Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1842-12-28
VERMONT TELEGRAPH.
JGuIEL cLAFLIN AND sEcTAR1ANlss.
saturday. DEC. ~, 1sAa.

Dear Brother Murray IL have felt for
some time past that the cause of truth and
reform made it my duty to chronicle some
things relative 10 myself, for The las. Two
years more particularly, must necessarily |
omit much that | should like to say al this |
time. In the fall Of 1929 = the fall after
was IS years old = (being born May 90, !
1911, | experienced religion, as il is termed,
in revival in this place-was baptized with |
water, (by immersion,) Jan'y l, 1880, BY
Ed Geo. Hackett. | did not unite with
any church, till Sept. 1885, when united
with the Ffeewill Baptist church in this
place, (Brookdeid) had many feelings
and great trialsin my mind, after | hoped
was converted, with regard TO its being my
duty TO preach the gospel. AT some times,
the trials Of my mind were such that was
in some measure unqualified 10 transact the
business | was engaged in - having been
engaged most Of the time for three years in
the mercantile business as clerk, in this
State and Massachusetts. At length, re-
solved to go West, in order to avail myself
Of the best opportunity TO commence preach
ing. Accordingly, l started with brother
Newell w. Bixby, for Pennsylvania, Sept.
Is, 1886. When al Pennsylvania received
letter, containing license from the church,
of which was member, to hold meetings
and improve my gift; signed by the Deacon
and Clerk, dated Oct. 4, 1886. travelled
considerably, and preached as well as
could, till Nov. 2lst, when commenced
preaching evenings and Sundays. In June,
1887, came back to Vermont, bringing a
letter from brother Bixby in Pennsylvania,
recommending me TO the Quarterly Meet
ing, to be holden in Noflhfield, June 16,
which meeting laltended, andreceived from
@. NJ. Conierence license TO improve my
gilt, publicly, for one year, signed, Ophir
! Shipman, Clerk, dated June l6, 1887
From that time, preached in various
; places, 10 several towns, till engaged in
teaching school in this place for months
which commenced in Dec. 1857. preached
e in this place part of the lime during the
1 winter. There was a general awakening
o among the people. Many protested TO be
. converted, and wanted 10 be baptized Or
!, the 9th day of Feb'y 1888, ] was publicly
s ordained aud sci apart for the work Of the
1, ministry by the laying on Of hands of the
presbytery, in this place. Sermon by Ed
: N. w. Bixby. Ordaining Council, Elder.
J. Tucker. S. Cummings, and N. w. Blk
1 by. then received certificate of m,
= ordination, signed by ordaining council. o
. course this was the finishing work in max
q ing me minister, so far as the dongs O
II others were concerned. Consequently,
d performed the usual functions of minister
e such as baptizing, administering The sacra
e ment, marrying, &c. My preaching an,
= doctrine was in harmony with The F. w
!, Baptist denomination. was honest, an
10 meant TO be faithful, and of course | enjoYe
e. my mind well, and was happy. Away
is had an inquiring mind. never was salts
A@N viii uiCtG dSSSEiOHa W sc
ta and understand the reason achy for ever
!! thing, SO far as it could be given. OF cours.
- with such mind, | could not believe an
I'd practise certain things because others dit
Id or because my fathers or any man or bod
of of men have so believed and practised.-
is Consequently, being public teacher: fe
&C. il Incumbent On melt being day of lig
&c and knowledge examine aud investiga
~ : for myself. 1b
me In the winter and spring Of 1899, 4
ia principle Of Noo- Resistance came up
pill investigation. Ii was suojec, Of mo