The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1876-10-06
Vermont Baptist State Convention

This body met for its htty-hrst annual
session at Chester, Oct. 4, and was opened
at 8 o'clock a. m, with prayer meeting,
rich and refreshing, led by Rev. G. Tilson,
of bingham, Of Mass.
At 10 o'clock the convention organized
by the choice of Rev. Foster Henry of
North Bennington as moderator, Rev. W.
II. Rugg of Perkinsville, as clerk, and
Rev. G. S. Goodall as railroad secretary.
Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr.. Leavitt of
N. H.
The report of the committee of arrange
ments was adopted.
The annual sermon was then preached
by Rev. Dwight Spencer of Fairhavcn, who
was assisted in the devotional exercise by
Rev. d. r, Watson of Brandon.
Mr.. Spencers text was
John 13:-ls-"Ye call me Master and Lord
and We say well for SO am"
That one has a call to govern is mani
tests from the fact that he does govern.
Napoleon and Washington manifested their
vocation 10 govern by governing. Does
Jesus Christ govern The history of the
fe,xdeath, resurrection and ascension of
Jesus Christ was rapidly sketched. He
marshaled no arms, founded go visible
kingdom, left no institution that gave PROM
iso of permanence, ana yet he said | am
master and Lord. Let US gee the power
of this assertion. Look
LIST. AT Christ's power over individuals.
They followed his bidding, and sacrificed
their all tina. they might obey him. So
notice the transforming effect his word
has had over their lives They were re-
generated. Look at the powers of Christ,
ID, Over masses. His whole church
owns allegiance to Christ. All christian
sects agree that this Jesus is Lord. Aud this
church has proved more than match for
all the forces arrayed against it. Its foes
have miserably persisted and it, followers
triumphed everywhere. So his church
shows its might in its wonderful organic
ing power. 1t gathers men of all nation
alites under its banners. But Christ gov
erns men indirectly as well. Our civiliza-
ton is eminently christian and through
this Christ moulds men, in the family, in
social life, in literature, is this seen. The
English language SO composite, SO strong
so versatile, is pre- eminently christian. SO
Christ is Lord and master everywhere.
This truth SO assuring to the christian heart,
is full of terror to the enemies of Christ.
He will govern them, but it will be to 'rule
them with a rod of iron and dash them in
pieces like poticr's vessel" Kiss the son
lest he be angry and ye perish from the
way"
Hence Christ is the only lawgver to his
church. No man, no body of men, pope,
priest, bishop, conference or synod may
add to or subtract from the law of Christ.
This is our distinctive feature as Baptists,
and standing on this platform we may face
the world.
The discourse was one of great ability.
Rev. A. J. Chandler of North Troy wa,
chosen assistant clerk. A collection was
taken up in aid of the funds of the conven-
ton amounting to $l5. 32.
The session was closed with prayer by
the venerable Dea. Dean of Grafton, the
only person prcseot who was at the organi-
iztion of the convention fifty-one years
ago.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The afternoon session was opened with
n deeply moving prayer meeting led by
Brother A. G. Mitchell, of St. Johns
bury. The session was resumed with pray
er by Rev. B. Burroughs of North Spring
field.
The report of the board was read by the
secretary, Rev. G. Hubbard.
1t made fitting reference to the decease
of one of its members, Rev. G. 7. Fren-
year. Two missionaries Rev. G. III. Par
malice, and Rev. g. Hubbard, have labored
under the appointments Of the convention,
whose labors have been chiefly expended
in Addison, Windsor and WIndham coun-
ties. Nine churches have been directly
aided by appropriations beside the places
which have received the labors of the mis-
sionaries and the returns of toll in the con-
version of men have been larger than usual.
ST. Johnsbury and West Randolph have
also received encouragement and aid ard
the time and labor expended has been fruit
full in results. The report of the treasurer
as far as monies had been received was
made showing deficiency Of about
$762. The permanent fund of the con-
gregation had been increased in the sum Of
1880, and now amounts So 800 of which
the interest only can be employed in the
wo of the convention.
These reports were discussed by Messrs.
Sanders, Chandler, Foss, Goodall, Steele,
Dean, L. X. Fuller, Freeman, Carpenter,
Mial Davis, Richardson, T. ii. Archibald,
Mott, Henry, Mckenzie, Brown, Luther,
Pierce. Ira c. Allen, Rugg, L. A. Fuller
and the report was adopted.
The committee on nominations and the
report was adopted.
The convention adjourned until half
past six o'clock.
Prayer by Rev. Mr.. Clement Of N. II.