Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-01-18
SagadahOc County sunday School Con-
vention.

The Sagadahoc County Sunday School con-
vention convened in Bowdoinham on the l4th
inst. the exercises being held in the Metho-
dist church. Scriptural reading and prayer
by Rev. c. c. Cone, of Bowdoinham. which
lasted until % O'Clock. when the convention
organized, Capt. Delano, of Bath, presiding
The first topic Can any plan be devised to
encourage a more intelligent study of the
Bible in our Sunday Schools" was opened
by Rev. W. II. Foster of Bowdonlam fol-
lowed by c. c. Cone A. S Bangs of Bath
and Rev. Mr.. Loring of Phipsburg The
subject was well ventilated by these gentle
men, upon which there were no dissensions
all agreeing that it is the duty of the church
to make the study of the bible attractive
The second topic. "What new element. if
any, is needed in our Sunday School work."
opened by Mr.. Baker of Gardiner, who
claimed that the element of love was most
needed. This can alone qualify pastor. SUI
perintendent and teacher. =. w. Williams
of Bowdoinham remarked that our Sunday
School libraries will not always bear inspcc-
ton: that they ought to be free from sensa-
tional reading, and that no fictitious work
should be admitted. Capt. Guy C.. Goss adj
vocated the principle of love. as being all
sufficient. Rev. Mr. Foster endorsed these
remarks. and Mr.. Tucker of Brunswick
gave instances of the power and success of
this heaven-born principle. The third topic,
The best methods Of conducting quarterly
reviews" was opened by Capt. Goss, who adj
vocated the use of review charts.
The evening exercises opened with prayer
by Mr.. Foster. The topic, The best meth
cd of conducting Sunday School concerts, :"
opened by Capt. Delano, who claimed
that these concerts should be conducted in
harmony with the teachings of the Word.
and not to indulge in anything of question:
able character. Mr. Bangs of Bath said the
concerts should be conducted to interest the
children, and should be so arranged as to
make an impression. Capt. Goss took about
the same view, but would have everything run
on a parallel with the scriptures. The sub
iect was further discussed by Mr.. Harrington
of Bath, Rev Mr.. Loring of Phipsburg. and
DIR. Kingsbury. The latter thought that re-
lgion ought to be brought before the children
as a personal matter. The next topic. "What
is the duty of parents to the Sunday SCHOOL,"
was opened by Dr. Kingsbury, who said the
Sunday School could never take the place of
the parent in giving religious instruction
1t is the parents duty to know what is being
taught in the school A person is not compe-
tent to teach until first taught by Christ. He
was followed by S. W. Williams and Mr..
Tucker of Brunswick. The next topic,
"Ihe duty OF the churcn IN regaru 10 aihuse-
ments." was opened by Rev Mr.. Loring, who
said that the children crave amusement,
but no amusement shond he engaged in that
would tend to drive away the spirit of God
Singing. harmless games, Nc. should be in
dulged in. Rev. Messrs. Foster and Cone re-
marked that unless the church furnishes
amusements for the children they will find
them elsewhere. The topic, "The Sunday
Schools rs "a means of grace" was discussed
by Messrs. Sprague and Baker, and remarks
were made by Dca. Percy. An address to
the children was made by Mr.. Bangs of Bath,
who was followed by Capt. Goss, the remarks
of both being very interesting The usual
resolutions were passed, and the convention
adjourned to meet at Elm street church, Bath,
on the second Tuesday of April next.