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METHODISM
THE STATE OF NEW YORK,
AS EEPHESENTED IN
STATE OONVENTIOIvr,
HELD IN SYRACUSE, N. Y.,
FEBRUABY 8 2-2 4, 18 7 0.
NEW TOKK:
CARLTON & LANAHAN.
SAN FRANCISCO: E. THOMAS.
CINCINNATI: HITCHCOCK & WALDEN.
1870.
1 'TL—^OL
JV.
Kntered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by
CARLTON &= LAN AH AN,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern
District of New York.
^cormellX
univers'ty
LIBRARY.y
/yiM)
PREFATORY NOTE.
At the request of the Convention, the Secretaries and
Rev. J. W. Eaton, the official Stenographer, have acted as a
Publishing Committee in preparing the following Report of
its Proceedings. Tiie Journal of the Convention was fur-
nished bj Revs. J. B. Foote and S. Hunt, Recording Secretaries,
and all the Stenograpliic Notes by Mr. Eaton. These mate-
rials, together with the Reports of Committees and manuscript
Addresses, were forwarded to Rev. W. H. De Puy at the Book
Room, and under his supervision have passed througii the'
press.
Owing to the necessary rapidity with which the pages have
been stereotyped, it was found impracticable to carry out the
original purpose of submitting the proofs to the several authors.
If any errors or imperfections shall be found to have resulted
from this fact, the Publishing Committee will greatly regret
it, but will also hope for the considerate judgment both of the
authors of the manuscripts, and of the Metiiodist public.
The acknowledged success of the Convention leaves little to
be regretted either in its composition or proceedings. Yet
it may be properly stated, that though nearly every District
in the State appointed the requisite number of Delegates, it
was found that the shortness of the time elapsing between the
4 Prefatory Note.
meeting of the Preparatory Committee at Albany, and the
assembling of the Convention, and also the engagements of
many Pastors in the special religious services common to the
season of the year, prevented the attendance of many brethren
whose presence would doubtless have given additional interest
to the deliberations of this first great gathering of the Method-
ists of the State of New York.
That the Convention, though, an experiment whose issue
was doubted by many, achieved so marked a success in attend-
ance, in enthusiastic interest, rising higher with each session,
in harmonious and able deliberation, in conclusions marked by
sound judgment, in practical financial results, and in a per-
vading tone of spirituality, is largely due to the fact that it
strictly adhered to the order proposed in the carefully prepared
programme of the Preparatory Committee.
Publishing Committee.
NEW YORK STATE
METHODIST CONVENTION.
PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS.
In accordance with the action of various meetings of ministers and lay-
men of the Methodist Episcopal Church, held in different parts of the State,
a call was made for- a '• Preparatory Committee Meeting," to be held at
Albany on Tuesday, January 11, 1870, at half past seven o'clock P. M.
The desire was expressed that each Conference whose territory, either in
whole or in part, lies within the State, should send four delegates — two
ministers and two laymen — and that these Selegates should constitute a
Preparatory Committee.
The meeting was held at Albany in pursuance of the call. The Con-
ferences were represented as follows : New York : Rev. C. D. Foss, M. D'C.
Crawford, D. D. Mw TorTc East : Rev. D. Curry, D. D., J. H. Tafl, Rev. B. G.
Andrews, D. D. Troy ; Rev. J. T. Peck, D. D., J. E. King, D. D. Central
New Torlc : Rev. L. C. Queal, Rev. D. B. Lore, D. D., James Mitchell, Esq.,
N. B. Foote, Esq. Wyoming : Rev. H. R. Clark, D. D., Rev. W. G. Queal.
Hast Oenesee : Rev. J. E. Latimer, D. D., Rev. W. H. Goodwin, D. D.,
Hon. D. A. Ogden, H. G. Moore, Esq. Oenesee : F. H. Root, Esq.
Hon. D. A. Ogden, of Penn Yan, was elected Chairman, and Dr. D. D.
Lore, of the " Northern Christian Advocate,'' Secretary.
It was' unanimously resolved to hold the Convention. Syracuse was
selected as the place, and February 32 as the time for the opening. It
was resolved that the delegates be chosen by District Conventions called
by the Presiding Elders, and to be composed severally of the Presiding
Elders Pastors, and District Stewards. The Bishops were invited to
attend. Bishop Janes, being a resident of the State, was specially consti-
tuted a member of the Convention. The District Conventions were invited to
take such measures as they should choose for the payment of the expenses of
their delegates. Bach district was authorized to send twenty delegates — ■
ten preachers and ten laymen ; fractional districts along the State bound-
ary to have a proportionate representation. The folio vring general pro-
gramme of business and assignment of topics for the Syracuse Convention
was adopted :
Fird Session.— TuesAaj, February 23, two o'clock P. M. Organization.
Subject : The Statistics and Historical Development of Methodism in the
6 New York State Methodist Convention.
State. Real and Relative Resources. InchargeofRer. E.G. Andrews, D.D.,
Rev. K. P. Jervis, and Rev. W. H. De Puy.
Seamd Session. — Tuesday evening. From half past six to seven o'clock,
Prayer-meeting. Subject: Temperance. The exact right and duties of
the hour. In care of Rev. L. C. Queal, Hon. J. Mitchell, Rev. S. I. Ives,
Prof. H. A. Wilson, and C. C. Case, Esq.
Third Session. — Wednesday morning. From half past eight to nine
o'clock, Devotional Exercises. Subject : Our Position and Duties as Chris-
tian Citizens. In charge of Rev. J. T. Peck, D. D., F. H. Root, Esq., Rev.
W. H. Goodwin, D. D., Hon. H. G. Prindle, and Rev. I. S. Bingham.
Fourth Session. — Wednesday, two P. M. Subject : Education, its Pres-
ent Condition in our Church, and its Future Demands. In charge of
Rev. 3. E. Latimer, D. D., Rev. D. D., Lore, D. D., Rev. J. B. Wentworth,
D. D., Rev. J. E. King, D. D., Rev. D. W. Bristol, D. D., Rev. S. R. Fuller,
and Rev. A. J. Phelps.
Fifth Session. — Wednesday evening. From seven to half past seven
o'clock, Devotional Exercises. Subject: Development of the Working
Forces of the Church, Clerical and Lay, both Male and Female, in Home
Evangelization. In charge of Hon. D. A. Ogden, Rev. F. G. Hibbard, D. D.,
Rev. D. H. MuUer, S. Barker, Esq., and J. Hillman, Esq.
Sixth Session. — Thursday morning. From half past eight to ten o'clock.
Love-feast. Subject: The. Spiritual Life of the Church, Actual and
Demanded, and Church Discipline. In charge of Rev. W. H. Ferris, D. D.,
Rev. C. D. Foss, Hon. Willard Ives, and Hon. G. G. Reynolds.
Seventh Session. — Thursday, at two P. M. Subject : The Family, its Di-
vine Institution and Obligation, and its Dangers. In charge of Rev. H. R.
Clark, D. D., Rev. D. Curry, D. D., Rev. W. H. Olin, D. D., Hon. A. Y.
Stewart, and Col. J. H. Thurston.
Eighth Session. — Seven P. M. Subject : The Press ; the Development
of our Publishing.Interests ; Reading for the People ; Missionary and Sun-
day-School Causes. In charge of E. L. Pancher, Esq., Rev. C. Z. Case,
N. B. Foote, Esq., J. H. Taft, Esq., and C. P. Easton, Esq.
The following Resolutions were also adopted :
1. That the Committee in charge of each subject be limited to one hour
for its presentation and discussion by the essayists or speakers selected by
them ; after which each subject shall be open for public discussion, each
speaker being limited to ten minutes.
2. That a Committee of Correspondence and Invitation be appointed, con-
sisting of Rev. M. D'C. Crawford, D. D., J. E. King, D. D., Rev. J. B.
Foote, J. E. Latimer, D. D., and Revs. R. S. Fuller, G. L. Taylor, W. G.
Queal, and A. D. Wilbor.
3. That an Executive Committee be appointed, with power to make all
further necessary iirrangemonts in connection with said Convention, namely :
Revs. D. D. Lore, D. D., Auburn ; J. B. Foote, Syracuse ; A. J. Phelps, Man-
lius ; J. T. Peck, D. D., Albany ; Dr. Porter, Syracuse ; W. W. Comstock,
Trenton ; W. W. Williams, Manlius.
LIST OF DELEGATES.
The following is a list of delegates in actual attendance upon the
Convention, held iu pursuance of the plan arranged by the Preparatory
Committee at Albany.*
■"' In certain eases additional names were added to the district lists, to take tlie
place of otliers previously appointed, but who could not attend.
List of Delegates. 7
BLACK BIVER CONFEKBNCE.
Adams DlSTEiOT.—Jfirujiters; T. Richey, J. T. Hewitt, C. H. Guile,
W. D. Chase, M. M. Rice, I. L. Hunt, E. W. Jones. Laymen : Hon. C. G.
Briggs, Hon. W. A. Gilbert, M. Kau, J. C. Wrigbt, W. H. Overton, D. A.
Stewart.
Watbrtowk Dwitiioii.— Ministers : L. D. White, J. H. Lamb, 8. R.
Fuller, I. S. Bingham, W. A. Nichols, k N. Barber, J. F. Dayan, A. Oheese-
man. Laymen : Hon. A. G. Stewart, C. C. Case, O. Dimmock.
Ogdbnsbubgh 'DjSTB.im.— Ministers : L. Clark, H. W. Bennett, W. Mer-
rifield, A. T. Copeland, E. E. Kellogg, A. F. Mai-kham, M. T. Smedley,
J. Dolph, 8. C. Corbin. Laymen : J. M. WooUey, N. F. Giffin, W. Green.
Potsdam DiaiRvyr.—MinisUrs: L. L. Palmer, J. H. Merritt, W. P. Ball,
J. B. Hammond, 8. O. Barne-i, A. L. Smith. Laymen : W. Coats, J. Miller,
A. N. Deming, W. W. Morgan.
CBNTBAL NEW TOKK CONPEBBNCB.
Heekimbr Ttisi-Ricx.— Ministers : A. B. Gregg, F. F. Jewell, C. T. Moss,
H. M. Church, W. H. Anable, W. Jones, B. P. Barker, M. G. Bullock.
Laymen: W. A. Brownell, E. Remington, J. W. Davison, L. B. Gray,
G. P. Polts, M. Ford, W. L. Brown.
Utica DiBTiRiCT.— Ministers : L. C. Queal, J. P. Crawford, M. 8. Hard,
M. 8. Wells, J. V. Ferguson, H. Gee, P. Wright, W. H. Curtiss; T. Cooper,
W. Reddy. L(wmen : 3. Mitchell, H. Lewis, D. T. Davis, H. Beckwith,
W. H. ComstocK, J. 8. Barker, J. 8. Capron, C. H. Hopkins, J. P. Billings,
8. Warner.
Rome Distbiot.— Ministers : B. 8. Wright, L. H. Stanley, O. C. Cole,
B. H. Brown, R. Redhead, M. D. Kinney, H. Nichols, J. Zimmerman, M. P.
Blakeslee, S. Ball. Layman : Dr. R. B. Sutton, T. D. Penfield, A. Palms,
J. E. Barber, L. E. Elmer, J. C. Brewster.
Cazbnovia District. — Ministers: A. J. Phelps, A. L. York, J. H. Hall,
E. H. Munger, L. A. Eddy, B. W. Hamilton, A. 8. Graves, T. H. Young-
man, W. Watson. Laymen : W. 8. Smyth, W. W. Williams, P. Mattoon,
E. Adams, E. Evringham, A. B. Walden, J. E. Darrow, J. J. Carver,
E. Kinne, G. N. Tackaberry.
Syracuse District. — Ministers : J. B. Poote, E. Arnold, T. J. Bissell,
J. D. Adams, E.'G. Bush, P. H.. Stanton, E. Horr, Jr., T. B. Shepherd,
G. M. Peirce, D. W. Roney. Laymen : Dr. W. W. Porter, H. P. Sullivan,
V. V. Nottingham, J. B. Tallman, P. G. Weeks, J. H. Gregory, R. North,
M. B. Bannister, R. Patterson, L. L. Patterson.
Auburn District. — Ministers : B. L Ives, D. D. Lore, 8. P. Gray, D. D.
Davis, I. Harris, P. M. Warner, W. Searles, E. C. Brown, D. W. Beadle.
Laymen : Hon. J. 8. Roe, H. Daniels, P. Martin.
Oswego District. — Ministers : A, E. Corse, E. C. Curtiss, R. C. Houghton,
C. L. Dunning, W. R. Cobb, G. C. Wood, H. Skeel, H. M. Danforth,
li. Houghton, L. L. Adkins. Laymen : F. Richardson, C. 8. Eggleston,
M, Worts, W. P. Ensign, J. J. HoUia.
8 New York State Methodist Convention.
CoETLAND District.— JfJMsJers ; G. 8. White, W. E. York, J. T.
Crippen, J. V. Benham, B. Shove, A. M. Lake, O. H. Warren, W. D. Fox,
H. Meeker. Laymen. : A. T. Tanaer, J. S. Wood, A. Terwillager, S. SaUs-
bury, M. J. Eobinson, J. T. M'Elhermy, J. Wilbur.
EAST GENESEE CONEEEENCE.
Rochester DiSTEiCT.— JfmJsfers .• F. G. Hibbard, Prof. S. A. Latti-
more, K. P. Jervis, G. G. Lyon, D. lifutten, G. W. Paddock, W. Bradley,
J. Dennis. Laymen : H. Wray, E. Jones, N. L. Button, H. Davis, F. Vose,
G. A. Gould, A. Mandeville, H. B. Jolley.
Geneva District. — Ministers : E. Hogoboom, A. F. Morey, I. Gibbard,
W. Manning, J. Alabaster, M. S. Leet, W. W- Eunyan, G. Van Alstyne,
J. M. Bull, A. W. Green. Laymen : P. Crane, L. H. Palmer, W. Kennard,
L. WUcox, J. M'Call, W. C. Greggs, J. W. Benton.
Pbnn Tan DiSTmcr.— Ministers : T. B. Hudson, W. H. Goodwin, J. E.
Latimer, S. M'Gerald, J. W. Putnam, A. F. Countryman, R. L. Stillwell,
C. L. Bown. Laymen, : Hon. D. A. Ogden, E. Truesdell, W. Fisher, J. M.
Latimer, A. C. Lindsley.
HoRNBLLSviLLE DISTRICT.— Jfms«e;s .■ A. Sutherland, A. K. Fillmore,
W. B. Holt, S. D. Pickett. Laymen : J. M. Wood, E. Fritz.
Elmiea District.— lfmisi«7-s ; T. Tousey, D. Leisenring, C. P. Hard,
J. G. Gulick, C. Z. Case, J. L. Edson, M. Wheeler, 0. J. Bradbury, U. S.
Hall, H. Harpst, G. W. Chandler. Laymen : D. Decker, Col. J. S. Thurs-
ton, E. S. Huntley, H. S. Chubbuck, A. E. Frost, J. L. Mn)owell.
GENESEE CONEBBBNCE.
BuEFALO DiBTRiCT.— Ministers: D. H. Muller, T. Carlton, W. Kerley,
W. H. De Puy, A. D. Wilbor, L. L. Rogers, A. P. Eipley, J. B. Lanck-
ton. Laymen : F. H. Eoot, I. Gale, J. D. F. Slee, J. N. Dorris, J. S. Lyon,
L. G. Wiltsie, H. H. Otis, I. Hollavray.
Niagara District. — Minister: L. T. Foote. Layman:. Hon. L. E.
Sanborn.
Genesee District. — Ministers: E. E. Chambers, S. Seager, S. Hunt,
J. N. Simpkins, D. Steele, D. D. Cook, C. C. Wilbor. Laymen: Hon.
G. M. Copelaud, S. Grunendike, A. Allis, R. Van Voorhies, W. H. Moore,
E. C. Chriswell.
Wyoming District. — Ministers : . Layman : G. E. Torrey.
Olban District. — Ministers : W. 8. Tuttle, 8. B. Dickinson, L. A.
Stevens, W. Blake, F. W. Conable. Layman : A. W. E. Damon.
new YORK CONFERENCE.
New York District. — Ministers : J. P. Hermance, D. W. C. Van Gaas-
beck. Layman : J. Storey, A. T. Serrell, Philip Phillips.
Potjghkbepsie District. — Minister: E. L. Prentice. Laymen: 3. P. H.
Tallman, A. G. Newman, E. Mackellar.
Ehinebeck District. — Ministers : E. Wheatley, Q. J. ColUn, A. Flack.
Laymen: W. B. Sheldon, I. G. Calkins.
List of Delegates. ' 9
Pkattsville District.— Jtfmwters ; T. W. Chadwick, C. Gotse, J. J.
Dean, E. Tinker.
Ellenvillb District. — Mmist&rs : T. Lamonte, G. Clarke, E. S. Osbon.
Nbwburgh District.— Jtfmig^CT's; W.ft Abbott, D.D.Gillespie, J. Croft,
J. C. Hoyt, F. S. Barnum. Laymen: O. B. TuthiU, T. E. Durland, C. B.
Wood, W. E. Gowdy, J. H. PhilUps, J. L. Sloat.
NEW YORK BAST OONFERBNCE.
New York HisiKiCT.— Ministers : W. C. Steel, George Lansing Taylor.
Laymen : C. H. Applegate, J. "Wood, J. Stephenson.
80TJTH Long Island District. — Ministers : E. E. Griswold, H. Alston.
Layman: G. Wilson.
North Long Island District. — Ministers : W. H. Studley, W. H. De
Puy, W. T. Hill, W.^E. Boole. Layman: D. H. Brown.
troy conference.
Trot District. — Ministers : C. P. Burdick, M. A. Senter, M. Hulburd,
H. Eaton, J. W. Belknap, J. M. King, G. W. Pitch, W. W. Bedell. Laymen :
D. H. Plack, A. Perry, L. R. Avery, J. Hillman, J. D. Lobdell, W. Tucker,
G. Rowland.
Albany District. — Ministers : J. T. ?eck, 8. M'Chesney, L. H. Grant,
J. W. Eaton. Laymen : Prof. W. Wells, W. L. Woollett, J. H. Stafford,
C. P. Easton, J. W. Osborn.
Saratoga District. — Ministers : L. Marshall, G. S. Chadboume. Lay-
men : D. Hayes, S. B. Howland.
Cambridge District. — Ministers : 8. Washburn, J. E. King, B. Haw-
ley, G. W. 8. Porter, 8. M'Kean, F. A. Soule. Layman : T. B. Parr.
WYOMING conference.
BiNGHAMTON DISTRICT. — Ministers: D. W. Bristol, W. Bound, A. C.
Bowdish, D. D. Lindsley, W. H. Oliu. Laymen: L. Harding, Hon. D. C.
Squire, J. M. Grimes, M. West, T. Casterton, N. T. Childs, M. T. Winton,
L. S. Smith. •
Chenango District. — Ministers: T. Harroun, Lyman Sperry, W. A.
Wadsworth, E. W. Caswell. Laymen : 8. Shumway, A. Eastman.
Otsego District. — Ministers : W. N. Cobb, W. G. Queal, E. W. Peebles,
G. Parsons, H. A. Blanchard, J.,Pilkinton, G. M. Mead. Laymen : G. Rey-
nolds, J. Eddy.
Owbgo Bi&T-RiCT.— Ministers : H. R. Clark, J. L. Wells, J. K. Peck,
H. Wheeler, A. Brooks, R. Hioms. La/ymm : A. Phelps, J. Barnes, B. B.
Bignall, J. H. Marshall.
MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION.
•
FIRST SESSION — ORGANIZATION AND STATISTICS.
The Convention met, pursuant to call, at Sliakspeare Hall,
Syracuse, IS". Y., at two o'clock P. M., February 32, 1870.
In the absence of Dr. Lore, Chairman of the Executive Com-
mittee, Eev. J. B. Foote, Secretary of the Committee, called
the Convention to order, and on his motion Francis H. Root,
Esq., of Buffalo, President of the Board of Trustees of Genesee
College, was unanimously elected temporary Chairman. On
taking the chair, Mr. Root made a brief and pertinent address.
Eev. J. B. Foote, Presiding Elder of Syracuse District, Wy-
oming Conference, was appointed temporary Secretary.
At the request of the Chair, Dr. H. P. Clark, Presiding
Elder of Owego District, Wyoming Conference, and Dr. Jesse
T. Peck, of Albany, Troy Conference, conducted the opening
devotional services, the former reading the Scriptures and
announcing the hymn, and the latter leatiing the Convention
in prayer.
The roll of Delegates was called, and at the first reading
246 responded, namely, 163 ministerial and 83 lay delegates.
On motion of Dr. Lore, the Conference delegations were
instructed to make corrections of the lists, and report the same
to the Secretary.
On motion of Dr. W. H. Goodwin, the Chair appointed a
Committee, consisting of one minister and one layman from
each Conference, to nominate permanent officers of the Con-
vention. The following were appointed on the Committee :
Dr. W. H. Goodwin, H. S. Chubbuck, of East Genesee Conference ; Eev.
I. S. Bingham, Hon. A. T. Stewart, of Black Eiver ; Rev. A. J. Phelps,
F. G. Weeks, of Central New York; Dr. G. W. Clarke, L. Fay, of Erie;
Rev. E. E. Chambers, G. M. Copeland, of Genesee ; Rev. E. L. Prentiss,
W. E. Gowdy, of New York ; Rev. George Lansing Taylor, J. Stephenson,
of New York East; Rev. F. A. Soule, C. P. Easton, of Troyj Dr. H. R.
Clark, C. D, Barnes, of Wyoming.
New York State Methodist Convention. 1 1
On motion of Dr. W. H. Olin, it was voted that the Rules
of Order of the last General Conference be adopted as far as
applicable; also, that the "Programme of Business" arranged
by the Preparatory Committee (printed on pages 5, 6j be
adopted.
On motion of Dr. Olin, it was resolved that a Business Com-
mittee be appointed, consisting of one minister and one layman
from each Conference, to which all new business proposed to
the Convention should be referred without debate, the members
of the Committee to be designated severally by the Conference
delegatipns. ,
PERMANENT ORGANIZATON.
Dr. "W". H. Goodwin, on behalf of the Committee on Nom-
inations, reported the following nominations of permanent
officers of the Convention, which were unanimously confirmed :
President.
Rev. Jesse T. Peck, D. D., of Albany.
Vice-Presidents.
'Nem York East Conference. — Rev. George Lansing Tatlor, A. M.,
New York ; John Stephenson, Esq., New York.
New TorJc Conference. — Rev. J. P. Hermance, New York; J. P. H.
Tallman, Esq., Poughkeepsie.
Troy Conference.— "Rev. F. A. Soule, Sandy Hill ; "W. L. "Woollett, Esq.,
Albany.
Central New Torh Conference.— 'Rqy. D. D. Lore, D. D., Auburn ; John
H. Gregory, Esq., Skaneateles.
Black Miver Conference. — Rev. L. D. White, Watertown ; Hon. A. Y.
Stewart, Carthage.
Wyoming Conference.— 'Rey. D. W. Bristol, D. D., Binghamton; N. T.
Childs, Esq., Binghamton.
East Genesee Conference.— Bey. F. G. Hibbard, D. D., Rochester; David
Decker, Esq., Elmira.-
Genesee Conference. — Rev. E. E. Chambers, Batavia ; F. H. Root, Esq.,
Buffalo.
Erie Conference.— R^y. G. "W. Clarke, D. D., Forestville ; Lincoln
Fat, Esq.
12 Organisation — President' s Address.
Secretaries.
Clerical Secretaries. — Rev. J. B. Footb, A. M., Syracuse ; S. Hunt, A. M.,
Batavia.
Statistical Secretary. — Rev. W. H. Db Put, A. M., Brooklyn.
financial Secretaries. — Joseph HttLMAN, Esq., Troy; Orangb Judd,
A. M., Flushing, Long Island.
Ilev. Dr. Lore and Eev. A. J. Phelps were appointed to
conduct the President to the cliair. On taking the chair,
Dr. Peck addressed the Convention as follows :
Bbethken op the Convention : I liave but one method of expressing
my gratitude for the confidence you have shown in me by elevating me
to this position. It will be to lift my heart to God to give me gracious
aid, and to devote to the work of this Chair such powers as God has
given me.
"With regard to the purposes of our assembling, they are so well defined
already as to require but a few remarks at this time. I understand that
we are not assembled for the purpose of conferring honor or distinction
upon our beloved Methodism ; that we are not to give our time and
tongues to denominational egotism ; that we are not here for the purpose
of haranguing each other ; that we are, not here for the purpose of an-
nouncing in the presence of God and the people our extravagant claims to
the confidence of the world. Rather, if I understand the spirit of our
gathering, we are here to express our gratitude to God for our Church
privileges in honestly and thoroughly examining om- present condition,
looking carefully into our defects, recognizing our want of power where
that is true, and recognizing also our obligation to greater Christian
influence. Indeed, I think we are here to look out upon our past, and
gather our lessons of instruction from it ; jnd then look out upon the
future, and ask how we may best gather and command our great moral
forces for still gi-eater conquests. Let us carefully consider the questions
that shall come before us. Let us remember that if God's blessing shall
come down upon our Convention; if our souls shall draw nearer to God;
if our faith shall command more of God's grace, and we shall go out
■with our trust mightier than before, and with our unity consolidated and
our efforts so directed that we shall labor together more earnestly and
eff'ectively for the advancement of the Saviour's kingdom ; if God shall
put this honor upon us, so that, feeling strongly .our responsibilities, we
shall gather new power to meet tliem, and in the name of our venerated
fathers and of our God, we shall be able to show that we are true Method-
ists, that we are true to our theology and our history, and yet that God
has enabled us to grasp with stronger hand the great issues of the age,
Report on Statistics. 13
and the mighty forces of the age with which we are identified, and march
up abreast with, if not in fee vta of, our brethren of other Churches in
all the elements of true progress, while yet we hold on to our humility,
and are still possessed with an undying love of souls : if we do this, we
shall have occasion to rejoice in the grace that has brought us together.
Humbly hoping that God may give us this power, and that we may
show ourselves awed by the grandeur of interests that have brought us
together, and shall show ourselves equal to the responsibilities that are
upon us, .let us lift up our hearts to the Lord that he may honor our
endeavors, and that the future may show that we have been here to glorify
. Qod. With this si^irit we shall go forth to win victories that will save
souls, and fill up the ranks of the saved in the future, and the ranks of the
redeemed in heave%
At the close of Dr. Peck's address the regular subject of the
session was taken up, namely, " The Statistical and Historical
Development of Methodism in the State."
Kev. "W. li. De Puy, Assistant Editor of The Christia/n Ad-
vocate at i^ew York, on behalf of the Conynittee appointed to
report to the Convention the Statistics and Historical Develop-
ment of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the State of New-
York, presented the following paper :
Keport on Statistics.
The Methodist Episcopal Church in the State includes, either in whole
or in part, eleven Annual Conferences, namely, Black River, Central New
York, 'East Genesee, East German, Erie, Genesee, Newark, New York,
New York East, Troy, and Wyoming. Of these only the two first named
lie wholly within tlie territoiy of the State. In compiling the statistics
for this report, great care has been taken to include only the statistics of
those portions of the Conferences within the State.
For the convenience of consideration, the items under review have been
classified as follows :
I. Ministerial Force.
II. Lay Membership.
lU. Church Officiary.
rV. Educational Institutions.
V. Church Property.
VI. Sunday-School Work.
Vn. Benevolent Contributions.
VHI. Ministerial Support.
IX. Comparative Growth.
14 New York State Methodist Convention.
X. Status and Progress as compared with other Denominations.
XI. Status and Progress as compared with the general population of
the State.
I. Ministerial Fokce.
The ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the State of New
York is composed as follows : Resident Bishop, 1 ; Traveling Preachers,
1,457 ; Local Preachers, 817. Total, 3,275.
The Traveling Preachers may be classified thus : Presiding Elders, 45 ;
Pastors of Congregations, 1,039 ; Officers and Professors in Educational
Institutions, 16 ; Editors, 6 ; Book Agent, 1 ; other Agents, 8 ; Chap-
lains, 3 ; Secretaries, (American Bible Society, and Young Men's Christian
Association, Washington,) 2; Foreign Missionaries, 7; Supernumeraries
and Superannuated, 331.
There are in the State 113 Circuits and Stations returned in the official
Minutes " to be supplied." In accordance with the usage of the Church,
which leaves no congregation without pastoral supervision, all these have
had pastors, chiefly from the local ranks. If we add this number to the
number of itinerant preachers assigned to charges at the Conferences, we
have the total number of Pastors in charge of congregations, 1,153.
II. Lay Membersbip.
The whole number of Lay Members in the Methodist Episcopal Church
•n the State is 182,438. Of these the members in full connection number
156,377, and those on probation 36,061.
The present membership of the Church is divided into 1,093 pastoral
charges. Sixty of these charges have two pastors each ; the remainder have
each one pastor. As the membership above does not include the number
of pastors, we add, in order to obtain the whole membership, the number
of pastors, and the number of the other classes of the itinerant ministry,
including the resident Bishop, giving us as the actual total membership,
188,955. In this calculation the local preachers not engaged in pastoral
work are included in the returns of the laity.
The average lay membership to each pastoral charge in the State is 167.
Bedford-street Church, New York, returned in 1869 the largest member-
ship, namely, 1,049; the second largest was returned by Hanson Place
and Fleet-street Churches, Brooklyn, each 680 members.
TIT. Church Officiary.
The lay officiary is made up chiefly of Trustees, Stewards, Class Leaders,
Sunday-school Superintendents, and Local Preachers. Allowing 8 Trust-
ees for each Church, (house of worship,) for each pastoral charge
Lay Officers — Property. 15
8 Stewards, for each Sunday-school 1 Superintendent, and 1 Class Leader
for every 25 members, we have the following figures :
Trustees 13,536
Stewards 8,736
Class Leaders 7,398
Superintendents 3,265
Local Preachers 817
Total 33,653
Deducting one third in order to compensate for the number holding
more than one office, namely, 10,884, we have a total lay official force, not
including Sunday-school teachers, of 21,708.
lY. Educational Institutions.
As the Statistics of our Educational Institutions are to be reported by
another Committee, they are purposely omitted here. See p. 59.
