The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1896-05-14
MEETING or THE METHODISTS
PROPOSED CHANGE IN THE LAW OF
BAPTISM DEB ATED.

DR.. Buckley Wants Adults Baptized
in Infancy Granted the Privilege
of Being Baptized in Any Way
they ChOose-The Section Finally
RecOmmitted TO the Committee on
RevisaIs.
Cleveland, O., May I3.-BishOp Vincent,
the venerable founder of the Chautauqua
society. presided at this mornings ses-
sion Of the Methodist general conference.
The usual routine followed during the
morning until Rev. DR.. Lewther Of South
west Kansas created great deal of laugh
ter by introducing the following resolu-
ton:
Whereas, This conference has decided to
send 10 the annual conferences the ques-
ton as TO whether the word layrnen should
be construed, so as TO include women;
and,
Whereas, It is believed by many that on
scriptural grounds women cannot be ad-
mitted to the general conference; there
fore,
Resolved that we also submit to the an
nuaI conference the following question:
Are women included in our articles of
religion which reads: Man is very far
gone from the original righteousness"
While this question is pending be it the or
der Of this general conference that the
women of the church obey the apostolic in
junction: Let your women keep silence
in the churches. If they would learn any
thing let them ask their husbands at
home
Since, ION scriptural ground" several of
our brethren have served notice that they
will raise this question on the day of judg-
ment let the annual conference decide by
vote whether women are included or ex-
GUIDED in tie language: Every man in
his own order Pauis chapter on resur-
on motion of Dr. A. J. Kynett the resolu-
tons were referred TO the committee on
Several changes in the discipline recon-
mended by the bishops We're reported by
the committee on revisals. The first two
sections of the report were adopted.
warm fight occurred over the adoption of
the third section of the report relating TO
infant baptism.
During the debate Dr. Buckley said that
he was satisfied that there were in the
Baptist church over 100000 members who
would now be in the Methodist church If
they We're given the right 10 choose the
way they We're to be baptized. He moved
that part of the discipline be stricken out
SO that adults baptized in infancy might
lie allowed to he baptized again in any way
they might elect.
Rev A. b.. Leonard opposed the motion.
lie said that the motion would disCredit in
fant baptism, and that il would be a step
backward for the great Methodist church.
He said: Il believe there is no person so
fit 60 be baptized an infant"
Rev. :. w. Mathews of Southern CalifOr-
mia said that he did not believe in dis
CreGjting infant baptism, but he did be-
ltve that adults who have been baptized
in infancy should be given the same right
20 be baptized that unbaptized converts
have.
Or. j. E. c. Sawyer said that he thought
tae Methodists church would be much bet
tered by striking out the foot note. He
was sure that il would help the growth Of
the church membership.
William II. Daniels of Northwest India
created a sensation by inquiring If the foot
had surreptitiousiy put in the discipline,
without any authority from the general
conference
The section was recommitted, with DR.
Buckeyes amendment, to the committee
on reVisals
The committee on episcopacy did not re-
port in accordance with the instructions
it had received. DR.. Buckley stated that
the committee had as yet been unable TO
agree upon the number of bishOprics it
would recommend to be created, and that
it would be ready to report to the con-
ference tomorrow the first thing after
the reading of the journal. The time for
the committee to report was extended TO
that hour. Though the committee was I'M
able to report this much is known of the
bers agreed TO recommend the retirement
of Bishop Thomas Bowman, Bishop r. s.
Foster and Missionary Bishop William
Taylor of Africa on account of their fee
bleness and inability to perform the ar
duOus duties of their positions, by reason
of advanced age. This action will necessi-
tate the election of two regular bishops
and one missionary bishop.