Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-10-01
OTTord Conference.

The Oxford Conference OF Congrogs-
tiona churches held It's semi,snnual ses-
sion last Tuesday and Wednesday with
the central chursh in Norway. The con-
ference opened Tuesday mo ming at ten
O'Clock Rev David Garland OF Bethel
was chosen moderator. After the usual
transaction OF business the moderator
preached the opening sermon, taking his
text from Rom. Xiii. 10. Theme-Tho
controlling power OF love. Rev. Mr.. At
Sius OF Albany assisted him in the intro
duCtory exercises.
rhe afternoon session was devoted TO
discussions. The first question was,
Tho proper range OF pulpit themes"
Rev Z. ID. Crane Of So. Paris presented
a very thong httul aud suggestive opening
of this subject. lie said the preacher is
an ambassador ard as such must present
ais Kings message-a message defined
by the Word. AID No. BY his own mag
inslion. lie must not presen, the stone
OF hiS own specuiaiions for the bresd OF
lie. MT. Crane was followed BY Judge
Woodbury. Of Bethel, Rev. A. J. Benedict
OF Gorlam, y H., Rev. G. \. Lockwood
o., Oxford, and Dea Goodwin OF Norway.
The second topic was. TO what extent
should doCsrinal preaching be prscgiced p
This was opened by Rev. Z. 5. TnGloy
o. Taruer. The speaker said tha. the
doctrines should be preached 80 lar AS
,hey may be required to give weight to
he precepts OF the Bible. . The moders-
tor, Mr.. Sewail OF Sumner. aud Rev. Mr..
Atkins. spoke further upon shis question.
The discussions were OF sustained inter
est 10 the close.
A social meeting for prayer, praise and
conference Was held ia the evening. led
BY kov. Mr.. Lockwood.
The conference opened Wednesday
moru!cg ST O'Clock preceded by sea-
son OF prayer, By vote OF The confer
ecce the Congregational church organ
ized q year ago al Berlin Mills, y. H.,
vas made IA member OF the Conference.
The question, How shall revival in
o1E cluIche, be promoted the coming
Eiuler?' was then presented tor discus
sioc. Rev. Mr. Lockwood in opening
SAID ;hsl The normal lite OF the church is
ono 10 which there shal. DO no so-cAlled
reyiys!s. IN, where the ingathering OF
souls shall be constant "A lie which thus
shai. be tree from those disastrous reac-
Hous which succeed the intense spiritual
eXci.sments Of regivals. But granting
that tuIs ideal church lie Is not realized
revival may DC secured by recognizing
the iaw of The spirit from whom reyiyals
come. which Law is, ike is bego,ien OF
ike. A pastor spi,.,lalized viii soon see
a qui-sened church; Il quicA,aed pastor
anu church viii be surrounded by Christ
seeking community. The question was
further discussed Nv Rev NJ. Tingley
Judge Woodbury., The scribe 4. ". Val
euuuu % B,.hol, and others.
The closing theme wss, How may NC
Increase an interest in missions in our
churches p The moderator opened this
subject with some very practical and
Timely suggestions. lie was followed by
The scribe and Rev wessrs Benedict,
Bacon. Atkins and Crane.
A collection was then taken up for the
Maine Missionary Society.
tbs closing exercises OF The conference
consisted OF an excellent sermon by Rev.
Mr.. Tingey from the tex, "Y5 .re The
light vi the world" and the sacrament
OF TIE Lords Supper administered by
Rcy. Mess5s. Lock wood and Crane.
Thus closed very enjoyable session OF
he Conference. The weather was de-
hgb,lul and the good people OF the first
church left nothing undone t. contribute
10 the spiri,u=! and material enjoyment
OF the occasion.
TIE next session Of the Conference
viii De held with the church ., Berlin
il. H., the % Tuesday aud Wednesday
Of jane. 1879.
10. OF G. Tile next s., sion Of the
II