Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1876-09-16
New Hampshire General Association.

The General Association, OF New
Hampshire, came to session here, OH
Monday evening, Of this week, in
the Congregational Church, of the
place. a fair representation of pas
tors and delegates were in atten.
dance, but a number not so great
as in some former years.
Prof. Sanborn, Of Dartmouth Col.
lege, gave the opening sermon, from
the text: "Render therefor to Ce-
sar the things that belong to Caesar,
and to God the things which belong
to Cod" The passage was a fitting
motto, and only that, the discourse
being Of the nature of A Historical
Address. 1t was a review of the
rise and growth and progress of the
churches of the State, but more ex-
pressly of the Congregational order.
Many valuable and interesting facts
were brought out, dates of impor-
lance given, with which, there was
also a kind sprinKling of story and
anecdote. The effort was able and
thankfully received, but possibly
less brilliant than some were antici.
pating.
The Association then organized,
in the choice of Rev. DR.. Bouton,
as moderator.
The prayer meeting, Tuesday
morning, was impressive and quick
ening to the souls of those in atten.
dance. The Odd Psalm was made
the basis OF prayer and exhortation
Some beautiful "reminiscences of per.
sons gone were given. Ideas of
trust in God, confidence in Him, as.
surance, the believers privilege,
hopes, joys, prospects, were men.
toned.
The residue of the forenoon was
consumed mostly in hearing from
representatives of various Mission.
airy organizations, with one or two
other benevolent enterprises. There
appeared TO have been a falling off
of the contributions, as compared
with some previous years, owing to
the hardness of the times, so con.
sidercd. The appeal was for money
to carry forward the many clarita-
BILE enterprises Of the day.
The thought of inviting Mr.. Beech
er, who is now at the Mountains, to
be present and address the Associa.
ton, some hour, was agitated, and,
while, without doubt, its members
would have been highly entertained
by him, many expressing desire to
to hear him, and sugges ting the pro-
priety of extending to him the cour-
tesy, the point was raised, owing, it
would seem, to the prejudices of the
few. The committee who are known
TO be prejudiced against him report
ed it to be unwise to bring him for
ward. The facts are, be that as it
may, SO we have all assurance, that
at least nine out of ten of the peo-
pie haveiconfidence in Mr.. Beccher,
who, like the eternal hills all about
us, has honor and love yet shown
him.
In the afternoon, short addresses
were given, on certain benevolent
objects, accompanied with discus.
sion of the subject, Worldliness.
Many good remarks were made,
though no very sharp hits were
thrust home. The idea, however.
that churches should provide amuse.
ments for the young, at least, so far
as possible, was good one, though
not particularly new. Something
was said about dress, as usual, but
so stereOtyped has this become that
ladies pay no attention to it. And
why should they The redeemed
are to wear beautiful garments in
heaven. There may be excess here,
perhaps. But areU dressed ladies
are not laid by just yet.
Tuesday evening, the duty and
limit of the church's watch over it's
members was discussed. 1t would
seem to be neglected.
Wednesday morning, the keeping
Of the Sabbath was up for consid.
Grafton. Incidents were given, show
ing that, in some sections, the day
was desecrated. Ministers are to
preach upon it, efforts are to be
made in all ways to discountenance
he violation of its holy hours.
Afternoon, sermon was preach.
I'd by Rev. Cyrus Richardson, of
Neene, following which, came the
Of the Lords Sup.
Yer. The exercises were highly i'm
,ressive, beneficial and comforting
O those who were nresent.