The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-10-24
LOCAL NJ. e. CONFERENCE.
A Number of Addresses and Discussions of
Interest to Church People.

The indianapolis district conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church convened in Mar
t~insville, on Monday evening. After devotional
services, conducted by the presiding elder, Rev.
John Poucher. a sermon on l Cor, j, %: 1--WE
preach Christ crucified," was delivered by Rev.
j. E. Brant, pastor of Bloomington. The dis
course was characteristic and unique, possessing
a variety and spice that made it interesting and
profitable. With his usual courage the speaker
condemned the crying sins and immoralities of
the age, and the hearty responses to his oratori-
cal hits showed that his brother ministers we're
In hearty sympathy with his utterances.
Yesterday morning the conference was organ
lied, with the presiding elder in the chair. Rev.
c.. E. Asbury was elected secretary. interest
ing addresses were delivered by Rev. A, Turner,
d. D., and Others, on ministerial courtesy
toward the people and brother ministers. The
flowing line OF discussion was presented: The
minister must be courteous in the pulpit, avoid
ing adisposition to scold or find fault. He must
shun the tyranny which authority may
engender, and he must avoid rndeness
and Objectionable familiarity. In his relations
with other ministers he must be just and courte-
GUS, recognizing their rights, and must be care
full to advance their interests as they are his
own. OHe prominent minister was kept out OF
the office OF presiding elder because he formed
a habit of di sparaging his brethren.
Rev. John Kiger, who has been presiding elder
in the Indiana Conference for thirty years.,
preached at IL o'clock on Romans vi, %. He is
n remarkable example OF well-preseFved and
vigorous old age. His influence in the MethodiSm
of his conference has been as great, perhaps, as
that of any person living, and his preaching
and singing are ever fresh, vivaeious and at
t%ractive. His sermon commanded attention,
being an Old-fashiOned and practical exposition
and enforcement of the truths of the text.
In the afternoon Rev. Il. A. Goodwin delivered
an original and striking address on ''The rela-
ton of Old and New Testament faith" which
provoked a warm discussion. Carefully pre-
pared napers on the Religious instruction of
children" were read by Revs. F. A. Eller and
w. b. Collins. This subject was one of the most
Important brought before the conference, as the
Methodist Church is giving more and more at
tention to the matter.
{ night q conference was conducted on "the
application of tine Discipline to the spirit of the
age" by Rev. John Poucher, presiding elder, L.
w. Argaubright, and others. Il wac stated that
the Methodist Discipline adapts itself to circum-
stances; that there is no occasion to fear that it
cannot be applied to existing conditions. if eff
hciently administered. Notwithstanding the
secularlty of the times, real Methodism might
ana does live as 1t did in an age that was even
more gross and Immoral than the present. The
Discipline was aimed at sinf III habits and dispO-
sitions rather than specific lndiscretions which
might be borne with.
The attendance OF visiting members is larger
than usual at this season, though some of the
prominent ministers were unavOldably detained.
The hospitality of Martinsville is extended with
remarkable bOunteouSness, and DIR. Turner, the
pastor, had to ask the Indulgence of the people
had asked for them. Isaiah R. Beaver, of Cali
fOrnla street Church wOs licensed TO preach. and
some lieentiates, whose cases were passed for
want OF preliminary action, were faVorably dis
posed OF. The credentials of Rev. Moses e..
Bridges, a deacon coming from the Christian
Union, were recognized. 1t was determined to
hold the next session some time next summer.
The conference session closes tonight.