Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-06-07
Annual Conference Of the Congregational
Churches Of Chittenden County.


The afternoon session of the Chittenden
Conference was mainly given to reports
from the seventeen churches of the county,
all of which were represented by pastors,
and most by delegates also. The history of
the year has been for the most part encour-
aging. Several Of the churches have enjoy
ed reviyals, particularly the two churches at
Burlington and the church at Charlotte.
The two churches in Jericho have refitted
and rededicated their houses of worship
The temperance cause has not been forgot
ten. One church reported that every one
of its members was not only total abstain
er from all that can Intoxicate, but also
from tabacco.
Bro. A. Nj. Butler reported the Sabbath
school work within the churches OF the con-
ference. During the last few years there
had been a marked improvement, especially
in the number of the church members tax
ing part in the schools. Still, there is much
important WORK left undone-hundreds of
children who might be brought in. who
would not naturally attend other Sabbath
schools than ours.
Rev. A. Hazen presented paper on Homo
Missions.
The evening session was given to the dis
cnssion OF "The Proper Observance of the
Sabbath" (opened by Rev. q. p Bying-
toni ; and "The Christian Conscience in
relation to the question Of Amusements"
(opened by Rev. Mr.. Brastow).
WEDNESDAY, June 5,
Alter half hour of social worship, Rev
Mr.. Stafford spoke upon the topic assigned
him by the Conference. IAN estimate of
Modern Evangelism" Tho following is II
brief abstract OF his remarks which com
msnded the close attention Of his bearers ::
Any estimate of any method of preaching
the gospel is attended with great difficulty,
for it concerns the profoundest and most
mysterious forces which operate within the
human soul. Our estimate must be made
with modesty and received with discrimna-
ton.
There could be no occasion for the pres
ent discussion it modern evangelism were
not manifesily productive OF great good.
This good appears in the conversion of
many souls and in the general quickehing
Of the religious thought of the comm unity.
IL there are any evils attached to the
work of evangelists, those evils must be
very great and very clearly demon
strated before they can outweigh the
great and unquestionable good. Ex
traordinary relig ious efforts on special
occasions and for limited periods accord
with proyidental plan and with human
nature. In their adoption to human needs
they are like the Sabbath recurring after
intervals of six days.
The introduction Of new agencies and
l.. r. L l. a
with the human constitution.
But there are perls incident to modern
evangelism some Of which grow out of the
very cIcellencies of the system. A CON-
munity is liable 10 forget that the results
apparently produced by evangclistic work
are in very large degree caused by the work
which church has done through years of
patient faith.
Many are tempted to look on the pastor
with distrust, and evangelists themselves
are in danger of encouraging even uncon-
sciOusly tho disparagement OF the pastor.
Instances are known where the most useful
and worthy pastors have suffered the alena-
tion of their people through the influence
of revivalists.
The prominence given to efforts for in
mediate and numerous conversions often
tempts evangelists to disproportionate or
erroneous exhibitions oil Christian doctrine.
Aiming always at effects Immediately mani
fest and being Independent Of ecclesiastical
control, they are specially liable to adopt
some theological hobby. The methods Of
modern evangelism are capable Of abuse to
the destruction of whatever good they con-
tain. We cannot afford to lose so valu-
able an agency for the conversion of men
nor can we afford to let it fall into abuse
nj nhaarrsi hall. 30
secure the good and avoid tho evil
/. Let the churches encourage only such
evangelists as are men of eminent piety.
,. Let thorough Biblical knowledge and
doctrinsl training be required OF evangelists
as general rule.
3. Let it be insisted upon that eyangtlists
shall work, not only in confidential COM
municatiOn with the pastors OF the churches
but in subordinatiOn to them.
C. s. Palmer read paper on Christian
principle in business. Bro. 5. b. Butler
on Modern methods of raising church
funds"
The ladies missionary meeting was held in
the vestry o. the church at the same time,
with the morning session. Mrs. DR.. Butler
presided and papers were read by Mrs.
Wilbur. Mrs Byington and Mrs. Kyle.
AFTERNOON.
The afternoon was devoted to the COM
munion service, conducted by Rev. Mes-rs.
Stafford and Emerson.
The following resolutions were adopted
by the conference:
Resoiued, That the frequent Instances of gross
fra nd liyht among men OF uTeyiOusly n