The Portland daily press., 1864-06-24
Maine Congregational Conference.
SEARsPoRr, June 81, 1864.

Editor Of the Press:
The steamer Lady Lang was crowded with
passengers last evening, chiefly TO attend the
annual conventions on the Penobscot, OF three
religious bodies, namely: The Unversalist at
Orono, the Baptist at Bangor, and the Con-
gregationsl at Searsport. A large number
were landed at this place; and 1t is due to the
gentlemanly proprietots Of the boat to say,
that she was taken Out Of her regular course
five or six miles, for our especial accommoda.
ton, although the fare was only half price!
The weather is delightful, Penobscot Bay Is
10 all Its glory, and the scenery Is enchanting
The general attendance Is large, and the
delegation quite full from all parts Of the
State. There are also present representatives
Of religious bodies from Ohio, Iowa, and other
States, and from Canada.
Rev. DIR. Harris, professor in Bangor Semi
nary, is Moderator of Conference. and Dea.
L. +. Duren, nov for the fourth term, is Sec
Rotary.
A committee Of which Rev. Wooster Park
err OF Biddeford, is chairman, presented reso-
lutions upon the state OF the country, which
were unanimously adopted. The following
are perhaps the most important
Resolred, That we rs-afiirm our general
confidence ia the policy OF the Administra-
ton, and more than ever feel II our duty to
give the Government a cordial and earnest
support in thoroughly suppressing the rebel
lion, and restoring the Union ON the basis of
Liberty.
Resolced, That in common with our noblest
patriots and purest statesmen, we deem it
duty TO exert our utmost influence TO secure
such an amendment of the constitution as
shall extingush slavery from the land, and
prohibit IL forever.
resolution was also adopted in reference
to the Freedmen.
Prior to the discussion of these resolutions,
an able sermon was delivered before the Con-
ference by Rev. Richard b. Thurston Of Wal
than, Mass, on the text, "He that would be
great among you, let him be your minister" or
the ministry of Christ.
A leading topic OF the discourse was that
the higher classes resisted his influence upon
themselves and upon the masses, and closed
their doors to the heavenly visitor. Hence he
could not minister TO them; for he always re-
spected the laws OF social propriety. Mercy
attacked no mans perogative.
The discussions OF the resolutions In the az
ternoon was to the point. The speaking was
earnest and unquali6ed-for the day of tenn
porising is passed. Rev. Mr.. johnson OF Ban
gor, opened the discussion, and was followed
by Rev. Messrs. Cutter Of Belfast DIR. Chick
ering of Portland, DR.. Holbrook of Iowa,
Bowker of Bluehll, late Chaplain of 18th Me-,
Adams OF Auburn, Hanks Of Mass, and Hon.
S. G. Fessenden Of Rockland
Interesting remarks as 10 the growth OF
Congregationalism in Iowa, were made by Dr.
Holbreok, who stated that Iowa had furnished
5000 three years volunteers, 10000 one hun
dred days men, and whole regiment of men
over As years of age; and that they would
fight on until slavery should be utterly abol-
ished.
Among the members OF Conference Is Rev.
N. Douglass of Bangor, who was present at
the first session in ls2l-forty years ago.
A discourse was delivered in the evening
before society to aid the widows and orphans
of ministers, by Rev. Mr.. Walker of your city.
lie greatly magnined the Office of the chris
tian ministry, and highly eulogised the rural
pastors's wife, but not exceeding the bounds
OF palpable truth. 1t was a severe but just
reflection upon the want OF appreciation of
ministerial services, and upon the stinted sup
port Of the ministry, although, he said, there
was not the least personal reason for CON-
plant on bis part, but the reverse s.