The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1876-04-17
FAST DAY.

Union Services at the Congregational Chapel
The union Fast day services at the Con-
gregatonal chapel Friday we're opened by
tue reading Of selection Of Scripture by
the Rev. J. G. johnson, followed by sing
ins and prayer from the Rev. j. X. Rich
ardsoD, pastor OF the Baptist church. At
ter tho prayer Mr. Richardson made short
address, of which the following is an ab-
strsct
REV. Mr.. RloHARDsoN's ADDRESS.
This day is remarh able as the anniver-
cary OF the death Of our Lord and also of
the death 0t the martyr president. Christs
death, though to US cause OF thankegiv-
ing, was to the disciples an occasion
OF the most solemn, terrible grief.
Many present remember the feeling when
the news came of Liucon's death, that the
hope of the nation had fallen, and we were
indeed left desolate. | believe the truest
fast this nation ever kept was the one sue
ceedlng his assassination but those who
have watched the history OF the nation
most closely can see how the curse has
been turned into a blessing.
We are to-day troubled about widespread
corruption and dishonesty. While | do
not believe that the foundations of the ma
ton are destroyed or that the present is
worse than many past eras, / do believe
that the present condition of things il
greatly 90 b. deplored.
What shall we do for their improve
ment ? The governor of Maine hit the
nail on the head" when he requested the
people TO observe the day 'in strengthen
ing their allegiance 10 Cod" This Is Just
what we can do. We can make the day n
fast from the consuming strife for money
and position we can come near to God,
and ia prayer move the arm that moves the
world we can give the weight of our ex-
| ample against corruption and dishonesty.
| If the present condition Of things Shall
bring forth fast Of this kind, not for the
day merely but for the year and the future,
| We shall thank Gtd.
REV. MR.. JOHSsoS's ADDRKss.
Mr.. Richardson was followed by an ad-
dress from Rev. J. G. johnson.
| There were many sad things in the his
tory Of the lsraelites, but they were blows
| that fell on their material rather than on
their spiritual prosperity, and it wes not
TIL tie destruction of their national life
| that they saw their spiritual import. From
1 "a S'IN DNiruli VI t4lcIl tIlitS VIII bue, we
| learn The use We should make of such days
as the present they are not so much that
| we should confess cur exceeding snfulnese
as that we should proclsim the goodness
and blessings Of God. Much of the prea-
ent trouble comes from such an exceeding
willingness TO proclaim the sinfulness and
| corrupIbiIitF of all men, that q stranger to
our modes of speech and our religion would
say that we were critlclsing the Most High
for things that are solely our fault; that
God had taken the light of his countensnce
from us, and left us to stumble Oh alone
and unaded whereas God i. ever ready to
besl0w his blessing and guidance upon US
ard we madly refuse it.
God is infinitely good and that goodness
was never more fully displayed than ri
present. | don't believe that the pres Mt
standard 4; 30 much worse than formerly,
| but thar the public consc ence is awakened,
and faults are thoroughly exposed. The
prevailing influence is o moral influence,
going forth from The church; the domination
Of moral principles has never been 70 COM
plcte in any nation as in ours. As a nation,
we do not worship money or power. We
undertook The greatest war of modern
| times for a moral principle.
| Ii does not SO much matter what the
| FORM or government rs rs what is TIE puT'
| pose Of the people toward the demands OF
God. 1t is our duty to give permanence to
principles of righteousness and religion.
This can be done by leading earnest, unas-
Stunning Christian lives. That man who
most desires to affect his generation will
find his qualification IN become Christian
Personal perfection Of character il too lit
lie held up as on end to be attained Oui
Treat want is earnestness and CONSIDERATION
10 the cause Of Christ. When we shall at
tain them we shall see fuller churches and
purer Ia,ional life.
The exercises concluded with prayer
from Mr.. johnson, and the singing of @
hymn.
At Trinity Church.
Being Good Friday the day was observed
by morning and evening service. The ser
mon in the morning was strictly Coco
| Friday sermon from the text
"Ny God. my God, why hast Thou forsakor
mo ?"-MattEew, 81: XVI.