The Portland daily press., 1876-10-09

Second and Third Days.

| Second and Third Days.
The exercises commence by prayer meet
ing at o'clock, which was well attended and
full of interest. The devotional exercises at
o'clock were conducted by X. A. Burnell of
Illinois.
AT 81 o'clock the report of w. II. Hobbs,
Corresponding Secretary, was presented, the
following being an abstract: II associations
report membership of S21 members; expenses,
S3,915; 80 weekly meetings are held; Sunday
schools; 416 conversions; 1926 volumes in
Libraries; Portland, Searsport and Viralhaven
have buildings valued at $500; Auburn ,Bidde-
ford and Lewiston have building funds amount
ing to $6S60; the Saco Association distribute
tracts by the wayside, Searsport at their
meetlHgs, and Lewiston in the lookup, at the
poor house and among the destitute. God has
wonderfully blessed the efforts of the Auburn
young men, and their work never looked
brighter than to-day; the Biddeford Associa-
ton holds sociables once in two weeks; Lewis
ton clothes the poor children and requires them
to attend some Sabbath school; Searsport and
Lewiston have held open air meetings; Vinal-
haven sustains Band of Hope Four needs
suggested themselves: A Christian orsaniza-
ton to look after the young men who do not
go to church; place of resort with Christian
surroundings, open every day; union organ
ization to unite Christians of different sects in
aggressive effort; an organization to put forth
special efforts in behalf of young men.
The first topic, "How shall we organize new
associations" was opened by Allen Folger of
| New Hampshire. In places where there is
| demand and the pastors in full sympathy draw
up preamble and canvass the town for sigma
lures, then call public meeting and have
| some one present to present the cause who is
| acquainted with the WORK. After organization,
| observe three things: Look out for finances
cultivate the social element, work.
! The next topic, "Hindrances in Association
work and how to meet them,' was opened by
| G. j. Littleield of Massachusetts. Some do
not have clear conception of the work; the
associations are not to do the work of the
churches, put are an auxiliary of the church;
there are too many ambitious men wanting
office; Association not adapted to wants of
local community sometimes; not securing CO.
operation OF pastors; the remedy for hindrances
is conservation that sinks human ambition and
exalts Jesus Christ
The last topic of the forenoon, the social
religious meeting, was opened by X. A. Burnell
OF Illinois, followed by Messrs. Moore, Little
field, Shaw and Stone, all of Massachusetts,;
Burgess of Portland, Brownville of So Bridg-
ton and others, making prominent the follow
ing points: The lie ader must know good deal
about the Word; go to meeting with defiuit
purpose; 60 praying; follow subject as much
as possible; the scope of the meeting should be
growth in grace and Leading souls to Christ;
have great deal Of hand shaking at the close
OF the meeting. The following were sugges-
tons in reference to Associate Don't be
in hurry to organize; start the work first and
organize afterwards; three persons can form an
Association; the Y. M. c. A. IS the church
workshop.
The few Closing moments were occupied by
Alden Baker of Gardiner In earnest appeal for
Sunday school work.
The devotional meeting at o'clock was con-
Quoted by Allen Folger, and the devotional
exercises by Rev. Mr.. Foster
The report of f. E. Shaw, State Secretary,
was read, an abstract of which is as follows:
80 towns have been visited; 462 meetings held;
1856 persons expressed desire to lead Chris.
tian life, many of them rejoicing in Saviour
found; meetings held with % CONGREGATIONAL,
IA Methodist Baptist, IL T. W. Baptist and
Christian Baptist churches in much harmony
aud Christian fellowship Thus work was the
most practical exemplifcation ever exhibited
to our members and the churches of the posi-
bities and bene6cent operation of associational
labor systematized. The report was followed
hu s;n D. n I
ings fow," More to Follow" Gan hail the
power of Jesus name" with much enthu.
siasm, and then a general hand shaking.
The report of q. A. Wing, Treasurer, of
Auburn, followed Cash received in collec
tions, $105.52; from churches, $57 43; Assoca-
tious, $3.50; individuals, S675; total, S112425.
expenditures, $1,03S 10.
"Evangelistic Meetings" was the subject OF
the afternoon. Messrs Moore, Burnell, Shaw
and others spoke briefly, Offering the following
hints: The object is to try to win souls to
Christ; never visit place without cordial
invitation; man who goes to races OF rides in
the smoking car is not qualified to engage in
the work; direct enquirers to the Lord Jesus
Christ
| AT the close of the remarks it was voted to
sustain evaDge!istic meetings the conf ng
months.
| At 4 O'Clock an eloquent and valu able address
| upon ''The Obligations of Christian Young
| Men," by Rev. Geo. d. Lindsay of Auburn,
was listened to, after which it was voted to
| print it 10 the proceedings.
| An Invitation to hold the next convention at
Searsport was referred to the executive COM
| mittee.
Cyrus Stardivant conducted the o'clock
meeting. The evening was devoted to stat
work. The meeting was held in City Hall,
Mr.. I'll. Nj. Moore of Boston presiding, and
large audience being present. Remarks were
made BY Messrs. Folger and Shaw from abroad
and McNenney, Lewis, Sturdivant and others
! of the state. Over $1,000 were pledged for the
state work.
| Resolutions of thanks we've extended to the
Maine Central, Rochester, and Ogdensburg
railroads and Cyrus Sturdivant, agent, and the
Christian people OF Saco.
The order of exc rcises for Sunday were:
Addresses or preaching by the delegates in the
several pulpits of Saco and Biddeford, at the
usual hours; prayer meeting at O'Clock; Bible
reading at O'clock by X. A. Burnell; young
peoples union service at q o'clock, conducted
by Ii. M. Moore; open air meeting at o'clock;
| union temperance meeting at City Hall at 81
o'clock; union gospel meeting at y o'clock
and farewell exercises at 81 o'clock, besides
other services during the day. HI.
A CENTENRIAN.-On the 9th inst seventy
five of the descendants OF Mrs. Susan q IKE
assembled at her home at the old Clarke home
| stead in Ney Sharon whare Che ;s l,;,o It'll