THE PRAYER OF CHRIST THAT HIS PEOPLE MICHT BE ONE. 
 
 A 
 
 S E R M N 
 
 DELIVERED A.T CALAIS. JUNK 25TH, 1856, 
 
 BEFoRK THE 
 
 MAINE MISSIONARY SOCIETY, 
 
 FORTY - NINTH ANNIVERSARY 
 
 BY DANIEL TALCOTT SMITH. 
 
 PROFESSOR XX THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, l:.\Xi,iil:. 
 
 POR T L A X D : 
 
 \bs-l* 
 
 V R I X T K L» B V J'. I! W X T H U fi S T X 
 
 1866. 
 
THE PRAYER OF CHRIST THAT HIS PEOPLE .MIGHT BE ONE. 
 
 SERMON 
 
 DELIVERED AT CALAIS, JUNE 25TH, 1856, 
 
 BEFORE THE 
 
 MAINE MISSIONARY SOCIETY, 
 
 FORTY -NINTH ANNIVERSARY. 
 
 BY DANIEL TALCOTT SMITH, 
 
 PROFESSOR IN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, BANGOR. 
 
 PORTLAND: 
 
 PRINTED BY BROWN THURSTON. 
 1856. 
 
SERMON. 
 
 John 17, 21. That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in 
 thee, that they also may be one in us ; that the world may believe that thou hast 
 sent me. 
 
 The chapter from which the text is taken may be regard- 
 ed as, in some respects, the most wonderful and impressive 
 portion of the Bible. Human language is here put to its 
 highest use. Even in the ordinary use of language, as a 
 means simply of intercourse between man and man, we are 
 compelled to own that there is a mystery involved, which 
 we cannot find out by all our searching. The mystery is 
 heightened, when the Infinite One himself vouchsafes, as he 
 does throughout the Bible, to communicate to mortals in the 
 terms they are accustomed to employ among themselves, his 
 own thoughts and purposes and will. But when, as here, 
 the august communion between the divine Redeemer and 
 the Father who has sent him, yet with whom he is himself 
 one God, Infinite, Eternal and Unchangeable, is couched in 
 human phrase, and that too of a form and structure so sim- 
 ple and so plain, that the merest babe in knowledge may 
 discern all that is most essential in its import, we hardly 
 know which of the two the more forcibly compels our won- 
 der, the capability of the instrument for being employed in 
 such a way, or the condescension that is displayed in its 
 employment. 
 
 This is no place to enter into speculation in regard to the 
 fact that the Savior prayed. It is enough for us that he did 
 so, and that his prayer is here recorded for our benefit. A 
 
prayer of Christ, uttered under any circumstances, must be- 
 full of interest for all who have any just conceptions of his 
 character and work. We often read of his praying, but it 
 is rarely that we have the means of knowing what was the 
 burden of his prayers. Let us be thankful that so full an 
 account has come down to us of the prayer he uttered on 
 this occasion. What a void had there been in the history of 
 the Savior's life, had these memorable words been lost to 
 our knowledge ! The occasion, so well fitted to bring into 
 expression the deepest longings of that heart of unutterable 
 love, and the prayer so far transcending all that we could 
 otherwise have imagined of what prayer could be ! 
 
 The hour of darkness is just at hand. The Savior stands 
 in full view of all that awaits him in the closing scenes of 
 his humiliation, but as he prays, it is the thought of his peo- 
 ple that swallows up every other thought, and every petition 
 has more or less directly a reference to them. Whatever 
 else he introduces is either suggested by something, or 
 draws something along with it, that pertains to their condi- 
 tion and their wants. When he speaks of himself, as soon 
 to be no more in the world, he adds immediately, but these 
 are in the world. When he urges the petition, Father, glo- 
 rify thy Son, the ground presented is, that thy Son also 
 may glorify thee ; as thou hast given him poiver over all 
 flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou 
 hast given him. 
 
 But we are to regard the Savior's prayer as dictated no less 
 by unerring wisdom, than by boundless love. We may be 
 sure that in now, as it were, bringing to a close his earthly 
 intercessions, the great Petitioner will gather up and con- 
 dense in one pregnant and all comprehending utterance a 
 summary of whatever may in any age be needed to carry 
 into full accomplishment his purposes of beneficence in their 
 
behalf, for whom he has already done so much, and for whom 
 he is now about to pay so dear a ransom. 
 
 The prayer of the Savior contemplated in this light, chal- 
 lenges for all its parts our most earnest and reverent atten- 
 tion. Every thought which it suggests derives from its po- 
 sition here an emphasis which in no other connection could 
 belong to it. But the petition of the text contains an em- 
 phasis which is even additional to that which belongs to it, 
 simply as being a portion of this prayer. The place it 
 occupies here is altogether peculiar. It occurs in the text, 
 you will notice, as a resumption, with enlargements, of some- 
 thing which has been already said before. The petition first 
 occurs in the 11th verse, with immediate reference to those 
 who were now believers, those who had so long enjoyed the 
 personal presence of the Savior and had been kept by him, 
 but who were upon his departure to be exposed to new and 
 threatening dangers. " And now I am no more in the 
 world, but these are in the world and I come to thee. Holy 
 Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast 
 given me, that they may be one, as we are" The Savior 
 now returns from following the course of thought suggested 
 by the petition as so limited, in order to extend it to all who 
 should hereafter become his disciples. Neither pray I jor 
 these alone, but for them also which shall believe on. me 
 through their word ; That they all may be one ; as thou, 
 Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one 
 in us ; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 
 Now in this method of procedure we see an indication of 
 the peculiar importance which, in the view of Christ himself, 
 belonged to the petition. He might have so framed it ori- 
 ginally, as to have included at once all his followers, both 
 present and to come, but every one sees that had he done 
 so, the expression of his desire would have been compara- 
 
lively weak. And I cannot help asking you to observe how 
 widely remote is the character of the petition, as presented 
 in this form, and the character indeed of the whole prayer 
 of which it constitutes a part, from the mode of thinking 
 attempted of late in certain quarters to be revived, which 
 professes to find in the church some vague and shadowy sub- 
 sistence, additional to the individual members that belong 
 to it. 
 
 The design of Christ to include in this petition all his 
 true followers in every age of the world, is sufficiently obvi- 
 ous. In what sense precisely he prays that they may all be 
 one, is a question which demands to be considered. What- 
 ever may be the nature of this union, we are authorised to 
 assume, that what Christ regarded as being so important, 
 must be something for the realization of which some kind 
 of adequate provision has been made, either in the nature of 
 things, or by explicit revelation, and that it must be some- 
 thing which stands closely connected with the union of be- 
 lievers with the Father and the Son. For the specification 
 is that they also may be one in us, that is, one with one 
 another, as being all of them alike in us. It may be as- 
 sumed still further, that the union in question must be a 
 union visible in its essential features to the world, and that 
 it must be of such a nature as to admit of being explained 
 upon no other supposition than that Jesus is the Christ ; — 
 that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. Let us 
 briefly apply these tests to some of the principal views 
 which might be taken of the nature of that union among the 
 followers of Christ which is contemplated in the Savior's 
 prayer. 
 
 The view which has obtained the most extensive prev- 
 alence thus far among those who claim to bear the name 
 of Christ, is that the union spoken of consists in, or neces- 
 sarily involves at least, an outward fellowship with one visi- 
 
ble head, acknowledged as Supreme on earth, But had such 
 a union been designed, is it conceivable that there should not 
 have been a clear indication somewhere made of the ap- 
 pointed head ? The Apostles evidently knew of no such 
 head, for Paul, we remember, withstood Peter to his face, 
 and for none but Peter is any claim to original primacy ad- 
 vanced. Yet the Savior prays for those who were already 
 his disciples, that they might all be one, in the same sense, 
 most clearly, as that in which he prays that his people might 
 in future times be one. Then, too, while such a union would 
 confessedly be visible enough, yet if sustained by means like 
 those which the Church of Rome employs, (and we can con- 
 ceive of its being long sustained in no other way.) it would 
 have no more power as an argument for the divine commis- 
 sion of the founder of Christianity, than the mysterious union 
 which cements together the Zincali or the Thugs. 
 
 Nor are we at liberty to regard the Savior's prayer as 
 contemplating either one and the same form of outward or- 
 ganization for his people, throughout all the world, or their 
 being everywhere united in the maintenance of a system of 
 religious belief the same in all its minute details. For here, 
 too, the difficulty meets us, that no such method of organi- 
 zation, no such detailed system of religious belief, has been 
 anywhere prescribed } and in the absence of any divinely 
 attested and explicit rule of uniformity, the constitution of 
 the human mind makes uniformity impossible. 
 
 The connection indicated between the union prayed for of 
 believers among themselves, and the union which they all in 
 common have with the Father and the Son, might of itself 
 suggest, that what the Savior has in mind is simply a parti- 
 cipation in one and the same character, living for the same 
 objects, and being animated by a common hope. But had 
 this been the meaning of the Savior, his prayer would have 
 
been simply that his people might be his people j for to be 
 one in this sense belongs to the very idea of the church. 
 The church in this sense has always been, and must be al- 
 ways, one ; but I hardly need to say, how far is such a one- 
 ness from fulfilling the condition indicated in the clause, 
 " that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." 
 
 We know it to be true of every sincere disciple of the 
 Lord Jesus, that he needs only to be brought to a clear and 
 vivid recognition of the actual character of any other disci- 
 ple, whoever he may be, to become sensible of the existence 
 of a bond of mutual sympathy and love, by the side of which 
 all influences that tend to alienate are but as the attrac- 
 tion which a passing meteor exerts upon the earth, com- 
 pared with that which keeps it circling through all time, 
 around the great central orb. Yet on how many battle- 
 fields of Christendom is there reason to believe, that those 
 who were thus truly one in heart have met to shed 
 the heart's blood of one another ! And that, too, not al- 
 ways notwithstanding their common faith and hope, but 
 too often, incredible as it might seem to be, professedly 
 on account of it ! How often may it not have been, that 
 those whose highest purpose, however defectively devel- 
 oped, and however perverted by evil passions yet remain- 
 ing unsubdued, was still to do the will of their Father in 
 heaven, have doomed others to the scaffold, or the stake, for 
 following out the same purpose, more wisely, more constantly; 
 more directly, with greater self denial, and more painful and 
 exhaustive labor, if not with a more ardent and consuming 
 zeal ! Surely a unity of spirit which leaves room for out- 
 ward antagonism such as this, is not the unity for which the 
 Savior, in praying, urged the argument, that the world mat/ 
 believe that thou hast sent me. 
 
 The prayer of Christ contemplates that what is called 
 
9 
 
 the invisible church on earth should itself become in some 
 way, so to speak, visible to the world, as being truly one. 
 It is not implied in this that it can ever come to be certainly 
 and distinctly known, either by the church or by the world, 
 who are and who are not the true and living members of 
 Christ's mystic body ; but it is implied that the great out- 
 lines of that body may be so presented upon the surface of 
 human society, that men shall be compelled to see and own 
 the fact of its existence, as a whole, with all its diverse and 
 innumerable parts, however remotely scattered, and however 
 sometimes apparently antagonistic even to one another, yet 
 mutually compacted and knit together in a wondrous and in- 
 dissoluble unity. But before this condition of things can be 
 attained, and in order indeed that it may be attained, the 
 fact of its own true unity must first be clearly recognized by 
 the church itself. We cannot easily suppose that the inti- 
 mate relation which subsists between the followers of Christ, 
 can ever be apprehended by the world, any farther, to say 
 the least, than it is discerned and felt and practically admit- 
 ted by themselves. 
 
 It may be stated then briefly, as the import of the Savior's 
 prayer, that his people everywhere might come to acknowl- 
 edge one another in the relation which they all sustain to 
 him in common, as being one with him by faith and love, and 
 depending on him as their Savior, as possessing a measure 
 of his likeness, and devoted supremely to his service. This 
 is all that is necessary to make them consciously to them- 
 selves, and manifestly to those around them, one with one 
 another. For such a mutual recognition must necessarily 
 involve the conscious exercise of love to one another, as 
 bearing all of them the moral image of Him who is to all 
 the object of supreme attachment, as being all the objects 
 of his peculiar love, and being all habitually animated by the 
 
10 
 
 same ruling purpose, to serve and honor him. Such a recog- 
 nition would not exclude all difference of opinion in regard 
 to the interpretation of the common standard of belief, or 
 of judgment in regard to the means that should he adopted 
 for the attainment of the common end. It would still leave 
 room, under the necessary conditions of our present imper- 
 fect state of being, for conflicting interests to be variously 
 developed ; but it would diffuse everywhere an elementof 
 peace, the power of which would only become the more con- 
 spicuous, by its being seen to prevail over everything which 
 most strongly tends to produce division and mutual hostility 
 among men. 
 
 There is certainly a foundation laid in the essential con- 
 stituents of the christian character for a conscious union 
 in affection among the followers of Christ throughout the 
 world, the outward spontaneous manifestation of which 
 would command the attention of mankind as a moral phe- 
 nomenon unprecedented in human history, except as con- 
 nected with the development of Christ's religion, and chal- 
 lenging for its explanation a resort to principles such as 
 mere human philosophy has never dreamed of. Something 
 of this kind was actually witnessed in the first ages of the 
 church, to a greater extent, apparently, than it has ever been 
 witnessed since, and it is impossible to say how large a part 
 of the early triumphs of the gospel is to be attributed to 
 the fact. But it is only very imperfectly, at best, that the 
 power of the christian faith and hope to evolve the highest 
 harmony from amidst the clashing elements of an evil world 
 has ever been displayed. And small, comparatively, has 
 been the ground afforded hitherto for urging upon the con- 
 sciences of men the argument to which the Savior himself 
 attached so much importance — " that the world may believe 
 that thou hast sent me." Hitherto, indeed, the course of 
 
11 
 
 argument most obvious to the defenders of the faith has 
 rather gone to prove the divine vitality of that religion which 
 neither the mutual animosities of its professed adherents, 
 nor the united efforts of its enemies, have been able to ex- 
 tinguish. And truly the argument has been a strong one. 
 But let Christ's people become one in the sense in which he 
 prayed that they might be one, and in Avhich, as we have 
 seen, they may be, and a stronger argument still will present 
 itself to an astonished world. When we consider how much 
 there is for christian love to overcome, we may well believe 
 that the spectacle of its triumphs, when it shall have taken 
 to itself its great power, and shall truly reign on earth in 
 the hearts of the redeemed, will be the chief instrument 
 employed in completing the subjugation of the nations to the 
 obedience of the faith. 
 
 The introduction of this subject cannot be deemed inap- 
 propriate to an occasion like the present. Our design as a 
 Missionary Association is to do what we can, within a limit- 
 ed field, to bring our fellow-men to believe in Christ. It is 
 our wisdom, then, to give diligent heed to what the Savior 
 indicates to us in the text, as being closely connected with 
 the attainment of this end. And it is a question of great 
 practical interest, by what means can the condition of things 
 among his people, for which he prays, be most effectually 
 promotecl. 
 
 The peculiar importance of this question at the present 
 day is hardly capable of being overrated. Always impor- 
 tant, it has acquired within a period comprehended in the 
 memory of many now living, an importance which it has 
 never had before, since the first few centuries of the chris- 
 tian era. And the urgency with which it forces itself upon 
 the attention of the followers of Christ throughout the 
 world, is continually becoming more and more imperative. 
 
12 
 
 Look for a moment at the demand for missionary labor, 
 which is created by the unexampled progress of population 
 amono" ourselves. Look at the new fields of labor which 
 are opening with such astonishing rapidity throughout the 
 Mohammedan and Pagan world, and at the manifestation 
 of a spirit of inquiry now made at many points which 
 have long been occupied by missionaries of the cross with 
 comparatively little success. Consider, too, the fact, that 
 over all the world the secular openings for intellectual activ- 
 ity have been multiplied, and are still multiplying, beyond 
 all precedent, and that the most splendid lures are every- 
 where held out to turn men aside from devoting themselves 
 to the work of extending the knowledge of salvation ; and 
 then say whether there ever was a period when so strong a 
 necessity existed for employing the utmost economy of effort 
 in every thing that relates to the advancement of the Re- 
 deemer's Kingdom. Was there ever a period when the fol- 
 ly of the children of light, as displayed in the wasteful 
 expenditure of labor necessarily involved in their divi- 
 sions and mutual animosities, was so conspicuously and 
 shamefully contrasted with the wisdom of the children of 
 this world ? But there is another point of view, in which 
 the necessity for union among the followers of Christ ap- 
 pears, if possible, in a still clearer light. With all that is en- 
 couraging in the new and peculiar opportunities that are 
 now presented for preaching the gospel to every creature, 
 it cannot be disguised that there are circumstances in the 
 condition of the world that are full of evil omen. My im- 
 pression is, that at no period since the downfall of Pagan- 
 ism in the Roman Empire, has there been anything to be 
 compared with the formidable array of forces thoroughly 
 and bitterly anti-christian, which is now marshalling itself 
 throughout the domains of civilization. I cannot enter here 
 
13 
 
 into a detailed statement of the grounds upon which this 
 impression rests ; but I will say, that if the opinion main- 
 tained by many able commentators, both of past times and 
 of the present, that the thousand years spoken of in the 
 Apocalypse designate a period which is now already at an 
 end, or is fast closing, is capable of being shown to be un- 
 true, it must be upon some other basis than the assumption 
 that there can be no development of satanic power and sub- 
 tlety and malice in the period now opening upon us, of such 
 a nature as to justify the representation that for a long se- 
 ries of centuries the great adversary has been comparatively 
 bound. It cannot indeed be doubted, that all along through- 
 out the whole history of the church has the power of Satan 
 beenact ively employed in opposition to its interests. But it 
 must be araditted, that for many ages past his endeavors have 
 been apparently directed with an immediate view rather to 
 corrupt than to destroy it. Now, however, appearances indi- 
 cate that he has changed his tactics, and that the effort once 
 prosecuted so earnestly is to be renewed again, and on a larg- 
 er scale than ever, to blot out Christianity itself from under 
 heaven. In regard to the ultimate result of the struggle, 
 there can be indeed no real ground of apprehension. But 
 I believe that the time is coming, and that it may not be far 
 distant, when the heritage of Christ will be compelled to 
 feel by a terrible pressure from without, that only in a true 
 and living union of its once discordant parts among them- 
 selves is to be found the strength which, under God, is need- 
 ful to accomplish, for the camp of the saints and the beloved 
 city, the deliverance for which the divine promises are 
 pledged. 
 
 In considering what are the means most likely to promote 
 among the followers of Christ that mutual recognition, and 
 that practical co-operation with one another, which we have 
 
14 
 
 seen to be essentially involved in the fulfilment of their Re- 
 deemer's prayer, the thought is naturally suggested at the 
 outset, that we are to beware both of attempting too much 
 in the way of organization, and of attempting too hastily to 
 effect in this direction, even what may ultimately perhaps 
 become practicable and expedient. An attempt at an organ- 
 ized union of different sects, if it proves abortive, is very 
 apt to make more offensively prominent, if it does not posi- 
 tively exasperate, the differences which have rendered it 
 abortive. And even the temporary success which may some- 
 times attend a crude endeavor of this sort, is not unlikely 
 to prove more disastrous in the end, than an immediate and 
 total failure. If any dependence is to be placed upon visi- 
 ble organizations for securing the union that is sought, 
 they must come into existence like the great institu- 
 tions of civil society, as gradual developments unfolding 
 themselves in accordance with tendencies already working 
 strongly in a particular direction, rather than as the means 
 of creating and directing tendencies that are merely seen to 
 be desirable. Wherever this is not the case, there is always 
 reason to apprehend that under the influence of artificial and 
 irksome restraint, a reaction will arise, which will place new 
 obstacles in the way of effecting hearty and enduring con- 
 cord. The highest efficiency of the church universal as one 
 body in Christ, like the highest perfection of the individual 
 character, can be realized only so far as the rules, by which 
 its action is controlled, are but specific manifestations of 
 the law of liberty. 
 
