Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1874-07-11

BY invitation from the COngrega,
tional church in Haverhill, n coun.
Gil, consisting of representatives
from the churches in LittletOn, Pier,
mont and Haverhill, N. r., and
Wells River, Newbury and Brad.
ford, VT, assembled ut their house
of worship on Thursday, July I'd,
at 10 A. NJ. Rev. VIM. s. Palmer
was chosen moderator and Rev. l..
Ii. Elliott scribe.
The result of the council in regard
to the resignation of Rev. Il. II
Greeley is expressed in the follow.
ing resolutions
Whereas on the 18th day of jan, 1874, the
Rev. H. II. Greeley made u request to this
Congregational church, in IIaverhill, to be
released from his pastoral relation to the
same; In order to accept of an appointment
to become Secretary of the New Hampshire
Missionary Society; and said church on the
Both day of said month. consented to submit
the case to IL mutual council called for that
purpose, which is now present, therefore
ResOired That we consider the reasons AS
signed by Rev. T.. II. Greeley for asking to be
dismissed of such weight that his request
ought to be granted, and that he il according
ly, from this date discharged from the pas
toratc Of this church and people.
Resoired. That we do hereby recommend
our brother Greeley to our ministry, the
churches and public generally, as an able
evangelical and faithful minister of the Cos
pei. and do most heartily wish him great sue
cess in the important agency to which he has
been called.
Resoired. That we congratulate this church.
III view of the loving harmony which has
ever existed between them and their retiring
pastor, and that when called to part, it is
with undated affection and mitu al blessings
upon each other, and, also, that they are not
to be kept in II desolate and distracted condi-
ton, hut to be immediately sup piled by the
God of nj! grace, with another pastor, whose
labors. we trust, He will bless sisnally among
this people and the surrounding community
The council then considered the
call of Rev. j. Q. Bittinger and
spent the remainder of the morning
session in his examination, which
was eminently satisfactory, and in
making arrangements for the pub
lie services in the afternoon. The
following is the order:
Anthem by the choir; reading
the minutes by the scribe prayer
and reading of scripture by Rev. j.
l.. Merrill; hymn; sermon by Rev.
s. II. Leeds, d. D.; hymn Install
ing prayer by Rev. Silas McKeen,
ID. ID. ; charge to the pastor by Rev.
VIM. S. Palmer; right hand of tel-
lowship by Rev. q. Il. Milliken ;
address to the people by Rev. l.. FL.
Elliott hymn concluding prayer
by Rev. S. L. Bates; benediction
by the pastor.
The sermon. from / John l: 1-3,
by reference to the history of sacri-
ices, prophecy, the conduct Of the
Early disciples, the early triumphs
IS we'll as those in modern times,
and also by the absence of regret
or having accepted the Gospel OH
he part of any one, showed that
he christian religion was a great
fact aud not a mere mat
er of speculation.
One of the former pastors of this
church and two of her children,
pastors of other churches, were
present to participate in the exerci-
q.
The skill and good taste of the
aides we're manifested in several
handsome boquets around
he pulpit and in other parts of the
lOuSe, SCRIBE.