The Portland daily press., 1879-06-27
CONGREGATIONAL Conference.

WINTHROP, June 70.
An early prayer meeting at the vestry at
a. M was well attended. The entire forenoon
was given up to the annual meeting OF the
Maine Missionary Society-a useful organiza-
ton, which celebrates its I'D anniversary. Its
object is to supply the destitute places and
churches in the state with ministers, and with
the money needed to sustain them. The an
nual sermon was by Rev. George H. Merrill oil
Biddeford from Matt. 23S. Its Object is to en-
force the duty of love, loyalty, personal adher-
ence to Christ. The signs of the times instead
of being unfavorable, indicate on the contrary
n coming back to the original platform, ana
calling Christ, Master. There can be no cnaf
ity for those who call themselves after Cnrlst,
and yet have no vital truths to proclaim. True
Coneregationaism does not place Calvn OF
Luther or any man between the soul and
Christ. The yoke of Christ is the only dlsclp,,
line we respect. Each Christian must be loyal
by himself There is the need and the de-
mand for personal piety. In benevolence the
machine element must be reduced TO inmi-
mum-the individual must bring himself into
close and personal relations with the person or
thing to be benefited. The speaker concurred
with the doctrine of the late DR.. Shepard that
money must come from the heart, ana not
merely the pocket in order to effect any real
should not keep alive dead churches as a mat
ter of sentiment, on account of the good they
had formerly done, nor claim % place when al
ready well occupied by other denominations,
nor give aid where no hunger Tor the bread OF
life would manifest itself if aid should be
withdrawn.
This scholarly production, delivered without
notes, will find place in the published proceed
ings in the society.
At its close, the report OF the Treasurer,
Joshua Maxwell of Portland, was read and ac-
cepted. A special vote OF thanks was gwen
him for his gratuitous services, and as he re-
ceived and dsbursed about SIT 900 during the
year, it was really a labor OF love-.
Rev j. E. Adams in a long and minute re-
port, detailed the work of the year. Its gen
eral tenor was encouraging. Several Oh Ine
churches are becoming self-supporting. The
church in Strong, however, was specially not
ed as still weak. The state missionary, Rev
A. Blanchard, is doing most excellent work
in his travels over the state. lie has attended
between three and four hundred religious ser
-yices and received nearly one hIha are, per
sons to the churches. Rev. G.. L. Mills was
commended as an earnest and faithful laborer
Rev. Smith Baker took the stand, and IN
vited those present to aid IN the supp0rt OF
Mr. Blanchard. Some $500 were raised In a
few minutes.
Wednesday afternoon Rev. l. 7. Warren,
d. d., read his report on "Our churches and
Bowdoin College," recognizing the existence
of intimate relations between them, and de-
string their maintenance and increase; lie
presented resolutions recommending tnat an
entire session be devoted to our school, college
and seminary at the annual conferences, and
that q committee be chosen to visit the college,
The report and resolves were adopted and
the following committee appolnteG' hey. 1.
p. Warren, Rev. G. w. Field, Key. ID. Is.
Sewell, Geo. B. Barrows. -
President Chamberlain responded heartily
+,,4 l,,or fractin of II
satisfactory statement respecting the rellglous
character and aims of the college, desiring that
the closest intimacy should exist between the
churches and the institution which they had
thus far so literally aided
Profs. Chapman and Sewall III interesting
remarks added to the favorable impression re-
specting the religious tone OF the college, ana
the thoroughneSS of the course OF 1nStfuctlOn.
Rev. Mr. Strong, of the Missionary Herald
presented the claims of the foreign missions,
relating incidents showing the new ana VIDE
openings for the introduction of the gospel.
Rev. Mr.. Kimball briefly advocated the
merits of the Tract Society, and Rev. f. South
worth of the Seamen's Friend Society
The American Missionary Society was also
represented by Rev. Mr.. Woodwork.
The report of the visitors to Bangor SEMI
nary was read by Rev. Mr.. Richards OF DeX-
HalowelI Classical School, its progress and
needs, were forcibly presented by Hon. y;
Nye Rev. A. w. Burr, Rev. A. Redlon and
Rev. G. r. Merrill.
The report of Rev. DR.. Tappan and the re-
solves in relation to additional schools were
adopted.
Half an hour of the evening session was CIV
en- to praise meeting.
Subsequently the Education Society chose
officers for the ensuing year.
The remainder of the evening was given to a
discussion upon the interests of the Maine
Missionary Society.