Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-06-06
Methodist EPISCOPAL Conference.

On Saturday the subject of lay delegation
was disposed Of by the adoption Of the fol
lowing resolutions:
Resolved That we, the delegates of the several
annual conferences in General Conference assem-
blcd, hereby approve .of the Introduction oil lay
representation into the General Conferences, when
it is ascertaincd that the church desires IT second
that the bishops appoint committee OF SIX OF the
clergy and six Of the laity, 10 prepare plan, to be
submitted by the bishops 10 the annual confcrcn
ccs and by the presiding elders TO the quarterly
con terences; and. il receiving 4 majority of votes,
to be brought before the next General Conference
for appreciation without debate. Adopted by yeas
16S, nays IS.
Resolved, That the preachers in the various
charges rc and are hereby, required to lay the
subject Of lay delegates before the members Of the
quarterly conferences. who are III full connection,
between the wears 1869 and lS62, and the results
to be certified to the next succeeding annual con-
ference. with tho number voting Tor and against II;
the voting 10 be by ballot.
Resolved, That the bishops be Instructed to lay
the question: in the same FORM before the annual
conference in lS6-, aud each annual conference
shall furnish the presiding bishop copy ottho re-
suit ana the bishops to report the results 10
the next General Conference.
The report Of the committee on the Book
Concern, and that in favor Of opening n
depository at San Francisco, were adop-
ted.
lt was resolved that the annual conieren-
ces, except California and Oregon, be rcquir-
Cd hereafter to bear the expenses OF their res
pcctivc delegates 10 the general conference
The basis Of representation III tic next gen
eral conference was fixed on the rates OF one
delegate t. thirty members OF the annual
conferences.
The total expenses of the conference were
reported to be Sl0,3S2: receiptS from annual
conferences St, Cos, leaving deficit 81 -,
IL, for which amount draft on the book
concern was authorized.
The second week in january next was adj
yised 10 be obserycl by the church as 4 sea
son Of prayer for the conversion OF the
world.
DR.. Durbin then real the pastoral address
for 1860. which was adopted.
On (Monday) the conference adjourned
sine de-
The action Of the Conference on the sla-
very question, i to the effect, that the de"la
ration OF the subject, is on Y advisory and
not bearing the force Of law, as has been al
ready stated in the abstract Of the proceed
ings.
The report of the majority as adopted is as
follows: I'VE believe that the buying, sell
ing, holding or using of human beings as
chattels, is contrary TO The laws OF God and
nature, inconsistent with the Golden Rule,
and with that rule iii the discipline which
requires all who desire TO remain among rs
to do no harm, and 10 avoid evil OF every
kind Subsequent u the adoption Of tue
above, a resolution was passed declaring the
aloregoing as only "adGisory and mot bear
ing the force Of law While it declares
now in SO many words taat ii has no Ia"
operating Is such on It's membership, upon
the subject of slavery, thc church < yes such
advice and admonition m the Di>c!piin" rs
it deems proper upon this subject.