The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1877-12-28

sought rather to analyzc the Purita
, character than TO culogize IL, and dwell
J at considerable lcngth upon some of tn
prominent characteristics, naming witt
considerable emphasis the intense self
assertion which held such prominence
in the character he discussed. In orde
10 avoid the dryncss of abstract theorie
he took John Milton as a representativ,
of the Puritan character. lie showed
him to be man of power, intellectual
self-poised, Independent In thought ant
action, loyal TO his conceptions of right
and though not insensible to the fascin
ations of beauty and ambition, uncor
rupted and incorruptiblc on account o
his inflexible Puritan character. As an
illustration, the speaker referred TO his
sacrifice of his eyesight to defend the
English people from the charge of the
enormity of regicide.
Intellectually as well as morally he
was independent, manly, strong, hold.
ing his own opinions even of the scrip
lures. His intense self-asscrtion some.
times led him into erroneous positions,
as when he advocated his peculiar theo-
rles of divorce.
Another Puritan characteristic OF
Millions mind was his lack of intellcctu-
al awe, as shown in his poem, Paradise
Lost, which introduces us into very
material heaven, and gives Deity mater
ial form and common speech.
The speaker referred to the indcpend-
ence of opinion in New England, with
reference 20 church polity, political ac-
ton and everything else, and also to the
fact that the Puritan fathers thought it
hat
should be performed by the civil magis-
trate. In his social relations also, Mil
ton was self-centered, and had an al
most sclf-isolation. This subject was
illustrated by reference to his family
and social life. His courtslip of four
weeks was succeeded, after four weeks
of married life, by his wife's fleeing
back to her old home.
Milton was unable TO see any good in
those who did not agree with him,
though they might be worthy of high
estimation, as for instance the bishop of
the established church and Charles l.
In this respect he was very unlike
the characters of his i'm
agination being marked and powerful
only as they represented his ideals, as
his Sampson, who was blind like him
self. In this respect, he represented
the Puritan character, as they too found
it difficult to soc any good IN those who
differed from them in religious belief,
and had very little charity for other
Christian sects.
lie then more briefly referred to the
more pleasing characteristics of Puritan
character, such rs independence, lofty
courage, untiring energy. He said New
England had been confessedly the brain
of the nation. Here had originated the
anti-slavery sentiment, temperance
principles, and free school system, &c.
After hymn and the benediction, the
audience adjourned to the lecture room
to attend the ladies' social party.
On entering the vestry, we are first
attracted by the beautifully spread la
bles for which our Middlebury ladies
are justly renowned.
Soon after. we are let into the myster-
les of the "Mistletoe bough." The sad
story In song was artistically rendered
by Miss Upper. The story is as fol-
lows: A gay and happy wedding, then
the mischicvous, graceful bride, Miss
Addie Brainerd, appears seeking place
to hide from her lover; espying an oak
en- chest she jumps in, but the fatal
spring makes her a helpless prisoner.
Tho unhappy bridegroom begins the
search for his missing bride. He search
es from youth to age, and by the aid of
q prying servant (most perfect in his
characterl, discovers her Wondering
form within the chest. The ancient
dress Of the wedding party added much
to the picture. We would not forget
IL Al