Y. Chubch Property.
The present number of Church edifices (houses of worship) and par-
sonages, with their value, is shown by the following figures :
No. of Churches 1,693
" Parsonages ^ 833
Value of Churches $10,300,595
" Parsonages l,815,909i
Total value of Churches and Parsonages $12,016,495
The average value of Church edifices, $6,029 ; average value of par-
sonages, $3,180. While there are about one half as many parsonages and
churches, the number of parsonages to that df the number of charges bears
the ratio of 4 to 5, that is, about four fifths of all the pastoral charges
in the State are severally furnished with parsonages. In addition to these,
a considerable number of charges are supplied with permanently rented
residences.
The highest rated parsonages in the several Conferences are these, omit-
ting the returns from East German Conference, not reported, and includ-
ing only those located in the State :
New York Conference : Greene-street, Central, and St. Paul's
Churches, New York city, each $35,000
New York East : St. John's, Brooklyn 20,000
Troy Conference : North Second-street, Troy, and Ash Grove,
Albany, each 10,000
East Genesee : Hedding Church, Elmira. 10,000
1 6 New York State Methodist Convention.
NewarK : Mariners' Harbor, Staten Island $6,000
Central New York Conference: North-street, Auburn, and
Aurora-street, Ithaca, each 5,000
Genesee : Albion 5,000
Wyoming Conference : Waverly 4,500
BlackRiver: Lowville 4,000
Erie Conference : Sherman and Westfield, each 2,500
Note. — A full record of the Church property in the State -would include
the amounts invested in the various literary institutions in the State, and
the Book Concern at New York. An estimate of the former is given in the
report of the Committee on Education. The Book Concern at New York
(the property of the whole Methodist Episcopal Church) is estimated in
the Exhibit of November 30, 1869, at $1,839,271 31, with liabiUties, arising
chiefly from the purchase of the new buildings, amounting to $902,276 07,
leaving the net capital stock at $936,995 24. In this Exhibit the assets
are purposely put at low figures, much less, indeed, than it is believed the
property would bring if placed in the market. The real value of the Book
Concern, over all liabilities, is over one million of dollars. This includes
the property of the Depository at Buffalo, valued at $23,297 70 ; but does
not include that of the Northern Advocate ofiice at Auburn.
VI. Sunday-School Work.
The Sunday-School statistics present the following figures :
Whole^umber of Methodist Episcopal Sunday-schools. . 2,265
" Officers and Teachers 27,366
• " Scholars 167,066
" Volumes in Library 854,428
" Expenses of Schools in 1869 $78,057 85
These figures give an average of 74 pupils to each school. Reckoning
an average of three officers ift each school not engaged in teaching, we
have a total of 20,651 teachers. The last number, compared with the
whole number of pupils, gives us an average of one teacher to every eight
scholars. These figures show that, so far as numbers are concerned, the
Methodist Episcopal Church in the State of New York is well supplied
with teachers.
The largest Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school in the State reported in
1869 is that of Fleet-street Church, Brooklyn, numbering 881. The next
largest is that of Hanson Place, Brooklyn, numbering 812. There are
a considerable number of schools numbering from 700 to 800 pupils.
YII. Benevolent Conteibdtions.
The following are the amounts paid by the Methodist Episcopal
Churches in the State, as returned in the official" statistics for 1869 :
Ministerial Support — Salaries. 17
Raised for tlie Parent Missionary Society $130,497 49
" Conference Claimants 32,694 96
" American Bible Society 33,265 59
" Church Extension Society 10,290 56
Sunday-School Union 5,281 62
" Tract Cause 4,731 78
" Expenses of Sunday-schools 78,057 35
$284,819 35
These returns do not include the sums paid for the support of the
Freedmen's Aid Society, local missionaries, and educational societies and
other miscellaneous benevolent institutions. The Methodists in New York
city paid for the support of a single local organization, (the New York
Sunday-School and Missionary,) outside of and above all aid from the
Conference Missionary funds, the sum of over $51,000. Another local
Methodist beneficiary society received last year over $33,000.
VIII. Ministerial Support.
The total amount paid by the Methodist Episcopal Church in this State
during the past year as salaries to. pastors in the effective work (not includ-
ing the salaries of Bishop, Editors, Teachers, Agents, and others outside
of the pastoral work) was $854,428. This is an average of $797, or in
round numbers, about $800. In most cases this sum does not include the
estimated rent of parsonages, or furniture of the same.
Three of the Annual Conferences report in their local annual Minutes
the amounts paid by the congregations as donations, East Genesee Con-
ference reports for 1869 a total of donations of $18,986 ; Black River
reports $8,046, and Central New York $30,733. These sums are, very
properly, not reported as salaries. They are mentioned here merely as
an item worthy of notice in connection with figures indicating the sup-
port of the ministry.
The highest average salary paid by either of the Conferences is that of
the New York East Conference, $1,254 ; the lowest that of Wyoming,
$567. The highest salary paid by any Methodist Church in the State is
$5,000, paid by St: Paul's M. E. Church, New York city. An examination
and collation of the proper figures in the local Minutes of the several An-
nual Conferences reveals the following facts : Of the Pastors in the State,
63 receive •. . . $1,000 13 receive $1,800
6 " 1,100 19 " 2,000
40 " 1,200 3 " 3.300
8 " 1,300 1 " 3,400
5 " 1,400 9 " 3,500
18 " 1,500 5 " 3,000'
5 " 1,600 1 " 5,000
1 " 1,700
IJ
• New York State Methodist Convention.
SALABIES OF PRESIDING ELDERS.
We have next a table showing the amounts and average of salaries
paid Presiding Elders of Districts lying in whole or in part in the State.
In this average only one is estimated, namely, that of Adams District,
Black Eiver Conference ; this is estimated at $1,000.
District. No. in New York. Total Salaries. AYerage Salaries.
Black River 4 $3,750 $937
Central New York 8 7,655 957
Erie a 3,908 1,454
East Genesee 5 5,863 1,173
Cfenesee 5 5,000 1,000
New York 6 8,500 1,417
New York East 8 6,554 2,185
Newark 8 5,643 1,881
Troy 5 6,300 1,260
Wyoming 4 8,802 950
Total 45 $55,975 $1,244
SUPPORT OF CONFERENCE CLAIMANTS.
During the last year (excluding the Bast German Conference, the
figures of which are not given) 165 preachers and 148 widows were
beneficiaries on the funds raised for Conference Claimants, making a total
of 318. The following table gives by Conferences the number and classes
of beneficiaries, with the amounts and maximum appropriations made :
CONFERENCES.
on
II
II-
Black Eiver . ..
Central New York .
East Genesee
Genesee
East German
New York
New York East . . .
Troy ._...■
Wyoming
8897 00
3,251 15
1,560 00
•1,430 56
6J484 50
3,038 97
3,065 00
793 48
$695 00
1,288 45
1,572 60
1,068 00'
: 1
3,961 50
3,528 22
1,955 00
539 62
$1,592 00
4,539 60
3,132 50
2,498 56
$217 00
186 53
150 00
219 00
10,446 00
6,567 19
5,020 00
1,833 10
411 00
300 00
260 OU
181 50
$182 00
68 27
150 00
200 00
405 50
300 00
160 00
124 50
Total .
165
$20,520 66148 $14,608 29
313 $35,128 95
An analysis of the oflacial reports concerning the Conference Claimants
gives another interesting classification, thus :
113 Preachers received $100 or over. 71 "Widows received $100 or over.
66
3G
26
9
6
1
150
200
250
800
850
400
34
17
6
5
4
1
150
200
250
800
350
400
Growth — Comparative Statistics. , t9
As indicated in tlie preceding table, the highest amount paid any Con-
ference clerical beneflciary in this State in 18C9 was $411, and the highest
paid any widow was $405 50, both in the New York Conference.
IX. Comparative Growth.
Since 1860, or during the last nine years extending from 1800 to and
including 18G9, the growth of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the
State is seen, as follows :
Net inprease of Members, 15,800, or over ten, per cent.
" " Churches, 252, or over twenty-three per cent. .
" " Parsonages, 381, nearly 7?/«y-one per cent.
" " Sunday-schools, 102, nearly ji?i)« per cent.
" " Teachers, 3,622, over j^feen percent.
" " Scholars, 47,648, over thirty-nine per cent.
" " Value of Church edifices, $5,954,903, or over one hun-
dred and forty per cent.
" " Valucof Parsonages, 11,139,325, or over on« A««rfrer7 a?wZ
sixty-four per cent.
" " in total value of Churches and Parsonages, $7,084,327, or
■ over o7ie hundred and forty-three per cent.
X. Statistics of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the
State as compared with those of other Denominations.
In the following table the figures giving the summaries of churches,
ministers, and members of the four principal denominations in the State
are given. The summaries of the Roman Catholic Church are not quoted,
because in the item of numbers the whole population of the Cliurch is
given, while in those of other denominations only the communicants are
reported ; besides, we regard the Roman Catholic statistics, as reported by
the authorities of that Church, to be unreliable.
SumaiaTie§ for 1869.
Denominations. Churches. Ministers. Members.
Methodist Episcopal 1,693 1,457 182,438
Baptist 840 637 100,032
Presbyterian 734 992 109,363
Protestant Episcopalian 534 603 63,047
In this table the number of ministers given does not include the Local
Preachers, (817, see p. 14,) 113 of whom were engaged as pastors during the
year. Every Methodist Episcopal Church was supplied with a pastoj;
either from the itinerant or local ranks.
comparative progress from 1850 to 1800.
We have already given figures showing the growth of the Methodist
Episcopal Chuch during the last nine years, or from 1860 to 1869, includ-
20 New York State Methodist Convention.
ing the latter year. As the other denominations do not report the same
items of statistics, we cannot make a complete table showing their relative
progress during the same years. We compile, however, the folIowin;jj
table from the official returns of the United States Census of 1850 and
1860, showing the progress of these denominations in the State of Ifew
York in the items of Churches and their value :
1850. 1860. Increase in Increase
Denomination. Churclies. Value. Cliurches. Value. Chuiches. of Value.
Methodist.. 1,331 $3,886,043 1,688 $5,739,137 453 $3,858,094
Baptist 781 3,353,050 765 3,310,685 d.U 1,057,635
Presbyterian 671 4,356,606 715 6,170,130 44 1,813,534
Episcopal... 379 4,110,824 411 7,175,800 133 3,064,976
STATE RELIGIOUS CENSUS FOR 1850 TO I860.*
The following table will give the relative condition of the various
religious denominations in the State as- to Church edifices and their value
in 1860. The figures are compiled from the United States Census reports
of that date, and includes those of that date given above :
Denomination. Churches. Accommodation. Value.
Methodist 1,683 586,934 $5,739,1 37
Baptist 705 397,886 3,810,685
Presbyterian 715 334,097 6,170,180
Episcopal 411 175,594 7,175,800
Reformed putch) 387 139,840 8,374,900
Roman Catholic 360 329,570 4,749,075
Congregationalist 331 103,235 1,495,110
Lutherans 137 51,098 555,450
Friends 116 35,465 237,800
Christian 103 29,785 123,700
United Presbyterian 37 18,204 214,850
Reformed Presbyterian... 14 6,050 87,800
Jewish 20 10,440 376,000
Freewill Baptist 75 23,385 102,300
Seventh-Day Baptist 24 9,160 48,800
Advontist 6 1,250 "3,350
German Reformed , . 5 1,900 11,300
Moravian 5 1,540 60,100
Shakers 3 1,600 34,000
Spiritualists 1 300 1,000
Total 4,997 2,057,208 $38,761,187
OTHER METHODISTS IX THE STATE.
The following tables show the principal items of statistics furnished by
the oflBcial returns of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and
the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the State for the year 1869 :
* For similar table for United States, 6ce Appendix, B.
Report on Statistics. 21
_,, , A. M. E. Z. Ch. A. M. E. Ch.
Churches 5g gg
Itinerant Preachers 55 gg
Local Preachers 53 31
Lay Members 3,603 3,066
Sunday-schools 50 %\
Teachers and Officers 357 153
Scholars 1,917 1,125
Value of Churches $263,400 $156,346
The largest of these Churches is Zion Church in New York city, corner
of .Tenth and Bleecker-streets, having a membership of 763, and an edifice,
with the ground, valued at |100,000.
We have sought |o secure the statistics of the' other Methodist bodies
iM the State, but up to the date of making this report reliable figures have
not come to hand.
TOTAL METHODIST MEMBERSHIP.
Adding to the membership of the Methodist Episcopal, African Meth-
odist Episcopal, and African Methodist Episcopal Zion Churches, a
moderate estimate of the membership of the other Methodist Churches in
the State, we have a total of about two hundred, thoiuand members. Mul-
tiplyipg this figure by four, the ratio usually given, we have a total
Methodist population in the State of eight hundred thousand.
XI. Status of the Methodist Episcopal Church with
REGARD to THE GENERAL POPULATION OF THE StATE.
The total population of the State in 1860 was 3,880,735, and in 1865,
8,831,777, a decrease during the five years of 48,958. We do not place
sufficient confidence in these figures to make them the basis of tabular
estimates showing the relative growth of the Church. Even making liberal
additions to the returns for 1865, the pi-ogress of the Church relatively
thereto has been encouraging. We believe the progress of the Church
population has been quite as great as that of the population of the State,
and considerably greater than the increase of the Protestant population.
The total general population given above was classified by the Census
of 1860, as follows :
state. New York City.
American born 3,879,095 . 437,334
Foreign bom 1,001,380 386,345
A large share of those foreign born are non-Protestants. Of the whole
population in the State in 1860, 534,767 were under five years of age, and
979,378, or over one fourth of the whole, were under ten years of age.
These are important facts to be considered in any estimate indicating the
proportion of the membership (not population) of any Protestant Church
to the general population of the State.
22
New York State Methodist Convention.
As a matter of interest to some, we subjoin a table indicating the real
and relative growth of the membership of the Methodist Episcopal Church
in the six principal cities :
METHODIST POPULATIOS.
Cities.
1840.
1850.
Incre'se.
Per
cent.
1860.
Incre'se.
Per
cent.
1869.
Increase.
Per
cent.
New York
6,175
8,948
3,773
45
11,426
2,478
28
12,7.u9
1,333
13
Brooklyn .
1,366
2,891
1,525
112
5,980
3,089
107
9,603
3,623
61
Buffalo . .
244
606
362
14S
86J
258
4;-i
1,320
456
5.H
Kochester
7S5
898
113
14
1,041
143
IK
1,402
8S1
35
Albany' . . .
1,071
912159 dec.
d&c.
1,7S6
824
90
1,966
230
13
Troy ......
1,013
8S6126<i«(!.
dec.
1,317
431
48
1,702
385
29
GENERAL POPULATION.
CrriKS.
1840.
1850.
I-re'se.,P-.
1860.
Incre'se.
Per
cent.
1865.
Increase.
Per
cent.
New York
Brookljn .
Buffalo . .
Kochester
Albany.. .
Trov
312,710
47,613
18,213
20,191
33,721
19,334
515,547
138,883
42,201
36,403
50,763
28,785
202,837
91,269
34,048
16,212
17,04.2
9,451
65
193
132
80
51
49
813,669
266,661
81,129
48,204
62,367
39,235
298,122
127,779
38,868
11,801
11,604
10,450
58
92
92
33
23
36
726,386
296,112
94,503
50,940
62,613
39,293
87,283 dec.
29,451
13,373
2,736
246
58
dec.
11
16
6
2-5
15-100
CONCLUSION.*
In view of the facts presented in the various statistics of this report, let
us be profoundly grateful to Him whose servants we are, whose benedic-
tions have thus far crowned the labors of our Churches in this State, and
who now Calls us to renewed consecration and zeal.
On motion of J. P.H.Tallman,Esq.,thepaper was accepted,
■with the thanks of the Convention to Mr. De Puy for its
preparation.
Rev. Gr. L. Taylor said that he thought the Convention at
this time, in view of God's great blessings upon the Church,
would do a proper thing to rise and join in singing the long
meter doxology,
"Praise God, from wliom all blessings flow;''
whereupon the whole Convention and audience rose and sung
it, filling the large hall with a volume of praise such as rarely
or never before shook its walls.
Rev. Dr. Lore said: I think we ought not to permit these
statistics to pass without a single remark. They are certainly
* A resolution, to accompany the Statistical Report, was reported at a subse-
quent session by Kev. K. P. Jervis, of Kochester, of the Committee. See p. 80.
Report on Statistics. , 23
indicative of niucTi hard, work and of great successes, the honor
and glory of which we claim not to ourselves — not to ourselves
as laborers or as members of the individual Churches — but we do
think that we should call attention to these successes in order
to encourage labor for God in the future. No man who labors
for God labors in vain. No Church devoted to the work of
spreading the Gospel is unsuccessful. God looks to it, and
crowns all su.ch efforts with success ; and we have sung here,
" Praise God, from whom all blessings flow," and thereby
we recognize his hand. We give Kim all the glory. We
were not a people but a short time ago. Behold now
what, under the divine blessing, we have become, and what
we are makes our responsibility 'before God. Can we look
these statistics in the face, and fold our hands and do nothing?
In this age of such great interests, can we look upon ourselves
and say we have no lot nor part in the decisions of the great
battles of the world ? We cannot. Our numbers declare our
responsibility ; our wealth tells us and the world of our re-
sponsibility, and our past successes declare it. If so much has
been done in the past, what may we not expect to do with
the advantages we now have ? I would use these statistics
to impress responsibility upon the Church. Responsibility is
according to ability, and if our ability seems to be greater
than others we ought to do more, and not to do more, we fail
to do our duty. We ought to stand in the front in every great
conflict against evil. The world expects this of us, and we
should not prove recreant to the trust. With our strength in
numbers and in wealth, I submit to you if this strength,
baptized with the Holy Ghost, is not sufficient for all
possibilities. Is it not? Why, then, do we pause upon
the threshold of great enterprises, and say we cannot go up
and possess the land ? We can. In the name of the Master
we can.
Rev. G. L. Taylor: One brief item in this report struck
me as greatly disproportionate to the rest. I believe the num-
ber of Methodist professors in colleges in the State was reported
as sixteen.
Rev. W. H. De Puy : There are sixteen itinerant ministers
24 Neii; York State Methodist Convention.
in these professorships. There are other Methodist teacliers
who are not ministers, or not in the itinerant ranks.
Eev. G. L. Taylor continued : It is well known tliat the
larger part of the professors of colleges in the Methodist Clmrch
are ministers. But few of them are laymen, and bnt few
Local Preachers. It strikes me that this proportion indicates
a great deficiency in this field of effort. With one hundred
and eighty-three thousand members, and only sixteen public
instructors with the rank of College Professors, indicates short
coming on our part. We ought to have fifty at least. We
ought to have colleges of our own, with professional chairs
enough to demand the energies and time of fifty well-trained
ministers. This single iteni struck me as one in which we
ouglit to criticise ourselves frankly before the public, and try
to stir ourselves up to do our duty. We have more children
to be instructed in the State than any other denomination;
but I think the Presbyterians can show a larger number of
Professors in colleges than we. We ought carefully to look
into this, and ask ourselves if we are doing our duty.
Rev. W. H. Olin : I heartily and humbly coincide with
Brother Taylor in the main in what he has said ; but I have
one suggestion which will, I think, explain in some measure
that seeming discrepancy. The fewness of Professors in col-
leges from the itinerancy may find its reason in the fact that
our itinerant ministers who are competent to do the work of a
Professor in college, are competent to do the better work of
the pastorate well.
Hon. D. A. Ogden: There is one item in the report
which I, as a layman, wish to notice. I find that there are
over thirty thousand laymen that are officers in the Church.
I desire to call attention to this as a layman, and as one who
believes that the laymen of the Church are soon to receive the
honor of being admitted into full communion with the Church
in all her branches and interests. But I wish to say this to
dispute the opinion that has been expressed by some, that the
laymen have had nothing to do heretofore in the government
of the Church. There are to-day thirty thousand laymen in the
Church in this State who govern at the very sources of power.
Report on Temperance. 25
This clearly shows the fact tliat the clergy and the laity are
one, and they should not be separated ; and in the course of a
few months more I hope tliere will be no place in the Church
where they shall not be found together.
Rev. T. A. Goodwin, D. D. : We shall not forbid the
banns when that time comes.
Rev. E. Arnold : I regard it as one of the most fruitful
sources of gratitude to God that these statistics reacli through
the decade tiiat includes the war. How large a number we
have buried we cannot tell, and yet all through the whole of
this God has th«s wonderfully blessed us.
On motion, the Convention adjourned. Benediction by
Rev. D. W. Bristol, D. D.
SECOND SESSION — TEMPEEANCE.
Tuesday Evening, February £i3.
After prayer-meeting of half an hour, the Convention was
called to order by the President at seven o'clock. The order
of the evening was then taken up, namely, " Temperance — tlie
exact Right, and the Duties of the Hour." Rev. L. C. Queal,
from the Committee, presented the following report and
address :
The past has its lessons : in it Ihe successes and failures out of which
history is made, mark the temperance movement.
The temperance cause was a never-to-be-forgotten success, under the
lead of the Washiugtonians in the field of reform. From reforming dr'^nk-
ards to preserving temperance men, this educating force very natLirally
carried the sober and religious part of the people. While the advocatts
of this cause contented themselves in the work of reform, the oppDsition
were sympathetic. But when preeention was advocated as tetter than cure,
the opposition lost their good nature and proclaimed, the defeat of the
temperance cause. It is not reaction of excessive, but opposition to real
and true growth of temperance principles which prominently marks our
time. The opposition can be most truly estimated by the effects produced
upon society. Taking the Census of 1860, and the Revenue Report "to the
Treasury, January, 1808, two years ago, we have this statistical and
approximate estimate of the force and effectiveness of the rum power :
26 New York State Methodist Convention.
In the Uijited States and Territories tlie number of licensed places were
130,000 ; number of employes, 390,000.
Cost of liquor sales for the year 1807 , $1,483,491,805
Estimated value of loss of time by drinkiug, one half
the cash cost 741,745,932
Cost of litigation, one third 494,497,388
Cost of crime and pauperism, one sixth 347,248,644
Total proximate expenses $2,966,983,729
The payment of our national debt is a problem taxing the brain of our
men of finance ; it is a load at which the greatest of great nations is
tugging, the management of which will justify the people in making or
breaking political parties ; and yet it is less than the annual cost of intoxi-
cating liquors and the results of their vfse.
Annual results to individuals, men and women imprisoned. . 100,000
Children, worse tlian orphans 200,000
Persons dying drunkards .\ . . 60,000
Murderers and suicides 700
Total 380,700
Three hundred and sixty thousand seven hundred victims are enough to
engage the attention of all who are concerned for the safety of the people.
If England, France, and Austria were to form an alliaiice against the
liberty, and endanger the lives, of our citizens, we would pronounce the
man a traitor who would cry, '' Peace, peace," when there was no peace.
We could be roused, and would rouse ourselves to resist such an alliance,
though we should sacrifice our fortunes and our lives.
Are the people less in danger because the unfriendly alliance is among
our own citizens ? Are we sufficiently aware of the " Whisky Ring,"
which has proved stronger than "courts, in whicli has been bound Legisla-
tures, and which dictates to political parties the conditions of their exist-
ence ? Is it not time that we recognize the fact, that when the people
procure a law restraining this outlaw from a lawless violaticra of all the
rights of the people, which law amrU and officers feel obliged to execute,
the "Whisky Ring" seeks first to have the fines as low as possible, and
then pays them, encouraging a reckless and lawless spirit in its nearly
half a million of employes. Ought not the people to know that the
" Whisky Ring" imposes burdens on the people in the form of taxes every
year which exceed the national debt' ? The murderer must be hunted out,
though he hide in the fastnesses of the mountains, and apologize to society
for his crime by dying in a halter.
But this debaucher of young men and palsier of old men ; this curse of
maidens, and blight and heart-breaker of wives; this poisoner of sixty
thousand and murderer of seven hundred annually, for a small liceuse tax,
is voted respectable. Corporasions and monopolies are jealously watched
Report on Temperance. 27
to prevent their increasing the cost of riding per mile, or procuring legis-
lation to their advantage ; but none of these are so reckless of the rights of
the people, and destructive of honest and patriotic legislation, as the con-
solidated rum power.
The family, the Church, and the State are invaded, and the enemy
seeks to fortify himself in these sacred inclosures. With the rich, a
sumptuous fare includes wines and other liquors ; and when friends call,
they must be served with what they prefer from the wine-cellar. It
ought not to be an occasion of surprise that the sons in such families
often become a shame to parents and a curse to society. Because it is
legitimate, it is not the less sad that those who have opportunity and
the means for great usefulness, by this intemperate and sensual training
curse and bless no*, and, living and dying, reap the corruption of their
crimes.
In tlie families of the poor drunkenness is uncovered. The squalor and
wretchedness, the ignorance and crime, the beastliness and burning, may
be covered by those who have money enough to buy clothing .for such
nakedness; but they are only covered, for they always appear when the
money is gone. Pestilence and war have desolated many households —
intoxicating drinks have more. Death, in his kingliness, takes possession
of our friends ; their countenances are changed, and they go away ; vacancy
and absence succeed : but all that is twilight to the darkness which pre-
vails in the household when, in the flrr s of alcohol, all of manhood, the
father and husband, have been consumed, and the chair or bed is tilled
by what will soon fill a drunkard's gra.ve. Who shall perpetuate " the
abomination that makcth desolate 2 "
The Church is not weakened by her fellowship with those who seek her
reformative and saving power, that they may be saved from the present
death and eternal doom of the drunkard. Few Protestant Churches keep
the drunken poor in their fellowship. Some are only horrified with the
uncovered fruits of intemperance, and spend all their time and power in
seeking to reform inebriates i-athei' than prevent inebriation. Social cus-
toms are to some of our Church members what Delilah was to Samson, and
by them they lose their power, and in the handw of these Philistines become
blind to the wickedness of the social glass. Alcoholic beverages in social
life is a upas-tree, beneath the branches of which Christians die " in tres-
passes and sins." If there be a minister of the Gospel who, for lieer or wine,
will with it seal his lips in silence, and by that silence be an apology for
moderate drinking, he will be required to answer to GJod for those who
through his neglect shik to a drunkard's h^l. Drunkenness is only a
failure of an attempt to drink moderately. " Wine is a mocker, strong
drink is raging ; whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." " Who hath
woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling?
who hath woimds vrithout cause ? who hath redness of eyes? They that
28 New York State Methodist Conventioiu
tarry long at the wine, they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou
upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cujj, when 11;
tnoveth itself aright. At the last it bitetl« like a serpent, and stingeth like
an adder." It maybe used as a medicine, as Paul recommended Timothy
to use it, but then " only in cases of extreme necessity,"
Intemperance is recognized as the cause of a large per cent, of the crimes
committed, and, therefore, the State nmst multiply Penitentiaries and
Inebriate AsylumB. It is the source of nearly all the pauperism, and,
therefore, Poor-houses at the expense of the people. The State must pro-
vide for the homeless and orphans, most of whom are bequeathed to the
burden-bearing people by the wrecks made by intemperance. " The worm
of the still'" has eaten through the plaaks and timbers of the ship of
state, and in pours the liquid death. What shall be done? If we
decide to yield to the counsels of those who want us to attempt nothing
more, than the reformation of the drunkard, and the care of his family,
and a kind persuaaon of those whom God prououaces a woe again^
because they make men drunken, our cause is triumphant Every body
will join us, and political parties will eclarge their platforms, so our plank
can go in beautifully inscribed and prominently seen. Some one may ask.
Is it' possible to do more ? Yes- and we do. By law and agitation we
regulate, restrain, this ruinous work. The law may not be all you desire,
l)uf it is an you can execute. Don't attempt so inach that you will defeat
yourselves, says wise Conservatism. Temperance work, in reform and ia
legislation, is like ascending a steep mountain. Those who think the
mountain top should be gained, and that whatever should be done, it is
not only pos.=.ible, hut duty to do, are grateful to all who have helped to
present height, and unwilling to bo hindered by them ftom reaching the
top. It will be eaaer to stand on the top, where we ought to stand, than
on the side of this mountain. If the authorities of this city can by law
regulate the number of fires here in a year, they may be able to tell how
many fire insurance and fire companies will be needed. But why not vote
an fires out of the city, and save the people from their expense and conse-
quences ? Who objects to such a treatment of intemperance and its pro-
moters ? Those who make gain by impoverishing the people, and live by
killing more than 60,000 annually. One says, " It is an element of our
civilization.'" If so, it shows no defectiveness.
But it is ohjected, that if we propose to seek the prohibition of the
. great evfl of intemperance, we invoke the aiid of law, and go beyond
gospel to legal suasion, and take temperance into politics. Who make this
objection ? That class of politicians who are more concerned about the
ins and the outs than right and wrong in the government. We boast
" government by and for the people," and when they do not serve to the
end of good government, it is the right and duty of the people to alter or
abolish them. All good governments " are a terror to evil-doers, and a
Report, on Temperartce. 29
praise to them that do well." Mischief framed by a law is mischief still.
The State has no right to license the cause of intemperance, and is responsi-
ble for the legion of evils in its train. " Touch not, taste not, handle not,"
is the only safe rule. Prohibition is essential to the preservation of the
family, the purity of the Church, and the peace and prosperity of the State.
This is the exact right for which Christian men pray when they say, "Thy
kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven," and for the
consummation of which all who gather with Christ work. Impracticable
radicalism I cry, the men who think what they have not done is not likely
to be done. In the last ten years the people have said, Prohibit the pollu-
tion of free soil, prohibit aggressions upon liberty, prohibit the breaking
up of the Union, prohibit or abolish the cause of these prohibited effects.
Repealed and enact«d laws, amended and created constitutions, prove the
end of " the sum of all villainies."
