The Portland daily press., 1891-04-13
PULPIT AND PLATFORM.
CHESTNUT STREET CHURCH.

yesterday was Rev. DIR. Whitaker's last
sunday at Chestnut street church and In the
afternoon he preached a sermon appropriate
70 the occasion. The church was crowded
70 tne doors, every pew being filed and
chairs being placed in the aisles. The SER
vices opened with music by the double quar-
tette and reading of the Scripture lesson by
sne pastor, who also performed the rite of
baptism, He then announced his text: Cor.
AVl-lO. NOW If Timotheus comes, see that
he may be with you without fear: for he
worketh the work of the Lord, as do" The
preacher first sketched the picture suggested
by the text, and told of the condition of the
church at Corinth where the great strength
to which 1t had grown under the successful
pastorate of Paul. Appolos. Cephus and their
successors had bred up spirit of contention
and strife and in some few cases of licentious-
ness. Into this condition of the church
came young Timothy to be its pastor and TO
reconcile the warning factions.
Applying this case TO modern times DR..
Whitaker proceeded to an explanation of the
position of Methodist ministers, who in re-
gard to the rules concerning the length of
their pastorates occupy unique and peculiar
situation. he showed how the custom of
the church grew from Wesley's direct lead
ership. He knowing the exact complexion
of the different churches in England, and the
different shades of character and ability 10
the different ministers was able to pl ace
each man where he could do his best work.
This had been transported to America with
Methodism, the personality of Wesley being
nj hut ha
elders and the same result, the best work for
the church being achieved. In the initiatory
stage the charges were six months long.
When the church became established the
period during which minister might COR
tinue with church was extended first to one
year, then to two. then to three and now at
last to five. 1t has been the general exper-
fence OF the church. he said, that the greatest
good Is generally done where a minister is
allowed to remain with church for the full
five years.
Next proceeding to a discussion of the
method of the entry of a Methodist into the
ministry, he drew the conclusion that IL the
position OF the clergyman was peculiar, h,
being freer and more independent than any
other minister, the position of the Methodist
laity was none the less unique, where other
ministers OF other denominations are tried
and examined and cross-examlned by each
parish over which they wish to be settled,
the Methodist preacher is examined once for
all on his entry into the ministry and then
being licensed to preach is sent wherever in
the Judgment OF the bishop he is best fitted
TO preach. For this reason the people of the
Methodist churches are in a measure bound
to give all possible help to their preachers,
entering heartily into the different plans of
work OF the successive pastors of the same
church, Tor all preachers are doing the work
OF the Lord. Paul, ApDollos, Timotheus and
all. On the part of the minister he said
there need be no heart-burnings or conscious
ness OF failure If the work in any particular
charge fails to give as rich reward as might
be wished. There Is difference in people
and at times there may be mistakes made In
the allotment of ministers. Let US, he said,
not concern ourselves with this, it is none of
our business so long as we do our part.
vengeance is mine," saith the Lord, II
will repay"
Coming then down to the case in point,
DR.. WHITAKER briefly counselled his congre-
CATION to give his successor warm welcome,
and to then, after welcoming him, enter
heartily into his plans for work, aiding the
new pastor as they had aided him. For"
as do" He then referred pleasantly to his
pastorate and wished the church and congre-
cation as long continued prosperity in the
future as it had had in the past.
In conclusion DR.. Whitaker read brief
statistical record of his passionate and spoke
OF the several societies, the Young Mems
and Young Women's Leagues, the Epworth
and Junior Epworth Leagues. the branch Of
the Women's Foreign Missionary SocietyIand
the Light Bearers, that have been formed In
the church during his ministry. He also al
luded briefly to the attractions and improve
ments that had been made to the vestries
and to the organ, tall of which were in the
line Of progress.
held q brief farewell reception in front of the
pulpit.
FREE STREET CHURCH.
AT the Free street church last evening
Rev. Dr. Whitman. the pastor, preached
very impressive sermon to the members of
the Young Mems Christian Association from
the text II Bring Thee Domination of the
Physical Under the Spiritual, from LIST CO.
rinthians, 9:27. The lesson deduced was
obedience to the higher commands. There have
have two views concerning the physical life
the first, that the body is necessary, but
necessary evil, and the result of this view
was fanatic ascetism, as shown by the order
OF monks, who sought TO get away from the
corruption of the W Orld that they might find
peace. They mortified the body and toler-
ated 1t because they couldn't get rid of it.
The result was unnatural, unmanly concep-
tions OF life. That system was bad. A man
cannot forget his fellows and find God. The
second view was that taught by Epicurus-
the only absolute good is pleasure, the only
apsolase ev y pain man cannot live
eeously. The body is good and we reverence
1t as an organism.
There Is phase Of the truth In these two
belong together have been separated. Men
Iced spiritual sphere and physical
sphere The true relation which the body
ought to sustain to the soul is subsection to a
higher life. The physical is an excellent
servant but bad master. The body is
help or hindrance. We should teach our
body MISUNDERSTANDING the most perfect
example, that of Christ.
NOTES.
Rev. Mr.. Gilman commenced his duties as
rector Of st. Paul's church yesterday.
The Easter music at Congress square
fine, Miss Phllhrook on the piano and Miss
Goodwin on the violin adding much to the
instrumental effect.