The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-04-26
Methodist Young People on Record
Against Cards, Dancing, Etc.
THEY DEFEATED PLAN TO GRANGE
Smoke socinls In Westminster Abbey
Commented Only STANLEY
~ b. Roberts.

Bishop Joyce was somewhat amused
when his attention was called to an adj
dress delivered before a meeting Of
prominent Methodist ministers and lay
men, held at the Union League club,
Chicago. night before last. In the course
Quayle, advised the removal from the
church discipline Of the prohibition
against card playing, dancing and similar
forms of diversion; and argued that if
concessions wer not made, the young peo-
pie would desert the Methodist church in
favor of a more liberal body,
Far from agreeing with Mr.. Quayle,
Bishop Joyce says that the young people
themselves are largely responsible for the
rules as they now exist. Said he:
L II 1t had not been for the young people
themselves these changes suggested at Chi
cago might have been made some time ago.
The matter under discussion is touched upon
in the church discipline in the form of a gem
eral inhibition, followed by specific comment.
This general inhibition forbids members OF
the church from indulging IN any diversions
which cannot be taken in the name of Jesus
Christ. At the conference Of 1872 specifca-
tons. were added making this apply to. caro-
playing, dancing and attendance at theaters.
i Later many members of the church decided
this to have been a mistake, and ten years
ago an attempt was made to remove these
specifications. 1t was argued that a general
declaration would prove much more advis-
able as times change and customs with them,
so that there would be no end to the specifca-
tions necessary. This suggestion met active
opposition and was defeated largely by the
instrlnentality of our young people working
through the EpWorth League. Consequently
the specifications are still there The Epworth
League has on its membership rolls 1000, 900
young people, all Of whom have signed a
pledge to observe the church discipline. They
stood against changing those rules on the
very points upon which a change is now adj
visea under penalty of our losing their sup
port. a5i
-,y Latitude in Conduct.
This matter of increased latitude in
rules of conduct for young people is one
that; is causing considerable discussion in
the Presbyterian church, also. Bethle-
hem Presbyterian church-is now erecting
new church edifice, and as soon as the
new building is completed, the old will be
utilized as gymnasium and club rooms
Rev. Stanley B. Roberts, pastor of the
church. said yesterday, that he should
favor the installation of bowling alleys,
and even a billiard and pool table If such
appliances wer wanted. He said he saw
nothing wrong in these diversions if they
could be removed from evil surroundings
however, he added that he would scarcely
feel like going as far as had sArchdeacon
WHEREFORE, who had permitted work
lngmen to smoke and even to drink beer
while he was addressing them in West
minister Abbey. Said Mr. Roberts,:
consider the use of beer a sin Regarding
smoking there has always been much differ
ence of opinion. If I were to address an
audience OF working men at their noon hour
should not think it out of the way to let
them smoke; but I would never agree to let
them drink. That would be temporizing with
sill. suppose thosermeetings in Westminster
Abbey were held in some side room but they
were held somewhere in the house of Co..
and drinking certainly should not have been
permitted theretCE f14EstA<E