The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1893-10-18
cles of religion of the M. E. Church.

!; cles of religion OF the M. Ec Church.
After further discussion on "some
differences" the bishop took the
question OF holiness and showed that
there was no difference between
|, Christian maturity and Christian per-
fiction. But there was difference
between purity and perfection. The
first comes when our sins are forgiv-
en-, the other comes with maturity.
We can live perfect Christian life
after years of toll along this line, but
we are always liable to mistakes in
judgment. There is no such thing
as getting on such high ground
that we will not be tempted,
but we will not be tempted more
than we can bear. This discussion
was in its self invaluable. The good
man then said the best description of
a Methodist preacher may be found
in Corinthians, I3 chapter from the
a to the I3 verses substituting the
word minister for charity. Prepare
to preach rather than prepare ser
mons,
| Loyalty to the doctrines of the M.
E. Church was discussed. Some
thought the old doctrines were antiqu-
ated and wanted to preach liberalism.
That word was good sort of word
when used right, but used in that
connection liberalism meant looseness.
Methodism was broad enough to ex.
haust the mental power Of any man
for there was nothing that you could
not preach that was in the Bible but
what it would be Methodist doctrine.
Ministers are not priests. Christ
was the only priest The apostles were
not priests. The Roman doctrine
ofapostolic succession is like long
chain without hook. Bishop Merrill
is wonderfully clear. and positive in
j his teachings, and this. address 70 the
young ministers was masterpiece.
Afternoon Session, ]. ], Robinnet,
d. D. delivered an excellent Mis-
sionary Sermon in the afternoon.
He told Of the wonderful growth
since the time Of Christ and made an
eloquent plea for Christian missions.
AT night DR.. Hartzell, General
Secretary of the Freedmans Aid So.
ciety delivered most eloquent and
interesting address in behalf of the
educational interests in the South
and especially among the colored
people. The Doctor is all able
speaker and held the undivided atten
ZION Of his large audience which man.
ifested its approval Of what was said
by frequent applause.
SATURDAY.
Bishop Merrill opened the session
as usual promptly on time. To the
first question: "Who are admitted on
trial" John M. Emert, of this place,
G.. E. Morse and Hues responded
and were admitted.
Reports of committees were called.
The first to report was the educa
tional committee through its chair
man, DR.. R. ]. Cooke. DR.. Hart
zell was called upon for an address
upon this subject, which was heard
with the closest attention, as is every.
thing from this noted divine.
When the report was given on lit
erature indorsing the Methodist Ad-
vocate- Journal, published at Chatta-
nooga, Bishop l. w. Joyce addressed
the conference, and afterwards there
were pledged $50 new cash subscrlp-
tons within the next thirty days by
the ministers present.
DR.. Warren, chairman Of the Ep'
worth League committee, gave in a
) ringing report, which was unanimous
!, ly adopted. All the ministers pres
ent are enthusiastic Epwortf
Leaguers.
: Resolutions were offered commend
, ing the efficiency of DR.. ]. F. Spence
in the past and recommending his ap
pointment as chancellor Of the Harri
man University. The first part wa
: adopted, but the latter rejected. This
. made it necessary for the Doctor tt
t ask for the supernumerary relation o
the conference if he wished to con
tinue as chancellor and not be as
{ signed to regular work.
= This week has been a feast Of goot
il things to Maryville people, and al
" were sorry to see the preachers leave
b They made most favor able impres
: ;. sion upon our people as body of abl
! christian gentlemen.
1t Saturday night some miscellaneou
t. business was transacted and confer
d ence adjourned to meet next year a
Johnson CITY.