The Portland daily press., 1890-06-12
Congress Asked to Take Action in the
Liquor Question.
Slxty-Eighth Annual Meeting of the
Cumberland Conference.

past fifty years, affected the Importance Of
our Church Conference? Ii so, how?" was
brought before the conference by Rev. A. I'll.
Wright Of Portland The admission was
made at the outset that the sources of reli-
gious information are in greater number
than formerly, 10 religious newspapers,
reviews and even in popular magazines and
so there might appear to be less call for the
conference to give information or inspira-
ton. Then the demands upon the
time of the members are increased largely,
and it is not easy to obtain delegates for
the meetings, and moreover, the difficulty
increases in securing hospitality needed for
the entertainment of those who attend. But
while the conference does not hold just the
place 1t once had, it is certainly true that 1t
has a place, and that it is adapted to meet
an important need, The speaker regarded
the discussion as timely, and that we need
to seek new adaptations of the time honored
meeting. In the further discussion DR.. l. p.
Warren spoke appreciatively of the con-
ference for inspiration, teaching and fellow
ship and deplored the decay of the grace
of Christian hospitality which, rightly eX-
tended, is twice blessed.
Rev. E. M. Cousins spoke with earnestness
of the value of the conference, and was ready
to assert that, taking all changed conditions
into account, there can be nothing that could
take the place, for ins .ruction, fellowship
and uplifting power of the conference of the
churches. The subject drew out stirring re-
marks from Rev. F. 7. Bayley who did not
incline to the view that the expedlency of
conferences could be matter of question
while he did believe we should endeavor
with prayer and our best wisdom to adapt
ourselves to the new condition and make The
conference power for the day.
The next topic, rs there anything remain
ing of practical utility in our Fast Day and
Thanksgiving services beyond the honoring
of pious tradition ?" had also close con.
nection with the changed conditions" amid
which we live. In opening the discussion
the Rev. B. P. Snow said he would advert to
a rarely mentioned fact, that we are living in
the last years of the nineteenth century, and
would ask that the topic be considered in
view of that fact. He was ready to allow
that as matter of fact the interest in these
solemn days has changed and waned, yet he
could not admit that the reason for the first
and continued appointment of these obser-
Vances had ceased to exist. The relation of
God to individual men, and men associated
has not ceased nor been modified, and in no
period of human history has it been more
imperative to hold up before the people this
relation. The course of wisdom and of
loyalty to New England history and to the
good of our New England ancestry is not to
abandon these days Of fast and thanksgiving
but to make more of them for God and men.
Mr. inf hnr n hi .,Ir
churches would gain by giving up their time
honored and useful days, nor did he think
tie people generally are ready to have them
abandoned. If the usual services do not
draw, so much the worse for the services;
make them better. If union services attract
sSs fsM ss the naSid Wan chpgGRs
application of gospel truth to present and
immediate duty arouse church and cOmmuni-
More of the gospel and less of politics in
these special services was the thing especial
ly desired by Rev. E. p: Wilson, who elo-
buttons, which, used with wisdom and piety
well mixed. are richly available for the best
uses.>
Rev. F. T. Bayley favored the continual
tien OF the observance, regarded Thanksgiv-
ing as of more value than the Fast Day, and
would have fresh and varied services, with
brief addresses ana large use of the i'm
portant and attractive element of sacred
song.
Rev. DIR. Merrill made thoughtful and
most f0rcible appeal for retaining these days
which especially give emphasis to the idea
that our religion concerns state and nation,
and is nothing 1T it busy not itself with the
interest and uplifting of our fellowman, in
social life. political relations and improved
conditions for religious life and duty.
The two related topics of the morning
called out discussion of unusual vigor and
OF tenor indicating no disposition to give
mp either conference or Thanksgiving or
Fast Day observance.
The devotional serviceat the opening of
the afternoon session was conducted by Rev.
A. Redlon of Scarb0fo.
The conference sermon for the annual
meeting was by Rev. Jas. G. Merrill, ID. D.,
of the Payson Memorial church, Portland.
The text chosen was st. John, a, and the
theme, the Shepherds voice, which Christ
as the leader of the ticck would have His
disciples hear and heed.
At the communion table Rev. A. ii.
Wright and Rev. George W. Reynolds pre-
| sided. Tine number of communicates was
very large, filling nearly the entire seating
| capacity Of the church.
The report of the churches was presented
by the registrar. Rev. s. K. Perkins of Port
land. Tne several churches, with hardly
| one exception, have sent in detailed reports
of annual progress. The returns are of an
| encouraging character, especially so in re-
| spect to the interest in benevolent work,
| sunday ScnOOl progress ana the growth of
| young peoples societies.
The opinion was generally expressed that
there are substantial reasons for gratitude
in view of the exceptionally favorable condi-
tion of our churches
The cause Of foreign missions was repre-
| sented before the conference by Rev. Judson
Smith, ID. d.. secretary of the American
| Board. 1t was an eloquent address, full of
facts in mission work.
The committee of nominations, Rev. F. T.
Bayley, chairman. reported as follows: Del
egates to the state conference. Rev. J. G.
Wilson, Rev. j. g. Merrill, d. D., Rev. E. E.
Bacon, Deacon Sylvester Mari, Deacon
James Graham, Mr.. Stephen Hinkley; alter
mates, Rev. W. H. Haskell, Rev. Amos Red
Ion. Rev. =. ?. Wilson, Deacon G. II. Hama
ford, Mr.. w. K. Dana, Deacon l.. k. Far
rington; to visit Bangor seminary, Rev D.
p. Snow; preacher at next conference, Rev.
g. W. Johnson; alternate, Rev. A. H.
Wright; place Of next session of conference,
engagements, Rev. F. Southworth, Deacon j.
M. Gould
On motion of Rev. F. T. Bayley. the con-
terence passed by unanimous and strong
vote the following resolution:
Whereas, the recent decision of the limited
States Supreme Court is likely to render largely
useless the prohbtory legislation of our own and
several other states thereby seriously affecting
welfare of these states, and,
Whereas, the only protection from such dsas
foe, ~
RESOLVED. First, that we gladly recognize the
action already taken by the members of CONGRESS-
from Maine in this direction.
Resolved, Second, that we earnestly implore of
the present Congress such legislation at the ear
lest practicable day. as shall secure to the sever
al states the liberty of selfprOtecton against the
evils of an unrestrained liquor traffic.
AT the evening session. after the introduc
tory service conducted By Rev. W. q.
Haskell of Falmouth, the conference consid-
cred the question, $40 what extent should
the church undertake to minister to the
social wants of the people?" In discussing
this topic Mr.. G. A. Woodbury. said that the
church is not competing organization with
lodges and fraternities for meeting social
wants. the church should not undertake
anything that throws the least shadow of
slight or neglect upon the cross of Christ.
Rev. +. p. Wilson endorsed the views pre-
sented, and insisted that the church is set to
do two things, to preach the gospel for the
conversion of sinners, and to apply the same
gospel for the ediicat0n of saints.
Whatever concerns the life of men cannot
be foreign to the aim and methods of church
work. Such was the view of Rev. f. T.
Bayley. Therefore it is right for the church
more than this it is duty for the church
10 influence and control social relations
Key. w. Fl; Fem, D. d., introduced, in
scholarly and fine toned address the import-