The morning call., 1892-09-06
TALK AMONG THE CLERGY
Bishop Vincent's Advice to
the Methodists.
HIS STRONG CRITICISMS.
Hs Urges His Flock TO Follow the Far
Sighted Business Policy Of the
Catholic Church.

The most important of the clerical meet
ings held yesterday, both by reason OF the
subjects discussed and the large represent
ative attendance, was that OF the Methodist
ministers, which convened at the Methodist
bookstore. 1887 Market street.
The clergy for fifty miles around we're
with few exceptions present and to their
number were added two of the leading Dig
nltaries of the church from the distant State
of New York-Bishop Vincent of Buffalo,
n. Y, who Will be the presiding Bishop at
the confer ence which assemblies tomorrow
at Pacific Grove. and Rev. j. III. Hurlbut
of New York City. the Sunday school and
Epworth League secretary OF the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
The presence of these distinguished di-
vines caused the usual order of business to
be suspended, whereupon both gentlemen
addressed the meeting on subjects OF vital
Importance to religion and society.
Bishop Vincent first disposed OF few
preliminary matters and then addressed his
hearers on the duty Of Christians TO utilize
the secular powers OF the city as far as pos
sble for the advancement of religion, NOR
sllty and everything good. The churches.
he thought, were negligent In not making
their power felt 1t is their duty to enlist
the press in the cause, for 1t is the grandest
power for good in the world, and it would
certainly be willing to lend its aid TO the
churches il properly approached.
The Bishop criticized the Oungling work
Of cheap reporters. which Is worse than
useless, and recommended that il the edit
ors could not be persuaded TO send capable
men to their meetings the churches
themselves delegate one Of their members
TO report the proceedings ana furnish copies
TO the papers. But before taking that step
ha HNIS n nn N
chief aud invite them TO delegate compe-
tent men TO report all matters of interest.
The next point discussed by the reverend
speaker was the need OF looking further
ahead In the business affairs of the church,
as, for instance. the selecting OF sites for
founding of future churches. In this par-
ticuar the vigilance OF the Catholic church
was commented upon and held up as an
example for others 10 follow. Its shrewd-
ness long. headedness and business tact are
the source of its success, and the Methodists
ought to take profit from its experience.
Another point touched upon was politics,
in treating of which the Bishop urged ali
Christians 10 keep an eye IN that direction.
So long as there is free press and every
man is entitled 10 vote, so long will the
country be safe, but Christians owe IL to
themselves and religion to exert their In
fuence on the political parties and compel
the leaders to recognize the church as
"
rights and demand respect
At the close OF very interesting address,
Bishep Vincent fell into a conversational
strain and told the incidents Of his trip from
the East. Of his attendance at the confer
ence of Nevada and OF the great encourage
ment he received there. He also told OF his
trip from Reno TO Bishops, Of the organ-
zation of an itnerants' club, which dis
cuSsed themes en- route ana sang TO the
Indians at stopping places
Rev. Mr.. Hurlbut spoke on the same lines
as the Bishop, and showed how the develop
meut Of the Sunday school would make
good Christians who invariably made good
citizens. A great work has yet to be done
on this coast in organizing and unifying the
Sunday-schools, he said, and for the purpose
OF making some advance IN that direction
he intended opening a Sunday-school next
Monday for the instruction OF teachers.
This will be kept up every night for week.
aud the result, he hopes, will be of benefit
to all.
Before the meeting closed Rev. Mr. Soper.
a Meth Odist Episcopal missionary In Japan.
told Of his work In the Miksdo's realms.
and drew tears to the eyes of his hearers
by speakjI < of his approaching separation
from his wife and children when he is COM
PEELED to leave here for their education
while he goes back to his distant lRborS.