 I suppose it may be affirmed in general, that whatever 
 tends to promote the growth of piety in the church at large, 
 has a tendency so far to bring its members into conscious 
 and visible union with one another. The more there is of 
 spirituality in the church, the more just will ordinarily be 
 
15 
 
 the estimate of the reason which all true christians have to 
 love one another, and of the peculiar strength of the bonds 
 which unite thein together, in comparison both with all other 
 bonds, and with the grounds and motives for division. A 
 very large constituent unquestionably, of the sectarian 
 spirit everywhere is merely the dominant selfishness of our 
 depraved nature, enlarged in the sphere of its activity to 
 meet a corresponding enlargement in the domain of self, the 
 man identifying his sect with himself, and following out in 
 respect to it, with what he may complacently look upon as 
 pious zeal, that perverse propensity to seek first and chiefly 
 some limited and partial interest, which, if he were to con- 
 tinue to indulge it in the pursuit of ends more strictly per- 
 sonal, would encounter the unmixed condemnation of his con- 
 science and of the world, as being utterly unworthy of a 
 christian. To all appearance the sectarian spirit is often 
 materially fostered by a reference to pecuniary considera- 
 tions, as where it is perceived that a man's own personal 
 subsistence depends in a great measure upon the prosperity 
 of his sect, or that the burden devolved upon the individual 
 in the support of religious institutions must be diminished 
 by every accession made to the numbers and the strength 
 of those who are interested in maintaining them. 
 
 Of course, in every step of genuine religious progress, 
 there must always be a tendency to weaken the influence of 
 these and of all similar elements of sectarianism. 
 
 Bnt, after all, the most devoted and single hearted piety 
 is no absolute safeguard against the error of practically re- 
 stricting the exercise of christian sympathy to the members 
 of a sect. When a good man's views of duty in relation to 
 this matter are radically incorrect, it may even happen that 
 just in proportion as he becomes more truly and thoroughly 
 devoted to his Master's service, the more vehement and ex- 
 
16 
 
 elusive will be the manifestation of his sectarian zeal. 
 
 Something more, then, is needed for the promotion of 
 christian union, than mere general efforts to raise the stand- 
 ard of piety in the churches. In the first place it is desira- 
 ble that the attention of the churches should be generally 
 and urgently directed to the importance of the subject. Let 
 ministers of various denominations and editors of religious 
 periodicals feel that they have a mission to accomplish for 
 the fulfilment of the prayer of Christ. Let them first be- 
 come themselves thoroughly imbued with the spirit of that 
 prayer ; and then earnestly and perseveringly hold it forth 
 for the contemplation of those who love the Savior. Let 
 the followers of the Lamb be made to understand the true 
 nature of that union to which their Master calls them ; how 
 much ground there is for it in the oneness of the chris- 
 tian character and faith and hope, how indispensable it is to 
 the progress of salvation in the earth, and how great are the 
 shame and guilt and danger involved in the contentions by 
 which they have hitherto been rent and agitated, which have 
 to so fearful an extent repelled from their own hearts the 
 benignant Influences of the heavenly Comforter, and shut the 
 doors of mercy on the world; which have kept back from 
 the Redeemer his well earned recompence, and set barriers 
 to the triumphs of his cross. Let the subject be faithfully 
 presented in its various bearings and aspects, and let it be 
 urged incessantly upon the conscience of the christian world, 
 and the appeal will meet with a response from millions of 
 renewed hearts, and desires will be awakened which will not 
 fail to stimulate to prayer and effort for the attainment of 
 the great end, until Christ's people shall indeed be one. 
 
 The realization of a true union among christians will not 
 be far distant, whenever they shall have generally come to 
 feel that it is something which ought to be and must be, and 
 
17 
 
 for the accomplishment of which they themselves as individ- 
 uals are held most sacredly responsible, to the full extent of 
 whatever influence they may in any way be able to exert. 
 
 It is a point which prominently demands the efforts of 
 those who would labor for the promotion of christian union, 
 to insist upon the distinction which exists between those doc- 
 trines which are fundamental to the christian system, and 
 those which have no claim to be regarded in this light. The 
 outlines of this distinction are to be determined, partly by 
 the manner in which different doctrines are presented in the 
 word of God and the importance which appears to be as- 
 signed them there, and partly by the extent to which they 
 have been received by the church of Christ in all the periods 
 of its history, and owned by the power of the Holy Spirit 
 accompanying their presentation. That such a distinction 
 exists is very generally admitted. The common mode of de- 
 signating certain denominations of professed christiansas 
 evangelical, implies the recognition of it. But among those 
 who employ this phraseology, there is often to all appear 
 ance an entire failure clearly to apprehend the fact that the 
 denominations so designated are truly agreed in fundamen- 
 tals. The feelings cherished are certainly not such as ought 
 to flow from this admission, and efforts are needed to show 
 the churches what the fact involves, and what consistency 
 requires of those who professedly acknowledge it. 
 
 I remark again, that as another means of promoting union 
 among the followers of Christ, it is needful that they should 
 be led to see how much room there is for honest differences of 
 opinion among those who are alike entitled to be looked upon 
 as christians. It does not follow, because certain views of 
 doctrine differing from our own are admitted to be compar- 
 atively unessential, that they are therefore necessarily ac- 
 knowledged to have been arrived at in perfect christian 
 2 
 
18 
 
 honesty. And I am inclined to think that the true ground 
 of much of the estrangement that prevails among different 
 evangelical denominations, is to be found in the erroneous 
 views that are entertained in relation to this point. It is 
 admitted that there is agreement in essentials ; but there is 
 a feeling cherished that so far as opin'ons differing from our 
 own are entertained, in respect to doctrines which although 
 they may perhaps be unessential, are yet far from being un- 
 important, the difference must be owing to some moral ob . 
 liquify on the part of our fellow-christians which makes the 
 whole truth unwelcome to them. Now while the general 
 fact of an intimate connection between a right condition of 
 the moral affections and substantial correctness of belief is 
 alike taught by revelation, and verified by experience, it is 
 certainly pushing the matter too far to as sumo, that where 
 ever differences of opinion exist in regard to the doctrines 
 of religion, they are necessarily to be regarded as indices of 
 a corresponding difference in regard to the love of truth, 
 and to the sincerity and earnestness with which it is pur- 
 sued. Just think of a Calvinistic christian of ordinary 
 attainments in piety, arrogating to himself superiority in 
 this respect in comparison with such men as Fletcher of 
 Madeley, and the Wesleys ! But not only does christian 
 humility stand in the way of such an assumption, the 
 groundlessness of it is manifest to every one, who under- 
 takes to examine for himself, with any good measure of im- 
 partiality, the foundations of his own religious views. He 
 finds that while in relation to the great cardinal doctrines 
 of Christianity, the evidence presented is of such a nature 
 that no laborious process of meditation or research is need- 
 ful to the attainment of an assured certainty that they are 
 true, the case is far otherwise with regard to the minor ar- 
 ticles of his belief. The testimony of Scripture upon the 
 
19 
 
 subjects to which these relate, lie often finds to be scanty, 
 ambiguous, remote, and sometimes even to involve apparent 
 contradictions. Nor does the light of nature furnish him 
 with any grounds upon which, to say the least, he can readi- 
 ly build an absolute assurance. He finds it as hard to re- 
 concile reason with reason, as reason with Scripture, or 
 Scripture with Scripture ; and he is obliged finally to rest 
 his belief upon a basis formed by striking a balance between 
 conflicting difficulties. I do not at present speak of this con- 
 dition of things as involving necessarily any impossibility of 
 actually attaining certainty upon all the points referred to. I 
 only allude to the nature of the process, by which alone any- 
 thing like certainty can be rationally attained respecting them, 
 as leaving ample room for a man's honestly failing to attain it 
 or for even resting at last in views which are not strictly in 
 accordance with the truth. Why matters have been left so 
 by the Father of lights, is a question which we need not con- 
 sider here, any farther than to say that the fact may partly 
 be ascribed to the essential limitation of our capacities, and 
 to what stands in close connection with this, the necessary 
 imperfection of language as a medium of conveying truth, 
 and partly to the design of Providence to incite us to the 
 employment of our faculties in the diligent and laborious 
 investigation of divine things, to test our love of truth by 
 the effort made needful in order to attain it, to give occasion 
 for the exercise of charity and forbearance towards one anoth- 
 er, and perhaps, not least of all, to render the volume of reve- 
 lation a pleasing and attractive study to the minds which it 
 was intended instrumentally to mould, instead of a dry and 
 uninviting aggregation of abstract statements and formal 
 definitions. But however the fact may be accounted for, 
 thus it stands, and its bearing upon the subject of christian 
 union is obvious and important. I see hot how any well 
 
20 
 
 informed and fair-minded theologian can take a full account 
 of the arguments which lead him to think, upon the whole, 
 that his own system of opinions is the true one, in distinc- 
 tion from other systems which he recognizes as containing 
 also the substantial truth, without coming to the conclusion, 
 however firmly he may feel himself settled, even in regard 
 to the more distinctive points of his belief, that others who 
 are at least in general equally capable with himself of 
 weighing evidence, and who there is no reason to doubt are 
 as thoroughly imbued as himself with the love of Christ and 
 of his truth, may arrive by a perfectly fair process of rea- 
 soning, at doctrinal results, in many respects different from 
 his own. And from such a point of view, how simple a mat- 
 ter and how easy to be effected, appears to be that union 
 among christians for which the Savior prayed ! 
 
 This leads me to remark that as another means for the at- 
 tainment of the end proposed, it is desirable that christians 
 generally should be brought to feel that the whole truth 
 which constitutes the christian system is not, in all proba- 
 bility, to be found in the doctrinal belief of any single de- 
 nomination, and that no single denomination can with any 
 just confidence be regarded as having in every respect a de- 
 cided advantage over all the rest. 
 
 I look upon it a& only reasonable to suppose, that while 
 certain elements of Christianity are as yet but imperfectly 
 apprehended by all the sects, there are a number of these, 
 at least, each one of which may in particular respects ap- 
 proximate nearer to the truth than any of the rest, and that 
 to say nothing of the instances where disputes turn rather 
 upon forms of expression than upon what they signify, it 
 may often be the case, that just at those points where con- 
 tending sects are in the sharpest mutual antagonism, they 
 are each of them, having gone astray in opposite directions. 
 
21 
 
 far less remote from the truth itself than they are from one 
 another's conceptions of it. 
 
 The general admission of such a view would certainly go 
 far to soften the asperity of contention in the church, and 
 thus prepare the way for the exercise of mutual love and 
 for harmonious co-operation among its members. That 
 there is ground for receiving it, few, I apprehend, who are 
 capable of judging in the matter, will hesitate to acknowl- 
 edge. Some may perhaps call in question the expediency 
 of making the admission, as tending to produce an uncom- 
 fortable and dangerous uncertainty in relation to religious 
 truth in general. But if the state of facts is in accordance with 
 the supposition. the question as to the expediency of admitting 
 it hardly needs to be considered. I believe, however, that 
 in every point of view, the true expediency is on the side of 
 freely and fully making the admission. For which, let me 
 ask, is really upon every ground to be preferred, the faith 
 of him who, under the actual conditions of the case, receives 
 with the same undoubting confidence every distinct specifi- 
 cation of an extensive and accurately worded formula of 
 belief, or his who while he knows Whom he has believed, is 
 also aware that upon many questions of minor importance, 
 in relation to which the other cherishes an absolute convic- 
 tion, he has himself, and can intelligently have, nothing more 
 than an opinion ? Which of the two will be the more likely 
 to maintain his faith unshaken amidst the assaults of error ? 
 And then as to the comparative value of the testimony, which 
 is borne to the truth in the face of sceptics and opposers, 
 to whom will the greater credit be conceded, to the man 
 who professes an entire assurance only upon those points in 
 regard to which the decision of the church universal has al- 
 ways been substantially unanimous, or to him who is equally 
 certain upon a multitude of other points, upon which those 
 
22 
 
 whom he does not hesitate to acknowledge as christian 
 brethren, are just as certain that he is in the wrong ? 
 
 This habit of being equally certain about every thing 
 that pertains to christian doctrine, passes, I know, with 
 many, for a proof of high attainments in christian experi- 
 ence and knowledge, and of a comprehensive and command- 
 ing intellect. But in reality it may very commonly be traced 
 either to a lurking unbelief, or to an incapacity for pursuing 
 extended courses of investigation, and estimating the just 
 weight of conflicting arguments. 
 
 The theologian who appears to be just as certain of the 
 correctness of his own view of the origin of evil, or of the 
 nature of the connection between the divine agency and the 
 human, as he is of the doctrine of the atonement, leads me 
 to suspect that he has never found the true basis upon which 
 the latter rests, and that he is afraid to doubt, where I know 
 he has no reason to be confident, because he does not feel 
 that there is such ground any where for belief as ought to 
 render doubt impossible. 
 
 But allowing that his faith in what is truly certain rests 
 where it should rest, whence does he derive his assurance in 
 regard to that upon which wise and good men have differed 
 endlessly in all ages of the church? There is certainly 
 room for a strong presumption, at the least, that he has 
 either not examined, or is incapable of justly estimating, 
 the grounds upon which alone an intelligent judgment can 
 be formed about it. 
 
 The habit in question not only interposes a serious bar- 
 rier in the way of all harmony of feeling and of action 
 among different denominations, but it withdraws the atten- 
 tion of the world from the great argument for evangelical 
 truth, found in the substantial oneness of belief which has 
 always been maintained wherever the power of Christianity 
 
23 
 
 has been most signally displayed. And hence the impor- 
 tance of freely admitting doubt, wherever there is really 
 ground for nothing else, and for giving those who differ from 
 
 us the benefit of it, so far as to allow the possibility there 
 is, that in some respects they may have made a nearer ap- 
 proximation to the truth than we have. 
 
 The thought is here suggested, that it may be another 
 means of promoting union of feeling among christians of 
 different denominations, that their attention should be di- 
 rected' to the beneficial results which we may conceive it to 
 have been the design of Providence to accomplish, through 
 the instrumentality of the very diversities of opinion and 
 of practice which lie at the foundation of many of the di- 
 visions of the church. It may perhaps seem paradoxical 
 to make use of the benefits in any way connected with divi- 
 sion, as a means of bringing division to an end ; but no less 
 paradoxical is the fact, that the mutual hostility of opposing 
 denominations is often manifestly heightened by contempla- 
 ting the evils of division. There is a very common ten- 
 dency not only to identify ourselves with our denomination, 
 but our denomination with the church, and perhaps insensi- 
 bly to hold the members of other denominations answerable 
 as schismatics, simply on the ground of their differing from 
 us, for all the calamitous consequences which we feel to be 
 the result of schism. It is well, therefore, that the churches 
 generally should come to feel that, deplorable as their divi- 
 sions are, there are results incidentally connected with them 
 which are still not wholly evil, and that in particular the 
 witness borne by the great body of believers to the truth, 
 and which is to so great an extent the witness of experi- 
 ence, is perhaps made in some respects still m >re convin- 
 cing by its being thus presented as the witness of so many 
 mutually independent attcstators. It is a circumstance in 
 
24 
 
 some respects favorable to the highest efficiency of a system 
 of moral truth, that it should be exhibited in a great variety 
 of aspects, and it is among the prominent results of the di- 
 visions of the christian world that the doctrines of Christi- 
 anity are so exhibited. 
 
 While, however, it is desirable that these and similar views 
 should be made familiar, as a means of leading the followers 
 of Christ to regard one another with greater kindness, the 
 inquiry should never be lost sight of, whether all the benefits 
 which are connected with the divisions of Christendom may 
 not be derived, and to an extent, indeed, immeasurably wider, 
 under a condition of things which, whether with or without 
 outward and formal union, shall yet involve all that is es- 
 sential to that union for which the Savior prayed. 
 
 I will barely suggest, that it is desirable as another means 
 of promoting christian union, that a better knowledge of one 
 another should be diffused among the different denomina- 
 tions, and, in particular, a better knowledge of what they 
 are respectively accomplishing for the advancement of the 
 Redeemer 's kingdom in the world. If it be true, as I be. 
 lieve it is, that in very many particular denominations, and 
 some of them in other respects even tinctured with mani* 
 fest and noxious error, there yet reside peculiar elements of 
 truth and righteousness, and of power for working good, 
 there is ground to entertain the supposition that through the 
 cultivation of mutual acquaintance, an assimilative process 
 might be instituted in the reciprocation of beneficial influ- 
 ence, a process which should gradually but surely undermine 
 the foundations of sectarian distinctions, while at the same 
 time it eliminated throughout the whole circle of its range, 
 whatever of corruption either in doctrine or practice had 
 once rendered the maintenance of those distinctions neces- 
 sary. But whatever may be thought of this suggestion, let 
 
25 
 
 the true spirit of Christ exist in a denomination, and so fai 
 as the fact is recognized and felt abroad, the spirit of sec- 
 tarianism must stand rebuked. And if through the agency 
 of a denomination the saving knowledge of Christ is seen 
 to be extending, and the power of his atoning blood is more 
 widely and signally displayed; if through the divine favor 
 attending the labors of its missionaries, the wilderness and 
 the solitary place are made glad for them, and the desert 
 rejoices and blossoms as the rose, the heart which does not 
 grow warm at the contemplation of the work achieved, and 
 feel itself irresistibly attracted towards those who have been 
 honored as the instruments of achieving it, as being itself 
 truly and in the highest sense one with them in purpose, 
 must be a heart which has yet to learn the first lessons of 
 the school of Christ, and to exercise the first impulses of 
 that life which is by faith in Him. 
 
 I remark again that it is important for the cultivation of 
 harmony of feeling among christians, that there should be as 
 little as possible interference of one denomination with an- 
 other in their labors. 
 
 The sectarian spirit is never able to vindicate itself with 
 greater plausibility than when those who are zealously la- 
 boring to win souls to Christ are compelled to see their en- 
 deavors frustrated, or made comparatively ineffectual . 
 through the influence of a rival denomination. To say noth- 
 ing here of the waste of labor which such interferences 
 involve, and the disastrous impression made by them upon 
 the minds of those whose salvation the conflicting parties 
 are perhaps equally desirous to promote, the effect produced 
 in cherishing embittered feeling among the sects is most 
 earnestly to be deprecated. It is matter of devout grati- 
 tude to God, that through his favor the prosecution of the 
 Foreign Missionary Enterprise in modern times, by the va- 
 
26 
 
 rious evangelical denominations of Christendom, has suffered 
 so little embarrassment from this cause thus far, and that 
 He has put it into the hearts of those who conduct the ac- 
 tion of the different organizations, to form and carry out 
 their plans with so wise and comprehensive a reference to 
 the highest success of the efforts of each other The home 
 field, however, has always presented peculiar difficulties in 
 relation to this point. And by the frequent and painful col- 
 lisions of the sects continually occurring here, it is forcibly 
 suggested to inquire whether, notwithstanding all the ac- 
 knowledged difficulties of the subject, it may not be possible 
 to devise some method of procedure which shall secure to 
 the efforts for propagating Christianity at home, a measure 
 at least of the same freedom from such embarrassments 
 which attends the labors bestowed among the heathen in 
 foreign lands. 
 
