The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1879-06-26

but simply changed the day of Observance
The true aim of the day is to recuperate man
in his whole nature.
This day, as is very manifest, is desecrated.
Resistance to be successful must be earnest,
founded on principles and Christian in spirit.
Ministers must preach on the origin, design,
sacredness and particularly of the Sabbath.
Christians generally must set the example of
observing the Sabbath as a holy day. The
laxity of church members aids the dissertation.
Their sacred observance of the day will be the
grand moral resistance to such dissertation.
Adjourned.
The convention met at 2 p. m. An encour
aging report of the state of religion in the state
was presented by Rev. F. j. Bicknell of Ban
gor.
The report of the board was then taken from
the table and discussed by several brethren
The report of the Treasurer, Prof. j. b.
Foster, was read by Rev. w. o. Aver of Show
hogan, treasurer pro tenn. The total amount
of receipts was ST ,203.37, of which $533 was
drawn from the permanent fund in order To
meet deficiency.
AT 415 paper was read by Rev. c. p. Bart
lett of Sedgwick. Subiect-"How far are our
churches responsible for short pastorates? The
essayist said the average length of pastorates
among the Baptists of the state is less than
three years. Some reasons for this on the side
of the churches, are
l. Low mercantile idea of the pastorate as q
profession.
3 Unhallowed, ulwarranted, meddlesome
criticism. A proper criticism is not to be
avoided.
g. Too speedy o settlement of pastors.
1t was expected that the topic-How far are
the pastors responsible for short pastorates,
would be treated by Hon. p Bonney of Port
land. But that gentleman failed to appear.
A collection for the convention amounted to
| $59.2S.
Officers for the ensuing year were then elect
ed. (They have already been published.
Convention adjourned till 80 p. IN.
AT the Baptist convention today report of
obituaries showed that IS ministers had de-
ceased during the year.
The report on Foreign Missions was read by
Ell. w. Tilden of Augusta: amount of foreign
contributions from the state for foreign fields
$4,55S15. Reports on home MISSIONS publica-
tions and temperance were also read.
Reports of the committee on credentials were
made by Rev. A. A. Smith of Turner, show
ing that "a. ministers, % laymen and visiting
brethren were present.
A vote Of thanks to the churches of Bangor,
for their kindnessin entertaining the conven-
ton, also to railroad and steamboat companies
for reduction of fares was passed.
Angus ia was fixed upon as the place for the
next meeting. Preachers, N. T. button of
Warren and w. A. Spencer of Waterville.
meeting of the Baptist Education
al Society was holden and elected the follow
ing officers: President, Rev. j. McWhinnie;
Vice President, Rev. A. R. Crane; Recording
Secretary, Rev. w. o. Aver.
Rev. DR.. Robbins delivered an eloquent ser
mon this evening.
State Universalist Convention.
LEWISTON, June 25-At the Universalist
Convention today, prayer meeting was held
at and a. m. AT o'clock Rev. g. l..
Demorest, secretary of the National Associa-
ton, spoke on the financial affairs of his asso-
citation, and asked aid. The annual sermon
was delivered by Rev. G. A. Hayden of P ort-
| land, from Revelations ii, 7. AT the afternoon
session the report of r. Dresser, treasurer, was
read and referred. A report was made on
| changing the constitution respecting delegates
from other societies. The communion service
| exercises were conducted by Rev. Messrs.
| Haskell, Smith and Wales.
There has been very large attendance. In
| the evening the state missionary work report
was read by Rev. 1. j. Meade, missionary TO /
| lowed by discussion.