Intemperance, the source of all villainies, is not mightier than the jwople
in possessiou of the facts concerning it, and awakened to a sense of responsi-
bility for their peace, safety, and prosperity. . All who add to the above-
named considerations the certainties of the eternal world, must see that
to keep men out of hell, they must be kept out of drunkenness, and the
business of making drunkards. The only approved eloquence on this
subject isaction. Multiply temperance documents, meetings, and lectures in
every city, village, town, and school district in our State. If a part of the
zeal and energy shown in a general election is employed, the facts anil
motives for prohibition will multiply advocates until distilleries, rectifying
and liquor houses will be converted into something else than what they now
ai'e, the fountains oi poverty, pauperism, corruption and crime — ^the sources
of a malaria which. destroys both soul and body in hell. If the pulpits
of our own Church, and of all Protestant Churches, should deal with this
subject in the spirit with which the Romnn Catholic Bishop of New
Jersey is meeting, it, there would be action on this subject which would
sweep our State with a temperance triumph. It can and will be done if
the Churches' are true to Christ, and faithful in meeting their responsibilities
to the State. American citizenship makes Christian men responsible for
who shall be nominated, as well as elected, to office.
The Christian who thinks he will be defiled if he attend primary politi-
cal meetings or nominating caucuses, has forgotten that it is not what goeth
into, but what comcth out of, a man that defllcth him. Such a man may say,
"Lord, Lord," but his conduct makes him a man-pleaser. "Verily, verily,
I say unto you, they have their reward," but not in heaven. For prohibition,
intelligent, steady, and faithful work, accompanied by the blessing of God
in answer to prayer, enter into the duties of the hour. We do not propose
to regard as less than criminals against the State the dealers in intoxicat-
ing drinks, and w.e do propose to increase our vigilance in securing the
execution of our present license, or moderating laws. We shall kindly
30 New York State Methodist Convention.
remember the political party by wbiclj present restrictions of the trafBc
have been secured. But we see no reason why the moral and Christian
citizens of the State should hesitate, if need he, to make fragments of
exisfmg political parties, and form such a party as will serve the people in
this hour of their need. With an uncompromising adherence to our prin-
ciples^ we say, if any existing political party will incorporate our principles,
and help, or allow us to serve the people by suppressing intemperance, to
it we will give our strength. But if political paities attempt to serve
themselves by discarding the principles we cherish and avow, we pro-
nounce our purpose to leave them to perish in their corruption. Per-
suaded of our responsibilities in the case, and 'of the righteousness of our
position, we pledge ourselves to talk, pray, and vote till God and the
people shall triumph in the destruction of tlie rum power, and the filling
of oiir State with " temperance, against which there is no law."
ADDRESS OF REV. M. S. HARD.
Rev. M. S. Hard, of the Central JST. Y. Con.f., then delivered
the following addi-ess on " The Social Evils of Intemperance."
Mr., Chairman: The fabled story of the men who saw the sign of the
English Inn, and with every turn saw a new side, is familiar to each.
Not unlike that is the subject so vital to us, and which we are here to dis-
cuss in this hurrying hour. Intemperance, as it lifts its head, gray with
age and bloated with crime, is justly looked upon as having a relation tliat
is national and personal ; that is allowable and unendurable ; that belongs
purely to the public, and is only known in a social way. It has a national
side, since nations are said be besotted or temperate. It has a personal side,
since a man can not drown himself in the great sea of souis that boils and
seethes around him. It has an allowable side, as viewed at a single glance
since the men who assume to have character, and lead our parties, and lead
our politics, and lead us in our national capitols, and too often lead us
in our churches, are the men who lead our children to deem intemperance
iillowable. It has an unendurable side, since its bloated face is never
out of sight of our gaze. It has surely a pubUc side, since it afifects the
quiet of a town and the character of a city. It has a sorMil side, since to
be purely temperate too often brings the charge of being absolutely
unsocial. And thus we see there is no lack for points of attack upon this
fortress, but which tower wc shall first assail, with prospect of success, is
the query of the thouajhtful.
Let us notice, then, for a few minutes, the evils of intemperance, socially
considered. Society is a term representing interest, and concerns, and
pleasures, and benefits, and happiness, and duties. That which afiects
society at all, helps or hinders; aids to position, or leads to ruin, each ot
these. It is not possible that that which afl^ects nations and bilngs govern-
Report on Temperance. 31
ments to prestige anfl rank, should not affect the aocUil side of meu. It is
no^ to be conVeived that tlie telegraphs, and steam, and tunnels, and bridges,
and the tying together of the oceans with an iron cord, can affect a united
kingdom without affecting the width and wealth of men's homes, the
giowing thought and selt-respect of men's wives, the wit and sharpness of
men's cliildren ; in short, without affecting men in emery way as they are
socially cohsidered. So it is not possible that the air should be thick
with oaths ; tliat night should be black with crime ; that new prisons should
be one of the demands with each year of legislation ; that graves should
be dug whose number is never told, and widows weep whose tears are
never counted ; that feet should "be bare that are never shod, and forms
t-hould be half naked that are never covered; that souls, departing, should
wrap about them a manjle of despair, and spirits just entering the unknown
should blanch and'quake at the name of Deity_, and shiver themselves
out into a hopeless doom : I say that it is not possible that a nation
s.iould feel the throb of such a life without its pulse r unn ing down and
beating on the mcial side of men. Intemperance has done what we have
named ; and thought is not keen enough, nor words broad enough, to ted
all ttiat it has done. It has not only made France drink its wine, and
Germany its ale, and America etery thing that can. he swallowed, but it has
robbed many a mothti; whose heart was living in her boy ; it has given to
many a bride the corpse of him to whom she gave her destiny and hope;
it has passed down to children a fame they have never earued, as the
masses sweep by them and brand tbom as being '' dnn/card's children.''''
We blush, as well we may, when a Vice-President seeks to deliver his
inaugural, when his tongue is so thick that it will not do his bidding, and
Ids thoughts so muddled that they will not join. But feelings arc not less
keen in cottages than in capitals; and shame brings as much of agony in
iis kind to the mothers as it does to the masses. He has not comprehended
the strength of the giant we meet, when he asserts that this monster of
evil has wrought its vastest ruin when it has blasted the fame of a
people, and laid in its sepulcher the sobriety of a nation.
The best part of the people are never known. AU of society does not
appear at the ballot-box. Kings are hid among the masses, whose garb
and means are never levied upon for tax. Qveens stand up in the ranks
of the yeomanry, whose names are never entered on the census. Princes
and peers might be gathered by squadrons from the hordes that are never
known to the rulers. Maidens, whcse spirits are as pure as the breath
of moining, whose ambition is as sinless as the waiting angels, whose soul-
longings are as noble as ever were peculiar to a patriarch — such maidens
walk the shore of the great sea of souls, imknown to the men who rule
them, and to the Churches who should love them. But, down in the souls
of such maidens there throb pulses that are affected by that which affects
princes. We associate kings and queens and princes and peers with gov-
32 New York State Methodist Convention.
ernments, and make kingdoms responsible for their history, and nations offer
them sympathy in times of their sorrow. . But these kings and queens and
princes and peers, unknown by the census, and unsought by the Churches,
who shall sympathize with ihem in their sadness ? These may know nothing
of the progress of invention, the machinery of the government, and the
workings of the Church ; yet these have been fwced to know about the
progress of that which they might gladly exchange for the cholera ; they
have been forced to know about the machinery of that whose adjustment
seems more perfect than the monitor ; they have been forced to know of
the workings of that which puts rags upon them, instead of wholesome
garb; that gives them scanty fare instead of ample food; that makes
society tread them into obscurity, and bury them without hope of
resurrection.
Intemperance, as soeiajly considered, does all this evil. Daylight does
not go every-where, but it would seem that intemperance will. Volcanoes
do not open in every kingdom, but intemperance does. The silk-worm
will not teed in every climate, but intemperance does. The cholera
has not raged in every land, but intemperance has. There are homes
where the carriages nf state never call, but into those homes there walks
this guest, intemperance, daily. There are hovels where prayers are never
breathed, but into these hovels there walks this blastei? of hope, and this
destroyer of prayer, with every night. There are women who never hear
the mellow tones of an organ, or listen to the chauntings of the singers, or
are comforted by the words, budding with hope, that drop from the lips
of the man of God. But in their companions, whose eyes are spiritless
and dreamy, whose cheeks are blushing and bloated, whose breaths can-
not be changed by the unnumbered arts of scenting, whose garb is rags,
and whose wardrobe is empty — in these they see the triumph of intemper-
ance, and hear the language that seems to be a fererunner of the vernacu-
lar that shall be used In hell. These are some of the evils of intemperance,
socially considered. If the steed that maliciously refuses to be governed
and dashes away, would only go alone to ruin, and saeiiflce its life as an
offering to its folly, theie would come a sense of relief. But the mother
and her child are following the furious beast, and cannot escape. The
parent feels that she could go, with a sense of composure, if her child were
not there. Men try to stop them, but past them all the steed rushes until
it batters out its brains upon a rock, and the mother and her child are
taken up wounded and bleeding and faint. Tlie saddest social wrong
which intemperance forces the masses to accept is, that its victims will not
go alone. By a link which law nor language can break, men are fastened
to the women and children in their homes. Men may assume that others
are not responsible for, nor affected by, their deeds or spirit. But the
facts demonstrate that he who wallows in the gutter drabbles his family
with che filth he there .gathers.
Temperance — Mr. Hard's Address. 33
I could lead you to a home to-night where there sits a woman rocking
two half-clad children. Her maiden life was spent in a royal home. Her
days were those of cheer, and her Sabbaths were those of worship. One
who seemed worthy won her heart, and took her from her father's home.
Sunshine, with little of shadow, blessed her early married life. But the
cloud was rising, and from the size of a man's hand it spread to the Tail-
ing of the sun, and the covering of the tops of the mountains. The
evenings she spent alone multiplied. The nights that there was an
unnatural sparkle to the eye, and an ominous odor from the breath of him
who promised to " forsake all others and cleave only to her," came thick
and fast. The little of means that years of diligence had secured was
rapidly wasted. Temptation triumphed over a weeping wife, over squan-
dered property, over a glance at the past and a sighting at the future, over
reputation ruined and character waning. Temptation triumphed, and the
rents were unpaid, the wife was unclothed, the children were unfed, and
he who in the early days was loving now came to be fiendish, and soon
died of delirium in a prison. And the loving wife, whom he was murder-
ing through these years, he left with a pale, gaunt face, a broken step, and
a shattered frame. Not only so, but on her heart, and for her hands, were
two little forms sleeping on the hearth in their rags. And there she sits
to-night, jogging the cradle of those poorly-fed children, while over her
life is drawn a vail as black as the shadow of death that none in the rush
of these years pauses to lift, save Him whose love is the legacy of the
poor, and whose unspoken words tell her that "earth hath no sorrow
that heaven cannot heal." O, if this blight of death, red-hot from hell,
would only damn its iiictims, and let the curse then cease, earth would be
spared the sadness it cannot now portray, and hell would be robbed of
half the souls that now shall feel its fires 1 And this is some of the
evil that intemperance does, as socially considered. As miidsters, we lift
our hands above the graves where mothers have just been lowered times
that are so sadly frequent. The crowd speaks of-a mysterious death from
an unknown cause. But He who watches motives and understands
thoughts has seen that at the center of these souls there were burdens that
beasts could not carry, nor machinery lift.
In a southern city there is a congregation that each Sabbath listens to
the mellow voice that sings of a salvation broad and grand, as it comes
from one whose mother sleeps in the Greenwood just outside the city
where he worships. No mother ever loved more ; no son was ever blessed
with greater native promise. Wealth favored the father's home. Cadet-
ships were offered, the schools of finest culture were at command, and effi-
ciency and skill were the pleasing features, as manifested by the boy. But
the demon who walks through every city touched him now and then, and
made him do his bidding ; and then, in the short hours of morning, there
were men seen carrying a form, and into this mother's parlor they bore it,,
3
34 New York State Methodist Convention.
and on her velvet-covered floor they laid it. . The mother, with a heroism
known only to her sex, would quietly lower the heavy damask and draw
the rich lace curtains, that the gaslight might not reveal to any passer-by
the awful shame that had entered her home. Promises of reform were
often made. Inducements were oflfered. Journeys were taken. Distant
schools were selected, all to break the former hellish associations. New
alliances were formed, with good results for a time. But the evil, which is
only second in omnipotence, had been before him wherever his schools or
alliances were found. Possessed of feeble resistance, again, and again,
and AGAtsf was he overcome. Dismissed from each school he entered, he
finally reached college. The course of promise and failure, of reform and
relapse, of hope to-day and despair to-morrow, bleached out the cheek of
the mother. It took the spring out of her step, the beauty oflf from her
brow, and the comfort out of her <^ays. One hemorrhage followed another,
until she lived for months on the borders of two lands. The son con-
tinued his life of promise and failure until the Faculty could no longer
endure the shame, and he was expelled from college. This broke the
mother's heart, and she died breathing the name of her erring boy. And
I could point you to-night to the white sentinel that watches the dust of
the mother who was martyred, by the social evils of intemperance.
Is there justness in heaven ? If so it is well, for there seems to be none
on earth. Is there to be a scene where men are to be rewarded or con-
demned, and they alone shall bear the weight of their joy or grief? If
so, that shall be grand ; for here he seems to be the most successful who*
makes the greatest number sad. And I demand to know if it is not an
evil, damnable beyond the might of thought to grasp, that thus lays
mothers upon altars they never built, and crucify them for crimes they
never wrought. In a home which is not her own, there sits a woman
to-night who gave her love and joined her fate to a man who, in two
short weeks, was laid at her feet stiffened and dead. Would to God that
the awful accidents of Carr's Rock and Angola had been the occasion of
his sudden dying. But the truth comes to us, sad beyond expression,
that the honey-moon had not yet passed before the groom ran his race,
and his spirit went to join other spirits who are damned already because
of intemperance. Turn over this evil as you may, as it is related to
society, and there is no pardonable aspect in which we may view it. " It
is evil, and only evU, and that continually." Four nights ago, in the
little village I represent, a man who was once rich, but who then was poor,
reeled into an open shed, and sank upon a pile of coal and there froze, as
an'other victim to the mcHal evils of intemperance. Two days ago we
buried him, the last of three brothers whose names are added to the
countless throng that social intemperance has brought to theii- hopeless
dying. It is folly to plead that appetite is stronger than will. It is a libel
upon manhood to say that those hours of thirst-passion cannot be con-
Temperance Resolutions. 35
trolled. I could name a man who was bom in a tavern, who served an
apprenticeship at bar-tending from the time he was able to hand down a
bottle until he reached out into his teens ; who was daily in the presence
of liquor selling and drinking for many long years, who knew what it was
to taste and love, too, the spirits that he sold. But that man, for a quarter
of a century past, has not known what it was to taste of liquor as a
beverage, or to be overcome by appetite or persuasion. He is foolish to
complain because his arm is broken and his thigh is crushed who stood
between the rails and saw the engine puffing down to meet him. So he is
foolish, and tells but half the truth, who spends his hours in the presence
of an army of bottles, where liquor-fumes is the constant air he breathes.
God made feet, but holds men responsible for their use ; and he who uses
them for wa\king "into temptation," does just what God intended never
should be done with feet. The sentiment that has been ripe in society for
time immemorial, that a social entertainment was shabbily given, and that
an evening was not properly concluded, without something " to drink "
being oflFered, is reaching the hour of its death. Mrs. Grant and Mi-s.
Colfax have demonstrated that Washington receptions can be held, with
all the diplomatic corps in attendance, and no wine be oflered. God grant
that these women may multiply themselves all through the nation I
But my time is exhausted, and I leave this subject with a single word.
Our iodal life is next to the life we live by faith. That evil which aflfects
me gocially does me a violence that touches me in every joint. Intemper-
ance has done to social life all that we have said. Let us frown it down,
and pray it down, and live it down, and vote it down. Let us seek to
wipe from the gaze of our children that which is seeking to wipe hope
from their brows. Let us wipe out not only the eoil, but the cause ; and
when that hour shall bless the nation, the thousands of mothers that are
now living in hovels, because of social intemperance, shall say, Let now
thy servants depart in peace, for our eyes have seen thy salvation.
Philip Phillips having entered the hall was called upon,
and sang one of his heart-stirring songs. Eev. L. C. Queal
read the resolutions of the Committee, which, after slight
amendments, were adopted as follows :
Sesohed, 1. That the manufacture of, or traffic, in intoxicating liquors
as beverages, and all voluntary acts intentionally contributing thereto, are
crimes against God and man, and subversive of all good government.
Besohed, 2. That the Methodist Episcopal Church in the State of New
York owes it to her history and to her Discipline, to declare in this, our
first State Convention, that prohibition of the liquor traffic is the exact
right, and should be the aim of temperance men.
Resolved, 3. That the known burdens — pauperism, crimes, and sufferings —
occasioned by intemperance, are sufficient reasons for demanding that the
sanction of law should be withdrawn from this cursing and accursed traffic.
Resolved,, 4. That we are not ignorant of the resources and strength of the
36 New York State Methodist Convention.
rum power ; but believing in the rigfiteousness of our purpose and in the
power of God, we confidently anticipate the breaking of that power, and
the triumph of Christ in the emancipation of the people from the slavery
of intemperance and the establishment of prohibition.
SPEECH OF EEV. B. I. IVES.
Eev. B. I. Ives, Presiding Elder of the Auburn District,
Central I^. Y. Conf'., then addressed the Convention as follows :
Mb. Pkesidbnt : I am frank to confess that I hardly know where to
begin on this subject, and I am sure I shall not know where to stop. To
my mind this is the great subject that will come before this body, and if
right conclusions and correct action can be reached here upon this subject,
I think that we and the Church of Grod and the country shall be well
paid for the time and money spent in this Convention. Now, to my mind,
with all that we have heard and seen and known in reference to this
terrible curse and nuisance of intemperance, we do not folly realize how
terrible an enemy to God and man it is. To my mind, intemperance has
caused more hearts to ache, more tears to be shed, more untimely graves
to be dug, and more money to be squandered, than every other evil put
together since God made the world. Pestilence, famine, slavery, and war
put together, are as nothing compared to it ; and I hope that we will to-day
pronounce the sentence upon it which it deserves.
A few years ago, when there was a famine in Ireland, how speedily
ships were fitted out and loaded with food for the starving, and started
for that country ; and yet no twelve months pass in which intemperance
does not kill more people than ever died of famine in the history of
this continent. A few years ago, when the cholera passed through this
country,, how ready were the Legislatures to create Boards of Health and
vote money to be spent in endeavoring to stay the ravages of this fearfiil
disease ; and yet not twelve months passes in which more people do not
die of intemperance than cholera has slain since this country was dis-
covered ; yet how slow we are to secure laws to abate this nuisance ! How
often we hear of the three hundred thousand soldiers who died, and as
many more who were made cripples for life, in the late war; and yet,
since the war closed, intemperance has buried more than died on the field
of battle or in the hospital, to save the country ! How often do we hear
discussions in reference to the question of taxation and finance in the
politics of the country, and a year ago this was the great question in
politics. Various propositions have been made as to how to pay the
national debt ;■ and yet, according to the sworn statements of rumsellers
themselves, with all the lies thrown in, if the cost of all the liquors sold
over the counters in this country, to say nothing of other ways of selling,
could be saved, we could pay the last cent of the national debt in eighteen
months ! But we waat something practical ! It is often asked of temper-
ance men, " What do. you propose to do ? " That is just the question
Temperance — Mr. Ivei Address. 37
wliich I think we should be able to answer, and I think it should have
three answers :
First, We propose to save the unfortunate inebriate just so far as we can.
It is for this purpose that Temperance Societies are organized, and the
Church of God ought to be first and foremost in this good work. On a
certain occasion, as I was addressing some Temperance Orders in a grove^
I looked about upon the various banners all around me with their dif-
ferent devices, and my eye caught, among the rest, one with this motto.:
" Rescue Lodge." That, said I to myself, is just the motto for the Church
of the Lord Jesus. She should aspire to be the " Rescue Lodge " in this
great work.
The second object we have in view is, to educate the whole people as to
their personal obligation upon this subject. Many very good men seem to
think they are not specially charged vnth this work. I find some of this
class among otherwise good men, who say, " I have no fear as to myself or
my family, and why should I be active ? " God forgive us, if we are so
selfish as this 1 We must be active upon this great question. The Lord
has said, " He that is not with me is against me, and he that gatherethnot
with me scattereth abroad," And we shall be held responsible not only
for what we do, but also for what we might have done but did not. The
day is past when this cause can be carried forward by mimicking drunk-
ards upon the lecture platform, or telling bar-room stories. It must be
carried forward now by stem and hearty work. It must be placed upon
the heart and conscience of good men, and the Church is to take the lead
in the work.
But our ultimate object is to give society protection by law from the
traffic in intoxicating drinks. With less than this we can never be satis-
fied. Short of this we cannot stop and be consistent men. More than
this it will not be necessary for us to do. The great necessity now is, I
tiiink, that the Church should wash her hands from all guilt, and should
positively assume the position stated in the first resolution, that the whole
traffic in, and manufacture of, strong drink, from beginning to end, is a
crime against God and society, just as much as thieving or murder is.
There is where God has placed the sin of drunkenness and drunkard-
making, and let us not try to softfen it. No matter what men may do or
say, the word of God is the great standard of right. Suppose that to-
morrow the telegraph should bring the news to us that under the shadow
of the Capitol at Washington men, women, and children were being sold
at auction. How startled should we be in the midst of our rejoicing that a
colored man from Mississippi is filling out the unexpired term of Jeflf Davis
in the United States Senate to hear such news as that, and how the nation
would be in arms against it. But, I ask, would it be any worse now in
the sight of the law of God, because the law of the land is against it, than
it was twenty years ago, when the laws upheld it ? God's law is like its
38 New York State Methodist Convention.
author, the same yesterday, to-day,jand forever ; and God's law places the
sin of drunkenness and drunkard-making where it places lying, thieving,
adultery, murder, and every other mean crime of which men can be guilty,
and there is where we are required to place it ; and when we reach that
position, I have no fear for the result ; for I believe it is in the power of
the Church to wipe out this crime in less than twenty-four months time,
and God will hold us responsible for it. I am interested in this subject
for several reasons. First, placed in the position in which I have been for
some years past, I have often heard it pleaded in mitigation of an offense,
and in seeking pardon for criminals, that the man was drunk when he
committed the crime ; and I am the more deeply interested, because our
Legislature is now looking toward a law making drunkenness an excuse
for crime ; and when we reach that, we are in greater danger than we now
are for the plea of insanity in the moment of crime ; aud if it shall come
to pass that a man cannot be held responsible for crime if drunk, where is
there any safety for us ? It is true, as Way land says in his " Moral Science,"
that habit cannot change the moral character of an action ; and as Paley
says, that in just so far as habit affects the soul, just in so far does it affect
the character of the crime committed. For instance, there comes a man
reeling up one of the streets of one of our cities toward his home, and his
little girl comes out to meet him, and he catches her up and dashes out
her brains against the curb-stone in front of his own house. Now, that
man's crime was not so much in dashing out the brains of the child, as
it was in putting himself in a position where he was likely to do such a
thing.
I remember a man who came into prison not many years ago. Before his
term had expired, he came to me and said, he thought he had been there
long enough for his crime, "for,'' said he, "if«it had not been for whisky I
should not have been here." I said to him, " Charley, if you got drunk and
got five years in the States prison, though you never did any thing else, you
have no reason to complain." He said he thought that was rather hard. I
said, " Yes, it is hard; but other things are hard also. You took your wife out
of a happy home, and when you stood at the altar with her you promised
to protect and love her. You have children, and it is your duty to care
for and educate them, and fit them for successful and useful life. With
all these vows and responsibilities upon you, you deliberately got drunk
and placed yourself in a position where you were liable to commit any
crime, even that of murder. There is where the difiiculty lies, and not in
the mere stealing of the watch that brought you here."
The thought suggested by Brother Hard is true, that the innocent suffer
more than the guilty. Look here, in the western part of this State, on a
cold vpinter's day. There is a wife who had Christian parents, and once
a happy home. Her husband is in prison, wearing comfortable clothes
and well fed; but here, in this bleak, cold winter's day, that woman clad
Temperance — Mr. Ivei Address. 39
in rags, is being taken in an open lumber-sleigli to the County-house.
Who is it that suffers most, the guilty husband or the innocent wife ? All
over the country, how would our young ladies be shocked to know that
they were receiving the attentions of known thieves ! And yet they do
receive the attentions of men known to drink, and a man who drinks is
worse than forty thieves. Against thieves you can guard yourself; but
what can guard against a drunken man ?
The making of this stuff that kills, and the selling of it, whether in the
first-class house or the underground groggery, is a crime. It is all of hell
from beginning to end. In my mind there is no comparison between a
robber and a man who sells rum. It is unjust to the robber to make
a comparison. I would say to any man, Shoot my boy through the brain
and let him die, but do not make him drink. What is robbery ? It is
taking a man's money without rendering him an equivalent. Rum-selling
is taking life by the wholesale. Facts are stubborn things. What do
you suppose that widowed mother in Auburn would have given to have
known that her son — a graduate of college, but who had contracted the
habit of drinking — when, in a neighboring town he drank with another on
a wager to see who could drink the most, and he, too honest to cheat even
this, drank off every drop, while the other slyly poured it out — ^what would
she have given to have known that, when he was carried home dead to his
his mother, he had died sober? When the news of his death was carried
to his mother her first exclamation was, " O God ! how did he die ? " She
knew his besetment, and what would she not have given to know then
that he had been robbed and shot, and died for his money, but died sober ?
What a man does by another he does himself, and so every man who
puts his name to the rumseller's bond, or lets a building to sell rum in, is
equally guilty with the actual perpetrator. This is the position that the
Church is to take, and this will include beer-sucking and hop-raising,
currant-wine making, and every thing of the kind. There has been a rage
for currant wine all over this country, so that God had to curse the very
currant-bushes so that nothing but worms would grow on them 1
■ As a whole, I am thankful to God for the position which the Church and
ministry generally in this country have taken upon this question; but
suppose that in this State, with all our ministers, and our thirty thousand
official members, and our one hundred and eighty thousand members, wc
were all of one heart and mind upon this subject, do you not think om-
power would be felt more mightily than it is ? We should not be so afraid
of being called politicians. We should be sending petitions to the Legis-
lature in boots rather than on paper. When we shall have reached that
point, then we shall see it to be our duty to enact laws to protect the people.
When in practice any thing appears clearly to be a greater curse than bless-
ing, it should be forbidden by law, and this is so in other things ; and we
defy any and all men to show that there is any thing good in the liquor
40 New York State Methodist Convention.
traffic; and it is the duty of society to legislate to put it out of the way.
If one is weak, it is our duty to help him. If a man bribes a witness, the
law takes hold of -the man who bribed him as well as the man who com-
mitted perjury. So the man who makes another drunk should be punished
as well as he who gets drunk. This is the way we reason. Is it not cor-
rect ? Then let us do our duty, and may God help us ahd prosper the right.
At the close of Mr. Ives's address, Philip Phillips sang with
touching pathos the song of " The Drunkard's Wife."
The resolutions were read again, and after brief remarks by
D. A. Ogden, Esq., D. Nottingham, Esq., Kevs. A. Flack and
Gr. L. Taylor, and others, were severally passed, as printed
above.
Rev. S. B. Dickinson offered the following resolution, in
addition to those reported by the Committee :
Resolved, 5. That the attempt in the present Legislature to repeal the
Metropolitan Excise Law, and substitute in its place a law recognizing
drunkenness as not a crime but a misfortune only, and licensing the pub-
lic desecration of the Christian Sabbath by the private sale, on that day,
of all intoxicating beverages, merits, and can but receive, our unquaUfled
disapprobation.
The resolution was adopted, and, on motion of Eev. Gr. L.
Taylor, the series of resolutions, as a whole, were adopted.
The Convention adjourned, to meet at nine o'clock to-
morrow morning. Benediction by Rev. G. L. Taylor.
THIKD SESSION — OUR DUTIES AS CITIZENS.
"Wednesday ]Moming, FebrvLary 33.
After a half hour passed in devotional exercises, the Con-*
vention was called to order at nine o'clock by the President.
On motion of Eev. J. P. Hermance, the following Com-
mittee on Finance was appointed, consisting of two from each
Conference :
Blach Bwer: Kev. L. Clark, B. L Easton. Gmbral Nem Yorlc: Rev. B. I.
Ives, Charles H. Hopkins. East Genesee : Rev. K. P. Jervis, Philip Crane.
Genesee : Bev. S. Seager, E. C. Crestwell. 2feio York : Rev. T. W. Chad wick,
A. Gr. Newman. * New York East : Rev. W. 0. Steele, C. H. Applegate.
Trap : Rev. Gr. 8. Chadboume, J. Hillman. Wyoming : Rev. D. D. Linds-
ley, L. Harden.
Our Duties as Citizens. 41
The following nominations were reported for the Business
Committee ordered yesterday, and were confirmed :
BVuk Miver : Rev. I. S. Bingham, C. G. Biggs. Cental New Tork : Bev.
"W. Searles, V. V. Nottingham. East Genesee : Rev. R. Hogoboom, J. 8.
Thurston. &enesee : Rev. W. 8. Tattle, J. S. Lyon. New T&rh : Rev. A.
Flack, J. L. Stout. New Torh East : Rev. W. H. Boole, George Wilson.
Troy : Rev. J. E. King, L. R. Avery. Wyoming : Rev. W. N. Cobb, M. P.
Lincoln. (s
On motion of Rev. G. L. Taylor, all invited guests were re-
quested to take seats in the Convention and participate in its
deliberations. Jt was also resolved, that all letters in the
hands of the Committee of Correspondence be passed to the
business Committee to report to the Convention.
Rev. 8. Hunt said that there was no regularly elected
delegates present from the Niagara District, Genesee Confer-
ence, but that several brethren from that district, not delegates,
were present. He moved that such brethren be admitted as
delegates, and the motion prevailed.
The following invited guests were reported as present : Rev.
Dr. Wm. Butler, of the ITew England Conference, Secretary
of the American and Foreign Christian Union; Rev. Dr.
Crooks, Editor American Weoleycm, Syracuse; Rev. A. S.
Wightman, Pastor Wesleyan Church, Syracuse; and Rev. J.
W. Loguen of Syracuse, Bishop of the African Methodist Epis-
copal Zion Church.
The regular order of business was taken up, namely :
"Our Position and Duties as Christian Citizens."
Rev. Dr. Jesse T. Peck, on behalf of the Committee, read
the following paper, which was indorsed by acclamation of the.
Convention :
THE CHAKTER OF POLITICAL REFORM.
