Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1875-10-15
Baptist State Convention
THURSDAY AFTERNOON.
sENI CENTENNIAL OF THE BAPTIST CHuRclss
IN VERMONT, HELD At ST. AIBANs.

/ SEMl CENTENNIAL OF The BAPTIST CHI NJ IkS
IN VERMONT, HELD At ST. A1BANs.
The exercises Of the afternoon consisted
OF reports of committees on beney0lence
and business, with addresses on home
missions. and on the American Baptist
Publication Society, together with dis
cus-ion and adoption of resolutions and
final adjournment.
The report on homo missions was made
by Rev. Mr.. Stafford, of Fairfax, and IL was
followed by an earnest speech by DR.. y. P.
Mason, of Boston.
Rev. q. Ii. Parker, of Felchvills. made
d report in reference TO the publication so
ciety
The most important business of the af
ternoon was the adoption Of resolutions,
and the discussion of the one in relation to
the work Of lay reyivalists was spirited and
interesting. The resolution as reported
from the committee recognized the import
ance of lay ef.rt, but thought it would be
more scriptural when conducted in connec-
tion with our own church
Capt Geo 4. Davis, of Burlington, who
Is himself a very successful and devoted
worker, thought the resolution had dis
couraging significance. He had worked to
bring sinners to repentance, wherever he
had found them, and if he had been IN
seriptural he wanted to know it.
Rev. l.. b. Hubbard, OF Charlotte moved
to amend the resolution by transpOsing its
clauses, so that it should first recognize the
superior efficiency of lay ofJrt under the
auspices of the church. yet it would com
mend every effort to save souls
In this form it was finally accepted and
unanimously adopted.
THE RESOLUTIONS.
Resolrsd, That the success that has attended the
labors OF the Trustees Of the Vermont Acade my in
their efforts TO endow that institution, is cause Of
gratitude TO God, and that in view OF the urgent
need Of the speedy increase of the building !und 10
at least 1000 present 10 all the members Of
our churches the Importance o. concentrating their
educational efforts upon this work, until 1t is
complished and also that We recommend the pro
secution OF the Centennial Roll Dollar MOvs-
ment" until 1t includes all the regular attendants
upon our congregations.
Resoired, That while we believe that labor will
be more Scripturs and efficient II conducted chiefly
In connection with our own church organization, we
rejoice in the success OF every effort preach the
gospel OF Christ and win men 10 Him, and we ur se
| upon the lay membership Of our churches the in
| portanco Of greater activity in Christian labor.
| Resolved, That we reafhrm our deep interest in
! the temperance movement that we rejoice in the
increased activity OF the friends OF temperance
that urge upon all VINO lear God the Importance
OF personal adoption of the total abstinence pledge,
and that strenuously resist all attempts TO re-
| peal or weaken the prohibitory law.
| Whereas, Efforts are being made in different sec
lions OF our land towards securing portions OF the
/ public school moneys for support of ecclesiastical
| schools, therefore
! RssOlued, That we dsprOye division and condemn
| al. such efforts as ants gonist!c 10 our common
school system, opposed 10 the spirit Of institu
tions and ntrary TO the true relation existing be-
/ tween Church and State.
After the adoption of these resolutions,
/ the business of the convention was sub
stantialy over. The committee to whom
was referred the subject of the next meet
ing were unable to report the time, place
or officers and preacher for the occasion
therefore the matter was left in their
/ hands
The moderator, Rev. Mr.. Goadley, of
/ Nergennes, returned his thanks for the
courtesy shown him and the orderly man
nor in which the members had conducted
themselves, and then closed the convention
with prayer and benediction.
! Although the weather was exceedingly
unisvorable, the convention was considered
quite as interesting, pleasant and profitable
as usual and the next half century is enter
ed upon with an increase OF devotion from
a review of the past.