Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1858-01-07
From the New York Express, Dec. Is.
A RreeZe Among MethOdisls.


A Breeze Among MethOdists.
A convention of Clerical and Lay Dele.
gates from various Methodist Episcopal
churches in Western New York, was held
in St. Johns M. E. Church, Rochester
Monday. The subject of deliberation was
the proposed change in the representation
in General Conference, by which the
Laity may be permitted to have a share in
its deliberations and Legislative action, and
modification of the Presiding Eldership.
A large number of the prominent members
of the Church were in attendance, repre-
senting churches in different parts of the
State.
This subject has been discussed to con-
siderable extent in the organ of the denom-
ination and petitions were presented at the
last General Conference, but this is the
first public convention called to take for
NAL action in the premises, SO far as we are
informed.
George Shelton, Esq, of Rochester,
President, and J. W. Stebbins, Esq, and
Mr.. Jollie, of Macedon, acted as Secretaries.
The discussion was quite animated, but
at the close of the days proceedings the
convention had not come to any definite
conclusion upon the main question. We
quote from the report of the proceedings in
the Democrat:
Mr.. --, of Castleton, said the peo-
pie feel that the Presiding Eldership is a
useless burthen upon them. The burthen
had been endured for long time, because
it was hard to change; but the time came
when there is q general demand for the
reform,
Mr.. Kinney, of Ovid, said our missionary
treasury has gone backward 100000; and
it would continue until it became bankrupt,
if the will of the clergy is to be the law of
the laity forever. The gag will not be en-
dured longer.
Rev. Mr.. Matteson, of Syracuse, was
reminded of the Scripture, which reads
"Thou reproachest US also" we dominies.
But he had not in a long time felt so much
like saying "glory to God:7 And what
has not borne away by his feelings, he had
not in many years been in meeting augu-
ring so well for the future of the Methodist
church, as this does He was glad to see
these laymen with hard hands and soft
hearts, who lodge and feed US and our
horses, taking action in this matter. He
was, with his whole heart, in this matter,
and he hoped the "Rights of the Laity"
would be maintained. Inscribe it on your
banner, brethren, and keep it there. (Sen-
sation.) ~
Mr.. Burton, of Cincinnati, said they
wanted no presiding elder in his church,
any more than they wanted fifth wheel
to wagon. He does US no good whatev-
er He mentioned the fact that Union
Chapel, Cincinnati, passed resolutions
against the Presiding Eldership, allowing
him to get his salary out of the congrega-
ton, if he could. The ministers who con-
gregate about the Book Concern, where
most of the troubles in the church origin
ate (sensation) were excited by the resolu-
ton, and declared that the Union Chapel
had repudiated the P. E. and refused to
pay him or have anything to do with him.
Mr.. Mattison inquired if Mr.. Burton
was not one Of those who in Cincinnati
started that 'great Innovation" pewed
church:
Mr.. Burton-I was one of that band !:
glory be to God. And the effort was sue
cessful. He said further that some one
had remarked that when the clergy are re-
solved upon sustaining something relating
to their order, they called upon the Bish-
op, who sends to Washington for his troops
to assist. Laughter. Well, let the Bish-
op send now for his troops. 1t will re-
mind US of that King who marched up
the hill with 10000 men. Laughter.
Mr.. Hunt, of Andover, said that his
charge came to the conclusion several
years since, that they could dispense with
the services of the Presiding Elder. He
has not visited us more than twice year
and we thought if we could get along with
out him at two meetings, we might at four.
II was further heard that the Missionary
Fund was low; and it occurred to us that
we should give to that fund the $4,000 we
pay in three conferences to Presiding e.
ders. That's it. As to lay representa-
ton in general conference, We think that
it would be wise TO consider that subject,
and that possibly all interests might be ad-
vaneed thereby.