 And in connection with this inquiry occurs the last sug- 
 gestion which I have to offer in relation to the means to be 
 employed for the promotion of christian union, and that is, 
 that the duty should be urged upon the followers of Christ, 
 in our new settlements at least, of adopting such terms of 
 communion as shall allow them to xoelcome to their immedi- 
 ate fellowship all applicants for church privileges ivho fur. 
 iiish good evidence of christian character. It is a principle 
 distinctly recognized by the leading authorities upon the 
 subject of congregational order and discipline, that no 
 church can justly debar any from its membership, who in the 
 judgment of charity must be regarded as the true disciples 
 of the Lord Jesus Christ. As matter of fact, however, our 
 churches generally require, as a necessary qualification for 
 admission, an assent to creeds and covenants so framed as 
 to place obstacles in the way of receiving many whose chris- 
 tian character is still unhesitatingly acknowledged. True, 
 
27 
 
 it is comparatively Beldom that in our older settlements 
 cases can arise in which the fact will occasion serious hard- 
 ship. It can rarely happen that within the limits of any 
 moderately populous neighborhood, a christian believer will 
 fail to find a church so constituted as to allow of his admis- 
 sion to its privileges. And as soon as such an one becomes 
 united in christian fellowship with those whose vi.ws are in 
 harmony with his own, unless his own arc seriously defec- 
 tive upon fundamental points, he is acknowledged at once as 
 a christian brother, and welcomed to communion in the very 
 churches which, by the principles of their constitution, are 
 precluded from admitting him to their immediate society. 
 It may admit of question, therefore, how far, if at all, it is 
 advisable, at least at present, to attempt any alteration in 
 the existing arrangements of churches which are already 
 constituted. In our more recent settlements, however, the 
 condition of things is such as to call for the adoption of 
 some method of procedure, in the formation of new church- 
 es, which shall practically allow of the admission to church 
 fellowship, in one and the same immediate connection, of all 
 sincere believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Men are 
 brought together in these settlements from all sections 
 of the country, and from all parts of the civilized world. 
 Every grade of character, and every variety of opinion and of 
 feeling in reference to all the subjects of human thought and 
 speculation, have their representatives among them. Only 
 a very small proportion of the whole population concentra- 
 ted near a given point, can be supposed in general to have 
 any experience of personal religion, or even any deep sense 
 of the value of the Gospel. All that can ordinarily be ex- 
 pected under the most favorable circumstances is, that in 
 any single neighborhood the number of persons of all de- 
 nominations, friendly to the maintenance of religious insti- 
 
28 
 
 tutions, should be sufficiently large to enable them, by a cor- 
 dial combination of their efforts, to secure to themselves 
 and to their children the enjoyment of the stated preaching 
 of the Gospel, the regular administration of the sacraments, 
 and the various privileges connected with a church organi- 
 zation. Believers thus situated, if firmly and heartily united 
 in one body, may by the divine blessing hope not only to 
 keep themselves in the love of God, but also to accomplish 
 something towards extending the knowledge of divine truth 
 around them. But standing apart, either as so many isola- 
 ted individuals, or organized into a number of distinct and 
 feeble religious communities, it seems almost a miracle, even 
 if they are able to maintain their own personal religious 
 life, amidst the adverse influences to which they are on every 
 side exposed. Union under such circumstances, visible, or- 
 ganised union, presents it?elf as the first law. But under 
 what conditions shall the necessary union be effected ? The 
 only method which appears in any good measure to meet the 
 demands both of christian fellowship and of fidelity to 
 christian truth, is that the articles of faith adopted by the 
 church to be established, should include those points only 
 in which all evangelical churches are agreed, and that they 
 should be adopted with the explicit reservation on the part 
 of the church, of a right to exercise a discretionary power 
 in receiving at any time those who, while they may find dif- 
 ficulty in acceding fully in all respects to the form of words 
 prescribed, may still give unquestionable evidence of per- 
 sonal consecration to the Savior. 
 
 It will be seen to be implied in the plan proposed, that 
 the creed of a church is to be looked upon not so much in 
 the light of a test, as of a testimony j and that its true use 
 consists not in its furnishing a standard, by which to esti- 
 mate in all cases the character of one who claims to be a 
 
29 
 
 follower of Christ, but in its being a means of maintaining 
 in the world those views of truth which it is believed that 
 Scripture was designed to teach, in distinction from the er- 
 rors which its language may be perverted to support. 
 
 And it is a consideration which deserves attentive notice 
 here, that the method which this plan involves of exhibiting 
 the testimony of particular churches upon points of doc- 
 trine, is in strict accordance with the method in which the 
 church universal, the pillar and ground of the truth, has in 
 all ages borne its testimony. We are accustomed to be. 
 lieve that the utterance of the church, as a whole, in regard 
 to all the great essential doctrines of religion, is abundant- 
 ly distinct and full, and yet it' would be hard to frame a 
 statement, so vague and general, upon any really distinctive 
 truth of Christianity, as to bear the application of the fa- 
 mous test, Quod semper, quod ubique, quod ab omnibus. 
 
 The course of procedure recommended may be objected 
 to by some in view of the practical evils which, it may be 
 thought, would result from its adoption. It may be said ; 
 that in churches so organized, the faithful presentation of 
 the truth would be continually hampered and embarrassed 
 by the difference of views prevailing among the members 
 and that there would be grouud to apprehend, as its gradual 
 results, the decay of christian knowledge, the corruption of 
 belief, and the decline of vital piety. But the question is, 
 are we not shut up in the course of Providence to the adop- 
 tion of some plan which shall be substantially equivalent to 
 that proposed, and if so, may we not trust the great Head 
 of the church to watch over and protect its interests ? May 
 we not hope that by a credible manifestation of sincere 
 faith in Christ, and of devotion to his service, being practi- 
 cally made the sole requisite to church membership, the pu- 
 rity of the church will be at least as effectually secured as 
 
30 
 
 it is upon the system now adopted among ourselves? Of 
 course, the doctrinal views entertained by an applicant for 
 admission to church fellowship must always be taken into 
 the account, in estimating the validity of his claims to be 
 received. But may not enlirhtened christian charity be 
 trusted as safely to determine, in particular cases, what 
 amount of error in opinion must be pronounced incompati- 
 ble with saving faith, as to make a rule beforehand for the 
 determination of every case that may possibly arise ? 
 
 So far as regards the embarrassment which might be occa- 
 sioned to the faithful preaching of the whole truth of revela- 
 tion, it may be observed that by far the greater part of the 
 virulence of opposition which is sometimes manifested by 
 good men to what we regard, as revealed truth, is doubtless 
 owing to the sectarian spirit ; and that provided this spirit can 
 be kept down by the absence of sectarian organizations, there 
 is reason to anticipate that the full presentation of the truth 
 as it is in Jesus, will rarely be attended, with any serious 
 difficulty. I believe that the scriptural doctrine of election, 
 for example, as received by Edwards, may be exhibited with 
 the utmost fulness of detail in a manner which, if it does 
 not command the distinct assent of every sincere christian, 
 will yet awaken no bitterness of opposition, except from 
 those who are really unreconciled to the government of God : 
 and that wherever this or any other doctrine is so present- 
 ed, as to do violence to the feelings of a heart that is in 
 unison with Christ, there must ordinarily be some great 
 defect in the mode of exhibition. And it would be a 
 healthy discipline for the temper of christian ministers, and 
 well for the purity of their doctrine, and for the success of 
 their labors among all classes of men, could they be placed 
 in such circumstances as should make them continually sen- 
 sible, in the highest possible degree, of the necessity of 
 
31 
 
 commending themselves to the consciences of their hearers, 
 and speaking the truth in love. 
 
 The danger which might exist under the operation of 
 the plan proposed, of the gradual corruption of doctrine 
 and practice in a church originally composed of faithful 
 men, would need to be continually kept in mind; but it 
 must always be true, that sleepless vigilance on the 
 part of its members is the essential condition of a church's 
 purity. It may well be doubted, however, whether any 
 peculiar clanger upon this ground is to be apprehended 
 from the practical adoption of the principle that every one 
 who gives credible evidence of discipleship, is entitled to 
 the privileges of church membership. Under all ordinary 
 circumstances, the number of such persons who are greatly 
 defective in their views of essential truth must always be 
 small, in comparison with those who by the combined light 
 of revelation and of personal experience have been led to 
 the substantial acknowledgment of the faith once delivered 
 to the saints. I know that a little leaven leaveneth tin" 
 whole lump ; but wherever a church is in any good measure 
 faithful to its obligations, it may be looked upon as certain 
 that there will always be exhibited a prevailing tendency, 
 under the power of christian fellowship, towards the advance- 
 ment both in knowledge and in holiness of those who are weak 
 in the faith, and that the whole progress of mutual as- 
 similation among the members generally will be in the 
 upward direction rather than the downward. It is true 
 we may not assume too confidently, that a church will 
 be faithful to its obligations, and hence there is real 
 danger here ; but were the danger in question ten-fold 
 greater than it is, I see not how we could Le authorised, in the 
 absence of any clear sanction in the word of God, to adopt 
 and carry out a principle which, under existing circumstan- 
 
32 
 
 ces, would exclude from all possibility of the enjoyment of 
 the privileges of church fellowship, any whom there was 
 reason to think that Christ himself had received. When I 
 remember the terrible words which set forth the guilt and 
 the doom which those incur who offend one of Christ's little 
 ones, I am constrained to feel that there is a danger here 
 which cannot be too fearfully regarded, and in comparison 
 with which all considerations of apparent expediency are as 
 the small dust of the balance. 
 
 Perhaps it may be thought that in introducing these re- 
 marks upon the organization of churches in our new settle- 
 ments, at the conclusion of a discourse upon the general 
 subject of Christian Union, I have lost sight in a measure of 
 the true extent of the theme originally proposed. It is not, 
 however, without special design that this particular topic 
 has been allowed to occupy so prominent a place in the dis- 
 course. I believe that the influence of the institutions of 
 our country is destined to be felt as widely and as deeply 
 in the religious world as in the political. Our religious in- 
 stitutions, however, as distinguished from our political, ap- 
 pear to be, in a peculiar sense, in a process of formation. 
 Of the churches which a century hence will overspread our 
 land, the great majority are yet in all probability to be or- 
 ganized, and to be organized in sections of the country 
 which are as yet wholly unoccupied, or may be characterized 
 at present as new settlements. Nor will it perhaps be re- 
 garded as overstepping the limits of probability, to ex- 
 press the opinion that the churches yet to be formed in 
 our own land, together with those which are to be formed 
 either directly or indirectly under their influence in other 
 lands, will a century hence constitute a large majority of the 
 churches of Christendom, and will give to the great church 
 of the future its peculiar character and shape. It seems to 
 
33 
 
 me that if Ave arc ever authorised to anticipate the devel- 
 opment of the designs of Providence, we may believe with- 
 out presumption that ic enters into the vast plan, in accord- 
 ance with which so heterogeneous a population is now pour- 
 ing itself out upon the wide expanse of this western conti- 
 nent, to secure by the necessity thus laid upon the followers 
 of Christ, the visible exhibition to the world, at no distant 
 period, of the essential unity of that holy society of which 
 they all arc members. If the immediate result of the new 
 and surprising conditions under which the work of rearing 
 up the stupendous fabric of empire in America is going on, 
 should not be the diffusion of a fierce and self-destroying 
 barbarism ; if the institutions of a christian civilization are 
 to be perpetuated, (and I believe no other high civilization 
 contains the elements of anything but quick decay,) it must 
 be, so far as human vision is able to discern the prospect, 
 through the establishment of a christian fellowship so com- 
 prehensive, so intimate and firm, that not only shall it super- 
 sede, so far as it extends, all organizations that are properly 
 sectarian, but that as those whom it embraces go forth to 
 their destined conquest of the world, the spirit of it shall 
 be diffused abroad, and shall draw together by a divine at- 
 traction, from among all who in every land have named the 
 name of Christ, the hearts that truly bear his image, until 
 the curse of schism shall have been banished from the church* 
 and there shall be one fold and one shepherd. 
 
 There is a tendency to such a consummation visible even 
 in the progress of society at large. Particularly is it fa- 
 vored by the increasing attention paid in recent times to the 
 critical study of the scriptures, by the extensive and thor- 
 ough investigations that have been pursued in dogmatic his- 
 tory and in the general history of the church, and more than 
 all perhaps by the clearer apprehension that has been at- 
 3 
 
3i 
 
 tained by leading minds, of the essential imperfection of all 
 finite knowledge of the infinite. 
 
 In the various departments of benevolent effort is the ne- 
 cessity for christian union continually making itself more 
 deeply felt. The constantly increasing facilities of commu- 
 nication between remote bodies of believers are at once 
 awakening the desire for it, and rendering it attainable. It 
 is not enthusiasm only which discerns the indications of a 
 preparation actually going on for the ultimate disruption of 
 the bonds of sect. When we take into account the immense 
 activity which has been witnessed during the last half cen- 
 tury throughout the whole realm of intellect, we cannot but 
 acknowledge that there has been less done comparatively in 
 the origination of new sects within the pale of Christianity, 
 than in any other half century of the christian era. Nor 
 can it be affirmed, notwithstanding all the eagerness with 
 which polemic theology has been pursued, that so far as non- 
 essential points of doctrine are concerned, it has engaged 
 the attention of the christian world to a degree in any meas- 
 ure corresponding with the zeal which has been manifested 
 for the conversion of the nations. Our Bible Societies and 
 Tract Societies, our Sabbath School Unions, our Young 
 Men's Christian Associations, are all but so many manifes- 
 tations of the spirit of the age in its bearing upon the great 
 matter of christian fellowship. I am not unmindful indeed 
 that there are exceptions presented to this view in recent 
 developments originating probably in state policy, of a spirit 
 of persecution existing still in certain protestant States of 
 continental Europe, and in yet more deplorable manifesta- 
 tions nearer home, of a narrow jealousy between denomin- 
 ations which have ordinarily acted together in a worthy har- 
 mony ; but the very notoriety which belongs to these excep- 
 tions, and the peculiarly revolting aspect which they carry, 
 
35 
 
 are owing to the fact of their being movements in opposition 
 to a current in which the general mind of Christendom is 
 strongly and irreversibly impelled. 
 
 The tendency in question is full of encouragement ; but it 
 still leaves a burden of responsibility resting on ourselves 
 in relation to the subject that has been before us. Let us 
 endeavor, my brethren and fathers in the ministry, to be- 
 come thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the prayer of 
 Christ, and let the fulfilment of it engage our desires and 
 prayers and labors while we live. The ministers of the gos- 
 pel have always been fearfully answerable for the distrac- 
 tions of the church. Let us make sure that we ourselves 
 are clear in this matter. Let it be our fixed and single aim 
 to build up the kingdom of the Redeemer in the world, in 
 distinction from advancing the interests of a sect. We can- 
 not indeed avoid the wish, nor should we avoid it if we 
 could, to bring others to think as we do in regard to every 
 thing that pertains to religious truth and duty ; but let us 
 beware how we allow our desires for this object to interfere 
 cither with our own efforts or with those of others, for 
 bringing men to Christ. Our single-hearted faithfulness to 
 the higher end may sometimes involve the serious curtail- 
 ment of our worldly ease and comfort. We may be sorely 
 tried by the bigotry and narrowness of sectarian fellow- 
 workers entering into our labors uninvited. We may see 
 that the immediate result of our most earnest and long con- 
 tinued toils is likely after all to be the advancement of a 
 rival party, and we may find it needful in keeping ourselves 
 true to duty, to resist the urgent solicitation of impulses not 
 yet entirely subdued to the obedience of Christ. But as we 
 would not at last be charged by Him with having stood in 
 the way of the fulfilment of his prayer, let us see to it that 
 no love to a sect, no instinct of retaliation, no prospect of 
 
36 
 
 personal advantage however plausibly disguised by a show 
 of general expediency, shall ever tempt us to lend ourselves 
 to measures which can by any possibility inflict another 
 wound upon the bleeding body of the Lord. Be it even that 
 the cause of truth itself may sometimes appear to suffer 
 within a limited extent from the exercise of christian mag 
 nanimity upon one side only. Let the God of truth be 
 trusted for its vindication. The God of love and peace will 
 not withhold his blessing from those who have chosen rather 
 to suffer wrong than do it, and from the seed of their exam- 
 ple will be gradually matured a rich harvest to his praise. 
 
 Once more, Brethren and Fathers, pray for the peace of 
 Jerusalem. 
 
ANNUAL REPORT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 TRUSTEES OF THE MAINE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 
 
 Another year has fled, and again we meet, on this om 
 49th anniversary, to review the past, and to gird ourselves 
 afresh for the cares and labors of the future. 
 
 Those two beloved missionaries who were spoken of in 
 our last Annual Report, as being laid aside by disease, Rev. 
 Messrs. Fairfield and Howard, at a very early period after 
 the commencement of their labors, were not permitted to 
 resume them. Their work on earth was done, and they 
 have entered into their rest. Another individual, in more 
 advanced life, whom we seldom failed to greet at our annual 
 meetings, has been very recently called to his reward. For 
 more than fifteen years, Dr. Cummings was one of our Trus- 
 tees ; and in the fulfillment of the trust reposed in him was 
 eminently prompt, judicious and faithful. The cause of this 
 Society was dear to him ; and in the religious journal which 
 for a long time he so ably conducted, he was its earnest and 
 effective advocate. How suddenly has he passed away ! 
 But the memory of his virtues and services remains to con- 
 sole his surviving friends, and to incite those who have yet 
 an opportunity of working in the Master's vineyard, to labor 
 with increased diligence while it is day. 
 
 The usual Tabular View will now be given. Where a * is 
 attached to donations to the Maine Missionary Society, it 
 is designed to show that those sums, though collected within 
 the year, are not acknowledged in the Treasurer's Report, 
 but will be in the report of next year. 
 
38 
 
 TABULAR -VIZE-W- 
 
 Churches & Missionaries 
 
 1. Acton. 
 Rev. Jonas Fisk, s. s. Jan. 1, 1856. 
 
 2. Albany. 
 Eev. Lorrain Rood, s. s. April 1, 1855. 
 
 3. Alexander. 
 Cooper. 
 
 Mr. Sam'l D. Hosmer,s.s. Ap. 25, 1855 
 
 4. Alna. 
 Eev. Sam'l Talbot, p. 
 
 5. Amherst & Aurora. 
 Eev. Henry S. Loriug,^. May 1, 1855 
 
 6. Andover. 
 Rev. Mark Gould, p. June 28, '55 
 
 7. Baldwin & Sebago. 
 Eev. Cyril Pearl, p. Sept., 1855. 
 Eev. John Moore. March 1856. 
 
 8. Belfast, North. 
 Eev. J. E. Munsell, p. June 28, '55 
 
 9. Benton. 
 Hunter's Mills. 
 
 Eev. Benjamin Dodge. Sep. 6, 1855 
 
 10. Benton. 
 Fairfield. 
 
 Eev. Benj. Dodge, s. s. Oct. 1, 1855, 
 
 11. Bingham. 
 South Solon. 
 Solon Village. 
 
 Rev. Sydney Turner, s.s. June 28, '55, 
 
 12. Blanciiard. 
 Greenville. 
 Sangerville. 
 
 Rev. John A. Perry, s. s. June 28, '55. 
 
