The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-05-17

in gospel effort. It would be a pity if the pro
gressive Methodist body should forbid women to
speak in the churches, when the female sex are
so active and efficient in Sunday-school,
social and other meetings. 1t is pre-
sumable that the decision was reached
on the ground that a formal license ulti-
mately implies ordination, and, therefore, a life
long application to the ministry, which. Of course,
very few women contemplate. This great con
nection cannot legislate for a few exceptions.
However. women will continue to enjoy all the
liberty they wish; in speaking from the pews or
pulpit of a Methodist church.
The committee are wrestling, too, with the
status and official control of special evangelists.
1t is difficult to adapt a general system to every
particular case, and so it is hard to tell what
will be the best solution of the problem. All
agree that these sporadic workers should be I'M
der some kind of correctional authority, but how
and what is the great question, Conditions
have so far changed that reviYalistic assistance
is now often desirable, while formerly every
Methodist preacher was considered fully com
petent to carry on the protracted meetings of
MS Charge WIFI Tie ueip VI HIS UISbllltH db
home or near by. The church wants to utilize
every valuable force, and so it addresses itself
to this matter.
The committee on conference boundaries has
established the lines of the Indiana Southeastand
North Indiana Conferences as they have formerly
stood. Hence the lines of the Northwest remain
as before. This action, of course, may be re-
scinded at any time, but it is not likely that any
change will be made.
Several proposed amendments to the Book of
Discipline will be recommended by the commit
tee for that purpose. 1t is probable, however,
that no changes of great Importance will be eff
fected. The support of the WORKOUT preachers
and widows and orphans is receiving the most
careful consideration. 1t may be proposed that
their claim shall be collected pro rata with the
preachers in the effective work. A feldday will
be given to discuss The questions of prohibition
of Intoxicating drinks, marriage and divorce, and
observance of the Sabbath. These are matters
that always fire the Methodist heart, though the
interest will not be in proportion to the ability
displayed, because the whole church is of one
mind. and the General Conference is discretion
and enthusiasm compressed on all these reforms.
There seems to be some difference in the
choosing of delegates from the East and from
the West. In New York, for example. the same
delegates are largely returned, some serving now
for the seventh session consecutiyely, while in In
diana there is not a ministerial representative in
this body who was a member of the last, and only
two laymen. Glen Studebaker and WIN. Newki
All others are new men, and hence are com
PEELED yet to make their reputation and secure
an influence in the council. Glenn. Studebaker,
Of South Bend. subscribed 81, 900 at the church
extension anniversary, on Tuesday night, when
subscriptions of So, 900 were reported, through
the indefatigable efforts of Secretaries Kynett
and Chaplain McCabe, and others. The Metho-
dist people are increasing che number of their
churches at the rate of nearly two for every
working day in the year.
The many friends of Rev. w. c. Webb for
merlv pastor of Meridian-street Church, will be
gratifed to learn that he is the interchangeable
and very acceptable pastor of Grace Church, in
this city. 1t is the third, if not the second, in
rank of all the hundred prosperous churches
of this denomination IN Philadelphia. The build
ing is located in one of the most fashionable dis
tricts. The congregation now worship in an
elegant chapel, costing 500, 900, with the
grounds. The main building will not be com
pleted for some time. DR.. S. VI. Vernon, of
Trinity. is a pastor of high standing. His church,
to be built something in the shape of u theater,
is in process of erection. indianapolis may be
proud of such representatives as it has sent to
the Atlantic coast.