The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1885-09-23
ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION.
An Interesting Occasion at windham
Yesterday.

The ordination and installation of Mr.. r.
j. Kyle as pastor of the Windham COngre-
gational church occurred yesterday. The
council, composed of twelve churches, met
at o'clock. Rev. c. II. Daniels was chosen
moderator, and Rev. H. S. Huntington scribe.
Mr.. Kyle is a native of Canada; he took a
full course in theology at the Bangor Sem
mary, and has, since graduation, been labor
ing at Brooks, Me. The examination Of the
candidate, as to his personal religious ex-
perience and theological beliefs, was some
what extended and gave evidence that the
candidate was sound in his line Of thinking
After the examination, the council pro-
ceeded to the public ordination services. The
Introductory exercises were conducted by
Rev. f. Southworth of this city, and Rev.
Mr.. Davies of Bridgton. The Rev. l.. H.
Hallock of this city preached very effective
and appropriate sermon upon "Certainties
for the Pulpit text, John iii, IL: Verify,
verify say unto you, we speak that we do
know, and testify that we have seem" The
speaker said:
There is fascination in exploring new terri
tory, and finding new things, but it does not prove
that novelties are the best food for those who
would be strong. There is temptation to cater
10 the thirst Tor new things But Christ the prince
Of preachers, best able to proclaim the unknown
gave the declaration Of the text Shall the think
ing minister, studying God and nature Speculate
upon the un known and unknowable? He may
study along the dark lines but it is not his COM
mission. That says Go preach my Gospel" and
II determined to know nothing among YOU save
Christ and Him crueifed.' Paul and the apostles
preached the Gospel and fed men ON certaInties
in religious faith The preacher to-day cannot do
any better SpeculatiOns are good but not for the
pulpit. Certainties belong there 1t is the place
10 heal men, and not a clinic for the practice Of
surgical novelties. Investigations are well enough
but let them lie kept where they belong In the
spheres Of our deepest need Christ did not speak
with uncertain sound. We know of sin from the
Bible and by observation of history and expert
ences. We know of reward and retribution; of
Saviour, that he came to save. These things we
observe and teach Christ taught certainties; the
Bible is certainty; he'll is a certainty. The
preacher is to preach the word and make his CON
solid. ''''>'
The prayer of ordination with the laying
on of hands was offered by Rev. H. S.
Huntington of Gorham. The charge to the
pastor was given by Rev. A. H. Wright of
Portland.
He began by reminding the candidate that his
official relationship to the people was the most
sacred and important that could be cemented be-
tween man and men, and charged him therefore
to magnify his office in his estimation, and in
the thought and opinion of his people AS the
office can not be separated from the man. covet
good name for Christ's sake; be thoughtful of
emphasize in his teachings. the candidate was
urged to set forth those which cluster about the
cross of Calvary Teaching which ignores the
blood OF an atoning Saviour will not soundly con-
vert souls. The preaching of these truths must
be earnest positive, the result of strong convie-
tions. 1t is better to grapple with the mighty
themes Of the Gospel than TO hunt for novel texts.
AS a pastor, 1t is a mans privilege to be a friend
and brother to each member of his flock, and this
the speaker urged. He closed with cOngratula-
tion and good wishes for the future.
The Rev G. II. Daniels of this city gave
the right hand of fellowship, assuring the
new pastor of the fraternal and Christian
sympathy which he wonld have from the
pastors and the churches; and the Rev. E.
E. Bacon of Saccarappa gave the address to
the people, reminding them of their duties
to their pastor and the obligation which
rested upon them to be loyal supporters of
his ministry and attentive listeners to his
message.
The whole occasion was full of interest,
and Mr.. Kyle begins his ministry in Wind
ham under favorable auspices, with united
people.