Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-10-15

The annual conventions OF the State Sabbath
school Society, and Of the Young Mems Christian
Association, took place in Burlington last week
The meetings were of more than ordinary inter-
est and attracted large attendance from all parts
of the state
sABBATH-scHooL SOCIETY
The treasurer's account showed an improved
state Of finances there being about St60 on hand,
instead Of depleted treasury, as occurred last
year.
The following officers were elected for the en-
suing year. President, John L. Barber OF Brandon;
presidents, Samuel Huntington of Burlington
and Colonel j. B. Mead Of Randolph; secretary
and treasurer, Henry o. Wheeler of Burlington;
recording secretary, Rev. J. II. Babbitt OF Swan
ton; executive committee, George E. Foss, St.
Adams; L. c. Butler, Essex; l. B. Lord, Burling
ton; Rev. C. S. Frost, St. Johnsbury and Charles
p. Harris, Rutland
Rutland was selected as the place for hold
ing the next meeting and the time designated
for holding was in September or October of
next year.
Hon Edward Conant Of Randolph, state super
intendent Of education, made a most effective ad-
dress upon the subject of "The organization and
management OF the Sunday schools" Opening
with parallel between the schools Of the state
and of the church, he said the pastor should take
leading part in its management At the begin
ming of each session there should be some simple
opening services The classes should be better
graded and there should be more object-teaching
in our Sunday schools, The Sunday. school should
strive humbly, earnestly, diligently to fulfill
their duty. Some discussion then ensued as to
whether non-professing Christians should have
charge Of Sunday-school classes.
Next came answers to questions. The first was,
"Why is the word evangelical inserted in the
call for the convention ?" Answered by Rev,
| Mr.. COoper-that it was because the convention
was intended only for evangelical Christians. II
others wish to organize and call their convention
| unevangecal" we should be very glad of it.
| "What shall be the aim Of the teacher whose
class is composed OF church members p was an,
swered by Hon. Franklin Fairbanks. 1t should
be- he thought, to lead them to a higher plane oil
Christian faith and duty.
In the afternoon Colonel Franklin Fairbanks OF
| St. Johnsbury made an interesting report of the
work Of the International Sunday-school Lessor
Committee. He said: The plan Of a printed
series Of lessons for a year was begun in Chicago
by one of the churches, and worked we'll wa,
adopted by others, and extended till, in 1872
the proposal to provide lesson papers for gen
eral use came before the international conven
ton. That convention appointed committee o
five clergymen and FIVE laymen to prepare serie
which was to go over the whole Bible In sever
years. Under that plan the lessons for the pas
year have been necessarily somewhat scattere'
and desutory. These lessons have now beef
adopted by all evangelical denominations. The.
swept through the South last year. They ar
used throughout England and Scotland, and II
Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Japan and China.
At the international convention at Atlanta, las
year, a new committee was appointed, consistin
of eleven ministers and two laymen. They hav
arranged the lessons for 1880, which for the frs
half of the year will be from Matthews gospel
Colonel Fairbanks Is the member of the commit
tee from this state.
Rev B. B. Loomis of Pittsburgh delivered
most excellent address upon the study OF tn
Bible Some unimportant amendments wer
made to the constitution Of the society.
YOUNG MEMS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
The meetings of the Young Mems Christian Al
ISOLATION were very freely attended and replet
with interest The following officers were elected
President Franklin Fairbanks of St. Johnsbury
vice-presidents Rev Charles Hubbard and Re,
I George l.. Strong; secretary, Rev j. II. Rabbit
assistant secretary, G. NJ. Carpenter; railroa
secretary, X. Brown.
The report OF the secretary, Rev. Henry Fail
4 banks, gave not altogether encouraging stat
ment of the present status OF association worn
: 1t was referred to committee consisting Of Rev
A. l.. Cooper, Rev. A. A. Smith and Deacon
4 A, Fuller