The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1883-10-29
MAINE.
". M. G. A.-The state Association at Au-
gustQ.

AUGUSTA, Oct. 27.-The second day of the
annual convention of the Young Mems Chris
tian Association of Maine opened at O'Clock
with devotional service. The attendance is
about the same as on Friday. At 9 80 the
convention resolved itself into meeting for
business. H. P. Winter of Portland read a
paper on ''TLe Best Plans of Conducting Busi-
ness Affairs and Securing Financial Support. -
F. FL. Beal of Augusta made an address on
"What has the Public Right to Expect from
the Young Mems Christian Association" Re-
ports were received from the Portlaad and
Lewiston Associations. A paper on ssBible
Study Necessary to Successful Christian
Work." was read by j. M. Gauld of Bangor
The following is his address:
MR.. S. A. GAULD's PAPER
In no organizs tion outside of the church
proper is Bible study more necessary for def.
mite success than in the Young Mems Chris
tlan Association, built as it is on the results of
the teachings of that sacred volume, it's fouu-
dation being laid in and upon it, In all Bibli-
cal research. inspiration comes to the STUDENT
who with the pickaxe of close application aud
the shovel of earnest desire works the mine of
sacred Etruth, the reward being that power
without which he will be as Sounding brass
and tinkling cymbal." 1t has been said by
eminent persons at home and abroad that the
Young Mems Christian Association is the
grandest and most aggressive Christian institu-
ton the world has yet seen, resembling the
church and yet not church but coming as
sent from God to unite more firmly and loving
ly together the different classes of the disciples
or followers of Him through and by whom we
rejoice in the fullness of the blessings of Gods
holy word. We hear with satisfaction these
words OF high esteem and look with pleasure
to the ladder of experience and progress up
which we have climbed and say what with
our religious meetings, our educational and
social advantages, and our departments
OF physical culture we are prosperous indeed.
But we need to guard more than ever the
heart, the lie, the future of this God blessed
work, now but in it's early manhood and prime,
that its deservedly worldly prosperity turn not
our eyes away from rather than to the word of
God, which, thus far, has Daen the rock upon
which our feet are firmly placed, the means of
putting new song in our mouths and with
joyful communion with Him whose words thus
far have been "sweet unto our TASTE" Bible
study is absolutely necessary to Christian
growth; without it prayer becomes only lip
cause the injunction of our blessed Lord has
not been obeyed, "If ye abide in Me and My
word abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will
and it shall be done unto you" Jon. 1871.
Let us then take heed unto these things, that
we may profit thereby.
ing for conversational Bible study for young
men. in which to take the personal adaptation
of the lesson to each individually, always seek
ing to find the Lord Jesus that in communion
with him "our hearts may burn within US as
we talk with Him by the way
The mere reading of the Bible is far from
being bible study, and naturally we rebel
from quiet, deep comparing of scripture
passages with marginal reference; at first it
seems dry and uninteresting, but as the wis
dom arrlN 4 A. e..1
brought in panoramic beauty before our mem
tai vision, we are filled with rapture and
soul-satisfaction unknown before. Oh the
pearls of pure truth, the radiance of the flash
ing diamonds OF precious promise, the glitter
ing array of the long list of prophets, martyrs
and noted disciples crowned with glory that
fadeth not away, all pointing unto Him who
hath said: 'This is the way, walk ye in it,
they certainly having known that it has
been clamp unto their feet and light unto
their path
We have thus far been looking at our subject
from the individual Christians standpoint as
personal familiarity with the Word of God
must needs fit us Tor the imparting of biblical
truth to others, and as Christian workers we
must have the subject of this topic ever before
us.
1t contains the mind of God, which by
prayerful study illumined by the presence and
power of the Holy Spirit we may know what
that is, SO that poor and humble though we be-
we may learn to know and do the will of the
Almighty Jehovah. 1t is also the mirror that
shows US ourselves as We appear before God,
into which we must look for salvation, for
spiritual strength, food and light. 1t is the
chart by which we steer clear of the rocks
which aboand IN the ocean of life, the compass
by which We direct our craft heavenward; it
is the pilot which takes US into the harbor of
safety and haven of rest. 1t is the Alpha and
Omega of the Christian life; it is all and in all
to him who believes; it is the utterance of
Jehovah Himself. Read it slowly, frequently,
"Study to show thyself approved
unto God, workman that needeth not to be
rightly dividing the word OF truth"
In the first OF the four objects sought by our
association, viz, the spiritual, to which the
other three are but auxiliary, the social, INTEL
lectual and physical, our efforts shoald become
more and more definite in their object to
reach and win young men; and as a means to
this end, have q liberal supply of Bibles to
place on each chair at the young mems meetings
for praise and prayer as well as the meetings
for special Bible study. Let the eloquence of
the Word be preached as the eye rests upon the
volumes ready for service We wou
also suggest that the chapter or stated nom-
Der OF verses be read in unison by the young
men assembled, rather than by the chairman
alone. This would impress the lesson more
hrmly upon the mind of each; also bringing
each in direct contact with the Word itself.
Let there be Bible study for young beginners,
versational style, but let there be no hobby
riding or discussion on disputed doctrinsl
points, but strict keeping to the more spirtu-
al and nutritious study OF Biblical truths. We
would recommend that in all Bible study the
student depend upon the comparing OF Scrip
ture with Scripture, asking for the illHminat-
ing presence and power of the Holy Spirit,
rather than the free acceptation OF the expla-
nation given by commentaries, excellent as
they may be; consult them if you will, but do
not depend too largely upon them. Ia all our
work let the Bible be prominent, do not be
afraid to carry them to and from the house of
God, the association meetings, mission SER
vices, anywhere, everywhere, without egotism.
Show and carry your Bibles, that in ali things
We may only look unto Him that we may be
filled with all the fulness OF God.
AUGUSTA, Oct. 27.-At the afternoon session
after half hours praise meeting commencing
at 2.30 p. M, o. l.. Gill of Lewiston gave an
address on college Work" This work was
then discussed at considerable length by the
Frand Ii. Jones OF Portland gave an account
of the work of the State canvass for the past
year in paper which he read.
The officers elected Friday and several others
from the association were chosen as an execu-
tive committee for the ensuing year
The usual resolutions we're given passage.