The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1890-01-15
THE CUMBERLAND ASSOCIATION
Held Their Meeting In Portland Yes.
terday.

The bi-monthly meeting of the Cumber.
land Association of Congressional Ministers
was held yesterday at the rooms of the Y. NJ.
Y. A. OF this city President E. NJ. Cousens,
OF Cumberland Mills, presided Among the
cl'rgymen present were Rev. Messrs. f. T,
Bayley, A. H. Wright, F. Southworth, DIR. /.
T. Warren, s b. Perkins, DR.. j. G. Merrill
OF Portland E. NJ. Cousens. of Cumberland
Aills; f. K Bacon, of Saccarappa; Daniel
Green, OF Cumberland; George w. Rey-
nolds, of Gorham; E. P. Wilson, of Wood
fords; Ridlon of Scarboro, and Kyle of Bux-
ton.
Prayer was offered by Rev. A. II. Wright
of Portland.
Rev. s. K. Perkins was elected secretary
pro TEN.
MIR. w. L. Jordan of Deeriug was licensed
to preach another year.
Rev. +. I. Bayley presented paper on the
subject of Newspaper Criticism of Foreign
Missions"
Mr.. Bayley said that criticism is frequent
ly found in the secular press to the effect
that the Christian missionaries are either
missionaries or hypocrites, and that they are
really doing no work to advance Christian
ily. These items crafty such minds as are
without sympathy with the Christian move
ment to redeem the world from sin. They
disturb some who are sincerely in sympathy
with it.
Travellers in countries where missions are
supported often return and tell about the
little that has been done or is being done,
but when examination into their knowledge
of the facts is made, it is almost always
found that these travellers interests have
been on matters entirely foreign from those
under the charge of the missionaries. Others
also speak from prejudice and purposely mis-
represent the facts.
Mr.. Bayley then stated many facts going
to dtsapprove specific charge made by
Lieut.. Wood of the United States navy, that
the missionaries in China and Corea were
doing no good, and only objects of ridicule.
The establishment Of colleges and hospitals
by high officials, placed under the charge of
Christian missionaries, and the high words
of praise spoken by these officials, for the
services performed by physicians were
among the many points taken to show the
error of Lieut.. Woods statement. SIT is
said," the speaker said, "that such calumny
Is sent broadcast over the country by an ire
sponsible press. But the saddest thing is
that SO many nominal Christians are so ready
to believe the falsehood." Mr.. Bayley then
added the testimony Of many representative
men, distinguished travellers, government
officials, statesmen, scientists and scholars,
all going to show the immense amount of
good being done by the missionaries. The
paper was discussed by all present.
Rev Dr. Merrill presented sermon for
criticism.
Mr.. Dole was given an approval for one
year as a lay worker.
recess was taken for dinner, after which
Rev. K. M. Cousens offered an essay, "What
is implied in the fellowship of the churches /"
He showed that 1t meant good feeling be-
tween them all, and the willingness and de-
sire on the part of the strong to assist the
weak.
The spiritual condition of the churches
was called for, following the week of prayer.
The answers were not highly satisfactory
since the weather, la grippe, and other
Causes had tended to prevent that interest
aud attendance that would show the best re-
suits. After reports by brethren ON their
current reading, the meeting adjourned
The committee of arrangements were
Rev. Messrs. E. P. Wilson. b. P. Snow and
G. w. Reynolds.