Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-12-28

be learned from this quiet, joyful festival by
those who make such occasions time for noise
and disorderly conduct. 1t was thoroughly en-
joyed, distinctlvely and completely religious, and
one more link OF happy memory unites the little
ones OF Christ church to their Lord and his
habitation.
In TRINITY CHURcH.-The vestry was crowded
with people Saturday evening and the trees were
well loaded with presents. Brief exercises con-
sisting Of prayer and singing and Rotations by
few OF the smaller children, came before the dis
tributon Of presents. The little people did well
and little Miss Ida Putnam did more than that.
The crowd was completely captured and carried
off by her charming Christmas piece. By special
request she delivered the same again at the con-
cert Sunday evening. All the children had pres
ents and most Of the teachers were remembered
by their classes Mr.. G. II. Fuller, the librarian,
T. r. Gordon, Esq, the superintendent and Rev.
Mr. Miller, the pastor, each had special recogni-
ton in presents Of value and usefulness, in token
OF esteem by the school. :. The sermon Sunday
morning was inspired by the Christmas occasion,
though not directly upon the nativity. The
preacher took for his text lie shall see Of the
travail OF his soul and shall be satisfied" The
theme was =" the divine satisfaction" which shall
come to Christ when he stands by his mediatorial
throne near the end Of time and sees the tri-
umphs Of the cross. The Christmas concert oc-
CURED Sunday evening. The exercises were un-
der the charge Of T, X. Gordon, Esq, and con-
sisted Of prayer, Scripture reading and rectations
and readings suited to the occasion. The singing
was prepared by Dr. whitney and was excellent
Miss Gale OF the seminary sung solo most salts
l,x.k III "A
steal voice to the aid Of the choir. The class Of
little wee ones under the direction Of Miss Josie
Gill did most beautifully in their song. Several
| pieces were spoken by the young men with good
effect. All did their parts well and 1t was q
Merry Christmas to all.
Ar ST.. AUGUsTIsE's CHURcH.-The church was
| decorated as well as the circumstances allowed.
An arch covered with evergreens represented the
stable Of Bethlehem, and In 1t was the statue OF
the infant Jesus. Trees artificial flowers and
green plants ornamented the sanctuary, the affairs
and the green arch, which blazed with many
| lights The midnight mass commenced at IL 30
and large congregation attended. The singing
| was good, but the mass selected would have been
more enjoyable to the audience had 1t been
shorter and less monotonous. The other selections
were well chosen and excellently executed. The
text of the sermon was taken from the gospel OF
the mass, Luke, second chapter, and was "And
she laid him in manger because there was nc
room for them at the inn.'' The end Of the sermon
was to show that the works OF many Christians
are opposed to their faith. The Jews rejected
our Lord and were rejected ia their turn. Chris
tians more guilty than the Jews because they
have more light, and by their sins they are thu
cause that the religion Of Christ is blasphemed
The sermon gave some details of the sins which
scandalize those not of their religi viz irrever
ence in the church, neglect and PROCLAMATION of thu
sacraments want of charity for their neighbors
by their calumnies, ISLANDERS, injustice etc
Then it spoke Of the condemnation to be expected
from Jesus Christ. second mass was said a
8 80, A. NJ, aud finally the high mass at 10 80 A
NJ. few words in French were spoken on tn
subject treated at midnight mass. The congrega
ton made very generous offering at the usua
collection Of that day.