The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-05-12

Of the delegates from the WyO~
ming conference to the general
IN conference OF the Methodist
Episcopal church at Chicago
writes as following to the Wilkes
Barre News concerning the conference:
The general conference Of the Methodist Epis
copal church, now in session in this city, has
opened auspicousy. Already important sub.
jects have been passed upon without prolonged
or contentious debate and the present outlook
is that this body, heretofore noted for its conser
vatism, will enact many changes in the policy
of the denomination. With unexpected prompt
ness and unanmity action was taken the hrst
day Of the session, completing the measure Tor
the admission to the body of additional laymen,
making their number equal to that OF the MIN
listers. Thus the provisional delegates were
seated at once and hereafter there will be equal
lay and clerical representation in the general
conference.
The bishops address, read with great fcrvor
by Bishop Andrews on the second day, was
masterfu presentation Of the recent achieve
inents and present condition Of the Methodist
Episcopal church. 1t produced a profound inn
preston. This address contained a strong and
somewhat peculiar recommendation upon the
subject OF the "time lmit''-a subject that has
elected the deepest interest throughout Meth
odism. IL is well known that some OF The
bishops favor a return from five years to three
church, others favor the removal OF all limit so
the bishops united in the suggestion that II
return cannot be made to the three year rule,
then the limit should be entirely removed. This
recommendation was received by the conference
and the vast audience with tremendous and
continued applause, showing an overwhelming
sentiment in favor OF the suggested sweeping
change. It would almost foregone con-
clusion that hereafter there will be no limit 10
the time that Methodist minister may serve
the same church, subject, however, TO reap
pointment each year as heretofore.
The conference was scarcely less stirred by the
reference in the bishops address to the. amrse
ment question. Judged by the responsive out
burst Of feeling eyinced by the conference, we
should say that there is a very large and strong
prepondersnce Of sentiment in favor of emitting
from the Book Of Discipline the present list Of
forbidden amusements. II is however, clear
that there is sentiment among the bishops
or ministers in favor Of making less strict the
moral demand OF the church, that members shall
abstain from hurtful worldly amusements, in
cluding those named in the rules. It is
simply conceded that it was mistake to put
into the Book Of Discipline any list whatever,
since no such list could be exhaustive or perfect
Various memorials and resolutions have been
presented relating to these two exciting subjects,
recommending many different measures. All such
papers are referred to committees, and it re-.
mains to be seen what courses will be presented
10 the conference atter long ana CaTelul stuuy
and discussion in the committee rooms.
Among other most important propositions be-
fore the conference is that of consolidating cer-
tain great boards Of benevolence. There is a
strong and determined movement in progress
TO do this in order to reduce the number of high
salaried officers and to lessen the number of an
nual collections in the churches. This move
ment has taken definite form in the following
resolution presented by Dr. A. b. Leonard, secre-
tary OF the Missionary society
Resolved, That the committee on missions be
instructed to consider and report upon the pri2.
ticability Of uniting the Freedmen's Aid and
Southern Educational society and the Church
Extension society, either Of them, with the
home department Of the missionary society into
society, to be known the Home Mission
ary society of the Methodist Episcopal church.
The special committee to whom this matter
was referred, is to report next Friday. 1t is
probable that the proposed consolidation will
not take place at once, since there are certain
legal questions affecting the best interests Of the
boards involved, which will take time to adjust,
and then the contemplated reduction OF the
number of officers would probably be resisted
by the numerous candidates and incumbents.
The election Of bishops, editors and other
general conference officers will probably com
mence Monday next. Perhaps never before
has it been uncertain who will be elected
TO be bishops The committee on the Episcopacy
is to recommend the number to be elected. TIC
say that interest centers in these elections is tC
express the fact mildly
Under the direction of ]. NJ. Chance
the following musical selections will be
used at the services in the Second
Presbyterian church tomorrow:
MORNING.
Organ Prelude ...................,Ed Edwin NJ Lott
Anthem, Create in Me Clean Heart" .Prou