The Portland daily press., 1881-08-20
Bible Conference.


The cold water blessing, invoked at Old Or
chard during the past few days by ex-Gov.
Perham and his co-laborers, greeted the Bible
students Friday morning as they wendell their
way to the Tabernacle with copious showers of
real campmeeting rain. The newness of this
type Of meetings here and the large number of
names familiar to the public on the list of
speakers and teachers for the week have
seemed to create much interest, though begin
ming at the last of the season after fifteen days
of successful meetings
The first service of the conference was held
in the Tabernacle at 9 a. M, conducted by
Rev. W. j. Erdman, of jamestown, N. Y,
who opened with a short, earnest prayer for
Gods presence and blessing during the meet
ings of the conference. "Rejoice and be glad"
was sung by members of the choir, among
whom Judge loves manly voice and cheerful
face were noticeable, Miss Luce occupying her
accustomed seat at the organ. The meeting was
entirely devoted to prayer, though some re-
marks were made by Rev. Mr.. Erdman and
others from Ephe. III, IA to II.
Rev. 1. Luce, of Lewiston, took charge Of
tine 10 o'clock meeting, making some very ap-
propriate remarks of welcome to members of
the conference in behalf of the Association.
Rev. w. j. Erdman responded to these re-
marks, briefly stating the purpose Of the con-
ference in coming to Old Orchard, adding that
no UNCONVENTIONAL character was recognized,
general doctrines alone taught and no dis
cussions allowed in public meetings. Every
one in these meetings is supplied with Bible,
paper and pencil, and all pay the strictest at
tention to the speaker, which is noticea-
Bile change from past meetings.
Rev. W. j. Erdman gave the morning Bible
reading Subject-"The relation of the Holy
Spirit believers as sons of God" The old
Testament Christians were children (minors)
of God. Since Christ came all are sons of
God, and his heirs. The Holy Spirit is per-
sou, not an influence, is the person sent to COM
Christ did on earth the Holy Spirit will do
now.
After a prayer by Rev. Mr.. Erdman the
meeting closed by singing "When Jesus
Comes"
The larger portion of the audience of the
day was composed of people not accustomed to
attend meetings here, but who have come for
this special conference.
At2.30 p. m. Dr. Cults took charge, calling
on Judge Lowe to open the services by singing
solo. DR.. Cults offered one of his quiet,
trusting prayers followed by selection from
Gospel Hymns, 81 will sing of my Redeemer, y
rendered by 1.-THE choir with good effect. Rev.
j. III. Brooks. d. D., of st. Louis, was next
introduced as the speaker of the hour. Dr.
Brooks gave most mastery reading and link
ing of Bible truths. proving "the unity of the
sacred scriptures" No degrees or sections of
inspiration exist in the Bible. 1t is the word
OF God entire, not added to, not diminished;
or it is mans work and good for nothing. Man
with body, soul and spirit is living testimony
of the existence Of the Holy Trinity.
Rev. Geo. G. Needham made the closing
prayer, after which Wonderful Words was
sung, Judge Lowe singing the last verse as
solo with much feeling
Geo. G, Needham and others conducted a
social service at 7.30 in the Tabernacle.
Notwithstanding the continued rain the
meetings of the day were well attended, the
Tabernacle being nearly full at each service.