The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-05-30
THE TIME LIMIT ANDTHE METHo.
DIST CHURCH.
10 thc Editor % the Press,


The time limit which has heretofore
characterized Methodism as an itinerant
system of church government, has been
removed. Is IL necessary to view with
apprehension this innovation In superan-
nuating ,time-honored policy that I'M
doubleday has done much towards placing
Methodism in the front ranks as an
active aggregressive evangelical denomi-
nations The rut going ecclesiastic-saint
and sinner-yiewing church polity from.a
traditional standpoint, SHES at progress
i've, radical measures, which the spirit
and genius of all institutions requires;
forgetting that the successful performance
of functions by institutions, as by vital
organs, depends upon an increasing nicely
of adaptation to an eyer-complicated en-
.vironment. Great movements are not
inangurated by church councils without
mature elaboration, based upon expert
ence and necessity. These radical tran
sitions, like all reformations, b ave their
life far down and out of sight of the or
dinaryss observer. They are sometimes
found in the seed thoughts Of germinal
ideas dropped centuries before evolving
systems assume these dominant charac-
teristics long predicted as feasible and es-
sential May Ii not be assumed that this
innovation has been FASTENED by the al
most phenomenal growth of vast
amount of sociological literature which
challenges the churches to reconsider their
views and actions, maintaining thai
Christianity is primarily a life and on ly
B condarily u system of doctrines, public
worship and clerical government, that
churches are venerable just as they are
useful and divine only as they fulfil q
divine mission; deeds and not creeds
beingttheir credentials as social factors
worthy OF recognition. Methodism is not
perfect system OF church government,
yet 1t ..rnns with Patience" Ii Is not an
ideal denomination, yet its ideals are
perhaps larger than the average 1t is
open to improyementsand Announcements;
In this, wisdom is demonstrated. If in
novations are inaugurated, lot IL be main
tanned that no age possesses wisdom
enough DO legislate for unborn genera
lions. The itineracy is OF the 18th cen
fury. 1t said: Thus Ear shall pastorates
go and no farther" efficiency, adaptable
ity, unanimity and personality must
move on-for better or worse. Now these
essential characteristics OF a successful
Passionate may prolong their useful and
harmonious relationships and inhnitum.
1t is maintained that small charges will
suffer. In time they win be the gamers.
Young men contemplating the ministry
will not be anxious to enter the active
work without q thorough academic and
university training. The church has
more to fear in illiteracy than from a
cast iron polity-they will count the cost
knowing that the prospects of confer
ence being in the air, )" is a diminish
ing quantity, they will depend more |
upon ability than the probability of land |
ing somewhere, in the general shake-up. |
The direct effect OF this change will be |
felt more at the head of the church than |
elsewhere. The mainstays of the episco- |
pacy have in my judgment been removed, |
1t appears like preliminary step to set |
tie the Bishops and inaugurate system
of located superintendents who shall be |
elected annually by the clergy and lay
representatives to preside over the an
nual conference. 1t costs the church |
81 900, 600 per year TO govern itself; the
laity pay this amount and feel that IL /
might be more adyantageously expended,
and now thatithe laymen are admitted to
the floor of the General Conference their |
voice and influence in church govern |
ment must become factor in deciding |
its future polity. Again, the removal OF |
the time limit will materially benefit the |
large city churches, men Of acknowledged |
ability, scholastic attainmen is, pulpit |
power, tFdHe5tllstiC hpif1b anu stroilR i
social qualities will become an estab- |
lished factor in a church and throughout |
an extended pastorate exert a greater in |
fluence and accomplish more practical re-
suits. 1t requires at least two years for
the average minister to really know his |
people and adjust himself TO the social
mind,of.his congregation. Under a limited
term of years this was scarcely accom- |
plished and happy relations established |
when the time limit neoessitated "a
change. Now hard work and ability will 1
secure a permanent footing and more !
satisfactory results in church work will
be achieved.
I,ETfrcH