The Committee having charge of the subject to occupy the attention of
the Convention during this forenoon, namely, " Our Position and Buties
as Christian Citizens," would respectfully report as follows :
I. Ons Position.
1. We propose to speak and act, not as churchmen, but as free American citizens.
2. We ask no peculiar privileges for our own Church; we wiU concede none to
any other.
42 New York State Methodist Convention.
3. We demand equality of rights for all loyal cltizenB.
4. We do not question the right of sectarian education by those who are wiHiug
to meet the expense and bear the responsibility.
5. We insist upon equal privileges of education for all future American citizens
in common schools as a public charge.
6. A refusal to enjoy these common privileges furnishes no ground of exemption
from equal taxation, or right to special appropriations.
7. It is according to the common law of the United States of America, as well
as of England, that civil liberty and modern civilization are grounded in the Chris-
tian religion. We propose, therefore, to maintain our rights as citizens by an un-
flinching defense and fearless propagation of vital Christianity.
8. Not sectarian education, but secular learning and moral culture, based upon
reverence for God and his Holy Word, are indispensable to good citizenship, and
hence the proper charge of the State.
9. The Bible was given to man as man. There is, therefore, no legitimate power
in any man or combinations of men to deny its use, for any length of time, to any
human being. It is our national Book, and we wiU firmly and unitedly resist all
attempts to remove it from our Common Schools.
10. In the above named principles the American Republic had its origin ; it can-
not survive their destruction.
11. Drunkenness, and supplying in any way intoxicating beverages, are crimes
against the State ; they should therefore be suppressed, not sanctioned by
law.
12. We announce as our distinct aim, the absolute prohibition of the sale of in-
toxicating liquor to be used as a beverage. We propose, therefore, to contribute
our entire influence to the elevation of public sentiment and law to this grand re-
sult. In the meantime we stand opposed to the entire license system, and propose
legislation which shall liold all dealers liable to prosecution and damages for
the injury inflicted by their acts upon the persons or estates of the American
people.
13. The Christian Sabbath is fundamental to American freedom; its protection
by the Government is therefore .a high public trust.
14. Bribery, and all forms of political corruption, are destructive of the rights
of the people ; they should therefore be exposed, punished, and prevented by the
people.
TI. OuH Duties.
1. No man has a right to sink his citizenship in his religion, nor to surrender
his manhood to any man or any number of men. Christians should therefore be
intelligent, active, and thorough, in every department of government by the
people.
2. The moral element ought to be vital and controlling in polities, and Christian
men are under special obligations to make energetic and persistent efforts to
secure this result.
3. When, as at this time, under the promptings of Eomanism in the name of
Religion, measures are in progress which are directly at war with the fundamental
principles of our government, it is the duty of all true citizens to stand up firmly
and together, in defense of every thing valuable in " life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness. "
Our Duties as Citizens. 43
4. "When party commanda the support of bad principles, bad measures, or bad
men, all good men should refuse to obey.
5. Christian citizens ought to rescue primary elections and the ballot from the
control of vicious men.
6. The political conscience of American citizens should be formed and directed
by the spirit of true Christianity, so that a high sense of public justice may con-
trol our elections.
III. Oeganization.
1. We do not propose to form a Christian, nor even a Protestant, political party;
but we take the position that good men throughout the State and the nation should
be thoroughly organized, and prepared to act promptly and unitedly in support of
these principles, and in opposition to every thing that endangers our free institu-
tions; as,
1.) The Roman Catholic conspiracy against our Public Schools.
2.) The endovifment and support by the State of sectarian institutions.
3.) The legal sanction of the liquor traffic.
4.) The destruclton of the Christian Sabbath.
5.) All forms of political corruption.
2. This Convention vrill appoint a Methodist State Committee of fifty-six men, who
shall be charged with the duty of dissemiuating these principles and rendering
them practical. They shall remain in office until superseded by autRority of »
Methodist State Convention, and shall, subject to the above definitions ot rights and
duties, have power,
1.) To make their own by-laws, appoint committees, direct their action, and dis-
pose of their reports, fix their own quorum, add to their numbers, and declare and
fill vacancies.
2.) To unite with representative men, holding these principles, in calling conven-
tions, and organizing fsr such work as good citizenship may require.
3.) To bring into requisition the press and all other appropriate agencies for the
accomplishment of the end proposed.
4.) They shall call a second New York State Methodist Convention at such time
and place as they may deem best — not, however, sooner than one year, nor later
than two years from the twenty-second instant, and make all necessary preparations
for the same.
6.) The cordial union of all citizens accepting and representing these principles,
is of paramount importance. We therefore do hereby tender to our fellow-citizens,
irrespective of denomination or party, our hearty co-operation in the work pro-
posed, and invite the appointment of committees for mutual consultation and united
action.
6.) We strongly indorse the petition now in circulation, asking the Legislature
of New York to repeal a law appropriating moneys to the support of sectarian
schools, and will sign said petition as members rf this Convention.
7.) Whether we shall act with existing organizations or independently must be
determined by future developments, and especially by the manner in which onr prin-
ciples and honest endeavors to arrest political corruption are treated. This question
is referred to a State Convention of citizens agreeiflg in the views herein set forth,
to be held under the auspices of the above-named Committee, and other co-ordinate
committees.
44 ^ew York State Methodist Convention.
Rev. W. H. Goodwin, D.D., said, It was not the purpose of the breth-
ren or of the chairman of this Committee to assign to me an entire review
of his very able report, but at my own option I desire to dwell for a mo-
ment upon one or two points embraced in it. My remarks, however, can-
not be exhaustive. I intend them to be only suggestive, while the more
labored and complete explanation of the report may be expected from the
lips of the able Chairman at an hour to be designated by this Convention,
I hope.
When my respected friend. Dr. Peck, presented me this masterly report
I was possessed with the idea, and in my judgment it is true, that this is
the great paper of the times. It is just such a paper as the times demand
and as the moment requires at our hands, and I rejoice that it is be-
fore us.
To one point especially do I desire to direct attention for a moment,
and that is to the invasive policy and purpose of the Roman Catholic
hierarchy with reference to our Common Schools. It ^ no longer our
alternative to look around and choose our ground. We are already in
line, and the battle is set in array ; and I need not add, that politically
between Romanism and Protestantism there can be no compromise, for
the two are so opposite in their character and designs that the conflict
between them is a necessity. And this conflict is upon us, and it must be
quick, sharp, and decisive. Let us be ready for it.
Eev. I. S. Bingham being called upon, said, " I did not
purpose to speak upon this question, as I prefer to give the
time I might be expected to take to the Chai»man.of the Com-
mittee, Dr. Peck; and as the Convention Tmay claim some
rights of speech upon this subject to itself, I move that the
report be now given to the Convention for discussion till eleven
o'clock, and at that hour the Chairman of the Committee be
heard." The motion prevailed.
Eev. William Butler, D.D., Secretary of the American and
Foreign Christian Union, was called upon, and addressed the
Convention. He said :
I feel thankful to God both for the report which has been read, and the
address to which we have just listened. It has been the great pain of my
heart to find in the United States such wide spread apathy upon this ques-
tion, and this has caused painful forebodings in my mind. But this report
and the speeches in this Convention,cause my hopes to revive, and I believe
the American people only need to know the true state of the case, and
they win rise up in their might and settle this question forever. Prot-
estantism and Free Schools have made this land what it is; and without
Common Schools — Dr. Butlei's Address. 45
them it cannot retain its glory. I have seen the nnchecked inflaence of
Romanism in my native land, and the greatest curse of Ireland was the
royal authority which bound this miserable system upon the Irish people.
In dealing with this question we must look at history. It has been my
lot to live for years in a land where for forty centuries heathenism has
held unbroken sway, and where, for the want of the Bible one hundred
and eighty millions of Hindoos to-day worship a caricature of humanity,
while still larger numbers pray by machinery. If we would escape the
perils that have destroyed these hundreds of millions we must hold fast
by our Protestant principles and the holy Bible.
I am glad that this controversy is being more and more understood.
Many in the past few months have supposed that by giving up the Bible
in the schools the controversy would be settled ; but Romanists would not
be satisfied even with this. Speaking for themselves, they say, and you
may read it in the " Freeman's Journal," one of their chief organs, "If the
. Catholic translation of the books of Holy Writ, which is to be found in
the homes of all our better educated Catholics, were to be dissected by
the ablest Catholic theologians in the land, and merely lesaona to be taken
from it — such as Catholic mothers read to their children — and with all
the notes and comments in the popular edition, and others added, with
the highest Catholic indorsement — and if these admirable Bible lessons,
and these alone, were to be ruled as to be read in all the Public Schools,
this would not diminish in any substantial degree the objection we Catho-
lics have to letting Catholic children attend the Public Schools."
Their idea is to destroy the School System itself. Their own words are,
" Let the public School System go to where it came from — the Devil." We
cannot mistake this. They say, "We want Christian schools, and the
State cannot teU us what Christianity is."
Again they declare in a preamble and resolutions, published in the
" Freeman's Journal," " Whereas, it is no more the duty of the State to
provide for the schooling than for the clothing and feeding and housing
of children ; and whereas, twenty-flve years of experiment of schools sup-
ported by public tax — but to the exclusion of all positive religion, has lament-
ably proved that teaching to read, write, cast up accounts, and have an
idea of the topography of other countries — without the daily inculcation
of the principles of Christian morals, as built on the dogmatic teachings
of revealed religion — only make more expert knaves and more dangerous
neighbors ; therefore, resolved, that the Public, or Common School System,
in New York city is a swindle on the people, an outrage on justice, a foul
disgrace in matter of morals, and that it imports the State Legislature to
abolish it forthwith."
A.gain ftiey say, " This subject (of the Public Schools) contains in it the
whole question of the progress and triumphs of the Catholic Church in
the next generation in this country. Catholics, let us all act together I
46 New York State Methodist Convention.
Let ug all read and listen to the same sentiments, that we may know how
to act together." Such are their sentiments ; we cannot mistake them.
We have been brought into this position — that a petty Italian prince and
chief bishop undertakes to dictate to Americans what our government
should be ! We object, to this.
The Pope does not understand our position; and for a man at his dis-
tance, with the ignorance of our views and circumstances that must per-
tain to him, however " infallible " he may be, to attempt thus to interfere
with this nation is an impertinence that should be sharply rebuked. Our
language to him is, Mind your own business, we will attend to ours. We
may well add that if he could point to his own people as examples of
virtue, and learning, and patriotism, it might be somewhat diflFerent ; but it
is notorious that if you wish to find a people debased and ignorant beyond
all others, you have only to stand upon the Vatican and look around you.
Another fact. For twelve centuries Romanism has held sway in much
of Europe. But a few years ago Austria concluded a Concordat with the
Pope which controlled her school system, and what is the result ? I'wo
years ago upon the battle-fleld of Sadowa she was defeated by Protestant
Prussia. When they came to seek for the reasons of that unexpected
defeat they saw that the Concordat had been the source of their weakness,
and their Emperor called a free parliament, and the first act of that Par-
liament was to take up that Concordat and heave it overboard. The
Pope protested'; but the Emperor replied, "I had either to sign that act
or abdicate my throne." And when it came to a push between himself
and the Pope he let the Pope go to the wall, and saved his own scepter.
One of the fii-st acts of this Parliament was to establish a Free School
System very much like our own, and this was promptly condemned liy a
Bull directly aimed at her new school system. Austria stands up to this
question bravely and manfully. Is this the hour when our free America is
to yield to what the very Romanism of Austria has rejected forever ?
May God forbid 1
Spain, too, is following in the track of Austria, but the Pope arrays
himself against all progress. Let me prove it. The Pope says in his Syl-
labus, referring to the doctrine that the entire direction of public schools
may and must appertain to the civil power, with the choice and approval of
teachers. He quotes the sentiment that he may condemn it. He anathe-
matizes the fi-ee and liberal convictions of that whole people, and then
issues his Bull against them. Passing over the immoralities of his times
and the wickedness of those he directly governs, he comes down, in dole-
ful language and bitterness of heart, upon the aspirations of a great people
after all that we regard to be good and holy, and tries cruelly to crush
their hopes. In the grief of his soul he complains that " these*laws estab-
lish free liberty for all opinions, liberty of the press, and of all faith, and
no matter what confession or doctrine."
Common Schools- — Dr. Butler's Address. 47
And because the Austrian Parliament, spuming the shametul law that
insulted the dead, and opened the graveyards of their nation to receive in
decency and kindness the bodies of Protestants, whether native or for-
eigners, this man, professing to represent Christ and Christianity, dares to
utter and sign these heartless words, of which a heathen might well be
ashamed : " This law supi^resses all authority of the Church over ceme-
teries, and Catholics are bound to allow the bodies of heretics to be buried
in their churchyard if they have not any of their own."
This unworthy and wicked language reminds us of the sad experience
of Dr. Young, the author of the " Night Thoughts," when he bore his
beautiful girl to Madrid in the hope that the southern climate might
arrest her consumption ; and when, in spite of all efforts, the loved one
sunk into the arms ^f death, and he went from his hotel to seek a grave
where he might bury his dead, the heathen sons of Heth were more
merciful than the bigoted Romanists of Spain. He was refused, bitterly
refused. How pathetically he describes his state and feelings :
""While nature yearned, superstition raved;
That mourned the dead, and this denied a grave."
And to-day, when Spaniards and Austrians, rejecting forever this vile
bigotry, have removed this shame and reproach from their country's
laws, the Pope of Rome is the only public man on earth who stands up
against them, complains of their action, and would fain turn them back
to the cruel intolerance of an age that has gone forever !
It is well that he has made the effort, that Americans may understand
tjie real character of modern Romanism. Is it any wonder that the tide
of enlightened and determined conviction is rising against it in this land,
and that men are realizing so fully that no Romanist, so long as he is
faithful to such teaching, can be a true American while his conscience
owes allegiance to the foreign despot who wrote these words ?
The eyes of the Protestant world are upon us to see how we are going
to conduct ourselves under the contest which has thus been forced upon
us by this foreign influence and aggression against our cherished institu-
tions. Let us, therefore, stand up for God and his holy word — for our
free institutions, our school system, and all that our fathers have taught
us to hold as good and sacred. Let us do it with determination, as we
shall answer to Qod in the day of judgment for the charge placed in our
hands, and remembering that upon the fidelity of this day may depend
the character of that future which awaits American Christianity and
American freedom. *
After singing, led by Philip Phillips, Kev. Jesse T. Peck,
D.D., addressed the Convention.
48 New York State Methodist Convention.
Mb. PKEBroBNT : There is a grand conspiracy in the Eomish Church for
the destruction of our Public Schools.
Archbishop M'Closky says, " I can answer that, so far as our Catl^olic
children are concerned, the workings of the Public School System haye
proved, and do prove, highly detrimental to their faith and morals.^''
"A Catholic Priest," in the "Boston Advertiser," says, "Catholics would
not be satisfied with the Public Schools even if the Protestant Bible, and
every vestige of religious teaching, were banished from them. . . . They
will not be taxed either for educating the children of Protestants, or for
having their own children educated in schools under Protestant control."
The " Tablet " says, " The education itself is the business of the spiritual
society alone, and not of secular society. The instruction of children
and youth is included in the Sacrament of Orders ; and the State usurps
the functions of the spiritual society when it turns educator. The secular
is for the spiritual, is subordinate to religion, which alone has authority
to instruct man in his secular duties, and fit him for the end for which
his Creator has created him. The organization of the schools, their entire
internal arrangement and management, the choice and regulation of
studies, and the selection, appointment, and dismissal of teachers,
belong exclusively to the spiritual authority." That is, to the Roman
Catholic Church. The attempt of the State to take care of the children,
and provide for their education as American citizens, is a usurpation of the
rights exclusively belonging to this gigantic despotism. We are usurpers
because we have ventured to say from what books our children may be
taught their mother tongue and other lessons of primary education.
Usurpers here in our own Protestant free country, because we have dared
to select other persons besides priests and " sisters" to teach our children 1
Usurpers, because we have not meekly submitted to the dictation of this
audacious hierarchy 1
But listen further. The "Freeman's Journal" says, "The Catholic
solution of this muddle about Bible' or no Bible in schools is, ' Hands oflF! '
No State taxation or donation for any schools. You look to your chil-
dren, and we will look to ours. We don't want you to be taxed for
Catholic schools. We don't want to be taxed for Protestant, or for god-
less schools. Let the Public School System go to where it came from —
the Devil. We want Christian schools, and the State cannot tell us what
Christianity is.'' Yes, to give spiritual despotism a chance to triumph in
this Republic, " let the Public School System go to the Devil 1 " Romanists
may rest assured that it will be a long time before these words will cease
to vibiate upon the ears of American freemen.
To prepare their victim for immolation, they must asperse and degrade
it before the eyes of the people. Let American citizens listen to the
slanderous assault made upon their most cherished institution: "The
horrible immoralities of the youth in the Public Schools, and the disregard
Address of Rev. Dr. J. T. Peck. 49
of religion," that is, Romanism, of course, " among those brought up under
their influences, prove our position, that the future of the Catholic religion
in this land is bound up with the exclusion of every kind of schooling
not under Catholic direction and control." So it undoubtedly is. Nothing
is more evident than that the enlightenment of Catholic, as well as other
American youths, from the great system of free public instruction, would
disqualify them for the vulgar superstitions of Romanism, and have the
war declared against these schools.
The following also is Romanism : " Whereas it is no more the duty of
the State to provide for the schooling than for the clutliing and feeding
and housing of children ; and whereas twenty-five years of experimeat of
schools supported by public tax, but to the exclusion of all positive religion,
[Roman Catholic,] ha| lamentably proved that teaching to read, write,
cast up accounts, and have an idea of the topography of other countries,
without the daily inculcation of the principles of Christian moials, [nor such
as the Holy Bible, without note or comment, would teach, but] as built
on dogmatic teachings of Revealed Religion, [as sanctioned by the Roman
Catholic Church certainly,] only make more expert knaves, and more
dangerous neighbors; therefore, Besohed, That the Public or Common
School System in New York city is a swindle on the people, an outrage
on justice, a foul disgrace in matters of morals, and that it imports the
Stale Legislature to abolish it forthwith." " This snlyect [of Public Schools]
contains in it the whole question of the progress and triumphs of the Gatholic
Church in the next generation in this country. Catholics ! let us all act
together ! Let us all read and listen to the same sentiments that we may
know how to act together 1 "
Listen still further: "There can be no sound political progress, no
permanence in the State, where, for any length of time, children shall be
trained in school without [the Roman Catholic] religion."' And again;
" This country has no other hope, politically or morally, except in the vast
and controlling extension of the Catholic religion." Similar extracts from
the most authoritative sources might be multiplied indefinitely. It is,
however, unnecessary further to prove what is not only not denied, but
Qovv hardly assumed as a distinct and doctrinal policy. The movement
is developing itself in the different States, as in Ohio, California, etc..
showing that no means within the reach of Rome will be omitted which
promise this wholesale destruction of a fundamental institution of American
liberty.
Let us now examine carefully the grounds on which this war is waged.
A Roman Catholic citizen, writing in the Tribune, says, "We don't want
to mix up with Protestants, and Jews, and Infidels in school matters, be-
cause we want our children to grow up in the Holy Roman Faith, like
their fathers, and not imbibe the loose and irreligious independence of the
age. We don't want our children to attend irreligious schools, nor schools
4
50 New York State Methodist Convention.
where they shall be mixed up with other children; we want to send them
to Catholic schools, under Catholic teachers, and we want our proportion
of the school money according to the number of oiu- scholars, and we enter
on the controversy with this sole aim and purpose, and we don't want any
false issues made about it."
But there is a reason still lower down than this. The Public Schools are
doomed to destruction because they are the firm support of American
liberty.
Bishop O'Connor, of Pittsburgh, says, " Eeligioiis liberty is merely en-
dured until the opposite can be caiiied into effect, without peril to the
Catholic world."
The Archbishop of St. Louis says, " If the Catholics ever gain, which
they surely will, an immense nuijierical majority, religious freedom in
this country will be at an end."
The Catholic Review, in January, 1852, said, " Protestantism of every
form has not, and never can have, any right where Catholicity is triumph-
ant ; and, therefore, we lose the breath we expend in declaiming against
bigotry and intolerance, and in favor of religious liberty, or the right of
any man to be of any religion as best pleases him.''
Father Hecker said, "The Catholic Church numbers one third of the
American population, and if its membership shall increase for the next
thiity years as it has for the thirty years past, in 1900 Rome will have a
majority, and be bound to take this country and keep it. There is, ere
long, to be a State religion in this country, and that State religion will be
Catholic."
Thus, Mr. President and gentlemen of the Convention, it appears that
our Public Schools are to go down because they are at the foundation of
civil liberty. They are marked for destruction, that the edifice reared
upon them may tumble to ruin.
Let it be still more broadly stated that the two systems, American and
Roman Catholic, are utterly incompatible with each other. Romanism
assumes the papal rigBt to dictate faith to individuals, and usurps abso-
lute authority over civil governments, not in any timid way, but when-
ever and wherever it is safe to do it. This claim is to be enforced by the
most terrible pains and penalties. Look at the haughty style of the Pope's
Bull calling the Council now sitting at Rome.
" No man will be at liberty to oppose, or rashly contravene this, our in-
diction, announcement, convocation, statute, decree, command, precept,
and invitation ; and if any shall presume to attempt this, let him know
that he will insure the wrath of Almighty Grod, and of his blessed
Apostles Peter and Paul." What can we say to such blasphemous mock-
ery? True, we can hardly suppress a smile as we are assured that, as
some millions of us have dared to resist this usurpation, as true as Pope Pius
IX. is infallible, St. Peter and St. Paul are after us in terrible wrath this day 1
Our Duties — Dt. Peck's Address. 51
Now, m the words of the learned Dr. Lilienthal, " What shall the non-
Catholic citizens of this country say when they are informed that the Bish-
ops and the Archbishops of the globe, at the behest of the Pope, are now
assembled in Borne, to declare as dogmas of the Roman Church the fol-
lowing sentences of the Syllabus, issued a few years ago by the Holy
See?
There we read, "The Church has the right of employing eternal coer-
cion; she has direct and indirect temporal power; or, in ecclesiastical
language, power of civil or corporeal punishment."
In order to understand the importance of this sentence let us not for-
get that the present Pope, in 1861, censured the teaching of the Canonist
Nuytezs, in Turin, because he allowed only the spiritual, but not the tem-
poral punishment of the Church. Let us be reminded that in the Con-
cordat concluded in 1863 with the Republics of Soutli America, it was
laid down in Article 8, that the civil authorities are absolutely bound
to execute every penalty — -parenthetically, this means imprisonment,
scourging, and banishment, as the Jesuit Shneeman explains it — decreed
by the spiritual courts. And in a statement addressed by Pius IX. to
Count Duval de BoQieu, published November 13, 1864, the power of the
Church over the government of civil society is expressly guarded.
What shaU we do with such a dogma, which the Catholic has to ac-
cept on peril of salvation ? Must our Superior or Police Court execute
the orders hereafter to be issued by the Archbishop, or will the law con-
tinue to be administered without regard to creed or religion ? Yes, what
shall we do with this new dogma in our free country?
Still more dangerous are the 77th, 78th", and 79th propositions of the
Syllabus, which condemn the existing views of the rights of conscience,
and privileges of religious faith and profession. They declare it as a
wicked error to admit Protestants to equal political rights with Catholics,
or to allow Protestant immigrants the free use of their worship.
Of course they wait till they can put these vile principles into practice.
Jesuit Shneeman says, pointedly enough, " Till then the Church will of
course act with the greatest prudence in the use of her temporal and
physical power, according to altered circumstances, and will not, therefore,
at present adopt her entire medieval policy." Not at present, but in the
future, will not the Syllabus declare religious liberty and rights of con-
science an abomination in the sight of God and man ?
The 18th proposition of the Syllabus declares emphatically that all
are in damnable error who regard the reconciliation of the Pope with
modem civilization as possible or desirable.
In uniformity with this proposition. Pope Innocent m., in a bull
issued August 12, 1215, declared the English Constitution, the Magna
Charta, null and void, and excommimicated the English Barons who ob-
tained it.
52 New York State Methodist Convention.
In uniformity witli this proposition, Leo XIL addressed, in 1824, a let-
ter to Louis AVill., pointing out the wickedness of the Liberal Frencb
Constitution, and urgently pressing him to expunge from that charter
those articles which savored of liberalism;
In uniformity with this proposition, the Grand Duke Leopold of Tus-
cany was compelled, against his will, under pressure from Eome, to abol-
ish that article from the Constitution which asserted the equality of all
citizens before the lavp^ and the courts of the country.
In uniformity with this proposition, Pope Pius IX. declared that in
1868 the new Constitution of Austria, which grants ciTil and religious
liberty to all citizens, without distinction of religion, an infanda sane, an
unspeakable abomination ; and in his allocution delivered on the 22d of
June, 1868, he declares the Austrian charters to be null and void — nullies
rdbouis fuisse de fore — and considers it further an abominable act to have
allowed Protestants and Jews to organize educational institutions.
Will not the Roman Church in course of time declare the American
Constitution too to be " null and void," and stigmatize it as a thing still
worse than an " unspeakable abomination," because its spirit is still more
liberal thaii either the English, French, Italian, or Austrian constitutions ?
Already, Mr. President, our free Constitution is under anathema from the
infallible vicegerent of God !
In 1832 Pope Gregory XVI. issued his famous Encyclical Letter against
the new Belgium Constitution, and declared therein "freedom of conscience
to be an insane folly, and freedom of the press a pestiferous error, which
cannot be sufficiently detested." And in 1860 the " Civilta Cattolica," the
official organ of Rome, published an article, saying, " Christian States
have ceased to exist; human society has again become heathen, and is like
an earthly body with no breath from heaven. The political power. Par-
liaments, voting urns, civil marriages, are dry bones. The Universities are
not only dry, but stinking bones, so groat is the stench that arises from
their deadly and pestilential teaching."
I do not exaggerate; I quote literal translations. What shall we Ameri-
can non-Catholics say to such a spirit, to such tenets, which our Catholic
brethren must accept under peril of eternal damnation ?
That ought to be enough. But even that is not all. Now comes the
Papal proposition, to be indorsed by the fficumenical Council, by which
the whole human race, with the exception of the Catholics, is put under
the excommunication major, and given over to everlasting hell and dam-
nation.
But I have no time to add the just issued Satium, condemnatory of
every principle and part of our purest modem civilization, with the ever-
returning impious refrain, for every man who dares in any way to assist
human beings to rise, " Let him be accursed."
Now let us glance at the fair system of public instiuction to be over-
Our Position — Dr. Peck's Address. 5 3
ttrrown, because it is likely to make future American citizens too intelligent
to endure this insulting despotism.
In I8O0 the Public School Society in Now York petitioned for a charter
for the education of the masses, and urged as a reason, " the benefits which'
would result to society from the education of such children, by implanting
in their minds the principles of religion and morality. Mark ! " The prin-
ciples of religion and morality ! " not Bomanism, nor sectarianism of any
kind, but sound " principles," such as they would get from the Bible, with-
out note or comment.
In 1812 the Common School System of this State was established. Only
fifty-eight years have elapsed, and we now have 11,736 school districts, and
11,6V4 school-houses. For school buildings, grounds, and appurtenances
we expended in the year 1868 $3,184,006 95 ; in ten years $9,366,290 53.
In 1868 we had 970,843 children and youths in attendance. In our great
State we have 37,783 teachers employed, at an annual expense of $2,520,000,
and no money is paid by the American people more cheerfully.
Our course of study rises from ijrimary studies up through our splendid
graded schools to a fine business education, preparation for college, and
to really collegiate education in the sciences, languages, and mathematics.
And God's blessed Bible, with the true spirit of ethical truth derived from
it, and in harmony with it, scattered throughout our best text-books, and
coming out of the minds and hearts of multitudes of Christian teachers
and school Boards, presides over the whole.
This, Mr. President, is the grand system of moral honor and beauty
against which Romanism declares eternal war, shouting every-where,
" Down with the Puhlid Schools, or Romanism can never take this country
and destroy this accursed system of religious and civil freedom."
First it was, " Put away your Bible, it is rank heresy ;'' then, " Divide the
School Fund ; we claim a large share of it to make Rojnanists with." Then,
" We will not be taxed to support these infidel (?) schools." Then, " Protest-
ants, who are the great property holders, slmll be taxed to educate Roman-
ists, and imbue the minds of millions of future American citizens with the
profoundest hatred of every thing American ! "
Now, Mr. President, you can understand why, in the report before you,
we say, in defining
ODB POSITION,
We propose to speak and act, not as churchmen, but as free American
citizens.
We ask no peculiar privileges for our own Church ; we will concede
none to any other.
We demand equality of rights for all loyal citizens.
We do not question the right of sectarian education by those who are
willing to meet the expense and bear the responsibility.-
We insist upon equal privileges of education for all future American
citizens in common schools as a public charge.
54 New York State Methodist Convention.
A refusal to enjoy these common privileges furnishes' no ground of es:-
emption from equal taxation, or right to special appropriations.
It is according to the common law of the United States of America, as
well as of England, tbat civil liberty and modem civilization are grounded
in the Christian religion. We propose, therefore, to maintain our rig;hts
as citizens by an unflinching defense and fearless propagation of vital
Christianity.
Not sectarian education, but secular learning and moral culture, based
upon reverence for God and his holy word, are indispensable to good
citizenship, and hence the proper charge of the State.
The Bible was given to man as man. There is, therefore, no legitimate
power in any man, or combinations of men, to deny its use, for any length
of time, to any human being. It is our national book, and we will firmly
and unitedly resist all attempts to remove it from our Common Schools.
In the above named principles the American Republic had its origin ;
it cannot survive their destruction.
My argument now turns to the defense of our positions on the liquor
traffic, which we believe to be a stupendous immorality, a crime against
the State, against every man, woman, and child which it reaches ; and we
affirm it to be a wiclted bsirbarism to give the criminal the shield and
authority of law against his victim. We propose to punish this Heaven-
daring crime, not to shield and indorse it by law. But let no man mis-
represent us, sir. We are not the advocates of reckless legislation. We
cannot yet reach our aim of absolute prohibition, and we propose to ele-
vate public sentiment and law together. But we would, therefore, no
more license the cruel wrong that we cannot suppress than we would fol-
low the precedent of France and license prostitution, with the pretense of
reducing it to order and decency. We would punish the public enemy
who poisons the people with vile drinks just as we would one who sells
bad meats, and attempts to make himself rich by wholesale murder ! Let
any man, if he can, show how a Christian conscience will allow any thing
a hair's breadth diffefent from our proposed action.
