The Portland daily press., 1886-11-12
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
installation of Rev. John r. crosser
as Pastor

The services connected with the installa-
tion of Rev. John r. Crosser Of the First
Presbyterian Church Of Portland was held
last evening in Williams Hall. The exer-
cises of the evening commenced with singing
"All Hail the Power Of Jesus Name" Rev.
DIR. Wallace of Newburyport, Mass, read
from the Scriptures a selection from the
sermon on the mount; and Rev. J. l.. Scott
Of East Boston offered prayer. After sing
ing another hymn. Rev. M. Scott preached
from the text in III. Thes. i:3-4, 1--WE are
bound to thank God always for you, breth-
ren, as it is meet" &c.
The speaker said the term church has a
related meaning. Here it seems to refer to
the whole people Of God. What are the es-
sential points held in common by all Chris
tians? First-Faith. The supernatural ori-
in OF Revelation is an article Of faith which
all true Christians accept. The hope OF, and
whole Jewish history. This belief made
them power in the world. The necessity
OF faith in Christ is vital to the existence Of
living church. IL we throw away faith
and come down to human reason as the
foundation Of religion, the church will be-
come dead form. But faith does not abro.
gate law. We need restrictions, direction,
right methods Of action; and we find these
IN the Christian church. We need seasons
Of reflection. serious Thought These rea-
sons the church is designed to give us; and
the church that does this the best for us, Is
the church for us. We think in our church
may be found the best aids to Christian
faith, work and growth. 1t is a pleasant
thing to see an infant church. Our church
enjoys true Christian charity. We may not
always have money TO bestow, but we may
give pleasant words and, above all, we NAV
cultivate that divine charity that makes us
Ike God. Faith makes life worth living, be-
cause II gives us something to do and also
something to think about II this church
shall be true to its creed, its covenant and
Its Saviour, then will its faith grow strong,
and Its members will be living stones In the
glorious temple of God.
After singing, Rev. J. W. Sanderson Of
Boston, the moderator Of the Council, pro-
pounded certain questions to the pastor
elect and to the congregation, whichehaving
been answered satisfactorily, he declared
the candidate properly constituted pastor Of
the church, and offered fervent prayer Of
installation.
Rev. DIR. Wallace then gave the charge to
the new pastor. He charged him to take
care of his health in order that he may be
able to do good work for God. He exhorted
him to care for his spiritual health. Be
much In meditation, in prayer, and live very
near to Christ. He was to take heed to his
outward demeanor. His conduct, his habits,
his dress, and all his ways were
to be such as to commend him
self and his work to his parishioners. He
was to be true to his word careful in his pc
cuniary engagements, live within his income,
Tree from covetousness, benevolent and lib
eral; to make carefnl preparation in his
preaching; to be diligent in study-study the
word and preach it. Take the Bible as a
whole. Speak the truth in love, but preach
the truth. Don't bring speculation into the
pulpit, but preach positive gospel. Avoid
levity. Let your sermons be full of Christ
Tor he IS the sum and substance of the Cos
see all your people. Don't be partial; do
not neglect the sick, the poor, nor the afflict-
ed. Especially look after the young. If pos
sible, work in the Sunday School, DIR. Wal
lace closed with earnest and affectionate
words Of welcome and encouragement to the
new pastor
Rev. Mr.. Sanderson gave some excellent
words Of counsel to the people. They were
to know their pastor. The speaker spoke of
the commercial aspect that the age gives to
the sacred relations connected with the
church. There are all kinds Of churches
but the church is greatly modified by the
characters OF the pastors. Be liberal, but
don't give away all the sermon. Make your
pastors heart glad by your gifts, your sym
pathy, your prayers, and your constant help
and charity.
After singing by the congregation the new
pastor pronounced the benediction.
As the people passed out they came to the
desk and greeted their new pastor with a
hearty shake of the hand. The services
were very interesting and the church has oc-
casion to enter anew upon its work with
hope and courage.