The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-04-27
Maine Conference Methodist Episcopal
Church.

the Missionary sermon from I'd Cor. 10: Is, 16.
He gave us very vivid account of the life
and travels of the Apostle. He then enunc-
ated the doctrines of the text to be, that in
crease of Faith in the church gives hope that
interest in the missionary work will increase.
He presented the objects of faith tending to
this end.
Saturday Morning-The Conference was
opened with the usual religious services by
Bro. G. w. Morse. The journal was read and
approved.
Jos. l.. Morse, S. Payne, N. Critchett, and
n. ID. Whitman we're continued on trial.
John Mitchell was continued as superanua-
ted.
Oliver NJ. Cousins was elected to be ordained
Deacon.
Rev. ID. NJ. Graham, Cor. Messenger of the
Maine Western Yearly Meeting of the +. w.
Baptists, rendered the congratulations Of the
churches represented by him.
The Stewards reported the basis Of their
appropriations.
The Trustees of the Conference announced
by the Treasurer that the Conference
were authorized to draw on the trustees for
$500 for needy preachers, tS70,40 of which be-
longed to the L. Maine Conference, )and $50
for Domestic Missions. The Conference order
ed the drafts.
The Managers of the Preachers Aid Society
were associated with the Stewards in dsburs-
ing monies for needy preachers.
DIR. Harris addressed the Conference on the
subject of Missions. He gave us brief ac-
count of our missions, and presented in very
clear and forcible manner, the ''modus operan-
di" of our missionary society in raising and
dsbursing the funds of the society.
The hour assigned for fixing the seat Of our
next Conference III o'clock having arrived,
invitations were extended from Gorham, Hal
lowell, Pennington, Gardiner, Wesley Church,
Bath; Skowhegan. Wesley Church, Bath,
was fixed upon as the place of holding the
session of this Conference in 1854.
Ats p. NJ, after prayer by Rev. s. Lord,
Rev. c. Munger announced for a text Eph. 6:
49,; from which he gave an able sermon,
Astounding in historical and chronological facts,
and explained the day Of evil referred to as
the day of persecution-the day of trial-and
urged the duty of that day.
Saturday Ecening-The S. S. Anniversary
was held. Ater singing by the children, Rev.
Mr.. Randall who was chairman of the meet
ing, declared his interest in the Sunday School.
He freely spoke of some Of the difficulties in
the way of more complete success-such as
the limited time devoted to the Sunday school
and the want of more general interest in the
church.
Rev. c. f. Allen presented partial report
of the Sunday School returns to the Confer
ence, and of the latest returns from all the
Conferences as reported to the Corresponding
Secretary of the 5. S. Union of the NJ. 4.
Church at New York. He has for many years
been identified with the Sunday School-as a
Scholar, Teacher Superintendent, Secretary,
Lbrarian-and still loves TO labor in the Sun
day School.
Hon. j. j. Perry being called upon spoke Of
the Importance of the Sunday School In the
maintenance of church organization and reli-
gious worship. The library is of great impor-
lance to the Sunday Schools. 1t may cost
something to keep it in good condition and to
maintain the interest ia Sunday School. But
II the Sunday School Is worth anything it must
cost something. He advocated the festival
and other matters in which the children shall
feel deep interest.
Rev. J. Allen, always ready to speak in
good cause, talked in his off-hand style, ex-
hibited his zeal and interest in the Sunday
School-spoke Of the influence of following
good impressions on the success and prosperity
Of children by reference to various incidents.
S. X. Leavitt made few pertinent inquiries
as to the reasons why so few of the church
were interested in the Sunday School, in view
of its Importance as here asserted. He favors
the appropriating of the whole afternoon 10
the Sunday School, and expressed his continu-
ed deep interest in this work.
Rev. w. Mcdonald advocated the idea of
devoting half the Sabbath day to the Sunday
School, having tested the plan by actual ex-
perience.
ing by the children.
SERVICES on SUNDAY.
Sunday morning, at o o'clock, the Confer
ence Loveleast was held. This is always an
occasion to which the members OF the Confer
ence and the Church look forward with great
interest. At an early hour Chestnut Street
Church was well filed. Amer singing hymn
of praise to God, Rev. P. c. Richmond led the
church in solemn prayer. The usual custom Of
distributing bread and water, as simple token
Of christian fellowship, was duly observed.
The testimony Of christian and ministerial
experience from more than 80 ministers and
members of the church were listened TO with
the closest attention. The fathers told US Of DIFF
flculties surmounted-of battles fought, OF VIC
tories won, of glorious hopes Of eternal life
cherished. The sons spoke of ardent attach
merit to the church-of firm determination to
be faithful In the service of God--of hopes Of
usefulness here and OF glory hereafter. 1t was
a good-it was profitable season. Many
could say, 1t is good to be here.
We rejoiced that our fathers Wentworth,
Burnham, Richmond, Harrington and Harri-
man, now superannuated, still linger among
us cheering their younger brethren on by their
good counsel and Cody example.
At 1880 A. NJ. the Chestnut Street Church
was crowded to excess. The services, which
were conducted by Bishop Simpson, commenc-
ed by singing the AID hymn-"Being of beings,
God of love- Prayer followed, in which the
Bishop was earnest in invoking blessings up