The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-11-09
For the Portage Sentinsl.
Temperance Conference


This meeting was called by a committee
Of Ministers and members Of churches Of va
rous denominations, and by notice in The
Portage County Democrat, assembled at the
Disciple Church in RaVenna, at 10 o'clock,
A. M. on Wednesday, Oct. 10Th, 1859.
The meeting was organized by the sp-
poin,ment of Rev. T. w. Browning, Mod.
orator, and Mr.. H. L. Carter, Secretary
1t was opened with prayer.
The object OF the meeting was stated to
be: free conference on the present state OF
the temperance reformation, the duty sot
churches, ministers and christians in respect
to il. 1t was deligned to embrace all de-
nominations, and although our conclusions
would not have the force Of ecclesiastical
action, we might, by hearty counsel, strength
en- each others hands, and aid each other in
| finding the path Of duty.
The following questions were presented
as topics Of discussion and conference
l. Whit is the present state OF the Tenn
perance Reformation
9. To what extent can we rely on the
pledge!
8. Can the present law be executed!
4. Is it sufficient
5. Ought we to prescribe ale, cider and
native Wine!
6. Should churches discipline members
for selling or using intoxicating drinks
7. What is the duty of ministers in re.
spect to preaching on the subject, on the sab.
bath !
8. Upon Whist instrumentality shall we
mostly rely, for the Advancement Of the re.
formation!
g. To what extent may we hope for sue
cess in banishng intoxicating drinks !
After very Tree and practical conference
upon several Of these topics, which was par
ticipated in by Ministers and members ofthe
Methodist, Congregational. B"ptst and Dis.
ciple churches, it was voted to appoint a
committee Of three to present the views OF
the meeting in form of answers to the ques-
tions propo ed.
Rev. Messrs. J. G.. Hart, c. T. Kingsbury
and C. C. Foote were appointed.
Th con erence then had II recess to half.
past one o'clock.
AT hol.past one, the conference met ant
was opened with prayer. The Se;retnry be
ing absent, the Rev. Mr.. Kingsbury was
\ chosen in his stead.
I Proceeded to consider the remaining q YES
tions, except the last, whereupon the com
mttee reported as follows
1t is the opinion OF this meeting,
|. That the temperance reformation il
not at present advancing.
: 2. That the pledge of abstinence has no
: that secureness in the minds of the people
which it once had, and that the people ough
. to be taught their responsibility to God, fo
the performance OF their vows.
n 3&4. That the present temperance Law
/, may be efficiently used. to prevent the salt
of into xcatng drinks to minors, and to EN-
barrass the sale to others, but that its pro
visions ore not sufficient.
I. S. That the use of ale and other nal
d liquors; cider and wine, is at present tn
p greatest Indictment to intemperance aud tn
greatest obstacle to reformation.
6. Thut the sale or use Of ntoxicatin
e drinks as q beverage are proper subjects
IT church discipline.
Of 7. That the subject should be frequentI
,e aud fully discussed by ministers, on the sal
20 path and that such discussion may be mad
means 10 convince Of sin and convert moi
- to God.
* Resolved, that ministers Of all denomin
in tons be requested to preach on the suoJec
e. on the Sabbath before Christmas.
a s. That while we acknowledge viii
~ ~, gratitude the good done by philanthropist
lie and welcome their aid, the church and
lr- ministry may and ought to be foremost
,r. every good work, and upon them we mu
vi- chiefly rely for the advancement OF II
cause.
en- The above was voted as the view OF Il
lin conference with but one dissenting voice.
ith Voted TO commit the proceedings OF u
ad meeting to the Moderator and Messrs. Hi
and Foote for publication in the papers
, the county.
de- Voted to adjourn to meet in the chapel
mt the Congregational church on the Sd W.
Ks. nesday Of November, at 10 O'Clock, A.
ali at which time we hope to see full rep
"' septalon of all denominations.
ma. Il. w. BROWNING
]. C. HART,
e. O. FOOTE.