The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1922-10-23

| The Rev Lyman Abbott, ID. ID, was
one Of the most active leaders IN many
avenues of religious and civic thought
Fl IN the United States. AS preacher, edi.
tor, author and theologian he exhibited
a quality of character which impressed
itself on all who came In contact with
him, singular poise and serenity Of
spirit.
In his early youth, after graduation
from the University Of the City Of
New York, be studied law and was ad-
mitted to the bar, and afterwards
practiced in partnership with his broth
ers, Benjamin n. and Austin Abbott.
Giving up the law for theology, he
studied for the ministry Of the Congre
gational church, with his uncle, 8. G.
Abbott, and was ordained Mt Farming
ton, Me-, in 1860. His first charge was
in Terrc Haute, Ind, where he re-
manned five years.
As editor Of the Christian Union,
which was later to be known as the
Outlook, his work. in association with
that Of the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher,
marked him as a man of great promise
rowly conventionalized, but overlap
ping and spiritualixing many Of the So
cial and civil problems 81 the time.
After the death Of Mr.. Beecher, DIR.
Abbott became pastor OF Plymouth
church in Brooklyn, where his predeces-
sor had earned fame as one of the fore
most pulpit orators in America He
was installed IN Plymouth chufch on
Jan. l6, 1900, and remained in charge
until 1900, when he resigned. He pub
lishcd a life Of Henry Ward Beecher
and volume of his sermons.
In DR. Abbott's work as editor Of
the Outlook, In which be was associated
la his long career with many famous
men, including Theodore Roosevelt, he
sought to interpret the different orders
Of political organizations from the
Christian viewpoint.
Those who were near him during this
part of his life say that extraordinary
working power was one Of his chief
characteristics. Moderation and sanity
we're the chief notes Of his tempera-
ment and attitude. He commanded at
tention by his transparent sincerity
and by gift Of clear persuasive state
ment.
The range Of DIR. Abbott's connec-
ton with civic enterprises was very
wide; he had intimate association with |
betterrnent work in many fields. He |
held office in at least score of organ
izations for city, state and national,
and even international reform, and was
actively interested in many others, in |
cluding societies for child, civil and |
prison reform, charity organizations,
forestry associations and the American
Red Cross society.
DR.. Abbott was known not only to
his friends and co-workers but to the
public as well, as a rational optimist;
one who sees clearly present obstacles
and evils, but is confident that the Gre
ative forces in society are making for
the freedom and happiness Of man, and
must prevail.
The ardor for spiritual achievement
kept him always at high points Of OBJ
ervation and explains in a measure the
harmony he was able to- establish be-
.ween himself and his work, which was
ifuutki0uS 4Oi a tudH VI nitkut fHyrt4ut
md small muscular strength.
Before starting on what might be
'alled his ministerial career, he, in coll
alteration with his brother, wrote two
lovels: "Come-cut Corners" and
Mathew Caraby."
His most important volumes are
The Result of Emancipation in the
Inited States "OId Testament Shad-
'ws of New Testament Truths" "A
.aymans Story" "Dicti3nary of Relig-
Gus knowledge "A Study in Human
Nature" "The Theology of an Evolu-
ionist." "The Evolution of Christian
ty." Social Problems" and Problems
4 Life"
The following saying is at once wide !
Y quoted and Characteristic of him:
He who denies the brotherhood of
ian is as much an infidel as he who de-
les the fatherhood of God"
DIR. Abbott was born in Roxbury, :
lass, Dec. Is. 1885 In 1857. he mar =
led Abby Frances Hamlin, who died in :
a07. BY her DIR. Abbott had six chill \
rem, two Of whom, Ernest II. and Law
snce r., were associated with him in | :
he tnanaOeruent Of the 0utlnol