The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-07-28
The Methodist Ecumenieal
Conference,

There are, in the world, many different bodies
OF Methodlsts. 1t is not strange that there
should be distinct Methodist organizations in
dlherent countries; but dozen Methodist
churches IN the same land, especially if thew
are not only separate but also antagonistic is
not an edifying spectacle. If not oPganicailv
united, they onght at least, to be sympathetic
and cooperative. There is a substantial unity
In Methodlsm-a unity in doctrine. ORIGIN
usages and aims. With the exception of The
Welsh Calvinistic Methodists, those who belong
TO the great Wesleyan movement are thorougblV
A a. In their convictions and teachings
There are Episcopal and non Episcopal Metbo-
dlsts and minor bodies which are independent
and congregational but with slight exception
the ethodlsts, everywhere have maintained
the IDEA OF an ltlnerant ministry and have given
1T practical realization. The Methodist BODY.
IN every country, Is distinguished by warmth of
devotion, by giving great prominence to certain
iac| o! rellSious experience, by earnest evangel-
zeal efforts, by positive identity with recognized
reforms and by self-sacrifcing missionary Ia
bors at home and abroad" There are no good
reasons why those several Methodist bodies
should not be joined together in holy league
and covenant for the worlds redemption. The
very attempt TO secure such result will help
forward the cause of Christian brotherhood
The call issued by the representatives Of more
than half score of the different Methodist bo-
dies for an Ecumenical Conference will without
doubt, be generally Needed The Council will
meet. but not to determine anything in respect
to the faith, rites, or discipline of the Church
LII VIII not claim to have any special distinctive
guidance of the Holy Spirit saving it from nos
siDle error, and it will issue no canons dopnas
or decrees for the government of the Methodist
churches 1t will not seek to create uniformitv
which IS impossible and undesirable but TO ex
press unity which already exists tbroupb a
common d1scernment Of the TEACHINGS of the
holy SCRIPTURES, and which may be rendered
more ehectlve for the spread Of the Gospel and
the eyangelization of the heathon world.
Inc influence OF the Council will be wholly
moral; but 1T will be- nevertheless significant
and powerful. Methodism sustains important
relations to education, to missions to Sunday
Schools to different reforms to the Christian use
OF the press, and to the various instrumentalites
employed for the conversion of men. which NAV
be properly considered in such an Ecumenica1
conference. But, perhaps, nothing is more i'm
Portant than these several Methodist bodies
should come to have good understanding
amongst themselves so that they will help and
not hinder each other; 80 that partisan hostil-
ltes shall cease and every feeling of caste or
contempt be destroyed; so that waste of wealth
ana exhaustion of energy in mission fields NAV
ne avoided; and so that other Protestant bodies
may come to look upon Methodism not as a score
OF independent fragments, without even the an
Pearence OF visible unity, but as many mem
Def5 IN one body, distinct but united. acting to-
8e1ner LOT the edihcation of the whole and for
me .ne increase OF the body in love. Nearly every
rrace' language, color, and condition comino
uOLu every quarter of the globe. will be repre2
'0"'e' iH 9uch an Ecumenical Conference
Independent.