Drunkenness, and supplying in any way intoxicating beverages, ai-e
crimes against the State ; they should, therefore, be suppressed, not sanc-
tioned, by law.
We announce, as our distinct aim, the absolute prohibition of the sale
of intoxicating liquors to be used as a beverage. ' We propose, therefore,
to contribute our entire influence to the elevation of public sentiment and
law to this grand result. In the meantime we stand opposed to the entire
license system, and propose legislation which shall hold all dealers liable
to prosecution and damages for the injury inflicted by their acts upon the
persons or estates of the American people, j
I ought also to make an argument in defense of our proposed amend-
ment for the Holy Sabbath, but I have no time. We ask no law enforcing
Sabbath observance. T)iis is a matter of personal religious obligation,
in regard to which no man can be coerced. But we demand protection
in the quiet enjoyment of our Christian rights on this day. The Christian
Our Position — Dr. Peck's Address. 55
day of rest is the divine day of rest. It is in law rum dies juridicua.
No executive, or other public officer, can do lawful work on this day, and
we need the rest. The bloody French revolution abolished the Sabbath,
Hud established a decade in its place, "the last day of which was made a
day of rest for all the functionaries of the State; and by the decree of 4th
Frimaire, year II, the whole French people were called on to regulate
their labors in accordance with this division of time. It being found that
this invitation to cease work was disregarded, 'a law of the 17th Thermidor,
year VI, prescribed rest from all labor during the whole of each tenth day,
and then it was ordered that the half of each fifth day should be a
holiday. These regulations were enforced by a fine of from two to two
hundred francs, with imprisonment, except in seed time and harvest.
Another decree, still' more stringent, was passed on the 6th Prairial,
year XII. All of which is a grand testimony forced from infidelity by
God himself to the salutary, indispensable law of rest from trial. How
delightfully Christianity devotes this sacred time to the refreshings of
grace in holy worship I Can we say less than we propose ?
The Christian Sabbath is fundamental to American freedom ; its protec-
tion by the Government is therefore a high public trust.
Finally, sir, we are outspoken on the matter of political corruption, and
here we are all painfully aware that no proof is necessary. The vile demon
of political barbarism flaunts his flag in the face of every freeman every
election day; indeed, every day in the year. We can, we will, say at
least as much as this :
Bribery, and all forms of political corruption, are destructive of the
rights of the people ; they should, therefore, be exposed, punished, and
prevented by the people.
But, Mr. President, to sap, and not act, is pusillanimous, is cowardly im-
becility. I demand of the members of this Convention, in G-od's name,
have you not bowed down long enough to the tyranny of party, and followed
long enough the dicta of political demagogues, issued from the abodes of
i-um, prostitution, and blasphemy? How much longer time. Christian
men, do you ask to rise up and free yourselves from the dread of the lash
in the hands of party despots? Two years? One year? One month?
No ; in the name of freedom and Methodism, I declare the hour has come.
The vile conspiracy — Romanism, rum, and party tyranny — ^is null and void
from this very hour ! In the name of bleeding virtue, and in the sight of
Heaven, we declare the emancipation of the American Christian world
from this very hour ! Henceforth we know no master but Jesus Christ,
no political creed but universal right, no aim but justice.
We make no new party to be ridden down by political bankrupts, but
we rise to the nobler functions of political regeneration. We declare
No man has a right to sink his citizenship in his religion, nor to sur-
render his manhood to any man or number of men. Christians should,
S6 New York State Methodist Convention.
therefore, be intelligent, active, and thorough in every department of
government by the people.
The moral element ought to be vital and controlling in politics, and
Christian men are under special obligations to make energetic and per-
sistent efforts to secure this result.
When, as at this time, under the promptings of Romanism in the name
of religion, measures are in progress which are directly at war with the
fundamental principles of our Government, it is the duty of all true citizens
to stand up firmly and together in defense of every thing valuable in
" life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
When party commands the support of bad principles, bad measures, or
bad men, all good men should refuse to oliey.
Christian citizens ought to rescue primary elections and the ballot from
the control of vicious men.
The political conscience of American citizens should be formed and
directed by the spirit of true Christianity, so that a high sense of public
justice may control our elections.
We hold out the hand to every Christian, every true patriot, every
philanthropist, for a union in this battle firm as the great laws of brother-
hood and right, and move straight forward to organize political reform
and victory for freedom and right, for man and Grod, in the great American
Republic.
After the address of Dr. Peck the report was taken up
seriatim for action. The first, second, third, and fourth items
under the first head, " Our Position," were adopted. The
fifth item, relating to Common Schools, was read.
Hon. D. A. Ogden said :
I desire to say a few words on this school question, not so much by way
of discussion, as to express a thought or two that seems to me pertinent.
I have no great fear on the subject. If we have a contest over it at all, it will,
I think, be sharp, short, and successful. If Rome should be mad enciugh
to make an attack on our Free School System she will be overborne in the
contest. We shall stand on the defensive, and shall resist the assault.
We have our School System intact. It is a noble system, open and I'ree
to all. Catholic as well as Methodist are the recipients of its jirivileges
and blessings, and I felt a renewed assurance and security as the just and
liberal propositions touching the question were read. It is solid ground
to stand upon. We ask nothing for ourselves that we do not concede to
others. Here, then, on this broad American platform of equality of rights
and privileges, and of civil and religious education for all, we plant our-
selves, and thus fixed, we will resist every effort, come from whence it may,
to alter, undermine, or change our base. Our Free School System is a part
of our State policy. In my judgment, it is the very comer-stone of free
institutions. It recognizes neither sect nor creed ; it seeks to elevate all of
every denomination, and by the diffusion of knowledge and intelligence to
speech of Hon. D. A. Ogden. 57
make good citizens of the entire people — right in principle, and essential
to the maintenance of just government. We say to all, Hands off, asking
for ourselves nothing but what is right. We will consent to nothing
wrong. Thus standing and thus intrenched, we shall be able to resist
all attacks, and triumph in every encounter. With truth, toleration, and
liberty for our bulwarks, nothing can overcome us. What we want is to
be fully armed, organized, and ready, and then stand to our arms and calmly
await the assault. In my judgment the enemy, if she dare to come, will
be vastly more damaged than we by the encounter. On the subject of
the Bible, and its being read in our Common Schools, I would simply do
nothing. I would not by statute regulation force the Bible in, nor would
I consent that by statute it should be excluded, or its reading prohibited
in our schools. Lefflis it is, it will regulate itself without seiious trouble.
I would hold fast our glorious and just Free School System at every haz-
ard, hold fast to it for the good and benefit of the Catholic as well as the
Protestant — hold fast to it because it is the real base of the Republic, the
real strength of liberty. The question rises above all mere sectarian feel-
ing ; it is higher than party, it appeals with equal force to all denomina-
tions and all parties ; and for one, irrespective of creed or party, I propose to
stand by and uphold the true American System of Free Schools for all the
people. I am sure that my party, which is probably largely in the minor-
ity here, will nevef assail or seek its overthrow ; but should it or any
other party do so unwise a thing, I should not for a moment hesitate as
to what was ray duty. Standing firmly and unitedly, without regard to
party or sect, around the Common Schools, we shall, I think, prevent the
attack, and secure the victory without a fight. We take our position in
defense of our schools, and not to war upon the Catholics or their, rights;
and by the help of God we intend to maintain it to the bitter end. Wc
wage no aggressive war upon any, but stand for the defense of all, and
thus planted on the right we shall triumph.
Eev. W. H. Olin said, " The greatest danger tliat the
American people, and especially the good citizens of New
York, have to fear in this contest with the Papacy, is in the idea
•that we are in no danger. I wish, for one, to repudiate that
idea. Rome never sleeps, and we do well to remember that
" eternal vigilance is the price of liberty."
The articles of the paper were read and adopted seriatim,
and the report as a whole was adopted by a unanimous rising
vote.
On motion of Eev. "W. H. Boole, a special committee was
appointed to forward a copy of this report and resolutions to
58 New York State Methodist Convention.
the Senate and Assembly of our State Legislatiire, with notice
of the unanimous action of the Convention. The following
were appointed as the committee : Dr. J. T. Peck, Chairman ;
Eev. W. H. Boole, Eev. L. C. Queal, Dr. "W. H. Goodwin,
Dr. D. D. Lore, C. H. Hopkins, Esq., Hon. D. A. Ogden,
John Stephenson, Esq., and F. H. Koot, Esq.
On motion of J. B. Foote, the Business Committee was in-
structed to present nominations for the State Committee pro-
vided for in Resolution No. 2. Adjourned. Benediction by
Rev. B. I. Ives.
FOURTH SESSION" — EDUCATION.
"Wednesday _A.ffcerii.oon, February ^3.
The Convention met at two o!clock, Dr. Peck in the chair.
Prayer by Rev. W. Gorse. Philip Phillips led the Covention
in singing. Rev. Dr. Crooks, Editor of The Wesleyan, Syra-
cuse, addressing the chair, said :
I wish, sir, through you, to tender my hearty thanks to the
members of this Convention for the honor conferred upon me
in inviting me to sit with them and participate in the proceed-
ings of this body. And I especially feel this to be an honor,
in vie\^ of the noble action of this morning. I take pleasure
in pronouncing the document which was read before us and
adopted by this body a most noble and honorable record. You
are making his};ory to-day that is to live when you are dead,
and it will grow brighter and brighter as time rolls on, and I
am sure you will never have occasion to be ashamed of the ac-
tion of this morning.
The Chairman : I wish to say to Dr. Crooks, in behalf of
the Convention, that your presence here gives Us great pleasure.
I extend to you, and through you, in behalf of this Methodist
State Convention, to the Church of which you are a member,
our cordial greetings, with the sincere wish that we may come
nearer and nearer together till we shall become one in organic
union.
The special order was now taken up, namely: "Educa-
Report on Education. 59
tion : Its present condition in our Church, and its future
demands."
OUR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
Eev. J. E. King, D. D., Principal of Fort Edward Institute,
presented the following statement, which he said had been
made up from whatever data he could command, but particu-
larly from our own Church reports and the reports of the Re-
gents of the University of the State :
Summary of Seminaries in New Tobk State, undeh the Patronage op, and
Officered bt, the Methodist Episcopal Chubch.
- Annual receipts
No, of Tnstl- No. of Pupils. from Literature
tions. Teachers, Males. Females. Total. Value of Property. Fund.
35 183 3,180 2,633 5,802 $582,000 $8,000
Dr. King said :
The Committee having charge of this subject have instructed me with the
duty of supplementing this report with a few remarks upon it. To me it
is a wonder that institutions whose only endowment is the favor of God
and of the people should have such a sustained and signal prosperity as
have those under our care as a Church, Among the youngest oi the de-
nominations, talking the youth of our State where the Common School
leaves them, we are fitting more for college, or for the activities of business
life, than any other denomination. Nor is it in the power of this Commit-
tee, or of arithmetic, to convey any adequate idea of the influence these
institutions are exerting upon our Common Schools in the work of furnish-
ing well qualified teachers for them, much less to convey an idea of the
moral and Christian influence, that has gone and is going out from, them
to bless the Churches and the world.
These institutions are State institutions. They are a part of a grand
system of fundamental ed.ucation to prepare the young for the duties of
citizenship. They are only denominational in so far as that is necessary
in any institution that recognizes God, the Sabbath, and experimental
religion ; and also and only in so far as our denomination has been instru-
mental under God in rearing them, and is responsible for the sound faitli
which is inculcated in them. There is no religious test prescribed, but all
denominations are welcomed with equal cordiality ; and yet those honored
appliances which our fathers used vrith so much success are not absent
in any of them, but are faithfully employed to induce the youth com-
mitted to our care to give their hearts to God. And they do it ; and if
the numbers who have found Christ in -these seminaries could only be
sholvn, you would honor these schools as you never yet have honored
them. If the moral and Christian history of Gouvemeur, Amenia, Caze-
6o New York State Methodist Convention.
novia, Genesee, and others of these schools, so eminently useful in the
past, could be had— if the facts which have made the history and glory of
these schools could be written— they would make a volume of deep interest.
I speak it with humility, but with devout gratitude to God, that more
than eleven hundred young men and women have been hopefully converted
to God in the inatitution with which I am connected during the eleven
years in which I have been there. Our students attend the Church of
their own choice,«and are required to do so ; but we invite them to come
to " the fountain filled with blood," and they come. We are not here
to-day to ask any thing of this Convention, only your continued confidence
and prayers. You are not asked to increase the endowment of these sem-
inaries. We invite you to send us the selectest youths you can find, and
leave us for an endowment the favor of God and of the people.
ADDRESS OP DR. J. E. LATIMER.
Eev. James E. Latimer, D. D., of the East G-enesee Con-
ference, then addressed the Convention as follows :
Mr. Pkesidbnt : When orator or statesman stood upon the Pnyx in
ancient Athens to vindicate his cause, or inaugurate some great project,
he commenced his plea by invoking all the gods and goddesses to smile
upon the undertaking, and render the hearts of those who listened pro-
pitious to him. We have in the light of Revelation an infallible oracle
and a regnant God, who touches all the sources of secular history, as well
as opens the fountains of spiritual life for his Church. Therefore it
behooves us at this time, in presenting to this Convention, and thus to
the Methodism of New York State, our educational plan — it behooves us
to look up to God for his blessing, and pray most earnestly that he will
give us wisdom to guide in the inception, and at every step in carrying
out, a plan so magnificent, and whose results will reach down to distant
times.
The project we propose is the foundation, in -the immediate future, of a
central university — a university to be established by the combined forces
of our Church in this State — a university that shall be worthy at once of
our Methodism and of the Empire State — a university, in fine, that shall
have no struggling infancy, no vacillating youth, but which shall spring
into being fully manned and equipped, like Minerva from the head of
Jupiter, rattling her armor, and challenging every foe. We have long
enough proposed colleges with inadequate endowments; we have long
enough seen them struggle for an uncertain existence; have seen some of
them pass out of our hands, or die a lingering death. We now propose
to meet all these contingencies at the first — to look in the face of all possi-
bilities — to count the entire cost before the first stone is laid — and thus we
strike the key-note of ultimate success when we say, Break no furrow of
Education — Address of Dr. Latimen 6i
ground, lay no corner-stone, leave the project incomplete until the Cura-
tors of the University can count, as productive endowment, beyond build-
ings and apparatus, one half a million dollars.
From the beginning our Church has honored and fostered learning.
Its great founder was nurtured at Oxford, and every Methodist pilgrim
who walks amid the quadrangles, or saunters down the broad walks that
stretch along the Isis, wanders on to Lincoln College, of which John Wes-
ley was once a Fellow. Under the lead of this great man, who saw so clearly
then what we are learning more thoroughly every day, that no Church can
afford to leave the education of its children in the hands of others, least of
all that of its best minds — I say under his lead the Wesleyan Church has
established colleges and schools, such as the Wesley College in Sheflaeld,
the college at Taunton, and the Wesleyan Normal Institution at West-
minster, besides the Theological Institutions of Eichmond and Didsbury.
What Wesley did in England, Asbury attempted here. Soon after 1780
the plan was adopted to build Cokesbury College in Maryland. In 1785
the corner-stone was laid in due form, aud $50,000 was raised by the infant
Church for this indispensable work. Then reverses came. lu 1795 the
building lay in ashes. In his bitter disappointment the Bishop cried, " The
Lord called not Mr. Whitefield nor the Methodists to build colleges!"
It was too great a strain for the struggling Church, but yet prophetic of
our achievement at a later day. Other colleges have been founded, and
men have been raised up to fill our pulpits and man the press, from the
old Wesleyan, from Dickinson, from Ohio Wesleyan, from Indiana Asbury,
from the Northwestern, and from Genesee. Our Bishops and our leading
laymen now take the position exactly counter to that of Asbury, and cry
with one acclaim, " The Methodist Church must educate her young men
for the pulpit, and all other activities which the age thrusts upon us ;"
while they limit our zeal only by insisting that we make no more mistakes
in such foundations, by leaving them too small and too insecure.
Some three years ago the dim outline of the project we now propose to
inaugurate with good purpose dawned upon the minds of some earnest
men in this region, and in the western part of the State. A central uni-
versity, geographically considered^a central university, which should be a
monument of Methodist enterprise — a central university, which should be
magnificent enough to satisfy State pride — a central New York university
that could instantly, by endowment and apparatus, stand up the peer of
any in the land, presenting attractions which would win the patronage of
every Methodist young man, and save him from the necessity to seek Yale,
Amherst, Williams, Union, or even the Wesleyan. Such a plan has been
taking shape in the minds of our first men, and now we hope to secure the
co-operation, and even the enthusiasm, of the Methodist Church of the Em-
pire State.
A beginning has already been made. The plan is far beyond its incep-
62 New York State Methodist Convention.
tion. The worthy citizens of Syracuse have offered us the buildings. The
city stands pledged to give us property to the amount of $100,000. Tet
more, agents have canvassed these Conferences, of which Syracuse is the
center, and subscriptions to the endowment have been obtained, in spite
of all obstacles and uncertainties, amounting to the respectable sum of
$135,000. Here is, then, in substantial pledge $235,000 toward the
$600,000, which should be our lowest limit. So we come now to press
this matter upon the attention of the Church, to kindle unquenchable
enthusiasm on this question — if you will, "to fire the Methodist heart" —
and it may be, to pledge the Convention to build an institution at Syracuse
worthy of the three and a half million Methodists whom God has raised
up within a century and a quarter in the Old and the New World.
This enterprise should commend itself, instantly and constantly till fin-
ished, to OUT Church in the State of New York. We have about 1,600
churches within our limits, we have 180,000 members, we have more than
half a million of hearers in our congregations. What educational provis-
ions are made for our young men and women connected more or less im-
mediately with our Church, who may choose to seek a culture more or less
complete ?
Our seminaries are abundant. These schools of intermediate grade
between common school and college have been established in great num-
bers, and with abundant success. There is no want here — we have rather
a plethora than otherwise. But it is not so as regards the higher educa-
tion. In all New York State, for all these hundreds who seek a college
education, there is but one college of our denomination, and that one
cannot command the Methodist patronage. Genesee College has now
been established for nearly twenty years. Sixteen classes have gone forth
with the diplomas she can confer, and the whole number of graduates,
both male and female, is one hundred and ninety-two. Thus the average
per year is only twelve. Taking males alone, which will show the com-
parison with other colleges more fairly, Genesee College has sent forth but
nine graduates per annum for sixteen years. There is reason enough for
this small attendance, as I will show hereafter. I only state it here to in-
dicate what is evident to every unprejudiced person, that our one college
is totally inadequate to the demands of the State.
What now is the probable number of students going forth from Meth-
odist families to the seminaries, who yearly enter college, and start, at
least, on the higher curriculum of study ? The Methodist seminaries of
the State prepare and send out to college every year one hundred and
seventy-five young men. AVhither do they go ? Genesee receives but nine
of these annually, while the remainder go to Union, and to the colleges of
New England. See how the Wesleyan University at Middletown, Conn,
is maintained by New York students. Her catalogue shows one hund)ed
and forty students in all the classes, and forty of these are from our State,
Education — Address of Dr. Latimer. 63
Nearly one thii-d of tbe patronage of the Wesleyan then comes from New
York, because we have no college within our borders that can command
their regard.
In the church of which I am Pastor are four families having a son each
in college. A university, such as we propose to locate in Syracuse, would
command them all ; but now one of these boys is at Williams College in
Massachusetts, and the three others are at Cornell University. There is
no reason why all these one hundred and seventy-five students should not
be kept in New York State, instead of wandering ai^ay to New England .
to find a college ; no reason why they should be exposed to other influ-
ences than a Methodist college could throw about them ; no reason, in one
word, why the higher, as well as the lower, education of these young men
should not be under the control of the best minds of our own Church.
"We need, then, a great central university that can stand up in this lively
competition for students, and retain our young men of New York in a
home college, as well as present sufficient inducements to attract the
Methodist youth of other States. Genesee cannot meet the demand. She
has less than $100,000 of productive endowment. She can command no
more, or so little in addition, that it will be of no account. It is hopeless
to think of uniting on Genesee, and endeavoring to make it satisfy our
State Methodist pride. The tide of Genesee has ebbed, and can never
become flood again. All things conspire to show the necessity of great
endowments, as well as the centralization of the greatest literary and scien-
tific attractions in one institution. The small colleges are overshadowed
by the large ones. If Genesee had to-morrow $250,000 of productive en-
dowment she could not compete with Cornell and Union and Wesleyan.
A college of to-day must have a wider curriculum than in times past.
The resistless pressure is for a wider range of elective studies than in olden
days, and, within proper limits, this must be allowed. Hence the neces-
sity for a larger faculty. We must have in our colleges, if they will suc-
cessfully rival others, courses of study that bifurcate in various directions,
and even lecture courses that may be called post-graduate, which yet shall
attract under graduates, and even the citizens of the town where the col-
lege may be placed. The oldest and most conservative of our colleges are
pushed to adopt these methods. Yale is doing it by degrees. Harvard
is inaugurating these lectures on an extensive scale, and thus attracting
multitudes to her halls. Hedge lectures on Goethe," Lowell on Southern
European Literature, Goodwin on Plato, Abbott on New Testament Criti-
cism. Bowen on Philosophy, Agassiz on Zoology, Pierce on Mathematics,
and Wyman on Ethnology. To cluster such attractions as these about a
college — to make it the center of literary influence to the city and the
region round about, as well as furnish it with the solid working corps of
professors for daily drill and regular advancement in the college course —
will require twice the Faculty needed for the old-time colleges, and an
64 New York State Methodist Convention.
endowment that twenty-five years ago would have been esteemed a
waste.
It may be desirable here to show in brief exhibit what colleges cost)
and how much yearly expenditure is necessary to maintain their existence.
A well-equipped college is no toy that may be built with slight outlay in
the beginning, and kept up by a small yearly income. Adequate build-
ings, first of all, draw from the funds $100,000 ; the simplest apparatus
for natural philosophy and chemistry, the merest shell of a cabinet for
natural history, mineralogy, and paleontology, requires fi^om $15,000 to
$25,000. A library that shall satisfy the demands of the student of
these days, and especially that shall be abreast with the demands of mod-
ern science in aU its departments, however carefully it may be selected,
must number 20,000 volumes, and cost $50,000 dollars. Then these are to
be kept in good order from year to year, fitting additions are to be made
as necessity requires, and, finally, provision is to be made for extensive
enlargement ia the way of laboratories, cabinets, and libraries. In fine,
the buildings and apparatus, the mere outfit in these days, ought to be, at
the lowest figure, $250,000. Next, provision is to be made for a Faculty.
Cornell has in its inception sixteen in its regular Faculty, and six or more
non-resident professors ; Union has twelve professors, besides its tutbrs ;
the University of the City of New York has in the college proper thirteen
professors ; Columbia College has fourteen in the Faculty of Arts. The
mean of these four Faculties isTourteen, a number which our Central Univer-
sity ought to have, but not perhaps indispensable at the outset. A pro-
fessorship needs at least $30,000 for its endowment, so that your productive
endowment must be at least $400,000. Summed up, then, the gross
amount needed to make such an institution as we ought to have will be
but little less than $700,000. Let mo cite a few cases to show how other
colleges are furnished for their work. Take first the real estate and ap-
paratus. Rochester University, $120,000 ; Hamilton College, $300,000 ;
College of the City of New York, $235,000 ; Columbia College, $332,000 ;
University of the City of New York, $375,000. Take now the endow-
ments and incomes :
Colleges. Endowments. Incomes.
Hobart College $160,000 $11,500
Hamilton College 160,000 14,500
University of Bochester 170,000 15,500
Union College 363,000 20,000
Columbia College 3,350,000 152,000
Harvard University 2,100,000 185,000
Yale College 1,200,000 90,000
Michigan University 560,000 Euns in debt.
With this apparent munificence of endowment, all these colleges are call ■
ing for more money. Columbia College alone, in this State, is rich and
Education — Dr. Latimer's Address. 65
can do what she may choose to, undertake. Yale College has been seeking '
for more endowment for years past, and even Harvard is just gaining the
funds she asked for so piteously five years ago. Wesleyan University, at
Middletown, has now been established for forty years. Fisk, and Olin,
and Oummings have strained every nerve for its endowment. At times it
has seemed inevitable that tlie College must become bankrupt, and not till
the summer of 1868 was its security placed beyond a peradventure. Those
who were at that Commencement will remember that at the dedication of
the " Rich " Library, President Cummings announced with tremulous voice,
which brought tears of joy to the eyes of many an alumnus, that by the
donations of Rich and Drew, adding $50,000 to the productive funds, the
long struggle was at last over, and the Wesleyan would not die. The Wes-
leyan owns in gross $650,000, of which less than one half is productive.
Its endowment hardly foots up $300,000, and its yearly income at present
is below $20,000. She needs instantly morfe funds, and must wait till
then to accomplish the cherished^Dlans of her friends.
If we would do any thing worthy of New York Methodism, if we would
avoid the errors of the past, founding a college worthy of the name, and
triumphantly successhil from the first, we must devise large things, and
take no step forward to commit ourselves until success is beyond contin-
gency. For this purpose we call upon the whole Church of New York
State to take part in this noble work, and we trust this Convention will
give no uncertain declaration as to the propriety, the necessity, and the feasi-
bility of such a University foundation.
1. There must be union of our State Methodism for this purpose. We
can do all proposed, and more yet, by concentration of interest upon a cen-
tral plan. The need i^ urgent for a New York Methodist Institution of
this highest gi'ade, while the Church needs only to say yes to the project,
and it will succeed.
3. We must lead the public sentiment of the Church by proposmg and
working after this largest, amplest plan. Determine upon it here, talk it
over in all its phases wherever we go, strive to reach the ear, and heart, and
purse of our wealthy men ; set on foot project after project, as preliminary
to this great endowment ; and what seems chimerical to some to-day, and
purely impossible to others, will be seen to march on to assured success.
Let us agree upon this plan, and, from far and near, contributions will pour
into the treasury. One man has already suggested his desire to bring the
profits of his business hither, and thinks he could endow the College, in
great part, in fifteen years.
3. We have a providential opening here which makes it possible to build
an educational monument worthy of the Church to which we belong. We
have no such towering monument as yet. Dickinson is struggling for
existence. The same is true of Indiana Asbury. The Ohio Wesleyan is
but little better off, the North-western labors under embarrassment, and
'5
66 New York State Methodist Convention.
fltially, the Wesleyan University, the subject of so many prayers and tears,
the Institution of the Methodist Church for so long a time, now stands in
pressing need of $300,000 more to enable her to compete with Yale, and
to stand forth as a model College, Let the Churches of New York com-
bine to build this central University, let them bring their treasures to place
at the feet of the guardians of the same ; let them, from St. Lawrence to
Chemung, from Albany to Erie counties, bring in their gifts, swelling the
amount to three fourths of a million of dollars, and the University of Syra-
cuse will be the grandest memorial that Methodism has yet built.
4. See what Genesee College has already done for education and for
the ministry of our Church. With feeble endowment, with limited facili-
ties, with straitened accommodations, with the smallest Faculty, she has
sent forth earnest students, and our Conferences have many young minis-
tors in their best appointments who have received their culture at Genesee.
Give us a college with ample endowment, with abundant accommodations,
with a full Faculty, and all else that is indispensable to a college in these
days, and we can furnish for pulpit, and press, and seminary, workmen
whom we need not be ashamed to place in comparison with the alumni
of any other institution.
5. The past cannot be undone. We have made great mistakes in our
plans of education. We have certainly built too many seminaries. We
have established colleges with inadequate endowments, and many of them
are gasping for breath to-day. The Troy University project was a temble
failure, and the four spires, that point heavenward from Mount Ida, speak
to us a lesson of burning shame, that we should build a great school edi-
fice for the propagation of the Romish superstition. Enough for us
No more such failures. Let us build now on wide foundations and deep.
Let us build only after the plan is mature, and success is certain. Let us
build as we propose, and it shall be not for the present alone, not for this
century even, but for all time.
It is not yet the time, nor is this the place, to enter into details as to the
curriculum of studj', the courses that shall be elective, and the range of
the topics to be pursued in the proposed institution. Nevertheless some
general statements, as to what we should propose and aim at, may be ven-
tured. The question has been asked. May not this Central University
stand in intimate relationship to the seminaries of the Church in this
State, and so related that the seminary courses of study shall be modified
for this centralizing object, and when this lower course is finished, the
mother institution shall take to her bosom those whom the seminary can
profit no longer ? I do not see the feasibility of any such plan at present,
any farther than as I will now propose. We have in the State about
twenty-five seminaries and union schools that are under Methodist influ-
ence, more or less, or which might be induced to come under certain pro-
visions regarding the University. Let the Trustees of the Central College
Education — Dr. Latimer s Address. 67
decree that one hundred students from these seminaries, that is, four irom
each annually, -who shall be prepared for college, and shall have reached
a certain grade of scholarship, may enter and complete their course free
of tuition in the University at Syracuse. Thus you will secure a relation
to the seminaries which is as intimate as will be found practical, and you
will elevate the scholarship of the class preparing for college. Besides,
you thereby secure one hundred students to the University, many of whom
will be induced, by the offer of free tuition, to enter upon the higher edu-
cation, who would otherwise esteem themselves too poor to incur the
expense,
There should also be large provision made for aid to needy students.
Aid of |100 at most, yearly, which may be disbursed by some competent
member of the facultj or otherwise, might add fifty more students to the
catalogue, and give the inestimable benefits of an education to many who
would otherwise be debarred from the privilege. The larger colleges are
obliged to fill their halls by this method. Harvard disposes of $2,600 an-
nually to indigent students, by gift or loan. Yale remits tuition to the
amount of $2,800 from its charity funds. The University of Rochester,
two years ago, reported that in the academic and theologic departments,
taken together, $4,000 had been given to poor students, and thus seventy
students had been aided from the charitable fund.
