The New York herald., 1875-12-16
VIEWS OF PHILADELPHIA METHO-
DIST PREACHERS.
A GENERAL DESIRE TO CONDEMN THE SPEECH
AND EXCUSE THE SPEAKER.
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. IA, 1875.


PHILADELPHIA Dec. II, 1875
The unanimity with which the Methodist cergymen
OF this city, over hundred in number agree in
demning the extraordinary conduct Of Bishop Gilbert
Haven in his nal dpropos nomination OF President
Grant for third term, is conclusive proof be has out
ragged the feelings OF the Methodsts of this portion Of
the country have spoken with scores of The clergy
OF his denomination upon the Bishops opening Prcs
dental campaign, but have not found who at
tempted 10 Justify it. Personally he is evidently
garded with affection by his brethren, but there is a
decided tendency to praise his motives while very em-
phatcally Disappearing OF his judgment His name is
generally mentioned with that peculiar smile and shrug
which so expressively says oh well he's good fell
low; but you know--.n As will be from tho
conversations gwen below, almost every desired
to excuse and condone the Bishops offence and TO
throw the mantle or charity around the of
whom they seemed 10 regard well meaning and
sincere, but impulsve. He appears to stand unique
among his brethren, and but little surprise ex
pressed at the ndscreton OF this ecclesiastical Hotpur
whose sincerity they love- but at whose judgment they
shrug the shoulders and shake the head.
II Is noteworthy tina. very large majority OF the
Methodist clergy OF tbs neighb 1rhood-seyen enths
Of the gentlemen himself stated It 10 be-are
ardent admirers and supporters Of President Grant
aud would be willing to for him again for another
Church here has always been au antslavery and re-
publican Church. and is due to the OF
even Grants most enthusiastic advocates among It's
clergy 10 say that they and all Indignantly de-
nounced the idea OF Identifying the Methodist Church.
any portion Of IT, with movement for the nomna-
tio Of President Grant any other candidate for any
political Office. There was Sucn gratifying
UNASIxIrY
in the opinions expressed upon tho Bishops action
that the statements Of only OF the reverend gen
tlcmcn need be gwen. Those whose names follow are
only some of many. Others could easily be quoted
but they would only repeat what is below lorth
Ia the aneclionate regard for the crrng
Bishop great 10 make the 'interviewedn re-
uciant TO give their outspoken opinions, and many
iu.e 10 their names swell the ranks Of those
who have been compelled 10 regret hs conduct Some
il will be scen denied that the Bishop had done as
were untrue and the card q Dr. Vincent referred
to as contradicting the story
An IMPORTANT THING.
Rev r. NJ Hatfield D. D., Of the Arch street church.
one OF the prominent clcrgymcn Of his dcnonina
ton In Philadelphia, saId:''lt Is contradctcd that
Bishop Haven really nominated Grant for i third term
and that the meeting Endorsed l. think you
viii find that 10 be the ease II he did
50, II was an mprudcnt thing to Do The
Methodist Church IS not political Church. II would
be the last TO support any such action Of oi
bishops II lie did It upon his own RESPONSE
bty General Grant is not member Or the Motho-
dist Church he Is only an attendant Although pFoba
bly, the majority Of our ministry this neghboruood
have voted for him, twas because he republican.
II you ask my personal opinion, say am in favor Of
a third term, and 4 bishop Haven says the same thing
he has right to his opinion an individual; but
beyond this he cannot 20 IL would bc very iniudi-
1ous ior han 70 nominate President alta church
meeting, and would be the very thing to prevent
Grants re- election, You depend upon II that If
Bishop Haven did nominate Grant he did not act the
representative OF any portion 81 our Church tn "a.
slightest degree. | do not attach the smallest i'm.
portanCe the matter. You know what KIND OF
q man Bishop Haven l., don't yony Then you can
understand, perhaps, that would not come from him
~ lrom any othcr The Methodist Church
would not permit such vi ictatOn Tor moment Will
give you casc ~ point. some years ago w this cy
certain man was nominated Tor election the judi
ciary ticket The publisher Of Methodist newspaper
allowed TO bc sent to each his subscribers folded
up with bs PAPER, appeal Tor this man"
'Becuuse he "a MethOdistg'
swell, that was not expressed, believe But every