Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-06-15

'HS ieopSCl WHICH tHey nave always
felt for the pastor always deeply in
terested in young people will now be
added to their hearts. a deep sense of
gratitude for his earnest, heartfelt
advice and words of encouragement.
The exercises were well arranged.
and the pupils Of the school may well
feel proud of this years class. While
not large, it has been an Industrious
one, and consists of several exception
ally able pupils.
The church was beautifully deco
rated, by the junior class, according to
a pretty custom, in courtesy to the
seniors. Before the pulpit, was a hand
some array of white blossoms, with
roses, and hyacinths on either side. in
t~erspersed with green. About the
chance were potted plants of various
kinds. with roses, and a great bouquet
of 2eonies. The railing before the
choir vas also decorated. with smilax
interviewer with daisies. 1t was all
very pretty.
The music offered was exceptionally
hne, and those who took part deserve
the highest credit for their excellent
work. The singing by Miss Fuller was
especially good, and she is already one
of Augustus best singers, with a bril-
liant future before her.
The following is the musical pro
gramme:
Organ Voluntary, Miss McClench
Anthem, Thou Art o God" Quartet
Psalm.
Solo. Grass and Roses" Miss Fuller.
with violin obligato by Mr.. w. 3.
Sanborn.
Prayer.
Response.
Scripture Reading.
Hymn, Congregation
Sermon. Rev. c. S. Cummings
Anthem, ROCK of Ages, Quartet
Benediction.
The quartet consisted of Miss Fuller,
Miss Clark, Mr.. Owen and Mr.. San
born.
Rev. Mr.. Cummings spoke, in part,
as follows. taking his subject from the
text: st. Matthew. 5:4s; "Ye, there
fore, shall be perfect. even as your
Father who is in Heaven is perfect
The custom of listening to a bacca-
laureate sermon is more appropriate
than at first appears. Christianity is
both the parent and the patron of
education in its highest sense, and has
founded the m schools and the
great universities of the earth. The
reason for this is not far to seek.
Christianity is a lofty conception of
God; an exalted idea of human worth
and destiny; IN embodied idea Of hu-
man brotherhood. But. the study of
history and mathematics Ices not fill
all the need of a human life. There
are qualities of human nature that
are not physical or mental. Man can
live by bread alone. Christ con-
contracted the attention of the universe
on a
All things that have ever transpired
have been prophecies of the coming
man. Goo was infinite ages getting
ready Tor MS D1ftn. Inc universe was
ranSackcd for elements with which to
make u new world. In what terrific
heat they were fused and forged.
During what countless ages of fire
and flood, earthquake and tornado,
tides and rivers and glaciers were
hurrying the work along. What treas
ures were laid up for the use of the
coming king. What giants were put
to sleep awaiting his voice to arise
and serve. What u~nnumbcrcd cen
turtles were taken to get the first body
ready for the soul. And then it was
only a body thai was made. 1t must
be furnished with language, with
houses, clothing and skill. All ages of
human history have been periods of
preparation for something to come.
The prophets and teachers of men
have spelt out the name of God and
taught something of his nature. They
pointed forward to the coming of One
who shall teach all things.
The work of Christ was not to re-
store the ace to some former great
ness alone. Christ restores all good
that was ever lost, but Christianity is
not eXpedient for an unforeseen dis
aster. God in Christ was working out
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