The New York herald., 1873-06-24
TEE METHODIST MINISTERS.

Methodist Declension Turns Out To BE
an Absolute ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Theology in Methodist PuIpits-Beccher
and Bowen's Vicious Influence-Spicy
Debates.
The discussion of the causes OF Methodist declen
sion in the cities OF New York and Brooklyn lost
nothing by standing over couple OF weeks. Yes
terday the preachers were out in goodly numbers,
and the debate was resumed. DR.. E. 0. Haven,
DR.. Curry, Rev. Mr.. French. Rev. Mr.. Vail, DR..
Holdich and Rev. John Parker participated In the
discussion. DR.. Haven admitted the fact OF de-
cline but did not think 1t was due to q lack OF
piety in the pulpit nor to the preaching of emas
culated theology by the ministry. There is power
IN the doctrines of the Gospel to-day ever, But
changes have come over the thought and study OF
the people, and the machinery Of past ages is not
found to be 80 effective now as it was formerly.
The Doctor thought new methods OF preaching
clothing Old truths in new formsare needed, but he
was not prepared to suggest what would be most
beneficial or convincing.
FERNIcIoUs INFLUENCE OF BEEcHER.
DR.. CURRY considered one cause of the declen-
sion oil Methodsm In these cities was the ministry
OF emascuated theology The ministers VINO are
most popular in the two cities are those who
preach Christianity without Christ and without
the leading doctrines OF the Bible. Too many Of
the Methodist ministry strive to initiate and fol-
low Mr.. Beecher, whose influence he considered
exceedingly pernicious upon the moral aud spirit
ual growth OF the community. Both in his pulpit
and through his paper Mr.. Beecher is doing the
cause OF religion great harm. The Doctor consid-
cred the influence Of the Independent very damag-
Ing but that OF the Christian U,tOn lar more so.
Then the system OF religious colonization has ceased
altogether. This is another cause of deciine and
the experiences Of church machinery at present
demands all the numbers an4 wealth that each can
obtain to keep IT running without sending any
Mr.. FRENCH gave one or two Illustrations OF the
causes OF this non.fructlfying spirit and energy In
the Church. The power which formerly resided
in the altar has been transferred TO the pulpit and
nothing less than star preachers viii suit most OF
the Methodist churches now. And these men cannot
be had without being well paid for. Hence all tne
energies OF the Church are now directed toward
the intellectual aud gsthetica in religion, while
the spiritual is let alone.
FIGURES DON'T LIE-wHAT THEY SHOW.
Mr. x VINO some t%s oi the as
started, remarked that the iacts did not warrant
the conclusions drawn BY some Of his brethren.
could hardly hold its own In the city OF New York,
and as some periods 1t was on an average, 1000
1t took an upward start and increased about three
hundred members, and IT mas been steadily IN IN,
G m %
such q showing was the best refutation
tnas could be presented to the emasculated
theology doctrine. The great discrepancy lies IN the
percentage OF pr0bationers who become full mem
bers and in the members VINO leave this city for
grow up and marry, and a change in living becomes
necessary, and they move to Brooklyn, Jersey City
or Westchester county and round about where
they have more Of the comforts OF life at less
expense than they can obtain here. During
his pastorate OF three years In Thirteth street
church, he gave lS6 letters to members for the
most part leaving the city. He received at the
same time, by letters from other churches, about
one hundred and fifteen. HIS church was blessed
with q revival, and about one hundred and twenty
four were added thereto. so that there was an alb
soiute increase, Notwithstanding the large drain
upon the church.
A FEARLESS PREACHER or CHRIST.
Rev. JOHN PARKER entered strong protest
against the two brethren (Drs. Curry and H0lech),
who occupy easy positions and are not in the min
istry at all, coming here to lecture them on lazi
ness In the pulpit and to slander them by asserting
that they preach emasculated theology. For him.
self, he would say that he never preached sermon
without having Christ In II; He knew Ihat ne mac nad
rion and he had the b0dness to tell how and where
Dr. CrRRS explained the ease OF his own posi-.
twice yesterday and rode twenty miles to meet his
appoiutment; he worked the other six days of the
week and two nights until midnight, but being 0
young and vigorous man tthe Doctor is past sew
enty he could stand It and appear fresh before the
meeting this morning.
THIS ended the discussion for the day. It will be
taken up again next Monday morning.
Father BBRs0N was then introduced and brteny
addressed the meeting on
THE INDIAN QUESTION.
he asked tho sympatny and moral support OF the
ministers to repress the murders and violence put
forth against the red men. A meeting is to be
Wednesday evening" and In the Cooper Institute
on Monday morning and evening. to which he In
vited the brethren ana their congregations. He
asked them also to preach spectal sermons on the
DR.. J. A. DEAN spoke briefly In regard to the
pecuniary wants OF the East Tennessee wesleyan