The New York herald., 1875-12-11
THE METHODISTS AND THE THIRD
TERM.

AN INTERVIEW WITH BISHOP sIMPSoN-HE
DEPREcATEs CHURCH ACTION, BUT FAvoRs A
THIRD TERM HIMsELF-''THE PEOPLE WILL
DO WISELY TO REFLECT GRANT"
The following interview with Bishop Simpson, who
is regarded the head of the Methodist Church in
America, was published in the Philadelphia Item OF De-
cember 10:--
In order ascertain the opinion OF the leading clergy
men in the Methodist Episcopal denomination in this
city upon the nomination Of Grant for third by
Bishop Haven, of Boston, representative OF the Item
called upon Bishop Simpson, at the residence Mount
Vernon street
He found that world. renowned prelate in his library
busy engaged IN writing The pleasant and agreeable
head of the Methodist Episcopal Church in this State
greeted the reporter with hearty welcome.
The following interesting conversation ensued:--
RRPoRTER-l suppose, sir, you have already seer
the report OF the meeting Boston (which appeared ID
The Item on Wednesday,, at which Bishop Haven nom
mated President Grant for third term?
BIsHoP-Ycs have seen that and also what the New
York Tribune has 70 say | have not yet received any
but the reports that have been given OF that meeting
through the public press differ somewhat from what
have heard from other sources.
REPoRTER-Is not any interference in politics al
such meeting as this was supposed to be, contrary
TO the discipline Of the Methodist Episcopal church,
BlsHoP-Certainy, and should deprecatc any
ecclesiastical body making utterances either for
against any candidates; that is TO say of course
church. Personally undoubtedly, every man has his
opinion. On any great moral question: such anti
slavery temperance and other kindred subjects
should expect them to express their Judgments
but on questions Of this kind | am decidedly
opposed TO IL The Church has no desire to be
engaged in any party campaign. The meeting referred
TO was not as understand a church meeting The
anniversary the Sabbath schools was taking place on
the Sunday and Monday. On Monday morning the
ministers always hold meeting, 70 which the visitors
ing that this thing took place Bishop Haven certainly
had no intention OF pedging the Church to any party
person.
RKPoRrER-Is the President a member OF the Meth
odist Episcopal Church. as has been represented
BIsHoP-He Is not; he is simply an attendant at one
OF places of worship The Methodist denomination
neither ask nor expect anything OF him.
REPoRTER-In the event of his being nominated, do
you think he would get the support OF the Methodist
clergy as body?
BisHoP--Not as a body, certainly. Even among
ministers there is difference in politics. some being
latter being rather, | should say, the majority.
The Church, however, would be much op-
posed to any of its members leading IL INTO n
political contest | quite understand Bishop
Haven's enthusiasm. He has been editor for
ber OF years and such, has been used TO speaking
his mind freely and at times will let his old feelings
editor conflict with those of minister He thoroughly
understands the condition of the South ha ring lived
there for number OF years and il is this knowledge
which has given him the idea that any change In the
government would be detrimental TO the best interests
Of that part He has lived there long that he has
the welfare Of the people at hear 1t is this that makes
him SO outspoken in his views.
RRPoRrER-From your standpoint do you think that
the Methodsts, as q people, are IN favor Of third
termY
BIsHoP-That cannot say, l never made any in
quires leading 10 that point All say is, that
should President Grant be reelected people will
have done wisely.
WHAT OTTER PREACHERS SAT.
The reporter also visited the Rev. Dr. r l. Kynett,
Corresponding Secretary OF the Methodist Episcopal
Church Extension Society; the Rev. Dr. William
McCoombs, the Rev Or. s W. Thomas and other cler-
gymen OF the Methodist Church, all Of whom declared
that they personally in favor Of third term for
Grant The Rev Mr. Thomas said
am for Grant for another torn, and II he were to
desire a reelection, which | don't think the case
wouh enter with my whole soul energetcaly into tho
work Of assisting him far as lay In my power not
because think he has any leanings toward Mcthodsm
for, although he has pew In OF our churches in
Washington and attends the services and trustee
really do not think he belongs to the Church or has
any particular religion, but because think he has
filled the position Of President acceptabfy TO all par
ties From visit to the South, which I made some
time since, am led TO believe that his denomination
would be favcrably received by the Southern peoplo
negroes and whites republicans and democratic