The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-07-11
General Conference Of Maino.

At the 3Gth annual meeting Of the Gencr.
nj Conference Of the Congregational Church.
cs in Maine, held in Portland juno 9th.
Goth, 1862, the following minute and reso-
buttons were unanimously adopted; and cop
les of the same, signed by tho Moderator and
Recording Secretary, wore ordered to be sent
70 the President Of tho United States and to
each of the Senators and Representatives from
Maine in Congress assembled.
The nation being still involved in. q war to
preserve its own existence by the suppression
OF malignant rebellion, conference adopts
the following resolutions:
Resolred. That we renew our declaration
Of loyalty and love to the Government OF the
United States, and affirm our solemn cOnvic-
ton that the war ought to DO vigorously
prosecuted, ut whatever cost Of treasure and
blood, and against whatever enemies ut home
or from abroad, until the authority OF the
Government and the integrity Of the Union
are restored and that every attempt to es-
tablish peace on another basis would lead to
q renewal and aggrayation Of the strife, and
imparil the interests OF humanity.
Resolved, That We devoutly and thankful
ly acknowledge the good providence Of God
towards us in making the people willing in
the day Of His power, and inspiriting and
uniting them to meet the crisis; In giving
success to tho efforts of the Government to
create and support an army and navy In
preventing foreign intervention; in guiding
the President in wise administration, which
has wonderfully secured for him the conf
dence of oil classes Of loyal citizens; in Civ
ing many and great victories to our arms,
and re.establishing the power Of the Govern
ment In largo portions Of tho revolted terri.
tory alss In bringing to pass the triumphs
of liberty, which have been already secured
by the treaty for suppresing the foreign slave
trade; by the adoption Of the principle OF
compensated emancipation by the abolition
of slavery In the District Of Columbia, and
the prohibition Of slavery in oil the Terrific
ries.
Resolved, That inasmuch as slavery Is the
principal cause Of the rebellion and OF the
woes which 1t has brought upon tho country,
therefore 1t is the duty OF christians to pray
that God will 80 override events in the con-
duct of the war (as its history thus far justi-
fes us in expecting that He purposes to do)
that its issue shall ut last ~ circumscribo and
weaken that baleful institution ~ to make
its ultimate termination u certainty; that
the Government, while prosecuting tho war
for tho establishment OF its own authority,
ought to exert its power, in every way thus
opened by Gods providence. for the weaken.
ing and ultimate termination Of slavery I;
that Government is under no obligation (any
further than its own necessities or interests
requirc) to protect the property or tho slaves
of those who by armed rebellion have out.
lawed themselves, but ought to act in refer.
cnce thereto on the broad principles Of jus.
tice and humanity; and that tho Adminstra-
ton, by the wisdom and purity OF purpose
already evinccd, commands our confidence
that il will act, rs providence shall give OPP
portunity and guidance, wisely and efficiently
In the direction here indicated.
Resolved, That while, according to Gods
word, we recognize the divine authority Of
Government, we also recognize the obligation
of the Government in its own action sacredly
to obey Gods law We thankfully acknowl-
edge the devout recognition Of Col and his
law, Of tho Sabbath. and of the necessity Of
prayer, by the President and officers Of the
army and navy and we declare our conyic-
ton that no power Of arms can secure the
prosperity of tho nation IL reckless Of de-
penicncc on God and obligation to Him.
ResoIrcd, That We recognize our obligation
to pray and labor for the spiritual welfare Of
the army and navy, and thankfully acknowl-
edge the happy results which by divine grace
have attended such labors.
CHARLES PACKARD, Moderator.
+. +. DuRKs, Rec. Scc'y.
A true copy. Attest:
4. +. DURES, Rec. Scc'y.
Bangor, July 18th, 1862.
The General Conference Of Congregational
Churches in Maine comprises IA local confer.
ences, $50 churches, 10, 900 church members,
and 200 ministers. About 10000 persons
attend worship in their church edifcc.
The above resolutions were reported to the
conference by Prof. Harris, Of the Bangor
Theological Seminary.
We learn that the next meeting Of the
General Conference Of the Congregational
Churches of Maine is to be held with the "a
Congregational church Of this city, in June,