The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1875-06-10
reported for the Press.]
mberland Conference.
SECOND DAY.

In the evening of Tuesday an interesting
praise meeting was well attended and led by
Mr.. George f. French of Lewiston. In har-
mony with this exercise discussion of Chris
tian joyfulness, its Importance, helps and hind
rance" followed. Revs. A. ii. Wright of Port
land, and E. A. Harlow of Cape Elizabeth, in
troduced the subject in such manner as to
provoke much enthusiasm, so that at late
hour speaking could not easily be concluded.
Wednesday forenoon the question Of Lay
Evangelization' practical lessons can
we learn from the signal success with which
God has recently attended lay effort in Great
Britain, Germany and this country" ELECTED
the deepest interest and enthusiasm OF the au-
dience, which filled the meeting house. Hon.
H. 81. Burgess introduced the subject. He
dwelt upon two elements of Mr.. Moodys pow
er, which were most practically suggestive.
The speaker stated that his own acquaintance
with Mr.. Moody, several years ago, had i'm
pressed upon him the Importance of the study
of human nature. A knowledge of human
nature was decided element of power in Mr..
Moody But especially had Mr.. Burgess been
impressed with the thoroughness in which Mr..
Moody had gone through the Bible, SO as to
bring that Book to bear upon human nature,
and to understand human nature in the lig bit
of the Bible. There is not an incident IN the
Bible which Mr.. Moody cannot call to his ser
vice at any time, nor ally phase of human ex'
periepce to which he cannot summon some pas
sage of Scripture.
Rev. Mr.. SoutAworth followed with great
earnestness, showing that this is the question
e H. I,1,, 20 fha M
bringing all the force of the church to bear in
this work. He effectively alluded to the recent
menace of the highest Rcmish authority in the
state-"That the Bible must be kept away from
the people,
Rev. DR.. Carruthers having entered the house
was then called upon, and spoke at length with
some of his best power. He developed and APP
piled so far as they could be applied, one by
one, the elements of Mr.. Moody's power. He
spoke OF his iron constitution, the royalty of
the man, by which he could command any one,
none ever thinking of refusing Mr. Moody
This was illustrated by his call upon leading
Theological Professor at one time, asking him
to dismiss his students.or suspend the exercises
for day or more that he might'address con-
yentjon of Young Mems Christian Associations
and the Professor went, saying that no other
man in America could have persuaded MIN 10
do it. MIR. Moody is man OF supreme 1aith.
He believes in God; he believes IN Inc DID
so that it is the testimony of his auditors tnat
when he is speaking they think not of sMr. NJ.
Admiration for him is an after thought, post
humous result The results of Mr.. Moodys
work continue. There is better state OF the
churches in Edinburgh now than when Mr.. M.
left in October, '73 This is attributable to his
method of calling the people of all denomina-
tons together for prayer weeks or months pc
fore he visits place. They are all ready for
him. A book might be written on the inftu-
ence of Gods work through Mr.. Moody upon
missions. There are more men-from the rich
and highest classes, as we'll as the middle and
lower-passng into the ministry than ever be
fore in Great Britain.
Rev. Mr.. Byington of Brunswick, followed
DIR. Carruthers at some length. Others spoke
earnestly, words which might well be published
at length did a newspaper report allow.
Tne discussion was brought to practical
conclusion, when, reminded by Rev. Joseph
Torrey that members of the churches were Or
ten ready to work if only told how, the confer
ence passed the following:
Resolued That committee of iaymen ADD
pastors be appointed by this conference to pro-
mote the visits of efficient laymen to different
churches of the conference, with view to
stimulating and developing the lay talent in
our churches.
A committee of six was appointed, two lay
men and a pastor for each, tor the region Oh
Lewiston and Portland.
I'm the afternoon the conference sermon was
preacbed by Rev. Joseph Smith OF Minot, the
house being full, as was the case with every
session. After partakng OF the LORD supper
thanks were given the people, church and pas
tor for abundant hospitality, excellent program
me and arrangements. go
The conference in the full houses, ferven'
spirit and stimulating exercises, reminded old
er members of the best days OF It's history