Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1869-07-07

NJ. Il. Church.--Lay Delegates.

So far MS returns have been received the propo-
sition to admit lay Delegates has prevailed,
in the country churches especially by large ma
jorities-probably by "a two-thirds vote through
out the entire denomination This PROPOSE
ton, though one of vital interest, we imagine
is but impcrleetly understood outside Of the de-
nomination Immediately affected. As we under
stand it, the proposed system gives each church
two delegates. In the roorgnized Conference,
the clergy and laity will sit as one body but on
any ques ion by vote Of two-thirds Of either
section, they can withdraw, and act separately
in which the concurrent assent Of each branch
will be requisite to adopt any given measure
Hence, if the aity desire to do any act obnoxious
to the great prepondemnce of the clergy, the lat
ter will have the power ciioctually to prevent it,
Practically, the laws Of the Methodist church
have hitherto made their ministry an ccclesiast-
cal hierarchy. Their church polity clothes them
with almost absolute power, both in spiritual and
| temporal affairs. In case Of difference between
pastor and church, as we understand il, there is
no appeal, except TO clerical officers. And yet,
the denomination has been one of the most ardent
in its attachment TO the cause of universal liberty
and equality Of rights. The clergy of this de-
nomination have led the van in all movements for
the overthrow of oppression and the triumph of
human freedom. Nor have any felt tho incon-
gruity and injustice Of their church polity in
this respect more than many Of the clergy them
selves and throughout the country the most ear
nest and persistent advocates of lay representa-
ton are found among their own bishops and min
isters
This question has repeatedly been agitated be-
fore. 1t was submitted 10 the churches a few
years since, but then failed, chiefly because of n
Observation-Disclosures body of the membership
hcsitating TO vote for the change against what
was understood, though enormously, to be the
feeling and wishes Of the clergy. All apprehen-
sions of this nature are now happily removed,
and the desired change will be accomplished
without disturbing the harmony of the denomi-
nation.
Surprise has been sometimes expressed that the
system which has 50 long prevailed, was ever
adopted. But little investigation will remove all
surprise Methodist church government was
m out-growth from the necessities Of the case
not creation. Methodism, in its early days,
had rapid growth, Its stronghold was among
the common peope--or &" lower classes, as they
were called in the old country. The feryor of
Wesley and his associates fired the people Con-
yerts multiplied rapidly, and charges were
added almost daily The converts needed to he
| organized. Societies must be established. But
/ the converts knew nothing of either civil or
church government. Hence it became absolutely
necessary that this mass of devoted willing.
humble, sincere, but unlettered and untutorcd
Christians, should be consolidated, organized and
made effective by other hands than their own
And the converts themselves knew their uttei
incapacity for self government, and trusted will
implicit confidence in those who had been tn,
means Of rescuing them from impending ruin
not only in respect to church affairs, but indec,
with reference to their everyday domestic an'
/ business life. And time has demonstrated tina
that confidence was by no means misplaced.
b But times have materially changed. The neces
l. sity out of which this order of government spon
d taneously grew, has long since passed away. n
9 longer are the Methodist masses obliged by tli
J. limited mngo of their information to rely upo
e their leaders. Educated and cultivated then
d selves, they are abundantly qualified to give q
C well us take advice-to govern as well as ODE,
: They possess definite and heightened views upo
e every subject, The day of necessary dependence
/. past-the day Of ecclesiastical rule is passing
ID and ought to pass. This great, intelligent, pow
$ eriu, wealthy church is ready to administer i
es OWN affairs, jointly with its spiritual oyerseer
o. And with its mpdy-increasing numbers, INTEL
r gence, opulence, and accorded rights, may
fe never lose jot of its original humility, yea
n and reiormatory power.