The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1893-10-19
mErHoplsTs IN COUNCIL. za.sz
The Proceedings of the Second Day at
Congress Street Church.

| Congress Street Church.
The first topic presented yesterday
morning was Methodism in Maine; Can
it be Improved?" DR.. G. +. Allen spoke
first. He said: Methodism is q return
to primitive Christianity. We preach nc
new doctrine. Methodism is indeed
Christianity in earnest. Maine Methodisn
has no peculiarities not common with
Methodism elsewhere. Our doctrines can
not be changed without harm, because
they are Scriptural. God knoweth them
that are His. We believe in the inerrancy
of Scripture doctrine, also in the correc-
tion of any verbal defects of the word.
Our policy neeas no change. Some OF its
abuses and usages may. The Meth odist
Conference of Maine has no right to die
tate to the ruling authorities as 30 what
changes shall be,made and what transfers
shall be accepted. We need to revive
some of our. ancient customs. Kneeline
in prayer in our public assembly might
be revived with profit. We want more OF
the spirit of our Lord in all our work.
r. G. Munger said: We want less of
| the new 'fandangled notions The
position of Zion's Herald on the essential
| things of Methodist forms of Christianity
was criticised.
The present style of preaching fails to
convince the sinner. The times have
changed and men do not now agonize on
| account of their sins Men are accepted
into the church on conditions too easy.
The old doctrines of original sin, guilt,
condemnation and judgement must be
preached. These doctrines are incident
ally and alphabetically proclaimed. We
want to stand up like men and preach
these truths. We need more definiteness.
The definite object of Methodism is to
spread Scriptural holiness around the
| world.
We need, too, the baptism of the Holy
Ghost. We have touches. We want the
| abiding presence. Gods judgments attend
national sins, his blessings are occurrent
on those who trust him. Here am I.
Send me-" must be our attitude.
Rev. Matt. S. Hughes said: At almost
every meeting of ministers hear depre-
cations of our Methodism, but if these
things are SO we better close our
churches while our credit is good! The
charge is that the younger ministers are
not under the Spirits power. l deny the
charge Let these accusations be made
private. We are not degenerate sons of
| noble sires. Our youngss men are not
heterodox The cry of new born souls in
the charges of our young men is proof
positive against this charge.
Rev.I. G Ross said, speaking personal
ly, am trying to preach white gospel.
Rev. W. n. Barber asserted that the
religious condition of the times is not as
discouraging as it seems. The ministry
is sound on doc trine and in spirit.
Rev. E. L. House-The improved con-
dition of the people accounts for the lack
of demonstration when the truths of the
gospel are presented.
Rev E. S. Strout-The report of the
number of professed converts is no test
of the religious condition of a charge.
Rev. VIM. Ward next spoke on this sub
| ject. I am well acquainted with the
ldUcSU duulUlOHS W UAC 4AldlAO NOaIO1OICO
and am convinced that the young men
are not lacking in mental and spiritual
force. Their success is not inferior to
that of the fathers, under given con-
ditions.
Rev. B. Freeman said: We can improve
on some lines. We as Methodists are too
much of Sabbath breakers. We ride too
much on cars and boats on Sunday. We
need to be more faithful insattendance on
in the regular means of grace.
Rev. G. Munger again. defended his
position. A number of questions were
asked The question was asked "Can
Bro. Munger show us an original sinner
to illustrate the doctrine of original sin?"
Yes, said the speaker, "look in the
mirror"
DR.. Allen, speaking from a wide ex-
in Methodism has not degenerated.
People did not attend class meet
ings when it was penal offence to
stay away. Much change has been
brought about but much improvement
has been made. Methodism cannot be
improved, its usage may be-,
right. The young men defend them ably.
We can trust them. Methodism is not
quite as compact as it used to be- We
need lite more of fraternal spirit
| There is not much commingling that
used to characterize our city churches.
Our love feasts are not just what they
| might be- not what they used to be.
Rev. D. B. Randall took the floor
Methodism may be improved by an in
creased self-respect. We are not inferior
to pastors in other churches. Social
sympathy, interchange Of pulpits, ETC.,
might improve things. We ought to send
our own children to our own educational
schools Had the unity Of effort that
ought to characterize Methodism been
effective we should have had six churches
instead of three in Portland. DR. Lind
say asks, Gould not Methodism be i'm
proved politically?n Yes. The largest
denomination in Maine ought to have
word to saysabout Maine politics.
DR.. Randall then presented his new
| book Statistics of the Maine Conference
from 1793-1s93 =" This book can be had on
application to the author.
Mr.. Hughes again took the floor. 1t is
not wise thing to close three chucrhes
in a city like Portland to have a love