Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1900-05-18
RESIGNED HIS PASTORATE,
Rev. j. II. Babbitt Will Finish Work
at West BrAttlebOrO in September.
Thirteenth Year with Present Charge
and 32d in the Ministry---Has No Def
Unite Plans for His Work.

Thirteenth Year with Present ChargC
and 32d in the MinIstry---Has No Def
mite Plans for His work.
Rev. James H. Rabbit. for 10 years pas.
tor of the Congregational church in West
Brattleboro, rendered his resignation last
Sunday, to take effect Sept. 10. The
resignation was read by Rev. H. r. Miles,
pastor of the Congregational church in
this village, who occupied Mr.. Babbitt s
pulpit in exchange. The action of Rev.
Mr.. Babbitt was wholly unexpected, and
the members of the congregation were
deeply affected.
Rev. Mr.. Babbitt has been bound to his
parish during his long term of service by
bonds of affection, and it is deeply regret
ted by both pastor and people that the cir
cumstances are such as should terminate
the pastoral relations. Rev. Mr.. Rabbit
is moved in his action wholly by a sense Of
obligation to his people, and the reasons
which he gives, which are published here
with, illustrate his noble, Christian char
acter-a character which none have failed
to appreciate, in whatever walk OF life
they have met him.
Rev. Mr.. Rabbit does not expect to
take new pastorste. He really has no
definite plan of work. But he expects TO
leave West Brattleboro-when and whittier
he will 90 he cannot now tell
Mr.. BabbtC graduated from Amherst
college in 1865 and from the Andover
Theological seminary in 1868. lie recetv-
ed a call from the church in Waitsfield,
this state, while he was at Andover, and
Immediately after his graduation he went
to Waitsfed and was ordained. Eight
wears later he went to Swanton, where he
held pastorate II years. From Swanton
he came to Brattleboro. Mr.. Babbitt is
one of the Vermont editors of the Congre-
gationalist, and he is one of the prominent
Congregational ministers of Vermont.
WEST BRATTLEBoRo, VT,
May 10, 1900
Dear Brethren and FriendS:-For
months the conviction has been growing
upon me that my pastorate over this
church should close sometime during the
present year. The duty of definite action
looking thereto has become so clear that |
feel bound to speak of it at once.
My reasons are these: This is the thir-
teenth year of my service here, a long
period as pastorates are now measured.
The condition of the parish seems to
demand a new pastoral voice, fresh meth
DDS of work. and vigor of youth and en-
thusiasm which | cannot command. Fur
thermore my deafness, which you have
borne with so patiently, is serious him
drance in the prayer-room, in the sick
room and in social gatherings.
Hence | am convinced that my stay here
should not be prolonged beyond a sufficient
time for doing all that this change involves
on your part and mine. | have not
sought another parish, nor is it probable
that l shall take another. Our home plans
for the future are undetermined. l may
continue to preach if the way opens; for
have no wish to withdraw from the Cos
pei ministry which l entered for life and
which | have enjoyed so long.
1t has not been easy to decide just when
TO break the ties which have been
strengthened by our mutual joys and sor-
rows and sympathies. We, of the parson-
age, have not tired of our home, nor of the
community. In ways without number
you have endeared yourselves TO us. But
it is for your welfare that the relation
which we have held as pastor and people
should be brought to an end.
On the 10th of September will occur the
32d anniversary of my ordination. 1t will
be pleasant memory to me to have
reached that anniversary in this place, and
to have completed here 81 years of contin-
uous pastoral work in the state, Hence,
hereby tender my resignation, as pastor
of this church, to take effect September
10; and l affectionately ask that you will
join with me in calling an ecclesiastical
council, at convenient date, to termin-
ate, in the usual manner, my official con-
nection with you.
Most cordially your pastor and friend,
L 4. INN.