The Portland daily press., 1883-10-26
MAINE SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
Closing Sessions of the State Con
vention at Bangor.
Abstracts OF the Papers Pre-
sented.
Especial Despatch to the Press

| lSpeclal despatch 10 the FreSS.
BANGOR, Oct. %.
| The services last evening opened with an or
gan voluntary by Miss Swan. A choir of chill
dren under the direction of Mr. f. A. Curtis
OF Bangor, sung an opening piece accompan-
led by the cornet and organ, and during the
evening they rendered other songs. With the
congregation, they also sang Wonderful
| words of Life"
Prayer was offered by Rev. E. s. Fiske of
Milo.
| The first topic of the evening, Difficulties
encountered and how to overcome them" was
| introduced by Rev. R L. Howard of Bangor.
| These were no greater than attend every good
enterprise, and there were perhaps fewer in
the Sunday school work, than in labors among
| adults and the heathen. He dwelt chiefly up
on the thought that the chief difficulty was in
the workers themselves, from apathy, lack of
heart and conservation With new consecra-
ton, and due appreciation of our opportuni-
ties, ard enthusiasm in the work, we
should have success
Rev. A. S. Ladd of Bath, presented the next
topic-"some encouraging features in our
work" We cannot see progress in it, as we
can in mechanical work, yet in the course of
days and months and years, there really is.
The encouraging features he dwelt upon were,
the religious nature of those for whose good we
are laboring, there is a response to appeals
made. The hungry, weary, sorrowing, sinful
know that there is help for them, something
for their moral, spiritual, social, and material
need. They are led to better rules of living,
and how they may attain the highest. and
most permanent success 1t is work mani
E.o@lw IL II,
barrassment in the thought that it is paid
work. 1t has wholesome and blessed reaction
upon ourselves 1t is more blessed to give
than to receive.
1t has the elements of growth and success.
The Divine help is assured. He made strong
appeal for courage and perseverance in the
work, by referring to some statistics as to the
progress Christianity has made in world, and
the increase of church members in cur country
from 1900 to 1880. In population of 3,52 1888
the proportion was Upper cent. In 1880, in
population OF fifty millions, it was 20 per cent
greater proportion than the increase OF popu-
lation. We should not be weary in we'll doing.
We are on the winning side.
The president, Rev. W. III. Clark. added re-
marks in the same direction-a JOY to know
that we are workers on the side of victory.
Working on unselishlys and laboriously-con-
secrating the best powers TO the service. All
having the privilege of doing something.
There followed pledges and contribution to
meet the indebtedness of the convention
amounting to nearly the amount, which was
asked for in the morning, $50.
Rev. B. P. Snow of Biddeford, spoke of the
good work done by the Chataqua Literary and
Scientific Circle, in the promotion of true cul-
ture, and showed clearly its connection with
the Sunday school work.insits teachings, and
its reading. 1t promotes intellectual advance
ment and has intimate bearing upon the NOR
al and religious character. It takes up va
viety of the most important topics = History,
Botany, Science, Hygiene, etc., and in four
years gives thorough course of reading and
lectures. There are from 10000 to $4,000 en-
listed in its plan. and is doing great and good
work. The cost is from Sc to SO per year. He
answered many questions touchings the plan
and workings of the circle, and interested the
convention in it.
The services through the day have been of
much interest, helpful and uplifting.
In the course of the morning session yester-
day, Prof. B. g. Northop spoke of the need
and worth of Sunday school instruction.
Benedietion by Rev. A. S. Ladd of Bath.
Adjourned until tomorrow at a. M.
Closing Day.
Soon after nine o'clock this forenoon, Rev.
G. B. Ilsley of Bangor, led praise and prayer
service for half hour, the time being prompt
ly occupied in singing several familiar devo-
tional hymns as 81 need thee. every hour; Fol-
lowing Jesus;'' "CalI them I'M" ITO the
work." etc. PRAYER and remarks by Reys. G.
B. Ilsley, s. W. Chapn of Burlington, John
Allen of Pennington, o. 81. IHgalls of Bangor
and others.
Reference was made to the ten neat tablets
on the walls of the church which had been ar
ranged in view of the convention, as suggest
ing mottos to carry with us through the year
they were as follows: Jehovah Nissi; Feed
my Lambs; Faith without works is dead; Come
let us live for our children The word of God;
The youth of Maine for Christ; The love of
God Emanuel; Looking unto Jesus; Have
faith in sod.
Rev. j. e. Adams. chairman of the commit
tee ON nominations, reported the following per-
sons to constitute the Executive Committee,
and they were chosen for the ensuing year:
G. c. Goss, ESD, Bath; Rev. E. N. Smith,
Waterville; Rev. G. f. Penney, Augusta; Rev
G.. B. Ilsley, Bangor; E. r. Drummond, ESQ.,,
Waterville.
Also the following Corresponding secreta-
ries.
Androscoggin-Rev j Hall, Auburn.
Aroosteok-N Dutton. Houton
Cum aerland-A G Dewey, Esq, Portland.
Franklin Smith, New Sharon.
Hancosk-Rev. A Palmer, Lamoine.
kennebec Herrick Mount Vernon.
Knox-Rev. B C Wentworth, Camden
Lncoln-Rev A Ford, Wal doboro.
Oxford-Rev. G Ingalls,, South Paris.
Peaobscot-Rev. r l. Howard, Bangor
Piscataquis-Rev G L Nichols, ,Brownville.
Sagada6oc- Rev. L f White, Bath
Somerset Rev. G j Hancock, Skowhegan.
Waldo Rev. F H osgood, Seafsport,
WashingtoD-Rev. D Greene, Machias.
York-Rev B Snow, Biddeford.
The executive committee were authorized to
appoint delegates to the international Sunday
School Convention.
The report of the treasurer was by vote to be
submitted to the executive committee for
their approval. The appointment of treasu rer
is left with that committee.
The following resolution, introduced by
Rev. G. B. Ilsley, was adopted:
Resolved, That we are undeI deep obliga-
tion of gratitude to the American Sunday
School Union for sending among us an effic-
lent State Sunday school missionary in the
person of Rev. g. w. Hinckley from Connect
icut.
QUARTERLY PAPER.
The subject of publishing the report OF the
secretary, and the proceedings of this conven-
tion was introduced, and led to the discussion
of the question of preparing and issuing
quarterly paper. which shall be medium of
communication with the schools ard churches,
so increasing the interest in Sunday school
work. The project was favorably received,
and referred to the president and secretary,
to be carried ont with the advice and consent
of the executive committee.
VOTE OF THANKS.
Rev. Mr.. Palmer introduced the following
resolution which was heartily adopted and by
a rising vote
Resolved, That as a convention we express
our appreciation of the kindness of the First
Congregational church in entertaining this
convention; and OF the people of Bangor for
their generous hospitality; and of the railroads
and steamboats, for reduced rates of fare.
Mr. James Dickey of Bangor, in res ponse,
thanked the convention for coming, and felt
that we were under obligations to them for the