The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1883-05-04

o'clock, with sermon by Rev J. b.
Dawson, of EssexviIe. Text Tim
othy, 3:Is, theme, "The Church the
ground and pillar of truth"
After the sermon, Rev. J. T. bust
ed, of Ovid, was chosen Moderator.
Rev. t. l.. Bristol, of Ithaca, Scribe.
After roll call, adjourned to Wednes-
day $500 A. M. An interesting de-
votional meeting was held under di-
rection of Rev. Geo. E. Lincoln, of
Hartland Center Visiting Brethren
were voted into honorary member
ship, and several dismissals granted
to members now in other Confer
ences.
The items of business transacted
were: The examination and lcens-
ing of l.. f. Brown, of Standish, w.
d. Fowler, of East Saginaw, and A.
]. Cross, of Ovid, each for one year.
These young men were subjected to
lengthy examination, and were
thus appreciated to preach while still
in pursuit of their studies, as oppor.
tunity may offer.
The churches at Oakley and Ross
common, and Rev. H. A. Barker and
Rev. G. II. Wilson were admitted to
membership in Conference.
A proposition to amend the con-
stitvtion so as to have church reports
7oylh''", VS. made and referred TO
nc>f r"t 'or action. The object
of Ia, e.. =. - was, doubtless, 10 have
the reports more concise and thor
ough and remit exhortatons 10 their
proper sphere.
A committee was organized to have
in consideration with power to act,
the question OF Bible School work
through the vast domains of the con-
ference.
Rev. w. w. Lyle, OF Bay City, pre-
sented some terse and trenchent
thoughts on the reasons why SO few
young men are preparing for the
ministry.
Rev. F. Hurd, of Laingsburg, read
a thoroughly prepared paper on the
causes of frequent changes in the
ministry. attributing it mainly to the
changes necessarily attendant OH our
National growth and means of rapid
transit, which effected changes in
every direction.
Rev. ]. E. Richards, of St. Johns,
discussed the question GLOW may
we increase church attendance" and
made potent the facts that tempo
AIRY increase by sensational methods
meant a harmful reaction, but that
an attendance produced by digni.
fed conservation to the work ofthe
church, would command respect and
insure the desired results. True, no
doubt)
Rev. G.. H. Stevens read a very
scholarly paper on methods of sc
curing the attendance and interest Of
young people in church and Sunday
school work
Rev. Leroy Warren, of Lansing,
State Supt Of the Home Missionary
Society, delivered very comprehen-
sive and earnest address that stood
as strong plea fer home missionary
work in the conference. We should
think the leaders in the denomina-
ton in this conference would like to
lessen the figures against them by an
increase OF energy toward self sup
port and toward enlarged contribu-
tons. A committee on home mis-
slonS was appointed and the church.
es ought tohear from it.
Rev. w. ID. King talked on minis
erial fnanciering. Points made were
practical. If the minister cannot
liv. on the salary he gets, it seemed
TO him to be in evidence that God
did not call him to the work and
doesn't call him to stay in it. He
should never get in debt. He
should never have TO hire or borrow
salary 9ns him. If such is necessary,
the trustees should do it. Mr.. King
went from business life to the min
istrv and so views it as wise inan
ought when viewing that phase oft.
Rev. J. T. Hustled, Of Ovid,