Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-06-28
Congregational State Conference at skoshegan.
SECOND DAY-WEDNEsDAY.


SECOND DAY-WEpSEsDAY.
Conference met at o'clock. Hon. Nelson
Dlngley, Jr. in the Chair. After the usual pre-
Itinerary exercices proceeded to business.
The report of the Delegates to the Oberlin
National Council represented the council as
voluntary association with basis of union
framed purposely not to exclude any Evan
gelical Congregational church. That its &C.
ton can have no authority but that Of infu-
ence; that it cannot offset the Ecclesiastical
and UNCONVENTIONAL standing Of any churches
whether choosing or refusing to share its de-
lberatons
Missionary sermon before the Maine Mis-
sionary Society by Rev. Jos. Smith Of Low
ell. Text ID Cor. 3 Theme. Paul's stand
point of view of the Messiah and man, the
stand point Of the church for the work of the
gospel. The report of the Treasurer and
Trustees showed that the association had in
the field 1913 missionaries, increase OF over
last year, that the money was expended on
l2S towns that 324 persons had been added
to the churches through their labors. The
socicty's report shows good healthy, effect.
i've condition. Remarks followed by Rev.
VIM. Bolster of Wiscasset, on the adyan-
tages of missionary labor over labor in larger
and richer fields lie represented the problem
of human destiny itself involved in the mis-
sionary question. Rev. Father Adams of
WateIviile, spoke on the necessity Of having
men who will go 10 those rural districts
and stay; much advantage is lost by want Of
permanent ministry in the rural districts;
wanted men of real grit to consecrate them
selves to this work. Rev. Mr.. Woodworth of
Mass. thought two things necessary. First,
The stronger churches should willingly and
literally aid the weaker churches, because
they are as dependent upon them for their
support and effectiveness a. the kennebec
river upon its sources among the hills. Sec
ond, That our Theological Seminaries furnish
us men better qualified to endure hardship
men who are willing 10 so to the front: not
men who seek Immediately some large and
well paying church If the service was rep
resented with all its difficulties men would
accept them, whereas they would refuse if
represented as less difficult. though more
commonplace. He illustrated his idea BY
the readiness OF soldiers to obey command
which involved difficulty and danger, bu,
shigked all they could in the matter Of clean
ing camp, &c. Rev. Mr. Palmer of Portland,
who had experienced some OF the difficulties
mentioned, thought it very nice thing to be
in good comfortable place and talk. Rev.
Mr. Wvlie Of Minnesota thought the Difficult
~ in meeting the question Of supply of min
listers for rural districts. 10 he in the fact that
the system Of education and training Of min
isters. educated them cut Of sympathy with
tie masses. Give all the training YOU can
and as wisely; but make somehow all the
ministers needed. Rev. Mr.. Ham of the
mission from Bingham made plea for his
church in process OF building there. Rev.
Il. L. Howard of Princeton, ILL.,, formerly
OF Farmington said the Kingdom of Christ
was not limited to certain localities; not to
be measured by place; the Kingdom of God
is unit, anywhere we labor we labor in it.
He said it was not always wise course for
a man to 80 to place with Il determination
of staying there permanently; not wise for
a minister to buy house. let him be free to
do as circumstances dictate. Remarks were
also made by Mr.. Shaw of Paris.
The following officers of the Maine Mis-
sionary Association We're chosen:
President, J. O. Fiske: Vice President. J.
s. WheeIright; Stephen Thurston Secretary
and Treasurer; Trustees, j. o. Fiske, f..
C.. Pond, Stephen Thurston, Wooster
Parker Henry f. Harding, }. :. Wheelright
Peter II. Thayer, John X. Ilerrict, Albert
Dole, Soloman z. Fay, Simon Page, VIM.
II. Farr, Joseph Titcomb, Nelson Dingley,
J. ID. Emerson.