Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-05-22

fHnADELFHIA, May -, 1884.
To the Editor Of the Kennebee Journal:
If any of your readers would like to know
what general conference is like, it resem-
bles in some measure very large legislative
body There are over 400 members, sitting
quite closely together. The seats are cush-
toned chairs, but without any space between
them. Thus far most Of the members are
present, bat they are beginning to get leave
of absence. From half past eight in the
morning till nine, there is a lively prayer
meeting with short prayers and snatches of
song interpreted. At nine one of the bishops
calls to order. The bishops preside in turn.
After preliminary services, the various con-
ferences are perhaps called over for resolu-
tons and motions. There are hosts of these
presented. Most of them are referred to the
proper committees without debate. The COM
mittess are then called upon in order for re-
ports. Some reports are acted upon at once,
others lie over one day by rule. After this,
or perhaps before this is completed, some one
calls for the order of the day. This may be
an officer of the church at large to be elected.
After ballot is taken, the tellers retire to
count, and the routine business proceeds. If
any thing debatable comes up, the talking
men are sure 10 ut on manu-, anu Out IOr the
previous question debate apparently would
never end.
Besides the members there are usually 800
or more spectators of both sexes, filling all
the standing room in the house and two
ranges of gallery. OF course there is more
or less confusion, and a speaker must have a
remarkable voice to make himself heard. The
rules forbid applause, but are frequently
violated when some sharp hit brings down the
house, or exciting burst of laughter, as may
be the case. On the whole Methodist minis
tiers are very human.
There are twelve standing committees on
important branches of church work, each
having nearly 100 members. Eeach member
being on several committees, not more than
80 or 40 usually come together. These meet
ings are held at various Methodist churches
in the afternoon. EBch committee meets
about three times week. Strange to say
| the committee, have the same propensity to
make motions, offer amendments, raise points
of order. and debate until the previous ques-
ton is applied, which is seen in the confer
ence itself. To complete all the business
| before the conference and committees would
require the adoption of Gen. Grants deter
mination when on the road to Richmond, 'to
| fight it out on this line, if it takes all sum-
mer." Yet the expectation is to adjourn the
last of May.
Philadelphia Is building magnificent city
hall of light marble, and has been builing il
for more than ten years, and it is very faI
from being completed. 1t surrounds an i'm
mense inner court, and has streets running
through it both east and west. and north and
south.
| Sabbath forenoon Bishop FOss preached q
powerful sermon on Jesus Christ as the sor
of God and faith in his name giving life
eternal 1t was a mastery presentation Of
the evidence of the four gospels. differing
in the events related, but alike in testimony
and of the history of the progress anG
triumphs ofthe Christian religion for almost
10 centuries as proving its divine origin. The
Arch street church was filled with an audiences
of more than 1900 who hung on the able
preachers words of power. There was fine
organ, and leader of the music, and il wa,
grand and inspiring to see almost every ont
with a hymn book, and to hear the ringing
sound of the volume of song that filed the
! immense house.
Other bishops and prominent preachers
occupied other Methodist pulpits, and also
pulpts of some other denominations.
Last Friday evening meeting was held
for the reception of fraternal delegates. Rev
DIR. Rankin of Washington City, made an
ingenious speech. in which he contrasted the
itinerancy aud other peculiarities, as prac
| ticed by Methodists and Congregationalists
Rev. Mr.. Coake, a French Methodist delegate
spoke quite good English. but his manne
was uumistakabe French. He quoted Solo
mons words, I'VE have little sister. wha
shall we do for her?" He said Methodism il
France is the little sister. numbering less
than 5000, and urged her big American sister
to cherish and aid her generously. H.K B.