One more suggestion let me make. The Syracuse University should
take advanced ground, and open its halls freely to women. Let us strike
a killing blow at that barbarism that excludes the daughters of a family
from the advantages offered to the sons. Let us open to her the avenues
to the best culture the world affords. We shall only anticipate other col-
leges by a few years. In a quarter of a century no first class college will bar
its doors against our sisters and our daughters. Above all, let not Meth-
odism, which has enfranchised woman in the Church, opening her mouth
in exhortation and prayer, and thus securing, in a large measure, her great
success — let not Methodism shut out her daughters from the model college
we design to build.
In planning this University, and its courses of study, we do not propose
to break with the past ; its lessons cannot be ignored with impunity. We
propose no radical change from the policy of our fathers in the work of
education. Colleges are established for two ojjjects — to give us knowl-
edge, and to give us culture. The last is, by all odds, the most important
function. An education is but a preparation for the life-work. A liberal
education can never be a special one. All efforts in this direction are false.
We want our sons educated iu all the branches of a wide culture. At the
close of the common curriculum let their studies be special. Then it is
time for them to say we will be theologians, or engineers, or architects, or
jurists, or physicians. Within certain limits let the course be elective.
Up. to these limits let the tastes of the individuals have free play, but
68 ■ New York State Methodist Convention.
never let us allow the common college curriculum to be a mere field in
which to deploy the various trades and professions.
Pinally, I appeal to the religious sentiment of the Methodist Church of'
this State to give us a great University that shall stand upon a thoroughly
evangelical foundation. Let us have a University which, by its Faculty. —
by its esprit du corps — yea, by the very atmosphere one shall breathe in its
halls, shall be Christian, shall be Methodistic. This is the day of a false
and misleading liberalism. Colleges are now established with the mini-
mum of religion in charter and in plan. The practical working of these
unevangelical foundations is yet more loose, and they would not be out
of place in, nor jar the religious sensibilities of, a pagan city. This question
is to be settled— shall we have Christian education, or a culture without
Christ? Shall our banners float the motto, "Liberalism, Modem Enlight-
enment ; or, Christianity in Earnest ? "
John Stuart Mill tells us, in his Inaugural Address, that "a University
is a place for free speculation." So be it. Let the largest breadth of dis-
cussion be allowed. Let objections to revealed truth, drawn from philoso-
phy and science and history, be fairly drawn. But O, let us have in our
University of Syracuse, in the various chairs, men who are settled in their
faith, and not floating up and down in the wide sea of doubt. Still less,
men who have broken with Historic Christianity, and are now traveling,
with blinded vision, " the dim and perilous way," along which they are led
by " destructive criticism " in theology, by materialism in science, and by
pantheism in philosophy.
Philip Pliillips led in singing.
ADDRESS OF DR. D. W. BRISTOL.
Eev. p. "W. Bristol, D. D., of the Wyoming Conference,
Presidihg Elder of Bingliamton District, spoke as follows :
Mr. Prbsidbht : I suppose the question of the necessity of a University
for Central New "Xork is one that is fully settled in the mind of every
lover of education, and of every Methodist who has thought upon it
throughout the. State ; and I believe that the question to be settled now is,
how to achieve that object. I apprehend that this is the object at which
we should aim to-day. We are standing at the present beyond the past.
•I mean by this that we find things to-day different from what they were
at the beginning of our history. While we have advanced as a denomina-
tion, while other denominations have advanced, while, in the common cur-
rent of events, education has advanced, we find ourselves beyond the mark
of our beginning in this respect. I apprehend that the necessity for the
denominational seminary has passed in the State of "New York. Our,
graded schools are taking their place, and in every considerable town the
Education — Dr. Bristol's Address. 69
s -stem of the State bears the student on to thorough academic acquire-
ments. A little while ago it was not so. The Common School was all the
State gave us ; but to-day it has lifted its standard. The question, then,
arises, What are we to do with our seminaries? Already hare we been
compelled to enlarge their curriculum, so that some of them are now equal
to some of the colleges of the State. The letter of Dr. Lindsay says,
" Rear out of your present seminary system a University ;" and this, I appre-
hend, is the true idea. Let us have a University here with the broadest basis
.it the centraj city of the State ; but let this be done by lifting your semi-
naries into colleges, and all that is necessary for that is an Act of the
Legislature, which can easily be procured. Enlarge your curriculum, if
ycu please, and then let the twelve Seminaries in this State be incor.
porated as the University of New York ; and then you have your teachers,
your library, and more than all, property, as set forth by one of the
speakers, to the amount of more than five hundred thousand dollars.
Then have a Board of Instruction in this city. Have your Professors on
the ground, and let students come here %r examination, and here let the
degrees be conferred. Then, when a student enters one of your seminaries,
he enters the University of New York. With this plan you may put your
University in operation at the annual meetings next June.
Allow me to say that while my brother was expressing the wish that
we might see a university springing up like — like — Jove, is it, from the head
of Minerva ? well, I will tell you the idea looked to me very much like
the manufacture of CardiflF giants. Universities never come in that way,
they never grow in that fashion ; they are the growth of years. But tak-
ing the work you have done already, you may reach the accomplishment
of tlie idea at once.
Another advantage arising from this plan is this, that it unites the whole
denominational interests of our Church in the State to one grand center.
Thus the golden links will be laid from every seminary of the State to the
center at Syracuse, and your students, instead of going elsewhere, will find
their home in the institutions of our own Methodism.
It would also unite the interests of the denomination throughout the
State, binding us together, and concentrating our forces upon this one
grand idea of- a central university. With this' plan you have not to wait
till you have gone through the slow and painful process of raising a sub-
scription of five hundred thousand dollars before you lay the first stone or
put forth the first efibrt ; but you can begin at once and carry out your
plan, and commence from the very year of planting to gather the harvest.
Now, in the view of these veteran educators, this view may seem chi-
merical ; but let me say that it is by no means a new one. In the twelfth
or fifteenth Century the University of Paris was formed upon materially
the same plan, and upon this plan every university of the old world is
based to-day.
7o New York State Methodist Convention.
RESOIiUTIONS.
The following resolutions were presented ou behalf of the Committee by
Dr. Latimer :
Sesohed, That the signal and sustained prosperity of those seminaries
in our State which are offlcered by or under the patronage of the Method-
ist Episcopal Church is gratifying to us, evincing, as it does, that, in the
favor of God and of the people, these institutions are finding a reliable and
unfailing endowment.
Resolved, That this State Convention of the Methodist Episcopal Church
of New York approves of the plan to establish, without delay, in the dty
of Syracuse, or its immediate vicinity, a first class university.
Resolved, That whenever the Trustees of Genesee College shall remove
said college to Syracuse we recommend that it be incorporated as an inte-
gral part of such university.
Resolved, That we recommend that immediate measures be taken to
raise at least five hundred thousand dollars to endow the University.
Resolved, That a committee of ten men, namely: J. T. Peck, D.D., J. E.
King, D.D., H. E. Chirk, D. D., T. Carlton, D.D., Eevs'. E. L. Bruce, S. B.
Fuller, A. T. Stewart, S. H. French, I. S. Bingham, and Alonzo Flack, be
appointed to co-operate in establishing this new University, with the Com-
missioners already appointed, or that may be appointed by the Annual
Conferences of the State.
Adbress of Rev. A. Flack.
JRev. AloDzo Flack, A.M., of the New York Conference,
Principal of the Hudson River Institute at Claverack, 'S. Y.,
spoke as follows :
Mb. Pkesidekt : I am greatly embarrassed to know what to say in the
multitude of thoughts that fill my mind on this subject. It is to me a
matter of intense wonder and astonishment that the great Empire State
and the great Methodist Church in this State, with such a powerful corps
of professors and large number of students in our seminaries, has no great
central college. I insist upon it that no man in this body can properly
account for this lack. My friend Dr. King has shown you that one fifth
of all the higher English students in this State are educated in Methodist
seminaries, and that these seminaries receive eight thousand dollars from
the State. He has shown you also that we send away to College one
hundred and seventy-five young men annually. Multiplying this by four,
the number of years in the course,, and you will see that we have enough
students for a better university than exists to-day in the United States.
We receive in our own schools our own people, and yet, besides this, we are
patronized . immensely by other denominations because we are religious,
and if we had the same proportion of college students as are in our semi-
naries, we should have constantly at least seven hundred and fifty under-
graduates. "We cannot afford, then, to remain in our present position.
In other States, as well as ours, the best academies are the Methodist
Educatiofi — Professor Flack's Address. 71
academies. I do not say this to eidogize Methodist schools, but only to refer
to recognized facts. When Dr. King draws the most money tor the pub-
lic funds of any school in the State we cannot help it, and if the next
laigest falls upon another Methodist school, why, we cannot help that. If
our schools are at the head we must accept thankfully that fact, and I
draw the inference from this that we ought to be ashamed that in this
great State we have no great university. '
I wish to say a word here in regard to the plan proposed by Dr. Bristol.
That proposition astonished me. If he is going to make my school a part
of his college I do not know what I shall do. What he says of the uni-
versities in Europe is true. There are several colleges, for instance, com-
posing the Oxford University, but they are all at Oxford; they are not
scattered through the land. With the University of London, however,
there is no college. Students only go to London to get their degrees.
I wish to thank Dr. Latimer for the caution about commencing this
enterprise without money. Our troubles in the past in all such enterprises
liave come from financial embaiTassment. Let us guard this in future.
I think, too, we should take great care as to the character of our build-
ings ; and while I am not an admiier of European civilization as compared
with our own, yet I think we may learn something of them. ' When at
llugby, I saw in the outskirts of . the towm buildings which I took to be
the residences of gentlemen, but I was told that they were buildings tliat
had been given to the University. Upon inquiry, I learned that these
buildings were each occupied by a professor, who had with him in the
building, and under his care, a certain number of students, say about
thirty, for whose care he was responsible to their parents and friends.
These students were constantly under his supervision, living with him in "
a sort of family, and for taking care of them he received a certain specified
sum. It seems to me we may learn something from this. From my ex-
perience I say, do not put over about thirty students in one building. We
will find men to build these separate buildings and give them to the
University. Kicli men do not wish to board their children as cheaply as
others, and they ought to have the privilege of gratifying their own wishes
by building buildings and taking care of their children as they please.
This is the best way to provide for the poor also, for in these various
buildings expenses may be made to vary according to the style of living.
Kev. Dr. Lore presented the following paper :
Besolution passed by the Alumni of Genesee College, present at a meet-
ing held in the Vanderbilt House, Syracuse, Feb. 23d, 1870.
Whereas, The subject of the establishment of a Central University of the
Methodist Episcopal Church of the State of New York has, for three years,
been prominently before "the Church, and an important subject before the
present Convention ; and whereas, it is desirable that the position of the
Alumni of Genesee College be well understood respecting the establishment
of such University ; and whereas, tlie Alumni of Genesee College, at a
72 New York State Methodist Convention.
meeting held in Lima in 1867, expressed themselves unanimously in favor
of the removal of Genesee College ; therefore,
Resolved, That we, the undersigned, Alumni of Genesee College, mem-
bers of the New York State Convention, reaifirm the action of the meet-
ing in 1867, and declare, as our judgment, that the interests of the Church
in this State, and of Education generally, demand the immediate founding
of £t Central University, such as shall be commensurate with the great edu-
cational interests, and present aqd prospective growth, of Methodism.
Geo. Van Alstyi^b, C. 0. Wilbok, John Alabastek,
M. S. Hard, Thekon Coopek, Isaac Gibbabd,
C. P. Haed, J. N. BoRBis, J. C. Hitchcock,
W. A. Browuell, M. G. Bttllock, B. F. Hitchcock.
DR. LOEE"S ADDRESS.
After the reading of the foregoing paper Dr. Lore ad-
dressed the Convention, saying,
It is my purpose to look at this for a moment. The Alumni of the only
college we have in the State, I think I may say, are unanimous in their
approval of this project of establishing a central college at Syracuse. We
have already secured great unanimity among the members of the Chm'ch
who understand this subject. It is doubtful whether any subject could
be introduced to the people of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the
State of New York upon which there would be so perfect an agreement
as upon this. Such has been the case for years, and yet here we are to-day
where we were three years ago. Why is this in such a practical body of
men as the Methodist Church'? Why is it that in this matter we have
produced nothing tangible as yet ? Are we disposed to satisfy ourselves
' with theories or with fine talk upon this subject — and we have had fine
speeches here, and have had the evidence here that we have men to man
such an institution as this we contemplate — whUe we act so efiiciently in
;.otber things ? God and the Church have given us means and men to do
this work. Will we use them, and provide that they may be used for the
salvation of men ? I feel that we are responsible for this. Who speaks?
Do we hear the voice of our laity 2 We heard their voice yesterday, and
we are always glad to hear them. Do they speak now ? Speak and let
the work be done. We are told that we have one hundred and eighty
thousand and over members, and many of their pockets are filled to over-
flowing, and their business is widening and their wealth increasing. Let
us be practical now. We are a practical people. Let us do the first
thing first, and then proceed to the next. What can we do toward estab-
lishing this University which we all feel is demanded at bur hands ? Why
do we hesitate ? For the money, only for the money, that is all ; and my
beloved brethren, laymen of the Methodist Clmrch, you must give us the
money to build and endow this University. To you we look. The thne
is past for the pastors to go up and down through the land taking twenty-
Remarks of Bishop Loguen. 73
five-ceit suliscriptiona for literary institutions. We cannot do it now.
We must begin with tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars. Now,
biethren of the Methodist State Convention, we greet you here, and are
glad in God you are here. Some of us have been a little nervous about
this Convention, but it is a glorious success. We are brethren. Let us
have all things common till this University is built.
[Rev. D. Steele, D. D., was here introduced and delivered
an address, which reaches the Editor too late to be inserted in
its proper place. It is printed in full in the Appendix.]
Bishop Loguen, of the Zion Methodist Episcopal Church,
was introduced tt) the Convention. He said :
Mk. President, and Beetheen of the Convention : I am
taken rather by surprise, and, therefore, it would be more in
accordance with my feelings to be excused from making an
exhibition of myself, especially after listening to the excel-
lent speeches we luuve heard. You will remember that I have
not had such advantages as many of these brethren here, and,
therefore, as your worthy President said, " I feel my littleness."
I was brought up as a slave, and I have just got to be a citizen
of the United States the other day. I am very young yet,
though I think I have grown very rapidly of late. We grow
rapidly as a race. We have taken one of our people and
pitched him up into the United States Senate. Jeff. Davis
vacated his seat there for one of my brethren. We have put
another on the Bench down in South Carolina, and we think
we are growing. I thank yon for the honor of tliis introdnc-,
tion. I did not ask for it. I am going to quit asking for these
things now, for they come fast Aiough in regular routine.
The .Chairman : Allow rae to say to Bishop Loguen that
our brotherly interest in his Church, and in the future of his
people, is strong and increasing. I will say, 9,3 I did in relation
to another branch of Methodism, that it is our earnest desire
that our approach to each other may be brotherly, and kind,
and rapid, till our organic union shall be as complete a,s our
Christian union is at this hour. God bless your Churcli, sir,
and I hope that this brother and the Rev. Mr. Crooks, and their
respective Churches, will take notice that the Methodist
Ejjiscopal Church, large as she is, has already traveled more
74 iV^w York State Methodist Convention.
than Half way to them, and, therefore, they can well afford to
unite with us.
Eev. J. B. FooTE : I do not propose to make any extended
remarks at this time, not because I am not heartily with you in
this college enterprise, but because my heart would so rejoice
to hear from three to ten, or more, of these laymen upon this
subject. Deeply interested as I am in this project, I yield the
time I might otherwise occupy to my brethren of the laity.
Dr. PoETEE : I did not expect to make any remairks before
this large Convention, nor do I now propose to speak at any
length, thus occupying time that could be more profitably
occupied by others. The great question before us is, How are
we to get the money to build this college? The question
proposed by Dr. Lore, Why has it not been done ? is one of
interest. I answer, as a layman. Because right appliances have
not been brought to bear upon the work.. We have wealth
and members enough. To say that one hundred and eighty
thousand members cannot raise a half million dollars for this
purpose is a slander. I would not belong to a Church that,
with such a membership, cannot endow a college with a million
of dollars. I would recommend that we put a subscription
list in the hands of every pastor in the State, and ask him to
be our agent in this work. I think this work can be thus
accomplished within the next six months. I do not believe in
the general agent plan. Such agents will be strangers to most
of us ; but put this subject in the hands of the pastors, and we
shall hear from them, for we know them, and have confidence
in them. If we will do thil we shall have a half million
dollars in six months, and a million in a year.
Hon. J. M. Copeland : I think this'business to be the most
important of any thing that has been or will be before the Con-
vention. I have long known this city, and it has been im-
pressed upon my mind for years that this is fhe place for a
great central Methodist institution. As a layman, this thing
has been upon my heart for years. I have had children to
educate, and have sent them to Lima. The war took away one
before he reached graduation. Another entered college, and I
found it very diflBcult to keep him there because there are so
Education — Professor Wells' Address. 75
many influences brought to bear upon young men to draw
them away to larger institutions. I think it a reproach to us
that this work has not ah-eady been done; and I have no
doubt that if one half the labor and money which have
been spent in the attempt to remove Genesee College to this
place had been directed to the building, of a new one, we
should now have a college here. I hope the time has come
when the laymen of the Church will feel compelled to show
the largest possible liberality toward this enterprise, and that
all will come up like men to this great work. This, it seems
to me, is certainly our duty.
'professor WELLS' ADDRESS.
Prof. "Wm. Wells of Union College, was introduced, and
addressed the Convention as follows :
Mk. Pkbsidbnt : I would not- rise to speak on this question, surrounded
as I am by many who might treat it with much more interest than I can,
but that I may possibly, from my experience in educational institutions, be
able to explain some things that perhaps others might not allude tp.
For some fourteen years I had the honor and pleasure of being-connected
with our college in the western part of this State, and I can fully sympa-
thize with much that has been uttered here to-day.
I desire to say, that notliing more in accordance with truth lias been
announced on this platform than that which was expressed by Dr. King,
when he said that figures must fail to give any adequate idea of what has
been done by Methodism in Methodist schools. We are told that so many
have graduated at Lima in so many years, but that does not express the
whole truth. When I perceive so many of my old associates and pupils
here in this Convention — when I see this platform so ably occupied as it
was by one of those' young men last evening — I feel that much has been
effected, and as I have seen what they have done and are now doing, as act-
ive workmen in the Schooland Church, I have felt a gratification greater
far than could be given me by looking on monuments of enduring marble
or polished brass ; and yet mucli, very much more has been done than is
visible here. This proves our ability to do. But though much has been
done, we should do more, and much more. , From the stand point which I
occupy, and from my experience in the educational work of the State, I
think I can see how criminal it would be for us to neglect to build up a
college that shall be at once an ornament of Methodism and an honor to
the State. I specially wish to say, also, that though I am not now in the
camp of our own educational work, yet my heart is still with you and with
the work of Methodist education. I am now occupying a picket-post on
^6 New York State Methodist Convention.
the frontier line, and I think I have seen some things in tlie position where
I now am that may enable me to tell you how yoUng men sometimes slip
away from us who ouglit to be and might be retained.
It has been said this afternoon that perhaps two hundred young men
annually leave our academies and go away to colleges of other States, or
other denominations. Now why is this? I answer, It is because we have
nothing to offer them, or at least nothing to attract them. Within the last
tliree years, through my influence, I have kept at least a. half dozen noble
young meu within our institutions who otherwise would have gone else-
where. They would have gone to the theological schools of other
denominations, because they felt that we had none suitable for college
graduates. Aud besides this, other theological schools offer their pupils
money to help tliem under certain circumstances, and this, sometimes, is
no small consideration. I have succeeded in convinciflg some that they
should stay within the fold, and I intend to keep as many more as I can.
But I feel that we need, and greatly need, just what these young men are
asking for, and that Methodism has no longer tlie right to neglect these
interests. Whatever excuses we may have had in the past no longer exist,
and it is a shame that such a Chui-cli should allow hundreds of students
to leave her for other institutions, and it is a greater shame that Methodist
ministers should be educated in other institutious. Now is the time for
us to do something, and if we will take hold of this proposition we
may perfect our arrangements just here, and secure a representative univer-
sity for Methodism. I repeat that we do not keep our young men because
we have nothing to offer them. If we would retain tliem, we must have
something to give them as good as others, can give. Then we shall find '
no difficulty. I might dwell on this matter longer, but the subject has been
fully- discussed, though it did seem to me that this point might be profit-
ably touched upon.
One other thing. To-morrow is the day set apart by the Christian
people of this, laud for special prayer for colleges, theological schools, etc.,
and it seems to me that this Convention should not let it pass by entirely
unobserved, but that it would be eminently fitting to spend at least a
short time in united prayer for these schools aud our precious youth. I
make no motion, but siniply suggest that this Convention devote a brief
peiiod to this subject to-morrow.
Rev. J. F. Crawford :. I would like to hear the laymen
speak, and I would like to see each speech supplemented by a
subscription of about ten thousand dollars or more. It seems
to me that we have readied the point where all these pretty
essays and this applause should be supplemented by something
else ; and it seems to me that if we allow this Convention to
Education — Remarks of Rev. y. F. Crawford. 'jf
break up without c?ozn^ something, we shall present ourselves
to the Church and the world in a ratlier ridiculous aspect. I
wish to say that I began my active life some years ago with
only two clean shirts, a pair of pantaloons, a pair of overalls,
and some kind of a hat.
(A voice.) You had a coat, had you not?
Crawford — No, sir. I was not Worth a coat of any kind.
I was left an orphan at fifteen years of age, and was compelled
to provide for myself. God has always blessed me, and he has
given me a little of this world's goods, and I am here to-day
to say that- I am ready to give down to the last cent I
have on earth to build and endow just such a college as we
have been talking about. And more than that, I am ready,
if the Church will take hold of the enterprise as she can and
ought to do, to give my energy and business wholly to this
work till we have reached an endownmerit of five hundred
thousand dollars ; and whether that can be done in six months,
or twenty years, or only a little before or after I die, I am ready
to stand to this pledgei. And that is not all. I have 'prayed
over this in my closet and in my family ; and one morning, as
we arose from our knees from the family altar, my little boy
sat back in his chair with the tears running down his cheeks,
and I said to him, " Eddie, what are you crying about ? "
" Why," said he, " I was thinking, what if you should die
before the college is built ! " " Well," said I, " suppose I
should, what then?" "Well," said he, "if you should, I
would do about it just as you are going to do till it was built."
So I thank God my family are interested with me in this good
work.
We must take hold of this in right-down good earnest.
There are. men enough in this Convention who, if they would
dedicate their business to God for five years, could endow this
college with a million of dollars. I wish to say more. I have
felt deeply upon this subject, and it has been long upon ray
mind. I never made a speech upon it before in public, but I
have talked among my private friends very much about it. I
have been looking about this city for a proper site upon which
to locate this college, and a short time since I laid my hand
78 New York State Methodist Convention.
upon what I tlionght wa^ just the pJace for it ; and I think
you would think so too if you could see it. I ventured to buy
it, and I have it already paid for within about four thousand
dollars, and I can provide for that in less than a week ; and if
the Commissioners will accept the offering, I am prepared to
say that you can have one of the most beautiful sites in the
State of New York for your college. I am prepared to say
more ; that if they will accept it, by the first of next July I shall
be prepared to deed it to them in proper form, free from all in-
cumbrance, without its costing them a single cent. I wish to
say more. 1 have a business for which I have been offered,
within the last six weeks, over twenty thousand dollars. I re-
fused it, on the ground that I meant to keep it in my own
hands and run it for this college until the Methodist Church
has built and endowed a college worth, at least five hundred
thousand dollars. ■ And now I am ready to stand to this from
this time forth ; and if the Lord should want me more in heaven
than on earth, and take me away, I calculate to leave such an*
impress upon my little boy and girl that they will carry it
through for God and Methodism.
It seems to me, that what we want now is, to have every
speech supplemented with something that means doing some-
thing. 1 cannot tell you how I have felt upon this subject. I
have felt it going all through me, from my head to my feet,
and from my feet to ray head, and cross-wise, and every way,
till it has taken entire possession of me. I dream about it, and
pray about it, and talk about it, and yet it will never be done
if we only waste our breath in talking about it, and saying it
should be done. I wish God would move the hearts of these
laymen to-day to say, many of them, " I am ready to give ten
thousand dollars." I get wondrously blessed of God in this
work of giving, and O, how I feel the guiding of Divine power !
God comes into my soul and fills me with glory ; and I tell
you if you want to get blessed of God as you never have been
before, give down till you feel it.
Rev. G. L. Taylor : I am not an alumnus of a Methodist
college, but I am a Methodist preacher, and am deeply inter-
ested in the educational interests of our Church. There is
Education — Calling for Subscriptions, 79
more Methodism in the State of New York than in any other.
We are richer here than anywhere else. We have more cul-
ture here than anywhere else. Upon the Methodism of the
State of New Yoi-k, therefore, lies a great responsibility, and I
believe that if the Methodists of this great State do not faqe
these responsibilities our scepter will depart. See what Illi-
nois, and Michigaii, and Iowa are doing! It is the shame of
my native State that Methodism in these new States is eclips.
ing Methodism in this State. If I could say what I would to "
the laymen in this Convention I would ask them, How can you
take the challenge of this Methodist preacher who has just
addressed you, who begun in his boyhood with nothing, and
has worked his way up on the salary of a Methodist minister
and the strength of his own purpose, and now comes hero with
this princely offering ? May this example take hold till every
Methodist layman's cheeks shall both begin to burn with
shame that they have not this grand monumental pile already
built and paid for here in this central city of the State ! And
then may their pockets begin to burn till they shall pour out
their money for this cause ! It is for you to take hold of and
accomplish this great work.
W. W. Morgan, Esq. : The question is how to build this college.
If we had a church to build we should select a Building Com-
mittee, and send them out to collect money and subscriptions
for their work. Now select twenty such men as Brother Ives,
aud send them out to raise money, and you will get it as easily
as we in Potsdam can raise one thousand dollars for Church
purposes. Our brother says. Give this work to the Pastors.
That, in my opinion, wont do. They have enough to do now
to get their own pay. Send us such men as Brother Ives,
specially commissioned to raise this money, and you will
get it.
Eev. J. T. Peck : I have heard it said that talk will not
build a college, but that money will. I propose that you in-
struct Brother Ives to stand here on the platform and see how
much can be raised here and now. All in favor of this say
aye.
The proposition was unanimously approved, and Kev. B. I.
8o New York State Methodist Convention.
Ives came forward and said, " It is said that an Irishman, once
digging a well, the well caved in on him, and his employer,
rushing to the well's mouth, cried out to him^ 'Pat, are you
dead ? ' 'No,' said Pat from the ruins below, ' I'm not dead,
but I'm spacheless.'' That is very much the way I feel. I
liked that brother'-s speech over yonder, and about the last
thing he said was, ' Send us Brother Ives.' Here I am, and I
am after you."
Mr. Ives asked for two hundred thousand dollars from the
audience.
Dr. Jesse T. Peck, of Albany, proposed to be one of four
to give one hundred thousand dollars toward the endow-
ment of the University. F. H. Root, Esq., proposed to pay
the interest on twenty-five thousand dollars for five years.
E. Remnlington pledged to pay twenty-five thousand dollars
as soon as circumstances permit, which will be soon. Kev. J.
F. Crawford pledged twenty-five thousand dollars. Hon.
Greorge F. Comstock pledged the interest of twenty-five thou-
sand dollars for ten years.
Additional subscriptions were then made, in sums varying
from ten thousand dollars to one hundred dollars, and amount-
ing in the aggregate to one hundred and eighty-one thousand
dollars.
For a complete list of these, and of those subsequently taken
at the Convention, see Appendix B.
The resolutions of the Committee were unanimously adopted.
Notices were given, and after singing " Marching Along," the
Convention adjourned.
Benediction by Dr. Lore.
FIFTH SESSION — WORKING FOBCES OF THE CHURCH.
"Wednesday Evening, February S3.
After a half hour spent iii devotional exercises, the Conven-
tion was called to order at half past 7 o'clock by Rev. J. P.
Hermance, one of the Vice-Presidents.
Rev. K. P. Jbrvis, of the Committee on Statistics,. offered
Working Forces— Dr. Hibbard''s Report. 8i
the following resolution, as supplemental to the report pre-
sented at the first session, and it was adopted :
Whereas, God liath wonderfully blessed our efforts in this great State,
as elsp.where, and hath given to the Methodist Episcopal Church a polity,
an organization, and agencies, demonstrated in their past working to be
especially adapted to the wants and characteristics of our American people ;
therefore,
Resolved, That we recognize a Divine call to a most vigorous continua-
tion of our work, with all the increased facilities furnished by increase in
our financial means, and the improvement of our ecclesiastical furnish-
ings, and to a most jealous conservation of all that is essential in our de-
nominational peculiarities.
Subscriptions for the college enterprise were again called
for, and several generous pledges were made. [See Appendix.]
DR. HIBBARD'S REPORT.
The order for the evening was talien up, namely : " DeveTop'-
ment of the Working Forces of the Church, Clerical and Lay,
both Male and Female, in Home Evangelization."
Kev. F. G. HiBBARD, D. D., of Rochester, presented the re-
port of the Committee, as follows :
The theme assigned this Committee is, "Development of the Working
Forces of the Church, Clerical and Lay, both Male and Female, in Home
Evangelization.'' Your Committee must premise that the subject assigned
them is of very large and varied proportions, and the limits assigned them
for a report will allow only of a tentative, or suggestive notice of topics.
We must, therefore, beg that the Convention will not expect of us more
brick than they have provided straw to manufacture.
" Foree,^'' in the philosophic sense, is any cause which moves, or tends to
move, a body ; or which changes, or tends to change, the direction of mo-
tion. We see no reason for using the word, in this report, in any different
sense. The " development of forces" is simply the dynamics of the ques-
tion ; namely, the machinery by which force is economized, controlled^ and
directed most effectively to the ends proposed.
The question, therefore, of " the development of the working forces of
the Churcli " is simply a question of methods, or provisional arrangements^
by which the forces vested in the Church for the salvation and conserva-
tion of the world shall be most economized, and most effectively directed
to these great ends. The Convention will perceive, therefore, that the
subject given to this Committee is one which covers the entire field of
Church policy in Home Evangelization, involving that most difficult of all
philosophical questions in mechanics, and not less difficult in its applica-
tion to Church evangelism — the economy and conservation offerees.
