Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-12-22
Methodist ministerial Association.

lne burlington meCnOO1st mlulSteTla
Association held according to announce
ment) its meeting in Middlebury the 18th
18th and 14th ult. The opening sermon
was preached by Rev. B. Eaton, Presiding
Elder on the evening of the 18th. Tues
day the congregation was highly enter
tanned by an essay read by Rev. B. Eator
on the "Relation of Christianity to Capt.
tai and Labor" It was close logics
discussion OF the question and showed
much originality in thought. In style i
was very simple and plain. We are otter
treated to essays on the relation of "capi
tai to labor" by strong leading minds, in
volving great research and labor, but TIT
relation of Christianity to capital and la
Dor never heard discussed before. TAX
ing Christianity as the standpoint and
from thence deducing the obligations O.
capital and labor to it, involving the ideai
of security and progression, the sanctify
ing influence of Christianity upon both
making them tributary in their influence
to its promotion and perpetuity, the unior
of the three in promoting the happiness
of man and the glory of God, all these
points were most happily and beautifully
set forth by Mr.. Eaton, accompanied by
apt and significant illustrations, drawn
from the teachings of the Bible and the
industrial pursuits of man. could not
help realizing how potent the Gospel
when brought to bear upon the great in.
terests of society, involving all laudable
pursuits and callings. The farmer and
day laborer, the mechanic and the artist,
the merchant and lawyer, the statesman
and warrior, the millionaire and beggar,
all hold an important position in human
affairs, and each and all require the cons
trolling influence of Christianity upon
which to build national character, or an
reputation, consistent with the
great obligations of humanity in diffusing
the greatest amount of human happiness,
and consequent amelioration of human
suffering throughout the world.
The acquisition of wealth is not to be
if secured by honest and le-
climate means, nay, it is to be thus en-
Christianity ssnotifes the eff.
fort, sauctifes the result. Idle men and
women are apt to be vicious, while indus
try is promotive of virtue and happiness.
directs thought into cham
mel productive of healthy labor both to
mind and body, whilo the results 30 high
y beneficial to social enjoyment cannot
be fully estimated here, and which tends
in their effect to the higher and nobler
existence beyond the grave. The miser
sees his only happiness in this world in
boarding up his ill-gotten wealth, and re-
pudiates all claims of Christianity upon
his generosity to bless humanity. Indeed,
be has no generosity. He lives for self
and poorly at that. His ideal of glory
and happiness is in his bonds and mort
cages, or 30 per cent. interest, or gold and
silver gained by extortion and hid from
all mortal gaze save his own. He lives a
sensual, sordid life, without regarding the
claims of Christianity that so moulds So
,iety, giving shape to law and order, as
sven to render secure his unholy gains.
proper appreciation of his obligation to
God would lead him to hold the gains of
earth ever subordinate to the calls of be-
,evolence, and make his life one of bless
ng to this sin stricken world. But 1
must stop this train of thought suggested
y this admirable essay.
Tuesday evening large and apprecia-
i've Congregation listened to an admirable
DISCOURSE by Rev. A. @. Heath of Bran
lon. Mr.. Heath is preacher of marked
.bility and earnest piety. His sermon
gave much satisfaction.
The second question discussed on Tues
lay was the Effect of the late Ecumeni.
sal Council on the Catholic Church and
the World" Written essays were read
upon this question by Rev. J. M. Edger-
ton and Rev. L. s. Walker, both of them
highly instructive and suggestive.
This was followed by discussion of
this question-"The pulpit proper
sphere for Woman,"-in q written essay
by Rev. ID. W. Gates, who maintained
the affirmative with much ingenuity and
force.
Essays were read by Rev. o. Gregg and
A.W. Eastman upon the question "Church
and Temperance" That of Mr.. Gregg
was devoted to ardent spirits, while that
of Mr.. Eastman was confined to tobacco,
both full of good thought and we'll ex.
pressed.
An exegesis or exposition of Rev. xvi,
1, 10, by Rev. A. F. Bailey, was strong
paper full of breathing points and we'll
illustrated. Mr.. B. is an admirable writer
both in style and thought.
A review of George" on Annihilation,
by Rev. G. II. Richmond, was very fine
specimen of close logical criticism, and
was listene ed to with much interest.
The last subject discussed was EN-
ployment in Heaven" This discourse,
opened by Rev. A. G. Heath, took a wide
range. calling largely upon the imagina-
ton and marked by vein of deep piety
on the part of all, was highly interesting.
During the meeting a series of resolu.
tions were adopted, expressive of the
sense of the ministers of the district upon
the death of Rev. Milo Coburn, who de-
ceased some weeks since in Wey bridge,
who was good man and an excellent
preacher.
The meeting, as a whole, was great
success, and, l have no doubt, was bene-
fit to not only to the ministers, but all
who attended. CANDoR.
The CHRISTMAS LoCKET.-Robert
Brothers christmas Locket, just issued, is