Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-12-11
CENTENNIAL CONFERENCES
OF Methodists Opened i'm Baltimore
A Profitable Session Antici-
pated.

BALrINoRs, Dec. 10.
The Centennial Conference of Methodists
assembled this forenoon. very large num-
Der of delegates were present, many having
been unable TO gain admission. Bishop An
drews, chairman of the general executive
committee, call ID the committee to order and
Bishop Cranberry was chosen the presiding
officer of todsy's session. The venerable DIR.
Joseph Cummings read a scripture lesson
from Isaiah, Chap. 81. A centenary hymn
composed for the occasion by Rev. s. X.
Cox, ID, D., of Washington, was sung by the
entire BODY of delegates. The audience
united in singing, followed by prayer. Bish-
op Andrews announced that the bible from
W which the lesson had been read was once the
property OF John Wesley. After the appoint
ment of the committee on credentials, il
was decided that the vacancies in delegates
and in lists of substitutes be filed by the
bishops.
Bishop Foster read the % lesson from the
18th chapter of st. Johns gospel He then
delivered the sermon appointed for the open
ing day. He said:
Brother delegates, common bond draws
us together for the Tooth anniversary of our
life as a church. We must ponder on the
past prepare for emergencies at present and
plan for the coming century. A shadow has
death of two of our bishops who were ap-
pointed to participate in this days proceed
ings We are here not so much for the re-
membrance as for council, not to cele-
citrate victory but to grid our loins, to de-
wise wise and skillful methods, TO be strong
to meet the demagoguery of our age as our
fathers met il in their days. The dawn Of
the century is time for thought. Infidel
ity then stalked abroad unrebuked; christie
dom seemed to be fading in 1884. The open
ing of the 1874 century if not as dark is dark
enough. The conditions OF the home and
society are being revolutionZed. The an
cient, time-honored theories are being ex-
ploded. Sacred institutions are put TO the
strain of great tests. We are in the grip of
great combat tor the final dominion of the
world. The false and groundless will pass
away. The fortress of lies has kept the
world in slavery. There will be conflict,
but Zion will be LETT to rest in her founda-
ton no breach in her walls. The progress
will be slow, but be formed in eternal truth.
The church abides forever. 1t possesses the
ability to cast out the Hnsound it inherts.
Our creed will bear the test of the most in
telligent criticism" lie spoke of platitudes in
the pulpits and said To-day there is vast
amount of endless, spiritless preaching. The
greatest need is the revival of the pulpit in
all protestantism and more than all in the
Methodist church."
The bishop made an appeal for temper
ance. after which chorus was sung, and the
session closed with benediction.
At the afternoon session Jas. Gardner of
Canada presided. Essays were read by Rev.
DR. John Wiley, of New Jersey on the work
OF christian Conference" and by Rev.
Henry b. Ridgeway, ID. d., of Illinois on
'The Personnel OF Christian Conference"
Tonight there were meetings in III church
es, including 4 of colored Methodists, at all
of which the subject of missions was dis
cussed and the general feeling was that
deepes interest should be taken in mission
work.