In presenting our subject we shall confine ourselves to a few sugges-
82 New York State Methodist Convefttion.
t'ons on the more salient points, in the order indicated in the theme as it
ivas given ua.
I. The ministry. In the Pastor we recognize the twofold office of
preacher and administrative bead of the ecclesiastical body. Whatever,
therefore, is done by the Church should be done in council with him. He
should be " foremost " in all movements evangelical, an example to all, and
an encourager of every good work. A few thoughts here must suffice.
1. The power of the ministiy itself is a revival power. This is the first
form of ministerial development in the apostolic Church. By revival
power, we mean the power to awaken the religious consciousness, to livet
religious conviction, and to lead sinners to Christ. The first gifts of the
Holy Ghost were exercised in pentecostal energy in this work. Two
things are noticeable here : the internal power of truth applied by the Holy
Spirit, and the external methods employed in the gifts of the ministry,
and the method of treatment of inquirers and of converts. There are ex-
ternal methods, as well as internal, vitalizing energies, to be observed.
There may not have been an anxious seat, or an altar of prayer, but there
was a separating process distinguishing the awakened penitents from the
world of .the ungodly ; advice, instruction, and encouragement given ; an
open confession of Christ, repentance and faith in exercise, and an earnest
exhortation, '' Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Revival
methods should be simple, appropriate, evangelical; never putting needless
burdens upon the awakened conscience, never excusing it from the cross
of Christ. They should be simple and natural helps to the inquirer, and
facilities for the free movement of evangelizing power. Every minister
■should be a revivalist.
2. But ministerial power is not simply revival power, in the popular
«ense, but the power to instruct, educate, and edify as well. The forgive-
ness of sin, and the renewal of the heart, are but the incipient stage of the
great work of salvation. The converts brought to Christ from Jewish
and heathen communities called for another class of gifts, and imme-
diately there sprung up in the Church " pastors and teachers," who were
to take the stated oversight of the flock, to " feed," to " tend and- govern,"
to consolidate and build up — a class of gifts which were " for the perfect-
ing of the saints, for the edifying of the body of Christ." This power of
the ministry is not simply oratorical, or even didactic, but it is the power
of timely advice and counsel ; the power of prudent and judicious appli-
cation of Church discipline ; the power of calling forth into activity the
jjroper gifts of the Church ; the power of tending the flock, and conserv-
ing the order and unity of the Church; all which demands familiar knowl-
edge, not of the Church only, but of the community as well, and this
requires time and patient labor. One of the chief demands upon the
ministry to-day is, for knowledge and skill in organizing the various forces
of the Church in plans of evangelical labor. Like the skillful engineer,
Working Forces — Dr. Hibbard''s Address. 83
he is not himself to draw the train alone, but to aee that the propelling
force be well applied, not lost for want of use, nor wasted upon impracti-
cable and inadequate machinery. He is to look well to the point that the
activities of the Church are evangelizing in their character.
3. One of the great evangelizing forces vehich Providence has adopted
in all ages is pertonal infuenee. This is the true social power of man. It
is the influence of character, as distinct from the accidents of wealth,
office, or simple charismatic ability. It is a kind of influence which is
never acquired but by personal acquaintance — acquaintance, not such as
is formed on the street or highways by the passing civilities of the day,
but such as is acquired by the experience of providential circumstances
which test the character, and where heart communes with heart. We sim-
ply touch this pointf obseiTing only that it is worthy our serious thought
whether our present pastoral system adequately provides for the develop
ment of this primal instrumentality. As the engineer who would safely
run the train, freighted with human lives, must understand all the parts
of the machinery, with their uses and possible defects, so must the minis-
ter the members of his flock, while his personal influence gauges, and regu-
lates, and controls, and conserves evei-y thing.
II. We notice the laity. The development of the working power of the
laity correlates with that of the ministry. The one implies and promotes
the other. We suggest,
1. That the edification of the Church, according to New Testament law
and precedent, depends, secondarily, upon the culture and use of " gifts,"
■which the Holy Spirit has distributed with an equal balance between the
ministry and the laity. So far as Church law, or economy, is concerned, it
should be the chief concern and study to give to each class its proper
sphere, and to each gift its proper exercise and encouragement. The
Church, organically, can do no more than this.
In the apostolic age the laity had their proper place and rank in the
councils and government, as well as the subordinate service, of the Church.
But as, in subsequent centuries, the Church developed into a hierarchy
and began to take on the outline of Papacy, it dropped by degrees the
laity jErom its councils, till, finally, the lay element was abolished from the
governing power of the Church altogether. We congratulate the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church upon the prospect of a speedy restoration of these
antique, reasonable, and scriptural rights of her laity. We cannot doubt
that such a restoration will be followed by a quickening and culture of
many edifying gifts which hitherto have been inadequately developed.
3. As the vast importance of the doctrine of gifts, or, as it is technically
called, charisms, in the Christian Church is not duly appreciated, we would
suggest that there seems to be demanded by the Church at this time some-
thing in the form of specific lectures,, or a training class in each pastorate,
perhaps also in each seminary and college, in which, by familiar and
84 New York State Methodist Convention.
thorough instruction, free conversations, reviews, reading, and otherwise,
the whole field of Church enterprise may be unfolded, the gifts called for
explained, and the culture of these gifts more directly encouraged and
called out. The breadth, variety, and importance of the spheres of Chris-
tian activity, and the vital necessity of special culture and special conse-
cration of the various gifts by which these spheres are to be filled, seem to
make such an institution necessary.
The object would not be not so much to teach particular branches of
biblical literature, theology, or history, as to explain the various lines of
Christian activity, the gifts they require, and the best methods of culti-
vating and using those gifts. Such an institution would be to the laity
somewhat answerable to the department of Pastoral Theology and Homi-
letics to the clei^.
We need special lay culture as well as clerical. If the Church ever
" walk worthy of her calling," it will be when she is thoroughly instructed
in the claims of that calling, and fully consecrates her gifts and time
thereto. An institution like the one herein mentioned would call the at-
tention of the Church more efiectually to the subject, and we think would
inaugurate a new era of more eflBcient, because more intelligent, evan-
gelism.
3. But we would suggest, further, that no Church economy, no conven-
tional arrangements, can supersede the necessity of self-culture in the de-
velopment of individual power and talent. Each member is the steward
and guardian of his or her own gifts, and the Church can do no more for
each member than to remove obstructions, guarantee privileges, and offer
encouragement. The develcpment of her gifts and moral forces then
comes by individual use and culture. Our Church has certainly developed
an unsurpassed amount of individuality by the freedom and simplicity of
her institutions, and the life and vigor of her membership.
We are happy to know that our Church has, with remarkable foresight,
made provision for the widest exercise of spiritual gifts, and the largest
spiritual liberty of its members, consistent with Church order. Witness
the harmonious working of the gifts of Local Preachers and Exhorters in
harmony with the regular pulpit ministration of the Pastor. Witness also
the origin and operation of the organization of Praying Bands, a move-
ment distinctively due to the activity, piety, and zeal of the laity.
III. Our third general suggestion will relate to the position of the female
mind and talent.
As an evangelizing agency, we have no more eflScient force in the Church
than the female gifts and influence. The question arises. Have we culti-
vated and called into activity this instrumentality up to the measure of
Scripture precedent, and the necessities of the age ? We do not consider
that, as a Committee, we are called to propose merely ecclesiastical re-
forms, but to suggest methods of cultivating and calling into action simply
Working Forces — Dr. Hibbard's Address. 85
mangelizing forces. Our ChurcL, we are happy to beliere, is already lib-
erally modeled after the apostolic precedent in this regard, and such large
discretion is left to local judicatories and societies that little need be
added by way of enlarged disciplinary recognitions and encouragements.
And yet, such is the force of custom and traditionary prejudice, that even
in our Church women cannot fill all the spheres to which she is adapted,
and fulfill all her mission, without some courage to meet public sentiment,
not to say criticism. We beg to suggest that a little farther disciplinary
recognition in behalf of woman's sphere and duty in our Church would
greatly relieve the embarrassment.
We think it will not be disputed that woman's peculiar place is found
in the social sphere of Church life, rather than in the legislative councils
or administrative ftmctions. To this department the office of " Deacon-
ess," in the New Testament, must be assigned — a generic word of very
wide application, denoting service or ministration. Phebe was " Deaconess
of the Church at Cenchrea," and stands first in the list of worthies enu-
merated in Romans, sixteenth chapter. The description given in the first
verse clearly shows that she was a leading officer in that Church, while in
the second verse she is commended to the confidence of the Church at
Eome, " that they assist her in whatsoever business she had need of them."
Thus we find a female Church officer, herself undoubtedly the bearer of
Paul's Epistle to the Eomans, more than six hundred miles from home on
Church business, under the apostolic approval as a helper and a " succorer
of many." The manner in which she is spoken of indicates clearly that it
was not an unusual thing. Priscilla accompanied Jier husband, Aquila, in
his journeys and evangelical labors as a co-worker, and was competent to
instruct the eloquent ApoUos. Paul, who well knew how to appreciate
female helpers, repeatedly mentions her in his epistles among the honora-
ble and influential workers. Philip, the Evangelist, %ad " four daughters
which did prophesy." John, the beloved Apostle, addressed his second
epistle to the " elect lady," or the " most excellent lady." She is not iden-
tified by name in the New Testament, but John addresses .her as the most
influential, if not the official chief of the Church where she resided, and warns
and instructs her against encouraging those who preach false doctrine, and
receiving and entertaining them as the disciples of Christ. Paul, in his
letter to the Philippians, " beseeches Euodias and Syntyche to be of the
same mind in the Lord," which supposes them to have such office and
influence as that their harmony of judgment and faith involveO the har-
mony and peace of the Church. These, and other influential women at
Philippi, " labored with Paul in the Gospel." This, also, was the Church
of which Lydia, the model of noble, practical, enterprising women, was
the first notable and leading convert. It is remarkable that in the Old
Testament, where the Hebrew customs iij regard to women are fashioned
more clofely after the Asiatic type, we find such instances as that recorded
86 New York State Methodist Convention.
in the thirty-fourth chapterofSecon4 Chronicles, where Huldah the prophet-
ess is called before King Josiah, in the presence of the High Priest and the
dignitaries of the court and priesthood, to explain to the King the awful
import of the law of Moses, and to utter solemn predictions of the nation's
destiny ; and this, too, at a time when the Prophet Jeremiah was alive,
and probably in Jerusalem. Deborah, a prophetess of Ephraim, was in
such repute that " the children of Israel came up to her for judgment " in
their most trying political condition ; and she was the leading spirit of
their army and their councils, and delivered the nation, and judged Israel.
We will only add that the office of Deacon in the apostolic Church com-
prehended both secular and spiritual duties, private and public, and that
the Deaameaa succeeded to the same office, with such modification of du-
ties only as the proprieties of the sex, and providential circumstance, would
suggest.
On this subject, where so much might be said, we aim to say only what
will suffice to give scriptural sanction to our urgent appeal to the Church to
call into exercise more fully the potent evangelizing agency of female labor.
A few suggestions further must conclude our remarks under this head.
1. We believe our Church is in need of more female Class Leaders for
adult members. This point needs no more than a simple statement.
3. We suggest — and it is with feelings we cannot express — that the
Church is suflfering, more than from any other one cause, for want of more
female Leaders of juvenile classes — ^Leaders who are competent to instruct,
to interest, to govern, and train, and to develop the religious conscience
and sensibility of the more advanced child, in acts and habits of Christian
worship and Christian confession and recital. We do not speak of infant
classes, nor Sunday-school classes, nor adult Church classes, but classes
formed of children and youth of from eight to fifteen years of age, who
may be met once a#?eek for prayer, religious conversation, singing, and
instruction upon the evidences of personal piety, and the application of
religious principles to their daily life. The object is, to cultivate the mind
in religious knowledge and devotion; to lead the soul to Christ; and to
establish it in the evidences of a true conversion, and the habits of daily
piety and worship. The child should be taught to speak and judge of
its own religious exercises, and to exercise itself socially in worship and
to govern its life consistently.
For this work the Church has need of the best female talent and expe-
rience, and the ripest fruits of personal piety. There is to-day less call for
ministers than for competent female laborers in this department. The
meetings of such a class should be cheerful, social, adapted to the juvenile
mind and sphere, of daily life, stricjly experimental and practical, free
from embarrassing formalities, yet reverent and well ordered. Thousands
and hundreds of thousands, of our youth are lost to the Church and to
God for a want of some well-adapted means to take hold of them just at
Work Forces — Dr. Hibbard's Address. 87
that most formative, most impressible, most sensitive, and most, tractable
period of their life. What can be done to awaken the female mind of
our Cliurch to this subject? What can be done to provide trained and
competent leaders for these juvenile classes ? If God in his providence
would answer this question the millennium would dawn.
3. The ladies of our Churches, especially in villages and cities, should
be more fully called into action in the form of the Pastors' Aid Commit-
tee, or Ladies and Pastors' Christian Union. Such an organization is for
the purposes of visiting and bestowing Christian labor upon families;
visiting the sick ; finding out such as do not attend divine worship and
inducing them to attend ; bringing children into the Sabbath-school ;
keeping note of strangers moving in ; of all changes of residence of mem-
bers ; of such persons as are specially serious whom they find in their visits,
and reporting to the Pastor all items of information which he may need to
know for the better accomplishment of his pastoral work. Such laborers
the Apostle referred to when he said, " Help those women which labored
with me in the Gospel, . . . whose names are in tlie book of life." In
view of these wants we hail, as an auspicious promise, the organization
known as the " Ladies and Pastors' Christian Union," of Philadelphia,
whose auxiliary societies are increasing throughout the States. It must
succeed. It is already a power, and should be taken into the closest fel-
lowship and confidence, and to the warmest heart, of the Church.
IV. Our fourth and last general suggestion is in relation to the expe-
diency of creating a new council in our Church, of the nature of a biennial
State Convention.
We do not introduce this point as a simply ecclesiastical question, but
only for its relation to the better development of the evangelical forces of
the Church. By the pi'esent structure of our Church government we have
acquired great efiiciency and promptness in our o^anic movements ; but
this could be effected only by great concentration of power, which, in
Church or State, under all ordinary operations of government, is a doubtful
expedient. Two objects should be secured by Church government, namely,
efficiency., and a just halance of power ; or, in other words, a strong con-
nectional bond should be harmonized with a just distribution of power
among primary and lower judicatories. In our present form all legislative
power is merged in the General Conference, excepting the voice whidh the
Annual Conferences have in the simple question of changing the constitu-
tion. Not only the creation of new ofiices, but all elections to offices, are
in the power of the same body. All local legislation is simply impossible
without the concurrent assent of delegates from every part of the con-
tinent, and from foreign Conferences also. The faulty element in our present
theory of government is the assumption of absolute ecclesiastical homo-
geneity, as necessary to scriptural Church unity. This is exactly the rock
on which the post-apostolic Church struck, and on which it was subsequently
88 New York Sjtate Methodist Convention.
wrecked. It is with no fear of imminent catastrophe that we speak, but
only with a view partly to disencumber, and partly the more effectually
to develop and economically adjust, the evangelizing forces of the Church.
A few years ago the Church was agitated, even to the danger of seces-
sions, on the simple question of renting pews. At present we make no differ-
ence in several important respects, such as the Presiding Elder's oflSce, and
the term of ministerial services between city and country, frontier life and
the old settled sections, and the varying customs, tastes, and even types of
civilization, over this vast continent, not to mention here other incon-
veniences. As our time limits us, we proceed at once to suggest that
some third power seems to be called for, which shall occupy a middle
ground between the General and Annual Conferences, which shall embody
more of the popular and local mind of the Church than can possibly now be
represented in the General Conference, even with the proposed lay element
added, and also which shall relieve the General Conference of some of its
enormous burdens. This third judicatory, or assembly, might be called the
" State Conference," or the " Synodical Conference," though the former
would be more homogeneous to our technology. Such a Conference
might be endued with the following, among other powers :
1. To act upon all questions of legislation affecting the particular
localities within its jurisdiction.
3. To act as a court of final appeal for all cases within its jurisdiction,
-which are now referred to General Conference.
3. To elect all Editors of all Church papers through an Electoral College.
Among other advantages of such a " State Conference '' would be :
1. A more perfect representation of the popular mind and local circum-
stances of the entire Church. The General Conference, as now constituted,
represents the clerical bodies from which it originates, but cannot be said,
by any common acceptation of terms, to rei^resent the people who have
had no voice, or choice, in creating it. With the lay element added, still
it would not embody an adequate representation of the whole Church for
all the ends of local legislation, or the ascertainment of the real senti-
ments and judgments of the people. Add to this the consideration of the
multitude of subjects to be canvassed and determined at General Con-
ference, all within the space of about thirty days, and then say if it appears
probable that due justice will be given at once both to the connectional
and local bearing of questions, to the opinions and wants of both clergy
and people. A body emanating freshly from pastorates, of ample num-
bers, holding its jurisdiction within the same State lines where its pas-
torates lie, brought up under the same forms pf law and custom, familiar
with the practical wants of the Church within its bounds, and with the
genius of the people and the conditions of society, charged with the
special supervision of their home Church, would be far more likely to
judge accurately, and act safely, than our present provision can be assumed
Working Forces — Dr. Hibbard's Report. 89
to warrant ; and the voice of such an assembly would be a far safer and
more authwitative exposition of the public mind within its bounds than any
present methods offer. It would also supply a more effective lead and
direction to public sentiment. We are to mold, reform, and direct public
sentiment, as well as represent it.
3, Another advantage of such a " State Conference " would be a more
just and ec[ual distribution of the powers of government, and hence a
powerful safeguard thrown around the integrity and stability of govern-
ment. A statement here is all we can offer.
3, Such a measure would enlist a far larger number of the Church in
the exercise of their varied gifts, and in the study of Church law and litera-
ture; would devolve si, more equal burden upon the laity, and draw
them closer to the h*flrt of the Church ; would widen and strengthen the
connectional feeling, and would largely disembarrass the ministry, by
placing the responsibility of ecclesiastical and aemi-secular affairs more
upon the laity.
In conclusion, we submit only three resolutions ;
Seiohed, That the present vast expansion of the territory and member-
ship of our Church has so accumulated and complicated the business of
legislation and supervision, and the necessity is so imperative of preserv-
ing the prudential forms and principles of our government in harmony
with the institutions, customs, genius, wants, and conditions of our ever-
growing country, and our ever-varying types of civilization and culture,
tliat, in the judgment of this Convention, there is called for at this period
of our history the creation of a new delegated biennial council in our
Church, to be composed of clerical and lay members, to embrace in its ju-
risdiction a single State, or two or more States, according to circumstances,
which might be denominated the State Conference, the Provincial Confer-
ence, or the Synodical Conference, invested with such powers and for such
ends as have been already enumerated.
Ileaohed, That the progress of the vote on lay delegation in ihe Annual
Conferences is cheering in favor of the proposed change, and we confi-
dently anticipate a large increase of moral power to the Church by its
final triumph.
Resolved, That we heartily commend, as a means to more diffusive evan-
gelism in our charges, the organization, wherever it is practicable, of the
" Ladies and Pastors' Christian Union," after the model of, or auxiliary to,
the Parent Society in Philadelphia.
The first resolution was read, and a motion made to
adopt it.
Eev. Wm. Eeddt addressed the Convention as follows ;
I have the highest veneration for the Chairman of this Committee, who
has just addressed usj but it seems to me a peculiar phase of things to
have brought before this body a question that is legislative in its character.
The idea of submitting to a popular body like this a change in the Con-
stitutiou of the Church ; that we should be called upon to discuss this
90 New York State Methodist Convention.
question, or vote upon it, seems to me a little peculiar. And it seems to
me also, without presenting an opinion on lay delegation, that it is a little
peculiar that that should be made a prominent point in this discussion of
the working of the Church. The idea that we shall vote upon this question
now, and thus bring to bear a force upon those who must soon vote con-
stitutionally upon it, seems to me to be out of place.
The point of order was taken that the first resolution was
not included in the subject-matter set apart as the order of
the evening, and the Chair decided the point well taken. An
appeal was taken from the decision of the Chair, and the Chair
was sustained ; therefore, the first resolution, by a rule of the
Convention, was sent to the Business Committee. The second
resolution was read, and a motion made to adopt it.
Dr. W. H. Goodwin : I can make no allusion to the merits
of the resolution just disposed of, but I will say that it is not
heretical.
Kev. L. C. QuEAL raised the point of order, that the resolu-
tion having been disposed of could not be discussed.
Dr. Goodwin: I was not discussing it; I was pronounc-
ing its eulogy. I am delightfully impressed with this whole
report. It is an able paper, and well worth the careful con-
sideration of this Convention.
Rev. L. C. QuEAL rose to inquire, "What is before the Con-
vention ? The Chair said, The second resolution of the report.
Dr. Goodwin : I wish to say that the objection raised
against this resolution, because it speaks of the success of the
vote on lay delegation, is altogether void. The subject referred
to the Committee fully recognizes this vote, and that the laity
may now be brought into closer relation with the ministry this
subject is presented. That is the reason why Dr. Hibbard has
introduced this. I am confident that if this Convention knew
the length, and breadth, and depth of that mind, they would
not question the order of this resolution as they do. In the
pame ofcommon sense, what idea could be more in harmony
with the subject than this resolution ? <•
The Chaie : The question is upon the passage of the resolu-
tion, not upon the propriety of its introduction.
Dr. Goodwin : I am in favor of the adoption of the resolar
Debate on Dr. Hibbard's Report. 91
tion, because it looks respectfully toward the accomplishment
of the issue now before the Church.
Rev. G. L. Taylok : The single reason I have to submit why
this resolution should not pass at this stage is this. The item
under which this comes up refers to the working forces of the
Church. The question of lay delegation is not one of the
working forces of the Church, but one of the Constitution and
law of the Church.
Eev. E. E. Griswold : I understand that the question of
lay delegation is not settled yet. That resolution supposes it
is. Another reason why it should not pass is, both lay delega-
tionists and anti-lay delegationists are on this floor, and our
action here should be harmonious. . 9 '
The resolution was withdrawn. The third resolution was
read and adopted.
Rev. L. C. QUEAL offered the following resolution, which was
accepted by the Committee and adopted :
Sesohed, Tliat we deem it important to the development of the working
force of the Church to unite the clerical and lay forces in all the sources
and manifestations of our power.
Rev. Dr. Lore moved that a Committee be appointed to
publish, the proceedings of this Convention, which was carried,
and the Secretaries, with the addition of Rev. Joel W. Eaton,
were appointed.
Rev. G. L. Taylor moved that the Committee edit and
publish, at their discretion, the proceedings and papers of the
Convention, and the motion prevailed.
On motion of John Stephenson, Esq., and L. D. "White, it
was resolved.
That the Secretary be, and hereby is, authorized to append the names
of all the members of this Convention, to the memorial ordered to be pre-
sented to the Legislature of this State, remonstrating against the appro-
priation of the public moneys for sectarian purposes.
Dr. F. G. HiBBARD rose to a question of privilege, and said :
" The Committee of which I presented the report this evening
has, in my opinion, been misunderstood. It has been assumed
here that they have traveled out of their province, and it has
been so argued, and action has been taken to this effect. Now
92 . New York State Methodist Convention.
I ask you to put this matter where it belongs. What is the
' development ' of the working forces of the Church ? is the
first question. I assumed that the development of the working
forces of the Church had reference to the machinery by which
that force is operated or brought to bear. JSTow, find fault if
you will with the manner in which the theme was presented
to us, but do not find fault with us for following the wording
of the theme as it was given to us. If any body 'doubts that we
have stuck to our text I will say to him as Pitt once said in
the British Parliament about the American question, " I am
ready to meet any noble lord on that question."
The Convention adjourned. Benediction by Dr. Lore.
* t
SIXTH SESSION — SPIEITUAL LIFE OF THE CHUECH.
Tlmrsday Miorning, Febriiai-y a4.
A love-feast was held from half past eight to ten o'clock,
Eev. Dr. Seager, of the Genesee Conference, having charge.
At the close the President took the chair, and, referring to the
fact that this is the " day of prayer for colleges," called on
President Steele of Genesee College, and Eev. M. Hulbnrd,
of Troy Conference, to lead the Convention in prayer. By
the Chairman's request our. missions in Wyoming and Utah
Territories, under Rev. Brother Hartsough, were specially re-
membered in prayer.
Eev. A. J. PheIjPS and Dr. T. Caelton offered the following
resolution, which was adopted:
Besohed, That, as a State Methodist Convention, we tender our most
hearty acknowledgments to the citizens of Syracuse for the great interest
they have shown in our College enterprise, and especially for the encour-
agement they have given us in the proposed City Bonds of |100,000.
Hon. D. A. Ogden was excused, at his own request, from
^e Committee to present a memorial to the Legislature, and E.
Jones, of Eochester, was appointed in his place.
Hon. G. M. CoPELAND presented a resolution in favor of re-
nnion with the Church South, which, under the rule, was
referred to the Business Committee.
Sixth Session — Miscellaneous. 93
E. W. Jones offered the following resolution as supplemental
to the Report of last evening, and it was adopted :
Besohed, That, as a Church, we ai'e under special obligations to our
sisters for their general diligence, activity, and efficiency in all the means
of grace connected with our Church, especially the prayer-meeting and
class-meeting.
Rev. S. B. Dickinson offered a resolution to the effect that
the question of Prohibition ought to be submitted to the elect-
ors of the several counties. Under the rule, the resolution was
referred to the Business Committee.
The Business Committee reported through their Chairman,
Rev. I. S. Bingham, as follows :
1. In reference to letters referred to us, which have been received in
response to invitations from the Committee of Correspondence. Such let-
ters, expressing strong sympathy with the members of this Convention
and interest in its proceedings, have been received from the following
persons, to wit :
Bishop Janes, of New York.
Kev. Geo. Peck, D. D., of Scranton, Pa.
Rev. D. CuRKY, D. D., of New York.
Rev. W. H. Pbaenb, Mempliis, Tenu.
RoBT. F. QuEAL, Esq., Chicago, 111.
Rev. R. M. Hatfield, D. D., Cliicago, 111.
Rev. A. WiTHBKSPOON, Plattsburgh, N. Y.
Prof John R. Pbench, Lima, N. Y.
Rev. E. L. Janes, Sharon, Conn.
G. C. Cook, Esq., Chicago, 111.
Rev. Thos. H. Peaknb, D. D., Knoxville, Tenn.
Rev. B. G. Paddock.
Rev. J. CuMMiNGS, D. D., LL. D., of Wesleyan University.
Rev. L. Habtbough.
We recommend that these letters be referred to the Committee on Pub-
lication.
3. In accordance with instructions from the Convention, we present the
following nominations for the Committee provided for in the report of the
Committee on " Our Position and Duties as Christian Citizens," to wit :
Rev. Jesse T. Peck, D. D. and C. P. Easton, Esq., of Albany; John M.
Latimer, Esq., of Penn Yan ; Hon. Wm. B. Woodin, of Auburn ; Rev. W.
H. Boole, of Brooklyn; Chas. H. Applegate, Esq., of New York; P. H.
Root, Esq., of Buffalo ; Hon. J. P. H. Tallman, of Poughkeepsie ; Rev.
Joel W. Eaton, of Schenectady ; Rev. C. P. Lyford, of Syracuse ; N. B.
Foot, Esq., of Rome; J. W. Eaton, Esq., of Albany; Rev. J. B. "Went-
worth, D. D., of Lockport; Harry 6. Moore, Esq., of Geneva, John "W.
Osborn, Esq., and W. L. Woollett, Esq., of Albany f and J. Hillman, Esq.,
94 New York State Methodist Convention.
of Troy ; as members of the Committee at large. Members of the Com-
mittee from the different Conferences, as follows :
Oen-bral New Torlc Conference.— Rer. D. D. Lore, D. D.,Rev. J.B.Foote,
T. J. M'Elhenny, Esq., A. Sanford, Esq., "W. W. Porter, M. D., E. Reming-
ton, Esq.
Wyoming Conference.— Rby. "Wm. H. 01m, Hon. G. H. Prindle, Rev.
Wm. N. Cobb.
Troy Conference.— Rev. J. E. King, D. D., Bev. C. F. Burdick, J. H.
Stafford, M. D., Wm. H. Van Alstine, Esq., H. "Wilson, Esq.
Black Biver Conference.— D. A. Stewart, Esq., Rev. I. 8. Bingham, Rev.
L.. Clarke, Hon. Willard Ives, Rev. L. L. Palmer.
New Torlc East Gonfermce.—'Re.y. Geo. L. Taylor, Geo. Wilson, Esq.,
Hon. Samuel Booth, John Stephenson, Esq.
New Torh Conference.— C C. North, Esq., Stephen Barker, Esq., J. L.
Sloat, Esq., Rev. A. Flack, A; M., Benj. Wiltse, Esq., Geo. H. Smith, Esq.,
E. L. Pancher, Esq.
Qenesee Conference.— Hon. G. M. Copeland, Henry H. Otis, Esq., Rev. S.
B. Dickenson, Rev. 8. Hunt, A. M.
East Genesee Conference.— Rev. W. H. Goodwin, D.D., H. S. Chubbuck,
M. D., L. Wilcox, Esq., Rev. R. Sogoboom, Rev. Wm. Manning.
W. G-. QuEAL presented the following resolution, whicli was
adopted :
Wiereas, The question of Lay Delegation is now being adjudicated in
our Church in a constitutional manner; and whereas, some portion of
the Conferences in om: State have voted thereon, and some have not yet
voted ; and.
Whereas, Some allusions have been made in this Convention to this
subject ; therefore,
Besohed, That, as a State Convention, it is not our design to discuss this
question, or to express any opinion concerning its desirability or other-
wise.
Eev. J. B. FooTE announced a telegram conveying the in-
telligence of the death of Hon. Anson Burlingarae, and, on
motion, the Chair appointed a committee of three to present
suitable resolutions on the same.
The following composed the committee : E. Remington,
Ilion ; Hon. J. S. Eoe, "Wayne County ; Hon. T. J. M'Elhenny,
Ithaca.
Mr. James G. Clark complied with a suggestion of Philip
Phillips, and sang, as he said, " for our college enterprise,"
" The Promised Land To-morrow."
