New-York tribune., 1901-09-22
METHODISTS IN COUNCIL.

The Methodist Ecumenical Conference which
nnished its sessions in London during the last
week was in itself a noteworthy gathering, as
it represented, though unofficially, the Meth
odism of the world now become most mpor-
tant segment of modern Christendom Growth
in itself does not necessarily imply any moral
excellence, but in the case OF Methodism It's
marvellous growth was the result of great
ethical impulse. Its founders had no intention
OF establishing a church. and in fact considered
the church organization to be of subsidiary
Importance, though in self-defence they were
finally forced to create organization They
had no complex theological system to hand
down to posterty, but they did have profound
faith in the power of the Redeemer TO free men
from the thraldom of sin and they felt it their
duty to proclaim the gracious message of that
Redeemer to every human creature. "The
world is my parish said Wesley. and in the
spirit Of that catholic commission Methodism
has labored ever since Great ecclesiastical
bodies in Europe and America have sprung into
being, but after all. the real story of Methodism
is most truly recorded not in its organization or
theology, but in the regenerated lives OF those
who have needed it's message.
Methodism, however, like so many other great
impulses, has the limitations of its virtues. It
thrives best when il sets itself TO do distinctly
missionary work. when II throws its heart. so TO
speak, far forward into the ranks of the enemy
and bids its loyal sons go forth to the rescue
of souls And on the other hand. 1t is least
strong when il becomes academic speculative
or introspective, and sets itself to the discus
sion of movements and tendencies. 1t is not
surprising. therefore, that this Ecumenical
Methodist Conference excited much less interest
than was expected by its promoters 1t met in
Wesley's Chapel. and the associations OF this
venerable building must have deeply stirred
every loyal Methodist; but neither Methodists
nor the public at large appear to have been
greatly impressed by the gathering The large
number Of questions discussed made the essays
and addresses seem scrappy. And all ques-
tions which Methodists differ were excluded
the speakers were confined to topics 10 which
they could only say things that were already
well known.
Yet no such body of picked men could meet
without saying much that well worth
while. And some of the papers and addresses
were both brilliant and inspiring. The answer
made to a fraternal communication from the
Anglican Church was wholly courteous, but at
the same time it was indicated that Methodism
is not willing to sacrifice the great principles
which brought it into being in order to bring
about merely organic unity. In point of fact.
Methodism would lose all its power and eff
cheney were II to suffer itself 10 he annexed
to any other body. Furthermore. as even Angll-
can Churchmen now admit that Wesley and
his disciples might have been retained in the
Church had they been treated with less harsh
ness, Methodlsts feel that If any advances are
to be made looking toward unity they should be
made from the other side AS a matter of fact
however. the fundamental principles of each
body stand In the way of any unity whatever
The idea is utterly visionary. But there seems
to be no good reason why the various bodies of
Methodsts should not unite. Virtually they
accept the same creed. and their differences as
to poity are not great enough 10 justify the
moral and financial waste entaed by the main
tenance of separate organizations Yet no serious
efforts are made to unity Methodisn and even
the split in American Methodism caused by the
Civil War still exists. although the Church North
and the Church South have absolutely the same
theology and polity. When such schism can
not be healed il is a waste of time to discuss the
reunion of bodies having'a different creed and
polity