Daily Kennebec journal., 1877-11-06

ton, branches OF which are estAOlsheu III seNerai
of the larger towns and cities of Maine. They
not only carry the Gospel to those who would be
likely to avail themselves of the ordinary means
to its attainment, but assist young men in obtain
ing foothold in society that will elevate them in
the social scale, finding employment for those who
need it, and doing a general work Of benefcence.
A State convention of the Associations of
Maine was held at Auburn, commencing on Fri
day and continuing over Sunday Friday was de-
voted to the election of officers, the discussion of
the question, "The Qualification of Christian
workers, lit being decided that consecra ion
should be the chief qualifcatIon-and other ques-
tlons OF vital interest TO the cause. Devotional
meetings were held at intervals.
Saturday morning, the topics of sustaining and
organizing Associations, was opened by MIR. L.
X. Cree of the National Executive Committee.
The relation of the church to the Association was
also discussed, it being thought that the Associa-
ton should always be aux Hillary to the church. 1t
tended to make members Of churches active and
aggressive. The Association and church should
work together in harmony. Among those who
participated in the discussion were Mr.. Rowland
of Phila, Mr.. Stone of Mass, Col. F. +. Shaw.
Hon. ii. II. Burgess OF Portland J. NJ. Larfabee
of Gardiner. Charlie kendiick of Boothbay.
Ia the afternoon, after bible reading by Mr..
Rowland. on the theme "rhe Field" the topic
was considered. "Young Men IN colleges and in
sttuiions of lesrning-what more can we do for
themf" This topic was opened by Rev. A. r.
Tinker Of Auburn, with his usual energy and di
rectness. There are young men in colleges who
are waiting for some one to speak to them on the
subject of their souls salvation. Month after
month passes, perhaps years, without this being
done. The temptations of college life are apt to
draw men to sceptci>m and worldliness-they
dritt naturally down the stream of scientific inf
deity. To save them from this. and also from in
temperance and other vices, is the province of the
gospel; and 1t must be carried to them Stu
dents who now seem careless and reckless, may
be reached by young Den ful of the spirit. The
great need is that the spirit of God should come
down upon our colleges and other Institutions of
Learning.
Rev. MIR Kimball of Wells, thought our SYM
pathy ought to extend not only to the colleges
but also to seminaries of learning and female
schools. The men of education are to rule the
country-tbey are TO be the controlling force
aud they should be sanctifed. Every educated
man should he patron of some school, living
epistle of such. The influence of Christians W i'll
depend greatly upon their being men Of education.
We ,hould cultivate habits Of study, and dig deep
into he hidden treasures of Christ. Less time
should he gwen to prayer. and more TO the study
OF the Word The best way to interest young
men in education is to set them ut work.
Nj. Cree of New York came to the practical
side OF the SUBJECT by say ing that the State exec
utIve committee should see to it that Y. NJ. c.
associations are established in the colleges OF the
> ate. Converted physicians should impress mp
ON The minds of their patients who were coming
to he close of life, OF leaving portion of their
property for gospel work.
Rev. Mr.. Tsrbox, city missionary, opened the
question 70 hat are our responsibilities in regard
to the temporal necessities of young men p
Christ first opened the eyes of the blind man. aud
then gave him sight to the soul. We must look
out Tor the physical natures of men, and then
attend to their spiritual wants. 1t is Of no use to
talk to poor fellow OF Chl ist when he is suffer-
ing for want OF food to eat, or clothes to wear
lie related incidents of men being helped To food,
clothing and work. and then many Of them being
led TO Christ. Those who had no homes were fur
nish with both homes and friends. Henry Wilson
was once tramp. seeking for work and finding
none. BE merciful to these tramps and help
them.
Alr. Learned of Auburn thought we ought
TO give tramps work. and not money.
Mr. Stone said he was 10 great sympathy with
uawps and related an incident that occurred in
Philadelphla, showing how a poor tramp had
friends raised up Tor him. lie was REM nded
that he was made in the image Of God, aud was
asked to look up, and do the best he could to have
the image restored.
IL. b Smith of Portland. knew q tramp who
was now one OF tue most useful members of the
Society
VIM. Hamlen said he had been q tramp, and
wandered without home or friends up and down
the earth. No man had stretched out his hand to
HIM to help him. Finally some one took an in
tcfest in him, aud guided his footsteps into the
ways of virtue. Thst day he ceased TO be
tramp.
Rev. Mr.. Browpville thought ought not to
help young men in a patronizing wav.
Tue convention then proceeded to hear reports
from various assoCis tions.
MIR. kendrick of Boothbsy, SAID that when the
State canyassers visited that place, and many
were converted. Y. NJ. {. Association was
formed. They had 80 active me nbers, with a
large number Of associate meurbers. They had
always held 1t as auxiliary to the church. The
work extended among The lower classes of soci
ETY..
Mr.. Jordan reported that the Auburn sssocia-
ton had been engaged principally in holding
meetings outside the city, in different places dur
ing the summer, withId q radius Of one and fifteen
mics reaching between six hundred and seven
hundred persons. Some 100 souls have been
brought to the know ledge of Jesus. With the
advantages afforded by the new rooms more time
would in the future be devoted to the home field.
Mr.. Stearns said the Ssc0 association was not
dead but it was not doing so much as il ought to.
They have convenient rooms IN the city buildings
there have been some conversions the past year.
MIR. Colcott Of Sesrsport, expected the Holy
SPIRIT woul be poured out in that community.
Wanted some of the workers to come there and
give them lift.
F. A. Smith of Portland. said the fact was.
that most OF the workers in that association are
active in the State canvass; and if the assoc ia
tion went down its eptaph might be written
'D.ed ol oyerwork in the State CANVASS. The
Association had just taken rooms and there
was revival OF interest in its affairs.
brother reported from the Bddeford Association
that they had sustained meetings with glorious
resuts. They had little burden of debt, but
taere had been about 60 conversions the past year.
a large congregation assembled in the evening
to hear the report OF the brothers who had msde
the stale canvass. by {. NJ. Bailey, the chairman
During this faithful canvass made by several of
the brethren, in 1876 II, twenty five places have
been visited, and ll22 souls have made a start In
the Christian life, the most of which have un-
douotedly been gathered into the Christian
churches. They had recently spent s weeks in
Arooslook county, holding 24l meetings, with 3l3
conversions. There were hDdrahces in the want
of proper preparations for their coming. An
Association had been formed at Boothbsy and
one at Houlton. The canva,sers have spent the
forenoons in visiting from house TO house, aud
held meetings afternoons and evenings. Mr.
Bailey said the years work had been most refresh
ing To his own soul-wbie watering others he
he had himself been wstered.
MIR. Mckenuy of Portland, said they had gone
through the State, from klitery to AiOoslook had
seen conversions fIom that of little en- lid to the
grev-headed man of 20, Including Judges, lawyer,
and merchants. lie had seen many happy fathers
and mothers who have wept over the convet sion
OF dear chdren.
Mr.. Smllh said he had been night and day in
the work for year. The value of soul had
prompted him To labor.