 13. Bradford. 
 Kenduskeag. 
 
 Rev. Sol. E. Bixbv, p. June 28, '55. 
 Rev. James B. Tufts. May 3, 1856. 
 
 14. Bristol Mills. 
 Mr. Truman A. Merrill. June 28, '55, 
 
 Nov. 10,1855, 
 
 Date of 
 
 Commission. 
 
 12 
 
 50 
 
 87 5( 
 
 100 
 125 
 
 75 
 150 
 
 100 
 31 
 
 200 
 
 32 
 
 150 
 
 12 150 
 
 12 
 
 ■l\ 
 
 225 
 
 225 
 32 
 
 63 
 
 be 
 O 
 
 & 
 
 o 
 o 
 © 
 
 s 
 < 
 
 s 
 
 £ 
 e 
 
 O 
 
 z 
 
 .■-■ 
 
 z 
 ■— 
 
 p< 
 
 _c 
 
 -7 
 < 
 
 Z 
 
 "Z 
 
 — 
 < 
 
 150 
 
 35 
 
 
 
 150 
 
 61 
 
 1 
 
 
 64 
 
 14 
 
 
 3 
 
 94 
 
 18 
 
 
 
 100 
 
 82 
 
 1 
 
 
 100 
 
 37 
 
 
 
 100 
 
 46 
 9 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 175 
 
 62 
 
 U 
 
 1 
 
 120 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 75 
 
 11 
 
 
 
 75 
 
 54 
 
 
 
 76 
 
 41 
 
 
 
 87 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 75 
 
 53 
 
 
 
 60 
 
 no 
 26 
 
 cb 
 
 
 175 
 
 30 
 
 
 
 170 
 
 65 
 
 
 2 
 
 95 
 
 31 
 
 14 
 
 1 
 
 50 
 
 90 
 
 30 
 32 
 
 45 
 
 110 
 
 3113 
 
 20 
 
 75 
 
 60 
 
 24 25 
 15 73 
 17 13 
 
 60 
 
 6 42* 
 
 6* 
 3* 
 3* 
 
 60 28 
 60 
 
 4 
 
 50 
 
 25 
 
 41 97 
 15 50 
 
 11 51 
 
 10 
 
 11 45 5 
 [2687] 23 25 
 
 13 
 
 21 75 
 
39 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 1. The condition of this people is improved. There is more of harmony among 
 
 ml an increased attendance on public worship. 
 
 2. Mr. I!ood left Albany in November; since then, they have had but little 
 preaching. They are now in hope of obtaining a minister. 
 
 3. Increase of congregation and an interesting Bible Class at Cooper. The 
 members of the infant church at Alexander are "active and interested in the work 
 of Christ." Methodist preaching in eachof these places during the winter, a fourth 
 of the time Seven of the church at Alexander (June 4, 1856,) have moved away. 
 
 4. Xo material change reported in the condition of this church and people. 
 
 5. The pastor of this church is expecting soon to leave. 
 
 C. Notwithstanding difficulties and divisions in the church, a few mercy drops 
 have fallen. 
 
 7. " During the spring some 40 persons in the town of Baldwin have hopefully 
 experienced religion, some of whom it is hoped will join the Congregational 
 church." A new meeting-house is abont to be built at Sebago, and a parsonage 
 provided in the town of Baldwin. 
 
 8. Nothing of special interest reported. 
 
 9. After one Sabbath had been spent by Mr. Dodge at Hunter's Mills, it was 
 not thought best to make any farther effort at present to sustain Congregational 
 preaching in that place. 
 
 10. In some respects, the prospect in both these places is brightening. At 
 Fairfield, (Kendall's Mills) a house of worship is very much needed. 
 
 11. Nothing of special interest reported. The expectation is, that during the 
 coming year Mr. Turner's labors will be equally divided between Bingham and 
 South Solon. 
 
 12. '• We have nothing among us, at Blanchard, so hopeful and promising as the 
 Sabbath School. The interest in it has increased, and i< still increasing." The 
 hopeful conversions of the past year were among the members of it. 
 
 13. In April Mr. Bixby left these churches, and ! Halifax, Vt. Mr. 
 Tufts has preached three-fourths of the time at Bradford, and one-fourth at Atkin- 
 son. The people have listened to his preaching with earnest attention, and are 
 
 anxious that he should remain with them. 
 
 14. With the early death of the beloved pastor of this church, I B iv. If. Fair- 
 field,) the work of God among the people did not cease. Sei era] hopeful conver- 
 
 have since occurred. The indications are still encouraging. " Prayer meet- 
 ings are well attended, and a degree of seriousness seems to pervade the minds of 
 m-.my." " The church has suffered severely from the general depression of busi- 
 ness." 
 
40 
 
 TABULAR .VIBW. 
 
 Churches & Missionaries, 
 
 Date of 
 Commis'n. 
 
 15. Beooksville, West. 
 
 BeooivSVILLe, East. July 26, '55. 
 
 Mr. Wm. A. Tennev. Jan'y, 1856, 
 
 Kev. Thomas Smith. March, 1856, 
 
 16. Beownfield. 
 
 Hiram. 
 Rev. David Gerry, p. 
 
 17. Beownville. 
 Rev. Wm. S. Sewall, p. 
 
 18. Burlington & vic'y 
 Rev. J. E. M. Wright, s. s, 
 
 19. Buxton, North. 
 Rev. Geo. W. Cressey,s.s 
 
 20. Chesteeville. 
 Mr. Jonas Burnham. 
 
 21. Dedham. 
 Rev. Edw. S. Palmer, p. 
 
 22. DlXMONT. 
 
 Mr. George A. Pollard. 
 
 23. Dover & Foxceoft, 
 Rev. Wooster Parker, />. 
 
 24. Durham. 
 Rev. Wm. V. Jordan, s.s 
 
 25. Edgcomb. 
 Rev. Amasa Loring, p. 
 
 June 28, '55 
 Jan. 11, 1856 
 
 June 28, '55, 
 
 June 28, '55, 
 Nov. 1, 1855 
 
 June 2S, '55 
 
 June 28, '55. 
 
 12 
 
 time 
 
 June 28, '55. 12 
 
 July 26, '55, 
 June 28, '55, 
 
 June 28, '55 
 Oct, 15, '55. 
 
 125 
 
 63 
 187 
 
 100 
 
 40 
 150 
 
 48 
 150 
 
 62 
 
 108 
 
 
 75 
 
 100 
 
 it;o 
 
 To 
 
 120 
 
 "3 
 
 z 
 
 a 
 
 B 
 o 
 
 a 
 
 W 
 
 J. 
 
 !h . 
 
 
 
 xi 
 
 <~ a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 O w 
 
 - 
 
 m xi 'si 
 
 1 
 
 £^i 
 
 
 r=i 
 
 
 
 .— 
 
 •* 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 £ 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 16 55 
 
 20 70 
 
 12 25* 
 
 28 13 
 
 35 19 
 
 12 
 
 3 2100 
 
 1100 
 
 25 
 
 Ml 
 
 68 2132 
 
 68 07 
 
 23 85 
 
 23 
 
 L5 
 
41 
 
 R 1 : M A R K S . 
 
 15. In West Brooksville, last December, a new and convenient meeting-hons 
 finished and dedicated. The pews have all been taken, and a very precious revival 
 
 •a enjoyed. Of the 19 recently admitted to the church, but three were new 
 ;-. One of the number was an aged woman, formerly a member of a large 
 Congregational Church in Penobscot, now extinct. She rejoiced to come into the 
 West Brooksville Church, in company with children and children's children. The 
 Church in East Brooksville also has been blessed by the influences of the Holy 
 Spirit, uniting hearts long alienated from each other, and turning a goodly number 
 oi souls from darkness to light. 
 
 16. During the last six months Mr. Gerry has preached three-fourths of the 
 time at Browntield and one-fourth at Hiram. At the former place "some mercy 
 drops have fallen, and eight persons connected with Congregational families are 
 indulging hope." The congregation has been larger the past year than for several 
 years previous. 
 
 17. No symptoms of progress reported in the financial affairs of this society. 
 but some indications of the reverse. 
 
 18. The Church has been blessed during the year by the quickening and con- 
 verting influences of God's Spirit. (See a subsequent part of this Report.) 
 
 19. "The people are prompt and stable, attend upon and listen to the preaching 
 of the word, and seem disposed to do what they can to support it. A considerable 
 number of } r oung persons are pious. Each family takes a copy of the Journal of 
 Missions, the American Messenger, and the Child's Paper." 
 
 20. This Church occupies a union house at Keith's Mills somewhat more than 
 one-third of the time, and has had preaching during the past year from Mr. Burn- 
 ham, Preceptor of the Farmington Academy. 
 
 21. During the past year Mr. Palmer has been ordained as pastor of this 
 Church. In future he is to have the rent of the parsonage (a building that cost 
 S1000) added to the salary which was before given him, instead of being de- 
 ducted from it. 
 
 22. Since Mr. Pollard left Dixmont, there has been no supply of Congregational 
 preaching, and the prospect for the future is by no means encouraging. 
 
 23. During the past year this Church has had experience of severe trials. Its 
 •cts at present are dark. On the first Sabbath of this month, (June, 1856,) 
 
 its pastor requested a dismission. 
 
 24. Mr. Jordan's labors at Durham ceased in November, and during the winter 
 they were without preaching. They have recently secured the services (on the 
 3 ihath) of Rev. J. S. C. Abbott, of Brunswick, for two months. 
 
 25. "Death and Emigration have greatly reduced the strengthof this church, yet 
 a good degree of enterprise still remains; so that on the whole it may be said of n- 
 — faint yet pursuing." Mr. Loring was installed as their pastor the last, winter. "A 
 new impulse has been given to the Temperance cause, by reviving the old pledge 
 movement." 
 
42 
 
 tabular: vie-w, 
 
 Churches & Missionaries, 
 
 26. Falmouth West. 
 Rev. R. Parkinson p. 
 
 27. Farmington Falls 
 Mercer. 
 
 Rev. John Forbush s. s. 
 Mercer 1-2 the time. 
 
 28. Forks of Kennebec. 
 Rev. Josiah Tucker. 
 
 Jun. 28, 1855 
 
 Jim. 28, 1855 
 Jan. 11, 1S56 
 
 Jun. 28, 1855 
 
 29. Frankfort Mills. 
 Mr. W. Newell s. s. 
 
 30. Garland. 
 Atkinson. 
 Rev. P. B. Thayer. 
 
 31. Gilead.(3-4 the time) 
 Rev. Edward Burr s. s, 
 
 32. Gouldsboro'. 
 Rev. Samuel Hopley. 
 
 33. Gray. 
 
 Rev. Allen Lincoln jj. 
 
 34. Harpswell. 
 Rev. Jonas Fisk. 
 
 35. Harrison, (1-2 time.) 
 Rev. John Dodd s. s. 
 
 36. Houlton. 
 
 HODGDON. 
 
 Mr. R. W. Emerson s. s. 
 
 Date of 
 
 Commis'n 
 
 Oct. 15, 1855 
 
 Jun. 28, 1855 
 June 28, '55. 
 
 June 26, '55. 
 June 28, '55. 
 June 28, '55. 
 Jan. 11, 1856. 
 
 June 28, '55- 4 
 
 12 m 
 
 12 
 
 12 
 
 12 
 
 £ 
 
 100 
 
 100 
 31 
 
 96 
 
 106 
 
 150 
 
 100 
 
 150 
 
 48 
 
 50 
 
 150 
 
 120 
 
 100 
 
 50 
 
 81 
 
 ch. 
 
 19 
 
 •ic 
 
 46 
 
 56 
 
 93 
 
 
 "o 
 
 o 
 
 S 
 
 
 a 
 
 o 
 
 u . 
 
 
 ■- 
 
 > 
 O 
 
 a 
 
 O 
 
 W 
 
 — • 
 
 ■3 
 
 g 
 
 d 
 
 =2 g 
 
 01 O 
 
 H'SS 
 o $ 
 
 lis 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 "o 
 ca 
 o 
 
 3 
 
 En 
 
 
 64 
 
 24 75 
 
 75 
 
 
 60 
 
 2 80 
 
 
 
 40 
 
 2 76 
 
 
 
 56 
 
 32* 
 
 17 
 
 8 
 
 100 
 
 20 
 
 30 
 
 
 60 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 50 
 
 12 22* 
 
 1 02 
 
 2 
 
 70 
 45 
 
 [38] 
 
 6 
 
 16 
 
 50 
 
 2o 
 75 
 
 
 
43 
 
 It E M ARKS 
 
 26 This church and parish have been accustomed and now are, to pay unusuallj 
 well (in proportion to their ability) for the support of the ministry, but round them- 
 selves constrained the past year to apply for Missionary aid. Mr. Parkinson was 
 installed as their pastor on the 15th of November last. 
 
 27. Mr. Forbush's labors in this field ceased with the first six months of the mis- 
 sionary year, and he is now supplying at Boothbay Harbor. Mr. Burnham preaches 
 at Far'm'ington Falls two Sabbaths out of four. 
 
 28. Rev. S. Turner, having ceased as a missionary to visit the settlements above 
 Bingham, it was thought advisable to give a three month's mission to Mr. Tucker. 
 His labors were divided chiefly between Caratunk, the Forks and the Moose River. 
 He found very few professing christians. 
 
 29. Of the nineteen' members of this infant church, seven have removed to other 
 places of residence. The "little flock" however that remain are laboring on in the 
 
 of their Master with Steadfastness and perseverance. Indue season they 
 will reap if they faint not. 
 
 30. "Some of the church in Garland have recently been revived, and two young 
 persons of the Sabbath School, hope they have given their hearts to God." They 
 are hoping in future to secure the services of their pastor for the whole time. — 
 Atkinson will be united probably with Bradford. 
 
 31. Some improvement in the condition of this people. " A future home for 
 the minister has been secured by the purchase of twelve acres of good land,togeth- 
 er with a house and bam which have been removed on this lot of land, though the 
 necessary repairs are not yet completed." 
 
 32. Mr. Hoplev was received with kindness, and the people were disappointed 
 that he could notremain longer with them. Another missionary was appointed to 
 succeed him, but failed of fulfilling his mission. 
 
 33. At the last annual meeting, several new members were added to the parish 
 and "the people have contributed more for their minister's support the present year 
 than ever before." Things appear to be looking up a little in Gray. 
 
 34. Our missionary found the people in this place in "quite a scattered and feeble 
 state." His endeavors to strengthen the things that remained were attended with 
 some degree of success. But the suspension of public worship for several months 
 can scarcely fail to have had a disastrous influence. 
 
 35. Several prominent church members and supporters of the Gospel (to the 
 amount of about $150) have removed from this place. Very serious obstacles^ to 
 the success of the Gospel are the conteutions and misconduct of professing christ- 
 ians. Yet God, has been gracious. " A revival commenced last fall, and contin- 
 ued part of the winter which resulted in the hopeful conversion of about forty 
 souls, mostly young persons. About thirty have already united with the different 
 churches, and others are expecting to unite." 
 
 36. Mr. Emerson left this field of labor for want of support. The pulpit of the 
 congregational meeting-house in Houlton has been recently occupied by a minister 
 
 of the Free Will Baptist denomination, and much interest has been awakened. 
 
44 
 
 TABULAE "VIE-W- 
 
 Churches & Missionaries, 
 
 Date of 
 Commis'n. 
 
 37. Isle i>e Haute. 
 Rev. Joshua Eaton, s. s. 
 
 38. Industry. 
 Rev. John Forbush, s. s. 
 
 39. Jackson & Bkooks. 
 Mr. N. P. Baker. 
 
 40. Kennebtjnkp't, lstp. 
 Rev. John Baker, p. 
 
 41. KlTTEF.Y. 
 
 Rev. A. W. Fiske,^. 
 
 42. Lewiston. 
 
 Rev. Uriah Balkam, p. 
 
 43. Limixgton. 
 Mr. John Parsons, s. s. 
 
 44. Lincoln. 
 Rev. Alvan J. Bates,/;. 
 Matiawamreag Pt. 
 
 45. Litchfield. 
 Rev. Benj. Smith, p. 
 
 46. Lovell. 
 
 Rev. Joseph Smith, p. 
 
 47. Machiasport. 
 Bucks Harbor. 
 
 Rev. G. Bacheller, s. s. 
 
 June 28, '55 
 
 12m 
 
 Jan. 11, 1856. 1 
 
 Jan. 25, 1856. 
 June 28, '55. 
 June 28, '55. 
 Jan. 11, 1856. 
 
 April 15, '56. 
 
 June 28, '55. 
 
 June 28, '55. 
 
 June 28, '55. 
 June 28, '55. 
 
 1-2 
 
 12 
 
 12 
 
 12 100 
 
 12 
 
 12 
 
 100 
 
 32 
 
 10 
 
 100 
 
 125 
 
 100 
 
 75 
 
 225 
 24 
 
 100 
 
 150 
 
 50 
 
 75 
 
 100 
 
 70 
 
 200 
 
 140 
 
 125 
 
 100 
 
 eh 
 
 07 
 
 0(i 
 
 73 
 
 ■10 
 
 53 
 
 so 
 
 26 
 
 5o 
 
 r,o 
 
 ■ 10 
 
 60 
 
 00 
 
 127 
 
 100 
 
 7o 
 
 3 61 
 
 pS 
 
 18 25 
 
 20* 
 
 20 
 
 10 04 
 
 19 50 
 
 11 38 
 
 10 33 
 5 05 
 
 23 50 
 
45 
 
 K E M \ I! K S . 
 
 37. '• The absorbing question with as at present, is ab bouse. 
 We propose to move forward and layout our means as far as we '_ r et them, trust- 
 ing in Providence for success to ran-y it through." During a season of special re- 
 ligious interest on Deer Isle the last winter. Mr. Eaton spent a fewwi ;,- there, 
 assisting the Bev. Wm. A. Merrill. For this extra service, performed by consent 
 of the Trustees, he received a part of his compensation (S17,50) from tl: treasury 
 of this society. 
 
 38. A month's mission at Industry, was given to Mr. Forbush, in the hope that a 
 permanent arrangement would be made for him to divide his labors between that 
 place and Merer. But no such arrangement was made. At West Mills, in Indus- 
 try, Mr. Burnham is expected to preach one Sabbath in four. 
 
 39. Mr. Baker found the people " hungry for preaching." Liberals 
 
 have since been obtained, and the hope is indulged that they will again be blessed 
 with a stated ministry. 
 
 40. Mr. Baker's labors at Knmebunkport ceased the last January, and in May 
 his pastoral relation to that Church was dissolved. They will not be content to 
 live without the preached gospel. 
 
 41. " The encouragement for building up this Church and society is small, for 
 lack of available materials, ami in consequence of removals and little business." 
 Mi'. Fiske is not expecting to remain at Kittery for more than six mouth-. 
 
 42. This Church and society have been but recently organized, and being in the 
 midst of a numerous and rapidly increasing population, have a fair prospect of oc- 
 cupying very shortly an independent position. But for this year, in > 
 
 of the expense incurred by building a chapel, and of not receiving anticipate 
 from manufacturing companies, they found themselves under the necessity of so- 
 liciting missionary aid. 
 
