Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-02-15
NEWFANE.
The New Pastor,s servloes.


Pastor Danforth began his labors
here this month and his two Sunday
morning sermons delivered without
notes have been practical, well
thought out, closely connected and
the threads trinity gathered and clear
ly applied. Last Sundays sermon
was on the importance of having a
we'll defined system in starting out
for life work. Man proposes but
God disposes' is a saying embodying
the sense of the text, "A mans heart
deviseth his way, but the Lord di-
recteth his steps, If man does not
propose, the Lord will not dispose.
Illustrations from system in the per
lection of ocean steamers, from or
ganized life and from nature followed.
Trees grow tall and straight and
strong towards sunlight, so men
should grow straight and strong to-
wards Gods sunshine.
In the evening the discourse was
upon the connection between music
and religion, divided into four heads
"a There is a religious element in
humanity from which no one escapes;
GU music appeals to this religious
element; CD poetry appeals to this
same element; (4) God alone can en-
tirely satisfy this religious element
or craving. The speaker read most
of Shelley's ode to the skylark, a de-
scription of music and showing how
it appeals to natural craving for it.
In itself it is very beautiful and
famous poem which however. is
wanting in recognition of divinity
and leaves us cropping in darkness
and mystery.
The hymn "When Shepherds
Watched Their Flocks by Night" by
Nahum Tate. was spoken of as an old,
old hymn of fervent religious beauty
and still a favorite in modern hymn
books. Nearer My God to Thee"
and other hymns that have taken hold
of the hearts affection and carried
them upward were sketched with the
surroundings of authorship, etc, and
after each description the hymn was
sung. 1t can readily be seen how
an address of this nature would inter
est an audience. The preacher
strove to inculcate the thought that
there is in the best hymn sentiment
and music a spirit of profound wor-
ship for the uplifting of mankind
Reception to New Pastor and His Wife.
The reception rendered to Rev. and
Mrs. Danforth on Wednesday evening
at the Congregational social rooms
was, as it promised to be, very inform
al, kindly gathering to bid the new
pastor and family hearty welcome.
Considering the clustering weather of
the day, following two weeks of solid
cold, the attendance was considered
good, about 60 being present The
young pastor and his wife showed
much adaptability to the situation.
After a social hour coffee and cake
were served. Rev. F. NJ. Wiswall be
ing called upon for a speech, the re-
Spouse of the genial schoolmaster and
eX-aCting pastor, was one in which he
fairly outdid himself in cordially and
irresistible humor. No one could have
so we'll voiced the welcoming spirit Of
all present and others in the commu-
nifty.
Mr.. Wiswalls hearty seconding of
effort to secure a regular pastor has
been an encouragement to the commit
tee and now the geniality, sincerity
and right-hand of-fellowship spirit
with which he welcomed his successor
in the pulpit is an all-around inspira-
ton for which the people feel CRATE
full. Mr.. Danforth happily responded
with feeling and a flash of humor
which showed acquaintance with the
faculty of repartee, and Mrs. Danforth
being impartially called for, said a few
words which showed that her New Jer-
sey training had not left out the spirit
pf cordiality,