The Portland daily press., 1891-01-27
CHRISTIAN EnoEAvoR,
The Meeting OF the Local Union at
Nigh Street.

High street vestry was packed last eve
ning' testifying to the interest taken In this
branch OF Christian work. There was ser
vice Of song lasting half an hour, under ths
direction OF Mr.. g. l.. Bowdoin. Mr.. Pus-
dington, president OF the Local Union. then
read the eighth chapter Of Romans, and DIR.
Fem, pastor Of the church. offered prayer.
The hymn "ReiOice In the Lord" was sung
by the large choir, consisting Of 100 or more
voices.
Mr.. Puddington, In introducing Rev. DIR.
Merrill Of the Second Parish, as the first
speaker, said that there was a common plat
form on which all denominations could
stand-working for the Master.
Rev. DIR. Merrill, In answering the ques-
tion "How are we going to get the most pos
sible good out OF this convention which Is to
be held next week." said, BY putting the
most possible good In 1t. A great deal Of
pleasure Is anticipated in seeing the minis.
ters who will be present. especially those Of
New England. We want to be ready to re.
ceive them and give them the welcome they
deserve. And besides these we want to well
come the young men and women who are to
do the work Of the opening century-those
who are coming here to celebrate the 10th an
niversary will come full Of enthusiasm. We
have not had defeats enough to take away
our enthusiasm, and we will enjoy their en-
thusiasm. We rejoice that they are coming
with a leader-Jesus Christ. The best preu-
aration we can make Is to get nearer to Him
aud give them the heartiest greeting In His
name.
Come Ye that Love the Lord" was sung
after which Rev. Mr.. Pratt Of Willlston
church, defined the duty Of the Union in the
coming convention. There Is great power
In numbers. Our svangellsts always try to
secure large houses. An empty seat Is
sometimes an obst acle. Let us Gring a
cheerful. cordial spirit. Let us welcome
them as II we knew them. 1t Is our duty to
pray for this convention. II we live In the
atmosphere Of prayer others will recognize
1t. Let us have a consciousness Of our priv
ilege and responsibility.
The hymn Jesus is Tenderly Calling
was sung and then Rev. DIR. Whitman Of the
Free street church, spoke regarding the ben
eft that will accrue from this cOnyeR-
tion. The product Of what we put In will
result 10 increased product. Prayer. pey
oOnai iooPoueiDllltJi VIII come out Oh an in
creased power. Another side deals more
with the external view. We shall hear facts
which will give us better knowledge Of the
work of the Society. 1t Is but a pbrase-a
arge and important phrase-but only a
phase OF the whole matter. One gain that
VIII come from the massing Of the work. be-
cause 1t VIII cause quicksnlng Of love for
this work, Is quickening of zeal. Those
who will come here next week will bring US
the fruits Of their methods. Men who have
nad large experience will tell US their meth
ods, tnus saving Us time, money and heart
aches. But the best OF all-betteI than
facts, or methods, we shall get that which
we need most for our wOrk-lnspiratioD
God give us that preparation OF heart 50 thar
we will get inspiration.
A question box was conducted by G. K.
Leacn, and q 20 minute tes....uon meeting,
led by Mr.. Foss, closss.. the exercises.
"Ns~ M nas oes" proposed 70 drop Ine wSsIs sIs
ND .aglapd" convention, as peoI1g aLo
axnac,ed from some OF the Middle ana West
ern States and the Canadas.