The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-05-11
CHURCH MATTERS.
The Southern NJ. Il. Conference Talks Of Rec
Cancellation and Discusses Evangelists.

RICHMOND. Va. May 10.-AIn the NJ. E. Gen
eral Conference to-day, DR.. NJ E. Chapman, Of
Missouri, introduced preamble and resolution
in relation to the confederation of the Methodist
Episcopal Church South and the Methodist Epis-
copal Church North. The preamble sets forth.
in substance that the two churches have com.
mon history and preach the same truths; that
the Cape May mission has been wholly disra-
garded; therefore, be it resolved, that this Gem
eral Confence shall elect committee of seven,
four of whom shall be clerical and three lay del
egates, who shall meet like committee from
the Northern M. E. Church, in 1885, looking to q
reunion of the two churches. The resolution
farther sets forth that it is a sin and folly for
two Methodist churches to occupy the same ter
ritory. The question was discussed at some
length. and finally was referred to special COM
rrttee, TO be composed of one from each annual
conference.
The COMMITTEES on itineracy, to which was re-
ferred memorial from the Louisville and Dem
yer conferences. that provision be made for tho
apportionment of evangelists, recommended
concurrence.
DR.. Adams thought that Sam Jones and other
such men should have nominal appointments.
DR.. Messick of Louisville, strongly supported
the report of the committee, and was in favor of
allowing the question of evangelism to stand as
it is He very forcibly contended that the
church did not want specialists on this subject
that every Methodist preacher is equally quail
fled to save souls. In the name of Methodism
he protested against such innovation, and
when he concluded there was hearty amen"
DIR. Neeley, of Texas, said that these evan
gelists, as far as he knew, were running on the
plan of religion made easy In the name Of
the Methodist Church and of the entire church OF
God, he hoped that the measure would fail.
DIR. Winfield, of Arkansas, said that il the
memorial is adopted every gumlog in the Meth
odist connection will be evangelist in the
next few years. do you know what gum
log ISL" the Doctor asked. ut is one you cam
not do anything with. When was in Europe
was shown certain kind of tree
the female oak. You can't split Il
or do anything with it. 1t is
just like woman-when she will. she will and
you can't do anything with her. There is but
one Sam Jones in the world, "he continued, "and
there never will be but one. and every little fell
low that tries to be like Sam Jones will fail
You can make no more on that line He is by
himself. You can have but one, and if you at
tempt to duplicate him you will surely fail
Laughter. He has turned Chicago upside
down, and any man that has the courage to at
tack Chicago cannot be duplicated Renewed
laughter. He is the man of the century. We
don't want any evangelists among Southern
Methodists. We have already the grandest ma
chnery in the world. Brethren, tell you what
is the matter-you go along lifeless and dead.
Rekinde the fires IN your church; for it Is
time the Methodist ministers were looking this
matter in the face"
After lengthy and interesting discussion OF
the matter, the report of the committee was
adopted by an almost unanimous vote. The
conference then adjourned.