Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-11-03
OXFORD CONFERENCE.
AN INTERESTING AND PROFITABLE
SESSION AT SOUTH PARIS

The semi-annual meeting of the OXFORD
Conference OF Congregational Churche:
was held with the Congregations
church, South Paris, Tuesday and Wed
nesday, Oct. q and ~.
Tuesday morning Capt. II. y. Bolster
the moderator, conducted devotional
services. The scribe being absent, Rev
Israel Jordan of Bethel was chosen
scribe pro ten.
The conference listened to sermon by
Rev. Z. f.. Miller of East Sumner FROM
the text found In Psalm 46, LIST verse
''God ~ our refuge and strength" A
refuge must be safe, convenient, easy OF
access, with sufficient accommodation:
for all that need its protection and will
avail themselves Of it.
A bountiml dinner was provided In
the vestry, and served in genuine hos
pitality both Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tuesday afternoon an interesting de-
votional service was led by Rev. A.
Marley. Three exceptionally able ad-
dresses followed, on the following sub
jects: "Individual Responsibility to the
Church, "by Rev. Israel Jordan of Bethel.
1.-The Citizen of the Kingdom. Who Is
he: What Is his creedy' by Rev. b. S.
Rideout of Norway; and "Christian
citizenship, or the responsibility of the
Church TO direct public opinion" by
Rev. J. Il. Carruthers of Gorhsm. The
speakers all emphasized the fact of per-
sonsl responsibility. The Fatherhood
of God and the brotherhood OF man, with
ali the responsibilities of the latter, were
happily illustrated and enforced. The
church was for the uplifting OF humanity
to Christlike living aud loyalty to
Christ. The last speaker insisted that the
duty Of the Christian was 10 attend the
primary meetings OF his party and mingie
with the people, and by consistent, up
right life, in the home, in the church, in
the community, be a model worthy OF
imitation.
+. W. Woodbury. talked of the "liome
and It's rivals. How can we meet them:
Bros. A. ;. Chapman Of Bethel and
W. X. Sewsll OF sumner discussed these
questions, aud prayer and song were
intermingled.
Tuesday evening the choir assisted
In a praise service, led by Rev. b. ;.
Rideout. Miss Jones presided at the
organ, and Miss Plummer sang solo.
Rev. Francis J. Marsh OF Boston pre-
sented the claims OF the Congregational
SUNDAY school Union in a thrilling adj
dress Of thirty minutes, and then Dr. j.
l.. jenkins of State Street church,
Portland. held an audience that taxed
the capacity OF the church, for a full
hour. "shellbound.r while he gave his
lecture, "A Modern Congregstionalist In
the Modern World" Congregational
ism stands for an Idea" not for =
Greed" That idea IA, Man j. capable
Of self-goyernment." out OF that idea
come our free churches, our free schools,
our free press, our free government.
The address abounded In sallies of Wit
aud wisdom, aud was cordially received
and warmly applsuded.
Wednesday morning Rev. j. b. Car
ruthers led the devotional exercises.
The reports from the churches were
made BY the delegates, and were very
An address followed by Rev. ;. ;.
York, county missionary, OF much
interest. Rev. Mr.. Marsh gave an Inter
esting account Of nine DAYS spent In the
Msgalloway region with Mr.. York and
the establishing Of seven sabbath
schools, emphasizing the high esteem In
which Mr.. York l. held and the grand
work he is doing. The whole forenoon
was taken up with this subject, and Or.
Jenkins and Mr.. Marsh added greatly
IA the Interest OF the session.
\ sermon in the afternoon by Rev. \.
Marley, from the text Job 22:2l-
'' Acquaint myself now with Him." He
showed the different ways in which
We NAV become acquainted with God.
Bv the works Of creation, by his word,
by humanity as expressed In Jesus
christ.
The sacrament OF the Lords supper
VAS administered by Rev. Messrs. Jens-
ms aud Marsh, and after passing the
following resolution, the conference
closed one OF the most largely attended,
profitable, spiritually uplifting meetings
il ever held.
Resolved, That the thanks OF this conference
Ice extended ~ the church OF South Paris for IT.
entertainment, and cordial hospitality
10 the organi-t and choir for their valuable
assistance 10 Miss Plummer for her service OF
song. 10 Rev Francis J. Marsh for his Inspiring
A iirce- in behalf ~ sabbath schools, to DR. j.
l. Jeukin- for his abe and Instructive address
FOR the assistance these brsthercn have given
u IN the general descriptions. and 10 the Urand
Trunk railway for reduced fares
r. W. WOODBURY..