The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-05-08
General Conference OF the Methodist
Episcopal Church South. -.


LOUISVILLE, Ky, May 4.-But little Of gen.
raj importance was done in the Conference
to-day except the presentation of an address
signed by all the bishops This address was
very long, and begins with congratulations
on the peace and prosperity of the Church.
On this point it says:
awhile the world is all astir with advanc-
ing thought, great enterprises, and moment
Gus eyeuts-social, political, and ecclesasti.
cal--our preachers abide steadfast In the
Wesleyan theology, and our people give to
truth reYerent welcome. There is no agi-
tation as to doctrine or OF discipline to dis
turb the quiet OF our Zion. This state of
things is largely due to the broad iberality
OF our system, giving full range 10 thought
and expression, and thus removing provo
cation TO dissent and resistance by the con-
seriousness Of recognized freedom"
4 general appeal was made for the spread
:of missionary work, domestic and foreign.
as to the increase OF church buildings, the
address says.
" We are glad to report to you the wender.
full progress in church-building, both as to
the number OF houses, style OF architecture,
and accommodations for comfort ut all sea-
SONS. Consolidation Of the feeble societies
lat eligible centres has enlarged the congre-
;gations, secured more uniform administra-
ton OF the ordinances, given stability and
permanent form to the Sunday schools, and
made the arrangement OF circuit work more
convenient and effective"
Discussing education, the address says:
1--WE do not hesitate to ayow that we re-
gard the education of the young as one of the
leading features of the Church, and that she
cannot ebdicate in favor of the State without
iufidelity to- her trust and irreparable dam
age to society. The reasons for occupying
this ground, which inhere in the very nature
of this interest, and in the relation of chill
dren to Church, are all intensified By the an
tagoniSms of modern science and the out
casting OF all religious elements from all the
school systems fostered by State legislation.
cit is not ours to dispute jurisdiction with
Cesar, but are fully persuaded that the salt
OF religious truth alone can preserve educs.
ZION from abuse and mischieYous results.
We feel that the responsibilities of the
Church grow with the progress Of society
and the demands Of the age.
We anticipate in the near future com.
plete system of universities, colleges, and dis.
trict schools; academies sustained by our
people and manned by all our graduates, all.
| thoroughly equipped, a rounded plan reach
| ing from the lowest to the highest, and Sc
VIC SalCfo uul 10 vi q Sul lJIldu
| ton to all the rising generation committed to
our charge. -...
s.The silence of the discipline in terms is a
plan with some for eXpunging the paragraph
| in which dancing was specified among the
| things forbidden as had been construed by
Others into relaxation Of the law equivalent
to license. We think the rule is plain, and
we know the LOST General Conference ex-
pressed itself strongly in condemnation OF
| this evil. Nevertheless the pleas are made
80 that the Church Is enfeebled In her re-
monstrance and the preacher paralyzed In
his pas::.o..aaii government. Both parties look
to you for relief.-Ne hope you may be able
to furnish 1t. You cannot make new law,
but you can define the old:'
An appeal is made for more earnest OBJ
servsnces Of family religion. The address
says:
"We regret to say the Church Conference
is comparative failure. In the stations
generally they have done well; are very
useful. In the circuits, as q rule, they have
been inefficient. The fault Is commonly with
the preacher, who does not like them, does
not know how to hold them-sometimes
with the people often with both. Time
and experience may correct this order OF
things and Yindicate the wisdom of the in.
sltution. 1t seems to us to be necessity
both to wise pastoral oversight, just distri.
button of service among the members, and
an effective use and application of the re-
sources Of the Church. 1t might be well to
give the preacher in charge larger discre-
ton as to the manner Of holding them, sc
that in the absence Of all pressing business
they might be made strictly devotional"
The address closes with tribute to the
departed Bishops Andrew and Early. z.a
The quadrennial exhibit Of the Southern
Methodist pubIishing-house was then pre-
. sented. The report says the credit Of the
house is excellent, its affairs in q prosperou;
, condition, and its capital largely increased
in the last four years. A difference of 1928,
684.66 in favor of the house Is reported fol
, the past four years. The house has now {
capital of S314,037 over and above obi liabil
tiles. 1t has debt:te the amount Of S219,
3 $40, 100000 of which is reported as bono
, account. The remaining debt must be me
: by debts now due the house and its curren
business. The report, which is q pamphle
, of sixteen pages, gives good account of thl
publications made and the circulation Of TIL
/ Christidn Aduocate. ,,,.a gJ as
!, Standing committees were then agrees
, upon, with the addition of committees OF
temperance and the Bible cause. DR.. Mi
| Ferrin, missionary secretary, presented
, yoluminous repart.--The total amount {
:. contributions, donations, requests, etc
, from June /, 1870, to April 16, 1877
. amounted to $780,, $3.50. Expenses same p,
riod amounted to S14,339, little less tina
+ four per cent. Of the cost Of tne whole M
/ chinery.