The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-10-11
Kcumonicai AIstbodlsm.

The meeting Of the Ecumcnical Methodist
Conference u Washington TINS "eeh ls an
event of no little importance. IL ~ uv1 the
first conference Ol rep csc tAtFes OF tho var :
sus branches Of Metuoilsm OF the WORD,
NAT was held in London ten years ago. The
;,,,',r+o,oe of the conference does not con
sisf in tho elaborate programme which has
Ieen preuarol. and which contemplatcs daily
sces1ors for n fortnight nor IN any action
which the conference may DO led 70 take with
roference TO question. OF common interest
n bse rather IN the fact that the conference
represents the unity of MethOdism; that II
will emphasize the oneness Of the many
branches of that faith and that it is another
Indication of the growing tendency OF the
divisions Of Professionalism 10 draw together.
We have had anglican SynOds. we
have had Pan-Presbyterian Councils last
summer the first international Congregational
Council was held in London and now we
have the second IN the series Of kcumenical
Methodist Conferences. What do these large
w0rl-catherngs indicate if not the growing
..irt VI Protestant unity. Many may despair
of the final unidcation Of al Protestant
bodies There does not seem u be much
likelihood that the four points proposed by
Gle Protestant Episcopal Church Will be &C
cepiei In the near future. but something
trs. teal IN the direction Of Christian unity
81 not Christian union IS more than likely
10 crow out OF these great international gath
erugs. There is great work IN Christian
umhcaton needing 20 be done between the
uenlers of the various UNCONVENTIONAL
f.liies The consolidation of resbyterian
lr8ches OF Methodist branches, Of Baptist
branches, must come before the ultimate
ouest0u of the union of Protestant bodies
can become "a real. practical question so
many branches of tie Presbyterian persua-
SION imply q waste. wanton division.
NetlOdists and baptsts have multiplied their
delOmiuational families excessively and 1t Is
one OF the great uses Of the periodical meet
inr of such a conference as that in Washing
Ton % show how needless and harmful such
divisions are.
The programme which has been prepared
fOr the conference Is clearly not designed TO
magnify Mothodsm Indeed, we have OBJ
served lew criticisms of II because It gives
Metholism less prominence than Christianity
in genera. But If this be FAULT it IS most
amabe one. The programme IS IN fact
very modest one Only one day Is given 10
Tie Meth1dism of the world. The other ses-
81 81 are taken up with subjects Of a sOciO-
goal and general Christian character, such
a. the Essential nifty and Genuine Catholici-
o. To-. the Christian Church the Relations of
tie Church o. Scientific Thought the Nari-
Gus Agencies of tho Church, Religious Train
ing aud University Education. the Church
AMI ublic Morality. the Christian Resources
% tle New and the Old World the Relation
O. the Chur % Temperance, TO the Labor
Quest ou and % the Masses. Missionary
operations Will. of course he discussed and
session is 90 be given % the subject of war
and bitration. These titles indicate in a
general way the character of the programme.
Al tie topics are 20 be opened with essays,
and each essay is o. bee followed by a short in
WED address and there Is to be very limited
opportunity for general discussion. II doubt
Jess seems necessary 10 tic mp the con-
ference pretty closely and there Is little doubt
tlat DO VII. run very smoothly in the grooves
provided for IT, Perhaps alter two or three
OF these conferences have been held and the
brethren from the various lands become a
little better nc ulinted with one another. and
tl. become inspired with a larger degree Of
tuthery confidence. more latitude may be
given iu the uture programmes.
lle Ia that Metholists come from so
many couuirie- as representatives of Orgau-
led churches is remarkable indication of
tie wonderful power OF propagation which
AletloIi-m has evnced. IL has been tie
glory OF the movement founded 10y John
Wesley that " emphasizing the riesthoOd of
oil believers and by making the largest use Of
al. Dos elements, Ministerial, lay. male and
itma e. If has preached the Gospel with pecu-
liar efficacy o. tho masses. This and the
pr0vdeuua. features of its practical system,
with ieryeut and loyal ministry, giving i'm
pinot obedience % the orders of bishop or
conference u tho work Of the itinerancy. &C
q. DO in argo part Tor the wonderful success
Of Meth .lisu
Tie con sIenc8 n Washington will be fol- |
llWel with great interest. SO many Metho- |
osts from foreign lands never before came 10
tas country. They VIII be heartily welcomed. |
lley VIII see q great deal OF America and Of !
amer 40 institutions. and viii return with |
aiger views. perhaps. Of American Methodism |
hAl o. Amer an Christianity. IL 10 quito pos |
si'e tHat they may have some valuable hints |
- leave with their brethren on this side of |
l-e SEA he Independent New York.