The Portland daily press., 1862-06-26


themselves" was introduced by Rev. J. X. Ma
son of Hampden, and Rev. Ray Palmer, d. D.,
of Albany, N. Y, formerly beloved minister
Of Bath, in this State, followed by paternal
appeal in behalf of the Missionary Society of
Maine. The closing prayer and benediction
was by DIR. Dwight of Portland.
The officers of the society for the last year,
wore reelected.
The anniversary of the Maine Branch of the
American Educational Society was held yes
terday afternoon, at the High Street Church,
at l-2 o'clock. The meeting was opened by
singing the hymn, g Go preach my gospel"
&c, in which the congregation joined, produc-
ing as fine an effect in congregational singing
as we remember to have ever heard. Not
withstanding the unfavorable weather, the
church was filed to overflowing and the sing
ing of this sacred piece by so great number
of persons, was in itself most interesting fea-
ture. After singing, the Throne of Grace was
addressed by Rev. Mr.. Emerson of Andover
The Trcasurer's Report of the Maine Branch
Educational Society was then read, and on
motion was accepted and ordered to be pub
lished. This report being of statistical ma
ture, we have thought proper not to give it in
detail. The report of the Secretary of this So
ciety was also accepted, as per motion.
The Conference of Maine was then opened,
by singing the hymn, 80, speed thee on thy
way" Immediately after which collection was
taken up.
While the collection was being made let
ter was read by Rev. Mr.. Chickering, from
Rev. J. b. Adams of Gorham, aluding in a
very atlectionate manner to Gen. Howard.
Reading Of the Scriptures, and prayer by
Rev. Mr.. Gilman.
Report of Committee appointed to visit the
Bangor Theological Seminary was read. This
report was dwelt upon at length by several
distinguished speakers. Report accepted.
The Report on Home Evanglzaton was &C
cepted.
Prayer by Rev. F. Horton of Rhode Island.
Mr.. Van Meeter, of the Howard Mis-.
sion and Home for Wanderers, of New
York, in speaking of Sabbath Schools, illus
trated by producing several children from the
neighborhood of the worst localities of our
larger cities. The children sang from books
provided by Mr.. Van Meter, and we are pleased
to say, the whole audience we're taken by
storm, and enjoyed the music in a very high
degree. The pieces sung were, "WilI you 20
to that beautiful land with me ?, and aThere's
light in the window for thee, brother" We
would like to give specimen Of the eloquence
of Mr.. Van Meter, but rs we are so much
pushed for room in our columns, we shall be
obliged to condense the full report obtained by
us. Any contributions of cash or children's
clothing, DC, sent to the Sabbath School of
the Free Street Baptist Church, will be most
gratefully received by Mr. ". NJ, who will
leave town during to-dgy.
Several resolutions, breathing patriotism in
a very high degree, were now offered by Prof.
Harris, ON behalf of this Conference, and which
being accepted, were voted to be sent to the
Secretary of State, to be laid before the Presi-
dent of the United States
Gen. Howard, recently returned from the
seat of war, now occupied the pulpit for short
time, and favored the audience with some of
the most soul-stirring remarks. Zone year
ago." said the General, Il left West Point in
command of body of men, and taking them
South, we were soon in the engagement at
Bull Rum" He spoke of the religious feeling
prevailing at that time in his own regiment,
but felt that all war was antagonistic to the
Christian religion. While at Bladensburg he
had brigade in his charge, and many of the
men were professors of religion. 'We held
our prayer meetings" said he, s'but soon no
ticed falling of. have beheld the many
good deeds of the chaplains of the different
regiments, and know of their success in bring
ing soldiers to Christ" He spoke in the most
eloquent strain of the duties we owed as
christians and as men. He portrayed in all of
its fearful light the field of battle and, in
speaking to the ladies, he said, "Ladies, keep
up steady front, fill up the ranks, for" said
he, 1--WE cannot do without your aid !, and call
ing upon God to bless them all, he closed his
remarks
We wish that every man, woman and child
in this city, could have heard the christian he
ro, could have felt the enthusiasm and patriot
ism which he infused into that vast audience.
Those who We're prevented from attending this
meeting, lost what they viii seldom have an
opportunity TO hear, n most noble christian
soldiers sentiments, delivered with all the pa
thos and fire of oratory and christian zeal.
After singing the words of the hymn COM
mencing with "God bless our native land,' the
meeting adjourned until evening at 1-2
o'clock.
We regret, as we said before, to be compell-
ed to cut short the full report furnished us,
but time and want of space have prompted us
to this step, May the good cause prosper.