Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1870-06-29

ways be quick enough to do this, but II IL sure 10
do it, rs the growth of the tree rids 1t Of the
oxcresences Of the bark II is not n system ora
creed with nothing 10 learn and nothing 10 I'M
learn we must look elsewhere Tor such cOmpa
cency as this.
IL can take in, also, whatever is healthlul ard
right--can grow and develop itself Other sys-
tens may move in narrow ruts. This must be
worked in the large, free spirit which its iunda-
mental PRINCIPLES demand So worked, 10 will be
productive of all large results Never yet has Il
been fully tested. Its latent powers have not yet
been brought 10 the strain.
Besides, its radical ideas demand and will pro-
ducc the highest aesthetic culture-wil result in
spite of what Matthew Arnold says 70 the CON
/ trnry, in sweetness and light The old Purtans
did indeed make war on the fine arts, which were
then pressed into the service Of error But in the
days Of Elizabeth q large part OF the nobility and
scholarship Of England, that is 10 say, of its cul-
| ture and refinement, were found in Puritan ranks
/ Many of the early Puritans were Of fine aesthetic
make No ono can have read the works of JOnn-
than Edwards, and not have noticed his exqui-
site senisbility to nature. The Puritan owns it
to be his duty 10 cultivate whatever powers God
has given him, the artistic and poetic rs well as
the more practical Witness the progress Of art
in New England How many have gone hence to
study painting and sculpture and music Note
the picture and other decorations OF New England
homes, the almost universal love for and cutivd-
| ton Of music the improvement in church archi-
lecture, Whore in New England shall find
better illustration Of my argument than in this
beautiful church and shall we suppose the
spirituality of those who worship here has de-
clincd IN consequence lie who has his soul an
chored fast to the Puritan idea of duty, need not
fear to open his heart 10 all beauties Of earth and
sky. Raphaels creations are for him-i0r him
the wonderful productions Of Michael Angeles
half divine frenzy OF artistic inspiration
I If puritanism be characterized by such elements
and powers, it must have a brighter future before
10. Like Christianity it can look forward, rather
than backward, for It's golden age But let ms
not be content with fine words let as do snme-
thing, and in the right spirit. Work 50 done
can hardly be aniss Churches may be planted
or put ON secure footing schools founded
young men aided in their efforts 70 fit themselves
for worthy work. Whatever we do, let us lit
ourselves up to the high plane of the fathers that
our hearts may touch their hearts and he kindled
with like devotion to duty. let us hear God in
the Scripture AS they heard him initiate their
spiritual ardor 10 the use Of the SINE simple
forms Of worship, guard yigilanty our liberties
against all ASSISTANTS and hy wise and ample
provision for education show that we are the
worthy descendants Of those who first devised and
yet aiOot comprehensive system Of public in
structi0n. BY such following IN the footsteps of
an honorable ancestry shall we attain that hero
ism Of character which CONES from indivdualign
rightly used, and Whatever things are lovely and
pure and Of good report will flourish in the midst
, |tf ms