The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-05-12
MINISTERS MEET,
CongregatItnaIIsts and Method
lists In Regular Weekly Session

The regular weekly meeting of the
Methodist preachers of Providence and
vicinity was held in the Mathewson Street
Methodist church this morning with the
vice president. Rev. II. A. Ridgeway. in
the chair.
After the regular reports of the morn
ing were read and approved a paper was
presented by Rev. NJ. J. Talbot, ID. D.,
entitled, David, the King"
The paper was extremely interesting
giving as il did a review OF the history
OF the times in which David lived. and
dwelling upon the circumstances which
led to his being chosen a ruler over the
tribes of Israel
Reference was made also TO his descent
and to the fact that the best blood of
1000 years flowed through his veins.
The period or his reign was also fixed
and the condition of the tribes OF Israel
previous 10 his accession to the throne
described.
Continuing, the speaker enlarged upon
the characteristics of David. especially
his unusual ability in statesmanship,
which made him the chief of all the rulers
of Israel
The wide versatility of his talent was
shown in his skill In the arts of poetry,
architecture and music, as well as in
, military affairs.
In dwelling upon David's virtues as well
as his sins the speaker brought out
strongly the thought of repentance and
Gods forgiveness for sin
"a man is TO be measured" he said,
by the general principles and trend of
his life"
DR.. Talbot's paper was most favorably
received. At its close, however. a general
discussion ensued i'm which some dissent
ing views were expressed
CoNGREGATIoNALIsTs
The regular meeting OF the Congrega-
tionalst ministers was held in the Bible
room of the Benefcent church this morn
ing, Rev. J. j. Woolley presiding
The proceedings OF the meeting included
the regular reports and routine business,
also an address by Rev. s. 3. Rossiter
d. D., of New York, the representative
secretary of the American Mccall asso-
citation in France, and paper on THE
Morality of Shakespeare, by Rev. Mr.
Muttart of Chepa tchete.
Mr.. RossIter told the assembled minis
ters that he believed that IL was expe-
dent for them to become acquainted with
the Mccall Mission of France and its
work.
He told also of the s4 different evange-
listic halls IN the 20 cities of France
all controlled by the Mccall mission. He
described, also, the Sunday schools, tenn
perance leagues, Bible and tract distri-
button societies controlled hy the mission,
together with the two Gospel boats gong
un anu down the r'vers Of France holding
services each night which reach the ears
OF people.
THE work has no difficulty in gaining
an entrance into, cities" he said, "and
is limited only by the scarcity of funds
and the most cordial relations exist be-
tween the mission and the ministers and
churches of France"
In his paper on Shakespeare Mr.. Nut
tart proved that the great dramatist was
above the age I'm which he lived and that
his writings exerted a healthy. salutary
influence upon the times In which he
lived
Shakespeare" he said, never defended
vice: never classed IL with righteousness
never gave priority of a vicious tendency
over virtuous tendency"
To Illustrate his points the speaker made
reference 10 different characters In
Shakespeare and read certain portions
from his works.
During the meeting intelligence was re-
ceived OF the death OF Rev. Mr.. Elmer
son In ST. Vincent hospital. New York,
last night. Announcement was also made
OF the death of Mrs. Greer. wife OF Rev.
Mr. Greer. pastor Of the Academy ave-
nue. church at Mount Pleasant.