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CHAPTER X.

Revival Meeting in Portland-Its Origin and Object-Addresses by Rev. Dr. Carruthers and seven other Pastors from Maine-Summary of Principles.

On Monday evening, June 23d, a large audience, filling the church edifice of the Second Parish, in the city of Portland, assembled to hold a Revival Meeting, as it was called by the pastor; the first of the kind, we think, ever convened in this country. The idea originated with Dr. Carruthers, by whom it was carried out in detail, with the cordial co-operation of all the Christian people with whom he conferred on the subject. The particular evening was selected, because the following day, was the time appointed for the meeting of the General Conference of the State of Maine, and many clergymen and others could attend, with reference to the anniversary meetings of the week; and it was also hoped, that the influence of such an occasion would be pleasant and elevating, upon the churches which were represented there, during the sessions of Conference.

The plan of meeting was, with the usual religious services, to have brief addresses from seven of the

pastors, in whose parishes there had been revivals during the winter and spring. At seven o'clock, Dr. Carruthers opened the meeting with a very appropriate and impressive hymn.

This was followed by reading the 4th chapter of 2d Corinthians. Rev. P. C. Headley offered prayer. After singing another hymn, the pastor spoke of the precious work of grace in his congregation, whose fruits remained to the glory of God; and eloquently expressed his hope that these manifestations of the sovereign Spirit's power, might be the bright assurances of a glorious future for the churches of the Redeemer.

The Rev. Mr. Wheelright, of Bethel, was the next speaker. He commenced his address with much feeling, which threw a subduing influence over the audience. He said he came to Portland last November, and, as he entered this church one evening, the congregation was singing, "Oh to grace how great a debtor!" and his heart was filled with joy at the words. He felt that God was there; and asked, can he not bless Bethel? And cannot brother H. come and help gather in the harvest? He went home, resolved to go to work for souls, and strive to bring them to Christ. Mr. W. then gave an outline of the efforts and results, which is found in the preceding pages; closing with the statement, that "when he received a letter from Dr. Carruthers, inviting him to attend this meeting, he asked the

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young converts what he should tell the people whether he should say the interest of months past had been all excitement. They replied, "no; tell them God is here." He believed God was in Bethel. He did not wish to call names, but loved Bro. Hammond, as he loved his own soul. God blesses earnest efforts; and the minister, who labors most earnestly, will be the most successful.

Rev. Mr. Garland, of the Second Church, Bethel, followed, remarking, that in a few words he could add, God has been blessing the town with the power of his Spirit. Mothers in Israel had been praying— one of them for several days, prayed all the time ; and had just gone to heaven. The triumph of the Cross was complete. Men,not fit for the society of decent people, were converted and began to preach that sinners must be born again. Accessions had been made to the church, and others are soon to be added. It needed no human eulogies, to exalt such a work as had been witnessed in Bethel.

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Rev. J. O. Fiske, of the Winter St. Church, Bath, commenced his statement of the work there, as follows: The best I can say is, to tell what I saw in Lewiston, last evening. Seven persons, mature in years and experience, rose one after the other, and offered prayer; and then the young converts. I forgot that I was tired by eight o'clock. One man said that he had not been to meeting for years, but felt he must go and hear Mr. Balkam preach.

The sermon reached his heart, and soon he found Jesus. He rejoiced to tell them, he was witnessing similar scenes in Bath. Not unfrequently we see a reviving religious interest, and then it subsides. But the work had been deep in that city. Much earnest prayer had preceded it-some persons spent the whole night wrestling with God. He went to Portland and saw such indications as constrained him to send for Mr. Hammond; and he thanked God upon every remembrance of him, in his prayers. Mr. F. then sketched graphically the thrilling scenes, whose narrative we have given.

Rev. Mr. Southworth, of South Paris, said, every true revival must be the work of God, and it must also be carried forward by men-by preaching and prayer, and effort. The stated ministry was indispensable, but we ought to use such other instruments, as God raises up from time to time. Evangelists had their place, among the saving agencies he employed. Mr. S. spoke very earnestly and feelingly, of the increase of the spirit of prayer, of the attendance upon meetings-of the indications of God's providence and grace, which led the church to send for help. He went to Bath, and saw the personal efforts of Mr. H.-never before, saw and felt how to approach men, although he believed he loved their souls. He had the assistance of the evargelist but two days, but was taught things he had not learned before. Dr. Carruthers and Dr. Chickering

also came to his help. It would take a long time to tell what God had wrought, subduing strong men, and bringing babes to Christ. A little boy was converted-asked God to bless his father-went home and erected a family altar, and still kept it up.

Another was so deeply impressed, that he said, he loved Christ, but did not know as Christ loved him. Soon the Spirit revealed Jesus to his heart. The work had been characterized by a vivid sense of guilt. Aged Christians were sure, they had never seen so pungent convictions of sin, in any previous revival. Forty-four had united with the church, and more were coming forward. He closed with an urgent request, for an interest in the petitions of all, at the throne of grace.

At this point of great interest, prayer was offered; and the congregation sang a hymn.

Rev. Mr. Howard, of Farmington, was rejoiced when he heard of this meeting. Edwards declared

that one great means of promoting the work of God more than a century ago, was to report its progress, to people unvisited by the divine presence. He thought it might save souls in Portland. The past winter he came to P., and saw strong men bowing to Immanuel, and longed to transfer the scene to Farmington. He went to Bath, and was called up at dead of night, to pray with two persons. Returning home, he asked his people what they should do, to develope and deepen the interest apparent among

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