Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1878-06-19

Rev. II. Herrck is to continue his mas.
toral labors with the Congregational
church in our town, which we think is n
step in the right direction. His sermons
have been during the past year of very
high order, and he has labored unceasing-
ly for the good of our entire community.
Zimri Wheeler of East Elmorc preach.
ed in this place yesterday to good con.
gregation who were well pleased with his
discourse.
The tramp who assaulted woman in
Barnard. a few weeks ago, and was arrest
ed at Bethel but escaped from the officer,
was again arrested Friday. and is confined
in Woodstock Jail in default of bail. His
name is Pratt. and he is twenty years old.
WoRcEsTER.-Hall Post, No. 80, G. A.
H., will hold special meeting Saturday
evening, June 22d; n full attendance is
desired.
OF our quiet village was pleasantly relieve d
by the sound of merry marriage bells call
ing us to the cotton wedding of the Rev.
Peter Merrill and wife, iof the NJ. E..
church. Happy hearts and busy hands
conspred to make the occasion one of long
remembrance and happy recollection. A
large number of the church and congrega-
ton were present, each bringing some.
thing to testify of good will and best wish
es. After an hour of social converse and
mutual interchange of thought and COM
pliments, the guests were called to the
repast which did full justice to the already
excellent reputation of our ladies for such
affairs. The tables groaned under the
weight of good things, and. like the old
time symposia. were profusely decorated
with flowers. Following this " feast of the
reason and flow of the soul" were the
more public exercises. After music by a
quintette, the Rev. Daniel Field, one of the
early fathers of Methodism and WORTHY
coadjutor of Bro. Merrill, offered feel
ingly appropriate prayer. Then more
music, and poem which we give below,
read by Mrs. l.. H. Merrill.
In behalf of the church, Bro. G. II. Mer.
rill, a long respected steward and class
leader, in few apt and well chosen re-
marks, presented the pastor and wife with
a large number of articles of cotton and a
purse of money. They were given, not
because of any intrinsic value which they
possessed OF themselves, but as an evidence
of esteem and true friendship which the
pastor and wife had inspired in their
hearts. Nearly three years of constant
intercourse, of sympathies in hours of
darkest bereavement, of congratuation in
times of joy and gladness. of loving coun-
sci and words of encouragement at all
times, had so united heart to heart that
they now had but common purpose and
a common aim. In reply Bro. Merrill
said he could scarcely thank them for this
expression of trust and affection, rs pleas
ant as it was unexpected. He hoped that
it might inspire them to still hold the
fort. " to gather renewed courage from the
victories of the past. the hopes of the pres =
ent and the promises of the future; that
the short time which they had to remain
together might be fraught with glorious
results, and that again and again they
might set the bells of Heaven ringing for
the ransomed souls they had brought to
the cross. He and his wife had not long to
linger. the pearly gates were even then
ajar for their entrance, the harps of angels
were even then tuned anew for their well
come, and as they journeyed through The
evening of life the remembrance of these
pleasant hours would be one of the bright
est tablets in memory store house.
In the evening the band came out and
gave them a pleasant serenade, and after
more refreshments aud some delightful
songs by our music teacher, George
Blanchard, all departed happy and hopeful.
Mr.. Merrill was born in Corinth, VT,
Dec. p, 1920, was converted in early life,
obtained his preparatory education at
Newbury Academy, joined the N. H, con-
ference in 1913, was married in East
Barnard, June 10, 1913, by the Rev. Caleb
Fales, to his present wife who was from
Epping, N. II. For thirly-two years Bro
Merrill has been member of the Yer.
mont conference, during which time he
has lost hut two or three SabLaths, and
those from illness. He was four years
presiding elder on St. Johnsbury district
member of general conference of 1860
chaplain of the house of representatives
in 1872.
Bro Merrill has always been promine nj
in the council chamber of conference, al
ways cheerfully performing the parts as
signed to him, and with his wife, who
has always been in delicate health never
has shrank from all the trials, prvation.
and disappointment of the itinerancy
They have two children. DIN. of the
class Of '73, Vermont Methodist Seminary
and law student at Enosburgh Falls; ant
Mary, who remains at home TO cheer the
declining years of her parents.
W. Il. ID.
just thirty years ago to-day
bridegroom and bride
Joined hands and mutual vows exchanged,
As they stood side by side
And side by side they've journey ed since
Along lifee varying road,
Enduring much. enjoying more,
As they travel home to God
For thirty years how long the time
To forward vision seems
A backward view corrects the thought
Of time we pass in--dreams.
Life's blended paths of Joy and grief
Their steady feet have trod;
One Heaven-le cherub they received
And gave it bacR to God.
Two other children yet remain
To cheer declining years
And smooth, with loving care. their way
Through this low vale of tears
And thus while waiting here below
Mid pain and toll and life
May they receive hundred fold,
And there--eternal life