Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-05-09
NJ. {. CHURCH, SOUTH.
The Conference Gets Down TO Solid Work.
The Report on Missions.
lBy telegraph to the Dispaich.l

iBy telegraph 10 the Dispaicb.l
ST.. LOUIS. May 8.-The Methodist Episco-
pal Conference met again this morning
with full attendance. About an hour and
half was consumed in calling and per-
fecting the roll. When completed it showed
that there are l47 clerical and JAG lay dele
gates present. Several unimporiant COM
mittees were then appointed. The quad
rennial report Of the Board IF Missions was
submitted by Rev. J. G. Johns. 1t shows
that four years ago there was a debt Of
800, 900. which has been reduced t. Sl4,-
600. The report as TO the Mexican mission
shows an apparent falling of IN members
from LAS to $50. which is explained to Q
due to increased care in preparing the re-
port. Some Of the special committees were
then appointed.
The repor OF the Book Committee on the Pub
lishng- Houee al Nashville, Tenn, says; IAN
the publications Of tho house are more than self
supporting. with the single exception OF me
Dn1rferiV IeUietr, and that has sustained pecu-
niary loss Of si,270 TO the house. We believe
that Notwithstanding this loss II has been OF
great beueht to the public, ardconiidontly be-
neve that its publication should be continued.
The Christian 4 drOcltg IL not meeting with
clrcUla,ion IL should have and which It's connec-
tional relations demand"
CHURCH D1sCIPIINY.
II. G.. Miller and others asked that the discl-
pline be amended 40 as to forbid the signing Of
petitions Tor snlN0n-llceOseS It inofDf CTS. no
ferTed TO tho Committee on Temperance.
T. j. Duncan, of Tennessee. for himself and
others, introduced a long preamble and resolu-
ton, tho substance Of which was the cOndemna-
ton OF the taking such diversions IA cannot be
used in tbs name Of the Loid Jesus" The refO-
tuition alaO mentioned tho fact that the address
Of the bishops called attention 70 the increase OF
worldlincss, and Mr.. Duncan named as worldly
diversions 90 be condemned "theaire-RO going.
dancing card-piaying, and tho lifc," which
werc INDUCED In by members OF the church and
remained unn0iiced by many pastors Also
that the use Of such expressions as "reicfm
theatre aud Legitimate drama" had perni-
cious effect upon the minds ot The young, espe-
claiiy when used by minister Of the church.
The rosol itiOn met strong opposition at fret,
not its spirit, but against me conformation OF
pnstors for inacton, tho belief beng general
ibat there had been no inactiOn, but after an
animated debate snd the defeat OF motions 10
refer, 70 postpone 10 table, etc, 1t was adopted
by large majority.
Of the Church by christ the equality OF lay and
clergy WAS established; that the logical effect 81
the contrary OstiOn was 70 establi-h an ecclesi-
Astical artstOcrscy. The Church Ind always been
democratic, and the American republic had been
erected on that system Of church government.
Kew Ethelbert Philpot proposed substitute
providing for the admission OF l8ymeh 10 Gil the
committees save that OF appeals.
Tho Rev. Hiram r. Walker denied that In the
primitive church a minister was ever called
upon TO answer before a committee composed IN
whole or IN part Of laymen as 10 his moral cha-
recter. Ii was always held that ministers were
H. be tried by ministers
The proposed admission Of laymen 70 all COM
mtttees was q long step toward congregational
ism, and Was wholly at war with an episcopal
form Of government lie quoted Bishop heeDor.
who had aid hat Ia 1886 II was conceded IN the
General Conference that the laynen were not 10
sit upon committees organized 70 try ministers.
I he demand would not stop al this point. III
granted. he said, tina next demand would DO lay
Representation In the Bishops Cabinet, Then
all bishops will have TO do will be 70 give po-
lite assent 10 the arrangements made by the
laity.
Tho Rev. Paul Whitehead do1ed any man that
breathes 10 show that wheD laymen were admit
ted In 1906 20 representation In The General CON
ference any limitations were put upon laymen
IA to their participation in the work OF the Gone
raj Conference.