Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1876-10-14


aiming Mr.. Willis relative to his relig-
ious experience and doctrinal belief Aud
this examination having been successful
ly conducted and pronounced satisfactory
preparations were Immediately made for
the formal ordination services. The
council was composed of the following
churches: First, of Lancaster, Rev. c.
+. Harrington pastor; the church at
Littleton, Rev. C. L. Milliken; Dalton,
Rev. Mr. Hall; while the united churches
at CRANKY and Victory, Vermont, were
represented by their pastor Rev. Charles
Duren. Rev. Mr.. Garland, a minister
from Bethel, Me, who is visiting at Dali
ton aud vicinity was also in attendance,
while the churches which have been men
toned sent delegates. The public services
commenced at half past two o'clock in the
afternoon, and fair congregation gather
ed in the church. The formal exercises
were opened by an organ voluntary, after
which came an anthem which was most
acceptably and pleasingly rendered by the
regular choir, who were assisted by Mr..
C. H. Knight, talented singer of Leba-
non, N. H. Rev. Mr.. Garland read fit
ting chapter from one of the epistles to
the Corinthians and offered the invocation
and at the close Rev. G. L. Harrington
read the hymn from the Sabbath Hymn
and Tune Book;
"HOw beauteous are their feet
Who stand on lions HILL" etc.
After it had been rendered, the same
clergyman, who had been appointed to
preach the sermon, rose and announced as
his text, Job XVII: "Lord what is man
! that thou shouldst magnify him; and that
! thou shouldst set thine heart upon him?
| The general theme of the discourse was
the greatness of man. The history of the
human race was ably traced from its in
ception to the present time. The speak
er affirmed himself to be believer in the
tendencies of man to progress upward
towards civilization, enlightenment and
intelligence. But man cannot be accept
able in the sight Of God, nor be reconcil-
ed to him without trusting in that Re-
deemer who has died for him. Thus, it
is necessary for every christian, and es-
pecially for every minister, to diligently
proclaim the glad tididgs of salvation.
The sermon was delivered with consider
able potency and earnestness. 1t was
well written and logically arranged, and
produced very favorable impression on
the people who listened to it. The charge
to Mr.. Willis, which was given by Rev G..
L. Milliken, was an excellent extemporan-
! eous effort, in which the duties, cares and
! trials of the minister and pastor were
clearly and wildly described. The right
hand Of fellowship was extended by Rev,
Mr.. Garland who had been particularly in
vited to take part in the services. And his
remarks were pleasing, being character
lied by their power and earnestneSs as
well as their impressiveness. Rev. Mr..
Hall of Dalton delivered the charge to the
| people. He enforced the fact that the
minister must be sustained and helped by
those with whom he labors, or else all his
efforts will produce only comparatively
poorreSult. And he urged them all to
cultivate personal and saving interest in
Christ, who is proclaimed in the gospel to
be the Way, the Truth and the Life. The
last hymn was read by Rev. S. f. Cush-
man of the Methodist church in This place,
and the exercises were terminated with
the benediction by Rev. Mr.. Willis. No
| immense crowd assembled on the occa-
sion; no display was made, but all the
people who were in the church Tuesday,
will not soon forget what they both wit
messed and heard.