Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1909-01-21

The circular conference OF Conp,I
churches met With Bethany church Tues
day, but ON account Of some disappoint-
ments in the program only the afternoon
session was held.
A congregation Of about 30 listened to
a sermon By Rev. G. N. Krook of West
Fairlee, who has lately taken charge OF
the church in East Braintree. His theme
was the growth or loss OF the church in
spirituality, and he chose for his text Ec-
clesiastes 7:10-ssSay not thou, what is
the cause that the former days were better
than these. for thou dost not inquire
wisely concerning this" Most Of us, be
thought, are more prone to look upon the
evil rather than the good, and TO see the
dark side rather thsn the light. We
must tolerate each other. There are dis
agreeable things everywhere, not onty in
politics, from whose disappointments
men have died, but, judging by the num-
Der Of divorce cases in the county courts.
there are unpIeasantnesses even in mar
ried life.
When We review the last, we can with,
st. Paul, thank God and take courage.
The church is gaining in spiritual power
Il is stronger numerically. every fourth
man now being enrolled under some
Christian banner, and It Is consequently
better able to graple with the problems
presented 20 il. Though one with God Is
q majority and though one shall chase
thousand and two shall put the enemy to
fight, numbers and financial resources
are not to be despised In Christian war
fare against the forces OF evil Indfca-
tions Of prosperity in a church mean that
there are 50 many more to take advan-
taRe OF the opportunities for work.
II the church should be called upon to-
day to suffer martyrdom for its faith, as
in the old ties, there would still be found
men and women willing to 60 to the rack
and the safiold. There is no further need
for heroic demonstrations; We no longer
loudly acclaim our belief, for We have
come 70 know that noise is not religion;
but for all these changes, the church of
today will compare fairly with the
church past and gone. Therefore, s'say
not thou, v hat is the cause that the form
er days were better than these, for thou
dost not inquire wisely"
Rev. F. A. Wells of the Center followed
Mr.. Krook with q discussion Of what is
Christianity, which be defined as the pre-
eeuts and doctrine Of Christ, expressed in
the life Of Christ. perfect and complete
illustration OF those precepts.
Christ came, mt 10 destroy. but to full
ill, to build upon the foundation Of the
Mosaic code. Gle came TO reveal God to
man. and man to himself. From crea-
tion itself, the heavens have been declar-
ing the glory Of God, and the armament
showing his handfwork. but men misin-
terpreted these signs and failed to see in
their manifestations loving Father in
stead Of $ vengeful deity. Christ came to
declare the great truths Of nature and the
destiny Of man, 10 Be concrete example
OF the love Of God. Be taught men to
say sour Father" The Jews had looked
upon Him as God OF justice. Of wrath
and vengeance, q God to be propitiated
/ by sacrifices, but Christ revealed TO them
a Father more loving than an earthly par
ent. He came to fit the KEY to the Gospel
message, to show us what could be done
with human life, to mould human clay
into diviner form, to paint human virtues
in brighter coIors.
The last speaker was School Supervisor
ID. w. Lewis, whose subject was ssThe
Layman's Part in the PRONUNCIATION of
Christianity which he divided under
three heads-first. his duty as a church
member IN aiding his pastor to make the
church practical, efficient power in at
tracing and winning the unconverted to
Christ; second, his wonderful Opportuni-
ty Of example In the community as to the
kind and quality Of manhood a belief i'm
Christ makes possible; third, actual evan.
gelical work among those with whom he
is wont to gain influence; fourth, sharing
freely with those about him such culture,
knowledge, means and peace as may be
his.
The true laywan should hold himself
ready as the willing Lieutenant of the
minister, to take his place in any church
Office, on any committee or in any plan OF
effort which shall strengthen the working
Of the church and the influence Of the
pastor. The life OF the layman should be
, vital embodiment Of the ethics Of Chris
tianity set forth in the pulpit. The
work Of the minister is to point out, tC
direct, to show how that of the laity is
to make this instruction effective.
. 1t goes without saying that the lay.
mans influence and power through
Christian living among men with whom
he is daily engaged is far more potent
than anything a minister may say or do
The faithful open, whole-hearted
straightforward Christianity lived out il
! the marts OF commerce is the CREATES
means today Of promulgating the Gospel
: Ladies' hair work Mrs. II. H. Bear
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