The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-05-09

y
to the Methodist general
Il conference, read last Thurs
day by Bishop Andrews, and
too Cursurily summarized at the time
in the press reports, deserves and will
receive the thoughtful attention of re-
ligious people everywhere. We present
herewith a more liberal review of its
more important contents, abridged
from the columns of the Chicago
Times-Herald:
Pointing out that the Methodist Epis-
copal church has increased in num-
bers only 1O5,OOO persons, or about 4
per cent, since the last general con-
ference four years ago, the address
states that this is a less ratio of in
crease than has often come but ex-
plains it in part from new methods
of registering the membership. and
from civil distractions, such as the
war with Spain. which had its effect
in all probability in holding down
membership, as did the civil war, in
its time. Then with hopeful note the
address continues: "The plain infer
ence from these facts is that, while
any decline in the rate of increase
in any quadrennium should be occa-
sion for solicitude and careful inquiry
it should not be the occasion for des-
pondency and evil forebodings. There
may be periods of silent preparation
for growth as well as periods of OBJ
Nious growth. In the future. as in the
past, small gains may soon be followed
by large gains"
Numbers are not, however, regarded
as the criterion of the church pro
gress. Benevolences, doctrinal fidelity
and the spiritual life are all reviewed
and of them the address says: The
returns of beneVoences show a con-
siderable though not large gain over
those of the preceding quadrennium.
We rejoice to report our belief that
the theological convictions and teach
inss of our church are in the main
unchanged; that through it's entire
extent, at home and abroad, the es-
sential Christian veritics, as received
from our fathers and by which we
have hitherto ministered successfully
to the kingdom of God, are firmly held
and positively proclaimed"
Later in their address the bishops
discuss great problem which is Of
interest to every denomination of the
Christian church, in it's effort to teach
the word of Jesus under the condi-
tions of wealth and luxury in modern
life. The question is frankly put: "Is
the church now doing the work of the
Master among the lowly?" Equally
searching are these other questions.
will an educated ministry consent +,
keep in heart-touch with men ignor.
ant or only half-trained? VIII it be
content to live plainly that it may
reach plain people, and be supported
by them? VIII our rich men forbear
social extravaganza and social dis
tnctions in the church, that the gospel
may better do it's office for all men?
How many of our churches be builded
and managed that in them at the same
time the brother of low degree NAV
rejoice in that he is exalted, and the
rich in that he is made low?" The
bishops have no answer to this but one
OF trust. They preface their questions
by admitting much of truth in the al
legations often heard against churches
that they are rich mems clubs instead
of true religious bodies, and they say
bin the end only this: mo questions
.smore perpleXing, more solemn, more
sfsent than these confront us today.
- is an age of great wealth; an age
also OF keen-sighted, organized and
self-asserting labor; an age, therefore.
of conflicts. ominous of unmeasured
evil. The future of the church and
of humanity is at stake. Shall we
renew the original work of Methodism
and thus renew it's triulnphs? 'Have
we the love and the wisdom adequate
TO the hour?"
Concerning the time limit of pastoral
service, the address first presents the
following points with reference to the
existing system: I'D That the aver
age term has been but slightly, If at
all, increased by the change. (2)
That only a small proportion of our
pastors remain in the same charge for
five years. (S) That the extension OF
the limit has manifestly caused with
many past and churches a restless
2 desire for changes at the end of one or
two years in appointments which
might easily have continued for three
years II that length of time had been
b the limit. % That of the pastors who
continue for five years some would not
have continued so long but for the
limit, while others of them might
probably have continued for a longer