
thus ascending the shining way to that fold
tavn o.,14~ l..