Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-06-14


same time nineteen clergymen have been
connected with the diocese, who are not
now on our list.
Nine years since called attention to the
evil of such frequent changes of our Clergy,
but there seems to be little or any sbate-
ment of it 1t is the greatest hindrance
that know to the growth and prosperity
of the Church. 1t causes many and long
vacancies in the pastnrate, where the usual
work OF the parish is stopped, or
done so weakly that there is reason to be
thankful if severe losses are not suffered
Frequently the new Rector remains only
long enough to bring up the parish to the
condition in which his predecessor had left it,
Many parish where these SUGGESTIONS
have been frequent is hardly as strong as it
was years ago. And many a minister after
| such changes must feel that there has teen
| in his case a fearful waste of power that
might have been used for the increase of
Gods Kingdom and the ingathering Of the
flock of Christ.
And now for such remedy as wo can ap-
ply to this great evil. Let the clergy and
let the parishes consider that the rela-
tions in which they stand to each other
have been established by the will
and Providence of God. And that if these
are broken without the plain indications of
reason to hope for His blessing upon the
| change. Let vestries and congregations do
| their best to provide adequate and comforta-
| BILE support for their ministers. Let them
| honor Christ by the regard which they show
| to the ordained messengers who bear His
commission. And let them remember that
these His servants have their treasures in
earthen vessels, that they are men. and
have need to be treated with the same for
bcarance and patience as other men. Let
them reflect that if they can discover some
faults and deficiencies in the pastors they
have now. they will find faults and deficien-
cies i'll those who may succeed them. For
these also will be no more than men.
And let the clergy consider the matter
well before they resolve to make changes.
Doubtless there are difficulties that surround
them where they are. Will there not be dif-
iiculties to be encountered in any new field
of work. Will ever this glorious work of
the ministry of reconciliation be without its
hardships. privations. crosses? Will ever
the faithful pastor be able to do his task,
except, as the Good Shepherd did, by giving
his life for the sheep What forlorn expe-
rience Is that which has been so frequent !;
where clergyman who has hastily left his
charge finds the difficulties of his new one
quite rs many and as obstinate. Aud these
must he endured without sympathy among
strangers. For he has left the people who
had begun to love and trust him, and some
what to heed his instructions.
The erii of clerical changes will not, fear
be remedied in our time. But il We would
all be wise and patient We could do much to
keep it within as narrow bounGs as possible;
and prevent much of the injury which it in
tlicts upon the clergy and the people.
The Church in Vermont has been growing
in the past ten years. And if not so rapidly
As We could wish, it has been extending. put
ting forth its living power, showing that tits
II slip oi the true vine which the Lord hath
planted ; and which Is destined in His good
time to ill the land.
Within the decade = 521 persons have been
confirmed The numbor of COMMITMENTS
has increased lrom , 3Gl to something more
than >, 900 and this notwithstanding the
great losses which We suffer every year by
emigration. Zen churches have been con-
seclated three of these had been built be-
fore the ten years had begun. But there are
eleven church ediices built within that time
now in actual use. Seven Deacons and five
priests have been ordained. And three par
sonage house, have been added to the eleven
that we had before.
Very noticeable in this reviow is the result
of our missionary work. 1t has added i63
to the list of combinations 352 to the num-
Der of communicates has built for us seven
of the new churches, and given US one par
sonHgc.
There is certainly much in this retrospect
to encourage us to mere earnest effort in the
future. We have very noble field which in
vites our enterprise. We are surrounded by
intelligent people, quite capable Of apprecia-
ting the advantages of the church The wall
of prejudice once so strong which served to
resist every effort Of our fathers Is falling IN
all directions. The services which our Clergy
and Missionaries can sometimes hold on new
ground are usually attended by very large
congregations. The evidence is every day
Increasing that great opportunity Is given
us. But a great opportunity is great re-
sponsibilIty also. 1t comes to us in Gods
good Providence. 1t is His merciiul appro-
val of what we have done weakly and ini-
perfectly i'll the past. 1t il His invitation to
do better service in n larger field hereafter.
And this lapse OF time is reminding us that
the end for us is drawing nigh. We can re-
cn!l the faces of dear brethren. noble clergy
men. and noble laymen, who ten years since
shared in our counsels and strengthened our
hands and hearts, who have exchanged the
labor and struggle of the militant church for
the repose OF Paradise. And we must do
quickly what We will do here for Christ for
soon others will take our places and execute
our might what our hand fndeth to do. or
leave it undone, a task unexecuted, II stew
ardship unlullilled.
And surely all portions of our life must
make us feel more and more how gracious is
the Lord We serve, now forbearing towards
our laults, how conSiderate of our intirmi-
ties, how ready TO encourage US i'll our poor
services and crown them with His blessing.
Shall We not at last rise out Of our dullness
and indifference to meet such long. long suf-
fering and tender compassion 1t deserves?
Shall We not learn the lesson that He teach
es us that as He gives all all that We have
Tor time and for eternity, earthly riches and
heavenly gives MS the pardon of our sins
our union with Him, the rich graces OF the
Spirit to sanetify us, and make us meet for
the inheritance of the saints : all the free
gift of His love ; so We are to gire OnSeireS
and all We are and have as tho glad offering
of our grateful love to Him.
This is what we mostly need, Bishop,
Clergy, people new baptism from on high,
II new consecratiOn of ourselves, body, soul
and spirit to the dear Lord who loved us and
died Tor us who loves us still and gives US
such proofs of His tender care. Then every
year as the end draws nigh our light would
shine out further and more brightly to the
glory of our Father in heaven. Then every
year would see us doing better work. more
worthy of our calling more worthy Of our
Lord and King. Then we should be cured
of all narrowness of heart in labors or gifts
for Christ and the Church which He loves.
and which He has committed to our care.
Then we should be ever finding ways to do
more, and do it more heartily. with more love
Ia our Lord and more ieryent prayers for
Ills blessing.
Then. ii We are spared to the close of this
4 - 4 -. II
expansion Of the church more than fulfilling
the present promise its weak places
strengthened, and branches Of tho vine tax
ing root strongly in new soil III many of
our beautiful villages new congregations
gathered and lifting up their hearts to God
III the words OF prayer and praise that are SO
dear and comforting to us (, new companies
of faithful nen and women and children
coniessing with us the one faith, and rejoic-
ing in the same completeness of the means
of grace and salvation that is given us.
And. ii God so Will, that this coming de
cadr should see our last of years in life
then how blessed to JOIN the company OF
those who have lived for Christ on eartn and
are departed to be with Him. How sweet
the rest of them vino for the love of Jesus
have borne the heat and burden of the day, toll
ing ut the task which lie set them in His
vineyard. where they rest from their labors
and their works 10 follow them.
Yes my brethren. what We need most OF
ALL ns IA church, and ns individuals. is such
reviying of the work OF grace in our hearts,
So that We shall feel as did the Apostle the
constr.ininG power OF the love of Christ.
Let us strive and pray earnestly for such II
blessed work III us. That will enable us to
supply nll our Deficiencies and overcome all
our difficulties. That will help us to do. and
give and If need be- To suffer for Christs
Kingdom. And, when We have done ull, to
rejoice in it, M "for His Body's sake which
is the church Then whether our life he
long or short. it will he IL blessed one and
ordered ns lie Wills. We shall have done the
work which lln committed unto us. We shall
have glorliied Him in the church militant.
Who prepares for us the glory of the Church
Triumphant. W. II. A. BIssELL.
The Army ReunIon-Mr. Beerher's Address.
Al Il ,Hn1I