The Newtown bee., 1903-07-31
Ten Pages.
L.ITCHFlELD COUNTY
ROXBURr.

Lie Congregations OIl ldSU sunday,
both morning and evening, were large.
The morning sermon was founded upon
John 3 3, Except man be born again,
The subject was ''The New Birth
The preacher said the text was only a
sample among many Bible texts which
emphasize this doctrine, and the en-
trance into Christian life is of the
nature of a "birth' rather than a
growth. A new life is implanted in
the soul, which can only be effected by
an act of God, who alone can give life.
The necessity of this is proven from
the fact of sin, Gods attitude toward
sin, Heavens demands for holy citi-
zenship, and specific statements of
Scripture. Scripture and reason unite
in beautiful harmony in portraYing
this necessity. The practical effect Of
the new birth is the "beginning'' of a
Christian life, not the ''maturity" Of
Christian life. Christians are not born
by any outward ceremonial act, such as
baptism or joining the church, but
through personal repentance and real
faith in Jesus Christ to that end.
Some belong to the church who have
and ' Wesley este hi had " preached many Years
before they discovered they had not
been ''born again." and both sought
and found what made of them different
men. Some have come down to death
in sorrow and remorSe, cOnfesSing that
they never knew this experience, al
though they had belonged to the
church. II without this experience,
let us seek it now, for to find it is our
gracious privilege in the Gospel.
The evening sermon was the fourth
of the series on "Pilgrim's Progress"
and took Christian over Hill Difficulty,
through his successful encounter with
ApollyOn. The text was Eph. 6: II,
"Put on the whole armor of Cod" APP
prOpriate verses were sung by the choir
at intervals in the discourse. Empha-
sizing Christians continued integest in
the Celestial City, solo beginning 81
have read of a beautiful city," was
sung by one of the male soloists present,
an accompaniment peing played by
Miss Eva Hurlbut, the organist. The
service. closed promptly at $50 and re-
tanned the closest attention of the au-
dience throughout.
The special topic next Sunday even
ing will be "The Martyrdom of Vani-
ty Fair"
Next Sunday morning at lO.45 the
pastor will preach on the topic THE
Ushering in of Light.'' At this SER
vice benevolent collection will be ia
ken, the proceeds of which will be
equally divided among the following:
The American Bible Society, the Tract
Society and the Sunday School Union.
Every member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church sOlemnly promises to con-
tribute something to these benevolen-
ceS when he uniteS with the church.
Added to this will be the delight of the
true Christian heart in being able to do
q 1iff1o for tho q n nf tho Po-
deemer's Kingdom. These facts being
noted, this offering will show good
result, no doubt.
Miss jennie Trowbridge returned,
Saturday, from visit to her cousin,
Mrs Dwight Atwood of Middlebury.
She reports having fine time.
A match game of croquet was played,
last Saturday, between two experts:
the vice-president of New York inSur-
ance company, and a government Off
Ger. At the conclusion of the contest,
the score stood five to two in favor of
the vice-president.
William Merwin is reported as much
better, and able to sit up.
Mrs Ira Hamlin is confined to her
bed with malarial fever.
H. Hubbard of New York spent Sun
day at Walter Booths.
Mr. and Mrs j. Kenway of Ridge
wood, N. j., returned home on Monday,
having visited o. J. Hubbard. -
Mrs George Sherman visited in New
York, the past week.
George Evitts of Waterbury is visit
ing his brother, Fred Evitts.
Quite large number attended
Mains circus at New Milford, last
week.
Mrs G. Botsford, who has been caring
for her mother for several weeks, has
returned to New York.
DIR and Mrs J. Deffendorf of Middle
town are visiting at H. II. Warmers.
l.. Castle and wife have been spend
ing few days in New York and vicin-
ity.
Hatch Co. in the Town hall, was well
attended, and the audience was well
pleased.
Rev Alfred Thistleton is spending
his vacation at home. No services in
the Congregational church, last Sunday.
Miss Sadie Utter of New Haven is az
Mrs G. Lemons.