The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-02-21
Csnvensien of Evang eiicai Churches.


Agreeably to previous notice, a Convention
of the Evangelical Churches of this city was
held at High Street Church on Thursday af-
ternoon and evening. The exercises were
opened by singing hymn selected by Rev.
DR.. Carruthers, who also read the Scriptures
Rev. T. o. Moulton of Casco Street Church
was called upon to offer prayer, who was fol-
lowed by Judge Davis.
The opening address was by Rev. DIR. Car
ruthers, in which he stated that while the
Convention represented different churches it
occupied common ground on the fundamental
doctrine which not only enabled them but
made it obligatory to unite their efforts in en-
deavoring to extend the great principles of
Christianity. He spoke of the great necessity
of having faith in God while in the use of the
means appointed to secure revival of relig-
ion, without which every effort would be una
vailing.
He was followed by remarks from Rev. DR.
Smaller of Congress Street Baptist Church, on
the nature of true revival; and by Rev. Dr.
Pennington of the Newbury Street Church
and Rev. Mr. Southworth of the Bethel in
prayer. l.-
An officer of one of che English steamers,
whose name we did not learn, addressed the
Convention in an earnest and forcible man.
ner on the obligations and duties of Chris
tians. 5fl1f.tl Il
Rev. Mr.. Dalton OF st. Stephens Church
addressed the Convention on the present ne
cessity OF a revival of religion, showing very
clearly that the church needed revival of
pure and unadultersted religion which would
lead it to take higher and holier ground than
it now occupied.
He was followed by Rev. Mr.. Southworth on
the same subject who spoke of the large num-
Der who were going on in sin, and no direct ef-
fort on the part of Christians made to save
them.
Mr.. b. Thurston was the next speaker, who
gave several reasons why there was present
necessity for a revival of religion, one ofwhich
was, that the church had pitched its tent on
too low plain; it ought to move On and take
higher ground, and thereby have more infiu-
ence for good over those who are as yet unbe.
levers.
Rev. Mr.. Wetherbee spoke on the agencies
needful for q revival. He said the agency on
which Christians must rely for revival was
the Holy Spirit. All other agencies, without
il, we're powerless, but with it all-powerful
His remarks were earnest and faithful, and
were listened to with the deepest interest.
Rev. Mr.. Fem spoke on means to be used
to secure a revival. Among which are the
preaching the Gospel, the reading the Scrip.
lures, pointing to the Cross and a crucifed
Savior. ce
The church was nearly filled, all manifest.
ing the deepest interest in the subject pre-.
scented.
EVENING SESSION.
The Convention was opened by an address
by the Chairman, Rev. DR.. Carruthers, in
which he stated the object of the Convention
and the proceedings of the afternoon meeting
After singing by the choir, Rev Mr.. Tewks.
bury of the West Congregational Church
spoke on the office of the Gospel ministry as
an agency in securing revival. He gave il.
Illustrations OF the power of the preaching o.
the Apostles and of Gospel ministers since, in
securing the conversion of souls.
Rem arks were made by John Neal, ESQ.
Rev. Mr.. Martin of Congress Street Methodist
Church, Rev. Mr.. Hall, Mr.. Hunter, an officer
of the English steamer Peruvian, Mr.. |. H
Coffin, Rev. DR.. Pennington, Rev. Mr.. Moul-
tonp Mr.. Sands of Lewiston, Mr.. A. j. Chase
Rev. Mr.. Fem, Rev. Mr.. Fink of Central
Church, and others whose names we did NOT
learn.
The addresses were inserspersed with sing
ing appropriate hymns by the congregation
and the choir, which added much to the inter-
est of the exercises.
b. The attendance was larger in the evening
than in the afternoon, and the short and stir
ring addresses listened to with deep interest
A desire was expressed that these meetings
might be continued, and it was said arrange
ments would be made accordingly.