The Portland daily press., 1885-08-11
OCEAN PARK.
Laymen's Congress Occupies the
Ninth Day.

The ninth day Of the assembly was devot-
ed to the laity. Some changes in the pro-
gramme were made necessary by the even
ing entertainment.
At. 10 a. M, Dea. A. G. Russell, Lowell,
led spirited devotional meeting This was
followed by an exceedingly interesting paper
on ''The relation of the business world to
the Sabbath" by Deacon Russell.
Prof. G. c. Chase read a paper on How
shall the lay force be made the most helpful
in church work ?''
Both papers were followed by discussions,
in which many good points were brought out
and much helpful advice given.
Deacon Rufus Deering Of Portland, con-
Quoted devotional services at Up. m.
We give brief abstract of the paper on
'Layman and evangelistic church work" by
Deacon j. H. Canerly, Lowell:
The great question is how shall we increase the
membership of the laity? The most effective
combination is the pulpit and pew working to-
gether. The Sabbath school is an efficient aid,
but it must have live Christian men and women at
Its head to render efficient service. The work of
the evangelist is important. While all are called
to tins , work in general way some are specially
fact that revivals are of less frequent occurrence
and fewer additions to the church are made year
ly, the question which concerns us is are we doing
our duty as Christians2
In the discussion which followed, Rev. o.
I. Moulton took exception to the statement
that reviyals do not occur as frequently as
formerly.
President Deering believed in having the
minister take the lead. The best minister is
the one who has and uses the most authority
Mr.. Smith, of Lowell thought it unwise to
pay an evangelist three or four hundred dol
lars for few weeks work, when they have
hard work to pay the salary of their minis
ter. Ii the minister does not know how to
preach the gospel 50 as to convert souls, let
him begin at the beginning and learn over.
Deacon E. W. Page of New York, pre-
scented thoughtful paper on ''Laymen apos-
tolic helps.'' The church of today is in
striking contrast to that of the early apos-
tolic days. If the people give their approx
otherwise, and pay literally toward the sup
port of the gospel, their work is done. The
defects of the present system are indicated
by the many neglected and dying churches.
The remedy is in return to the simplicity
of the apostolic methods.
WILL CARLETON.
A large and delighted audience attended
of rea ings from his own writings, by the
gifted author of Farm Ballads" from the
'Death Bridge of the Tay'' to Betsy and |
are Out" The audience were in perfect
sympathy with the reader, weeping or shout
ing with laughter as he chose to direct. Mr.
Carleton is as good an impersonator as he is
poet, and the scenes his genius has made to
pass before our mental vision, were made
doubly real by his assumption Of the differ
ent characters.
Farmer Stebbins' experience in the surf at
Ocean Park possessed a local interest which
proved highly taking.
Mr.. Carleton was introduced by Rev. Dr.
Dunn, president of Hillsdale College, of
which institution the poet is a graduate.
PROGRAMME, TUESDAY, AUG. IL.
1890 a. MAN Hour at World Building" by
Prof. ID. M. Fisk, A. M
Woman's convention afternoon and evening.
Mr.. and Mrs. Carleton are staying at the
Ocean Park House.