On Wednesday evening the Maryport Branch of the Blue Ribbon Army  commenced
the “winter’s campaign” by a united prayer meeting in the Athenaeum,  
Maryport. There was a large attendance. Last night a public meeting was held in  the
same place, and was presided over by Mr. Alfred HINE. The attendance was  very
large. A choir of singers under the able leadership of Mr. Thomas DOBIE  sang
selections of music at intervals during the evening. The gentlemen who  
occupied seats on the platform in addition to the chairman and Mr. CLOUGH, who  was
announced to address the meeting were Rev. J. BUNTING and the Rev. D. EADES.  
Miss CLOUGH presided at the pianoforte.

 After singing of a hymn, the Rev. J. BUNTING read a portion of  Scripture.
The Rev. D. EADES then engaged in prayer.

 The Chairman said perhaps it might be thought necessary that he  should say
something as president of the Maryport Branch of the Blue Ribbon  Army; also
with regard to the movement itself, and why it had been introduced to  Maryport.

 The idea of forming a branch of the Blue Ribbon Army in Maryport was  not a
new one by any means. Twelve months ago an effort was made by a few  earnest
minded meant to form a branch. Some how or other the effort did not  succeed at
that time. But they had heard recently in Maryport of the good that  was
being done by the movement in other places round about, and some of them  thought
if other places needed such an army, surely it was needed in Maryport.  
(Applause.)

 Having thought about the matter, he conferred with a few friends -  Mr.
ADAIR and others - as they were anxious to secure combination, and  especially
that they should have the co-operation of all the churches and  congregations in
the town. After seeing several ministers, and obtaining the  promise of their
co-operation in the movement, several friends were invited to  confer upon the
subject. At that meeting a committee was formed with power to  add to their
number and carry on the work of the Blue Ribbon Army, and so their  
preparations were going on for some little time.

 Last night, as a good many may know, was really the first meeting.  The
committee considered that the campaign could not be begun in a better way  than by
a prayer meeting. The meaning of the Gospel Temperance Union was, he  took
it, a union of the Gospel and temperance. By the word temperance they meant  
total abstinence (cheers). The Chairman concluded with an earnest appeal to all  
present who had not done so to sign the pledge and put on the blue ribbon.

 Mr. CLOUGH, who was warmly received, then delivered an animated and  
spirited address, which was well received.

 Miss. CLOUGH sang and played several selections of music in excellent  
style. The meeting was altogether an excellent one, and gave promise of great  
success as regards the movement in Maryport.

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