Connecticut western news., 1880-01-07
ae Rev. NKr.; Reid Resigns.
AN OUTLINE or HIS SERMON,

Rev. L. H. Reid took for his text Sunday morning .2d Ret, 8, l. "This second epistle beloved now write unto you in both which I; stir up your pnre minds to remembrance"
 On this first Sabbath of the New Year he wished to stir up the minds of his people to remembrance of what had been done in the parish during his five years' pastorate. Oct. 3d, 1874 he came to minister unto them; at that time there were l2O members on the church roll now l36; the whole number add ed during the five years-47, of which 24 were by lettar, and 23 by profession. He had officiated at 65 funerals and 18 marriages. The organ communion table and chairs at a cost of about $l2Q0, had been placed in the church; the conference building renovated and newly painted within and without : the dilapidated horse-sheds removed and new ones built. Financially the church has kept out of debt, and his salary been paid prompt ly. The Women's Auxiliary of the Board of Missions had been formed and well sustained, through which almost every year box or barrel of clothing was sent to some needy colporteur. He had kept them well iuformsd on the subject of foreign missions through monthly meetings. The, bible service had been source of profit and enjoyment to him, and he could truly say, he had feasted on the truths brought out in the study of the lessons from Sabbath to Sabbath. He had not sought their money, but their souls. In their enthu. siasm when he came among them, they offered him $500, but he accepted of &l200. The gospel he preached was their own gospel, nor had he tried to introduce any twists or hob. bies of his own-for he had none if he could not serve them honestly he would not serve them at all. The sick and afflicted have ever received his first attention. Vacations had not usually been taken, when they would have willingly granted them to him, and sickness had not prevented his ministering to them. The parish has been canvassed each year, and prayer offered in every house. ..=. Daring the first winter he spent much time in correcting the records of the church, which were in loose and faulty condition, causing much wide-spread s.oErespondence, extending from Massachusetts to Iowa; over 100 of the letters and cards are still preserved. *sE
 He assisted in putting the town library in a readable condition and psactieal use. Hehad attended every temperance meeting during the past two years, and preached on the sub- ject of temperance from time to. time, forming the Sunday School Temperance Society before the Murphy men came here. .. At the close he stated that when he oame among them the agreement was that if at any time he wished to go, he should give three months notice, therefore he would now ask to be released as their pastor, the same to take effect April lst. If they would grant this favor he would regard it as proyidential, and twill take my family and boys and lind home elsewhere" .tt
 This announcement was an entire surprise to the congregation, and the many tearful faces gave evidence of grief s.-
 MT. Reid has endeared himself to 8 large circle of friends outside, as we'll as in his own parish, who would be very sorry if bis re- quest was accepted. The church and com- munity cannot afford to spare from their num- Der one who possesses such sterling Chris tian qualities, and practices from day to day the religion that he teaches. X.