Norwich bulletin., 1913-10-11
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY
 TO THE CHURCH. Sermon by Rev. F. A. Fuller Before Conference of Six Churches.

The conference of the six churches composed of the Congregational churches of Griswold. Hanover, Jewett City, Lisbon, Plainfeld and Preston met with the church at Preston City on Wednesday,. In opening the con ference a hymn was sung and Rev. L. |. Homes, the Baptist minister of Preston City offered prayer after the reading of the scripture. Jerusalem the Golden was sung. The sermon of the morning was by Rev. F. A. Fuller of Norwich. His subject was lnd1- vidual Responsibility of the Church Member to the Church. Text, Epheslans A. 25.
 Why is the individual church mem Der responsible to the church? For each member has a part. When he has put in all he has the church agrees to return to him help and strength. Some consider the church simply lie boat, hospital existing for themselves. They ask what benefit can we derive from the church? The church will do such people little good. God cannot bestow blessings on the selfish Each person has a right to get as large re- turns as possible. but each also is re- sponsible for the welfare of all.
 It has become a fact that a church covenant is treated as though it were mere formality A pledge Is too grave a thing to be dealt with lightly. ] think it the duty of every member to help keep it. How? By being re- sponslble for his own character to keep it right and pure By keeping the win dows of his soul open that he may develop By being active and alert in the service of others as was Jesus Christ. Only by activity in this way can he conserve his own, life. In ac- tivity is moral suicide.
 Further, a church member is respon- sible that his activity be not harmful. by faultfinding. A church growler ought to be outside the church.
 Doubtful Class of Amusements.
 The doubtful class of amusements are a terrible waste of time and influ ence, We all have liberty but not license. We should follow Pauls ex- ample who said: If meat make my brother to offend. I will eat no more meat. We ought to forego If we hurt another There are activities first, -benevOlenceS, second social relations, which include courtesy, cordiality. charity and communion,
 Prepare for Services.
 It Is the duty of the church member to prepare for every service of Wor- ship I believe each member should often tell the old, old story, Each souls. Work pray, talk and love.
 After a hymn was sung, the ladies served an excellent lunch which was enjoyed by all
 The Social Hour.
 After the social hour. the afternoon session was opened by a praise service led by J. K. Hall. The scribe read the minutes of the last meeting. Prayer was offered by the Rev. J. o. BarroWs of Norwich. Five minute reports were given by the various woman's societies of the six churches.
 An anthem, Bells of Praise. was sung.
 On Chinese Revolution.
 The address of the afternoon was given by Rev. c. E. Ewing, Tientsin, China His address was very able and interesting He said in part:
 China is a part of the world now. This age is telling on all the ages in all the world. There is an especially unique revolution in China. We had not anticipated the sudden change. The strangeness of it Is there has been so little bloodshed.
 Phases of the Revolution.
 There is the political revolution China has changed from a. monarchy to a republic This has been brought about largely by the influence of the west which has permeated China. Dr. Sun, despite his recent mistake. is a strong man. I have recently learned Huan has been elected president TOT five years by the national assembly.
 There is the social revolution Queues have come off. Modern cloth ing for men and women IS worn. Woman will insist on the ballot.
 There is an educational revolution. The new education has begun at the top the university and worked through to the lower grades In all this the missionary has played an active part There are all manner of new technical schools.
 There is a revolution in religion. Ancestor worship is the real religion