Burlington hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1845-185?, 1849-08-16
Methodist Conference.

Methodist Conference.
The Iowa annual Conference Of the Methodist
Episcopal Church met at Fort Madison on Wednes-
day morning last at nine o'clock. Rev. Edmund s.
James, D. D., Presiding Bishop. After the usual
religious exercises the bishop addressed some very
appropriate remarks to the members of conference.
This body consists of some sixty ministers, mostly
young men. Few Of them have passed the meridian
of life, only two three have reached halfa CEN
tury, and one of these holds superannuated rela-
tom Over this vast, and thriving State, these
energetic men itinerate. Several Of them are men
ofdistingushed ability, and there is growing efi-
cheney and moral power that argues well for the fu-
ture religious prosperity and welfare of all who
come within the reach of this powerful influence
and agency for good. ...4
The morning session was consumed in the regu-
lar annual examination Of the candidates for ordi-
dination. To this annual open-door scrutiny Of
character, every preacher in this vast connection
annually submits. Objections, charges and arrests
Of character are always made face to face with the
individual; commendatory observations, questions
touching mere efficiency, and the final passage Of
character occur after the person has, BY leave OF
the President, retired from the room.
Thursday and Friday morning sessions were
spent principally in examinations Of character
All things passed off smoothly and tremendously.
Preaching was kept up during the meeting each af-
ternoon and evening. on Friday night we attend
ed the Missionary meeting. The house was crowd
ed and the addresses of the Rev E. Wentworth,
President of McKendree College, Lebanon, Illinois,
and Of Bishop James, were very eloquent and heart
stirring. The amount collected was about one
hundred and ten dollars.
Saturday morning was occupied in voting for the
next place ofmecting Of Conference and in hearing
reports from committees. On the secord ballot
Fairfield was chosen. ~ ts
The Sermon by Bishop James on Sunday morning,
connected with the Ordination of Deacons, is repre-
scented having been very interesting and instruc
tive. In the afternoon Rev. J. II. Power preach
ed, followed by the ordination of Elders. We may
here remark that the Methodist church recognizes
two orders in the ministry, deacons and presbyters
or elders. Young men are admitted into Confer
ence on trial, and after probation Of two years,
and passing satisfactory examinations in theology
and general literature il in the judgment Of Confer
ence, they possess "gifts, grace and usefulness"
they are admitted to full connection and ordained
deacons. The ceremonies Of ordination are very
interesting and imposing. They do not differ mate
rally in the two cases. The deacons, after two years
probation as such, examined in theology, disci-
pline and character, and are then admitted to ell
ders' orders and are ordained presbyter
The committee on sabbath school Depository
being established in Burlington reported fayorably
and $500 were pledged for its establishment.
The committee on Education reported avorably
in regard to accepting the Mount Pleasant College,
and have appointed suitable persons to perfect the
arrangement.
The next Conference will be held at Fairfield, on
the eth of August 1850, at which Bishop Hamline
will preside.