 43. About a year since Mr. Garman was dismissed from this Church, and re- 
 moved to Scarborough. For several months this people remained destitute. At 
 an expense of $160 they have repaired their parsonage and house of worship, and 
 have now obtained the services of one in whom thev appear to be well unil 
 
 44. Something has been done in the way of fitting up and rendering more com- 
 plete the furnishing of the sanctuary. A small organ has been given by friends in 
 Massachusetts. The attendance on public worship has been inci ingthe 
 
 year. 
 
 45. " More has been done the past year for ministerial support, ami for I 
 olent objects, than ever before. Unusual attention to religion during the ".inter in 
 our neighborhood. The Sabbath school never perhaps more interesting than at 
 the present time (June 10)." 
 
 46. Nothing of special interest reported. 
 
 47. It has been the most interesting season, in a religious point of view, during 
 the last six months, in this town, which it has known for the last 16 years. See 
 more of detail in another part of this Report. 
 
46 
 
 TABULAE V I B W . 
 
 lionaries - Common 
 
 48. Madison. 
 
 South Anson. 
 Rev. T. G. Mitchell s. s. 
 
 49. Maple Grove & 
 Fort Fairfield. 
 Block SchoolHouse 
 Salmon Brook. 
 
 Rev. E. Knight S. S. 
 
 50. Mechanic Falls. 
 Rev. W. V. Jordan s. s. 
 
 Juue 28, '55. 
 
 51. Monmouth. 
 Rev. Jos. H. Conant s. s. 
 
 52. Mt. Desert. 
 Rev. Sam'l Bowker s. s. 
 
 53. Monson. 
 Rev. Horatio Ilsley_p. June 28, '55, 
 Mr. R. W. Emerson p. ]Jan. 1, 1856. 
 
 54. Naples. 
 Gasco. 
 
 Mr. William Carruthers. July 26, '55. 
 
 55. Newfield West. 
 Rev. Wm, Pierce s. s. 
 
 June 28, '55. 
 Nov. 29, '55. 
 
 12m 
 
 150 
 
 12 
 
 June 28, '55. 
 Jan, 11, 1856. 
 
 Jan. 28, 1855 
 
 June 25, '55. 
 Nov. 15, '55. 
 
 86. New Vineyard. 
 Klngfield. 
 Flagstaff & vicinity 
 Rev. David Turnery 
 
 57. Norway Village. 
 Rev. Asa T. Lormg/>. 
 
 June 28, '55, 
 
 12 
 
 275 
 100 
 
 63 
 
 75 
 
 17 
 
 ■ir, 
 50 
 
 83 
 
 47 
 7;; 
 
 100 
 
 125 
 
 13 
 
 50 
 35 
 
 115 
 
 70 
 150 
 
 31 
 
 115 
 
 100 
 
 100 
 
 70 
 
 no 
 ch. 
 
 100 
 
 Juno 28, '55.ll2 
 
 200 175 
 
 71 
 
 32 
 
 37 
 10 
 
 43 
 
 117 
 
 25 
 
 13 
 
 15* 
 
 45 
 
 6 75 
 
 4 12 
 
 20 
 
 10 
 
 75 46 
 
 62 
 
 60 
 
 33 
 
 14 
 
 60 
 
 IT 
 
 6 8 
 
 » 2Q 
 
 15 
 
47 
 
 REMARKS 
 
 48. Each of these churches has been afflicted by the loss of a highly valued 
 
 member. But the church in Madison has been delightfully refreshed by '• the 
 presence and work of the Spirit.'' Four persons, whose former faint hopes have 
 strengthened, and six others, more recent converts, stand propounded — -June 
 ■ ;th. — tor admission to the church. Two or three others are expected. — The Spirit 
 came without observation, in connection " with ordinary means and efforts." 
 
 49. " Xo special religious interest has existed during the past year either in the 
 Church or among the impenitent. - ' The only " success " reported relates "to the 
 improvement of morals, and a inure full attendance upon the means of grace." 
 
 50. '-This church is but a little one — only thirty-one resident members and some 
 of them entirely disabled. They are doing what they can to maintain the institu- 
 
 f religion. Prayer-meetings are well attended. Sabbath meetings one third 
 than fast December, when I came here. No special religious interest since 
 I came." 
 
 61. " The church united and in a very quiet state." Some additions are ex- 
 pected as the fruits of the special religious interest of the last winter. " We have 
 just commenced preparations for building a meeting-house at the center, and hope 
 r u have it completed sometime the next autumn." 
 
 52. Since the lamented departure of Mr. Ilsley to the west, this church is again 
 blessed with a pastor, whose labors among them" began in January last, and who 
 
 ination in May. As the result of prayer-meeting, in which the Bap- 
 tist < and Congregationalisms united, the place has been blessed with an interesting 
 revival, "the subjects of which are, almost without exception, young person-.'' 
 
 53. After faithfully laboring in this wide field for two years, Mr. Bowker thought 
 it his duty the last September to leave, and is now at Turner. Since his departure 
 this place has not been 
 
 54. Xo prospect at present of establishing congregational preaching in these 
 places. 
 
 55. This society has been weakened by removals, and serious injury has been 
 done by the delu-i - Mr. Pierce has taken his leave of them 
 for thepresent year at least, and " they feel very much disheartened." 
 
 56. " Some increase of interest in Xew Vinevard of late." 
 
 57. During four years many changes have occurred in this congregation and the 
 Church have onlj eto little more than hold on their own." Mill there 
 have been cheering indications of progress. The pastor's instructions of the 
 young in a Bible class, and the weekJy prayer-meetings, have been manifestly 
 'blessed. Some eight or nine person- have I o brought, as is believed, to the sav- 
 ing knowledge of the truth, some of whom have already been united with the church. 
 
48 
 
 TABULAR VIE "W . 
 
 Churches & Missionaries. 
 
 Date of 
 
 Commis'n 
 
 58. Norway Center. 
 Rev. Horace Pratt s. s. Aug. 13, '55, 
 
 59. No. 11 
 Masakdis. 
 Fort Kent. 
 
 Rev. M. R. Keep s. s. Jan. 7, 1855, 
 
 60. Oldtown. 
 Rev. Eben'r Douglass p. Sept. 1, 1855 
 
 61. Orland. 
 
 Rev. Hiram Moulton/>. 
 
 62. Orono. 
 
 Rev. S. L. Bowler s. s. 
 
 63. Orington, East. 
 Mr. Prescott Fay. 
 
 64. Oxford. 
 West Minot. 
 
 Rev.G.F.Tewksbury* 
 
 65. Passadumkeag. 
 
 Mr. Thomas L. Ellis. 
 
 66. Patten (l-4th time.) 
 vicinity of Patten. 
 
 Rev. Ephraim Fobes. 
 
 67. Pembroke. 
 
 Rev. Geo. W. Finney. 
 
 68. Perry. 
 
 Mr. J. W. Kidder s. s. 
 
 69. Phillips. 
 
 Avon. 
 Rev. S. L. Gould s. s. 
 
 June 28, '55 
 
 June 28, '55 
 Sept. 20, '55 
 
 Nov. 1, 1855 
 
 May 4, 1855, 
 July 26, '55, 
 
 June 28, '55, 
 
 Dec. 25, '55 
 June 28, '55, 
 
 12m 
 
 12 
 
 10 
 
 12 
 
 100 
 
 250 
 
 167 
 
 150 
 
 42 
 158 
 
 150 
 16 
 
 60 
 
 150 
 
 1,hi 
 
 100 
 
 lull 
 
 15(1 
 
 40 
 
 June 28, '55.'l2 1250 
 
 51 
 
 5(1 
 
 :,-, 
 
 20 
 
 100 41 
 50 
 
 ■:m 
 
 3 40 
 
 11 
 
 5li 
 
 CO o 
 
 10 00 
 
 100 10 00 
 
 80 
 
 90 
 
 75 
 
 Go 
 
 25 00 
 23 90 
 
 16 32 
 
 9 50 
 
 6 3S 
 
 8 24 
 
 2 1D0 
 
 5 25 
 
 20 
 
 61 
 43 19 
 
40 
 
 R E M A 11 K S . 
 
 58. Some twenty-four dollars have- been expended in fitting up the house ol 
 worship, and a valuable gift of carpets and mats for the same purpose has been re- 
 
 ; from a non-resident sister ot the church. There is propi rl in this 
 
 church and parish to enable it to live, and material enough for a good congregation 
 udenuyof the population at the vil. 
 
 59. Nothing particularly encouraging reported from this region, except the at- 
 tachment expressed to our missionary, and tin' desire for the continuance of his 
 services. 
 
 60. Mr. Douglass was ordained pastor of this church on the 14th of November last. 
 During the winter and spring the church has been blessed with a verypn 
 season of revival. Thirty have been added to the church, and 1 ore are 
 expected. Of the fifty, three-fifths are heads of households. "Unto God be all 
 
 the glory." 
 
 61. For account of a revival in this church, - [uent part of this licport. 
 
 62. Some advance towards a self-supporting condition was hoped for in Orono, 
 but in the present state of their affairs it has required more than ordinary effort to 
 equal the payments of former ; 
 
 63. Mr. Fay's services were acceptable, and an invitation was given him to set- 
 tle at Orriugton, which he declined. Since he left, the pulpit I. ipplied 
 from the .Seminary in Bangor. 
 
 04. "At West Minot there seems to he an increasing interest in religion in sev- 
 eral neighborhoods, where evening lectures have been sustained. Ther< 
 01 awakening." 
 
 65. " A few in this place are very desirous of having preaching at least a part 
 of the time. But there is at present very little material to make a permanent re- 
 liable congregation." The place has been -applied of late with Baptist preaching 
 • >ne half the time. 
 
 •' More signs of declension at Patten, than of advancement. There is peace 
 and union in the church, and yet it seems to be growing feebler." In the vicinity, 
 Mr. Fobes hi I in seven different places, to six congregations numbering 
 
 from fifteen to seventy. 
 
 67. An unhappy division in this place lias thrown serious obstacles in the way 
 
 • lining the preached Gospel. 
 
 68. Eight persons have been cut off from this church during the year, and sev- 
 eral others suspended, in other p the work of discipline, but little 
 evidence seems to have been given of vital action. Mr. Kidder [sexpecting to leave 
 at the end of his present mission. 
 
 Nothing reported from this field indicative of progress 
 4 
 
50 
 
 TABULAE "V I E "W . 
 
 Churches & Missionaries 
 
 70. PlTTSTON. 
 
 Rev. Nath'l Chapman s.s. 
 
 71. Portland. 
 (Abysinnian Church.) 
 
 Rev. Benj. Lynch s. s. 
 
 72. ROCKPORT. 
 
 Rev. A. L. Skinner s. s. 
 
 73. RUMFORD. 
 
 Rev. J. G. Merrill s. s. 
 
 74. Sanford. 
 Mr. George L. Becker. 
 
 75. Searsport East. 
 Rev.David Thurston s. s. 
 
 76. Sedgwick. 
 
 East Brooksville. 
 Rev. L. Goodrich s. s. 
 
 77. Skowhegan. 
 Rev. L. W. Harris s. s. 
 
 78. St. Albans. 
 Rev. Henry White s. s. 
 
 79. Springfield, Lee & 
 Carroll. 
 Mr. C. H. Emerson s. s 
 
 Date of 
 Commis'n 
 
 March 1856. 
 
 April 10 '55. 
 
 July 26, '55. 
 Oct. 1, 1855 
 
 June 28, '55 
 March 15,'56. 
 June 28, '55 
 
 June 28, '55 
 Feb., 1856. 
 
 April 1, '55. 
 June 28, '55- 
 
 80. Standish. 75 65 
 
 Rev. James P. Hadley^. June 20, '55.12 150 
 
 12m 
 
 12m 
 2 
 
 12 
 
 125 
 
 200 
 
 48 
 150 
 
 125 
 
 32 
 
 100 
 
 200 
 125 
 
 64 
 
 300 
 
 loo 
 
 r a 
 
 100 
 
 150 
 
 150 
 
 75 
 
 CO 
 
 52 
 
 22 
 
 32 
 
 43 
 
 is 
 
 on 
 
 45 
 
 50 
 
 45 
 
 02 
 
 50 
 
 50 
 
 1 2 2 do. 44 95 
 
 1 25 
 6 
 
 [9] 
 
 o* 
 
 20 
 
 13 52 
 
 20 
 
 40 
 
 21 
 
51 
 
 R B M A R K S. 
 
 70. "There was some special religious awakening in this plac inthespring, 
 chiefly before the comingof Mr. C.) and its influence i- still felt. " The congr* 
 
 gationis larger," it is said, "this season, thus far, than it has beenfor several years.'' 
 
 71. Mr. Lynch, at the close of his mission, left the church infested by spiritual- 
 ism, and in a very broken feeble state. 
 
 72. '-There has been quite an exten.-ive revival in this community, com 
 mainly with the labors of our Methodist friends, hut extending throuf 
 community, and affecting our society. Some exceedingly interesting cases of con- 
 version have occurred. The interest has now subsided, but a good state of feeling 
 exists. It is pleasant to see how readily they put on and keep on the ha:: 
 
 Mr. Skinner is under a call to become the pastor of this church, but ha- not yel 
 given his answer. 
 
 73. - A better Btate of feeling and action in the church. Increased interest in 
 
 ©1 and Bible Class. One hundred dollars have been expended in 
 
 repairing the house of worship." 
 
 74. Unhappy divisions have existed here, but the hope i- expressed "of the re- 
 union of the professed followers of Christ. Quite a number attend and pay 
 
 toward- the support of preaching, who never did before." Mr. Becker has 
 
 ed to remain for a year. 
 
 75. A "disastrous influence" is exerted upon the spiritual interests of many in 
 tin- society by their being absent the greater part of the time at -'a. There is in 
 general a very good attendance on public worship of those at home, and if those 
 concerned in navigation had been as highly prospered the past year as before, the 
 society might have dispensed with any further missionary aid. 
 
 7»3. The ministry of Mr. Goodrich at Sedgwick ceased in March, and "the) 
 do not think of sustaining meetings the coming year;" except for a few Sabbaths 
 
 that portion of the Church and Society who live in Iirooklin. 
 
 77. A hall has been purchased and very conveniently fitted up for public wor. 
 ship in this populous and growing village; and the attendance given and interest ex- 
 pressed in the services of .Mi'. 11., thus far, have been highly encouraging. A Sab 
 
 bath Scl 1 has been organized under favorable auspices. Mr. II. preaches at 
 
 Skowhegan the whole time. 
 
 7-. The destitutions in this region are truly appaling. There is but one settled 
 minister of any denomintion in some ten towns lying contiguous to each other. 
 At St. Albans there are some indications of progress. 
 
 ~V79. The sen'ices of Mr. Emerson have been highly acceptable. Of late an 
 
 effort ha- been made with g 1 pro-pet of success, of procuring the means of 
 
 building in Springfield a house of worship. 
 
 80. " Two individuals appear (June 13) quite anxious. Several young men and 
 women have entered the Sabbath School for the first time." An effort is in pro. 
 gress to obtain an organ. 
 
52 
 
 TABULAE "VIE-W. 
 
 Churches & Missionaries. 
 
 81. Strong. 
 Rev. Wm. Davenport, p. 
 
 82. Sumner I 
 
 South Hartford, \ 
 
 Rev. Benj. G. Willey,^. 
 
 S3. Sweden. 
 Rev. Chas. B. Smith, s. s 
 
 84. Temple. 
 
 Rev. Simeon Hackett,s.s. 
 
 85. Turner. 
 
 Rev. Sam'l Bowker, s. s. 
 
 86. Union. 
 Rev. Daniel F. Potter,/). 
 
 87. Unity. 
 
 Freedom. 
 Rev. Nath'l Chapman. 
 
 38. Vassalborougii. 
 
 Sidney. 
 Mr. F. Southworth, s. s. 
 
 89. Waldoboro' Bay. 
 (One-half the time.) 
 Rev. N. W. Sheldon, s. s. 
 
 90. Washington. 
 (One-half the time.) 
 
 Rev. N. W. Sheldon, s. s 
 
 91. Waterville. 
 Rev. Wm. B. Green, p. 
 
 Date of 
 Commiss'n 
 
 June 28, '55. 
 
 June 28, '55. 
 June 28, '55. 
 
 June 28, '55. 
 Dec. 1, 1855. 
 
 June 28, '55 
 March 1, '55, 
 
 July 26, '55. 
 Jan. 25, 1856 
 May 20,1856 
 
 Jan. 11,1855 
 
 Aug. 13, '55 
 Sept. 20, '55. 
 
 12m 
 
 12 
 
 V2 
 
 L2 
 
 9| 
 
 175 
 
 84 
 
 150 
 
 100 
 
 112 50 
 
 250 
 
 46 
 
 125 
 
 Co 
 
 125 
 
 100 
 
 Km 
 
 175 
 
 64 
 
 77 
 
 .-(> 
 
 To 
 
 30 
 
 32 
 
 57 
 
 U 
 
 80 
 
 60 
 
 60 
 
 80 
 
 100 
 
 16 50 
 
 15 
 
 12 70 
 
 6 85 
 15 72 
 
 21 41 
 
 [1216] 
 [3375] 
 
 13 18 
 
 11 50 
 
 [6 50] 
 
 !•■• 
 
 19 25 
 
 66 5C 
 6 58 
 
53 
 
 R EM A R K s 
 
 81 Property in the parish somewhat lessened. Attendance on public worship 
 and at the Sabbath School lessened by Loss of thebridge. "General harmony,but 
 unu<ual Indifference and worldliness." 
 
 82 In the revival in Sunnier and Hartford, the Last winter, other denomina- 
 tions' largely shared. "The subjects of the work with us are principally grown 
 persons, several of them heads of families." "The building of a new meeting- 
 house has been commenced, and is in a good state of forwardness." 
 
 83 " This church has had a severe trial during the year, in disciplining 
 lcous. Theresull has I d to bind the members together in closer bonds, 
 
 levelop a manly independence, but rarely found in a church so small and 
 feeble" Within the 'two Last years, beside Borne other extra expenditures, they 
 have bought a parsonage. Few' Churches in the State have a stronger claim for 
 sympathy and aid. 
 
 84. Some advance made during the year. 
 
 85. The building of a new house of worship in the village has been from vari- 
 ous causes delayed, but will be completed, it is believed, the next autumn. For 
 an account of the precious revival still in progress in this place, see a subsequent 
 part of this report. 
 
 86. This church has been weakened by deaths and removals, and some of its 
 member- are withdrawn from active service by age and sickness. But their de- 
 sire is unabated fo ihd this desire is s( correspond- 
 ing effort. 
 
 87. At the expiration of the year for which Mr. Chapman was engaged in this 
 field, he removed to Pittston. The church at Unity thought it best to give their 
 attendance and aid in concurrence with churches *ul* other evangelical denomina- 
 tions. 
 
 88. There is but small encouragement to hope for the building up of a strong 
 self-supporting Church in either or these places. Mr. Southworth has labored 
 with them the mo ime during the year past, to very good acceptance. 
 Provision has been made at Vassalboro' for repairing their house of worship. 
 
 89. This 2d Church in Waldoborough was organized on the 4th of March last, 
 ting in part of the fruits of a recent revival in that town. A house of wor- 
 ship had been previously built The prospect is fair of building up a good so- 
 ciety. 
 
 90. By the labors of Mr. Sheldon, this church seems to have been quickened, 
 and so ut the time when his mission ended, appeared more 
 than usually thoughtful 
 
 91. Several families have removed westward. Some improvements have late- 
 ly been made in the house of worship. 
 
54 
 
 TABULAE ■VIE-W. 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 .2 
 
 •d 
 
 a 
 o 
 
 
 
 
 
 "3 
 o 
 
 03 
 
 s 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 
 m 
 
 03 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 '- 
 
 fSi 
 
 w 
 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 e3 
 
 T. 
 
