The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1913-06-19

the church might consider in regard to
the work in the more rural districts of
the diocese. In reply to our circular
letter many of the clergy insisted upon
the necessity OF giving this matter Sc
rious attention. Reports from smaller
towns, and the country districts, lay
great emphasis upon the prevalence Of
degeneracy and sexual vice. However,
while admitting reason for serious con
Germ, il is only too easy to pass sweep
ing COMBINATIONS and to take a gen
orally morbid view of the situation
Granted the need of more of the gospel
of Jesus Christ in our agricultural com
munities, how and by whom is it to be
carriedY Granted the need of a purer
| personal religion, your commission feels
very strongly that what is so sorely
needed in our Vermont towns and cities
| is more faithful faith in the com
munion Of saints, deeper sense of our
brotherhood in the church of God. The
unwillingness to cooperate, the short
sighted selfishness which causes men to
cut off their own noses, has been the
ruin of great opportunities in times
past in the business life of this state.
And so it is in the spiritual life. But
ii our people in the country, as in the
city, need more of the life of fellow
ship in Christ's religion, how are we
to do our part with 40 clergy in $50
towns and cities?
Urges More Clergy.
"After due deliberaton II is the opin- |
ion of your commission that our strong
er parishes such as st. Adams, Burlng- t
ton, Rutland, Bennington, Bellows Falls, |
Montpelier Barre should each have a sec /
ond clergyman. This man could most
profitably make his headquarters in the
parish and devote his whole time to the
country work which lies open on
every side. st. Peters, Bennington, and I
st. Paul's, Burlington, with Trinity /
church, Winooski and generous help from
the diocese are both supporting men
who are giving practically their whole
time to missionary work in the towns
and country adjacent. For instance,
from Burlington as a center, it is pos
sible TO do forward and aggressive work
in Winoosk, Essex Junction South Bur-
lington. Alburg and the surrounding
In each of the towns and cit
les above named there would be a door
opened for vet greater work.
"Our suggestion, if carried out. would
mean four more clergy, and a consider
able increase in expenses for the do
cese, and for the parishes named. We
believe the expense should be shared
by the parishes above named and the
diocese. 1t would be easier to secure
the services Of men suitable for this ag- /
gressive and constructive work if they |
,ould have their residences in these par |
shes and work from them as centers. |
Again, companionship with a fellow la |
,orer in the Lords vineyard is no small |
to one engaged in the :
work of such a nature as we have sug-
rested. We are convinced by reports !
rom different parts of of the state, :
Is well as our own personal experience,
hat there would be plenty Of work for
hese extra clergy to do and that means
an be found to support them. The :
ime has come when We must lift up
ur ewes unto the hills and take more
atholc view of the responsibilities
'hch God has committed to us here in q
orthern New England. A man must "
,ok beyond the homes of church -goers v
nd communicates in good standing to d
elds which are already white with the n
arvest Not laws. more elaborate ma II
hinery, nor institutional work, but
ontinual going forth into the broad
ighway to homes where God is not,
nd the fellowship of Christ not known
that is what is needed. Only too il
ften the clergy confine their work to m
he Protestant Episcopalians Of the viii Il
ge and are contented merely to hold f
he fort against the day Of the Lords nj
ming. II this forward and construc- lie
We work Is to be done by us in the hill bi
'wns and countryside of Vermont, much al
it can be done only from the parishes te