The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-01-26
CONGREGATIONAL CONFERENCE.
A Profitable Session Held at St. Law
renee Street Church Yesterday.

Despite the cold weather of yesterday
morning the Cumberland Conference Of Con-
gregational churches opened at st. Lawrence
street church with a large attendance, which
continued with increasing numbers during
the day. OF the % churches 10 were repre-
sented, and 16 Of the ministers. The mid
winter session, following as 1t does the week
of prayer, is devoted to the more spiritual
topics of Christian life. This meeting was
no exception and proved to be one Of the
best sessions for many years. The Rev. G..
III. Daniels was elected moderator Of the
conference.
After the preliminary and necessary bus
iness, the first topic was taken up by the
Rev. B. p. Snow, ''The Privileges Of Christ
ians as Co-workers with Christ" Co-opera-
tion secures a peculiar Identification with
Christ Christ is at present working In the
word. We may share in the dignity and
honor of his work. There is special privi-
lege through Christ's friendship. The great
work Of the world is the Christians priyi-
lege, as well as meeting the great wants Of
the world.
The Rev. f. Southworth continued the
discussion, drawing a distinction between
duty aud privilege. Rev. Messrs. Mcknight
and Palmer. and C. A. Woodbury., Esq, al
so spoke upon the motives to cooperate.
the method of doing Gods work in homely
affairs.
The second topic, Spiritual Character
Prime Condition Of Success in Christian
Work." was opened by Deacon F. d. Win
slow. There are great many essential
qualities needed in order to success In Christ
ian work, and many methods employed.
High moral character is of particular value.
Men of character have been honored always.
Ability without character deserves not
honor. Character is intimately connected
with the work of advancing the Redeemer's
kingdom. The disciple must apply the
principles Of the gospel to his own life, and
thus be will exert an influence which
we may term spiritual in character.
The disciple cannot lead men to Christian
life unless he possess it himself. The world
needs light. Gods people must give it. The
world puts great estimate upon Christian
profession. The perfection and beauty Of
character as seen in the disciples. and
especially in Christ, was dwelt upon. Work
ers for it must show much of the personality
and spiritual character Of the Lord. An out
come Of spiritual character is spiritual dis
cernment We do not need more organiza-
tion, but rather the spirit Of the Master
infused into the disciple.
A spirited discussion followed, led by Rev.
Messrs. Cousins, Smith, Snow and Wilson,
and Messrs. Hannaford, Varnum and Jor-
dan.
The conference took a recess until 2
o'clock, at which time came the public
preaching service. The Introductory ser
vices were conducted by Rev. Il. K. Bacon OF
Saccarapps. The sermon by Rev. +. i. Bay
lev was from the texts, John /, A, I'm Him
was life"; John X, 10, II am come that they
might have life and that they might have it
abundantly." Life is one of the great words
in the Word of God and one of the great
factors in the universe. We are what we
are because we live. Life is .prodigious
force, but more than mechanical force. 1t is
a transforming and reproductive force, as Is
seen in the growth of the seed, reproducing
its kind. There is a spiritual life. 1t Is no
more a mystery than physical life. Christ
meant more than mere existence in eternal
life. Spiritual power is an actual, subtle
agency. 1t is a transforming force; trans
forming character. The new life Is the law
of Christian existence. The church needs 70
experience life as the world needs to see it
in the church. Every Christian is trans
forming power, and more, the Christian will
produce seed after his kind. New machinery
Is not so.much needed as new life; the divine.
An unspeakable door of privilege is opened
to the church. God offers life.
The Sacrament Of the Lords supper was
administered by Revs. 4. Southworth and
III. G. Mcknight, assisted by Deacons Davis,
Blake, Winslow and Varnum.
On resuming the work of the conference,
it was voted to give from its funds S25 to
the Free church at Deering One of the
most delightful and welcome exercises of the
conference was the reading of fraternal let
ter from the aged and reverend DIR. Car
ruthers. 1t was very heartily voted to re-
turn conference salutations OF Christian
love at the hands of the moderator.
1.-The Lords method of winning the world 5
faith" was the next topic of discussion,
opened by the Rev. G. w. Reynolds of Cor.
ham, who applied the topic to the needs of
our churches in general. Rev. Z. NJ. Cousins
applied the topic to the needs of the local
church, or directly to the churches of the
conference. Rev. A. III. Wright spoke upon
the ministerial exemplifeation of the topic.
These were followed by many speakers, who
gave practical suggestions upon this most
important theme.
The evening service opened az half-past
seven, with service Of praise, led by the
lnterspersed with prayer.
At s O'Clock, Rev. L. III. Hallock opened
the topic, "The Sword of the Spirit, and
how to use it effectively" He defined the
scriptural use of the term, and showed that
it is the Word Of God in its completeness,
without human amendments or modification
a weapon keen, discriminating and often Sc
we're, designed for aggressive warfare. Its
edge must not be blunted, for it was forged
by the Spirit to cut, even to the heart. II
\.
him that serveth Him not" bow to WELD
it, Christ taught us in His wilderness en-
counter Ewith the tempter, as recorded In
Matthew. Three times He was assaulted
three times the Scripture thrust repelled
him. To use 1t well,
i. We must be familiar with the Word by
earnest study.
2. We must live the Gospel if the sword OF
the Spirit is to do much execution in our
hand.
8. We must have confidence in its authori-
ty
4. Wemust use 1t promptly. DIR. Bushnell
always prayed, himself, before preaching,
saying, Il like to whet my own scythe. Used
thus it will be the "power of God unto saliva.
tion."
The interest in the conference and its dis
cussions continued unabated to the end
The people of the St. Lawrence street
church provided most generous hospitality,
the evening collation. and social hour being
especially enjoyable. The large attendance,
spirited discussions and increasing interest
made it one Of the best of conferences.
The next meeting will be held with the
second church at Falmouth, with Rev. f. d
Palmer. the preacher.
The following delegates were present:
Second Parish Portland-Rev. q. ii. Daniels
nea T. ID. Winslow, S. w. Larrabee.
State street church-Rev. f. I. Bayley G. II
Fourth church-Rev j. G. Wilson, Felix James
Mrs. Alice Manuel.
st. Lawrence street church--Rev. A. ii. Wright
j. j. Gerrish, Roscoe l.. Davis.
West church-Rev. l.. X. Perkins, Dea. Erastu
Bethel church-Rev. f. southworth, G. "
jackson.
Free church, Deering-Dea. L. W. Knight, VIM
First church. Cape Elizabeth-Rey. B. p. Snow
Charles LOveitt, Mr.. Chase.
Cumberland Mllls-Rev +. nj. Cousens, Il. ii
Blanchard, Fred A. Verrill
First church, Famouth-H. G. Mcknight, Free
S. Hall.
Second church. Falmouth-Rev. W. II. Haskell
Dea. III. j. Merrill, Fred I. Hall.
Gerham-Rey g. w. Reynolds, Mrs. Irish, Mis-
Wingate.
saccarappa-Rev. L. E. Bacon, Dea. J. +. Small
Scott Larrabee.
standish-Rev. E. s. Palmer, Horace Allen, wm
Dolloff.
Woodford's-Dea. Q. H. Blake. c. A. Wood
bury.
Willston church-Rev. L. ii. Hallock, E. {
Chamberlain, DIR. Dunn.
The Good Templars and Politics.
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