Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-10-30
sEMI-AyNUAL MEETING
OF the HenRebec and Somerset Congrega-
tfonaI Churches.

The meeting opened at 2 IN. Wednesday.
Rev. +. NJ. Smith was chosen moderator, and
Rev Edward Chase of HaIlowell, scribe
protein.
After devotional service conducted by
Rev. f. NJ. Smith. reports of delegates of
the conditions Of the churches we're made
Representatives were present from the
churches At Augusta, HallowelI, Waterville,
Winslow, ! Richmond. Benton. Vassalboro.
Norridgewock and Show hogan. The reports
were in general encouraging Not many
conversions bnt good interest
At 3 o'el OK there was a discussion on the
relation Of helpfulness between pastor and
people. 1t. I'm developing the spiritual
power of the churches /"
Rev. Mr. Smith said the pastor cannot be
expected to do all the work. Cooperation
between pastor and people is essential to the
spiritual growth Of the church. The peopie
gain strength by labor. 1t is the duty of the
pastor to so present the truths Of the Bible
as to guide his people Alright and help them
to so divide the truths as that each may re-
ceive their part He is above all. to hold
up Christ to the world as true. sympathiz-
ing Trend, and the only one who can save
II il the duty of the people to pray for their
pastor that be NAV have strength Instances
were cited where the preachers had gained
power and inspiration from the prayers of
their people
Mr.. , Brooks said. similar laws gov.
ern the spiritual As the natural world: that in
order tn obtain the results desired we must
work for Them. Ii Is mistake To wait for
The Holy Spirit to move. The pastor cannot
he expected TO work alone and pull the church
members after him. bat should give them to
understand thar they mus: work with him.
Rev. Mr. Tappan said. we want to live as
the grace of God teaches
Rey Mr.. Racklif liked the way in which
rhe idea of helpfnIRess between pastor and
people was brought out Il is not the duty
Of TN" pastor to De continually lashing or
spgTring his Deopla. but to draw them; and it
Is the duty of each gav meHober 10 go to the
prayer meeting with the idea that they have
some part in it. The church should be made
~ attractive as our homes.
End In 81 curing large attendance upon
divine Worship
Rev Mr. Curtis believed it TO
be the du'y Of The pastr to make
a. much of himself as it "a possible
He should develop AL his powers 10 do good
and should be thoroughly consecrated. Mem
hers cannot expect to get the people interest
ed until they are interested themselves.
Dea. CrGsby-We should go to those
church members who hardly ever attend
church and labor with them and if they do
not come in, OF show any interest in the
church, they should be expelled, as their ex-
ample and influence is bad. The ladies
should call on families in social way and
invite them 90 come IN to the meetings.
Mr. Pearson thought great deal depe nded
on the socisl feelings in the church Make
the church 50 pleasant and attractive that they
cannot stay away. Did not believe in harsh
measures
Rev. Mr.. Skeele We should guard against
wounding the feelings of our brother MEM
bers. Too much has been left to the minis
tiers 70 build up the church. The people shonld
feel that they have a part to do
Rev Mr. Chase-We should let the people
see that there is so much christian love in
the church THAI thy vii want to come in.
In the evening th,r "as a praise service,
conducted bv Dra lilAes of Augusta, fol
lowing which was ;, rIuon BY Rev, +. Chase
of Hallowell, the text found in Mat. | | %.
''Come unto me all ye that labor and are
heavy laden and will give you rest" At
the close of the services Rev. rhos 2. Will
lisms was elected scribe,
Thursday there was a devotional service at
nine O'Clock led by Rev T. NJ, Smith. after
which came discussion. Subject, The
Bible the word of God
lst. I'm its Origin
Ii was opened nv Rev. +. Tappan--It is
unlike all other books We call it the Bible,
the Book. 1t claims to be the Word of God.
1t pre-supposes the existence of a Divine
Being If God exists, if he desires to teach
sinners the way to be saved, why should he
not proclaim 1t? and why should We not
receive it? The heavens declare God. but
they do not teach US how to be saved If Tie
can speak to Us through the works of his
creation why should he not reveal himself
through his apostles and prophets? We
should get this thought established in our
hearts that God is teaching us and loving us
Rev + Chase-In looking into the origin
of the Bible we should keep in mind that all
the words of God that are essential to us to
know, are consecrated in the Bible 1t com
mences with the creation, the account of
which is given in few words. The account
of the deuge and other vistations show the
enormitv OF sin and what desolation it works.
The Bible is the oracle of God and will guide
us into the truth.
End, in its contents
Rev. II. V. Emmons-ro take single line
of thought, let us take the Bible as the word
of God TO men to draw them up to him. Ii
lifts us above the thoughts or wisdom of mar.
1t is no more use tor us to 90 outside the
truths of the Bible tor light, than to attempt
to live outside of the atmosphere
Rev A. F. Skeele-There is large mass
who do not receive the Bible as the word of
God. We must recognize the fact, and search
outside of our circle that do believe in the
Bible, and attempt to bring them to our
belief The Bible contains revelation from
God through human hands, and establishes
itself as such. as we study it through the
light of the spirit
Dea J B. Bradbury-The Bible has
stood the test of ages, which should establish
its divine origin 1t has been said with truth,
''that all the learned and able men of all ages
could not produce the Bible. Its origin
must be divine"
After singing, the next topic for!discussion
was taken up: ''What can we do individ
ually to secure a revival of religion in our
churchesY'
1t was opened by Dea. J. B. Bradbury, and
Rev w. c. Curtis gave an account of the
origin and means used in the revival at
Richmond.
PRAYER was offered by Rev. r W. jenkins.
In the Afternoon Rev. X. w. jenkins
preached the conference sermon; taking for
his text Acts 2-lst, subject, The condi-
tions of securing the endowments of power"
after which the Sscrement of the Lords
Supper was observed.
Resolutions were passed thanking the peo
nile of Winslow for their warm and liberal
hospitality. and the Maine Central railroad