The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1882-05-17
NJ. Z. CHURCH SOUTH.


NASHVILLE, May 3-The General Con-
ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
South, began its session here to-day, the
senior Bishop Paine presiding. The Bish
ops address was read by Bishop Mc Iyeire.
II reviews the work Of the church for the
four years past, and gives a statement Of the
present condition and prospects as cause for
gratitude. 1t shows an increase Of 2l1 itiu-
Grant mi2sters and an increase of the mem
ber-hip to S60,6S7 and $4,000 members were
added to the communion last year The
mission fund in four years has increased
$Ill, ,433. The Church has over 5000 mem
bers in the Indian mission and 1000 on the
Mexican border, and the same number in
the Central Mexican mission; an increase
in the Sunday-schools Of 2O7l pupils. The
circulation Of Sunday-schoo literature is
now over 100000. The address also shows
healthy financial condition Oft The publishing
house at Nashville; urges steps to be taken
preparatory to proper celebration Of the
coming centenary Of American Methodism;
urges an increase of facilities for providing
cOlOred Methodist organizations with pastors
and teachers Of their race. In recommending
an addition to the College Of Bishops he
suggests that with three new bishops the
work Of the church can be done in the next
four years.
BISHOP PAIyEs FAREWELL ADDRESS.
Dear While joining heartily With
my colleagues in the address you have heard,
/ beg your indulgence 10 make q few re-
marks OF personal character During near
ly sixty-fve years | have had the honor Of
being an itinrrant Methodist preacher and
for thirty-six ye8rsa bishop. In the General
Conference Of 1924 was u delegate, and as
bishop or delegate have attended every ses-
sion since then. For the cDnii ienCa i'm my re
liability indicated by these facts, | wish now
TO return nay most earnest gratitude To
my much-rGspccted colleagues in the episco-
pacy. between whom and myself the utmost
cordial feelings have been unvaryiugly
maintained / tender my thanks. They have
generously supplied nv lack Of service by
doing double duty, and now, beloved breth-
ern, worn down with age aud iafrmities, /
ask to be permitted 10 retire from future ac-
tive service. Permit me, in conclusion TO
congratulate you upon the ausp.cious cir
cumstances under which you have met, and
to remind you Of your high responsibility
to God and His church. Should it be al
lowed me in making this, probably nay last
communication 70 a General Conference, to
express the results Of my experience and OBJ
servati0n as to the doctrines and pJlty of
our beloved Methodism, / would say, after
devoting a lifetime to the study Of ia doc
trines, my conviction as TO their spiritual
ness has strengthened, and my estimation
Of the Importance OF maintaining the essen
tial features ofits polity has increased. |
do most devoutly thank God that in early
life became a Methodist itinarant preach
er and have continued such, but above all
| rejoice in the religious experience which
Methodism presents as the privilege of its
members The JOY unspeakable and full
Of glory" To enjoy this is the crowning
glory Of the christian life / rejoice in a
thorough conversion, consciously attested
by the witnessing spirit, a pure and conse-
Grated daily life and its end if il can be pro-
perly said ever to end, in the crown of glory
that fadeth not away For this elimination
| shall beg calmly and with humble conf
dence to wait until the pains and infrmities
of this life shall pass away. There may
we meet again.