Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-06-18

consideration many matters which may
modify their action but the question be-
fore us is of abstract doctrine, and we ought
TO make definite declaration of our faith.
lie hoped this convention would not lay
aside its character, and sevilely bow down
and own that it dared not express its
opinion.
Rev. ]. G. Hale of Stowe, said the amend
ment was plausible but specious. II APP
pended, il overthrows the resolution. We
have declaration of our faith made on
Plymouth Rock, reaflirmed by the Oberlin
and Boston councils. This amendment pro-
poses to throw overheard the Boston plat
form which is the doctrnal basis of this
body. It would throw us back on the Bible,
without Interpretation. Every Unitarian or
Universalist will tell you he accepts the
Bible. We wish a more definite doctrinal
basis.
Rev. Mr.. Van Norden. Of st. Adams, pro
tested against the apparent effort of friends
of the resolution to put its opponents in the
position of attacking orthodoxy. We all
agree on the Importance Of sound doctrine,
and that our ministers should be orthodox
and evangelical. The question is whether
we shall stand by the old Congregational
principle that the Word of God is the ulti-
mate standard. If man is to be tried,
must it not be with the Bible open. Mr..
Van Norden quoted from Punchard and
Dexter strong declarations to the effect that
it is a Congregational principle that the
Scriptures are the only authoritative guide
in all matters of faith and practice. This,
its friends tell us, is admitted in the resolu-
ton; but there is little bit of hypocrisy in
the resolution. 1t seems to say this; but
after all it holds that the ultimate standard
is not the Bible, but the concensus' mat
is revolution. There is another question
whether brother shall be condemned with
out trial. An honest man may not know
when he is varying essentially from the creed
This throws him on his own Judgment-he
must try and condemn himself
Kew. MIR. Bushee, OF Brookheld, SAID that
when the supporters OF the resolution tell
us it has no reference to individuals, but IS
simple expression against loose tendencies
we should believe them. This resolution Is
needed to tone up councils to their duty
When told that we are to go BACK 10 the
Bible, what does it mean Z Nothing at ALL
The question is, by what standard do we ac-
cept the Bible-if by Congregational
standard, we are Congregationailsts; IL not
we are something else. We must have
standard of Interpretation.
Rev. S. l. Briant, OF White River, had
hoped to see entire agreement in accept
ing the resolution as amended For one 1
shall accept and preach the truth OF the
Bible as it comes to me, by careful study
under the guidance of the spirit OF God, as
above all human standards. The resolution
at best needs some verbal amendment. IL
omits the word Congregational from the
title of this convention. 1t hits only the
pastors, OF whom we have perhaps thirty In
this house, and sixty in the state, and omits
to require acceptance OF the doctrines OF the
rest OF the two hundred Congregational
ministers in our state II 1t is meant to ap'
plyt all our ministers, why not say so ? But
the main objection to the resolution is that
it is uncongregational. 1t will tend to in
crease the uncongregational practice OF EN-
ploying stated supplies, instead OF settling
pastors. 1t will fetter councils
Rev. Mr.. Olmsted, of Williston, said that ii
we wish to say that a man may embrace
Unitarianism and Universalism and keep
his standing as a Congregational minister
we should adopt the amendment. If not
we should adopt the resolution without the
amendment.
Resolutions in favor of the principles OF
the original resolution were presented from
the Orleans and Lamoille Conferences.
Rev. X. L. Hall thought the last part OF
the amendment unnecessary. The resolu
ton assumes as matter of course that in
trying ministers Congregational methods
will be adopted. The first part OF the amend
ment nullifes the resolution. Having beer
an opponent of the original resolution, he haC
accepted the substitute reported by the com
mittee as fair common ground of agree
ment for both sides. But the adoption o
the amendment would give the case to on
side, to the opponents of the resolution.
Rev. S. ?, Wilder said when we declar
that there must be. standard other thai
the Word of God, we go back on the bottom
principle OF the Reformation we make tn
majority our pope, and claim infallibilit,
, for the councils OF Nice and Oberlin ant
Boston. We cannot go before the world OIL
that issue. The right OF everyman to stud
and believe his Bible, without instruction o
priest or council, was what Luther main
+ tanned, and what Congregationalism ha
a always asserted.
Rev. Henry Fairbanks said amen to that
, Let every man open his Bible and see wha
. it teaches II it leads him out of sympath
! with the faith of the Congregations
. churches, let him go where he will fin
i. sympathy and abandon his claim to Congr
). gational fellowship. [Applause.] There wi