Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-10-29
e had received great strength and profit by

he had received great strength and profit by
the entire services of the occasion. The As
sociations have apparently avenues of ap-
proach to young men that the church has not.
They are recruiting officers for the army of
the Lord, armed and equipped with all that is
necessary for complete and decisive victory.
Gods word contains material enough for us
all. Our hope is not i'll creeds, but in Christ
crucified. The bible reveals to us God, sin,
and the help. With this book in our hands
its precepts in our hearts, great victories can
be won. Let Christians seize upon every OPP
portunity to do good. The bright banner Of
Christianity has been bravely upheld by those
who have passed into the long procession to
the grave They have left us the glorious
example of their faith.
Fifteen minutes was then devoted to
praise meeting confined to singing.
The concluding topic for discussion was
"What attitude should our Associations take
in reference to the moral reforms of the pres
ent time 2"
Rev. Mr.. Boyd of Biddetord, opened the
discussion. He said that we should take q
position unmistakable and we'll defined. We
should have a frank, open, outspoken oppo-
stion to everything that is wrong and in favor
of everything that will advance and do men
good.
The speaker was followed by Rev. Mr..
Martin, Fuller, Zines of Halowell and others.
after which the hymn was sung.
My soul be on thy guard
The question drawer was then opened, and
it was found that the first question was the
one which had already been under discussion,
to be answered by Mr.. Moody. He said that
he was opposed to all secret societies of the
day. He thought the cross of Christ sufficient
for every grade of crime and every phase Of
sin.
How can we have better singing in our as
sociations? Assemble for practice with some
competent teacher.
How can we bring back members who have
once been active, and who now neglect to
work in the association? Find something
for them to do. Put them in some response
bic position, and let them know that they have
some care.
Mrs. Whitmire of Philadelphia, was noticed
in the room, and was called upon to address
the convention. She said the special means
of spreading the gospel were not new. They
were known and recognized in all ages. In
pushing forward the great work OF saving men
the part that women should bear had been
comparatively overlooked, and that they had
been left unemployed. They have qualitca-
tons peculiarly valuable for the work Hith
erto they have gone forth in the name of phi
lanthropy rather than religion. The moral
conflicts of the age must be met in the houses
Of the people where womans power is felt
nightly Then our constantly increasing
population by means OF immigration, bringing
to our shores all the anti christian elements.
There is danger here and much work to he
done. If political economists tremble i! IS
time for the church to arouse herself and go
forth on her God-giyen mission. Christians
are not keeping pace with the activities of the
world-they are employing but fraction of
the church. II the people will not reach the
church, the church must 90 after and reach
them. If this cannot be done by ordinary
means extraordinary means should be resort
ed to- The minister or the men of the church
cannot do all the work. The Young Mems
Christian Associations are accomplishing
much Now add to these elements of power
the help that women can bring. They are
fitted by nature TO be ministers of truth to the
despairing soul-to go into the houses of the
people, the prisons, and dens of intamy and
scatter the words of truth. They can utter
words of truth and love that will find lodg-
ment in the heart The women of this day
need a personal work. There is too much
worldlness. We can hardly tell where the
world leaves off and where the church begins.
Mrs. Whitmire's appeal was effective and
most eloquent, and closed with the thought
that women ask not for position in political
life or in the pulpit, but the blessed privilege
of working for Christ in the homes of the
people.
After singing and benediction, adjourned
to evening
EVENING.
The convention met for the closing exer-
cises at o'clock.
After singing, a portion of scripture was
recited by Camp Meeting John Allen.
Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr.. Baker of
Winthrop.
The evening was then given up to deyo-
tional exercises. The house was crowded,
and spirit of devotion seemed to pervade the
entire assemblage. Brief but fervent prayers
were uttered, short but warm and earnest ex-
hortations offered, and sweet songs sung with
the spirit and the understanding also. Cases
of hopeful conversions were mentioned by
several. twenty-five or thirty persons took
part in the exercises.
At the close of the devotional exercises
Mrs. Whitmre again addressed the conven-
ton with great earnestness and eloquence on
subjects which she discussed in the afternoon.
A collection was taken up amounting to
37.49 for the objects of the State Convention.
Mr.. Moody of Chicago then gave the clos
ing address of the convention, moving his
auditors to tears during his earnest appeals.
The President offered few parting words,
the customary resolutions for courtesies ex-
tended were passed, and silent prayer offered
of one minute, broken by Rev. DIR. Kicker.
At quarter to ten o'clock the exercises of
the evening and the meetings of the conven-