Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1869-07-13
M. E. Church---Lay Delegates.

ed the proposition to admit Lay Del
egates has prevailed, in the country
churches especially, by large MAORI
ties probably by a two-thirds vote
throughout the entire denomination.
This proposition. though one of vital
Interest, we imagine is but imperfect
ly understood outside of the denomi-
nation Immediately affected. As we
understand it, the proposnd system
gives each church two delegates. In
the reorganized Conference, the cler-
gy and laity will sit in one body; but
on any question, by vote of two
thirds of either section, they can with
draw, and act seperately-in which
case the concurrent assent OF each
branch will be requisite to adopt any
given measure. Hence, if the laity
desire to do an act obnoxious to the
great preponderance of the clergy, the
latter will have the power efectually
to prevent it.
Practically, the laws of the Metho-
dist church have hitherto made their
ministry an ecclesiastical hierarchy.
Their church polity clothes them with
almost absolute power, both in spirit
ual and temporal affairs. In case of
a difference between pastor and church
as we understand it, there is no APP
peal, 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 oil rights. The clergy ofthis
denomination have led the van in all
movements for the overthrow OF OPP
preston and the triumph of human
freedom. Nor have any felt the in
congruity and Injustice Of their church
poIity in this respect more than many
Of the clergy themselves and through
out the country the most earnest and
persistent advocates of lay represen-
tations are found among their own
bishops and ministers.
The question has repeatedly been
agitated before. 1t was submitted to
the churches few years siuce, but
then failed, chiefly because Of mis-
undersi anding-the body Of the mem
berehip hcsitating to vote for the
change against what was understood
though enormously, to be the feeling
and wishes of the clergy. All appre
tensions Of this nature are now hap
piiy removed, and the desired change
viii be accomplished without disturb
ING The harmony of the denomination
Surprise has been sometimes eX
pressed that the system which has SC
long prevailed, was ever adopted
but a little investigation will remove
all surprise Methodist church gov
ernmeut was an out-gro with from The
necessities of the Case-nOt creation
Methodism, in its early days, had ;
rapid growth. Its strong hold wa
among the common people-or low
er classes" as they were called in tn,
old country. The fervor OF Wesle,
and his associates fired the people
Converts multiplied rapidly, ant
charges were added almost daily
The converts needed to be organized
Societies mnst be established. Blu
the converts knew nothing OF eithe
civil or church government. Hene
it became absolutely necessary tina
this mass OF devoted, willing. humble
sincere, bat un.ettered and unlutoreC
Christians, should be consolidated, OF
ganized and made effective by othe
hands than their own. And the cor
verts themselves knew their utter il
capacity for self-government, an,
trusted with implicit confidence i
those who had been the means of res
cuing them from impending ruin-no
only in respect to church affairs, bu
indeed with reference to their every
day domestic and business life. An
time has demonstrated that c0nfdenc
was by no means misplaced.
| But times have materially changed
The necessity out of which this OF
= der Of government spODtane0usl
, grew, has long since passed ava!
No longer are the Methodist masSe
, Obliged by the limited range of thei
Information to rely upon their leaders
Educated and cultivated themselves
! they are abundantly qualified to Civ
as well as take advice-to govern a
: we'll as obey. They possess defnit
! and enlightened views upon ever
subject. TIE day of necessary d.
pendence is past-the day of eccles
astical rule is passing, and ought
pass. This great, intelligent, powe
ful, wealthy church is ready TO admin
, lister its own affairs, jointly with il
spiritual overSeers. And with il
rapidly increasing numbers, INTEL
: gence, opulence, and accorded sight
may it never lose one jot Of its orig
nal humility, zeal, and reformation
, power.-Veymont Watchmda.