The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1885-11-12
CONGREGATIONAL coUNc
ordination of Rev. James E. Aiken.

Two councils were called by the First Con-
gregational Church OF Cape Elizabeth yes
terday The first organized with Rev. ). h.
Adams of Bangor, as moderator and Rev. Il.
II. Hallock as scribe, approved the dissolu-
tion Of the pastoral relation existing De-
tween the church and Rev. E. A. Harlow, and
commended him to the confidence OF the
churches in his new work, as special mission
airy to the feebler churches in our State. The
second council which followed Immediately
was asked 10 Ordain to the gospel ministry,
Mr.. James E. Aiken a student in 0berlin
College, and graduate with the last class in
Bangor Seminary. Rev. l. P. Warren, d. ID.
of this city was moderator and conducted
the examination of the candidate. Mr..
Aikens proved himself sound in the faith,
and passed the running fire of examination
with credit to himself and to the satisfaction
of the council.
The public ordination services were held
in the evening in the presence of a good au-
dience Introductory exercises were con-
Quoted by Rev. G. W. Jones of Scarboro.
The sermon was preached by the Rev. E. A.
Harlow, an abstract of which follows:
Tim. 4:15-"Give thyself wholly to them"
things Of Christ. This involves conservation OF
intellect The deep things are to be sought out.
he Searched for ssAH the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge are in Christ, and the minister OF
the gospel IS to seek with tireless eagerness TO
know ali truth. Moreover he is to seek heartily
not as mere OnlOOker or spectator but as one
who sees in every truth somewhat Of MS saviour
and Father. For all truth is Christs truth, and
reveals somewhat of the heart of God And all
this eager, heart-nourishing quest has purpose
outside of self-nOurishment. The preacher seeks
IN 10.
all knowledge flows rresistbly to the gate OF ut
terance The instinct Of attainment IS to the end
that the bursting fulness may make the necessity
of utterance, that the preacher snail feel 70 say
''Woe is unto me If preach not the gospel" And
from this personal knowledge OF the truth IN the
personal Christ, this absorption In it, the minister
will exert an uplift by personal contact with MS
people, not so much what he says as what ne IS
in influencing them spiritually Thus also his
preaching has freshness as personal testimony.
He repeats no story of others but speaks week by
week what he himself has heard and seen OF the
things OF Christ Thus the preacher has vigor
and authority as it comes from the conviction OF
experience Thus the preaching becomes an err
the demonstration of the spirit Thus speaking
out of real personal knowledge he will sway per
sons as the lodestOne attracts iron. For this
hearty speaking from heart-knOwledge is attract
i've to men. The persuasiveness of speech, the
trick of fine language, the pleasing or uplifting
voice of song viii attract some but the eloquence
of lips infamed with the love and radiant with the
light that comes from this utter absorption III the
things Of Christ-this attracts az men and IS the
divinely adapted instrument OF the Holy Ghost IN
reconciling men to God
The prayer of ordination, with the laying
on of hands was offered by the Rev. j. E.
Adams. Following was the charge to the
pastor by Rev. L. HI. Halloek
A charge rich and mellow with thirty centuries
is handed down to us; God the author, Eli the
minister; it reads, ''Them that honor Me, will
honor" Accept that as a charge to yourself, and
make it your chief aim in your ministry to honor
God. This you will do by being in every true
sense a man. "Let no man despise thee" BY
mastering the fine art of preaching, so as TO in-
struct inspire, convince and move men. By max
ing the sermon always, not an end, but means TO
the noblest end. Grow In knowledge and all
grace Study individuals; cultivate the brethren
in the ministry; lend your aid to all associations
and conferences, and never decline any reasonable
service that may be required OF you. Be honest,
even at funerals; often read your commission, and
let your subject be your absolute master for the
hour Thus alone can the inertia of souls be over
come Honor God and he will honor you. your
work and your message
The fraternal and Christian greetings from
the ministers and churches were given
in the right hand of fellowship extended
by Rev. A. Fl. Wright The very interesting
exercises closed with prayer by Rev. G.. A.
Marsh, and benedietion by the newly or
dained minister