Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-11-06
RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.
The Forward Movement of Vermont
-~Evangelistic Work through
ont the Stata

The following letter has been sent to
the different Congregational Churches in
Vermont
Brethren: AT the very end of the State
convention of Congregational Churches,
held in Springfield, last June, the desire
for spiritual quickenlnB, 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 conviction
that the results of our work as a church
were Inadequate. IA sincere desire for a
fuller and more fruitful life and the pro
found persuasion that the times wore ripe
Tor better things. Your committee believe
that a committee thus bcgotten is born of
God and commit themselves to their work
confident that the tides OF The Spirit of
God are beneath our c%nGeaVor.
Ths committee met at White River
Junction, Monday, October Is, and de-
Cided.
/. To name our work, taking a suggcs-
zion from our Maine brethren, the For
ward Movement of Vermont" The Con-
Grosational Forward Movement Of Yer
mont was nrst considered but the more
inclusive name was chosen in the hope
that, by the grace of God. our work might
widen beyond our w denominations
boundaries and include the larger spiritual
life OF the State.
-, 40 diuleS a StlltIti ltlltT 10 tne
churches and ministers of the State OK
blaming the beginnings of the movement.
and asking their hearty cooperation in
sts continuance.
3. TO plan for a series of missions" to
be held during January and February in
the churches willing to join the movement
The details of these missions are as yet
not fully determined, but the committee
seek 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 al
evangelist if the right man can be found
it is hoped that Campbell Morgan can
be had at one or two Of the larger cen
tres in April.
The success Of the plans depends upor
q group of conditions. We believe thai
tie fultllment Of these conditions lie.
easily within our reach.
We cannot work without open doors
We ask, therefore, the churches willing
10 have part in this spiritual cndcavor t.
SO signify through their pastors. The full
liberty of the churches will be in no wis,
violated and local conditions will be al
ways considered. The only cost will be
the travelling expenses aud entertainment
of the visiting pastors,
We cannot work without helpers, W.
ask. therefore,, the pastors who are will
ing to VOluntecr-ministors at large-tt
toll us so. An attempt will he made t.
put each man where he can work best
expenses will be borne and noble compcn
sation will be found in the service OF TIN
King,
We cannot succeed without preparation
To this end conVcrging lines of prepaid
ton are suggested. Ministers might wei
be much in meditation and Self-eXamina
tion. Let the members of the churches b.
much in the spiIit of prayer and the mas
ter note of all our preaching be cvangoli
cal. We recommend also that with tn
November communion, the half hour be
fore the Sunday morning service be SC
aside for two months as a time of com
mon prayer, that meetings he held in tn
churches and that the whole people d
join in rocking from God the great gift o
His spirit,
In arranging the details of tho winte
meetings let us he as careful about on
plans and as tho%roughgoing in our at
tCmpts to reach the people az in an or
binary political campaign. The King
business demandeth care.
4 meeting of the leaders OF the worI
will be held just before the missions ar
begun for preparation and einpowermenl
We cannot conquer without co-Opera
ton. Let us seek, therefore. to make tn
most Of our common strength, subOrdin
ate self concern to the interest of til
kingdom and with ono accord keep ste
with the purpose Of God. The work ought