Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-06-09

who are new in the field of their labor,
comparatively unacquainted with people,
with little of that influence which is the
growth of time and long intercourse in
Fl the pastoral relation. Another years ex-
perience and observation confirms the
conviction expressed in my last annual
address, that in these so frequent changes
is found the great hinderance to the pros.
perity Of our parishes.
|, Among many causes of these changes is
the want of comfortable and permanent
homes for the clergy. Many time q
clergyman would decline call which he
resolves, if he had a suitable rectory OF
, parsonage: he would remain in the home
to which he and his family have become
attached, rather than go to parish other.
wise desirable where he would be liable
|, to move from house to house. 1t is OBJ.
, viously the interest our congregations
that each should have a permanent house
for its rector. Such a possession is no
small part of the attraction which they
can present when they are vacant, and
h 70 to call new clergyman. The
house rent is that part Of the Reotor's
support is which is mosa easily provided
where the parish has a parsonage and
which when it has not parsonage, must
be made up by an increase of the salary,
always raised with difficulty.
This is one way then OF adding to the
permanence of the pastoral relation. Let
every parish which has no rectory at once
set about procuring one. If there is not
4 wealth enough amongst the parishloners
to do this in one year, let at least begin
ming be made. A subscription or contri-
button, as large as can be raised for that
end, will form a nucleus of Parsonage
Fund. To increase this as fast as may
be would be legitimate work of parish
guild or association. An annual col
lection might also be made for the
same purpose. If this were done,
and the attention of the people were
directed to the supplying this want l
have no doubt that within five years every
considerable parish III the diocese might
have a comfortable and pleasant home for
its rector; and at the same time have ad-
ded largely to its own strength.
| In my last address [ expressed the wish
that the Institution Office in the Prayer
Book should always be used when new
ly elected rector begins his charge. Eight
rectors in this diocese have in the past
year entered upon their duties, only two
of whom have been instituted. In each
of these cases was greatly pleased with
the service, and the impression which it
made, both on the rector and the congre-
cation. 1t was seen, in fact, how appro-
pirate it is that relation so intimate as
that between the parties, which is ap-
pointed by God to be the means OF SO
great benefits, should be undertaken with
solemn prayers, commencing it 70 the
blessing of Him who can make il effectual
to the work of the ministry and the edi-
flying of the Body of Christ. l am con-
firmed in the conviction that the use of
this service will do much to help the
clergy and the people understand their
mutual relations and duties. And while
it can give no new right or authority 10
either party it will tend to make the
pastoral relation more permanent and
effective.
The details of the missionary work in
the diocese will be found in the report of
the Convocation which has it in charge.
The collections for this purpose the past
year amount to s The aggregate
is not what it might be if the collections
were faithfully made each quarter. The
clergy ought to take this matter in hand.
They should see that timely notice be
given of each collection. They should
often present the claims of these missions
to the attention of their congregations.
The extending of the church in Vermont
is the principal thing which we have to
do in fulfilling the Masters command to
"make disciples of all nations" This is
the part of that duty which is committed
especially to us. To us it is entrusted be-
cause this is the part of the missionary
field which lies nearest to us. These towns
and villages where we are trying 10 plant
the institutions of Christ are within the
limits of our diocese. The people of our
State are made by their position the
neighbors whom we should Glove as our
selves )" to whom we are bound by the law
of charity to give the Gospel of Christ,
and His institutions in their completeness
as we have received them.
know that many of our parishes are
still weak, and that no little attention aud
effort are required to keep up the service
and maintain their work. But we must
not for that confine our attention to the
parishes alone. There is no more effectual
way to promote the welfare of our con-
gregations than more vigorous prosecu-
ton OF our missions. That will show us
to be parts of living, growing church.
The success of our missions will react up
on the parishes which have contributed
to that result. They who have done their
duty in fulfilment of the Lords command
will have His blessing who is with His
church "always even to the end of the
world" 1t is no right way to secure the
prosperity of parish if we confne our
attention to its interests alone. The
parish is living part of the diocese. If
the diocese shall languish the parish will
show its weakness. If the diocese is
growing in strength the parish will feel
the glow and movement of the body to-
which it belongs. The parish as a part
of the Kingdom of Christ can only be
built up according to the law Of that
Kingdom. The maxims ard selfish
wisdom of the world are of no avail to
that end. AS part of the Body of the
Lord. The parish will flourish just in
pre- ortion as it partakes of His life, and
is animated by His spirit.
These remarks are fully borne out by
actual observation. For find in any part
of our communion, parish where the
Churches work is done successfully,
where not only the numbers are large
and increasing, but men become devoted
servants of Christ as well as members of
His Church, where sinners are converted,
where the poor and the young are proper
ly cared for, and Christians are edited
in our most holy faith, and you will in
variably find parish which has strong
interest in the missions of the Church. /
do not believe there is an exception to
this rule. 1 commend to you all my
brethren these contributions to Christian
missions, to domesti o and foreign missions,
and those to the freedmen. [ am thank
full that our gifts to these charities have
been as large az they have in past years.
And while [ would by no means have the
contributions to these objects diminished,
am anxious that we should all do our
utmost to increase the collections for the
missions of our Diocese aud work that is
especially committed to US.
The strengthening and improvement of
our parishes is certainly legitimate aim
for us all. 1t is one which occupies much
the thoughts of your clergy and your