Morning journal and courier., 1880-06-10
Universalist Convention.


 Messiah-SouthernC Connecticut Unfver-
 saIfst Association.
 There was large attendance of the Uni versalist clergy of the State at the Church of the Messiah yesterday. The annual eonven- ton of the Southern Universalist Association was opened at 9 o'clock. It continues to- day. It is of social rather than an ecclesi. astical character. A conference meeting was first held, led by Rev. Mir. Dodge of Danbury. His subject was 'FUniversalism a Spiritual Religion" The paper was discussed by Rev. Dr. Chapin of Meriden, Rev. MT. Nash of Stamford, Captain Phillips of Stamford, and Prof Chandler of Sufdeld.
 Following came communion service, the sermon being preached by Rev. c. H. Eaton of Palmer, Mass. The subject was the ''Pow- CT of the Unseen,' and the text was from John xvi 16. It was an exceedingly able discourse in every respect. The sacrament of Holy Communion was next administered, Rev. Dr. Chapin and Rev. John Lyon of Bridgeport tpresiding at the communion table.
 This completed the preparatory exercises. The standing clerk, Rev. MT. Hodge, opened the business meeting of the association, and Rev Mr. Easton, of Meriden, was appointed moderator. Rev. Messrs. Houghton of New Haven Dodge of Stamford and Daskam of Stamford, were appointed 8 committee on nominations. Rev. MT. Houghton, of this city, was appointed to preach the occasional sermon at the meeting next year, which will be held in Meriden. Rev. Messrs. Chapin, of Meriden, and Nash and Aimes, of. West Haven, were appointed the committee of ar arrangements for the next meeting. The noon time having arrived.the, association adjourn ed for dinner. At..2:3O the convention was re-opened with a conference meeting led by Rev. MT. Anlies. Reports were made from the parishes, the reports indicatinga general ly progressive and fourishing condition.
 Under the head of parish work came ad- dresses by Dr. Chapin on "How to gather in Families ;'' by MT. Dodge on 'sHow to man. age EParish Finances ;' by Mr.: Lyon on Hodge on ''How to Make the Parish Denom- national ;'' and general remarks by several others
 In the evening at 73O o'clock Rev. c. Ell wood Nash, of Stamford preached the ''oc- casional' sermon. The sermon was an able one, and while being doctrinal in it's charac- ter, yet there was a combination of practical duties in the sentiments expressed that, if followed would lead this or any other de- nomination to high and noble ef- fort in the redemption of fallen hu- manity and the Christianization of the world The opinion as expressed I1x1fh fha that IUbi1o hn doctrine of Uniyersalism was preached and believed in many of the orthodox churches, the dispo- sition would be to remain in the church where the same doctrine was taught, and this, in the opinion of the speaker was a formidable barrier to overcome. He regret ted that there had been tendency among UnlversaliSts to recognize so-called socialism, and rejected the idea that the world would grow worse from knowledge of Gods good ness. He thought the feeling was against Universalists because theydid not make much of religion in subjective sense and they were charged with a lack of spirituality. The preacher paid compliment to the followers of Wesley and said the success of Methodism was in it's name and it's method, and if it's doctrines had not been misguided they | would have swept the world. He thought the first demand was for 8 personal appropriation of Christianity, and that it should begin at their homes. A DdDLISIn or nOly 0nGQuSlaSn WOu1Q 1QaK0 them people that the world could not with stand. Something of the attitude of Jesus Christ would crown them with immortality and honor. Religion involves all the beauty and sweetness in our natures, and shame on us if we deny the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ. The gospel is for the poor and needy. Imbue the church with this principle and she will seek among the lowest and pour her treasures before them. Have we been seru- pufous in our associates, then God grant us @ missionary spirit. While cultivating love for our own church let us be careful not to obstruct others, but devote our whole ener- gies to our own With the right spirit we can do all through Christ strengthening us. The Uniyersalist faith has facilities for doing good above any other, because the very cen ter of our life is faith-faith in God, because he is our father.
 In closing, the speaker said: Never meas ure your work by what others have done but look upon Christ's perfect work Watch man what of the night? God grant that morning may come again and rise into the perfect day.
 The preacher was listened to with much in terest by the large congregation in attend ance.
 The programme for to-day is as follows 83 to 94 o'clock, conference meeting; leader, Rev. M H. Hougton- Topic, FIs it every man duty to spread his religion '' From 105 to 124 o'clock there will be Sunday school meeting. At 24 o'clock sermon will be preached by Rev. A. A. Miner, D. D., of Boston. Subject, Ultimate obedience as- sured by the organic unity of the race, with notice of objections This will conclude the session.
 The ladies connected with the church pro- vided dinner and supper in the vestry for delegates yesterday, and last night accommo- dations were provided for those remaining over night