The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1868-04-16
Estab ablished in 1040.
County Christian Convention.
FIRST AND SECOND DAY.

FIRST AND SECOND DAY.
(The meagre report of Thursday
afternoons work is supplemented
here by giving in brief the substance
of the discussion.)
Opening address by Rev. f. H.
Waring:
Brethren and Sisters in Christ
/ can
hardly find words to express my
feelings upon the present occasion
Representing various christian dc.
nominations, we have come together
to consult respecting the interests Of
the Redeemer's Kingdom. We meet
to discuss matters pertaining to
science, andindustry. Even Worlds
conventions and fairs are held in
reference to earthly things. Why
should we not discuss plans and de.
liberate as christians concerning the
vastly more important affairs of sal
vation9 Our work is great in its ex
tent. Have you thought that the
world, if saved, must be converted at
least once in thirty years? Each
new generation must be led to Jesus.
How the work presses upon us on
every hand; what influence Of infdel-
ity and sin are to be met and over
come; what multitudes of perishing
sinners are living in our midst Our
work is great in its interests. The
best interests of society are involved
in it. We work for souls. Other
things that call tor our endeavors are
perishing; this will endure forever
Our work is great in its helps
The great captain Of our slvation
has said: "Lo am with you even to
the end Of the world" 1t is great
in its results. 1t is spreading civil
ization, knowledge, and happiness
all over tie earth, reclaiming its
waste places, and bringing souls to
christ and heaven. And it is great
in its reward. "They that be wise
shall shine IS the armament, and they
that turn many to righteousness as
the stars forever and ever" l re-
joice, my friends, that we have been
able to overthrow the walls of de-
nominational feeling and prejudices,
and, as brothers and sisters in christ,
join in the duties Of this convention.
As fellow laborers I welcome you,
ministers and laity, and invoke the
blessing of God upon our delibera-
tions; that we may not only find out
how to direct our energies, but have
grace and strength to go out to con-
secrated labor for the Lord.
Upon the topic, "The necessity OF
more earnest christian effort"
Rev. Mr.. McElroy-There has
been perhaps too much of routine;
we should not be satisfied with oc.
casional revivals; should look for re.
vivals daily, hourly; there are somo
who give property and think that
enough; some do personal work, but
are we sufficiently in earnest2 Ho
feared not.
Rev Mr. Merrill said: We do not
feel it enough a privilege to work
for christ; we talk too much about
tie cross.
Rev Mr. Boggs said: We want
motive power which is found in the
love of God.
Mr. Champion thought there were
many reasons why there should be
greater activity now than ever.
Rev. Mr.. Reineck. We live in an
age when there should be no dwarfs,
no sluggards in the church.
Mr.. Farwell.-The topic implies
there is earnestness, but we want
more earnestness.
Rev. Mr.. Bross, wanted to hear
more laymen speak.
Mr.. CASTOR said there is no ques-
tion but that we want more efiicien-
cy in the church but how to obtain
it2 There are leaders, let us set them
forth and follow them.
Mr.. Halloway thought we should
not wait for leaders but take hold of
the work at once.
Discussion on second topic. sHow
can the Laity be more efficiently en-
ployed in the work ofChrist." 4 to 5.
Rev. J. NJ. Chamberlin, in opening
the discussion said:
Let it be understood that the min.
ister doesn't want to put burdens up
on laymen; Christ doesn't want to
put burdens upon any one, but it is
simply entering into privilege More
efficiency lies in personal, spiritual
growth. Every layman may aid in
the growth Of pastor; when the pas
tor suggests work, let the laymen
respond readily, heartily. Readiness
is mportant;-readiness to pray for
the success OF the word; to be at
prayer meeting promptly and to be
ready to take part; to attend preach
ing and invite others; to speak ofthe
excellencies of the sermon; to meet
finances Of the church; to speak
word for Christ, to christians and 9TH
ers; to assume responsibility for mis-
sionary work, &C..
Miss Jones spoke Of the impor-
tance Of inviting others to the sane
tuary.
Mr.. Wells, of Fairfield, spoke of
the work Of the Young Mems Chris
tian association in that city
Mr.. Halloway said, it was impor-
tant for laymen to feel that they
have something to do One reason why
he should be earnest in il is, because
the time is short.