The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-04-19
Episcopal Visitation and COmfirma-

Rt. Rev. William H. A. Blssell, bishor
of the diocese, made his annual visitation
to Trinity church on Sunday. He de-
lvered an interesting and impressive dis
course at the morning service.
AT five O'Clock p. m. he catechized the
children of the Sabbath school,.
AT the evening service, after prayer.
Rev. DR.. Hdrri, administered the ordinance
OF baptism to two adult persons
The choir sang the 9th hymn from the
Hymnal, after which Bishop Bissell de-
livered discourse from the text:
"And when he saw them, he said unto
them, Go show yourselves unto the priests
And it came to pass, that, as they went,
they were cleansed." Luke, xvii, IA.
The disease of lcprosy is one of the most
terrible known. Even in these days, when
mitigated by all that science or skill can
suggest, it is terrible, but at that time it
was believed that there was no hope for
one afflicted with it, except by the direct
interposilion of God. The leper was con-
sidered utterly unclean, and was banished
from the society of his kind. Groups OF
them were to be found together, held by the
bond of common misfortune. 1t was
such group of ten persons who
besought Christ, saying, "Jesus, Master,
have mercy upon u.s."
Jesus answered them, $50 shew your
selves unto the priests;' and they went
joyfully, doubling not.
We have to-day moral leprosy from
from which Christ alone can cleanse US. We
may profitably consider the experience of
the lepers. We notice that they asked no
questions. They might well have been
curious about this man, OF whom such
marvellous things were told, and who was
even believed to be the promised Messiah
but they thought not of that. They de-
sired so earnestly to be cleansed from their
great evil that they cried out at once.
Jesus, Master, have mercy upon u.s."
Our aspect is worse than leprosy we arc
as one at the point of death. We should
call on Christ at once earnestly. All re.
ligion must begin at this personal relation
between Christ and ourselves. Christ did
not heal the lepers, but sent them to the
priests. The custom was for lepcrs when
they were cured to 60 to the priests, and if
the latter were convinced that the cure
was complete they were allowed to bring
sacrifices, and were reinstated in their for.
mcr positions. Christ sent them as though
they were whole and they went not doubt
ing that He could heal them as He would.
They went believing, and as they went
they were cleansed.
we have known that we ought to come
to Christ since we have known ANYTHING.
We know that baptism and confirmation
are the ways appointed by Christ. He has
assured US that through these means we
shall see salvation. When the lepers heard
they obeyed. They desired to be healed.
Have we followed in the way Christ has
appointed Have we been faithful in all
our duties How many of US have utterly
neglected duties, and when reproved
nave made answer Oh, these
things are for christians. / am not chris
llan, must wait" If the lepers had said,
"Heal us Lord, then we will co." would
they have been healed? Don't answer that
you are sinners Christ came to call not
the righteous but sinners TO repentance.
Nothing can be gained by waiting. Not
waiting but acting is the appointed way of
salvation. We need not be curious to I'M
derstand how we shall be saved. To 60 in
the way is our part ; His part will surely
be done. Many have tried waiting. and
what better are they what have they gain
ed in spiritual strength +? If we 90 in
Christs way we know we are right, and
that IN the end we shall enter into the rest
of our father.
The 26sth hymn was sung, after which
the rite of Confirmation was administered
to nine candidates. After confirmation
Bishop Bissell made short address to the
class, and the sacrament of Holy Com
munion was administered to the church
communicates.