The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1902-11-14
A Great Movement.


es of Vermont:
Brattleboro, VT, October a, 1902.
Brethren: At the very end of the
State Convention of Congregational
churches held in Springfield, last
June, the desire for spiritual quick
ening, from time to time manifest,
took form in the appointment of a
committee charged to inaugurate a
movement of the churches looking
toward spiritual revival.
Back of this action lay the con-
viction that the results of our work
as church were inadequate, a sin
cere desire for fuller and more
fruitful life, and the profound per-
suasion that the times were ripe for
better things. Your committee be-
lieve that a movement thus begotten
is born of God and commit them
selves to their work confident that
the tides of the Spirit of God are be-
meath our endeavor.
The Committee met at White Riv-
er Junction, Monday, October 10,
and decided:
l. To name our work, taking a
suggestion from our Maine brethren,
the Forward Movement of Vermont.
The Congregations Forward Move
ment of Vermont was first consid-
cred but the more inclusive name
was chosen in the hope that, by the
Grace of God, our work might widen
! beyond our own denominations
boundaries and include the larger
! spiritual life of the State.
II. To address general letter to
the churches and ministers of the
State explaining the beginnings of
the movement, and asking their
hearty CO operation in it's continu-
ance.
III. To plan for a series of
EMISSIONS to be held during Janu-
airy and February in the churches
willing to join the movement. The
details of these EMISSIONS" are as
yet not fully determined, but the
committee seeks the organization of
the conferences into groups of
churches which shall act together;
the appointment of ministers, who
will volunteer, to churches asking
their help and the employment of an
evangelist if the right man can be
found. 1t is hoped also that Camp
bell Morgan can be had at one or
two of the larger centres in April.
The success of the plans depends
upon a group of conditions. We be-
lieve that the fulfilment of these con-
ditions lies easily within our reach.
We cannot work without open
doors. We ask, therefore, the |
churches willing to have part in
this spiritual endeavor to so signify
through their pastors. The full lib
erty of the churches will be in no
wise violated, and local conditions
will be always considered. The on
ly cost will be the travelling expens-
CS anu SItSI ldlulnSll VI lnC NlSltlhR
pastorsy AL.
We cannot work without helpers.
We ask, therefore, the pastors who
are willing to volunteer-minis listers
at large-to tell US so. An attempt
will be made to put each man where
he can work best, expenses will be
borne and noble compensation will
be found in the service of the King.
We cannot succeed without prepa-
ration. To this end converging
lines of preparation are suggested.
Ministers might we'll be much in
and self examination.
Let the members of the churches be
much in the spirit of prayer and the
master note of all our preaching be
evangelical. We recommend also,
that with the November communion,
the half hour before the Sunday
months as time of common prayer,
that meetings be held in the church
es and that the whole people do join
in seeking from God the great gift
Of His Spirit.
In arranging the details of the
winter meetings let us be as careful
about our plans and as thoroughgo'
ing in our attempts to reach the peo-
pie as in any ordinary political CAM
oaign. The Kings business de-
nandeth care
A meeting of the leaders of the
work will be held just before the
MISSIONS are begun for preparation
Ind improvement.
We cannot conquer without CO.
operation. Let us seek, therefore,
o make the most of our common
strength, subordinate self concern to
he interest of the kingdom and with
me accord keep step with the pur-
,ose of God. The work ought,
wherever possible, to pass denomina- (
ional lines and seek through all at
ainable unity the exaltation of our
ommon Lord. And our co-opera- (
ion ought to rise above human linn n
is until in the reinforcement of the Z
Ioly Spirit we become fellow work. 4
RS with God.
We ask that this letter be twice y
cad in the churches and suggest &
he service preparatory to the Nov Il
mber communion as the time for 4
IS first reading. The commission Z
nder which we work comes from y