The New York herald., 1873-12-09
THE METHODIST MINISTERS.
DIR. Curry ON Methods OF Preaching and
Church Work-A Return to First Prin.
ciples Recommended.

DIR. Curry ON Methods OF Preaching and
Church Work-A Return to First Prin-
ciples Recommended.
According to previous appointment DR.. Curry
yesterday entertained and instructed the pastors
OF New York; Brooklyn and vicinity with his views
on the causes Of Methodist decline, and the
methods whereby progress may be attained. He
pleasantly assured his brethren that having him.
sell been an unsuccessful pastor, he was well
qualified to tell them why, and to point out to
them the mistakes OF his ministry. His address
was confined mainly to preaching and pastoral
work. OratOrical preaching he considered inefec-
tive, II not absolutely bad. He commended, indi-
rectly however, the English style OF exhorting
or expository preaching, which is so entirely df-
ferent from our American style.
MINISTERS ARE NOT DIRECT ENOUGH
in their preaching and In their appeals, and he
lieved the reason is that they don't fully believe
that their fellow men are really in danger Their
preaching too falls inefrectual upon men until the
latter feel themselves in need OF grace. Without
this feeling the atonement Is the most unnecessary
thing that can be recommended to them. But to
the awakened soul 1t is instinct with liie The
Doctor regretted the lack or diligence among min
isters and advised them to go into their studies,
and on their knees read the disciplinary rules on
preaching The Doctor summarized those rules
which come under the head OF diligence He read
also from Wesley IS advice to his helpers. He laid
out also q
PLAN FOR MINISTERIAL AND PASTORAL WORK.
In this plan he would give the minister holiday
on Monday, saturdays should be spent In refresh
the other four days he would have devoted TO pre-
paration and study Tor the Sabbath services and
the afternoons given TO pastoral visitation, during
which, in three months. the circuit OF the entire
membership or the church might be made even at
the rate OF only six day. The Doctor believed that
ministers might do great deal OF good In this way
and be able also to keep themselves abreast OF the
thought or the age and OF their people, Everything
beyond their own proper working he thought was
damaging TO ministerial success. He advocated
special seasons for revival work and showed that
such work could not be successfully carried on at
all times OF the year. He believed this is Gods
method and economy. We can't jump to this work,
deemed the present agencies OF the Church, II pro-
perly worked sufficient for all the legitimate pur-
poses OF the Church. In short he would have his
brethren 80 back to Arst principles and be and act
DR.. ]. Ii. vincent, who was also expected to
speak, was appointed to address the meeting two
N. Buckley, OF Brooklyn. is TO read an essay on
PLAGIARISM IN THE PULPIT,
which, no doubt, will be full OF wit ana wisdom.
The Rev. DR.. Webb, OF Lincoln University, OK
ford Pa, presented the claims OF that institution
to the support OF Methodists In New York. It is
maintained under the auspices OF the Presbyterian
preparing for the ministry about one-half are
Methodists. $40 month will give them board,
education and everything, but the panic has cut
on their supplies. Dr. Webb wants access 60 the
congregations who may be interested In the
education OF colored young men for the ministry.
the signature OF his brethren o memorial to Con-
gress asking for the appointment OF COMMISSION
to inquire into all the facts and statistics Of the
liquor traIlc In the United States. Adjourned.
A meeting OF pastors and others was held In the
afternoon to talk over the best methods OF advanc-
ing revvals in the churches.