The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1886-03-13
MODERN METHODISM.

y SeutiSLlstll DSdllil Is tilC ClpilOllOuS
name of Oscar Fay Adams contributes
to a recent number of the .NG1M inner
| ifaN Res9eo' 4 noticeable article on
what he is pleased to term the ".lristo-
cratic Drift Of American Professionalism. "
He assumes that there is rapidly
widening gulf between it and the great
masses of the American people.
That the wearers of gay clothing and
gold rings seem to be in the majority
in our churches.
That instead Of the pious CALCULATIONS
with which the grandfathers of the
present generation of worshippers once
interspersed their public worship, now
all is formaIity and GOODNESS.
That Professionalism is losing the ferver
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 plea of guilty.
But if the hearty "amens" that once
echoed within its barn-like church edi-
fees may not split the ear as sharply as
in the days OF Asbury and Freedom
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 and surroundings, the fire OF reli-
gous zeal burns just as brightly on its
affairs as in its primitive days.
We know that cynics sheer 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 ofliberalty Of modern Methodism.
Her grand charities and benevolen-
ces are the proudest monuments of her
glory and greatness
Her mission work is being done on
''the million line," and the pioneers OF
her faith penetrate the the earth's re,
hottest corners.
We wish her God speed il her grand
work, in common with every other
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 SEES
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 circles. That it has
reached non professors of religion. That
class of persons every where SO preva-
lent, who respect religion and the or
dinances af the church, but do not pro-
fess religious life.
The influence of one meeting alone
we refer to general experience
meeting held on Sunday morning last
was unmistakable upon those who at
tended it only as spectators. Ii stirred
the obdurate heart and forced unbid-
den moisture to the eye.
The meeting of the conference in
Elkton has not only stimulated devo-
tional zeal upon the part of Methodists,
but it afforded other denominations the
opportunity to show christian courtesies.
which tend to lay the foundation for a
broader spirit of catholicity between
evangelical churches.
Other denominations recognized the
demands of christian hospitality and
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.