The Portland daily press., 1891-03-11
cUMsERLANp ASSOCIATION.
Meeting Of the Congregational Min
Isters.
Admirable Addresses BY Various
CIergymen.

The regular session Of this professlona
body was held yesterday at the Y. NJ. O. A,
| parlors In this city, large number OF the
churches being represented by their pastors.
The exercises opened at 0 10 a. m, prayer
being offered by Rev. S. K. Perkins. Several
new members were received. Rev. K. p.
Wilson extended the hospitallties Of the
church at Woodfords for the next meeting In
May and the association accepted very CRATE
fully this invitation.
The convention felt favored by the pres
ence Of Rev. Z. G. Porter Of Lexington.
Mass, whose delightful address was the fea-
ture Of the Congregational Club on Monday
evening.
After the business session, Mr.. Porter ae
ceded to the desire Of the meeting and spoke
with great interest Of religious matters in
Japan. Among other things he gave a LIST
ofquestions proposed to MIN by a company OF
Japanese theological students. These ques-
tions indicated remarkable thoughtfulness.
breadth Of view, and mental and spiritual
soundness. The Japanese scholar investi-
gates for himself and Is inclined to sweep the
whole horizon Of though. before he decides.
In particular, the Christian convert In Japan
is anxious as to the condition Of his departed
ancestors and the wise missionary needs to
carefully treat the question Of the state Of
those who before Christianity came to them
died leaving the record of good though hea-
then life.
1t was said by Mr.. Porter that he never
failed to visit the public schools. He was
impressed one day by the composition very
creditable) in thought and English by quite
young pupil. on "The United States, the
Father Of our Civilization" There are 5000
schools in Japan, with nearly 100000 pu-
pills and American school books are imported
by the million.
The Japan of today is alive with thought
and honest thought 1t is not rationalism,
but rather rational inquiry. Our mission
aries are doing great work. but that which
they have stirred and stimulated the Japan
ese to do for themselves is a still greater
work.
The exegesis Of the session was brought
before the meeting by Rev. j. s. Coggswell
on the much discussed passage, l Peter 3: 10.
The treatment OF this passage was especially
valuable In Its rich citation OF authorities
bearing upon the meaning Of this scriptural
declaration.
A paper was read by Rev. G. L. Bacon Of
Saccarappa on MIND, Truth and Progress" {"
The unity Of truth In the various depart
ments and the harmony OF its manifestations
In science, physical, mental, In morals and
religion, constituted the leading ideas Of this
well elaborated essay,
The association dlned together very de-
lightfully at the hotel boarding house Of Mrs.
+. @. Heath, 302 Cumberland street. The
diuner to which they sat down was especial
ly excellent In its dishes, was served in ex-
aanff0n n allv Uo0d taefa and OainaA tho al
commendation Of the guests.
In the afternoon session the association
listened drst TO carefully prepared paper
read by Rev. j. b. Carruthers Of Saco on
Of the paper approved the use Of this type Of
Christian effort, but 1t should be used with
wisdom, and as collateral aid. There are
Evangellsts and Evangelists, and approved.
well balanced workers fill an important
place In the true scheme of Christian effort.
The discussion that followed showed that
the pastors present were not inclined to
make wholesale endorsement of Evange-
lists. while all believed In vigorous work Of
the revival type.
"The Hartford Conference Of Christian
Workers" last November, was an occasion of
great interest and power. The report given
of this notable meeting by Rev. f. T.. Bay
ley. who attended the conference. was full Of
Interest and most suggestive In respect to
Christian belief and work.
This convention occupied six whole days,
crowded with practical topics, treated by ex.
perts In mission effort, Christian training
schools, street preaching. and other similar
lines Of labor. The report Of Mr.. Bayley
was full and wonderfully suggestive, and
was received with warm appreciation by the
members.
The sessions Of this organization are of
great value in formal addresses and papers,
and they are found to be fresh. rich stirring,
and uplifting In the free, geaeral discussion
OF the topics resented.
The next meeting occurs on the second
Tuesday In May.