Morning journal and courier., 1889-04-01
FAREWELL ADDRESS

Of Rev. Joseph Baird at she George
 Street M. E. Church Last Evening.
 Rev. Joseph Baird, who for the last three years has been pastor of the George street M. E. church, delivered his farewell sermon to his congregation last evening. The pas tors text, which was from acts 2Oth, 32d, was as follows: "And now, brethren, I command you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give an inheritance among all them that are sancti- fed" The sermon which was both interest ing and impressive was substantially as fol- lows:
 When the apostle Paul addressed con- course of people at Jerusalem, where he went to speak of the truths as they are in Jesus, he repeated the words of the text. He was in the midst of those who knew they were to be bereft of the presence of friend, on which occasion he improved an excellent opportu- nity to go over the past. We can sometimes live long life in three years. There are those who weep over the trial of others but bear their own sorrows with fortitude. Paul spoke of trials as being ordered by our heavenly father for our qualification. God, in the order of his providence, decides what is best for us, and Paul was not exempt from
 
 not part of his life declares that he does not know the wisdom of God.
 It requires an able mind to declare what is profitable for us. There are many things unpleasant for pastor and many things unpleasant for the pastors flock. Paul preached the repentance and remission of sins which seems 8 narrow subject, but is a broad subject. He is not 8 thinker at all who does not look into the future, and it is the design of God that we should consider the futuIe.
 The apostle looked into the fature, but it wasn't pleasant prospect for him. prog nosticate no trouble here tonight. If any Christianity is worth anything to us it is that Christianity that ties us. Paul saw nothing but persecution in store for him. Preachers are nothing but human, and the pastor is man and nothing but man. if he IS assigned to preach the truth.
 It will be pleasant recollection for me to look over the three years that have been with you. There is in my heart none but kindly feelings toward you, and thank you for your desire to support me.
 You are stronger tonight than at any time during the past twenty years, if I understand the history of this church correctly. con- gratulate you that it is so. May you become moral and spiritual power. It will be many Sundays before can get out of my mind the recollections of the many pleasant faces that I have seen before me, and may have 8 place in your hearts as you will have in mine. I shall be with you for long time in spirit if not in body. desire not only to be followed by your kindly thoughts, but by your prayers.
 The speaker referred to his sermon of last Sunday evening, saying his views were the same expressed at that time, and he had received many letters commenting his dis course. The pastor closed his sermon by commenting his congregation to God.
 Rev. MT. Baird, although having served his full three years as pastor of this church, was asked to stay yet another year, but de- cided to accept his call elsewhere.