The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-05-01
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CuURC CHI.
Meeting i'm Favor OF Lay Representation in
Williamsburg.

Meeting i'm Favor OF Lay Representation in
Williamsburg.
meeting In favor OF lay representation In the
General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church was held last evening in the South Second
street church, Williamsburg. The meeting was
largely attended by members OF the churches OF the
denomination in the district, and lively interest
was manifested IN the proceedings.
After the singing OF O hymn Rev. Mr.. Adams
offered an impressive prayer
Brother Hoyt called the meeting to order, and on
his motion Brother Truslow was chosen president.
A large number Of vice presidents and secretaries
Rev. Dr. Andrews, Of st. Johns church, first
addressed the meeting. He thought that the great
question to be considered was of equal interest to
the law and clerical members Of the Church. IL was
first preached In 1861, when unusual political excite
ment prevailed. In 1854 the General Conference OF
Philadelphia adjourned with the understanding that
Law members might take part In future conferences
IL they SO elected by petition. And now It is IN
q Taws IN Mr. Andrews
graduated the laymen and cergymen OF the Church
on their harmonious action heretofore. lie Thought
that the whole question was one OF expedlency
and not OF divine right. Tie best government IN
Church and state Is that In which all classes are rep
resented and this principle was nobly illustrated IN
our late great conflict for national life The STRIFE az
present in Irelandthe gem OF the sea-is also mus
trative OF the question under discussion. ~. An.
drews closed with an eloquent appeal IN favor Oh
lay representation In the General Conference -.
Judge Reynolds; ana then proceeded to speak on the
general question. lie fully endorsed tne positon
taken by Or. Andrews. He Thought tnat al tne
trouble heretofore known In the Cnurcn
was caused by the exclusion OF laymen
from the government OF the church lie
believed that the cergymen were unselnsn anu pure
in their actions but that the lay element would be
a source of strength to them. IL 10 as much the
right of membersof the Church TO have a'voice In
the government OF the Church az Is the right OF the
CITIZEN 10 have voice in the government OF the
state Mr. Hoyt believed that the object Of having
iadiea vote on the question was TO defeat the repre-
aentaor of laymen; but II the ladies voted In the
anirmafIve as he believed they wou "a, the enemies
of The scheme would be disappointed and the ladies'
would lose none OF the love which they now CON-
mand. Indeed, they would command greater
measure of Christian love. He had no doubt, under
any circumstances, but that there would be hearty
cooperation between the laity and the ministry OF
the church.
REV. W. Ii. Boole said his name was not on the
programme and there was no speech In him. He
was not disposed to take sides at present He heard
arguments ON both sides. Some were good and
others bad. The Church Is not indebted to either
cergymen or laymen. IL owes its prosperity to God
alone. Two objections are raised against the admis-
sion OF lay delegates. One Is that they would. de-
stroy system OF itineracy and the oner Is that
they would rule the ministry. But Mr.. Bo0e did
not believe that such would be the result. lie finally
concluded that he would vote In favor Of lay delega-
tOns.
The MEETING adjourned after the doxoloav WA
sung.