The Portland daily press., 1877-06-15

tude in the depths of home heathenism. We
must launch out into the deep; the kingdom OF
God oometh not by observation. Like remarks
were made to laymen as having great influence
among their acquaintance.
Inc welcome was assigned to Mr.. Chase of
the PAVILION, whose remarks were from Num-
Der, lo:29, "Come thou with US and we will do
thee good:'
The welcome must be more cordial, the invi-
tatlon sincere; give it as you ask your friends
to dine, or as the debased man asks his fellow
to drink. The Hohabs are on every street, and
we need Moses in every house. The welcome
can be effectually done in many cases by the
women.
After choir singing the committee upon far
tner aid to feeble churches reported through
Rev. MIR. Merrill to the effect that this county
and this conference must increase its contribu-
tions to the Maine Missionary Society.
WEDNESDAY MORNING
six o'clock prayer meeting was held under
the lead of Rev. Mr.. Gates. A Bible meeting
at 81 o'clock At 9, a. m. further business and
discussion on the topic of the Fellowship of
the Churches. Next report by Rev. W. S.
thompson upon the state of religion in the
churches-all of which must be left out now as
also report of the sermon of Rev. T. n. Lord,
which was delivered with all the force of his
early days. The Feast of the Lords Supper
was presided over by Revs. Messrs. Kite and
thompson, and though in the forenoon of
fine day, and in our largest society and city
only 100 persons, including few children,
composed the audience.
The afternoon service commenced with dev0-
tional exercises, followed by discussions upon
The Church and her Children, opened by Rev.
b. T. Snow upon the Privilege. and Blessing Of
Child Conservation in Baptism, who took first
for granted that the constitution of the Chris
tlan church is as from the beginning. If SO,
there the chldren's privilege remains the
same; and if the privileges and blessings be-
long to the child, then it is tie duty of parents
and sponsors to give them as a matter of right,
SO that the child should never know when he
was out of the nurture aud admonition Of the
Lord. We look too much upon the matter of
infant baptism as simply privilege rather
than as duty. If we want great and earnest
Christians we must commence young.
Bro. James W. Littlefeld of Saco replied to the
sentiment of Early Discipleship.to be expected.
He claimed the theory as founded in revelation
and founded in reason; and though the theory
was good the results have been poor, owing to
want of sufficient early training.
The Church nurture of Child Christians was
opened by Rev. L. a. Ferris of Kennebunk.
The Church must have right conception of its
own work. If child baptised is Christian,
then he should be in the church-iu his home
and family. We must have our Sabbath
schools, our meetings. our concerts and other
exercises to interest children. The nurture and
admonition and the spiritual training must be
followed up or the child will be worthless. Mr..
Blades of Saco gave reasons for the children's
absence from meetings. Mr. Osgood related
an instance of 20 of 81 ministers who stood up
as having been baptised in infancy.
Mr.. Merrill with rapid and fervent utterance
took the ground that when baptised, children
are in the church, we must recognize these as
such, bearing,in mind they are minor children
Mr. Kimball of Wells took like ground, stating
as an axiom of self-evident truth that our chill :
dren are in the church. Dea VIM. Littlefeld
firmly believed in infant baptism; had watched
baptised boys and girls for many years, the in
designations proving his views. Mr.. T. A.
Lord gave touching "reminiscences of his early
Christian life and studies. Rev. DR.. VIM.
Warren was invited to speak, and though gen.
orally coinciding with the views of previous
speakers, did not believe in children being born
holy, did not believe that when they are born
they are in the church.
The thanka 0f tha cop fn poro ,ro f,lI
spoken to the entertaining church by Rev. Mr..
Kimball Of Wells and the session closed.
BIDDEFoRD. June 18th. x. w