Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1883-11-14
lJontpeIier Preachers Meeting.

The November session of the Montpe.
Ter preachers meeting met nj Trinity
church vestry, Monday, November jth.
S63. Bro II. A. Spencer in the chair. Bro
J. R. Bartlett conducted the devotional
exercises. Thirteen members OF the asso-
station were present beside several visitors
who were present and participated in he
general discussions One new member
joined the association bringing the men,
bership 10 twenty nine. After some pre-
liminary business the regular topic was
taken up aud Bro. W. J. Johnson of
Waterbury, rs announced, presented a
paper upon the Faith Cure" The speak
er look The ground hat the position
assumed by DR.. Cullcs, and his disciples
IN The SO called Faith cure' movement
was untenable either bv the test of reason
or scripture. The basal scripture pas
sagos from which this doctrine is pre-
missed We're received. Many of them were
unfairly used rs taken out of their connec =
ton; some we're of doubtful origin and
all Of hem should BE- reverted to a past
But The essayist maintained that the
proper eXegess of the texts, cited. on the
best exegetical authority, taken in Their
proper connection. proved them upon
he Doctors own ground, if not entirely
irrelevant at least OF too doubtful meaning
and authority 10 warrant SO radical an
Innovation contrary TO the general exper-
fence of he Christian world.
We have not of course attempted
to give an cptume OF he argument.
The discussion continued through
lie forenoon and afternoon sessions. The
discussions was general and animated.
While I do speak authoritively Judging
from The general tenor of The remarks
there seemed 10 be no disposition on he
part of any in their faith TO limit the priv
lege uf prayer There were brought ont
many interesting and precious experiences
that God hears and answers the
prayers of his children; that thew NAV
make I'LL their requests known unto him
But as 10 his assumed miraculous and
Unusual method of divine working in
modern day rs set forth by DR.. Cuiles.
instances were produced of works of
similar nature transpiring in the world
Independent of any supposed possible
iivne inspiration. and that without faith
II prayer. In his day of the world, when
hero was being shown such marvellous
md mysterious power Of mind over mind. |
We ought to be extremely cautious against
to God any of these apparently
supernatural things which he has not |
,iven us in his word the most positive
uthoritv 10 believe. There was no dues.
ion that spiritual health comes to the .
ouls of men in answer TO prayer, and that |
clean heart and good conscience. and a
uiet acquiescence TO the divine will. had |
good and healing effect upon The mind |
nj Lo.'Y. And it might be that under
rcat and wise ends we could conceive
hat Providence does interfere with Atu.
nj course of things to heal the sick. or
alse he dead, as in ancient day. But that
fter any such arbitrary fashion God
nguges to act rs an all healing physician /
} The bodies oihis saints on earth. because
ley believe, when, for ought they know,
leir very infirmities may be TO them a
leans of grace, is another than scrip.
lral question; and then rs a matter of
let there arc found no cases of miracu.
nus cure so complete and permanent, so
ell authenticated as genuine. sufficient
| number or classification to establish the
ot that any general law of this indisorim-
latu miracle working is revived in these
avs, or delegated to anymodern apostles.
Whatever respect wo might entertain !
II the Christian character and sincerity
those who find comfort in believing I
mt they arc being healed of their phvsi-
Il intirmities by such extraordinary
cans. yet it was felt to be unsafe. and 3
in any event, at this point of !
to predicate distinct Christian !
Ictriuo of this serious nature upon so Z
ender hypothesis MS that on which they b
lld, or to commit the verify of God I