The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-03-12
THE CONGREGATIONAL CLUB.
Ladies' Night and An Unusually
large Attendance.

Inc March meeting Of the Club, last eve
ming, though in one of the unfayorable
months OF the year, drew an unusually fine
attenance. This was ladies' evening. and
following the brilliant hour in the parlors of
the Preble House some one hundred and
twenty gentlemen and:adies sat down to the
excellent supper in the grand dining hall.
AT the table the Divine blessing was invoked
by Rev w. ID. Fem. d. ID. President Hal
lock In the chair guided the exercises of the
evening with ease and we'll regulated tact.
The Club, already strong in numbers,
gained three new members by election at the
business session.
The president, in well timed words, intro
duced his friend, and the guest of the club
Rev. F. F. Emerson of Newport, r. l.. who
addressed the club on the topic, "rhe Chris
tian and his Money"
Introducing his theme with the remarks
that questions touching money are especially
In leading place in our time, and that the
last Presidential election turned upon a
money question; he noticed the important
place given in Christ's teachings to this re
lation Of the disciple to wealth. Prodigality
and extravaganza in the use of money are
condemned by our Lord In whatever way
this extravaganza may be manifested.
The rich are not necessarily evil on ac-
count Of their wealth, nor the poor necessa-
rily worthy on account of their poverty, but
the use of money in such way as to disre-
gard high principles a sin and a crime agains
humanity, even though such use be made
by religious organizations Catholic or Pro-
testant. The appropriation of money by
poor or rich under the sway Of human feel
Ing, With purpose high and true carries with
1t power of Influence mighty and durable
even though the gift be but two mites.
Inc gentle service of help to the needy Is a
criterion for the judgment of character even
In the final avowal Christ laid emphases
upon this subject as the careful reader. If
the gospel can but notice. The practical
application of the.theme was pointed and per-
tinent. The just use of money was consid-
cred as related to speculation corners,
trusts. and combinations, to buying legisla-
lures ts and city councils. The truly just use
and calm the agitations of the times. The
teaching of our Lord as to FOUR business
methods would settle the most troublesome
disturbances of our times. The benevolent
uses OF money may be summed up in the
principle, to whom much is given of him
shall much be required.
How will American wealth respond TO the
call OF tie Master to go into all the world
and preach the gospel?
Judged by the number of members or
wealth we are giving but little. Our offer
lngs. taking all Evangelical churches, for
home and foreign missions did not aggregate
In 1880 much over Clio of mill per member.
The entire paper was clear, calm in posi-
tions carefully taken and we'll maintained.
and put In telling style. 1t was truly Chris
tlan effort, but withal manly, sharp and sem
sible and was received with earnest attention
and great favor.
In the remarks following the address Rev.
DR.. Whitaker of the Chestnut street Metho-
dist church, the welcome guest of the club.
spoke with much force, insisting that when
our substance bows to the Master then will
the nations do homage to Christ.
Kew. K. Z. Wilson was thankful for the
many. excellent men and women In our
churches, as to this liberality in giving. aud
ne also did believe that there are not few
stlngy, miserly souls who ought to be turned
out OF the churches for covetousness which
is idOlatry.
:. Or. Dana made graceful apology for not
discussing subject OF such lively interest
!, Rev. DIR. Fem in felcitous terms spoke of
the generosity of the average church mem
bership, while with racy severity he stig-
matizedsthe penurious rich
The thanks of the club, moved by ex-May-
or chapman, were cordially extended by the
CLERK Tor the able and interesting addresses.
IL was a rich and strong session throughout