Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-03-26


The text for the evening was taken from
the Songs of Solomon I'd chap. 18th and l2tl
verses.
FREE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The services at the Free Baptist churcl
were in harmony with the day. The fora
decorations were not as elaborate as on som,
other similar occasions, but were most tast,
and beautiful. Fitting selections made III
the musical programme. An eloquent ant
appropriate sermon was preached by Rev. E
N Fernald of Lewiston, Corresponding Sec
Rotary of the Free Baptist Benevoleu
Societies, the Introductory services beins
conducted by the pastor, Rev. Mr.. Penney
who was present. Text, Acts | IS ''And
We shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusa
lem. and in all Judea, and in all Samaria
and unto the utmost parts of the earth" The
resurrection of Christ was the central point
of testimony of the first Christians, and thi:
testimony, and all that grew out of it, was to
be borne to ''the uttermost parts of the earth. y
The power which the resurrection had upon
those who first heard of it has been active in
the world ever since, and the multitude par
ticipating in Easter joy today is greater than
ever before. Still, nearly thousand mil.
lions of these for whom Christ died and rose
again are ignorant of Him and of their rela-
tons TO Him. 1t is for the church, which is
distlnctively missionary in its constitution,
to engage in the different departments OF
missionary work as part of its regular sci
vice, TO reap the rich reward of such service
IN increased spiritual fervor and power, and
to shine in the glory of the final victory,
which is sure. Every church needs, as an
inspiration to its own local work, to take
now, and, then, comprehensive view of the
great work as whole. But the great reason
for all the service we render for the salvation
of this world is the fact that God so loved
the world that he gave his only begotten son,
that whOsoever bslieveth in him should not
perish, but have everlasting life
METHODIST CHURCH.
Interesting and appropriate services were
held, consisting of a voluntary on the organ,
singing of beautiful Easter anthem. reading
of the 23d Psalm. singing of the hymn 1.-The
Lord has Risen." reading of the names of
those who have died during the year, reading
of the I'd chapter of Ephesians, prayer by the
pastor, singing of the HYMN 1.-The King of
Glory" A very interesting and impressive
sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Sanderson,
from the text, Now. therefore, We no
more strangers and foreigners. but fellow
citizens with the saints, and of the household
of God"-2d chap. Ephesians, 10Th verse.
Although not so large a collection of flowers
was contributed as on former occasions, yet
the altar was decorated with pots of geran-
iums, Gala lilies and fuschias. In front of
the altar was suspended beautiful memorial
wreath made of white roses and lilies of the
valley. 1t was the wreath which rested upon
the casket of Mrs. NJ. A. Brown, who was
one of the most devoted and useful members
of this church, and who passed away on
Thursday last. The hymns which were sung,
tbn tba fr,b Of tnxr do
very impressive occasion.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Rev. Mr.. Tildens serm on at the First Bap-
fist church, was founded upon Paul's hopeful
words concerning Christs resurrection being
the assurance of mans resurrection. He
said that it was profitable to consider specia
topics when the currents of thought are turn
ed in that direction. To-day men are looking
up from the material, and sundering the fet
tiers of earth. to contemplate the realities of
the eternal city to consider the cheerful and
inspiring doctrine of the resurrection. He
then proceeded to speak on the consequences
of Christ's resurrection, and its relation to
the Christian doctrine. Doctrine and preach
ing are but as empty sounds, unless Christ be
risen. He considered, first. the connection
between the resurrection of Christ and his
teachings. Had he not told the truth in that
particular, his word would have been doubt
ed on other doctrines. That he was the
embodiment of truth was shown by his resur-
rection. God would not have raised an i'm
postor from the grave, and an imposter could
not have raised himself. Secondly, the effect
of the resurrection upon the life to come,
giving to hu manity the tangible evidence for
which it longed, and, thirdly, closing with
the contemplation of he exceeding wide range
of this truth.
South CoNGREGArIoNAL CHURCH.
Easter was observed at the Congregational
church BY a sermon at III o'clock by Rev.
VIM. Cuthbertson. The floral decorations
were not extensive, but tasty, the desk being
draped with evergreen with large and beau
tiful cluster of flowers at the base. The
Easter music BY the choir was excellent.
Mr.. Cuthberson took his text from the oath
chapter of Mathew and the 35th verse
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my
words shall not pass away" He stated at
the outset that there was in his opinion
three conditions under which the christian
religion might be allowed to pass away and
become dead to mankind. LIST, II you could
prove to mankind that it was absolutely
false. I'd, If the christian religion could be
superseded by something more gr md
and enoblng. Sd, If men could
forget it. Mr. Cuthbertson dealt ably with
the three points in showing how the present
Christion religion was the only one that had
ever stood the test of time, and would be the
only one in all time to come, for the saliva
ton of the soul. The services were quite
largely attended in the forenoon and also in
the evening.
UMIvERsALIsT CHURCH.
No special effort was made at this church