Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-09-18
THE PARSONS CUD.
It Is mathematical by the Primi-
tive MethOdists' Conference.
TOBACCO AND BEER BOTH DEBATED
Preachers Who Chew or Smoke Will Not
Be Licensed Hereafter.
OTHER MATTERS DECIDED YESTERDAY

At yesterdays session of the Primitive
Methodist Conference, lin the Eighteenth
ward, a system Of invitation by which
preachers are changed from one station to
another was adopted. A special quarterly
conference will meet in each March to con-
slider such invitations for ministers to
change their stations.
The report of the General Committee on
the powers of "Local Preachers caused
considerable discussion. 1t was as follows:
That all accredited local preachers be en-
powered to bury the dead. baptize and may
assist the ordained pastor in administering the
sacraments Of the Lords supper.
Almost every member of the Conference
was opposed to the resolution. Rev. Mr.
McGreaham said that some old local
preachers, with whom he was acquainted,
smell like old tobacco shops, and cannot go
to or come from sermon without first
taking glass of beer to prime them up to it.
THE TOBACCO QUESTION.
Rev. Mr.. Bakeman offered a resolution
that no person be given the license who is
addicted to the use Of tobacco or intoxicating
drinks as beverage Someone suggested
that the subject be referred to the committee
again. Then Layman DaisIey said that
there would be no use to refer it to the COM
mittee as he would not serve. He said that
he used tobacco himself and would not re-
strict some other man.
There were calls of "Herel Herel" from
other members. Rev. Mr.. Bateman said
that he offered the resolution in all Chris
tian propriety. He had known churches, OF
al L l. L. o.. T.
men VINO used tobacco and intoxicating
the conference to be fixed and firm on this
subject.
Rev j. II. Acornley would not take upon
himself the thankless responsibility of put
ting any man'spipe out.
Rev. E. Humphries thought that hcenti-
ates ought to make this small sacrifice for
the good of the church. Regular preachers
are pledged against the use of both tobacco
and intoxicants..
ONE PROMISE FAILED.
Rev. Thomas oliver said: 1T promised
my boys this: To the one who did not drink
1 would give $50 when he became 21 years
of age. If he did not use either tobacco or
intoxicants would give him 500. And If
he used neither tobacco nor intoxicants and
did not get married would give him $50.
But because these things are so generally
used around them, have been unsuccess-
full, despite my most earnest prayers, to keep
them from their use"
After prolonged discussion both resolu-
tions were separately adopted.
Rules governing the publishing house
were adopted, and Rev. Elijah Humphries,
of Brooklyn, was made manager of it for
four years, to succeed himself Rev. E.
Humphries and w. j. G.. Bond were made
editors OF the church organ. the Record and
Messenger.
Each circuit or station was ordered to
keep a record of the baptisms, marriages,
deaths, etc., that occurred within its limits.
Every member of the church was given the
right to appeal and to challenge for cause,
and no personwho is not a member Of some
Christian church will be allowed to give
evidence in any church trial. Each con-
ference will formulate rules for its super
fund. The laws in the new dis
cipIine will take effect January 1, 1890.
1t was decided to hold the next General
Conference at Mineral Point, Wis, on
the first Wednesday in September, 1893.
The Conferences expects to get through its
business and adjourn this afternoon.