Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-11-15

NAftRhuRN.-- W hatcVCr may be tho facts rel
atve to popular improvement in this town, 1t
would seem there ought to be good degree Of
progress TO- higher civilization, better develop
ment Of moral and intellectual excellence in our
youth and people.
The means, the material as well as more subtle
psychological influences, which the men and wo-
men Of the period are learning so well how to
Weld, we ought to expect, should achieve that
happy rcsult-a higher civilization.
We have Seminary which aims to impart thor.
ough advanced instructon-wo have the graded
school, which has aims but little less aspir-
ing.
Ihe Seminary seeks to exert high moral and
religious influence. The graded school should not
be deficient in its morals We have also the
State Reform School, which is to teach, not only
onr boys Of this locality, but those Of the whole
State to iorsake their various ways and learn to
do well, even 10 aspire to excel the average boys
of The commonwealth, in moral department, and
IN regular, industrious habits. Al these for the
Improvement Of our youth--thcn we have, for the
benefit Of all classes Of people, seven pulps reeu-
larry supplied with diverse and able preachers Of
]
not least, the Young Men. Christian Association.
With these and other means by no means omit
ting TO mention some half dozen Sunday schools.
ought we not to be an Intellectual, moral and
highly cultivated christian people We think So
but We suspect, after all, and with al these, that
we fall considerably below the state of absolute
perfection, and we presume that in this respect
we differ not widely from other communities. and
that ALL through some deficiency or deraiction.
come FAR short of the high destiny 20 which more
may, and ought 20 aim, and to which we will ul.
timately attain.
The State Reform School J.. progressively ac-
complishIng the noble work It's early friend.
and founders had in view at the period Of It's esq
adjustment. Is influence, Ike that Of other
moral agencies, may not be duly appreciated hy
those who have expected result, beyond tie a,-
tainments Of human powers. nor by others hav.
ing Ho faH = the power Of moral means Of
reformation 80 human scheme for man ref
ormaton, or, indeed for the moral training OF
YOUTH has yet been devised that has proved fully
adequate to accomplish the transformation Of hu-
man TO angelic lives, much less angelic natures
The Divine plan of redeeming men from the
thraldom Of sin By the exhibition Of Divine love.
has been infinitely more successful in moral re-
suits, than any human scheme has Yet proved /.
but, even this, with all its infinite wisdom and
beneyolence has not yet accomplished the greatly
desired world regeneration. 1t has partially re-
formed some. 1t has set up great light in the
world light which, if ali men would heed it.
would transform this greatly confused world Of
sin, and commingled right and wrong, and of
JOYS and sorrows, to one Of peace and joy, as 10
might be, but for sin
The nearer human schemes come TO this light.
the more they receive Of that light, and the
nearer they conform to the great law Of love
made manifest in that light, the moro successful
will they be in winning youth and mature man
hood to yir.ue and exemplary living.
The Reform School will not reform aY tIe bly,
sent to it no reasonable mau ever expected it
would. It will not even reform any OF them so
perfectly that the grace of God will not be need
fu for complete sauctihnton. But through pre-
cepts, examples and teachings in the school room,
the Sunday school, and from the pulpit, they will
receive intellectual and moral training, and in
the shops on the farm, in household affairs, they
will acquire industrial habits and haudicraG
which will be more or less useful in after life,
in many ways and on many occasions.
Mr. Bittenger Of Hartland, supplied Mr. Cope
lands pulpit last sabbath. His subject in the
morning was the divine assurance of reward 10
all the faithful even to those faithful in the lite
tie duties Of life. Ultimately, all their seeming
failures Of Just reward to merit will be adjusted
and the government Of God indicated In the
afternoon the subject was the conversion of Zac-
cheus and the proofs Of its genuineness-such as
his liberality to the poor and his restoring four
fold to those he had defrauded These proofs
would be rather seTere tests for some modern con-
versions.
1t was pleasant to see Mr. Bass present 10 the
afternoon and participating in the services. lie
has no afternoon services in the chapel, but in
stead, preaching in the evening Of each Sabbath.
Last Sabbath evening the annual meeting of
the Y NJ c. Association was held in the C0ngre-
gational house, Mr c. Wells presiding and the
three religious societies. including the Alyentsts
attended, making large audience. Services
similar 70 those usual on such occasions Prayers,
and singing By the congregation, and the usual
reports Of the previous years labors and success
Mr.. Richardson reported the amount Of receipts
and expenditures the former about 5 l2s and the
latter about 1855 Expense Of fitting and furn-
ishing reading room was the principal Mr.
Wyman reported concerning the object of this
free reading rom, and the amount expended for
publications, seventy odd dollars. Deacon George
c. Arms reported the success and attendance OIL
the meetings of the past year at Ridleys station.
The members of the association also sustain meet
ings in the Kneelaud district of this town.
Mr.. Litch spoke upon the means useful TO gain
the highest efficiency of such associations, and
Mr.. Bass on the claims Of the gospel on the Young
men as much needed laborers for Christ.