The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-06-17

fathers fed upon the sermon after six days
fast; now when there is an intense activity we
need the old Mosaic rest day, the age needs
more worship; we do not need the whole gospel
launched upon us every Sabbath; the prayers
should be shortened and multiplied we must
use prayers that all can join in. The change
against liturgy is that forms create formality;
there is more liturgy in our extemporaneous
sions frequently repeated that we hear. and ex-
pect and love in some prayers. l am in favor
OF prayers in our worship adapted to common
use selected from those that have come down
to US through the ages. A selection of prayers
might be followed by an extemporaneous ut
terance OF the ministers adapted to the Cir
cumstances OF the congregation. A single sug-
gestion as to reading of the scripture; the Puri-
tans discard all selections. There is . growing
ignorance of the contents Of the Bible among
the people. The average Congregationalist is
inferior in such knowledge to the average
English churchman. Give more space to
scripture reading and Interpretation. We
trust the new revision will lead to more in
place the minister in one end OF the church,
so in the other end we place a choir. How
can choir in gallery lead congregation,
space forbids it. We must return to the early
methods They had o choir placed in the
centre Of the congregation. The popularity
OF praise meetings show what our people want.
Augustine says the Donalsts sing songs Of
human composition which rouse them like
music on the battle field. I propose the fol-
lowing orders
Invocation BY the minister, closing with the Lords
2-Service of Praise-kesponsve readings from
the Psalms and other iturgca portions of scripture
followed BY hymn.
3-Scnpture readings followed by chant.
prayers 81 the congrsgaton Closing With Ga 6rsf
eItempore prayer by the ministers.
5-Hymn before sermon.
7-Uosing service-one or two brief common
prayers, hymns and benediction.
How can a change be effected? Each church
act for itself, and sooner or later the unity Of
spirit Will bring Us to an Representatives.
then, discussion.
Rev. ". P. Fisher of Brunswick, said We
have heard nothing offensive of others at this
meeting-we are the true liberalists. In
church architecture we have been mere imita-
tors of Catholic models Shall we do like
wise in liturgy and be merely slavish imitators?
The Church of England does not hold the
masses The best service is extemporaneous,
or, original. The ideal service is that adapted
to the occasion. as no prepared selection can be-
Mr.. Fisher spoke in condemnation of the
common Sunday School music, the time of the
children given to it is utterly wasted. He also
remarked that the "Hymns and Songs of
Praise" edited by Schaff, Hitchcock & Eddy
used by the Williston church,-was most
admirable collection, containing all that was
needed for worship, and worthy of all minis
ters examination.
Rev. j. Sewall from the committee on the
invitation from the Congregational Union of
England and Wales, reported:
ReSolced, That in response to the fraternal
invitation addressed by the Congregational
Union of England and Wales, to the General
Conference of Maine, desiring the congrega-
tion to appoint delegates to attend their jubi-
lee meeting in October, the committee recon-
mend that the congregation cordially accept
the invitation, and will appoint delegate to
represent this body on that occasion, and bear
to our brethren in England cur Christian salu-
tation and good wishes.
The resolve was adopted.
J. L. Crosby of Bangor, with appropriate
remarks, introduced the following resolve,
which was unanimously adopted.
Resolued, That the thanks of this conference
are hereby rendered to Williston church, for
the Christian love which inspired their over
flowing hospitality-and the rare administra-
tive ability, which has made the meeting now
closing the crown Of the past and the model
of the future.
Rev. F. E. Clark, the pastor of the church,
in brief, but we'll chosen words, expressed the
enjoyment his people had received in the an
ticipation and preparation for the conference
and in its reception.
Conference then adjourned.
Just before adjournment the general con-
ference voted to publish the papers Of Prot.
F. Stearns and Mr.. G. j. n. Ropes, on the
New Testament, and that persons desiring ex-
ira copies, at ten cents for both, will please
send word at once to the Recording Secretary
E. F. Duren of Bangor, how many copies they
will take. Also the number of copies of Rev.
VIM. P. Fishers discourse on the principles of
Congregationalism, and Prof. L. L. Paine's
paper on more liturgical form of worship at
the same rate, ten cents for both, which the
conference also voted to publish.