The Portland daily press., 1883-02-22
PORTLAND MINISTERIAL AssocIA-
TON.
Proceedings of the Second Day.

The Portland District Ministerial Associa-
ton met again at Pine street church yes
terday morning.
Rev. w. w. Baldwin of South Berwick read
an able paper on the topic pending at the hour
of adjournment the day before, thine limit of
the itinerancy" which proved to be an extend
ed and exhaustive historical survey of the top
ic, and setting forth the opinion that the trend
of Methodism was towards the removal Of the
time limit He showed that the extension had
been from three months to three years, and that
there were forty classes Of exceptions to the
rule requiring pastor to be removed after
three years. The great majority Of the Asso.
citation dissented from the views of the essay
isl.
The next paper was on the topic, "The rela-
ton of Methodism to the conservation of the
consensus of evangelical faith" and was read
by Rev. A. NcKeown, d. D., of this city. The
paper was strong and somewhat exhaustive
The Association requested its publication in
zion's Herald. The paper presented the histo-
rical facts in connection with the alteration of
the unorthodox churches on the subjects of the
Inspiration of the Bible, the Atonement, Pro-
baton and Future Punishment. He also re-
ferred to the unrest and serious alterations on
these points of many Congregational clergy
men and theological professors, as stated in
their own words, which kindled in him the
liveliest fears for the integrity of the denom-
nation. He noticed the great difficulty, if
not utter impossibility from the autonomy of
the churches. of bringing the authors of these
hereses to trial, casting them out, and pro-
tecting the denomination. This difficulty does
not prevail in the economy of Methodism, and
the relation of that denomination to the con-
s. rvation of the consensus of evangelical faith
is, therefore, such that it has peculiar work
in this direction. 1t has in late years been
called upon to vindicate its fidelity to the old
faith by expelling from its communion some
who have espoused these phases of doctrines.
A practical paper on the "Best methods of
conducting revivals," was read by Rev. E. T.
Adams Of Biddeford, in which he contended
for the old ways Rev A. Hamilton of Shap-
leigh then presented the topic "The model
Sunday school" in a very well written paper,
OF which the following is brief outline:
!, The Model Sunday school. 1t has sup
erintendent with executive abilities.
9 The teachers have a personal experience
of the power of the gospel of Christ.
3. The first principles of the doctrines are
here taught.
4. The scholars are made to love and revere
the Word
5, 1t is studioUs
Taught to honor and respect the Sabbath,
and the office of the ministry.
7. 1t is punctual and regular in attendance.
8. il is systematic.
8. Must have inspiring and spiritual sing
ing
10. II is attractive.
IL. Has the interest of the scholars at heart.
Literary and social entertainments in the
church, was advocated by Rev. P Chandler of
Gorham, though some difficulties and objee-
tions were considered, drplored, and way
pointed cut TO syade them. The disciplinary
D en- of Church Lyceusns was commended
The Association generally agreed with Rev.
P. Jaques that 'the future of the Revised Yer
s IN" was to be confined to the libraries OF
scholars and the dusty hooks of other people
The ast item in the programme was an exc
CESS of Matthew, 1928, by Rev. John Gibson
of West End.
After vote of thanks to the Pine street pas
Cor and people the Association adjourned With
out day at five o'clock.