New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-13
METHODISM PROSPERING.
NEVER A MIGHTIER FORCE, SAYS DIR.
ECKMAN.

NENT MINIsTERs-THEY DISCUSS THE
NEED OF A REVIVAL OF THE
CUSTOMS OF WESLEY
'Is Methodism on the decline? And Il So
what is the cause?" This was the question asked
recently at the Newark IN. j. Preachers Meet
ing by the Rev. Dr. ]. r. Daniels He was
prompted to make this inquiry by statistics
which he read showing an apparent decrease Of
three thousand in membership and one thou
sand in probationers in the Newark, New-Jer-
sey. New-York Philadelphia and other con-
ferences
I'm my opinion the trouble is that the customs
OF Wesley are dying out" replied the Rev J.
O. Foster. THE people do not go to the affairs
in such numbers as they used to- and what we
need is a revival Of ld-fashoned Methodist Gus
toms Fifty years ago ministers came down
from the altar and went among the people and
urged them to go to the altar, and they went.
That is what we need now"
In the discussion which followed 1t seemed to
be taken for granted that Methodism was de-
Ginning and various causes were alleged-"too
much paraphernalia at Sunday night services"
Epworth League services being made substi-
tutes for the regular church services and neglect
OF the Lords Supper.
n
sion rs Methodism declning?" The Tribune has
made inquiries from number of leading Meth
odlst ministers. men whose standing gives force
TO their words and whose opportunities for OBJ
servaticn have been large, Interesting replies
Rave been obtained denying that Methodism is
declining. although admitting an apparent fall
ing off in the rate Of growth, and dealing
frankly with certain elements Of weakness In
present-day Methodism. while pointing out its
power and its influence.
Bishop. Foss. of Philadelphia, one OF the best
Informed men in the country the work Of
Methodism, replies with brevity and emphasis
that Methodism is not on the wane.
NEVER A MIGHTIER FORCE
The Rev. DR.. George P. Eckman, pastor Of ST.
Paurs Methodist Episcopal Church. in West End
and Eighty-sixth-st.. says that Methodism
was never a mightier force: that the decline in
members is apparent rather than real. and that
the customs Of Wesley are more rampant than
ever He says:
The alleged decline of Methodism is only the
troubled dream Of a bilious mind Methodism was
never mightier force in the moral and spiritual
life of the Nation than to-day
Numerical magnitude Is unsafe criterion Of
success. but If It must be employed then let US
say Methodsms millions rise above every other
host in the Protestant communions Of this coun-
try. II is claimed by our censors than we do not
Of the great cities of the East We GO not hold our
Of nS Os rolls as
in process for the last five years. Nonresident con-
An exodus from the churches Of the city to the
churches OF the country has been assuming large
twice over. and the dmnution complained Of is
more apparent than real.
THE CUSTOMS OF WESLEY.
But If we not multiplying and replenishing
the earth fast formerly is this due to the fact
that 1.-THE customs of Wesley dying out"7 Not
oh
had any value are now rampant than at any
time since he practised them.
Revival methods, which In his age were largely
regarded as the special function Of Methodists.
have been adopted with enthusiasm by many
The class meeting. once derided evangelical
has been eDdg E
deavor, and is employed by churches of every shade
=. Evsnseasis have fairly numbered the earth BY
their multitude in the last twenty years. chiefly
The distinctive features OF the Methodist type OF
sctiVities ' Of nearly ali other denominations and
Methodist doctrines, once bitterly controverted are
tion of what is called oldfashioned Methodism &C
Our occupation is being shared with others. who
recognize good things on sight ,or. .,o,,,s oooso
whining. and seek new adaptations to changed con
c s tney %Ouia pw yomes Of fearful jere
miads. Od-fashioned religion in the externaIs or
the expression is utterly valueless for modern
aggressive. Christian warfare. If 1t Is the splrht
ana interior Decn e n o to us as ndspensabe for
success let us heartily respond. Amen!
WOULD REVIVE THE CLASSY MEETING.
The Rev DR.. J. o. Wilson. pastor of st. An
drews Methodist Episcopal Church in West Sew.
enty-sixth-st.. Columbus-ave.. denies that
Methodism is declining but thinks that 1t has lost
some sources Of power, notably the class-meeting.
b{ob ba q
do not agree with the statement that Methodism
IS on the decline but that revival OF od-fashionen
Methodist customs would be refreshing am wei
new thing under the sun, Tor Dene?e the Churcn
must adapt herself to her new environment. yet
she should renquish nothing that has proved
source OF strength in the past simply because
Take, for instance the class meeting. which has
been Methodism's right arm OF power Tor a nunoreo
able IL for no other reason than this that II gives
people an additional evening every week t tOp
secular amusements; whereas IL Is TO be reared 700
many nights were already devoted TO such forms
In retiring the classroom the Church has unwit-
tngly sent thousands of our people to the play
house SasS n n,g stanc eas beyond number
Too many nights for the world and 100 Few IN uie
God to swing aloft the danger signal Shall not
The Tribune be that prophet!
WANTS MORE JUNCTION.
The Rev. Dr. Andrew schriver. of Newburg, pre-
siding elder, regards the alleged decline OF Meth
odism not proven He says:
Regarding what Messrs. Daniels and Foster
said about the decline of Methodsm: First. there
is verified evidence that there is decline; sec.
ond there Is virtue in mere customs either oio
What Methodism and all Protestantlsrl
needs is enthusiasm for Gospel truth; more
of the JUNCTION from God which regenerates human
hearts. eevates thought. transforms character and
improves conduct.
ABSORBED IN MATERIAL INTERESTS.
The Rev. DIR. d. B. F. Randolph. pastor of Trim
fly Methodist Episcopal Church Jersey City speaks
of ebb tide in religious interest. and points
reasons therefor in the following statement:
do not think that Methodism is ION the decline"
than other forms of Christian life and &C
tiVity. IL may be more apparent in the statistics
OF Methodism, because the last General Coelfer-
ence of our own branch Of the Church authorized