The Portland daily press., 1890-02-26

After devotional exercises, led by Rev. A.
w. Pottle, there was a business meeting,
presided over by Rev. d. B. Randall, at
which all evangelical ministers were invited
to participate In the discussions.
A discussion ensued upon the topic, what
evidence have we that converted persons are
wholly sanctifed in death If not beforea"
which was ably handled by Messrs. d. B.
Randall, G. Munger, ]. B. Lapham and G.
d. Holmes. The next topic was "What evil
dence have we that faith can be increased,
and by what means?" in the discussion of
which S. F. Wetherbee, John Gibson, f.
Grosvenor. and S. d. Brown took part.
Messrs. l. Luce. A. w. Pottle, s. A. Nixon
and NIB. Pratt gave their views as to "What
extent the church is responsible for re-
vival." The meeting then adjourned to af-
ternoon.
The afternoon meeting took place at 2 p.
M, w. S. Jones, presiding elder, in the
chair.
Rev. j. M. Frost, of the Congress street
church, presented very able paper, show
ing the responsibilities of the minister for a
revival
Rev. j. A. Corey was assigned the same
subject, but as he thought the ground was
too well covered by Mr.. Frost for anything
further on the subject, the time which was
allowed him for his paper was taken up
with devotional exercises.
Future of Colored People in the South"
was the subject Of the paper presented by
Rev. Mr.. Inge, who thought no man could
do justice to the great problem of the future
of the colored people. The thunder of the
guns at Appomattox silenced the slave auc-
tioneer, the nation was cleansed of the
plague; but what should be done with the
four millions of slaves made free, but with
out homes, without education, very many of
them without names. Like beasts of burden,
they must seek their own subsistence A
ransomed race, bowed in poverty, in igno-
rance; but, thank God. free! He briefly
outlined the condition Of the slaves for seven
or eight years after the war. They are prov
ing themselves equal to their responsible
ties. Statistics show that the negro popula
tion is not dying oat. but increasing. Preju-
dice Is dying out, however. Many are today
practicing law, teaching schools and editing
newspapers. He predicted, in the future,
colored missionaries would carry the glad
tidings into the heart Of the dark continent.
Mr.. Thayer believed that the North must
have the cooperation of the South in the
work of evangelization. Christian educa-
ton would settle the whole great question.
The question Of Conference Examina-
tions" was then taken up by Rev. Mr.. Drag
don, who held the opinion that these exami-
vuauld ha OFF 10 -
some other place than the General Confer
ence, where there were too many interrupt
tions, and consequently too hasty examina-
tions. Methodist ministers, as class, will
compare favorably with other denomina-
tions, but the conferences ought to combine
and raise the Intellectual standard.
Rev. Mr. Jones advocated a systematic
course Of readins and study, correctness in
all branches to be observed, and gave some
amusing instances of false syntax and mis-
pronunciation of words In common USE
1t was then voted that Mr.. Mcintyre, of
the Park street church, Lewiston. be allowed
to present the matter of an itinerant club, to
be formed in connection with the conference.
1t was also voted that delegate to repre-
rent this district be appointed and confer
with the delegates appointed by the other
districts in regard to the formation of the
club. and ia. Corey was appointed delegate.
A general discussion of the question, IRE
solved, That the Bishop, with the advice of
the Cabinet, be requested to appoint con-
ference missionary" was participated in by
Revs. D. B. Randall. S. Hooper, w. S. Jones,
A. w. Pottle and others.
Benediction was pronounced by Rev. DIR.
Whitaker, after which the meeting adjourned
to 7.30p.m.
Rev. E. D. Thayer of Biddeford preached
in the evening from from the text. HE that
comes after Me let him deny himself, take
up his cross and follow Me-
1t was very able discourse, and one of
great profit to ALL.