Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1902-09-13
CHURCH CONE[R[N nee
Meeting Of the Des Moines Dis
trict Methodists at Jefferson
Largely Attended.
SUMMARY OF THE PROCEEDINGS.

SUMMARY OF THE PROCEEDINGS.
Reading Of Reports of the Conference
Stewards Followed by Bishop Ham
4 iiton's Address-His Reference to
Modern Methods Of Theological
Training Were Calm.
| Jefferson, Sept. 13.-At the opening
of the Des Moines district Methodist
conference, after the devotional exer-
cises and reading of the minutes, the
conference stewards read their prelim-
mary report. This is concerned with
| the disbursement of the funds for the
support of the aged and intirm minis
tiers. This fund Is raised from the
profits Of the Methodist book concern,
which publishes the denominational
papers, ETC., and from the collections
taken in the churche,. The Preachers
Aid Society reported this year $4,000
for the fund. 1t is one Of the pathetic
sights Of the conference to see the poor
old worn-out men coming before the
board to explain their condition. There
are fifty-nine claimants" upon the
funds of this conference.
The examination of the class for adj
mission into full connection in the con-
ference was taken up. Every Method
list preacher serves probation OF two
years, and by his success during that
time his future occupation may be de-
termined. A fine looking class Of eight
young men was presented and the re-
port of the examining committee and
other committees concerned showed
that they were exceptionally capable.
After they reported their charges and
the committees had reported upon each
individual case, they were admitted in
to full connection and elected for ordi-
nation. Their names are as follows:
NJ. HI. Rambo. George Fidler, L. ].
Smith. J. w. Goodsell.. George Wey-
rauch, ]. G. Duling and r. 3. Hughes.
I. p. Kelley was not present and G. G..
Wilkins was continued in the class for
another year. G. G. Paulson, proba-
toner OF the Dakota conference. was
transferred upon request Of the confer
ence, and was admitted with the class.
BY this time the conference room was
well filled, for 1t was known that the
bishop would address the class coming
into full membership. After prayer by
Prof. Upham and the reading of the
general rules of the church, President
Little Of Garrett Theological Institute
read the rules for preachers conduct.
which have stood in the discipline of
the Nj. E. church thru its entire history.
They are the rules originally drawn up
by John Wesley. Then followed the
bishops address.
If any Of those present expected any
sensational utterances upon the theolo-
gical duel now raging among the Meth
odists as all other Protestants over the
modern studies, or methods Of Bible
study they were doomed to disappoint-
ment His reference to this burning
theme was conservative and temperate.
He was not so much concerned with
the details of Biblical criticism as with
the spirit in which 1t Is conducted. He
advised the young men to seek the
counsel OF older ministers concerning
any difficulties In theology. He gave
the evolutionists side shot of wit;
they regard man as the climax of the
animal creation; he was not admit
ting them as II to menagerie, but pre-
ferred to take the Biblical statement:
Thou hast made man little lower
than the angels" literally, little less
than God. They were to be God-men.
q nd Of fo{o
perience were the essential factors of
success.
He spent some time in discussing the
Methodist doctrine Of Perfect love, as
suring them that religion and common
sense were not to be separated. The
"foolishness of preaching" does not
mean the preaching of foolishness; tive
do not need any fool preaching or fool
preachers" One he had known had
given a symptomatic evidence of being
sanctified; that he had quit using to.
bacco. Any sinner ought to know that
much. Personal honesty and integrity
We're essential features and factors.
Intellectual equipment was necessary.
Slavery was not past; the south has its
great problems to work out; in the
north the money kings. Preserve the
unity of the church. He was against a
man who would SOW even the truth in
such a way as to make dissension in the
church. The care of children was urged
upon him, and faithful pastoral visit
ing, in which they were to conduct
Themselves with dignity and as models
He spoke feelingly of some of the temp
tations in the minister's way. The
church wisely taught fasting or absti-
nence; even John L. Sullivan when
about to engage In one Of the struggles
for which he is famous employs man
to make him fast. Often then, with
great undertakings and especially in
revival efforts the minister may neel
to be abstemious He could not under-
take to make money; 1t was his duty to
save 1t, but not to speculate. Savings
hanks and kindred institutions were
recommended.
The close Of the address was very
feelingly given, and the manner and
matter of Bishop Hamilton's address
were most impressive and will long re-