Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-06-22
Green Mountain Association O
las UniverSalist societies. -

/ las UniVerSaliSt societies. ~
J The Green Mountain Association OF
Uniyersalist churches met in ,Felchville,
VT, Wednesday, June 18th. The coun-
!; Gil convened at nine o'clock, a. M, Rev.
s. A. Parker of Bethel, President, in the
chair Rev. H. Shinn of Gaysville, was
elected scribe. Minutes of last meeting
read and approved Voted that the occa-
sional sermon be in the afternoon instead
of forenoon as heretofore. The following
were appointed as business committee:
i Rev. J. II. Farnsworth, Rev. George
Guernsey, and Brother J. s. Benedict of
Castleton. ..- ........ ....
Rev, G. Guernsey introduced the fol-
lowing resolution, which was adopted,
"That visiting clergymen present be in
vited to take seats in our council and
participate in the deliberations of this
body.
Some discussion here arose in regard to
granting Christian fellowship to pastors
preaching to other than Universalist So
cieties, and not Universalists themselves
Participated in by Brothers Benedict, Eos
ter, Guernsey, Powers, Parker, and others,
when the following amendment to the
constitution was proposed and adopted !:
1t introduces into the article on fellowship
the following clause, inviting to their fell
lowship "all pastors of societies within the
limits of said association" which admitted
into the fellowship of the convention the
following olergymen present: Rev. III. c.
Hodgon of Vernon; Rev. w. T. Ross of
Castleton and Rev. L. W. Brigham of
Rutland. Council adjourned.
At 1890 assembled in the church for
public meeting. After offering of prayer
by Rev. Benton Smith of Boston, Rev.
W. T. Ross delivered to a large and at
tentive audience an interesting and in
struotive sermon, founded upon Nehe-
miah, 8;4. Subject, mission of the
Pulpit" and was we'll written and able
presentation of the subject. Though
Brother Ross has as yet but little expert
ence in the ministry, he feels that he has
not mistaken his calling. This was fol-
lowed by a short sermon by Rev. S. A.
Parker, founded on Matthew 5:1S. Sub
ject, "Fulfllment of moral and religious
truth" This is the Christian method of
progress and reform, new life giving full
fllment of the letter. The giving of a
higher law absolved the old, and epjoined
greater obligations. 1t was clear state
ment of the law of progress and need of
Christian charity by aiding each other as
churches and individuals to fulfill their
religious work-that each needs and sup
plements the other.
At one o'clock p. m, the congregation
reassembled to listen to the occasional
sermon, by Rev. J. T. Powers of Ludlow
Text, Hebrews Gil. We as Universal
lists, are based upon the Christian doctrine
Our basis of faith is the Fatherhood of
God, hence, that he rules in love, while
Judge and dispenser of justice, He is
parent. Again, the brotherhood of man,
the ner-stone of the coming church,
will be based upon this brotherly rela-
ton of man. He believes in a universal
Savior, bringing in a life of knowledge
and love, the eight that lighteth every
man that oometh into the world" This
is our foundation, but here we must not
remain there is greater meaning in our
faith than we have yet experienced. We
have not reached perfection. We hold
too much to the letter of the gospel-not
enough to its spirit. The command to
us is, go forward; not the truth is pro.
crossing, but our power to comprehend it.
If there is 10 progress, no life, we are
to test our faith by our works. Prayer
means Christian character, religious life,
faith and devotion. We must take our
departure from God and Christ, not selfish
self. The highest definition of our faith,
"LOve God with all thy heart, and thy
neighbor as thysekf.''
The Council con vened at three o'clock
The Committee on Credentials reported
the following list of delegates as pres
ent:
observation-disclosures Adams.
Castleton-J. S. Benedict.
East Beth el-John Hanks.
Springfeld-A. L. Robinson.
Woodstock-J- D. Hewitt. ..t
Shrewsbury-N. Aldrich and L. Bis.
sell .@-
Ludlow-W. Fl. Pratt. u
Chester-Joseph Barnes, L. Aldriob, P.
Spaulding and o. Ellis.
There has been a rev society organized
at Chester and the old dissolved. So at
least the new one claims, while some
members of the old society claim they are
still in existence, hence both societies send |
delegates. The subject was referred to a
special committee, who reported that the
delegates be received from both societies,
which recommendation was adopted.
During the evening there was Sunday |
School meeting held, in which the chill
dren of the school were present and did
the singing. Addresses were made by |
several clergymen and delegates present.
This was very interesting meeting, and
highly enjoyed by all present. The sing
ing by the school was excellent. |
-. +. IL =. THURSDAY. -, |
The Council met at eipht o'clock a. m. |