The Portland daily press., 1888-10-25
CUMBERLAND CONFERENCE.
Interesting Session Held at peer,ne
Yesterday.

me cumberland Conference, which met
yesterday with the Free Church at Morrilps
corner, Is composed of twenty-five churches.
IL noids three sessions yearly of one day
eacn. Yesterday was the one hundred and
thlrty-ninth session held with its Youngest
sharch. The Rev. C. H. Daniels was elected
moderator and led the devotional services.
Inc attendance was an unusually large.
rainy oay, gathering. The discussions were
very spirited and wholesome, and very
generally participated in by the memb, Is.
Inc topics of the morning were "In what
respect do we especially need a higher TYNE
OF piety in our churches opened by Rev.
4. Southworth, and slow can we bring our-
selves to a higher state of Christian ex-
perlence and nearness to God," by the Rev.
+. L. Bayley. The thoughts upon these
sopics enforced more practical, experiment
tai religious loyalty to God and what he has
SAID ,.gettlng above the world in order to l;ft
the world; an exceeding righteousness in
dealing with men, and putting oLe's self in
the receptive attitude so as to receive the
spiritual life of God.
Inc afternoon session had these topics:
what is a genuine revival?" opened by Rev.
A. ID. Wright. and "How may genuine
revival be secured" open by Deaeons p. C.
finkham and ii. FL. Burgess. The questions
were answered by the ackno wledgment of
absolute dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
Very many valuable suggestions were pre-
scented by the several speakers exalting both
divine and human agencies. All the speakers
gave voice to an earnest desire for genuine
revival in our churches.
The conference sermon was preached by
the Rev. e. P. Wilson of Woodfords. and
was strong exposition of John u: Sand
l. II be lifted up from the earth, will draw
all men unto me-" This called forth the
theme: The drawing power of the cross of
Christ central truth of the Bible. II
consists not In the wooden cross but in the
truths for which the cross stands. These
truths are the unbounded love of God for the
world, the traits of character shown upon
the cross, where Christ voluntarily gave his
life for sinners. The cross of Christ stands
for infinite love and boundless self-sacrifice.
The text is prophecy, seemingly of i'm
probable fulflment, but yet fulfilled and 20
be more fully accomplished Throu Oh all
the centuries the cross has been drawing
men.
The sacrament of the Lords supper. a de-
lghtful occasion, was administered by Rev.
Messrs. j. G. Wilson and c. II. Gates. as
sisted by Deacons Clark and Pinkham.
Thf evening session opened with service
of praise. followed by the discussion of
this topic. Agencies in building the loca,
church; the pastors work; the people's
W. ba c,,;r; 90
ferent phases of this topic were discussed by
Rev. Arthur Smith, Rev. S. X. Perkins and
Dea. j. W. Stevenson, each speaker develop
ing thoughts which would lead to a working
church.
BY special vote, the moderator, Mr. Dan
iels, was called upon to address the confer
ence In view of his removal from the confer
ence so soon. Mr.. Daniels responded hear
lily TO the compliment dwelling upon the
mutual relations of pastor and people, and
closing with an earnest appeal in behalf of
the American Board, into whose service he
is called.
The Rev. H. q. Mcknight, secretary, hay
ing moved from the conference, Rev. E. M.
Cousins was elected as his succ essor.
Inc next meeting was appointed the
West church, in Portland, in January. W ith
Rev. j. g. Wilson as the preacher, and Rev.
E. E. Bacon as alternate.
The hospitality of the ladies of the church
was tested, but not exhausted. at both dinner
and supper, and all the arrangements were
complete. The conference sessions were ac-
counted as among the best in spirit and fell
lowship. The thanks of the conference
were given to the church which hestowed an
tertainment, and to all who participated.