Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1874-06-12

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g2s2sESg No. in 81
@ Benevolent
SO = gaSSS CONTRIB
Verbal reports were made of the spiritual
condition of the churches, by the delegates
present. and for two of those not represented
unofficial reports were made by others
\ committee of oyertures and committee
oiarrangcments for the next annual meeting
were appointed.
Rev. Mr.. Stafford then introduced Rev.
Mr.. Therricn, now laboring as missionary
among the French Catholics in this city,
saying that it had been thought
well to give the members of this
conference some insight into the practical
workings of eyangelization among the
Catholics, As successfully carried on by the
Baptist Church of this city.
Mr.. Therrien spoke for half an hour or
more, finding some difficulty in expressing
his thoughts in English, but none at all in
making himself understood and bis thoughts
appreciated by the audience. lie took up
three points lst, is j; our duty to evange-
lie the Romanists? "a, Is it possible to
succeed in this work? and 81. the need
that every Christian, and not the members
Of any one church. should take an
interest and part in it. Many and good
men think it right and best to leave the
Roman Catholics alone; for himself. if
al had thought SO and so acted, he
should have been this day a worshipper Of
images and con-ecratel bread. If in their
religion the Catholics are deprived of Gospel
truth. there can be no question Of the duty
of Christian men to give them that truth,
and none viii be more glad or ready to re-
ceiye such truths than those who have them
not. To show what can be done in such evan
COLLATION., Mr. Thorrien gave some facts Of
the work done by the Grande Ligne Mission.
The work here, he said. is very difficult, but
not discouraging, and after only FIVE or six
months labor. he could report four hopeful
conversions. Bat he was laboring, he be-
lievel, for tie salvation Of souls. in the way
of duty, pointed out by God Nothing but
that belief enabled him to continue in it.
The address was listened to with profound
attention, and the moderator returned the
thanks Of the conference to the speaker.
Discussion followed for an hour or more,
in which many instances were brought up
Of conversion of Catholics by simply the
reading Of the Bible; the undertaking Of
the work of eyangelizltion in humble,
loving spirit. recognizing the good there is
in those We seek, and in quiet way by in
diyiduals, especially in social Intercourse,
rather than By committees and formally,
was urged by different speakers.
The Conference adjourned to 30 p. IN.
EVENING.
After hall-hour spent in devotional ex-
ercises, the Moderator announced the dis
cuSsion for the evening on the question:
"What Is the Duty Of Christians in regard
to temperance" Rev. Mr.. Brastow of
Burlington was the first speaker.
Hearcued that the Christian has duty to
perform in regard to temperance, because,
lst. lie is the representative Of religion. The
cause of temperance Is a religious one, and
Is fast taking it. proper place as such. The
tone of society will always affect the tone
of the church, whose duty, then, Is it. but
the Christians with his utmost force to
tone up the church? "a, The Christian
is the guardian Of the young, and the
vice OF 'intemperance especially attacks
such. The future of the nation Is
largely dependent upon the character
of those nOw young, ami by the
holy sanctity Of his baptism the Christian
is bound to give all his power to help them
against the disorganizer of families and
homes, intemperance. 81. The Christian,
as the guardian of public morals, has
duty IN this regard. Intemperance Is vice,
the mother OF vices and the coadiut0r
Of an army of them; and who, by
pre-eminence. Is the patron of public order
and morality but the Christian? Let no
one seek to terrily Us by the cry of poll
ties" to be a politician Is to have a
care for the public polity and good, no man
has better right TO the name and place
than the Christian. But what are the
duties which the Christian is called on to
perform? Only a general answer can be
given. particular cases must BE- left to in .
dividual decision. LIST, To practise temper
apce. II that means temperatures, he
should be temperate in ali things if it
means total abstinence from intoxicating
liquor. he who breaches should practise it.;
| if IT means the open and public commttal
| to such faith, fer many such fortiiying
| is advisable Tor various reasons, let the
| Christian so commit himself The more we
see of the operation Of Christian ideas, the
more clearly it appears that the Christia n
! is bound to consider his conduct in regard
TO the consequences of it. ID, 1t is his
dntv to preach and to teach temperance.
The question of education Is a broad one: it
will require instruction against bad table
he plts asalnss a;nst had co%nSr Gnu
aSainst false ideas of manhood and woman
hood. against FIRST steps towards any vice: Sd,
1t is his duty TO .otg .oI .eni.efance l. my
IT, 10. he the ricbt To vote acainst #
and to know who gets the better OF the con.
test? No man shall nt haS hasa me S; from my
flgn. IL 'ai r;i i nation that the traf;c If
/ drink must be limited by law, if not alto
gether repressed; laws ior TINS purpose are
ness g. ,Scs. Who shall make s6cS laws
and especially Christian mans obligation
4th, 1t Is the Christian duty TO WORK iol
tempefancenu .n rev and fnr onot6er ~ So uO
other way. as the work may be done to bes