The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1884-04-09

THE foil owing is one Of the spicy edi-
torials of Rev. NJ. d. Shutter, our former
"Polonius," in the Minnesota Baptist, and
will suggest to Clerks of Associations
what not to write, as well as to other writ
ers, some stereotype phrases 1t is well to
avoid in the attempt TO make every sort Of
a report for religious or benevolent work
have pious twang.
A HELPING HAND TO THE NEEDY CLERK.
The season of Associations Is upon us.
1t may be that, in some cases, this issue
of the Baptist will reach churches whose
clerks are yet perspiring over the compost
tion of the annual letter. We should be
recreant TO our trust as editor Of great
denominational journal, did we fail TO OF.
fer our services at such time. Instead of
putting our suggestions into the shape OF
formal rules, we embody them in model
letter We assure our brethren whose ex.
perience in associations may not be so wide
as our own, that each expression is strictly
orthodox, and has for many generations
been regarded as indispensable 10 the rep.
resentative epistle.
DEAR BRETHREN: Since we were last
permitted to meet you in our associational
capacity, another year has swiftly rolled
away into AN ever.ending eternity. Thuswe
are again reminded of the solemn reality
that time is fast passing away; and yet we
rejoice that kind and merciful providence
has graciously spared our unworthy lives
and permitted us to participate with you
in this associational gathering.
1t is with deep humiliation and shame.
facedness that we confess TO you our short
comings. AS a Church we have done
many things that we ought not to have
done, and we have left undone many things
that we ought TO have done. We feel TO la
ment the general lack of interest among us
in the cause. The love Of many has waxed
cold and Zion languishes. The young
people have departed from the ancient
landmarks, and are walking after the
fashion Of this world which fadeth away.
We greatly need pentecostal outpouring.
We still trust that we are a vino Of his own
righthand planting, and pray that the
candle.stick may not be removed from our
midst.
And yet we have not been without some
manifest tokens OF the divine appreciation.
During the year that has just departed for.
ever, a new coat of paint has been placed
upon the exterior of our sanctuary, by
which its outward appearance has been
greatly improved. We trust, however,
that we may not in consequence OF this be.
come puifed up with spiritual pride. Our
efforts to make some needed repairs upon
the roof have also been crowned with
abundant success; while through the
seifdenying labors Of our aid society, a
new bellrope has been secured. SO that
we can still exclaim, "The Lord is my
Shepherd
During the year the word has been faith.
fully proclaimed by our pastor, who still
stands as watchman on the walls ofZion
in this part of the moral vineyard, break.
Ing unto us the bread Of life and sowing
the seeds fthe kingdom. Although there
have been no immediate results, yet we
trust that the seed which has been sown
may be as bread cast out upon the water
which shall afterwards spring up in good
and honest hearts. r.s1ol lC,.
Done by order of the church. god ym
By,thus avoiding conciseness and direct
ness, you win escape the imputadon Of be.