The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-04-25
Maine Conference Methodist Episcopal
Church.


Reported for the Press by Rev. A. Moorel
FRIDAY, april "a, 1863
Rev. j. Hawkes. conducted the opening
religious services.
After the reading of the journal, the follow
ing committees we're appointed:
On Administration of Disctpline.-N Ho-
bart, S. S. Gray, G. w. Ballou, l. Lord, B.
Burnham.
On Lay Delegation.-S. NJ. Vail, E. Martin,
A. Moore, c. W. Morse, r. q. Bailey.
Toreceire Collections for the Biblical Iusti-
tute.-C. W. Blackman. J. n. Hathaway, J.
Collins.
On Document from Le,oiston District
Ministerial association, in reference 10 The
arrangement Of our District ,cork.-G. Web
Der, J. Colby, d. b. Randall, A. Moore, P.
Jaques.
The character of the preachers on the Lew
iston District, was passed in examination.
The presiding Elder, E. Robinson, gave a
statement of the condition of his district, and
il was
Resolred, That hereafter the Presiding
Elders present written report of their re-
spective districts, to be put on Gle.
Rev. Mr.. Putnam, delegated from the Maine
Conference of the Congregationalist Churches
in Maine addressed the Conference in reference
TO these churches.
Rev. Mr.. Twombly. of the New England
Conference, efficiently presented the claims of
the New England Education Society-urging
the Conference to rally to the support of this
Society, by making collections for it.
Took up the third Question-Who are ad
mitted into full connection ?
r. Clifford, A. w. Pottle, J. b. Lapham, and
j: b. Smith were called forward to the altar,
and faithfully and affectionately addressed by
the Bishop, who also asked the usual Disci-
plinary Questions; which were promptly and
satisfactorily answered by the candidates.
The Bishop in his address, among many ex-
celent sayings, said if he could have the ear
of the whole church, he would say to the peo-
pie, never, unless for special reasons, enter the
door of your preacher before IL o'clock, NJ
giving him the whole morning for study; and
to the preacher, be among the hearts of your
ptopS III tlC aittiboOu. LC NbsdpBiONcu Vi
visits of two or three hours in length. They
should be only of sufficient length for accom-
plishng the great end OF our business as min
listers OF Christ.
T. Clifford and J. r. Smith were admitted,
and elected to Deacon's Orders. A srs
J. B. Lapham and A. w. Pottle were adj
mitted, and elected to Elders Orders.
John Prime is returned as withdrawn.
Jos. Gerry was superannuated.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
At 3 o'clock, a Temperance meeting was
held. Prayer was offered.
Rev. J. Allen assigned bis reason for being
a temperance man. He was total abstinence
man. Mutual aid was necessary to carry 1t
forward TO successful issue.
Rev. VIM. Mcdonald advocated the Maine
Law. 1t was a great power-its influence is
felt in other places.
Rev. J. Colby said he had seen something
Of army life-that, according to his convic-
ton, tobacco was doing more mischief In the
army than intoxicating drinks. He had come
to this conclusion from personal observation.
Rev. ID. b. Randall affirmed the Importance
OF giving to the temperance reformation a
prominent position. Maine has occupied the
first place in this cause. The Maine Law is
extensively spoken OF, but intemperance is on
the increase in Maine. Rumseling is more
common than formerly-the use of alcoholic
liquors for medicinal purposes has contributed
TO this increase. The drinking of ale, cider,
and domestic wines is a fruitful source of in
temperance, which he illustrated by examples,
and by the exhibition of the per centage of
spirit and alcohol in cider, beer, ale and
porter.
Capt. c. Sturdivant responded to the senti-
ments Of the last speaker; and urged the ne
cessity Of consistency on the part of the friends
Of temperance, and the duty of patronizing
temperance stores aud houses.
Rev. T. Hill spoke upon the use of tobacco,
and deemed the common use of tobacco as a
serious evil, and declared his sympathies in
the temperance cause.
Rev. S. II. Beale said that, though there had
been failure in obtaining an explanatory
law at the last session of our State Legisla-
ture, there had been case or cases in which
prosecutions for selling beer had been success
full, and spoke with great deal of hopefulness.
Rev. r. J. Aver rejoiced in his connection
with the Methodist Church. 1t was a tenn
perance church. He spoke of the connection
OF medicinal prescriptions with intemperance.
II. &. Barnes spoke against the practice of
tampering with domestic wines, and OF the
evils Of intemperance; and though he was de-
cidedly opposed to the use of tobacco, he
deemed the use of Intoxicating drinks as a
much more serious evil.
Rev. c. c. Covel and S. X. Leavitt made
few remarks, and the meeting was dissolved.