 2 
 
 - jg 
 
 
 z_ 
 
 
 O rr, 
 
 w 
 
 Churches & Missionaries. 
 
 Date of 
 Conimis'n. 
 
 o 
 O 
 
 1 
 
 03 
 H 
 
 o 
 
 03 
 
 ,c 
 S 
 
 03 
 
 c 
 
 u 
 
 (13 
 
 Z 
 > 
 
 
 *- a 
 
 to O 
 
 O to 
 
 o 
 
 03 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 en 
 O 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 — 
 
 o 
 
 C3 
 
 *■§§ 
 
 03 
 
 
 
 £ 
 
 H 
 
 03 
 
 
 — 
 
 ^3 
 
 1 
 
 
 £ 
 
 ,g 
 
 
 
 tii 
 
 rt 
 
 !- 
 
 j- 
 
 0} 
 
 03 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 O' 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 O) 
 
 P 
 
 -r 
 
 ~ 
 
 p< 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 s 
 
 o 
 
 >• 
 
 r-= 
 
 — 
 
 T3 
 
 c 
 
 d 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 i-i 
 
 « 
 
 <$ 
 
 u 
 
 < 
 
 < 
 
 w 
 
 fc 
 
 u 
 
 to 
 
 92. Weld. 
 
 
 
 
 95 
 
 40 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 125 
 
 8 22 
 
 12 88 
 
 Kev. S. Titcomb p. 
 
 June 28, '55. 
 
 12m 
 
 100 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 93. Whitneyville. 
 
 
 
 
 130 
 
 25 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 75 
 
 
 
 JONESBOKO'. 
 
 
 
 
 
 14 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Marshfield. 
 
 
 
 
 
 no 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Rev. Isaac Weston s. s. 
 
 May 15, '55. 
 
 12 
 
 48 
 
 
 ch. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 94. Wilton. 
 
 
 
 
 too 
 
 65 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 
 60 
 
 20 19 
 
 8 
 
 Rev. Alpha Morton s. s. 
 
 May 15, '55. 
 
 7 h 
 
 125 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Rev. John Baker s. s. 
 
 Jan. 17, 1856. 
 
 5 i 
 
 92 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 95. Winnegance (in 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Bath & Phipsburg.) 
 
 
 
 
 75 
 
 no 
 
 
 
 23 
 
 
 
 
 Rev. Sam'l H. Merrill. 
 
 Jan. 9, 1856. 
 
 3 
 5 
 
 24 
 
 
 ch. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Mr. Charles F. Morse. 
 
 March 8, '56. 
 
 n 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 !»6. Winslow. 
 
 
 
 
 125 
 
 65 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 100 
 
 13 18 
 
 20 
 
 Rev. D. Shepley s. s. 
 
 June 28, '55. 
 
 12 
 
 150 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 97. Woolwich. 
 
 
 
 
 175 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Rev. S. S. Drake s. s. 
 
 June 28, '55. 
 Jan. 11, 1856 
 
 6 
 6 
 
 50 
 62 
 
 150 
 
 53 
 
 
 
 
 75 
 
 [20] 
 
 
 98. York 2d parish. 
 
 
 
 
 100 
 
 32 
 
 3 
 
 
 1 
 
 77 
 
 18 
 
 12 
 
 Rev. Morris Holman.^5. 
 
 June 28, '55. 
 
 12 
 
 125 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
55 
 
 K i: MARKS. 
 
 92. "An attentive audience on the Sabbath— a full attendance on the (Sabbath) 
 
 and the interest manifested in the Sabbath School by both parents 
 and children," are mentioned as grounds of encouragement. 
 
 93. Our missionary was cordially received. In W. there bad been Borne awak- 
 ening under Methodist preaching, and several young persons were indulging hope. 
 The church seems already to have been much encouraged and quickened. At Jones- 
 boro' where for several years they have been without preaching, "there is 
 waking up on the subject. They have a flourishing Sabbath School and things of 
 a serious nature are working up." 
 
 94. This people were much afflicted by the departure of Mr. Morton to 
 chusetts the last autumn, but his place has been well supplied by one whom they 
 hope to retain. They have commenced the building of another house of worship 
 in the center of the village, and hope to complete it by another spring. 
 
 95. This place is a village some four miles below thecity of Bath, where is a 
 population of 600 souls, and many persons actively and prosperously engaged in 
 milling and ship-building. It is hoped that it' the ground should be occupied by a 
 judicious, faithful Missionary, the foundation may shortly be laid of a flourishing 
 'Church and Society. Mr. Merrill (first sentthere) being called away to the Bethel 
 in Portland, his place was supplied for several weeks by Mr. Morse, from the Sem- 
 inary in Andover, who labored in W., (during the spring vacation in that Institu- 
 tion,) with much diligence and success. Twenty-three individuals, " all of them 
 grown up persons," have expressed a hope in Christ. 
 
 9G. " Looking back five years nearly," says the highly esteei 1 laborer in this 
 
 field, "I think I can see a very decided change for the better.*' Though some mem- 
 bers of the. society pay a little less than one fourth per cent, upon their property, yet 
 some advance has been made by the society in general in their subscriptions for 
 the support of their minister, and during the' past year §100 more were given than 
 he was entitled to by contract. 
 
 97. "An increasing attendance — more engagedness on the part of the church, and 
 several instances of individual seriousness." The two houses of worship in which 
 
 Mr. Drake alternately preaches have recently been repaired. 
 
 98. " The general aspect of the place the same as before. 
 
 To the feeble Church in Lisbon a very valuable - - rendered during 
 
 six week- in the spring, by Mr. J. II. Windsor from Iowa, a member of the Middle 
 class in the Seminary in Andover, who very kindly offered, though not a licentiate, 
 ami therefore not commissioned by the Trustees of this Society, to conduct re- 
 ligion- meetings, and labor in various ways for their spiritual good, asking nothing 
 or the people, but his board, and the payment of his travelling expenses. lie was 
 •' most cordially received," and bis services were highly acceptable, lie left tin- 
 place "with many regrets," believing thafthe fieid was whitening for the harvest," 
 and anxiously inquiring "who shall gather the fruits." 
 
SUMMARY. 
 
 Our missionaries have labored during the year in 98 mis- 
 sionary fields, comprising 108 churches, and about 30 towns 
 and settlements, where are no churches. Of the several 
 places thus occupied, 45 have been supplied all the time, 12 
 three-fourths, 20 half the time and upwards, and 23 one- 
 fourth and upwards. 
 
 The missionaries employed have been 95; of whom 77 
 were ordained ministers. Fifty-seven have been in commis- 
 sion all the year ; 14 for six months and upwards ; and 24 
 for periods less than six months. Two pastors of churches, 
 and six, who for one or two years had been stated supplies, 
 have relinquished their respective charges. Five of the 
 eight have left the State, and three are still laboring within 
 its limits. Over seven of the churches receiving missionary 
 aid, pastors have been installed. 
 
 Two churches (West Falmouth and Edgecomb) which 
 heretofore have supported their pastors without assistance, 
 have during the last year sought help and received it. A 
 new church has been organized, of 27 members, at Waldo- 
 borough Bay, with a new house of worship, and with fair 
 prospects of stability and growth. In the settlement called 
 Winnegance, partly within the limits of Bath, and partly 
 within that of Phipsburgh, an attempt has been made to in- 
 troduce Congregational preaching, and to prepare the way 
 for the organization of a Congregational church. Our mis- 
 sionaries there have been kindly received, and their labors, 
 
57 
 
 being accompanied by the graciona influences of the Spirit, 
 have resulted in several hopeful conversions. 
 
 The number added to the several churches during the 
 past year, has been 235; by professsion 150, and 85 b\ 
 letter. 
 
 The whole number of members reported is 4809. The 
 hopeful conversions during- the year have been 346, a num- 
 ber very considerably larger than in any other year since 
 1842. The amount contributed to the Maine Missionary 
 Society has been si 144,75 ; to other objects of benevolence. 
 $1007,30; in all, $2152,05; being about 20 per cent, upon 
 the amount received from this Society. 
 
 STATE OP THE TEEASURY. 
 
 The balance on hand at the beginning of the year was 
 $2420,83. More than $800 of this amount might be regard- 
 ed as a surplus fund; being the excess of money received 
 during the year ending June 25th, 1855, beyond what was 
 in the Treasury at the commencement of that year. This 
 Society being auxiliary to the American Home Missionary 
 Society, upon condition of paying over to that institution 
 " its surplus funds," good faith seemed to require a fulfill- 
 ment of that condition; and in August last $500 were re- 
 mitted to Xew York. 
 
 An attempt has been made during the past year to make 
 to such of our missionaries as might desire it, quarterly 
 payments. Every such application in October last was com- 
 plied with. In January there would have been a serious 
 deficiency of means, but for the very opportune payment of 
 a legacy of $1000 from the late Mr. Folsom of Bucksport, 
 Payments for the third quarter were requested to the amount 
 of more than $1250, and though not so promptly as was de- 
 sirable, have been paid. 
 
58 
 
 The whole amount received during the year by donations, 
 has been $9,144,75 ; by legacies, $2,651 ; from other sources, 
 $667,89— in all, $12,463,64; of which $520,70 were not at 
 once available to the benefit of this Society. From the State, 
 during the year, has been paid directly to the Institution at 
 New York $511,82; making an aggregate of contribution 
 to the cause of Home Missions from congregations and indi- 
 viduals in Maine, during the year, of $9,656,57. The 
 amount this day due from the Society, for labor already per- 
 formed, is about $4,650. Its liabilities for commissions vir- 
 tually granted, but not yet fulfilled, $1,600. Towards meet- 
 ing these claims, we have now in our treasury $841,89. 
 
 NEED OP MORE LABORERS. 
 
 Neither during the last year, nor for several years preced- 
 ing, has help been withheld from any feeble church request- 
 ing it for want of funds. But the men that were needed we 
 have not always been able to find. More laborers are want- 
 ed, not only as pastors and stated supplies of feeble church- 
 es, but as evangelists, traversing wide fields, and visiting in 
 rotation several churches and places in which no church or- 
 ganization exists. One of our missionaries speaks of some 
 " ten towns, lying contiguous to each other, where there is 
 but one settled minister of any denomination." It would not 
 be difficult to find within the limits of the State, other regions 
 equally extensive and equally destitute. Could more men 
 be found of the right stamp — the Father Sewall stamp — 
 willing to engage in the work of an itinerant, a portion of 
 the funds of the Society might well be employed in main- 
 taining them. 
 
 Let His directions be suitably regarded, who, beholding 
 the paucity of laborers, compared with the plenteousness of 
 
59 
 
 the harvest, bids as pray thai laborers may be sent forth. 
 and He will furnish a larger supply. 
 
 In the mean time let us remember, that the cause of Home 
 Missions throughout our territory is one. There arc States 
 and Territories of vast extent, more needy than Maine, in 
 which, also, by reason of the rapid increase of population 
 and wealth, the encouragement for missionary labor is great- 
 er than in Maine; and if all which is contributed in this 
 State should not for the present be needed by the men ac- 
 tually laboring within our own borders, let us rejoice that 
 we may aid in the still mightier work of evangelizing the 
 West. 
 
 In Massachusetts, less than $5,000 were expended for 
 missionary labor within that Commonwealth during the year 
 ending with May last ; while upwards of $50,000 collected 
 in that State, were paid into the treasury of the American 
 Home Missionary Society. In Maine, let us do what we can 
 to provide for our own. But to be wholly unmindful of the 
 Macedonian cry, winch comes to us from the great valley of 
 the Mississippi, and from the shores of the Pacific, would 
 be hiding ourselves from our own flesh ; would be not only 
 disregarding the claims of a common humanity, of a com- 
 mon country, but withholding a helping hand from our own 
 brothers and sisters, our own sons and daughters. 
 
 If our annual contributions to the great cause of home 
 missions, were ten-fold larger, the whole amount would be 
 needed, and might be very profitably expended. 
 
 In another way, our churches are contributing both mate- 
 rial and spiritual aid to the evangelization of the country. 
 One missionary brother speaks of five or six young men, 
 who had left his congregation during the past year, '-for oth- 
 er parts of the land," all of whom had become interested in 
 religion, and given evidence of piety. Another writes thus : 
 
60 
 
 " Several of our young people have become pious, and we 
 are happy to learn that they are making themselves useful 
 in other churches, if not in ours. Some are in Portland, 
 some in Boston, some in New York, and others are in Vir- 
 ginia, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and California. The more en- 
 terprising and promising of our young people leave home, 
 as soon as they come of age, and some at an earlier period. 
 From childhood upward, they need religious training in the 
 family, the sanctuary and the Sabbath School. The labor 
 which we have performed in this direction, has been attend- 
 ed with encouraging results." 
 
 HOLD ON. 
 
 From facts like these, we may derive encouragement to 
 hold on in the effort to sustain feeble churches, even when 
 they are making no perceptible progress towards a self- 
 supporting condition. While they and their pastors are 
 raising up the children to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, and 
 to do good to their country and to mankind, our help is not 
 granted in vain, and we can afford to have long patience and 
 perseverance in bestowing it. 
 
 It is peculiarly gratifying to receive from some of our 
 missionaries such accounts as the following: "I regard this 
 church," says one, " as a model church for enterprize and 
 benevolence, as well as for active piety." " I regard this 
 field," says another, "as an encouraging one. There is har- 
 mony of action on the part of church and parish, and the 
 church are ready to stand in their place, and do what they 
 may. It is pleasant to see how readily they put on and 
 keep on the harness. We have some most excellent mem- 
 bers, working men and women." After this, we are not sur- 
 prised to learn that " the congregation has increased, and 
 there is quite a prospect of considerable increase to the 
 
fil 
 
 church." Sow affecting a contrast is presented in another 
 communication. •• We have much opposition to enoounter; 
 but that is not half bo discouraging, as the spiritual death 
 that reigns in the church. There has been some degree of 
 interest and tenderness on the part of the impenitent. The 
 Spirit seemed to be near. bu1 the church appeared to be 
 dead, and no effort of mine could arouse them and bring 
 them to action. 1 felt that I had more sympathy in my la- 
 bors out of the church, than in it. The people have not 
 paid me yet," (when eleven months of the year had expired.) 
 " one-third of their subscription. There has been nothing 
 at all contributed for home missions, or for [any other be- 
 nevolent object." 
 
 Cau such a church prosper ? Will the Lord bestow his 
 blessing upon it ? How small the encouragement fortius 
 Society to extend to such a church its fostering care ! It is 
 not the design of Missionary Societies to relieve feeble 
 churches from the necessity of exertion and self-sacrifice 
 for their own benefit, but rather to invite them to self-deny- 
 ing effort. It has been well said, that " that which relieves 
 the needy from exertions, which they would otherwise make 
 for themselves, ceases to be a help, and becomes a hindrance, 
 adding weakness instead of strength." If, therefore, mis- 
 sionary aid is not productive of increased endeavors on the 
 part of those who receive it, to sustain their own institu- 
 tions, and to make advances, if possible, towards a self- 
 supporting condition, we fail in one important particular of 
 doing the good that we desire ; and it becomes a very seri- 
 ous question, whether it be not our duty to withhold any 
 farther nutriment from those withering, unfruitful branches, 
 before they are wholly dead. Even when the minister is not 
 all that could be wished, is that a reason why the people 
 should not fulfill their own engagments ? why the church 
 
62 
 
 should let go its hold on God ? or should refrain from all 
 those efforts which they are required to make for their own 
 spiritual good, and for the salvation of the perishing around 
 them? 
 
 ADVANCE. 
 
 Indications of advance during the past year, may be found 
 in the increase of what is raised by some societies for the 
 support of their ministers ; in expenditures in some places 
 for repairing the parsonage and sanctuary ; in purchasing 
 and fitting up a hall for public worship at Skowhegan ; in 
 building houses of worship at Lewiston, Waldoborough, and 
 West Brooksville ; in the progress towards completion of 
 the same good work at Sumner and Turner ; and in hopeful 
 beginnings for a similar purpose at Monmouth, Sebago, Isle 
 de Haute, "Wilton, and Springfield. 
 
 REVIVALS. 
 
 But in reviewing the past year, the most delightful feature 
 is to be found in those precious revivals, with which several 
 of our missionary churches have been blessed, including 
 some that were in a condition of extreme depression and 
 weakness. Thus at Baldwin, where but nine church mem- 
 bers remain, all of whom, but one, are females, a very pleas- 
 ant religious interest existed during the winter and spring — 
 the fruits of which are about forty hopeful converts — some 
 of whom, it is hoped, will connect themselves with the Con- 
 gregational church. 
 
 At Orland, an unusual spirit of prayer was noticed at the 
 annual concert of prayer for colleges. Meetings for prayer 
 were held every evening during the month of March. Al- 
 most all who have expressed hope in Christ, are persons in 
 middle life. 
 
 At Burlington, the interest commenced with the young 
 
63 
 
 married people, and several new family altars have been 
 erected. No extra means have been employed, and no out- 
 ward excitement has been manifest. About twelve cases 
 have occurred of hopeful conversion. Difficulties previ- 
 ously existing in the church, have been settled, and persons 
 united who were at variance. 
 
 Quite an extensive revival has taken place in the village 
 of Rockport, connected mainly with the labors of Metho- 
 dist brethren, but extending through the whole community, 
 and affecting the infant church and society in our connec- 
 tion. 
 
 Amidst some peculiar difficulties and discouragements, the 
 Lord has been pleased to bless the church in Harrison. A 
 revival commenced last fall, and continued part of the win- 
 ter, commencing among the Baptists, but extending to sev- 
 eral families of the Congregational society, which has re- 
 sulted in the hopeful conversion, in all about forty, most- 
 ly young people, of whom fifteen or sixteen have attended 
 on the worship, and been connected with the Sabbath School 
 of our denomination. 
 
 In connexion with ordinary means and efforts, the Spirit 
 has come, like the gentle dew, to the church and society at 
 Madison Bridge, strengthening the very faint hope that some 
 individuals had before indulged, and causing several others 
 to rejoice in hope, who before were living without hope and 
 without God in the world. 
 
 The feeble church at Oldtown, reported the last year as 
 consisting of twenty-six members, within a short time after 
 the settlement of its present pastor, has experienced a very 
 precious season of refreshing and enlargement. Forty per- 
 sons are reported as being recently renewed, and from six 
 to ten reclaimed. Thirty persons were admitted to the 
 church, on the 18th of May, and twenty more are expected 
 
64 
 
 at the next communion. Thirty out of the fifty who will 
 then have been added to the church; are heads of families. 
 
 Of twelve hopeful converts in the congregation at Sum- 
 ner, the greater number are of adult age, and several of 
 them heads of families. 
 
 From the church and society at Machiasport, which have 
 long been in a declining and distracted state, we have the 
 following account : 
 
 '•During the year, there has been gratifying attention to 
 preaching and other means of grace. Many of our young 
 men, who had been in the habit of going after error, now 
 attend our meeting. Many members of the church are en- 
 joying a very pleasant state of religious feeling. There 
 have probably been, during the year, in town, about forty- 
 five instances of hopeful conversion, mostly in the neighbor- 
 hood of Buck's Harbor ; an unusual proportion are heads of 
 families, from twenty-five to thirty-five years of age. We 
 have not known so interesting a season in this place, for the 
 last sixteen years." 
 
