Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-04-09

cago. H., secretary OF tn National
Councils Committee on Congregational
Brotherhood. As the afternoon program
had almost entirely to do with the great
brotherhood movement which e spring
ing UP in the Congregational churches,
Mr. Dyer took for his subject "The Mis-
sion of the Congregational brotherhood. "
The ideal brotherhood, he said, is OF
Christian origin and spread rapidly dur
ing the Apostolic age and for centuries
following. When Christianity came in
contact with harbarc hordes the brother
hood became more and moro ec-
clcsinstical and tt was thought that IL
could not exist in the world of common
affairs but must withdraw into secluson.
The Reformation. however. changed this
and the idea Of brotherhood again came
to be associated with common life
1t has manifested itself IN various
forms of organization. A hundred years
ago It was seen in the organization Of
the Sunday school for the instruction ot
the young in religious truth. About Tho
same time arose the organization %
young men and women for missonary
purposes. About 20 years ago there was
a feeling that there was a gap between
the younger and the adult members OF
tho Christian congregations. To All this
gap and 10 bring the younger elem"nta
IN the congregation into active service
In tho church the young peoples
organizations arose. notably the Chris
tian Endeavor movement. II Is now felt
that the men Of the church are not doing
the most effective work possible for the
promotion Of religious life at home and
abroad. and the present movement is de-
signed to organize them for this ser
vice
The brotherhood is not yet formally
organized but il is proposed to do 50 at
meeting 10 he held at Detroit. Mich.
the last Of this month Tho meetings
will be held in the First Church In hat
city whose pastor is the Re- g Glenn
Atkins who takes a deep interest in the
movement.
DISCUSSION OF SUBJECT
Mr. Dycr's address was followed by
a discussion, Prof. s. +. Emerson ot
the university leading. Professor En-
erson emphasized the distinction be-
tween two methods by whinu God re-
veals himself to man. Tho first is the
revelation made IN the Bible This is
the revelation that has been cmpha-
sized by tho English speaking people.
hat another revelation IS through the
common relations and affairs Of life
This is the method emphasized on the
continent OF Europe. These two are
not exclusive of each other but Pro
fessor Emerson emphasized the neces-
'itY Of giving more attention to the
second method, ne specially lifted TO
meet the moral and religious needs of
to-day. The proposed Organization Is
well fitted TO bring this 70 the atten-
tior and make II effective in life.
The Rev. y. l.. Hillard Of New Hav-
on said that the great necessity Of the
day is public sentiment friendly 20
spiritual life. This sentiment Is ere.
ated by tho mon of the community.
hence the opportunity IL offered to the
brotherhood to create that sentiment
that would give to religion a stronger
influence In the community.
Among others who participated IN
tn" discussion were G. I. Button of
Middloburv; II. &. Howard and Fred :.
Peaso OF Burlington; the Rev. r. r.
Davies Of Nergennes the Rev. w. p,
jackson of ST. A.oans At the close
OF tho discussion MIR. Dyer answered
several questions relative to the broth
crhood organization.
RESOLUTIONS
At the close of the afternoon sos-
sion til" following resolution was read
and adopted:
Resolved. that tho Congregational
club Of Western Vermont endorse most
heartily the movement for the organ
ization Of tho CONGREGATIONAL Brother
hood and urge the Congregational
churches of Vermont 70 participate by
sending delegates "a tho brotherhood
convention to be held a Detroit Mich
April Is.
The informal conference on foreign
missions with Or. G. Fl. Patton was
not held, owing TO the Iateness OF tho
hour. At c p N. the meeting adjourn
cd to the parish house. where a boun-
tiful suprer was served by the ladies
of the parish.
EVENING SESSION.
The evening session opened in the
church at 7:3o O'Clock with a some
what larger attendance than in the
afternoon. The meeting was opened
with a devotional service and music
by the church choir.
LAYMEN'S MISSIONARY MOVEMENT
The principal address Of the evening
was delivered by the Rev. c. II. Pat
ton. y. D.. home secretary of the Am
erican Board. who spoke on "rhe Lay
mems Missionary Movement" Mr..
Patton delivered a strong and eloquent
address which struck home with vital
force to every one OF his listeners. tie