Wichita eagle., 1886-10-07
THE SECOND DAY
or the Annual State Convention OF
the Christian Church Replete with
Able Discussions Concerning
Church Government.
The Laying Of the Corner Stone OF the Garneio
University Postponed on Account or the
Hon. James G. Blaine Bcin. Unable
to Attend at this Time.
MORNING SESSION.

The first business in order was the confer
ence of preachers and officers as previously
announced.
The services were opened by singing lie
I,ea,|eth Me- after which the EEerable
John Boggs offered prayer.
Elder Munnell then took charge of the con-
ference. stating that it had always been diff
cult in church work to secure the hearty CO.
oreration of church officers, but that by a
mistaken notion the work was largely ana
chiefly left to the preachers.
The first charge given to an elder was the
charge to wstch, but the charge was not to
elders only. but to evangelists as well, see
ing Paul charged Timothy to watch.
If a thousand sheep are given into the
bands of an under-shepherd he was made re-
spons;ble for their preservation and care.
After speaking OF the responsibilities OF
church officers he proceeded to speak of the
remedies for this:
! irst-Lainpoonirg in the press.
Second-Lampconing in the sermon.
rhi,d-The better method is TO call officers
together and give them private Instructions
This may, properly done, always result ia
vorabiy.
Though church officials were much
to blame for not studying the Bible for them
selves with their duties constantly in view.
He urged this in connection with strict dis
cioline even to the withdrawal Of fellowship
Some men cannot be saved IN the church
Leoers had never been doctored in the con
gregation The same man ousted by faul
| from the Corintliian church was restored by
his recommendation six months later. such
| is the result of proper discipline.
| He recommended that the preachers have
Sunday afternoon Bible class IN which
these matters should be taught, not to show
how much the preachers know, but to find
how much they know and to help them to
| know more.
As an illustration OF his meaning and OF
the necessity Of such meetings, the question
OF employing preacher should be brought
up and talked Of privately. So all matters
should be done decently and in good order
A number of matters were talked OF and
various questions by members Of the COM
mittee were made and answered.
Banks do not get along without order.
No corporation pretends to get along with
out order We seem to recognize the fact
that order is necessary everywhere except in
churches.
A mistake is often made about visiting,
which may be remedyed by the private
meeting of preacher and officers.
sREiders and deacons are usually business
men. Elders think they can do no visiting,
they can, each Of the elders can make one
visit week il On a Sunday, it would dc
them (the elders good and help its course in
many ways.
Here it was asked whether this wouldn't
lead to Sunday visiting, and SO lead to harm.
MIR: Munnell answered that if the visits were
of the same purpose he would not object.
He said that the earth could not be made
to revolye around the moon. SO people
should never neglect their duty to God fol-
the cares of this life.
Elders 90 as friends, rot as officers merely
and in friendly manner talk over religious
matters, and So draw the lire.
Here it was asked, where is the difference
between church work and church gossiping
The answer was that there might be much o.
church talk with but little spirituality.
Which is best in eases Of discipline to brin;
before tho officers or before the Who'll,
church! Answer-Always before the officer
first.
Would you have confession made by the
offender or by some one else. In some in
stances would, in Others it would be cruel
Let some judgement dictate to you the prop
or course.
At9a m Elder Boles read part Of tn
llth chapter of Hebrews after which the as
sembly sang: II Love to Tell the Story
Elder Boles offered prayer and the next 2
minutes was devoted to devotional exer
ciseS.
At $3.50 Elder Thompson assumed the chair
and named as committee on ways an,
means, Messrs. Garrison, Heldrix AMI Dun
can.
The report OF the treasurer was rea'
1 by Ir. Pool, AMI was referred to the audit
ing commit tee.
The report of the Evangelist was then rea
and on motion was referred to the commit
tee on ways and means.
|, The committee on nominations was thel
presented and a motion was made to receiv
the repor5 and discharge the cnmmittee.
The report WAS as follows:
Pre- sideut-J II. Duncan
Vice Presidents. d. Dutcher.
Corresponding secretary-J. Z. Pickett.
Secretsry-L. Y. Bailey.
Traasurer-Wa alter Chenault.
A. B. MARKS,
R. l.. LoTZ,
: J. E. PICKETT,
e Committee.