The Portland daily press., 1896-04-13
"BIBLICAL CRITICISM"
Maine MethOdists in Auburn Think
1t Should be Stopped.

Rev. Mr.. Hewett Pres ents Resolution
Which the Bishop Ruled Out-Another
Same Subject Offered.
Auburn, April 11.-At thu forenoon
session of the Maine Methodist Confer
ence, the following delegates were elect
ed to the general conference: Rev.
George D. Lindsay, Portland; Rev. W. E.
Berry, Waterville; Alternates, Rev. E.
S. Stackpole, Auburn: Rev. D. B. Holt,
Kent's Hill.
H. l.. Williams was transferred from
the Wisconsin conference. John B. How
ard from New Brunswick, and William
Cashmere from Montreal to the Maine
conference.
Rev. A. G. Ratcliff was given permis-
sion to withdraw, to join the ConaIega-
tionalists.
The bishop examined and received can
didates for membership in the conference.
During the session Rev. Mr.. Hewitt
asked permission to introduce very
important resolution.
The Bishop" What Is it about? How
are we to know that it is important?"
Mr.. Hewitt-"It is in substance that
we believe the Bible to be the inspired
wo.d of God"
The bishop ruled out the reading of Mr..
Hewitt's resolution.
The resolution was as follows:
Whereas, there prevails profound I'M
preston that there is d tendency in the
Maine Methodist conference to abandon
the old faith in the Bible rs the inspired
word of God.
Whereas. this impression is as ground
less as it Is hurtful in it's influence on
tho minds of the youth Of our own and
Of other evangelical churches, therefore
Resolved, That we hereby reaffirm our
faith in the Scriptures Of tbe Old and
New Testament which, though varying
in origin, age, authorship and didaotio
value, and presenting unsolved and
perhaps unsolyable problems, are yet to
tanning the only authoritative source of
| Christian dogmas, the only rule of Chris
tian faith and practice.
Later In the day, resolution was put
in by Rev. Mr.. Munger. regarding Ger
tain Biblical criticisms, - made during
the last few months. The resolutions
were supposed to refer to the stand taken
by Rev. Mr.. Stackpole, pastor of the High
street M. K. church in Auburn. It was
near the hour of adjournment when the
resolutions were presented and they were
adopted without debate. The resolutions
WAS as follows:
Whereas, the discussion of the Biblical
criticism under conditions which pre-
clude fair investigation of the problems
involved, places the Bible at disadyan-
tsge and
Whereas, such discussion unohal-
| lenged may be understood as an endorse
| ment of sentiments which we repudiate.
| Therefore
Resolved, That we regard such policy
as unwise and hope it will not be repeat
ed.
The introduction Of this resolution
made something of stir in the confer
ence.
Rev. Mr.. Hewitt seconded the resolu-
tion. at the same time expressing his re-
gIet that his own resolution did not gain
hearing, as his resolution covered the
same ground.
The bishop explained that the Hewitt
resolution was not IN order at that time.
Mr.. Hewitt apologized and the confer
| ence voted to hear Brother Hewitt's reso-
luton. Mr.. Hewitt read it,
The Munger resolution was adopted
without opposition, although a large
number OF members did not vote.
At the annual meeting of the Woman's
Home Missionary Society Miss G. W. Gal
.asuor oI hengs ID Ill was elected preSl-
dent, and Mrs. G. r. Palmer of Saco, re-
cording secretary.
| This evening occurred the anniversary
OF the Domestic Missionary Society, with
addresses by Rev. S. e. r. Adams, FL.
H.. brohock, W. 7. Jones and others.
Monday forenoon's meeting will proba-
Dly De the last business session Of the
conference and the appointments to pas
torates will then be announced.
Sunday forenoon Bishop Merrill
preached the annual sermon, from First
Corinthians, 3-9: "For we arc laborers
together with God" At the afternoon
service. three elders and three deacons
were ordained. In the evening there was
an address by Rev. DR.. Hamilton. cores
ponding secretary of the Treedmen's Aid
and Southern Educational society.