The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-10-11

We are to keep ID view this fact; we are
to keep in view our present relation to
Christ, aud thea this will prepare US for
our public duties. In regard to our pastoral
work, it is very different from the days Of
our fathers. They only had to preach the
Word, and perform their pastoral duties by
urging upon them the great subject OF per-
sonal religion. Now We have other interests,
interests connected with benevolent instis
tutions, interests of the church, and the
education OF the children. What an inter-
esting field for the Minister of Christ; in
bringing these young minds under the inau,
ence of Divine Truth. How successfully
our church may be employed in this de-
partment of Christian duty. There was a
fact connected with the circular which has
been referred to the Committee on Sunday
Schools, well worthy of attention. 1t is
stated that the number of conversions 10 the
Sunday Schools has been about 10000.
Again, in the General Minutes, we learn
that the increase in the church has been
about 10000. From what source have
they come? l9.20ths have come to church
relation from the Sunday School. What a
my young brethren, are not to neglect in
any degree this important field of ministe,
rial labor; and my brethren allow me to
make another remark taking into account
the whole circle of Christian duties, strive
to make mark to turn life to good account;
never while away time; be something, and
do something for God. -.
This is not the time nor the age to be
indifferent, when the current flows SO swift
", if it flows at all, ministers must be
alive to the great interests of Christs
Church. We must have live pastors or
nothing will be accomplished. We need
men who are alive to the great interests of
Christ's kingdom. This is not to show off
extravagapcies or eccentricities in language,
but lives that make an impression, that are
seen and felt. And we trust, brethren, you
will guard and keep yourselves pure person.
ally, and avoid everything which will
destroy the effect of your ministry. How
small thing will ruin minister, actually
destroy his usefulness, so as not to be desired,
not to be sought for by the people; preju-
dices arise which will destroy his whole
Christian usefulness. How carefully we
ought to live and guard ourselves at every
point. ~
Now, my brethren, in admitting you to
this Conference, as you enter, new respOn-
sibilities rest upon you, and you sustain
new relations to the Great Head of the
Church. We trust you will renew your
covenant with God--consecrate all your
powers 10 God and the best interests OF the
Redeemer's kingdom among men.
Have you faith in Christ? Ans. | have.
Are you going on to perfection :? Ans.
lam.
Do you expect to be made perfect in love
in this life? Ans l do.
Are yon groaning after it? Ans. am
Are you resolved to devote yourself
wholly TO God and His work? Ans. am
Do you know the rules OF society? Aps.
do.
Do you keep them? Ans. do.
Do you constantly attend the sacrament
Ans. do.
Have you read the forms of the Dscip.
line? Ans. have.
Are you willing to conform to it? Ans.
/ am.
Have you considered the rules of a
preacher, especially the first, tenth and
twelfth Ans. have.
The first to diligence. Be dilgent !;
never be unemployed never be triAingly
employed never trife away time never
spend ime in any place, unless it is strictly
necessary.
The tenth relates to punctua.ity. Do
everything at the time do not mend
our rules, but keep them, not for wrath, but
Tor conscience sake.
The twelfth relates 10 obedience to the
orders OF the church. " Act 10 all things,
not according to your own will, but as
son in the Gospel. AS such it is your duty
TO employ your time in the manner in which
we shall direct--in preaching and visiting
from house to house, in reading, meditation
aud prayer. Above all, il you labor with
US in the Lords vineyard, it is needful you
should do that part of the work which we
advise, at those times and places which we
| judge most for bis glory"
VIII you keep them? Aps.--I will.
Are you determined to employ all your
time in the work of God? Ans--I am.
/ Will yon endeavor not to speak too long or
too loud ? Ans.--I will. Will you dili~
gently instruct the children in every place :?
Ans.-I will. Will you visit from house
to house. Ans.--I will Will you recon-.
mend fasting or abstinence both by preach
ing and example? Ans.--I will. Are
you in debt so as to embarrass you in your
work Of preaching the Gospel Ans.--I
am not.
The Conference passed resolution at a
previous session to the effect that 10 young
men should be admitted into the Conference
who used tobacco, except as a medicine,
and the class being Intercepted in regard
to this point. Ans. All free from the use
OF the filthy weed, with one exception and
that one used it as prescription from q
doctor.
FOURTH SESSION.