Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1890-05-09
METHODISTS.
Proceedings OF the Second Days Session
of the General Conference.
Reports of the Work Accomplished In Various
CountrIes-CertaIn Acts OF 'WOrldII-
ness" Denounced. B.


odist Episcopal conference met again
this morning with full attendance. About
one hour and a half was cons umed in
calling and perfecting the roll. Whom
completed'it showed 147 clerical and 146
lay delegates present. Several unim =
portant committees were then appoin ted
The quadrienniaI report of
the board of missions was
submitted by Rev. T. G. Johns
1t shows that four yeas ago there was a
debt of 500, 600, which has been reduced
to S14 900.
The report as to Mexican missions
shows an apparent falling off in the
numbers from 1928 to 1888, explained to
be due to increased care in preparing re-
ports. Some special committees were
then appointedS
ST. LOUIS, Mo. May 8.-The second
days session, of the Methodist general
! conference convened this morning with
Bishop Keener in the char. Afte re-
| ligioas exercises the roll was called and
| perfected and showed the conference is
| composed of 147 clerical and I47
| lay delegates. The Quadrennial report
of the board missions was submitted by
| Secretary l. j Johns. 1t says the pres
ent quadrennium opened with a debt of
over 500, 600. Total collections OF the
| year were S9l0,379 and appropriations
$500, 5l7. The debt has been reduced to
| S14 200.
The mission to China, Notwithstanding
| the working force has been reduced by
| transfer of three missionaries toJapan and
the return of one to this country, is re-
ported to be In a prosperous and growing
| condition. The Anglo college at Shang-
hal and the Burlington institute and hos
! pital at Suohor are doing invaluable
work. The mission to Mexico is also pros
porous, but additions to the force there
| are greatly needed. A church building in
the city of Mexico that would command
attention from its intelligent citizens is
recommended, a training school has
been established at San Luis Potosi, the
mission to Brazil is enlarging in all di-
rections and call for reinforcements is
urgent. The japan mission was opened
in 1886 with two missionaries; since then
thirteen more have been sent out, tut
with these additions work was enlarg-
ed beyond the capacity of the laborers.
The mission this year calls for seven
men. The mission in the Indian Terri
tory is prospecting, aud more ministerial
force is demanded. A male college has
been projected at Vinita, Cherokee Ma
ton, and mission among the wild
tribes in the western part of the Terri
tory has been opened. The report
of the book committee says that on
the 3lst of March, 1890, the house had
outstanding of its per cent. bonds
$40 ,775, ana this was all the debt it
owed. Against this it has a sinking
fund of $40, 740. The house has de-
posted to its credit S22 ,6S5. All publi-
cations of the house are more than self
supporting, with the single excep-
ton of the quarterly review, but
the Christian Advocate has not the
circulation it ought to have. A number
of memorials and petitions were an
nounced and referred to standing or
special committees. Mr.. A. c. Miller
and others asked that the discipline be
amended SO as to forbid the signing of
petitions of saloon Licenses by members.
The subject was referred to the commit
tee on temperance.
T. J. Duncan of Tennessee for himself
and others, introduced long preamble
and resolution, the substance of which is
the condemnation of ''the taking such
diversion as cannot be used in the name
of the Lord Jesus" The resolution also
mentioned that the address of the
bishops called the attention to an in
crease OF worldliness. Mr.. Duncan
named as worldly diversions to be con-
demned, "theater going, dancing,
card playing and the like, - which were
INDUCED in by members of the
church and remained unnoticed by many
pastors; also that the use of such ex-
pressions as ''reform theater, - and |
Legitimate DRAMA had a pernicious |
effect on the minds OF the young, espec-
tally when used by ministers of the |
church. The resolution met strong op- |
position at first, not its spirit, but |
against the condemnation of pastors for |
inaction, the belief being general there |
had been no inaotion, but, after an ami |
mated debate TO defeat the motions, |
they were adopted by a large majority. |
This matter being decided, another |
was brought up which led to a long dis
cussion, aud affects the entire laity Of |
the church. Rev. Keller of Gallatin. |
Tenn. introduced resolution TO make |
laymen eligible for service on all COM
mittees. This led to a general debate.
which continued until the adj
journment and will be continued to-
morrow.
This evening standing and special
committees met. organized and i'm
mediately began consideration of the sub
iects referred to them.