The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1890-05-27
THE CHURCH AND SOCIAL REFORM.
Rev. Or. Lyman AbDott's Address
Before the Congregational Club.
Eloquent and Mastery Presentation
of a Most Timely Theme.
The Meeting One OF the Largest In
the Clubs History.

The May meeting Of the Congregational
Club, held last evening at the Preble House,
was the final session before the summer
holidays. 1t was a ladies' meeting, and In
attendance the largest In the history Of the
organization. The number Of regular men,
bers present also exceeded any previous
record. The spacious parlors Of the hotel
were taxed to accommodate those gathered
for the enjoyment Of the brilliant social
hour The large dining hall proved too
small, and the annex dining room was called
into requisition and all the available space
filed. At the table the Divine blessing was
invoked by Rev. Q. A. Dickinson Of Boston,
present as a guest Of the club.
One noticed at the tables many invited
friends, who received warm welcome. Rev.
Dr. Dalton, f. H. Elwell. DR.. Hayden, Rev.
E. G. Cummings and others.
The banquet Of the evening was admirably
served; in quality up to the best. The floral
decorations of the tables were tasteful and
much admired.
At the businesslhOur several new members
were received. The club has made remark
able increase in numbers during the half
year now closing.
Great interest has centered around the
visit and address of Dr. Lyman Abbott, and
when, with a specially happy introduction,
he was presented to the club by. President
Wilson as the orator of the evening, the cor
diality Of the reception could not be doubted.
Dr. Abbott ia entering upon his address,
which was wholly extempOraneous, said thai
this theme, The Church and Soeia
reform" was not a subject In accord with
the views of those who think that Christ
ianity and the Church are to deal only with
individuals, or Of those who think religion Is
too spiritual to be concerned much with this
earthly life. He believed however that
Christianity Is set to expOund the problems
and establish the guiding principles Of this
present life. The religion CT Christ IS also
to deal with principle pertaining to our
organic, associated life. IL has been such a
power, for the present civilization is pro-
duet Of Christianity and may be boldly
claimed as such product. Now the Church
must deal with this social life or be untrue
to its great head whose entire teachings are
in the line OF the golden rule. OF the three
great doctrines Of Christianity, the father
hood Of God, the forgiveness OF sins and the
brotherhood Of men, the latter is
the one which r. most concerns
stantlally settled. This needs to be wisely.
confidently and urgently preached and ex-
emplified. The church Is not to make spe-
cife applications, or lay down rules for par
ticular Instances, but to hold up great ideals
and demand attention to the gospel princi-
pies as bearing upon the whole treatment OF
man by man.
Men are forgetting that other men are their
brethren. The great American vice is the
attempt to get something for nothing by de-
fraudlng our brother, by gambling Of some
sort or other. This vice honeycombs the
business aud money operations Of today.
All wealth Is a trust, and an unfaithful trus-
tee Is disl0yal man; disl0yal Christian.
Great fortunes and small means are alike to
be administered for the high ends Of better
character. America has grand possibilities
If she will but rise to the demands Of human
brotherhood.
'rnese low Nae0s oSa Nvt t~svst1y auvVes ~
the wealth Of thought and the power Of this
profound sensible, eloquent and masterful
| treatment Of most timely theme. At the
close OF the address the president called up
on Dr. Dalton, who gave expression In some
witty and delightfully."- illustrated remarks to
bis hearty Endorsement Of the views Of Dr.
Abbott
The thanks Of the club. moved by DIR.
Dana, for the addresses of DR.. Abbott and
DIR. Dalton, were extended in a most hearty
vote. The club also gladly expressed by
vote its thanks to the High street choir for
Its excellent music during the evening and to
Mr.. Gibson, proprietor Of the Preble House,
for his thoughtful and always excellent ar
rangements for the entertainment of the club
at its monthly sessions. The next meeting
will be called by the official board after the
summer holidays.