The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1871-10-12
Methodist State Convention,
tSECOND OAK.


The second days session of the Maine Meth
odist Mass Convention opened at the Chest
nut street church, this morning at a. m.
At s a. M, and interesting prayer meeting
was held in the church, conducted by Camp
Meeting John Allen. Several prominent cler-
gy and laymen participating.
After devotional exercises, Rev. L. D. Ward
we'll of Rockland, officiating, the business
meeting of the convention commenced.
The President, Hiram Ruggles, called Vice
President, Hon. John j. Perry of Oxford, to
the chair.
Bev. Stephen Allen of Pennington in behalf
of the committee on publication of the pro
ceedings would make pamphlet of about 50
pages, costing not less than $3.50 per thousand
The committee did not feel warranted to au-
thorize the publication at this time If sub
sequent assurances are given, and the money
forthcoming it might be done. He therefore
asked that the matter might be considered and
acted upon at later stage OF the convention,
Rev. Mr. Mr.. Stone then presented an inter-
esting essay upon the methodist institutions
of learning in Maine"
The Methodists are un1er obligations to do
their share of the education of the sons and
daughters of Maine. About one-fifth of the
population are enthusiastically in sympathy
with Methodlsm and therefore we should un-
dertake TO educate one-fifth of the State. He
approved of Common schools. They should be
encouraged, but additional institutions of
learning must be established and denomina-
tional schools can best meet the great public
want. Methodism early recognized the claims
of education in Maine. The seminaries at
Kent's Hill and Bucksport were established to
supply the needs OF the religious classes.
The large towns and cities have excellent
gaaded schools but in the rural places only the
simpler common school is afforded. Our SEM
inares do and will meet this want. He cited
the success of the Westbrook, Pittsfeld and
Normal schools and Of hers as announcements
to go ahead. If we Methodist do not educate
the.ycuth of Maine, other denominations will.
We must plant these religious seminaries
thicker.
There should be economy in managing our
schools. They must also be in Christ's service
and serve to take the place of homes to the
scholars, giving attention to religious training.
doctrines must suffer. While we desire to
make Methodist schools sectarian, we do in
tend they shall be Christian and thus Method
ism must inevitably become strengthened. He
advocated the education together of both sex.
es.
An interesting discussion followed partici.
pated in by Rev. DR.. Fl. p Jersey of Kents
Hill, Rev. L P. French, E A. Helmershau-
seq and Rev. DR.. Gilbert of Haven Boston.
All advocated more and larger educational in
stitutions.
The Hutchinson Family tribe of Asa) gave
several beautiful religious songs during the
session, and vote of thanks was unanimously
given them.
Rev. ID. B. Randall of Kendal's Mills SUBJ
mitted a resolution advising the union of the
Maine and East Maine Conferences, which
was referred to the Committee on Resolutions.
After benediction the convention adjourned
till afternoon.
AFTERNOON.
At two p. M, the convention re-assembled.
The religious exercises were conducted bv
Rev. William Butler, D. D., of Passaic. N. j..
travelling Secretary of the Methodist Episco.
pal chuch for the American and Foreign
Chrston Union. President Ruggles presided.
The. committee to devise measures to ad
vance the Educational interests of Methodism
in Maine, were announced MAINE Confer
ence Rev. Stephen Allen Pennington; Rev.
Or. ii. T. Torsey, Kent's Hill; Hon. VIM.
Deering, Portland. East Maine Conference.
Rev. +. A. Helmerhausen, Camden; Rev. G
Stone, In )mastOn; III. Muzzey, Searsport.
An essay on ministerial Education" was |
then presented by Rev. Stephen Allen of Far
mington.
The success in the ministry had not been |
with their education Too |
much culture is often Objectionable. Religious |
zeal, knowledge of the Bible and theological |
cience can hardly fail. Ministers should |
preach the gospel not read sermons. 1t dete-
eorates ministerial influence Paul was an
Y m nla Of q VT |
llso was man of culture. Young ministers
hould heed these examples and ideas. The
progressive work of carrying the gospel into
'ther lands and translating the Bible, requires
borough training in classical literature. The |
and retualism of the age demand
corresponding culture in opposing them, but
hese are exceptions. The work of carrying
he gospel to the masses needs devotion and
cal mainly. A minister pust be man for
and not effected by stormy Sun
avs or sudden events In conclusion he urg-
conservation to the service of Christ.
The next essay was upon other aspects eff the
anne subject, by Rev. A. Prince.
The State provides by its constitution for
aucallon and aid TO such institutions. Meth
ulsm Is doing its share of the worS. The
anne methods should be adopted by the State
> the haton does to provide Tor the army and |
aVy, oy aidlng In the fitting of men for cti-
ems.
Luz n0N' essay was on FINANCES, by Hon.
Iiram Ruggles of Carmel, President, al
, s. R. Leavitt of POI tland, was the other
ember assigned this subject.
Churches should igive voluntary contri-
ltions and not depend upon pew taxes A
utual system would be.advisable. A few {
,actical suggestions were made. Immediate
after the conference let the amount requir-
tor the year by each church be carefully es-
mated, except for benevolent purposes, di-
de the work of each department, canvass
oroughly and better results will fol-
W.
Mr. c. H. Baker of Portland snoka in rlaoo | :