The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-10-23
MAINE v. NJ. C. a. CONVENTION.


The exercises commenced with a prayer
meeting, at o'clock a. M, Of much interest.
At o'clock another prayer meeting was held
conducted by Mr.. C. w. Hill of Auburn.
The hall was filled, and every moment of
time was occupied by earnest prayers and re
marks, sand the meeting was one Of great
power.
Mr. j. r. Learned of Auburn, the president,
having arrived, occupied the chair and made a
few appropriate remarks.
The devotional exercises were conducted by
Rev. w. III. MCDOWELL of Wells, who read
Romans Sth, and lead in prayer.
''Blest be the tie that binds" was sung,
The first topic of the day-"What is our
duty to strangers?" was opened by the pres-
dent, Mr.. j. Il. Learned, who read to the con-
vention a written essay. There is the bond of
humanity, but over this there is peculiarly to
US the bond of Christianity to awaken an inter
est in the stranger. The evil minded are always
watching for the stranger, and should not we
be equally yigilant? As associations we should
introduce strangers to association homes. Our
rooms are neither attractive nor convenient
There is not an Association in Maine that owns
every town of a thousand inhabitants, aud
every one should have a home Strangers
should be made to feel that they are one of us.
Every Association should have reading room
and circulating library. Another source of
mental improvement and entertainment is the
lyccum. There might be occasionally free lee
lures at the rooms. Many os our members are
wanting to be set to work. we should intro
duce the stranger to the church of his choice,
and influence him to attend regularly the stated
meetings. The essayist closed his intensely
interesting and practical essay by painting
vivid picture Of the downward course of many
young men.
Mr.. Francis Murphy said it meant good
deal TO take strangers By the hand. Our hearts
must run over if we would save men.
Mr.. j. X. Osgood of Gardiner referred to
some of his experiences.
Rev. II. Whitcher of Saccarappa was much
Pleased with the essay.
Mr.. B. f. Leavitt of Portland said there was
no question so vital.
Dr. Verrapus Morse of Brooklyn, member of
the International Executive Committee. pre-
scented to the convention the plans of this
committee in organizing campaigns or union
gospel meetings in the different states, de.
scription OF which lie gave. Reference was
made to the Illustrated Christian Weekly, the
organ of the Associations, and of its value to
our work
Rev. A. S. Laid of Bddefora refe rred to his
experience as a stranger in . strange city, and
of the Importance of this work. We should
speak to strangers at the close of the church
services before we speak to each other.
Rev. w. Fl. MCDOWELL of Wells said we
ought to be on the lookout for strangers. Could
not understand how any pastor could not be in
sympathy with the Association.
Capt. Cyrus Sturdvant Of Portland related
an encouraging incident in his work, illustrat-
ing the Scripture text, ''Bo careful to entertain
strangers
Mr.. 3. P. Lowell of Auburn said there was
great deal in shaking hands,
Mr.. A. L. Morey of Auburn said that Chris
tian cordially led him to Christ. He was once
an infdel, but he could not withstand the love
of Christ as manifested in his people,
Rev. j. M. Brownyille of Bridgton said there
was a sermon sometimes in a shake of the
hand and kind look. Men are more willing
20 receive the truth than we are to mpart it.
The remaining time was mostly occupied in
answering questions from the Question Box.
The temperance meeting of the evening at
City Hall was referred to, and as the work en-
gagged in by the reformed men was identical
with the work of the Associations, it was voted
that the convention adjourn in the afternoon
,.~s&a =. ~,
workers at City Hail.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The prayer meeting was conducted by Rev.
A. S. Ladd, the usual good number being pres
ent, and the time fully occupied.
The business meeting was called to order by
the president, who invited the audience to sing
"Must Jesus bear the Cross alone?" after
which Rev. Stephen Allen led in prayer.
The first topic of the afternoon "What is
the work of Associations in towns?'-was
opened by Mr.. II. Woodward of Winthrop
They should work outside of the fields of the
church. A library is valuable auxiliary. A
pleasant room should be kept open and fur
nished, as an evening resort. Social gatherings
are desirable.
A collection Of S45 G. was at this time taken
up.
Should efforts among the degraded aud out
cast be undertaken"
Yes; aud need rot say more. Every other
kind of work sinks into insignifcance COM
pared 10 it; the lost are those that we should
go after. Go out after the poor and outeast no
matter il your clothes are soiled.
But will it pay? Yes, it pays splendid; i'm
mortal souls win be your reward. Amt it
worth little labor to accomplish such work ?
What will be said to you bye and bye? The
Judgment Day is solemn time, and we shall
be there, and we shall have it said to MS if we
are faithful, 'Well done, good and faithful
servants" Thoughts of this labor give us a
reward that the world cannot take away.
A half-kour was now given to the answering
of questions.
1t was voted that the place of holding the
next convention be left with the executive
committee.
Resolutions of thanks were passed t. the
Portland Association for generous hospitality
to the Maine Central and Portland s. Ogdens-
burg railroads, for free return tickets; to the
publishers of the DAILY PRESS for the full re
port of the proceedings, and the donation of
copies to delegates; and to the retiring officers.
TIE convention then adjourned, after which
a wonderful season Of prayer and praise was
beld, which was closed by the young men join
ing hands and singing ''Shall We Gather at the
River?'
The following is a list of the delegates and
visitors that were present:
Auburn. R. Learned, j. f. Cobb, Allen
Pompilly, w. a. Robinson, B. p Lowell, John
Rolfe, c. w. Hill, A. Sevali, A. X. p. Jordan,
L. l.. Dingey.
Lewiston-A. L. Mercy, T. Z. Phillips, Rey.
NJ. Fl. Tarboy.
Augusta-Wm. Hodges, David Cargil, j. s.
Turner.
BriJgton-Rev. J. w. Brownyile, e. R.
Staples, N. Lincoln
So Bridgton-T b. Knapp.
BATH. NJ. Moody, I. N. Huntington.
Weston, II. S. Colby, G. Sturdivant, w. NJ,
Marks, A. S Fuller, d. b. Kicker, H. II. Bur
CESS, NJ. L. Burr.
Richmond-E. d. Lamson.
Winthrop-J. E. Briggs, L. T. Carleton, Fl.
Woodward Mary f. Woodward Mrs. S. d.
Coffin, Mrs. J. NJ. Benjamin, Mrs. S. r. Wood,
Mrs. Nellie Richmond, G. NJ. Jones, Mr.. and
Mrs. S. G. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Wing,
G. NJ. Barley, A. j. Williams.
Biddeford-W. N. Bessey, Samuel Water
house, H. Fl. Burnham, G. d. Jordan, e. G.
W;lson Abort RhipaS nj n Avar Mr ond