The Portland daily press., 1885-10-08
Ordination and Installation.

A Congregational council was called yesterday
morning by the First church of Falmouth, to as
sist in the ordination and installation of Mr. III. c.
Mcknight as pastor. In the organization of the
council Rev. T. S. Perry of Cumberland was chos-
en- Moderator. and Rev. E. M. Cousens of Cumbel-
land Mills, clerk. The examination of Mr. Nc
Knight upon his personal experience and religious
faith was quite extended and thorough. The can
didate was exceptionally clear and sound in faith
He gave evidence of his training, being gradu-
ate of Yale college, and OF Yale Theological Sem
mary.
The public services were in the afternoon; the
Introductory parts were conducted by Reys. w.
H. Haskell Of Falmouth, and Atkins ofCape Eliz-
abeth. Rev. C. H Daniels of this city preached
the sermon from Tim A: 16, Take heed unto
the doctrine,' in Which the preacher took strong
ground that the doctrines of the Bible are essen
tial to the life and power of religion. 1t is the
preachers mission TO preach them, not with mo-
tive TO engage in doctrinal speculation, but to
show its practical worth in application. Doctrine
is not so much to be proved to be welded exec
utively. Apostolic preaching was in the form oi
doctrine. mighty truth, in proof of the power OF
God unto salvation. Religious life is dependent
upon doctrine Ithe reverse is also true. Doctrines
are given TO build from to solidiiy Christian char
acter and make it stable. There is need of sound
doctrine because of the false. The danger now is
not so much that the doctrines are counted ull-
true, as Il at they are of little importance. The
fact is at every doctrine has practical and i'm
mediate bearing upon the heart and life and sal
walton of man. We may be moved by excitement
but we must be anchored by truth. There is no
power in the pulpit unless it is dogmatic; its mis-
sion is not so much TO please and draw as to bless
and save; not so much to unearn to remove the
false as to reveal the true. The church needs as
does tie world the heart truths of Christ.
Following the sermon was the prayer OF ordina-
ton with the laying on If hands, by Rev. A. II.
Wright of this city.
The charge to the pastor was by Rev. c. A.
Marsh of Woodfords urging the new minister to
be a large hearted, manly man; to be preacher
of lie word sound in doctrine; to be true pas
tor. faithful to the office, faithful to Christ. The
pastors reward for faithful service is the highest
that heaven bestows, crown OF life
Rev. e. NJ Cousens extended the right hand of
fellowship in fitting words. and Rev. I. Is. Perry
gave the address to the people, reminding them
that material support is the pastors due, for 1t is
well earned. 1t should be adequate and cheer
ully paid He urged the people to give to their
pastor moral and spiritual support. The pastor
can be helped in the pulpit, by the presence of
the people, listening to his message. Do not ex-
pect or require popular preacher, Break the
neck of that abominable word smart, before 1t
breaks yours" The pastor will make sacrifices,
he will be your servant in Jesus Christ; give him
his great earthly reward the love of his people.
Mr. Mcknight has already won a warm place in
the hearts of the people, and these exercises were
an suspicious beginning of pastorate of great
influence.