The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-06-09
The Annual Meeting Ofthe
R. |. Convention.
Impressive Sermon Preached
by Rev. F. j. BaSSett.
Very Interesting Reports Made at
the Business Meeting.

The 106th annual session of the Rhode
Island Episcopal convention is in progress.
at st. Stephens Church today, and will
continue tomorrow. II began at 10
O'Clock this forenoon. The opening serv-
ice was the full Episcopal one, followed
by the administration of the holy COM
munion by Rev. George Mcclellan Flske.
S. T. d., assisted by Rev. 5. II. Webb.
Rt. Rev. Thomas NJ. Clark, ID. d., LID,
the bishop of the diocese, was present, as
was the Ven. William Z. Tucker, ID. D.,
archdeacon.
Rev. +. j. Bassett, rector of the Church
OF the Redeemer, preached the annual
sermon. He took his text from Isaiah,
which reads: "And the Inhabitants
Shall no More Say ! Am sick.'
Isaiah's vision, he said, was a picture
of heaven. Ezekiel also had similar
vision, as did st. John good many
years afterwsrd. The feeling of which all
three spoke was not only spiritual but
physical as well. There is not only to be
new heaven, but also new earth.
Probably sin will not absolutely cease
from the earth, but the forces OF Chris
tianity and civilization are Going much
and the prophecy is beginning To be true.
1t is an actual fact that human physical
life is improving and where 33 years was
looked upon as its average duration II has
increased to nearly so years. This is be-
cause modern phsyicians seek to study
health by seeking TO prevent more than
cure diseases.
The improvement extends to social and
moral conditions as well.
| Pht1aurbrophy is positive and negative.
The former tries to cure existing evils by
establishing hospitals, reformstcries and
the like, and when people speak OF phil
anthrophy they generally mean this sort.
All are beginning to see, however, that
true philanthrophy is preventive philan-
throphy.
Preventative philanthrophy is to antici-
pate'and head off evils. The old style
waits until the evils present themselves
and tfen build children's hospitals
and houses of correction.
Many inha bitants of this favored land
are under the blight of grieyons evil
pauperism. The cities are full OF profess
sionaI beggars. Promiscuous charity
simply tends TO create and perpetrate
psuperism.
'"Ihose wnc ray good wages, !"
the speaker quoted, ''are more truly phil
anthropic than those who cut wages and
give large sums to charities for the
poor"
Under the old idea charity brought
mere Temporary relief; the new phiIan-
tinuous education.
This generation is bringing In more in
telligent appreciation OF 1.-The meaning o.
human brotherhood. Due regard 70. our
neighbor means a long step toward ever
lasting righteousness.
THE BUSINESS MEETING.
The annual business meeting was called
to order by Bishop Clarke. but during
roll call he begged leave of absence, ow-
ing to his recent sickness making him
easily fatigued, and Archdeacon Tucker
took the chair.
Rev. s. III. Webb was reelected secre-
tary and be reappointed Rev. A. f.. Car
penter. Committees were then appoint
ed. Treasurer John W. Angell's report
showed s13. 069.39 to have been received
during the-year, and balance of S51s.61
in the treasury. The fifth annual report,
an exhaustive one OF the board OF man.
ayers OF the Diocesan Missionary Society,
was read. Each person present was given
a printed copy. Lunch was served In the
parish house, but not before the rector
announced that there would be mission
airy meeting this evening at Which Key,
Mr.. Cocroft and others Will speak.
Bishop Clark's address was read after
dinner.