Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1879-10-17

tions between the parishes, There has never
been any corresponding increase of active
special effort for young men, and the mem
bcrs generally would not know how to make
II If their attention were directed to their
duty in the matter
Secretary Mccoy says that an association
like "A wheeled velocipedc, will 90 down
as soon as it stops moving. And in order
to Keep them moving they need to under
stand the work to which they are called. Let
the members Of those that are reported weak
and OF those that are disbanding clearly
understand that they are called to and or
ganlZeu Tor great work which no other
agency can accomplish as well and all their
love Tor the Master will carry them forward,
their enthusiasm kindling in their noble en-
terprisc. What they need is to understand
their duty, how to work and what are the
conditions of success. To teach them this,
to work among them, TO show them the
methods and to encourage them we need a
general association secretary. The commit
tee could arrange for and conduct Gospel
meetings if the Lord should incline the peo-
pie to ask for them, but this other work they
have not succeeded in doing or in finding the
right man to dol and the necessity is press
ing
The committee submit this report of work
done and of the condition of things in view
nl which the convention is called to act.
Throughout the State there is apparent n
general coldness and lack of spiritual life, the
reaction after the revivals of three wears ago.
so that the churches are doing no aggressive
work and the Associations are feeble or dis
banding.
No plans OF ours or machinery that we can
set IN motion can reach and correct the evil;
only the Divine Spirit can breathe life into
these slain
But understanding clearly the situation we
cannot but be moved to pray, we may call
others to pray with lis, and He comes in
answer to prayer.
The committee recommend that the Con-
vention pray more, and that measures be
taken TO secure more general and effectual
observance of the day and week of PRAYER
for young men, and for ASS 1ciations. If
our prayers are answered the churches will
probably undertake some revival work, and
ii is desirable that the new committee he
prepared to conduct meetings if called upon.
For the Associations more must he done
II they are TO he Kept alive, and it is recon-
mended that after prayerful discussion meas
nres he taken to secure prompt and efficient
work ior them, under the direction of the
new committee. If Il general secretary is to
he employed it will be necessary probably to
provide for his salary
1t Is doubtful whether IL man for the place
can he at once found and if not it is of vital
that something be attempted at
once, and the convention should suggest
plans which its committee will carry out
The outlook is not encouraging, but we re-
member how dark it seemed when we met at
Norwich, five years ago and we also remem- |
her how glOriouSly our captivity was then |
turned again, and the same hand that then |
brought dehverance is still mighty to save.
The work is His not ours, and if Il year hence
lie allows us to return again with rejoicing |
10 Him shall he given, to Him bclongeth, all
he praise lIExEY FArEHAyKs,
Secretary