The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-05-06
PULPIT AND PLATFORM.
PINE STREET cHnRnn.


Rev. NJ. +. Dryden. pastor of the Pine
street M. Z. church, preached his first SER
mon to large congregation yesterday fore
noon. He took for his text the 2Sth verse of
the first chapter of Colosslans, Whom we
preach warning every man and teaching ev-
cry man in all wisdom, that we may present
every man perfect in Christ Jesus" He
said: This text Of scripture presents to us
the means which God has appointed for the
recovery of our race. From the beginning
the pulpit has been an object of universal in
terest and the great center Of spiritual power
From the Christian pulpit there has gone
forth dlviie influence to transform society
and to inspire with courage the Christian
church. The Master ordained his apostles
and sent them forth to evangelize the world,
and through them he has given to the church
an impcrishable gospel and living ministry.
In this chapter the apostle Is not addressing
company of apostles nor body Of divinity
students. he Is speaking to such as have
heard the gospel from his lips and are living
ing in the enjoyment Of the same precious
faith. He Is speaking of the nature Of his
sacred work and the high aim and purpose
OF his life. He gives us a true conception
OF the minister and his work" The speaker
said: is impossible to comprehend the
thought OF the text without being impressed
with the responsibilities of the ministerial
office. the principle that should govern the
minister IN MS WOrk, ana the men upon
whom he must rely for success.
sTrhe work of the ministry is not matter
OF small import. 1t Is sufficient to engage
the powers of an angel. 1t engaged the
mind and filled the life Of the worlds Re
deemer. The minister is an ambassador of
Jesus Christ, sent to preach the gospel Of
reconciliation 10 perishing men. He is
teacher sent Of God to teach the doctrines Of
our holy religion and to show men their duty
to God and the. important relations which
they sustain to the world and to each other.
He Is herald, sent forth to proclaim the
watchman, appointed by God Almighty and
entrusted with the interests of immortal
souls. He must warn men against sin lest
they perish without Christ, and their blood
set over the flock Of Jesus Christ to lead, to
feed and defend It. He Is required to take
heed to himself and to all the flock over
which the Holy Ghost has made him over
seer. He is a spiritual builder, not for time
Sy SpGn but 0r e5sSey Ser danSn Ms S mot Ga baa
that revealed in the gospel which
is Jesus Christ. Upon this
ground he l, to build the Church of the
Redeemer and God has promised that the
gates OF hell shall not prevail against it. The
true gospel minister, like his master IS
governed in his sacred work by the principle
of love; love for the founder Of our holy
religion, love for the church for which he
split his own precious blood, love Tor souls
which he died to save ana which stand in
need Of his grace. He can say with the
apostle. The love of Christ .constraineth
u.s. This becomes the governing and con-
trolling principle of his life. If he would
win success, and realize the end Of his labors.
then he must rely upon the means which
God has appointed for the salvation of men.
From God the source Of all blessing must he
receive wisdom, strength and inspiration for
his work. Despising the theories, the
dogmas and traditions Of men, he must take
the tried weapon of the gospel and lead
forth the the church Of Christ to glorious
victory"