The Portland daily press., 1897-06-07
had sent him and recognized the divine

had sent him and recognized the divine
authority of the truth.
They came to hear all that was COM
manded of God; the whole counsel of
God. No picking and choosing, The
truth, the whole truth and nothing but
the truth There should be fearless
honesty both in speaking and hearing.
And now 1 want to say few practical
plain things to you. l may as well be-
gin by what was suggested by the last re-
mark. Do not expect too much of me for
a parish of this size will tax the full
capacity of one man. The first year will
be one of inquiries and discovery. Have
patience and let us bear and forbear
with each other and all will be we'll. I
propose to get along with everybody for
on matters of preference 1 can gracefully
yield. But on principles am firm. But
no one asks man to sacrifice a principle.
1t has been my privilege to raise large
amount of money for church building,
debts, furnishing and improvements.
And allow me to say never started any
thing but what have accomplished it
because have worked on this principle:
First, it must be necessity; second, the
people are interested; third, they have the
money. There is hardly anything enjoy
more than to see my people at work and
giving. 1t keeps their minds employed
and cultivated. There is less time to
think about the minister. I always want
to feel that 1 have the best people in the
world, and live in the best place. I al
ways talked up Laconia. So many good
places commence with the letter l..
London, Liverpool, Lowell, Lawrence and
Laconia. 1 now transfer this affection to
Portland. Always speak well of the
place in which you live. / have found
everyone l have met speaks well of Port
land. like that. Now 1 think how
many beautiful places begin with P:
Paris, Philadelphia, Paradise and Port
land. have nothing to hide from you
and this may be the only time L need
mention it. I take the privilege as a man
and citizen to enjoy social, benevolent
and fraternal organization. Hence am
a member of almost every branch. / am
member of the Masonic fraternity and
grand chaplain of the Odd Fellows of N.
H.; also past grand representative of the
Knights of Pythias past and chancellor;
Ancient Order United Workmen; member
of the Golden Cross, Independent
Order Good Templars and other societies.
am deeply interested in the Grand
Army of the Republic. Of the first two
letters received in this city one was from
my brother pastor of our church in Min
neapolis. The other, resolutions of
thanks, and God speed for John L. Perley
Of Post 81, Laconia, N. H.
This church stands in an elegant
position and should be centre of moral
and spiritual influence.
have heard whispers about improve
ments which am sure you would enjoy
very much. They would prove great
saving of space and wonderful con-
venience. When the time comes to do 1t
you shall have my hearty cooperation as
far as needed, and as I never ask anyone
to do anything am not willing to do
myself, will help in all ways.
The church of Jesus Christ should be
the most wide awake and aggressive in
stitution in the world. We have the very
best to give and receive for this life and
the life to come. Isfeel that success of
all here depends upon your personal in
terest, presence and help. Will you kindly
speak to me when meeting on the street
for while until know your Why have
/ come to you. Not for financial i'm
provement, as my salary is the same here
as at Laconia with increased expense.
Not because was tired of my people, for
they always treated me with the greatest
consideration. I never had an unkind
look, action or word from them. Indeed
as I said to them last Sunday my life
with them was one pleasant walk through
Beulah land. Hence I am here in answer
to your prayers, and from a sense of duty
and obedience to God S call. May God
give us evidences of His approval in His
salvation of souls; the building up of
Christian character by working for His
glory. Therefore l come to you in the
name of the Lord, and as an ambassador
of Christ, as though God did beseech you
by me, 1 pray you in Christ's stead be ye
reconciled to God" God bless you all.
Amen.