The Emporia weekly news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1881-1889, 1882-11-16

,ppressors that the final extremity was
rot inflicted. If Smithfieid fires had
been lighted there Was stuff 10 these
men to have found fuel. Let it be re-
too, the fidelity which bears
long years of ignoble suffering is prob
ably greater in degree and loftier in
kind than that which bears q man up
through one brief spssm and agony Of
martyrdom- Fos one apostate made by
the sight of ak and fagot there have been
hundreds made by WEAKNESS and suf-
fused seductions. Not more than two
hundred years ago a man in England |
whose sole crime was that of worship
ing God according to his convictions
might be doomed 10 death If he we're
found in his own country
During the reign of William and Ma
~ the dissenters were relieved from
some of! their disabilities, but persecu-
ton began again under Queen Anne
Toward the end of the 18th century
the non-conformisls had become so
powerful that some of The acts which
had robbed them of their just rights
were either repealed or amended The
men chiefly instrumental in securing
the removal of these laws have been
Congregationalists
The growth Of the congregational
church in England is proof that
Christianity does not only not stand in
need Of, but that IL can flourish without
the assistance and patronage of the sec
ular arm of tbs state. Nay, more; IL
proves that it can live aud grow even
when the strong arm of the state is liil-
ed against it. Speaking generally, the
strongest churches are in the midland
and northern countries.
Congregationalism in England thrives
best where the Republican element is
strongest. We have in England and
Wales 10 colleges for ministerial train
ing with 453 students and 40 professors.
Modern Congregationalists differ in
one important particular from their
fathers in that now some specific work
is expected of every member. and thus
improve the gilt God has bestowed up
on him.
1t is needless TO say that the adhercnts
and members of the church are not of
the aristocratic class, but are merely
clerks, managers of manufactures,
tradesmen, etc. Politically the clergy
men are liberal. Mr.. Gladstone's policy
has gained not only their admiration,
but their enthusiasm. [Applause.
am proud TO be able to say that the
COngregationalists of England have the
spirit of the pilgrims. They are the
sworn defenders of the acknowledged
bodies of civil and religious liberty.
Our watch-word is liberty. We claim it
as the birth-right of every living soul
We do not ask federation. That cOra I
hate. We demand religious liberty.
While Congregational ministers are not
required 10 subscribe to any creditor
we have hatred of crceds-they are sup
posed TO hold the doctrines of the evan
gelic creed. l think, however, that l
may say that greater latitude is allow
ed on all points of doctrine not material
to salvation Lban is allowed in this
country.
The church of the future will be free
from all human authority in order that
it may obey Christ. Let US labor and
pray for this contamination. They shall
call here walls salvation and her gates
praise, and the Lord alone shall be ex-
allied in that day.
The paper was favoIably commented
upon by all who had the pleasure of
hearing 1t, and in the business session
which followed Rev Harper was asked,
by vote of the association, to furnish the
essay for publication.
After q short business session the
meeting adjourned to meet at O'Clock
this afternoon.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON.
The services of the association were
opened on Thursday afternoon by the
report of the superintendent of Kansas
home missions.
At 2 o'clock the moderator announced
that the association would resolve itself
into a missionary lovefeast, which was
opened with prayer.
Rev. r. NJ. Tunnel, of Wyandotte, was
then introduced, and addressed the as
sociation on the importance of assuming
the responsibility of selEsupport of the
mission churches.
The association was also addressed by
Revs. DR.. r. Parker, Adair, Harvey
Liones, Of Nabaunsee, and L. II. Plat,
of Garden City. The last gentleman
made a happy and earnest appeal for
Western Kansas and the needs of the
churches in that part of the state.
Rev. Bradley, of Fort Scott, offered
prayer of conservation to the mission
work.
Rev. A. E. Dunning, of Boston, cor
responding secretary of the Congrega-
tional Publishing Society was introduc-
ed by the moderator and delivered a
very able and moving address on
Home Missionary Work"
These interesting exercises were clos
ed by an earnest appeal from Dr. Nc
Wicker, of Topeka, for the selfsupport
of the church.
The evening was entirely devoted 10
the interests of home missions and the
association was ably addressed by Wal
ter NJ. Barrows, of New York
FRIDAY MORNING.
After the opening exercises the reports
Of the local associations of the state
were given by their respective REGISTERS.
The statistical clerk made an enceura-