 <; When I came to this people last November," writes the 
 Rev. Mr. Bowkei, from Turner, " I was met with a kind and 
 cordial reception. There had been to a considerable extent, 
 an experience of reverses. But they were not entirely dis- 
 couraged. Their motto was — faint but pursuing. During 
 the winter, we almost believed that there were some tokens 
 of the Spirit's presence. But not until April, did it fully 
 appear that a cloud of mercy was gathering over us. We 
 were taken by surprise, when it was known that a spirit of 
 anxious solicitude had gained possession of many minds. 
 During these two and a half months, this precious work of 
 grace has been progressing. Noiselessly and peacefully, as 
 a summer's eveming, the Divine Spirit has gone from house 
 to house, and from heart to heart, till fathers and mothers, 
 
65 
 
 sons and daughters, to the number of twenty-five, have be- 
 come the hopeful subjects of grace. And the Holy Spirit is 
 still moving (June 1G) upon many minds, and the prayer is 
 going up from many hearts that the Lord would abide with 
 us. The members of this church have been greatly revived 
 and encouraged. Their spiritual strength lias been renewed. 
 and there is an unwonted degree of harmony in their cflbrts 
 for the enlargement of Zion's borders. Thirteen were pro- 
 pounded for admission to the church the last Sabbath, and 
 it is hoped that as many more will soon be found ready to 
 make profession of their faith in Christ." 
 
 Other missionary fields that have been blessed, arc East 
 and West Brooksville, Winnegance, Monson, Norway Vil- 
 lage, Brownfield, Bristol, and'Blanchard. 
 
 The American Home Missionary Society. 
 
 during the last year, has received and expended nearly 
 >iii'0.000. The laborers in its employ have been 986 ; oc- 
 cupying nearly twice that number of stations. Fifty-six new 
 churches have been organized.while 50 churches before aided, 
 have risen to independence. Five thousand six hundred and 
 two members have been added to the churches assisted by 
 it: 50 revivals of religion are reported, and 2005 souls | bj 
 352 missionaries) as hopefully converted. During the 70 
 years of its existence, the gospel has been proclaimed through 
 its missionaries at 4300 stations,in 36 States and Territories ; 
 137,941 souls have been gathered into churches receiving- 
 its aid; and of these churches, " 1000 have passed from the 
 list of its beneficiaries to that of its patrons." It is most 
 earnestly and devoutly to be wished, that this noble institu- 
 tion, with its auxiliaries, and all other evangelical associa- 
 tions engaged in Home Missions in these United States, 
 may carry forward this great work with unabated zeal, and 
 5 
 
66 
 
 augmented vigor. Very much land yet remaineth to be pos- 
 sessed. The places of ministers, not suffered to continue 
 by reason of death, call for a new supply. New churches 
 are forming, that need pastors. New settlements are mul- 
 tiplying with astonishing rapidity, demanding at their very 
 birth the institutions of the Gospel. Does not this whole 
 land, with its teeming millions and its immense resources, 
 belong to Jesus Christ? Is it not a part of His purchased, 
 promised possession ? Much of error must be " over- 
 turned " and removed, before He can reign over its whole 
 extent. Even now dark clouds are lowering ; and mighty 
 efforts are put forth to strengthen opposing interests, and 
 give them the ascendancy. But we will hope in God — 
 the God of our fathers — who has planted in this land a peo- 
 ple dear to Him — a people who love and honor Him. Thy 
 kingdom come, is their daily prayer. The interests of that 
 kingdom they seek first to promote, and while they pray 
 and labor for its advancement, the God of Heaven He will 
 prosper them. Let them labor on, in the spirit of depend" 
 ence on Him, and with much prayer for His favor and bless- 
 ing, in the mighty enterprise of spreading through this whole 
 land the light and grace of the glorious Gospel, — the day 
 will come, which Jeremiah Evarts, before he ascended to 
 o-lory, saw in vision ; " when the sun, as he rises on a Sab- 
 bath morning, and travels westward from New England to 
 Oregon, shall behold converted millions assembling, as if by 
 a common impulse, in the temple, with which every valley, 
 mountain and plain shall be adorned; and the morning 
 psalm and evening anthem, commencing with the multitudes 
 on the Atlantic coast, shall be sustained by the loud chorus 
 of ten thousand times ten thousand in the valley of the Mis- 
 sissippi, and prolonged by thousands of thousands on the 
 shores of the Pacific." 
 
ANNUAL MEETING. 
 
 The Maine Missionary Society held its forty-ninth annual 
 meeting with the church in Calais, June 25, 1856. The 
 meeting was opened with reading the Scriptures and prayer 
 by the President. The sermon was by the Rev. Prof. Smith, 
 from John xvii. 20, 21, on the subject of Christian Union. 
 The Treasurers Report was read and accepted ; then fol- 
 lowed the Report of the Trustees by the Secretary. A mo- 
 tion to print and publish this Report was offered by the Rev. 
 Asa D. Smith, D. D., of the city of Xew York, and being 
 seconded, was carried. Brief and pertinent addresses were 
 made by Rev. Messrs. Cushman, Drummond, Cutter, Parker 
 and Carruthers. After the taking up of a collection in aid 
 of the Society, the public services were closed with prayer 
 and benediction by the Rev. Dr. Carruthers of Portland. 
 
 At a meeting of the Society for business, the Rev. Dr. 
 Chickering was appointed to express the thanks of the So- 
 ciety to Professor Smith, for his sermon, and to request a 
 copy for the press. 
 
 The committee appointed in 1853, consisting of Rev. 
 Messrs. D. Thurston, Tappan, and Ellingwood, " to collect 
 some historical notices of this Society," were instructed to 
 report at the next annual meeting. The same persons were 
 appointed a committee of arrangements for the Jubilee An- 
 niversary of the next year. 
 
68 
 
 The following persons were chosen officers of the Society 
 for the ensuing year : 
 
 PRESIDENT : 
 
 WILLIAM T. D WIGHT, D. D. 
 
 yice president: 
 JOHN W. ELLINGWOOD, D. 
 
 COR. AND REC. SECRETARY: 
 
 BENJAMIN TAPPAN, D. D. 
 
 treasurer: 
 JOHN HOW, Esq 
 
 TRUSTEES : 
 
 Rev. WM. T. DWIGHT, ex officio. 
 
 Rev. DAVID THURSTON. 
 
 Rev. BENJAMIN TAPPAN. 
 
 Rev. JOHN W. ELLINGWOOD. 
 
 Rev. ENOCH POND, D. D. 
 
 Rev. JOHN W. CHICKER1NG, D. D. 
 
 Rev. DAVID SHEPLEY, 
 
 Rev. STEPHEN THURSTON, D. D. 
 
 Rev. EDWARD F. CUTTER. 
 
 Rev. ISAAC ROGERS. 
 
 JOHN HOW, Esq. 
 
 WOODBURY STORER, Esq., ) AuDITORS 
 WILLIAM D. LITTLE, Esq., j AtDITORS - 
 
 The Central Church in Bath was appointed as the place for 
 the next annual meeting, on the 4th Wednesday of June, 1857. 
 
 Rev. GEORGE B. LITTLE, First, ) Prevchers 
 Rev. E. G. CARPENTER, Second, \ 1 KEACHtKS - 
 
 TREASURER'S REPORT. 
 
 491 20 
 
 
 6 00 
 
 
 9 00 
 
 
 33 00 
 
 
 60 00 
 
 
 5 00 
 
 
 
 604 20 
 12 69 
 
 
 Jteceipts and Disbursements of John How, Treas'r of Maine Missionary Society 
 
 BECE1PTS. 
 
 Balance in the Treasury June 25, 1855, .... $2,420 83 
 
 Income from the Permanent Fund: — 
 
 Dividends on Bank Stock, .... 
 " 1 share in At. & St. Lawrence R. R. Co., 
 
 " 3 shares in Portland, Saco & Ports. R. R. Co., 
 
 Interest on notes receivable, .... 
 
 " City of Portland bond, 
 
 Rent on Building in Kennebunk, 
 
 Interest on money loaned, . . • . . 
 
 Legacies. — Of Miss Eveline Sewall, late of Kennebunk, addi- 
 tional by Wm. B. Sewall, Esq., . . 251 00 
 Miss Elizabeth Langdon, late of York, . 100 00 
 Seth Morse, Esq., late of Paris, (balance) . 100 00 
 Jos. B. Folsom, Esq., late of Bucksport, . 1000 00 
 Hon. Wm. Richardson, late of Bath, (9th instal't, 1000 00 
 Mrs. Sarah L. Mason, late of Kennebunkport, 208 00 
 
 2,651 00 
 
 Of Rev. B. Tappan, D. D., for supplying the pulpit 
 in sundry places, ..... 51 00 
 
 Annuities, contributions, life memberships, &c, . . . 9,144 75 
 
 $14,884 47 
 
69 
 
 DISBURSEMENTS. 
 
 Paid W. T. Johnson for printing Book of Receipts, 
 
 Paid Fuller & Fuller for printing Missionary Sermon and Keport, 
 
 Paid Carpenter & Co. Express Dill, • • • ■ 
 
 Paid Mrs. Naroissa S. Bourne income of legacy <<( Miss Eveline Bewail, 
 
 late of Kennebunk, ....••• 
 
 Paid Treasurer of American Home Miss'y Society, by vote ol I rustees, 
 Additional Legacy of late Miss Eveline SewalL transferred from Permanent 
 
 Fund, according to the provisions of the Will, 
 Paid Trustees' orders, ....•• 
 
 COHTINGENT EXPENSES:— Discount on S500 of legacy ol late J 
 
 B. Folsom, paid by Dr. Tappan, 
 
 For bringing money from York, 
 
 Discount on draft on Portsmouth, 
 
 Collecting check on Kennebunkport, 
 
 Postage, ...... 
 
 Commissions on Receipts, ..... 
 
 Balance in the Treasury, ...... 
 
 •54 25 
 
 If,.-) (in 
 
 8 00 
 
 269 70 
 
 500 00 
 
 251 00 
 
 12,511 01 
 
 The PERMANENT FUND consists of 
 Land in the County of Aroostook, valued at 
 Land in Bangor, valued at ... 
 
 Land and building in Kennebunk, valued at 
 
 5 Shares in Lewiston Falls Manufacturing Company, 
 24 Shares in Canal Bank, Portland, 
 20 Shares in Casco Bank, Portland, 
 15 Shares in Manufacturers' & Traders' Bank, 
 
 9 Shares in State Bank, Boston, . 
 
 3 Shares in Portland, Saco & Portsmouth Railroad, 
 
 1 Share in Atlantic & St. Lawrence Railroad, 
 Scrip of the City of Portland, 
 Notes receivable", . 
 
 Errors excepted. 
 
 5 25 
 
 25 
 
 50 
 
 1 00 
 
 15 00 
 
 22 00 
 311 69 
 
 Ml M» 
 
 $14,884 47 
 
 S300 00 
 300 00 
 200 00 
 500 00 
 2400 00 
 2000 00 
 760 00 
 540 00 
 300 00 
 100 00 
 
 1IMMI Oil 
 
 1100 00 
 
 -$9,490 00 
 JOHN HOW, Ireatwer. 
 
 Portland, June 20, 1856. 
 
 The undersigned have examined the accounts of John How, Esq., Treasurer, (o 
 which the foregoing is an abstract) and find the same properly vouched and cor- 
 rectly cast, with a balance of eight hundred forty-one 89-100 dollars in the freas- 
 
 \VM. D. LITTLE, 
 WOODBURY STORER, 
 
 Auditors chosen 
 by (he Socii t'i. 
 
DONATIONS 
 
 FROM JUNE 25, 1855, TO JUNE 20, 1856. 
 
 Aroostook Conference. 
 Burlington— Coll., $11 50 
 
 Lincoln— Coll., 19 50 
 
 Passadumkeag — Coll., 8 00 
 
 Aroostook Conference, 2, 9, 11 24 
 
 $50 24 
 Cumberland. 
 Auburn— Ann. 6, don. 10, coll. 34, 50 00 
 Brunswick— Ann. 14,50, coll. 41,80, 56 30 
 Cumberland— Sab. Sell. 1,75, col. 43, 44 75 
 Falmouth, lstparisli— Coll. 10,08 
 " 2tf " " 24,75 
 
 34 83 
 
 Freeport — 1st cont. L. M. 30, 
 
 Cent Soc. 13, coll. 80, 123 
 " 2d cont. L. M. 40, Ct. 
 
 Soc. 15,60, coll. 84,40, 140 
 
 263 00 
 
 Gorham—F. M. S. 80,84, coll. 40,62, 
 
 don. 5, 126 46 
 
 Gray— Coll., 38 00 
 
 Harpswell—Co\\. 3,74, don. 2, 5 74 
 
 Lewiston Falls — L. M. 80, coll. 146,- 
 
 85 226 85 
 
 Lewiston— Pine St. Ch. coll., 20 00 
 
 Mechanic Falls — Con. & mon. coll. 45 00 
 Jlinot— Ann. 10, L. M. 6, coll. 
 
 and don. 11, 27,00 
 
 Minot, West— Coll., 8,38 
 
 35 38 
 
 Naples — (For preaching,) 12 86 
 
 New Gloucester — F.M. S. 42,50, coll. 
 
 55,25, 97 75 
 
 North Yarmouth— Coll., 16 00 
 
 Portland, 2d Ch.—FM.S. 200, 
 S. S. 20, L. M. 40, 
 coll. 136, 396,00 
 
 " 3d Ch.—F. M. S. 114, 
 
 L.M. 75, col. 113,12, 302,12 
 " Union Mis. Circle, 107,00 
 " Abyssinian Ch. — Col. 1,25 
 
 806 37 
 
 Pownal— Coll., 32 25 
 
 Scarborough — L. M. 10, don. 5, coll. 
 
 13,62, 28 62 
 
 Siandish— Coll. 20,25, 24,70, 44 95 
 
 Wesibrooh, 1st Ch.—Don. 10,00 
 
 C Saccarappa,) 2d Ch. — Cont. 
 10, 40, 50,00 
 
 60 00 
 
 Yarmouth— L. M. 105, F. M. S. 20, 
 
 Cent S. 41,97, coll. 106,35, 273 35 
 
 Cumberland Conference, 9,10 23,82, 32 92 
 
 $2351 35 
 Franklin. 
 Farmington — L. M. 50, F. M. 
 S. 23,07, m. c. 5, 
 coll. and don. 37,- 
 03, 115,10 
 
 Falls— Coll., 
 
 2,80 
 
 -117 
 
 90 
 
 10 
 
 38 
 
 6 
 
 00 
 
 5 
 
 ■2-1 
 
 16 
 
 50 
 
 6 
 
 85 
 
 8 
 § 
 
 2 '_! 
 
 20 
 
 19 
 
 16 
 
 75 
 
 $208 
 
 01 
 
 New Sharon — Coll., 
 
 New Vineyard — Coll. 3, 3, 
 
 PhiUips — Coll., 
 
 Stro?ig—F. M. S. 11, coll. 5,50, 
 
 Temple— F. M. S. 2,35, coll. 4,50, 
 
 Weld— F. M. S. 3,75, coll. 4,47, 
 
 Wilton — Aim. 4, coll. 7, F. M. 
 
 9,19, 
 Franklin Conference, 7 9,75, 
 
 Hancock. 
 Aurora and Amherst — L. M. 6, Cent 
 
 Soc, 4,73, Sab. Sell. 5, 15 
 
 Bluehill— Don., 3 
 
 Bucksport — L. M. 40, aim. 2, m. con. 
 
 19 35, coll and don. 86, 147 
 
 Castine— L. M. 65, coll. and don. 28, 93 
 Deer Isle—F. M. S. 15,75, coll. 9,- 
 
 64, 25 
 
 Eastbrook — Don., 3 
 
 Ellsworth— F. M. S. 20, L. M. 20, 
 
 coll. and don. 170, 210 
 
 Mount Desert, and Tremont — Coll., 46 
 Orland— Coll., 25 
 
 Sedgwick— Coll. for L. M., 20 
 
 Hancock Conference, 6 
 
 $594 97 
 Kennebec. 
 
 Augusta,S.— L. M. 60, mon. c. 74,58, 
 
 coll. and don. 318,05, 452 63 
 
 Gardiner— L. M. 25, coll. 16, 41 00 
 
 nallowell—L. M. 70, m. c. 74,62, 
 
 ami. 2, cont. 47, 193 62 
 
 Litchfield— Coll., 11 38 
 
 Monmouth— Ann. 2, coll. 2,12, 4 12 
 
 Richmond— F. M. S. 42,50, L. M. 
 
 39,09, don. 7,83, 89 42 
 
 Vassalborough — Coll. 8,18, don. 5, 13 18 
 Waterville— Coll., 6 50 
 
 Wmslow— Ann. 2, don. 2, coll. 9,18, 13 18 
 Winthrop—F. M. S. 22, coll. 5,50, 27 50 
 
71 
 
 ' 
 
 
 20 2 
 
 12 
 
 1 
 
 I. IN. "I \. 
 
 Alna—Axm. 4. coll. 16,2 . 
 Bath, Winter SL—L. M. 11". 
 
 Cent S. 27, ami. 17. coll. 
 
 and don. i- 1 66, 
 ■• Central Ch.—L. M. 
 
 aim. 11, coll. and don. 
 
 220,00 
 
 Booihbay, 1st Ch.— < 
 
 />';•! ;/i( » — 1 Imii.. 
 
 />V/.-.7(-/. l«l Cft.— Mon. con., 20,00 
 2d Cft.— Coll. 10, 8, 13,00 
 
 33 
 
 omb— Coll., 8 
 
 /.i</«'n — L. M. to compl., 5 
 
 Phipsburgk—F. M. S.20. coll. 25.62 45 
 
 TJlomasftm— F. M. S. 18,75, gent. M 32 
 
 Topsham— Coll , 16 
 
 Cfeion— L. M. 10. coll. 11,41, 21 
 WaWoborough— L. M.5, aim. 12. F. 
 
 M. S. 12,75, coll. ami don. 44.25. 74 
 Warn a — Ann. >;. Benev.Soc. 36,70, 
 
 coll. 17,30, 60 
 
 Washington— L. M. L0., Jon. 1,50, 11 
 
 WUcassi t—\- M. 5, coll. 20. 25 
 
 Woohmch— Coll., 20 
 
 -125n 
 
 Oxford. 
 .1 ndover — Mon. con. 3,92, coll. 13,- 
 
 21, 17 
 
 Bethel, 1st Ch.— Cent Soc. 9, 
 
 coll. 31.71. L. M. 15. 55,71 
 " 2d Ch.— Don. 2., coll. 
 
 10, 12,00 
 
 07 
 
 N6rtoay,l8t Ch. — Coll. 10, don. 
 
