The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1859-02-16
Homo Items.

TIE DONATION PAaTY.-The friends of
Rev. B. NJ. Hall, that gathered in the
lecture and class rooms of the Methodist
Church, had a good time-if We might
judge from their appearances on that oc-
casion. One of the surest indications of
good feeling was manifested in the liber-
ality in which they donated to the minis
ter. 1t was pleasing to note that there
was quite sprinkling in the assembly Of
those from other denominations in town,
and also those who are not connected with
any church, who bestowed their gifts with
a heartiness add liberality that seemed to
do them good. This is as it should be.
The Minister'S services are for the benefit
of aH-hence all should feel interested
for them. After all had assembled, they
were called TO order by one Of the COM
mittee OF arrangements, who stated that
the second part of the exercises would
then commence. J NJ. Slade, ESQ who
had been operating among the money
changers" stepped forward and presented
to Mr. Hall the money which had been
donated, and said
BROTHER HALL You are surrounded by vour
friends. Amid this crowd are those who love you
as their Minister liipistering to them of those
things that pertain TO high state of christian en-
loymont on earth, and perfect state of felicity
in Heaven Friendships we are well aware, are
often formed on earth that pass away with the
hour, while those formed with Christianity ms
their basis and constant guiding star, last until
death, and we believe are renewed in Heaven.
We are happy to meet you upon this festive oc.
casion' Socially is law Of human nature, and
to the christian soul is peculiarly sweet springine
from sanctitied source, the embodiment of haf :.
mony and love. Social christian intercourse and
communion on eartll is akin 10 that enioved in
Heaven The idea hns been entertained and of.
ten advanced, that Minister Ct the gospel should
keep himself nloof from the people, appearing
among them only upon the Sabbath, and then liz
such robes OF sanctity that fear and awe should
NIL the common mi nd 10 the utter exclusion Of
true respect and love, friendship and communion.
To this artiquated dnti-christioa idea we utterly
dissent. Springing from the mass Of the people.
cal ed to preach the everlasting gospel, the Min.
ister's synpathies should run out after those for
whom he labors, securing their respect and love
The generous, .tCh'fst-hke impulses of his soul
demand md will ever secure an exhibition of
love in their behalf in the Pulpit amid the do
mestic circle in sickness or sorrow in nrosperity
or adversely, in the social circle or in the PRAYER
room.
We meet you because We love you love YOU
as q christian Minister, as a citizen ms a lover
OF good order in society, as q well-w sher to the
human race, laboring TO reform the world and
bring Il under the spiritual dominion of the Lord
Jesus Christ.
Upon thiF broad common ground, we meet and
enjoy the festivities of this occasion. We hereby
desire 10 testify our confidence in you, and while
you have seen around you smiling ewes, and felt
the warm grasp of the hard, please remember
that behind those eyes and grasp souls dceil warm
with affection towards you as their Minister,
brother, friend, and ready to sustain you in every
good word and work.
The life Of the itinersnt Minister is, we are
well aware, one of sacrifice and toll, privation
and hardship II is TO this class Of men the world
is greatly indebted for the news of salvation
through Jesus Christ. Trayersing our mountains
and valleys, amid sunshine and storm, preaching
in log huts or by the way side, or in houses
erected to the worship Of God with Gods chart
OF lie 1.-THE biblel in one hnnd and Hymn Book
in the other, with hearts burning with zeal for
the glory Of God, classes have been formed, So
eieties organized, churches reared, sins forgiven,
souls sanctlhed, prayer and praise have assembled
like sweet incense to heaven. and the wilderness
has been made 10 bud and blossom like the rose
gospel and their successors for their works Of la
Dor and love. Our fathers honored them. We,
their sons and daughters, honor them still. The
love OF Christ inspired their hearts to deeds of
noble daring, Their sons and successors have
not forgotten their example. Amid the degen-
eracy of the age, and change in human affairs,
the inerancy reluains intact and is still blessed
with efficiency and pcVer, Long may it remain
an honor to its founders, and blessing to the
world.
We desire, brother to express our gratitude
and appprec alton of your labors among us
Words are good and often cheap. Something
more tangible and substantial, however, is b,fit-
ting at this time. ] hold in my hand hearts that
have contributed to the formation Of this tribute
Of respect and esteem. These hearts have die
tated this gift and il is thine. Not rs large as we
could wish IT was still il is indicative Of spirit
that would give more
Your friends gathered here, desire your aecep-
lance Of this gilt with the assurance of their
love for you as their Minister in holy things ac-
eompanied with the fervent prayer, that God may
in His infinite mercy bless you and your family, |
render you a great blessing to us and the COM
munitv, and when the storms of life are passive
may all meet to renew and perfect christian
friendship and communion, in tha house not
made wi hands, eternal in the heavens.
Mr., Hall responded in substance as |
follows!
HONORABLE SIR, II is always good ana pleas
ant 10 ningle in the social circle and have al