The New York herald., 1876-02-08
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCES.

The Methodist ministers gathered in force yesterday
in their room, at sos Broadway, to listen to dis
by Bishop James, OF this CITY, Ii was the first
time the history Of the Preachers Association as
recognized institution OF the Church. that any Of their
bishops had addressed them, and in moving for q vote
OF thanks TO Bishop James, Dr. Curry called attention
to that fact and at the same tme reminded the
Bishop that he might consider himself invited all the
time visit the preachers and address them his own
convenience In this the brethren heartily concided
The Bishops remarks exceedingly timely and ap-
propriate for body Of ministers. They were based
on the words:-'Tf any speak, let him speak as
the oracle of God; II any minister, let him do is
OF the ability which God giveth, that God in all
things may be glorfed " The Bishop deprecated the
attempt Of ministers TO substitute science and phloso
ply for the Gospel Tho Bible nowhere not a single
verse, presumes or attempts to teach science 1t
science to illustrate and advance its truths; as
for instance the Psalmst uses the science of asron
omy 10 illustrate the power majesty of God when
he declares that ne heavens declare the glory Of God
and the ornament showeth his handiwork. &c Jesus
himself made use OF the science OF chemistry TO illus
ate the operation of the Gospel and the OF God
upon human characters and lives when He spoke of
the eaven in the measures OF meal and Paul used the
scence OF agriculture TO illustrate and prove the doc
trne OF the resurrection. But in none OF these In
stances is there any
ATrEMPT TO rEAcH SCIENCE
or TO give the idea that the Bible book of science
There are many ministers also who teach politics in
stead Of the Gospel The Bible Is not a political
manual 1t does, however, set forth governments tal
morals, and declares that righteousness exalteh
nation but sin is reproach 10 any people And hero
only justification for preaching against slavery
for half century. But when ministers left the moral
for the political aspects they weakened their cause
And here is for preaching against ntem-
peraDce 1t excludes from the kingdom OF grace and
OF glory. And here, too Is authority for preaching
the sanctty OF the Sabbath God requires that we
keep that day holy. This Is essential TO public morals
and to the stability of institutions God by tho
Bible has established the marriage relations and tho
law by which those relations should be governed The
twain become one 1esh and should not be separated
by the law Of the State by any other
law, except for adultery. We must prosecute
this point until the laws of the State
are in line with the law of God. The Bishop showed
that this is necessary for the highest interests OF the
State and of public education Children should be
trained properly for their manhood will be their
childhood is and the sanctity OF the marriage
is necessary to this end Then, again, while the Bible
does not teach politics. il does give some directions
citizenship We must be subject to the powers that
be. We must recognize the constituted authority ana
pay taxes. Jesus himself wrought miracle to pay
taxes for Peter and himself That who cheats the
government Is as wicked as he who cheats his neigh
bor We cannot dodge this question of sustaining the
government by paying our taxes. One OF the highest
functions OF government is to coin money and
render to Caesar the things that Cesar's and to
God the things that are Gods. And when Christ had
settled that question, could tell whether He was
democrat or republican Minister'S therefore, should
preach the Gospel, because there is sanctfying
mower In ANYTHING