The Portland daily press., 1881-10-27
KNIaHTvILLE.
Second Day of the Ministers Meeting.

The ministers meeting opened at 9 o. m.
yesterday with prayer by Rev. True Adams,
and the topic Circuits or Stations-which
does Methodism need most"-was taken up,
Rev. E. W. Hutchinson reading thoughtful
essay, in which he took the ground that though
the circuit was not as necessary as in the early
days of the denomination, it ought to be re-
tanned and coupled, in many places, with the
station, securing to country districts and out
lying suburbs of cities the labors Of the ablest
men. The essay was discussed.
Rev. P. Jaques gave an instance OF his cir-
cult work when young man, which embraced
nine towns and two plantations. His circuit
ton. The brethren and sisters were more self
reliant than in stations. He named several
small appointments where the ministers were
poorly paid which might be put in circuit to
their great relief and advantage in every re-
spect.
Rev. Mr.. LeLacheur had tried the circuit
system, preaching every night in the week ex-
cept Saturday and three times on Sunday, and
found satisfaction in it.
Rev. I. Lord said one trouble with small sta
tions was that there was not enough for min
lister to do. The rural districts needed strong
men.
DIR. McKeown thought we needed both cir
cults and stations The peculiar system OF
Methodism made it possible to maintain both.
He insisted that the mandatory power Of the
system should be exerted to this end.
Nv ,rI,f vua
90 back to the old methods. Methodism was
the child of Providence and fulfilled its mis-
sion when it adapted itself to the times
Rev. George ID. Lindsay had worked on cir
cults and enjoyed it better than station work,
and was ready for it again. He was strong
believer in the circuit system, and hoped some
plan would be adopted to take charge Of c0un-
try places whore churches were not planted.
Rev. e. s. Stackpole was believer in the
circuit. The trouble, however, with country
stations was not that the people were not able
to support the gospel, but were less Wiling
than the city churches. Country churcnes
were inclined to be penurious. He excused y
somewhat on the ground that they did not
otter hear the stronger preachers. Inc iaDors
of the strong and the weak should be mingled
by the circuit system.
Rev. P. Jacques thought that vacations
might be utilized by country and city pastors
Rev. Chas j. Clark, Presiding Elder, said
this was question of vital Importance on the
Portland district. 1t is almost Impossible 70
get churches or ministers to consent to be par
ties in the circuit system. They feel somehow
degraded thereby. We are making terrible
mistake. We shall see it by and by. He
wished some means might be devised to revive
and work nightly the old system.
The following resolutions were adopted:
Resolved, That it is the sense of this Association
that the interests of religion and Methodism de.
mand that charges where practical be organized
into circuits having one or more preachers assigned
thereto; and respectfully request the Bishop
wt The adyce Of the Sresidne elders
thus to arrange the work.
ResoIved. That our Presiding Elder be requested
to present tho above resolution to the Bishop and
conference at its next session.
On the question, GLOW can better attend
ance of the children on preaching be secured?"
Rev. G.. +. Bisbee read carefully written
essay. The problem was easily solved If pa
rents rock the right course. 1t was the pa
of God and his worship, using authority II
necessary. When parents would not do this
the preachers duty was greater. He should
be pleasant to the young, and in his preaching
arouse their thoughts as often as possible he
should not descend to the young, but go the
other way. The sermons that are the most
simple are the hardest to prepare. Let the
scenes of the Bible be made vivid, and no
greater interest need be sought. Be not too
familiar with the young, but treat them with
the same respect as their parents. In word,
be in love with them.
Discussion of the essay followed, the point
being strongly put that parents were greatly
remiss in net requiring the presence of chill
dren at church. No effort OF preacher or any,
body else could compensate for the lack of pa
rental discipline on this point.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Presiding Elder being absent DIR.
McKeown was called to the chair, and Rev.
also opened the discussion on the next topic,
"Reviyals." He spoke of the necessity, the
nature and the means of obtaining revival.
1t was necessary to turn the activities of men
into religious channels. A revival was not
mere emotion, but a taking hold, by the
heart. Revivals were never SCOT up' on the
earth; they came down from heaven. God
uses men as instruments through whom his
saving power is brought to bear on their fell
lows.
The speaker believed in sanctiication as he
understood it, but did not think it the qualify
ing power to produce revival. The Apostles new
or referred to their baptism on the daylof PEN
tecost as qualifying them for saving souls.
He thought the value Of that experience was a
greater sense of the worth of souls. The nor
NAL condition of the church was continuous
revival; we should look for additions daily of
the saved, and work and believe in that ex-
pectation.
Rev. Mr.. Hatch thought that the church
needed depletion; the cutting off OF worldly
needed power of faith which WAS the omnip-
otence of God in the SOUL
Rev. P. Jaques thought ministers piety
could not be graduated or judged by their sue
cess in producing revivals All were not called
to the same work. There was q division of
rt>- .t,a~< t.nk& In
sermon, the prayer, the hymn, are not the
end but the means only to an end 1.-The saliva
ton of souls. Expectation is itself power.
The unsaved are already under conviction hay
ing knowledge of their duty.
Rev. Geo. d. Lindsay thought that when
they, as church, should unite in faithful
earnest prayer God would send revival, pro-
videa the living of Christians correspondent to
the praying. Instead of employing foreign
help the minister and his people could best ac-
complish the work.
Mrs. Marsh Of Congress street, being called
upon, spoke very Interestingly, saying she be-
lieved in revivals, especially reformation,-
which word she liked better. The secret Of
success was communion with God. The trouble
was lack of prayer in secret and In the family
circle. People who pray will have faith In
God. and faith will bring the power. She
wanted a salvation that mad the fire In it, and
the power in it. and the hold on in it. She re-
lated by request an interview she had with an
infidel young man which resulted in his con-
version.
Mr.. George Chase. a leading member in the
church at Knightville, spoke feelingly of his
Christian experience. He had felt and prayed
that this meeting might be the means of great
good to the community; and he felt that II
would He had greatly enjoyed the meeting.
Mr.. Cushman of Pine street also spoke.
1t was voted to hold the next meeting of the
association at Congress street church.
The preachers meeting of Portland and vi
cinity was appointed to meet next Monday at
10 o'clock, at Chestnut street church.
A vote Of thanks was rendered to the church,
and the meeting then adjourned, after prayer
by Rev. George D. Lindsay.
Cumberland County Educational Asso-
citation.
At the Teachers Institute held at Yarmouth