The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1851-08-02

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his somieentennial sermon. 81.
The following sentiment called up tl,e Rev.
DR., Smell, Of North Drookdeld, as the next
speakers
The JaJamt Patios efAe Brooifeid ~
sociajioa-who Of the sons shall catch Gall.
ing mantlo
y = NJ, f4,et.,v- -r,.,,l,-.l-t
Mr Chairman, ! cannot mako speech; but
still win give odIiGanec to faw undigest-
ed thoughts
-Four thing, sir. wonder a. ! wonder
that ] have lived 50 long when so unprohta-
bic, aud when post Of my cotomporarios are
in the grave, and the residue are leaning up
on thnr slaves.
Iwonder that have lived TO preach the
-GoSpel more than iNy years, with so few and
slight interruptions.
wonder tbatI have continued tho sole
pastor and religious teacher Of the same
church and people moro than half a century
= wonder that three pastors who started 10
the ministry about the same time, located in
three contiguous towns, haYo each continued
10 preach the gospel half century, and are
still here present today and what may well
Increase my wonder is that they are all now
living with the companions Of their youth, II
is presumed that another such instance can
not be found in the United States. Not, t,how-
over that would aseribc tito their superior
wisdom, but to the Kind providence Of God,
who holds all hearts and events in his all-con.
frolling hand
A greater pcrmanoncy in the pastoral Office
appears very desirable, whether we considor
.thc item orcxpcnsc, the solicitudc and danger
Of church and people, or the moral and rei-
gious influence OF a long and faithful ministry.
More than fifty pastors have been settled and
dismissed within the present limits Of the
Brookfield Association since my ordination
in 1888 and but one has dicl in oficc.
How such increased pcmancHcy can be.
given TO tho pastoral relation Is no easy ques-
ton to solve But Mr. Chairman. were al.
lowed To throw myself back half century
and begin anew, will tell you some things
! should attempt to do, which might have an
! 1frftuFurr my OWN T''yrriirrivr 'sSsr.-=
One is, ! would attempt to marry the very
best woman could find in the commnity--a
person possessed ofa good share Of common
sense, with aeood English education, without
the frippories Of the Agc---onc acquainted
with domestic concerns, and that understands
the principles Of cconomy-one who knows
how TO treat all vorts of company, and who
would overcome evil with good, by her pro
priety of conduct, and by her decision and
consistency in religion, would secure the re-
spcct and favor of all.
| About the time commenced housekeeping
some restless sccptiea attempted to raise n
comn,oton. One Of the deacons of the church
said to me, "Thopo that YOU will bring lady
amopgs, us that will unite us ALL" and be-
lieve she has done her part in the good work
Of uriion and peace, and may have done more
in continuing my pastorate than myself
Another thing would do is, / would ac-
quaint myself with all my people, and treat
every person as my friend aud acquaintance
without any crustiness
-Another thing ] would belong to every
| tlscncration g as they rise ul around mo to the
aged,-to the aetive--to the young ana 10
the ehildrea--ia a sense ! would be the old
man, the man Of business, The young man and
the child; that none of them may grow away
fran my acquaintance. And would notice
tihle Children, because of their prospective
worth, and to secure their affection a.sd conf
fdence Mothers, too, love to have their chill
drcn noticed, aud fathers have no serious OBJ
lection to it.
Another thing I would punctually attend
all my appointments, and fulfiIl all my little
money and business promises, and thus keep
tgootl my credit, and lot people know GA what
they can depend. r..i.
Another thing, Mr. Chairman, fd9 know
not when l shall get through; would visit
the sick and afflicted according to my ac-
quaintancc with their wants and Circumstance
es, without a formal message or special re-
quest. would bring forth to my people
studied sermons, unless should be compelled
from scantincss Of support, TO spend large
portion ofmy time and energies to study how
should live. -
One lining moro would endeavor to Sc
cure the favor, respect and confidence of the
female part effhe community. My Theologi-
cal Instructor said to me as left his domi-
Gle, "Ifyou secuSe the favor of tho women,
You need not rrOu6ts yourself much about
what the men will do; for the women by their
silent influence govern the world" And they
do in fact possess more influence than the gem
tlemen, let them rise 20 what elevation in Of
fee they may.
Another thing would do is, would be in
no haste to leave my peofle-it is indeed a
very serious aflair--a measure that has many
solemn bearings deserving much considera-
ton and most grave reflection, and may oc-
eaziesa many fsir'i'al regrets / would not be