 3, 13,00 
 
 " 2d Ch.—Y. M. S. 11, 
 
 coll. 9, 2o. oo 
 
 33 
 
 Or ford— Coll. 9, don. 20, 29 
 
 Paris, SI— Coll. 15,19, L.M.10, 25 
 
 Rumford — Coll., 9 
 
 Sumner and Hartford — Coll., 15 
 
 Turner— F. M. S. 12,22, coll. 3,50, 15 
 Oxford Conference,!! 5,79 15,75, 35 
 
 lo Corinna—L. M. in pari 5 00 
 
 _ Dedham— Coll. 85 88,21, 68 21 
 
 68 Dixmont— Ann., 2 00 
 
 Hampden— L. M.5.",. F. M. >. 
 
 col. 20,26, 
 Kenduskeag—L. M. 6, coll. 2n,-j7. 26 87 
 Oldtmon—CoU., 10 00 
 
 Orono— Coll., 28 9 l 
 
 Orrington— L. M. 5, coll. 11,82, 16 82 
 ■ . ■' ( km/1 /•■ "i i . 60, iVi 'in ■■ a 
 friend of Missions," 20. BO 00 
 
 66 
 
 00 I ! 148 82 
 
 50 PlSCAl \\H IS. 
 
 Atkinson— Coll., 6 00 
 
 hard— Coll., 
 00 Bradford— Con., 11 45 
 
 1.0 Brownvill — F. M. S. 7.oj. cont. 
 00| 10,66, 
 62 Dow r '<//</ Foxi /••;/?- -I.. M.20, Cent 
 
 Soc. 5,58, coll. 42,49, 
 Garland — Coll., 
 Monson — ' loll., 
 Sangi rvilh — Don., 
 Sebec— Coll., 
 
 20 70 
 
 68 07 
 20 00 
 
 :;:: on 
 
 1 00 
 
 9 00 
 
 52 10 22 
 
 SOM] BS] I. 
 
 Anson, S.—V. M. s. 9,50, coll. 2,50, 12 00 
 
 00 Bingham— Coll.. 7 00 
 
 (feW— Coll., 12 00 
 
 80 Madison— Coll., 13 00 
 
 .1/. rcer— Coll., 2 76 
 Norridgewock — L. M. 25. coll. and 
 
 don. 28, 53 00 
 
 Skowht gan — Don., 4 00 
 
 Solon village — L. M. 5. cull. 4, 9 00 
 
 St. Albans — L. M.5, Cent Soc. 5.52. 
 
 coll. 3, 13 52 
 
 Union. 
 Albany — Don. 3, ann. 2, 
 
 Bridgton, N.— Don. 5, coll. 9, 14.00 
 Cfentre— Coll., '.'.04 
 
 SI 20 
 5 
 
 -'J 17 
 
 Penobscot. 
 
 Bangor, 1st Ch.—\.. M. 105. 
 S. Sch. 60, coll. and 
 don. 316,88, 481,88 
 
 //,„„. St.— L. M. 120, 
 S. Sch. 21,84, coll. 
 87,81, 229,65 
 
 " '', „tr<il Ch.— S. Sch. 
 
 50, coll. 284,82, 334.-2 
 
 lot.; 
 
 Brewer, IF.— I,. M. lo. don. 
 
 11, coll. 32, 53,00 
 
 " village — L. M. 5, coll. 
 
 23,17, 28,17 
 
 81 
 
 field— L. M. 6, coll. 6,05. 4,- 
 5o. 10 
 
 Fryeburg — I.. M. 55, don. 10, coll. 
 18,42, 
 
 54 Harrison — Cont., 5 
 
 — Lovell — Coll., 10 
 
 29 Otisfeld— Ann. 2. don. 13, coll. 16,- 
 06, 31 
 
 Sweden — Coll., 12 
 
 Waterford— L. M. 15. F. M. S. 5, 
 coll and don. 30, 50 
 
 35 
 
 17 
 
 Waldo. 
 
 lUlfiM— Coll. 48. don. :;. 
 
 " N. — Coll. 20, mon. con. 
 
 40, 60,00 
 
 Camden— F. M. S. 28.95, coll. 
 
 20,50, 19,45 
 
 liockjwrt— Cont., 6,00 
 
 8288 "1 
 51,00 
 
 -111 00 
 
 55 45 
 
72 
 
 Frankfort — Coll., 
 
 " Mills— Don. 
 
 34,75 
 8,00 
 
 Freedom — Coll., 
 Jackson — Don., 
 
 ■Searsporlr— Coll.,63, don. 5, 68,00 
 " Eastr- Cont., 9,00 
 
 Swanville — Don., 
 Ihorndike — Don ., 
 Unity— Ann. 4,50, coll. 7,66, 
 Waldo Conference, 
 
 $345 68 
 
 Washington. 
 
 Dennysville — Monthly concert, 30 
 
 Eastport— Coll. 30, L. M. 40, 70 
 
 Machias—F. M. S. 32, L. M. 
 
 20, cont. 10,25, 62,25 
 
 " East— Cont, 32,00 
 
 " port— Coll., 5,05 
 
 Rob b inslon — D on., 
 Whiting — Don., 
 Washington Conference, 
 
 99 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 21 
 
 $231 27 
 
 40 52 
 
 York. 
 
 Biddeford, E. — Coll., 5,52 
 
 W.— Coll., 35,00 
 
 Buxton, N.— Cont., 23,08 
 
 " 8.— Coll. and don., 29,13 
 
 52 21 
 
 Kennebunk—L. M. 20, coll. 22, don. 
 
 45, 87 00 
 
 Kennebunkport, 1st Ch. — Coll. 18,25 
 2d a.— Coll., 40,00 
 
 58 25 
 
 Kittery — Coll., 24 25 
 
 Lebanon — Coll., 33 50 
 
 Limerick — Coll. and cont. 20,81, 
 
 don. 5, 25 81 
 
 Limington Coll., 10 04 
 
 Lyman — Don., 2 00 
 
 Neivfield— Coll., 14 00 
 Saco—L. M. 40, F. M. S. 20, coll. 
 
 and don. 156, 216 00 
 
 Sanford— Cont, (balance) 2 00 
 
 ■Shapleigh — Don., 2 00 
 Wells, 1st Ch. — Coll. and cont. 
 
 for L. M. 
 " 2d CA.— Coll., 
 
 York, 1st Ch.— Coll., 
 " 2d Ch.— Coll., 
 
 York Conference, 
 
 87,38 
 10,00 
 
 35,00 
 18,00 
 
 97 3S 
 
 53 00 
 23 00 
 
 $740 96 
 
 OTHER STATES. 
 Brid<jewater, Mass. — A friend of 
 
 Missions, 2 00 
 
 Cambridge, Mass. — Erro Mainensis, 5 00 
 Chelsea, Mass.— Dr. J. Mitchell, 6 00 
 
 Lowell, Mass. — S. W. Stickney and 
 
 S. C. Shapleigh, 20 00 
 
 Newburyport, Mass. — Wm. Thurs- 
 ton and wife, ann., 4 00 
 Roxbury, Mass. — Rev. D. M. Mitch- 
 ell, 5 00 
 Worcester, Mass. — Rev. Dr. Sweet- 
 
 ser, 15 00 
 
 Oxford, N. II. — Rev. Enos Merrill 
 
 and wife, 5 O0 
 
 Norwich, Conn. — A lady, 2 00 
 
 California. — A lady, ' 1 00 
 
 Weymouth, N. S.— 'Mrs. J. K. Mayo, 20 00 
 
 From donors unknown, 
 Annual meeting at Portland, 
 
 Amount of donations as above, 
 Legacies, 
 
 $85 00 
 
 31 00 
 
 135 19 
 
 ^9,144 75 
 2,651 00 
 
 $11,795 75 
 
LIFE MEMBERS, 
 
 RECOGNIZED SINCE 1 Hi: LAST ANNUAL PUBLICATION. 
 
 Auburn. 
 
 Augusta. 
 Bangor 
 
 Bath 
 
 Bradford, Miss Clara F., 
 Monroe. Miss Em 
 Paine, Mrs. Lois, 
 
 Perkins, Luke. 
 
 Bradbury, Thomas Vf. S., 
 
 Webb, Mary Bowdoin, 
 
 Bragg, Isaac N.. 
 
 Coe, Mrs. Mary M., 
 
 Cummings, Ephraim C, 
 
 Dole, John Thurston, 
 
 Dutton, Mrs. Maria, 
 
 Jewell, Miss Emily B., 
 
 McNamara, Miss Mary Eliza, 
 
 Maltby, Miss Henrietta Caroline, 
 
 Merrill, Benjamin, 
 
 Partridge, Mrs. Mary B., 
 
 Patten, Moses, 
 
 Stanwood, Mrs. Mary Lyman, 
 
 Willey. Mrs. Louisa, 
 
 Wyer, Miss Elizabeth, 
 
 Burnnam, Rev. Ch 
 
 Fuller, Dr. A. J„ 
 
 Harwood, Miss Lizzie P., 
 
 Harwood, Thomas 1*., 
 
 Davidson, Mrs. Sarah, Belfast. 
 
 Ferguson, Mrs. .lane, 
 
 Poor, James J., 
 
 Mayo, Mrs. George 0., 
 
 Sargent, Miss Susan P., 
 
 Skinner, Arthur Brainard, " 
 
 Deering, Mrs. Alice P., Bridgtim, 
 
 Stickney, Mrs. Putt v. BrownfieU. 
 
 I . Joseph, BroumviUe. 
 
 - rah P., Bu< 
 
 Darling, A. Dennis. 
 Skinner, Miss Harriet, 
 Skinner, Miss Hannah .1 
 Swasey, Mrs. Sewall B.. 
 Rounds, Gerry, Buxton. 
 
 Aylward, Mrs. Mary, Calais. 
 
 Ives, Rev. Alfre l i... Castine. 
 
 Ives, Mrs. Ali'n- 1 E., " 
 
 Perry, Miss Bannah M.. 
 
 tie. M i 
 Wood, Mi- II irri >t \.. 
 Huston, Albert Cbilds, / ; 
 
 Huston, Hei tta \ 
 
 HaskeU, 1> lacon E Lward, D ■ r Tsl 
 
 Mayo, Miss Mary Elizabeth. Dover 
 
 Hosmer, R -v. S imuel I>.. Eislporl 
 
 Stickney, Gideon, 
 Hale. Miss M iry S 
 
 Farmi 
 Frankfort. 
 
 Franhf 
 
 I V' i OOVX. 
 
 Belcher, Hannibal, 
 Butler, Mrs. Julia W., 
 Lewis, Mrs. Ellen A.. 
 Smith, ('apt. William, 
 I 'reat, Miss Ellen, 
 Dmlge, Mrs. M;ir\ . 
 
 :■, Cant Edward, 
 Dillingham, Mrs. Patience, 
 Gray, George W., 
 Harrington, Miss Anna R., 
 Reed, Mi-s Hannah. 
 Talbot, Mrs. Mary M.. 
 Talbot, Mrs. Sally. 
 Thing, Mrs. Louisa, 
 Souther,Miss Annie Blanchard, ; 
 Hall, Mrs. Christiana, 
 Nash, Mrs. Hannah, 
 Woodbridge, Miss Eliza, 
 Curtis, Mrs. Almira, 
 Hardy, J. 1... 
 Willcox, Mrs. Anne G., 
 Burnham, Samuel Jr., 
 Stone, Miss Mary 1... 
 
 . [ssachar, 
 Pickard, Horace, 
 Freeman, Mrs. Charles, 
 
 . John C, 
 
 ' : - sphen, 
 Foster, Mrs. Mary C, 
 HaskelL Caleb, 
 Marsh, Deacon Shubael, 
 Nelson, Otis, 
 
 '! -. Caroline F., 
 Smith, Miss Lovina, 
 Chase, Mrs. Joseph B., 
 Parsons, Dea. Sherlock, 
 Go i Iwin, Lev. Thomas S., 
 Larrabee, Mrs. Hannah. 
 
 Mrs. Mary, Portland. 
 
 Clark, Miss Elizabeth Dwight, 
 Drinkwater, Mrs. Margaret, 
 Duran, Mrs. William, 
 
 . . Mrs. Charles, 
 Fernald, Mrs. Rebecca, 
 (Jilinan, X. J., 
 G ddard, Miss Mary P., 
 G >uld, Miss Alice M., 
 Greely, Eliphalet, 
 
 Mrs. Philip, 
 . I) 'j. SewaU B., 
 
 . Mrs. Edward, 
 Howe, Nathan, 
 
 Gray. 
 Hampa\ n. 
 
 A", nn< bunk. 
 
 A'i it u< hi 
 
 ton Fulh. 
 
 Lino r'" ):. 
 
 a 
 
 Machias. 
 Mario i. 
 
 \. ■ Gl 
 
 Norridi 
 
 Norway. 
 Orono. 
 
 Phipsburgh. 
 
74 
 
 Merrill, Dr. Thomas H., 
 Moody, Mrs. Lucy S., 
 Moody, Albus Rea, 
 Nowell, Mrs. Henry, 
 Shirley, Arthur 2d, 
 Staples, Mrs. Julia, 
 Tucker, Jonathan, 
 Waterhouse, Mrs. Ann, 
 Webster, Mrs. Eliphalet, 
 Woodbury, William, 
 Woodbury, Mrs. Octavia, 
 Hagar, Mrs. Henrietta L., 
 Starrett, Dea. Cephas, 
 Merrill, John, 
 Murch, Mrs. Nancy, 
 Goodale, Miss E. W., 
 Rumery, Mrs. James, 
 Sweat, Moses, 
 Jones, Mrs. Olive, 
 Simpson, Mrs. Elizabeth, 
 Moody, Dea. Isaac, 
 Mitchell, Dea. Samuel, 
 Stone, Wm. Irving, 
 Dresser, Dea. Amos, 
 Potter, Mrs. Albina A., 
 Allen, Mrs. Catherine R., 
 Starrett, Isaac P., 
 Vaughan, Jos. W., 
 McDowell, Mrs. Harriet, 
 Whitney, Mrs. Martha, 
 
 Portland. 
 
 Richmond. 
 Rockland. 
 Saccarappa. 
 u 
 
 Saco. 
 
 a 
 
 Banford. 
 
 Searspoi-t. 
 
 Stamlish. 
 
 Thorndike. 
 
 Turner. 
 
 Union. 
 
 Waldoborough. 
 
 Warren. 
 
 (i 
 
 Washington. 
 Waterford. 
 
 Weld. 
 Wells. 
 
 Winslow. 
 Woolwich. 
 Yarmouth. 
 
 Titcomb, Rev. Stephen, 
 Titcomb, Mrs. Stephen, 
 Gooch, William, 
 Littlefield, Dea. Christopher, 
 Littlefield, George, 
 Maxwell, Barak, 
 Rankin, James, 
 Shepley, Miss Elizabeth, 
 Trott, Miss Esther, 
 Blanchard, Sylvanus W., 
 Blanchard, David Prince, 
 Burbank, Dr. Eleazer, 
 Hayes, Mrs. Hannah P., 
 Lawrence, Mrs. Elizabeth, 
 Loring, Mrs. Sarah R., 
 Mitchell, Mrs. Hannah, 
 
 OTHER STATES. 
 Blanchard, Rev. Amos, D. D., 
 
 Lowell, Mass. 
 Foster, Mrs. Harriet, W. Newbury, Mas.'. 
 Mitchell, Dr. Jacob, Chelsea, Mass. 
 
 Trask, Miss Mary A., Gloucester, Mass. 
 Goodrich, Mrs. Lucy Ann, Pembroke, N.H. 
 Lord, Mrs. Harriet N., Montpelier, Vt. 
 Collier, Mrs. Allen, Cincinnati, 0, 
 
 Valentine, John, Keosauqua, Iowa. 
 
 Gay, Mrs. Calvin, Allston, S. C. 
 
 Hamilton, Mrs. Isabella M., Columbia, Call 
 
CONSTITUTION OF THE M. SI. SOCIETY, 
 
 IX ITS REVISED FORM, AS ADOPT1.D .MM; 23, 1855. 
 
 Article i. This Society shall be called the Maine Missionary Society. 
 
 Art. ii. The object of this Society is to extend the knowledge of God our Sa 
 vior, and to send the glorious gospel to those that are destituted the public aid 
 stated means of religious instruction. 
 
 Art. hi. This Society believe, and will endeavor to propagate those doctrines, 
 whioh are called the doctrines of grace, aud use the peculiar doctrines of the 
 reformation, and which arc comprehended in the Westminster Assembly's short( r 
 CatechNm. 
 
 Art. iv. This Society shall be auxiliary to the American Home Missionary 
 Society, on the conditions of the seventh and eighth articles of its Constitutor, 
 with the name and under the charter of the Maine Missionary Society. 
 
 ART. v. The payment of two dollars annually into the Treasury of the Soci- 
 ety, shall constitute a member of the Society, and the payment of not less than 
 twenty dollars shall constitute a member for life. 
 
 Art. vi. The Officers of the Society shall be a President, Vice President, Cor- 
 responding and Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and eleven Trustees, including the 
 President, who shall be chosen at the annual meeting by ballot The President 
 shall be ex-officio a member of the Board of Trustees, five of whom shall consti- 
 tute a quorum. The officers shall all continue in office until others are elected. 
 
 Art. vii. The president shall preside in the meetings of the Society and of the 
 Trustees, and call special meetings of the Board whenever requested by three of 
 its members. The Secretary shall take charge of the books and correspondence of 
 the Society, and exhibit the records of its proceedings at each annual meeting 
 The Treasurer shall have charge of the funds and property belonging to the Soci- 
 ety, and shall present annually a full and accurate account of all receipts and dis- 
 bursements. He shall also give sufficient security to the Secretary of the Society 
 for the faithful discharge of his trust, before he enters upon the duties of his office. 
 The Trustees shall meet semi-annually, at the time and place of the annual meet- 
 ing of the Society, and at such other time and place as they may direct. Thev 
 may adjourn or hold special meetings as they think proper. They shall also man 
 age and dispose of the property of the Society,and have a general superintendence 
 over all its business. At the annual meeting they shall exhibit to the Society a 
 particular statement of all their proceedings, and of the labors and success of tlicir 
 
 missionaries. 
 
76 
 
 Art. viii. The Society shall meet annually on the fourth Wednesday of June ' 
 at such place as they may appoint. At each annual meeting a sermon shall be 
 preached, and a collection taken up. Every meeting shall be opened and closed 
 with prayer. 
 
 Art. ix. The constitution may be altered or amended by a vote of two-thirds 
 of the members present at any annual meeting; but no such alteration or amend- 
 ment shall be made unless a motion expressing the same in writing shall have been 
 made at a previous meeting of the Society, one year before it is acted upon. 
 
 Akt. x. The missionaries employed by this Society shall endeavor faithfully to 
 promote the great interests of religion, by all the means in their power, and shal 
 make returns of their transactions to the Trustees. 
 
 Akt. xi. The funds of this Society shall be raised from the annuities and life 
 memberships of members, and from the voluntary donations and bequests of the 
 charitably disposed. 
 
 This Society will cordially unite with any other Societies established for the pro- 
 motion of christian knowledge, who may be disposed to co-operate with them in 
 their designs. 
 
 SEVENTH AND EIGHTH ARTICLES OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE 
 AMERICAN HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY 
 
 Article vii. Any Missionary Society may become auxiliary by agreeing to 
 pay into the Treasury of this Society the whole of its surplus funds, and sending 
 to the Secretaries for Correspondence a copy of its Constitution and Annual Re- 
 ports, mentioning the names of its Missionaries and the fields of their operations. 
 
 Art. viii. Every Auxiliary Society which shall agree to pay the whole of its 
 funds to this Society, shall be entitled to a missionary or missionaries to labor in 
 such field as it may designate; at least to the amount of its contributions; provi- 
 ded such designation be made at the time of payment. 
 
s 
 
BX7146.M2A7 1856 
 
 The prayer of Christ : that his people 
 
 Princeton Theological Seminary-Speer Library 
 
 1 1012 00036 2444