The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-06-27

The Rev. Thornton A. MillS Farewell
The Rev. II, A. Mills, p. H. d., closed
htc pastorAtc at Plymouth Congrega-
tionai Church to-day. There was a large
audience TO hear his last serDlon and
many chairs had 70 be brought into
reousition. The service was interesting
and impressive throughout The scrip
ture lessons were found in the l2lst
Psalm and In Acts Goth chapter, 18th TO
88th verses. The ordinance of baptism
was administered to two small children
and five Of the baptized children OF the
church who have reached their seventh
birthday, were presented, in accordance
with the custom Of the church since Its
organization, with handsomely bound
Oxford Bibles At the conclusion OF these
ceremonies the pastor announced that the
meeting Of the church and society held
during the past week, had voted to ac-
cept OF his resignation and had united
with him in calling the usual council of
Congregational churches and pastors to
review their action aud approve. IL found
satisfactory. This council was held at 3
o'clock this afternoon In the church on
Psnnsylvania avenue.
The text announced was found in l
Cor. 4th to ths 9Th verses.
The speaker said that he could utter
these words OF the Apostle as II they were
his own, and apply them to the church
which he was about to leave. While il
was net his purpose TO review In detail
the results Of three years pastorate or
preach what would seem TO be a glorifi-
cation sermon. yet he felt impelled to al
Jude TO The progress OF the work with a
feeling similar TO that OF Paul when be
s'was led 10 rejoice In theChristian Church.
The church to-day is In flourishing con-
dlti0p and TIE gnsloSs Is extremely as hope
whom have been added during the last
three years. The regular contributions
of the church have more than doubled.
The benevolences have kept pace with the
rest of the work, which has constantly
broadened. Liberal pledges have been
made in the interest OF the new
church scheme. What had been accompii-
How has Il been attaineds Not by me
but by your living Ia the grace of God
which eixAa yea by Jesus Christ.
'.As individual members Of the church
you belong 10 the church; to Christ first
and then TO the church; You do not be-
long TO me or to any other man. NV go
ing away makes no difference TO YOUR re-.
lselon 70 the church or your duty To
my successor. My love for this church is
unbounded and cannot be Expressed: that
am loved in return by one and ali is but
too svident; but for any one 70 saw 4 will
love no other man or / will do less work
tercst when the pastor goes is to fall
into the Corrinthian saving, Il am of Paul
and Of Apollos and / OF Cephas., Ye
are all OF Christ. To Him We ara obli-
sstsd TO be faithful to Ills chrch.
''It now becomes painful duty to say
farewell. Il take you TO record this day
that am free from the blood OF all men,
for have not summed 10 declare unto
you the whole counsel OF God
"Iu all my work have been supported
BY the officers and members OF the
church and by the various auxiliary So
cistieA arm grateful for your loyalty,
especially TO the women that lsbored
with me In the gospel the deacons aud
the church committe. and the 169 new
members of the church. In saying fare
we'll. bcsecch you TO go forward. There
r. much land yet to be possessed Go up
and take possession. Build the new
church
"He IL the same Yesterday, to-day and
forever. He will give victory and sue
cess In the years 90 come. You have the
work, you know what TO do and how TO
do H. You have the divine seal on the
work"
Manyexperiences Of sincere regret were
heard st the close OF the service. All are
pitted with sorrow at their loss, but only
the kindest wishes are entertained for his
future success.
The wheel Of Time.
Childrsn's Sunday was observed ycster-
day 81 the Academy Avenue Congrega-
tio0nI Church. The platform and pulpif