The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1880-05-19
TIE METHODIST CLERGY.
Reports-Discussion on the Ministers Rela-
tion and Duty to Politics, Etc. Ect.

There was good attendance at the regular
meeting at Roberts Park, besides the regular
pastors who are in the city-Rev. ]. B.
Abbott, DR.. Abbott, DR.. Williamson, Rev.
Mr.. Tiffany, of the Genesee inference, and
Rev. DR.. Bayliss, formerly of Roberts Park,
were present. The meeting was called TO
order by the President DR.. Rothweiler,
and opened with prayer by Rev. Mr.. Cook.
There was nothing of special interest re-
ported from the different charges, except the
report from Roberts Park, Meridian Street
and Fletcher Place Church, which were
the points of attraction on Sabbath,
because of the distinguished men who oc-
cupied the pulpits. D.. Bsyliss preached,
it Is said, two very able sermons in his old
charge and received the earnest oongratula-
tons of his friends and pensioners. He
and his estimable lady are to have recep-
ton this evening at the residence of Mr.
Fred Bags
Rev. Mr.. Thompson of the New York East
Conference preached two able sermons at
Meridian Street M. 4. Church on the Sab
bath. In the morning his subject was: The
intensly interesting scsne that transpired
at the crucifixion of Christ, when he gave
HIS mother into the charge Of John,
bnC OcAONCG dnQ 81 nASnb LIS
subject was THE objectionable SIn."
Bisnop Harris preached the dedicatory ser
mon In the morning at Fletcher Place, and
at night Rev. Mr.. JARVIS. The amount of
81 900 was raised, and the house was dedi-
Gated.
The regular order of the day was taken up,
viz: "What is the Relation and Duty of
Ministers to Politics?" By special notion
Rev. DR.. Holiday opened the discussion, in
which he took the very tenable ground
| that a man, by becoming a min
| lister, did not lose his manhood,
| or any of his rights as a citizen, and while
his relations remained the same TO politics
IL general, expediency required and de-
n.anded of him that he bring not party poll.
| tics into the pulpit.
Rev. VIM. M. French urged the impor-
lance Of ministers attending the primary
elections of their party, and use their iDflu-
i ence and vote to bring out the best men,
| and he gave a case that had recently hap
pened in the Ward In which be voted, in
which a good man was pitted for the nomi-
nation against one not SO good, and he asked
| two ministers to attend the primaries, who
both made excuses, and did not attend, either
| of whom, had he been there, would have
| nominated on the first ballot the best man,
| as the vote between the contestants was q
| tie.
Rev. Mr.. Tevis said that when the question
Vi mOIdlS was lnNOlNcu IL was lu6 uuby Vi
| the minister to stand on the side of right,
| or where an Infidel was pitted against q
Christian; and he gave as an illustration q
| case that had come under hls own observa
| ton, where an avowed inidel was nomin-
| ated in Ward with 100 majority, and
| who had the audaoity 10 say that inf
| deity should conquer in the matter
of his election. Christianity was rep
resented by the Democratic nominee. He
believed it to be his duty to work for the
election Of the Christian man and against
| the infidel. and the result of the election
was sixteen majority for the Christian man,
overcoming the majority of 100 on the side
| of the infidel.
There were some characteristic remarks
| made by DR.. Bayliss that had in them point
and power, which were very generally in
dorsed by the meeting. The Doctor is known
| to be quite outspoken in his polit-
/ ioal sentiments, but he deprecated
party politics in the pulpit, unless it was
| something that was forced upon ministers ID
| their obligations to maintain moral right.
Rev. Mr.. Tiffany, of the Genesee Confer
| ence, made a few interesting remarks, In
which he referred to a moral reform that
had been accomplished by himself and 9TH
| ers in an election in the village where he
was stationed, that had resulted In clearing
the place of the liquor traffic, and it had
been held ever since for temperance.
| DR.. Andrus, Rev. ]. V. r. Miller and Rev.
Mr.. Turner, made some interesting remarks
in which they conceded with the remarks
that had gone before. Taking it altogether
| it was pleasant and profitable discussion,
and all present agree to the following:
1. A minister is a man, and a citizen
and entitled to the same rights, privileges as
| to general politics as before he attained the
position of minister.
| 2. As citizen, it is his duty to take in.
terest in politics, and cast his vote as he may
| choose at the polls on election day.
| 3. 1t is inexpedient for him to bring
party politics into the pulpit, and assert
them and argue them, as they are asserted
and argued on the stump.
/ Why Massachusetts Democrats Want