PORTLAND CONFERENCE by Joseph Bates

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Jun 12, 1855

PORTLAND CONFERENCE.

By Joseph Bates

According to appointment in the last Review, this meeting convened in Portland, Me., the 25th inst. A oneness of feeling and fixed purpose of mind seemed to pervade the entire meeting, respecting the onward progress of the precious cause of God, and its pressing demands for their co-operation with both means and measures to get the last message of mercy before the people. The brethren of Me., Mass., N. H., and Conn., voted to unite their means in tent operations, and have therefore resolved in the name and strength of the Lord to commence this work forthwith.

Our preaching meetings on First-day were held in the City Hall. Brn. Wheeler and Barr, took a part in the services. The interest seemed to increase in the evening, and a number seemed anxious to hear the last message. The brethren were refreshed and strengthened to pursue the onward work of the last message.

An incident occurred at the close of our meeting for business which I wish to name. As the brethren were handing in their free-will offerings to the committee chosen for that purpose, Bro. J. Chamberlain's son Charles, a little lad, pressed his way among them and handed in a five dollar bill. I said, Charlie, where did you get five dollars to give for this cause? He replied, smilingly, Oh, I worked for it. May other children consider how much more God will love, and do for them that work with their hands to promote and advance his precious cause, than he will do for those who play and idle away their time, perhaps with bad children and thereby have nothing to give.

It should be borne in mind likewise that God requires some to write and some to publish papers and books, and get them before the people; and some to go out and explain and preach the message. If in this they are known to idle away their precious time, some one else will take their crown. While they are thus employed, they cannot work to sustain themselves and families; but Jesus who understood all things, said, "the laborer is worthy of his hire." Luke x, 7. A great many of God's dear children have understood this, and have been doing their duty; but he requires ALL of his children to sacrifice in this last message of mercy. For such there is a great reward. Ps. li, 5, 8, 15.

The church in this place are pressing their way for the kingdom. We were convened at Bro. S. Howland's on fast-day (yesterday) and were much refreshed by the divine blessing. To-day we are holding our preaching meetings in a convenient hall, and hope some good will be done in the name of Jesus.

JOSEPH BATES.

Topsham, June 3d, 1855.