The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1871-11-28

Il
sions, it is equally contemplate, and so
regarded by all right minded men. Thus
far we have not noticed them, but
we may, at length be tempted to
"apswer fool according to his folly, lest
be be wise in his own conccit."
The National Congregational Council.
The National Convention Of Congrega-
tional Churches, was held at Oberlin,
Ohio, commencing on the l4th and con-
tinuing one week, closing on the 2lst
lust.
The delegates from Vermont were as
follows:
General Convention-Rev. G. Z. Fer
rim, Hinesburgh; Rev, II. D. Kitchel, d.
D., Middlebury; Hon. Julius Converse,
Woodstock.
Addison Co-Dea. L. s, Bottum, New
Haven.
Franklin and Grand slc.---Rov. G. F.
W. Wright, Bakersfield.
Caledonia Co.-Rev. S. G.. Norcross,
McIndoe's Falls.
Orleans-Rev. A. W. Wild. Green's
boro.
Orange Co.--Rev. J. X. Williams,
Bradford.
Chittendcn Co,-Rcv. l.. II. Elliot,
Winooski.
Windham Co.-Rev. jos. Chandler
West Brattehoro; Dea, G, F. Thompson
Brattleborc.
Rutland and Bennington --Dea. j. M
Haven, Rutland Rev. William T. Her
rick, Clarendon.
Windsor Rev. l.. H. Cobb, Spring.
field Dea Amasa Woolson, Springfield.
Washington Co-Rev. JAS II. Bah.
bitt, Waitsfeld.
The importance of this Council car
hardly he computed, for the denomination
from this date takes new departure and
very radical one at that.
Heretofore, in its jealousy of all au'
thority and Of all ecclesiastical dictation
it has refused to constitute a national
body, and has only mat in national con
ference when some great emergency rem
dered such gathering necessary. This
his occurred but four times since thu
l.nding of the Pilgrims. 1t has been, as
it is now, the leading denomination o
New England. 1t bears the same rea
tion to religious liberty that the towI
meeting of New England does to civil lib
erty. Believing thoroughly in the pow
or Of any body of Christians anywhere tt
meet together and form church who'll,
independent of any ecclesiastical authori
ty, it has boosted of being undcnomina
tional and unsectarian. Its policy ha
been to unite with any body of Christians
Of whatever name, and labor with ther
for the good cause.
Under q compact with the Presbyteri
ans at the beginning Of the century to es
tablish churches in the West in conjunC
ton with them, leaving the individua
church to its UNCONVENTIONAL connection
it labored for half a century in the mi'
sion work. But owing to the strong OIL
ganizaton Of the Presbyterian body til
fruits of that union were naturally mostl
gathered up by the Prcsbyterians. Thi
union was dissolved in 1852, at the M
tional Convention at Albany. Since the
the denomination has been growing wit
great rapidity in many portions Of tn
West. Before that date an idea preyai
ed that the denomination was bette
adapted to New England, aud other d.
nominations to the West. The youn
men graduating from New England sen
inaries we're instructed, in coming We
to 60 into those organizations in whic
they could do the most good. The resu
has been Congregationalism has helped
build up every other denomination exec
its own. New School Presby tcrianism
largely product of New England Coz
gregatlonalism.
1t, at length, began TO be clear that j
polity was not of sectional value only, b
that it was equally well adapted to Il
west and the whole country. The weal
ness and lack of unity in the denomin
ton became more clearly apparent thu
ever before. 1t was considered as one
the safeguards against ecclesiastical dor
ination in the country, and that it was
the utmost importance that its infueu
and power for good be extended throul
the nation. The belief has, therefor
been growing,that the denomination mt
do more to build up itself and less dire
ly to build up others. To this end it "
necessary to have unity, and nation
unity Of action.
This Council was the result Of Il
state of things, 1t has organized l
tional body and provided for trienn
sessions. They have jealousy guarded
independence OF the local church, a
given to this National Council" only {
visory pow ers.
There is no doubt but this new mo-
meut will give new impulse to Cong
gationalism-the church Of the Purits
and breathe new life into its variS
benevolent societies in their great work
founding schools, building churches, q
establishing missions But it remains
be seen whether the denomination is
lose its distinctive features or whetl
this national advisory body will fail
exercise any controlling influence upon
churches.