Smyrna times., 1886-03-24
Modern Methodism,

gentleman bearing the euphoni-
Gus name of Oscar Fay Adams contrib
utes to a recent number of the North
american ReUieO noticeable article
on what he is pleased to term the
"AristOcratic Drift of American Prot
estantism."
He assumes that there is a rapidly
widening gulf between it and the
great masses of the American people.
That wearers of gay clothing and
gold rings seem to be in the majority
| in our churches.
That the piOus CALCULATIONS with
which the grandfathers of the present
generation of worshippers once inter
spersed their public worship, now all
| is fOrmality and GOODNESS.
That Professionalism is losing the fer
vOr of its earlier days.
OF course Mr.. Adams includes Meth
Odism within the frigid circle of his
criticism, and to some of his structures
that denomination in some localities
may perhaps enter a plea Of guilty.
But if the hearty "amens" that
once echoed within its barn-like church
ediices may not split the ear as sharply
as in the days Of'Asbury and FreebOrn
Garrison, we believe the Methodist
| church is just as much the church of
the people now as it was then, and that
considering the changed conditions of
| time nd'surrOundings, the fire of re-
ligious zeal burns just as brightly on
its altars as in its primitive days.
We know that Cynics sneer as Meth
| Odism raises its spires heavenWards,
and its cathedrals beautify and adOrn
the avenues of our metropolitan cities
We know that the Almighty has
VOuchsafed an exceptional prosperity
to the followers of John Wesley, and
that pride of church display may in
some instances have Outrun discretion
But prosperity has not dwarfed the
spirit of liberality of modern MethO-
dism.
Her grand charities and beneVOlences
are the prOudest monuments of her
glory and greatness.
Her mission is being done on 'the
million line" and the pioneers of her
faith penetrate the earth's remotest
corners.
We wish her God speed in her grand
work, in common with every ether
evangelical denomination.
We make these remarks as a peril
nent prelude to the general expression
of qualification felt in this community
during the recent session here of one
of its conferences.
We believe the influence of this ses-
sion will be felt in all religious circles
of this and adjoining communities. And
what is better still, that the beneficial
influence has extended outside the
lines of religious cirles. That it has
reached non professors of religion.
That class OF persons everywhere so
prevalent, who respect religion and the
| ordinances of the church but do not
profess a religious life
The influence of meeting one alone
we refer to a general experience meet
ing held GU Sunday morning
last-was unmistakable upon those
who attended it only as spectators. 1t
stirred the obdurate heart and forced
the unbidden moisture to the eve.
The meeting of the conference in
ElktOn has not only stimulated devo-
tional zeal upon the part of Methedists,
but afforded other denominations the
opportunity to show christian courte-
sizes, which tend to lay the foundation
for a broader spirit of cathOliticy be-
tween evangelical churches.
Other denominations recognized the
demands of christian hospitality and
aud responded as followers of the same
Saviour always should do. 1t were a
good thing for ElktOn and vicinity
were some such assemblies to meet
here Oftener.-CecH Wing.