A resolution offered by H. M. Church, to instruct Presiding
Elders and Pastors to push the subscription for the University,
was referred to the Business Committee.
The order of the day was taken up, namely, " The Spiritual
Life of the Church, Actual and Demanded," and Rev. Mr.
Address of Rev. W. H. Boole. 95
Boole, of the New York East Conference, delivered the fol-
lowing address ;
ADDRESS OF EEV. W. H. BOOLE.*
Me. PKESroENT : The true power of the Church of Christ is spirituality.
Her success will be graduated by the measure of this power in her body,
and the wise adaptation of its vital force to the many various purposes of
her heavenly mission. This is a simple and lowly word — " mission " — but
it embraces the conquest of all nations of the earth.
The work of the Church is a peculiar work, and unlike the object and
aim of any other enterprise or corporation in the world, and is to be
judged of and criticized on principles unknown to human philosophy.
Her work is, in a wftrd, the eternal salvation of man — all men ; to turn
the hearts of the nations to God by the power of the Holy Ghost dwelling
in her, that they may be made " meet for the inheritance of the saints in
light." No archangel is clothed with a higher commission, or endowed
with a mightier power.
To assist her in accomplishing this work the Church may build colleges
and church edifices, use the press, organize " Book Concerns," hold con-
ventions, write and preach sermons, sing, pray, hold love-feasts, take col-
lections, and do many other things ; but in the use of any and all of these
she must not for a moment forget that they are means only, not the end ;
that only so far as they subserve her mission and multiply the numbers of
the saved are they of any value. Her power is a spiritual power ; its
essence is invisible, indeed, but its effects wondrously felt and manifested.
Her life is not the size of her body — church buildings, colleges, millions
of membership — but in 'the energy and vitality of the indwelling spirit.
The huge form of a giant, with its heavy members, is as strengthless as
the pigmy if the breath of life be gone, nor is he more than a pigmy in
power when you have breathed into him life sufficient only to inspire a
babe ; but if he be " filled " with the fullness of life then is he a real giant.
Go into a room where there is a galvanic battery. You see it with its cups,
and plates, and coils, and wires, apparently perfect. You propose to try
its power upon your own person, and so you lay hold of those two shining
balls, one with either hand, and wait for the shock, but you do not feel
it. Then for a moment you imagine you feel its currents thrilling your
frame, but sober reason says it is not so. You press the balls the harder,
as though the vigor of your grasp might give them power, but no answer-
ing thrill comes, and you throw them down and seek for the cause of the '
failure, when right there, in the heart of the machine, where the power
* It is due to Rev. Mr. Boole to say that he was appointed on this Committee but
a few hours before his report was presented, in conseiiuence of the absence of the
original Oommittee.
96 New York State Methodist Convention.
should be concentrated, you discover there is no coil, hence no power. Just
so is it in the Church. Her machinery may be perfect ; she may have her
preaching and her prayers, her class-meetings, love-feasts, and missionsi
but they are naught except the living Christ dwell in her and vitalize all
these, for Christ is the life of his Church.
I will take up the subject in its natural order, as it appears in the pro-
gramme, and I ask,
1. What is the actual state of the spiritual life of our Church ?
I answer, Better than at any former period of Methodist history. There
never was a day, in my opinion, when the Church possessed the high degree
of spiritual power that she does now. She has her Bramwells, her Fletchers,
her Lady Huntingdons, her Hester Ann Kogers in greater numbers than Wes-
ley saw. She has more vitality and real strength than in her earlier days, or
she could not carry this great body God lias given her. She is invested
with mightier power than in the days of Wesley and Asbury. Christian
experience is more fully exemplified in the practical life of Christians now
than in the days of Wesley, Fletcher, and Whitefield. What these noble
prophets of the Holy Spirit's dispensation taught, our people, many of
them, now experience, and are living. I cannot be a croaker. I do aot
believe that the olden times were better than the present. The people
were no better in heart or life ; the first preachers were neither mightier
nor holier nor more self-denying than those who speak to us.
2. But another question arises : Is the actual spiiitual life of the Method-
ist Church equal to the great work and splendid opportunities of her
present responsibilities and position ? I answer. No : I repeat with
emphasis. No ! Her advantages exceed those of any other denomination
on earth ; she has more perfect machinery than any other, and more ready
and effective appliances, and therefore I am compelled to answer that her
actual spiritual life is not equal to her responsibilities.
Look at her numbers 1 How mighty, how vast, is her army I And yet
not more than one in twenty is standing in the " front," where the conflict
rages hottest. There are more sluggards reclining in camp on flowery
beds of ease than are out on the line of battle. We have men and women
enough to take the continent for Christ, but we have not done it.
Consider how immense is the wealth of the Church. Tlie world said,
as it looked on amazed at the contributions for the Centenary year, that
the Methodist Church had demonstrated by her princely gifts what she
could do in a century. Kather, it was then demonstrated what our people ,
are able to do in contributions every two years, if not every twelve months.
This we ought to do, not a farthing less. Others wondered, but we who
could look on the inside, and knew how vast is the wealth of the Church,
could not but think, how little has she done ! No man who gave, no matter
how much, is any the poorer for it, and those who gave the largest sums
would be richer to-day if th«y would duplicate them.
Address of Rev. W. H. Boole. 97
Rcflc'Ct, too, upon what is our influence, religious, political, social. This
was manifest during the late war, so that the chief magistrate of the nation
was not ashamed to put his high estimate of it in print and send it out to
the world. The Church is represented upon the Bench of the Supreme
Courts of the States ; our brethren are in the halls of legislation, and we
have men among the princes and nobles of the nation. Our Bishops, in
times of peril, have profoundly impressed the councils of the nation ; while
their burning, brilliant eloquence, unsurpassed in the oratory of the age,
has njoved to virtue and noble action, in behalf of the State, the eager
multitudes that hung upon the words of their lips. Our influence is great
every-where, and it is acli:no\vledged by all. Are we using that influence
to the best advantage ? Is it vitalized so that it is a power for Christ —
such a power for Christ as it ought to be ? .
Again ; see the perfection of our machinery, our organization. We need
not another wheel, or band, or single cog. There is a place in the Church
for every man and woman, and they can all find that place, and arc invited
to take it. There is a place for every child too, and the little lisping one
. who has received remission of sins can tell it, and tell it so as that it will
be effective. Tliere is almost perfection in oiir machinery and its adapta-
tion to our great work. Has any man mighty gifts? there is a place big
enough to take them all. Has another executive ability, power to work?
the Church has a place and work for him, already prepared, that shall tax
all his strength ; and while some have "been spendinj^' time and tal'ents*
wastefuUy, trying' to devise new methods, -we should have made much
greater progress had we stopped theorizing and vigorously used the old
ones.
Again ; look at the , numbera of our Churches and ministers. The
churches fill all the land ; but they are not half filled. Our ministers are
counted by thousands; but while each one should be a general, leading an
amy into battle and to victory, how many of us are exhausting our strength
in the struggling effort to " hold our own " against the pressure of foes
within and foes without. We have room enough to-day for double the
number of our congregations ; they are to be found in the streets, but they
do not come in.
Look at the field that stretches before us. The whole world is open
to us ; there is no place on earth where man's foot treads where Method-
ism is not at liberty to go, and within the Church is the wealth and power
to send the men there. If she would, Methodism could take possession
of any and every place for Jesus. Our missionaries could be sent out to
win glorious victories for Christ in all lands ; but we do not do it. Both
at home and abroad, with no lack of means or men, we are doing far too
little. The great cities of New York and Brooklyn have scores of preach-
ers, and churches open every Sabbath ; but, somehow, with all our •' win-
ning ways'' of plush and velvet, quartettes and organs, rose-water and
7
98 , New York State Methodist Convention.
chloroform gospel, the people do not hear us ; and those that do are saved
in very small numbers. There is a great tract of densely-populated terri-
tory, right in the heart of New York city, where I could stand and fire a
long-range rifle in any direction and not touch a Church or mission of
Methodism. In all the Five Points there is only one Methodist mission,
and it is constantly appealing to charity for support to keep it from sink-
ing; and in "Water-street, where you have struck the bottom of depravity
and degradation, there is but one. " Up town," in our grand ' churches,
where steeples cost enough to plant a prosperous mission in every neglected
locality in the city, and support it handsomely, our rich men, mer-
chants, bankers, millionaires, with their thousands, millions, in bank, real
estate, and stocks, kneel and pray that God will raise up and send forth
laborers into his vineyard. Brethren stand up in love-feasts and say how
ready they are to work for Jesus anywhere, and the next day stumble
against multitudes ready to *perish, without putting forth a hasty hand to
help them, or even mentally uttering a prayer for their salvation as they
pass along. We ministcre stand in our pulpits and preach a splendid
gospel of the power of Christ to save to the uttermost ; how he nerves
with divine strength, and crowns with victory, those who go forth in his
name to the conquest of the nations. We do not deliberately take our
position before the Gibj-altars and MalakoflFs of sin, and say to the world
that we shall, in the name of our God, there set ujj our banner, and stay till
• we have taken these fortresses of the devil. We say that all things are
possible to God, and to him' that believeth; that whatsoever wo ask in
the name of Christ we shall have ; yet how little do we ask or receive ?
We dread sin when it goes naked, or is found in rags, and so get as far
away from it as we can, and build our churches up town.
I ask, then, Do we show a spiritual life equal to our opportunities and
manifest responsibilities? Is not our condition more like life in camp
than active service on the field of liattle ? I well remember that army of
which we all were so proud early in the war, that grand army of the
■Potomac, and those fine equipages and splendid reviews that dazzled the
eyes of the nation ; those men drawn up, not in battle array, but on " dress
parade." It was all a grand sight; and when the artillerymen dashed
away at a gallop with their heavy gims over stumps and stones, it almost
seemed that they were charging down upon the enemy, when suddenly they
wheeled, fell into line, and — waited to salute the reviewing ofiBcer as he rode
by. Now, it cost just as much to " review " and " dress parade '' along the
Potomac as it afterward did to fight the enemy on the fields, of the
South, and in his strongholds. So, too, it costs just as much to review
and dress parade the army of the Church, as it would to do the downright
earnest work of fighting sin and Satan. We won the fight against the
forces of rebellion when our soldiers broke camp, put " hard tack " in their
knapsacks for daily rations, and marched on through tlie heart of the
Address of Rd%. W. H. Boole. 99
enemy's country, like the " fieiy trail of a comet." So must it be in the
Church. We want less dresa parade and more Tjattle array; less, reviewing
and maneuvering, and more solid blows for God and his truth.
"What are the causes of this inefficiency and weakness of spiritual life in
the Church ? I answer, Because we are too much conformed to the world.
First, in dresa. The women, you say; no, not the women only, but the
' men too. We ape the world's fashion. I do not think well of the Quaker
dress, and am glad Mr. Wesley did not do as he once thought of doing,
cut out a particular pattern for Methodists' apparel. And yet, while
no one particular style of dress is to be desired for Christians, Christians
should, not seek, with a foolish pride, to bedeck themselycs in the gay,
unbecoming, and wickedly expensive fashions of the day. Give me the
money sijent by th^members of Christ's body called Methodists in super-
fluous jewelry and extravagant ornamentation of dress, and tell me where,
in the ends of the earth, you wish two hundred missionaries sent and
supported, and they shall be sent and supported, and the Church shall
still be as well dressed, and in as rich material, as any person of genuine
taste would require.
We are too much conformed to the world, also, in amusement. We have
in our membership opera-goers, theater-goers, and dancers, a multitude
of them. I will not stop to discuss whether these amusements are proper
for Christians or not; 'tis enough to say the soldier should not be bur-
dened. The Christian is a soklier.
Novel reading, and a light, flimsy literature, is a prevailing evil in our
Church, and makes one of the greatest hinderances to a high-toned spirit-
ual life. As though truth is not better, and even more fascinating, than
tiction, that men and women of any respectable measure of intellect must
till their minds with this froth and trash. 'Tis like feeding the body with
straws. Then there are the social parties in which religion is ignored, and
the spirit of the world rules. Our speech, too, is not with grace seasoned with
salt ; it is difficult to discover the Christian in our conversation. We talk
too little about Jesus and his salvation, and when we do, from a sense of
spurring duty, it is in a forced and constrained nianner not calculated to
win the heart. These may seem to some to be little things, too little for
the dignity of a discourse ; but nothing is little that aflbcts the grand mis-
sion of the Church. Christians are called to a special work, which requires
the endowment of a special power, and every thing in or about them that
lessens that power is a crime against God. O how little zeal and soul we
show in our Christian work ! We can talk politics as by an inspiration,
because our souls are in it; and in a country such as ours, where every
man is a sovereign, each one ought to feel a deep and abiding interest in
national aftairs. And should we not feel our hearts thrill with the inspira-
tion of our holy cause of Christianity ? ought we not to talk as freely
and fluently of the joy and salvation of the Gospel as we speak of poll-
lOO New^ York State Mkthodist Convention.
tics ? And we would talk of J.esus in tte same way if he lived in out
hearts.
But another question arises. . It is this : What is the spiritual life
demancTed ? I answer, Just what the world is seized and possessed of —
entire devotion. The spirit of the age is absolute, entire, consecration to
work. Let us learn wisdom from these children of the world ; men devote
themselves to the work they have to do, and it is done. One man con-
ceives the idea that across three thousand miles of unfathomed ocean »
telegraphic cable can and must be laid. A thousand men equally wise
and sagacious declare against its possibility ; but with this single' idea in
his brain, and burning on his heart, ho keeps on toiling through years of
discouragement, opposition, and failures,- until, in less than the life-time
of a child of twelve years, the cable is laid, and two continents are con-
nected by fire — fit emblem of the burning love that shall unite in mutual
harmony the kindred nations whose shores the magnets touch. This is
the result of entire consecration to an idea, while the world acknowledges
the stupendous fact. '
What the Church needs is entire devotion to Jesus. This is an old idea ;
we cannot better it with a new one. It has been repeated many times ; it
must be repeated many more — repeated till the world is saved ! This is
the bottom-idea, this demand for entire devotion to Jesus on the part of
the Church : there is nothing beneath it or above it, for with it all other
things are found added. We must meet the world on its own ground, and
with its own weapons. You cannot fight artillery with infantry. The
underlying power of entire devotion in any calling or pursuit is love.
This is the mighty force that works in good and in evil. For love of
strong drink a man will reduce his family to rags, and turn them out of
doors. He will break down his own health, and leap into an untimely
grave. For love of revenge men will bathe their hands in a brother's
blood. Put love of gold in a man's heart, and he will go to the ends of
thef earth to dig it. Thus in these strong ways the love which is of the
world shows itself Now there is opposed to this one love, which God
has given to those that are his, and that is, the love of Christ. This
mightiest force, this " love divine, all love excelling," is the underlying
motive of the Christian's entire devotion ; and if the Church would out-
shine, outwork, outstrip, and conquer the world, she must love Jesus with
" all the soui, might, mind, and strength." This will give her zeal, zeal
coequal with the demands of the times, pulling down the strongholds of
sin. In war success is not a question of numbers, but of resources ; history
shows that the nation possessing the greatest resources will ultimately win.
Think of our resources in Jesus. What is it we n»;ed that is not in him ?
No matter if Satan be strongly intrenched, the army that will lay siege to
his strongholds, and stay there long enough, will witness their fall. It is
merely a question of resources,* that is, of faith. At the battle of Waterloo,
Address of Rev. W. H. Boole. loi
■when a terrible storm of iron hail from the French batteries was mowing
down battalions of the English troops, the Duke of Wellington dryly ob-
served to his ataff around him, " This is terrible pounding, gentlemen, but
we will see who will pound the longest." It is " terrible pounding " of
sin iind Satan against the Church of God for the conquest of the world.
" We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against spiritual wickedness in high places ;"' it is, however, only
a question as to who will pound the longest. And if the Church have
cnnfldence in the resources of Christ, let her keep on pounding. But we
must be sure of the resources ; the Church must be clothed with the power
of God " by the word of truth, by the armor of righteousness on the right
hand and on the left," having on the helmet of salvation, the shield of
faith, and wielding,the sword of the Spirit."
Entire devotion to Jesus implies the endowment of a si;iritual life which
is all penetrating and abiding. The soul is "rooted and grounded in
love, and filled with the fuUniess of God."
Is there now, in the philosophy and theology of Methodism, provision
for such complete endowment ? I do not ask, " Is theie in the Gospel
such provision ? " for it is a lamentable fact that our faith is limited gen-
erally to the straightened boundaries of the Church's creed. The Roman
Catholic has faith in his creed, the Ciilvinist iii his, and the Methodist the
same. I ask, therefore, not what is in the Gospel, but what is in Methodism.
The provision is not in her actual spiritual life. She does not do the
work of her mission, and I do not believe that Methodism or any other
denominational Church is doing, or can do, their work of piescnt oppor-
tunities with their present endowments. Like causes produce like effects.
You cannot do more with present endowments than has been done. A
ten-horse power engine is just equal to that amount of work, no more.
But you say, " There is latent power enough in the Church to save the-
world." I ask, solemnly. What is the Church of God doing with latent
power ? By what right does she thus bury talents intrusted to her for the
Master's service ? The very admission is a direct confession of enormous
guilt. But I do not believe there is sufficient power in the Church at
present to save the world. Power shut up will find vent, or if not used in
its appropriate work, will burst the bonds that confine it. And spiritual
power is subject to the same law, so that if the Church were, indeed, pene-
trated and filled with the flre of the divine baptism sufficient to save the
world, it would save it, or, as Samson bound with the tow and strong
cords, burst every band of ecclesiastical restriction in the attempt. In
looking into the history of Methodism and her doctrines, I long since
made up my mind that she contains in her machinery, doctrines, and faith
all that is necessary to her lull equipment to take the world.
In the Methodistio experience of her doctrine of entire sanctiflcation I
find the provision for this perfect endowment, and it is found nowhere
102 New York State Methodist Convention.
else. It you grant tliat STcry Christian is, by virtue of his relations, pledged
to entire devotion to Jesus, I submit that the inward povvei' necessary to
secure such constant devotion in active life is that of the entire ronovatiiii
of the heart from all inbred sin, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost. This
alone can move her to deeds worthy of her high calling, and in it there is
found full conformity to the mind and will of Christ. The whole Chui-ch
of God will yet coirie, I believe, to this experience ; the world is to be con-
quered, and this is the power.
The weakness of the Church is within, not without ; neither in her
dress, nor the numbers of her foes ; it is not so much in a defective
justification as in the painful consciousness of indwelling sin. I am
weak because I am not conqueror over self, hence I cannot be con-
queror over the world; Let a man know that Christ has overcome in
him passion, ambition, appetite, longings after the unholy, and all in
self that wars against God, and he becomes a mountain of power. Now
think of one million and a quarter of men and women so anointed, and
filling every position of duty in tlie Church, and it is no longer difficult to
believe that soon the glory of the Lord will fill the whole earth. It is this
anointing that makes the Bramwells, and Fletchers, and Asbm-ys, and
Lady Maxwells, and Rogers ; and we must be " filled with the Holy
Ghost" if we would be numbered among them. David had his "mighty
men " among the thousands of his vahant hosts ; he had also his mighty
" thirty," and his Benaiahs, who were " among the thirty, and above the
thirty." God also has his strong ones that "run through a troop and leap
over a wall," and the world waits only for the multiplication of their num-
bers before its fenced cities fall an easy conquest to their irresistible valor.
It was with a holy audacity that John Wesley truthfully said, " God can
no more do without good men than good men can do without him." God
the Father loves the world his S(m, our Saviour, died and rose again to
redeem ; the Holy Ghost, reprover of sin, is sent to convince men. With
all these agents at work why is not the entire race saved ? Because these
are not sufficient without human instrumentalities conjoined. Such is the
economy of the Gospel, such is God's will. The Church must accept this
situation, and prepare her heart to receive the power that shall enable her '
to consummate the glorious mission of her Master and Lord. We need
fire-ships among the enemy's fleet that will bum, and be burned ; we need
the boldness to attack the strongest fortresses of the foe, and to press into
the thickest and hottest of the fight. It was a military law of the ancient
Bomans that whenever any portion of the army lost the standard among
the foe they should suft'er death. The more bold and daring of their
generals would sometimes take advantage of this decree, and when their
ranks wavered and fell back before the furious assaults of superior num-
bers, the general would seize the standard from the hands of the retreating
bearer and hurl it amid 'the ranks of the enemy, when his troops, seeing
spiritual Life of the Church — Resolutions. ' 103
the standard in peril, would wheel, throw themselves upon the foe, drive
them back, and in recovering their banner secure also the victory. This
is the discipline needed in the Church. There is but one way to conquer
the world. Let us hurl our standard of the cross among the thick ranks
of the foe, and take both it and them.
Let us look, then, for the endowment of the Holy Ghost. We must have
it. The Church has been endowing colleges ; this is well : but the most
profitaljle endowment we all, ministers and people, can make to God, to
his cause, to the world, is to
." Give up ourselves, through Jesus' power
His name to glorify ;
And promise, in this sacred hour,
^ For God to live and die."
Rev. W. 0. Steele made a few remarks.
John Stephenson, Esq., of New York, on behalf of the
Committee, offered the following Resolutions :
Sesohed, 1, That the spiritual life of the Church is the measure of its
power.
Beaohed, 3, That with humble gratitude to Almighty God, we record it
as our deliberate judgment, that this life was never stronger in the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church than now.
Hesohed, 3, That a large increase of this power is indispensable to the
accomplishment of our true mission as a Church.
Resolved, 4, Tbat the most solemn suggestion of this Convention to the
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church is, entire consecration to God
and his work.
Rev. W. 0. Steele, of New York, offered the following as
supplemental to the foregoing, and they were adopted :
Resolved t, That we deplore the too general neglect of the class-meeting
among us, and recognizing its value as a means of spiritual advancement,
we earnestly entreat our members to conform to the primitive practice of
our Churcli in this respect.
Resolved, 3, That we urge our Class Leaders, in order to render their
meetings more instructive, to qualify themselves for their work by careful '
study and earnest prayer, and also to make their meetings more social.
Resolved, 3, That being convinced that a healthful and vigorous applica-
tion of our Disciplinary Rules or spiritual decay as a Church are the alter-
natives now before us, we utter our protest against the worklly tendencies
of the Church in this age, and declare that we will, as ministers, endeavor
more faithfully to administer the Rules of the Church against godless
anmsenients, such as the reading of injurious fiction, gaming, theater-go-
ing, and social and public dancing; and that as laymen we will uphold
our Pastojrs in this salutary work.
Adjourned. Benediction by Rev. "W. H. Boole.
I04 New York State Methodist Convention.
SEVENTH SESSION — THE FAMILY.
Thursday Afternoon, 'Feb. 34.
The Convention was called to order by Eev. J. P. Her-
MANCE, one of the Yice-Presidents. Rev. K. P. Jeevis offered
prayer, and " Forever with the Lord," was sung.
The President took the Chair.
Rev. I. S. Bingham, on behalf of the Business Committee,
made a further report concerning the items referred to its con-
sideration. The item in reference to reunion with the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, South, was laid on the table. The
second item, respecting the matter of subscriptions, etc., for the
University, was, on motion, referred to the Commissioners of
the several Conferences, and those representative college friends
appointed here to co-operate with them.
By request Philip Phillips sung " Your Mission."
Additional subscriptions were made in aid of the University.
See Appendix.
The order of the day was taken up, namely, " The Family :
its Divine Institution and Obligations and its Dangers." Rev.
If. R. Clark, D. D., Presiding Elder of the Owego District,
Wyoming Conference, and Rev. W. H. Olin, of Binghamton,
Wyoming Conference, presented papers on behalf of the Com-
mittee.
The central and practical idea of a complete family is that of husband
and wife, parents and children, living together according to their true
■ relations of age, sex, and kindred, and reciprocally serving one another
pursuantly to the entire interests of the domestic circle. Incidentally, the
family usually occupies the same house, and frequently includes servants,
and other persons. Its true origin is marriage. This foundation of the
true family institution is radical. It was laid before the fall, before pro-
vision was made for any other relation of human beings to one another.
The Father of the race prepared the mold of every person both spiritually
and physically for the family relation. From the first human pair, the
essential type of all concur to point to that institution as ordained in wis-
dom and love for man's interests and progress. The original marriage of
the first man to the first woman, celebrated by God himself, sanctioned and
predestinated the perpetuity and universality of the ordinance. And for
The Family — Dr. H. R. Clark's Address. 105
this lie wlio made man at tlie first, male iind female, in equal number, has
substantially continued him so for every generation and race. " For this
cause shall a man leive his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his
wife, {not wives,) and they tico (not more) shall bo one flesh." Tlfey are
thus as sacredly made one as the members of the same person. They are
permanently joined together by the autlioiity of their Criator, and cannot
lawfully be put asunder by man. The distinct voice of nature harmonizes
in this with that of revelation, that marriage is lawful lietween two per-
sons only, and should be the strongest, most permanent tie possible that
binds human hearts imd fortunes together. Our heavenly Father origi-
nally made man for marriage', and ordained marriage for man. He designed
it to. be pei-petual, exclusive, sacred, and tolerant of no interference from
without. He nefer designed it to be subordinate to those interests of
property, family pricle, and style, which many permit to control in both
the fact and time of marriage. It is well here that God often makes his
ordinance too strong in the heart to submit to the will of ambitious friends
and kindred. Life, lilierty, and the discretionary pursuit of hapiiiness,
inhere in marriage as its inalienable rights. By essentially identifying
the fortunes, the aims, and the tenderest symjjathies of the parties, and
excluding all ambirions nnd pursuits inconsistent with the marriage cove-
nant, it provides for the purest forms of enjoyment earth can yield. It
furnishes power for the helpless, discipline for tlie wayward and impul-
sive, instruction for the ignorant, and wisdom for the erring. It stimulates
to industry, economy, education, and morality. As historically the family
WHS the elementaiy form of civil government, so now it is the source of
self-government, of loyalty, of civil order, and national progress. It is
the greatest institutional dispensary of virtue and true religion that earth
affords. The family is the home and fortress of personal piety and present
salvation. The brightest radiations of heavenly light proceed from those
families of the earth that stendily call on the name of the Lord.
Where marriage and the family are not, there infidelity and practical
irreligibn reign and rage. Conscience is trodden under foot of men. Self-
ishness is enthroned. All the good creatures of God are misused to gratify
appetite, passion, and lust. There the habit of intemperance is usually
Ibrnied, and its tide rolls on resistlessly. Drunkards could generally be
reclaimed if the domestic power were brought steadily to bear upon them.
Away from the domestic fireside, fashion, amusement, and pleasure are
largely the absorbing pm-suits of the multitude. It is in those walks of
life that true kindness and benevolence disappear, and human virtue is
despised and doubted. The great centers of celibacy and irregular mar-
riages are the scenes of lawlessness, riots, and treason. There the holy
Sabbath, if recognized, is perverted to the purposes of drunkenness and
brutal debauchery. But the scene awakens too many thoughts to find
utterance here. The theater, the dance-house, the gambling-saloon, and
io6 ' New York State Methodist Convention.
the brothel utter one voice, admonishing the lovers of the race to hold
sacred the ties of marriage and the family. Revelation, natm-al religion,
and the teachings of civil history unite in portraying the divine origin and
the beneficent results of the family institution. Without it society itself
brings injury and destruction to the race. With it, civilization and religion
w'alk hand in hand in perpetual progress.
II. The Obligations. It might appear logical to treat of the reciprocal
obligations of husband and wife, parents and children, of the children to
one another, and of employers and employes. Such a field is too wide
for the present occasion. I shall remit this to the standard manuals on
moral philosophy, within the reach of all. I rather choose to speak of the
obligations to the family institution from two sources : 1. Society ; "S. The
Church.
1. That society owes to the. family institution all the safeguards and
supports it can render will appear from its dependence on the family rela-
tion. Every valuable member of a well-regulated community, that comes
without expense to its support, comes from the family. The family ever
labors and sacrifices for society and the Stnte. The rearing of children in
the best forms of physical development, in mental culture, and in loyal
and patriotic responses, cati only be effected by the well-regulated family.
Where this institution is wanting, or perverted, are found the culprit, the
anarch, and the revolutionist ; while parental experience, wisdom, and love
in the family combine to produce those characters which society most
needs for purposes of beauty, harmony, and strength. The disastrous con-
sequences of perverted family customs and obligations are obvious ai a
glance only, across the great waters both east and west. But not in the
distance only are the fearful effects of jirostrated domestic obligations seen.
Porteiftous clouds impend threateningly , over our own horizon. The
thronging multitudes are rushing to our shores from countries where the
marriage relation for centuries has been greatly disregarded and preva-
lently ignored. Continental Europe is now annually sending over to us
her hundreds of thousands, whose customary estimate of social amuse-
ments, above those of domestic culture, demands the abolition of almost
all those restraints that protect domestic virtue and favor family culture.
Witness the concerted attacks on the excise principle, the sanctity of the
Sabbath, the Church, and the School for all classes. Let the rushing flood
of vice and social amusement but carry away the barriers of the family
circle, and it were easy to foresee the ruin and prostration of individual
virtue as well as social order.
Society must protect the family, if the family can save society. It must
by \a,if and a sustaining public sentiment guard and foster the marital
rights of every person and party interested. It must encourage the forma^
tiou of community into separate families. It should discountenance every
tendency to communism under the specious guises of co-operation. It
The Family — Address of Rev. W. H. Olin. 107
should rebuke, as treason to society itself, the sentiment that the members
of either sex are at liberty to repudiate or ignore the obligations that were
imposed by God himself for the perpetuation, the extension, and the im-
provement of the race. It must so regulate the interests of property as not
to interfere with the higher and more comprehensive interests of the
family. Celibacy, scarcely less than polygamy and divorce, should be re-
garded and treated as an injury to society, aud as a fruitful source of vice,
scarcely seeond in its ruinous consequences to intemperance. Every desir-
able reform from the social vices of the day has promise of success only
through the domestic interests and virtues.
2. The Church has also an important work on this subject. She must
'enlighten the moral judgment, awaken the conscience, and foi-m the relig-
ious taste. No authority is sufficient to secure the practical discharge of
duty here below that of God's holy word. The language of this is clear
and ultimate with every real Christian. If the etbics of religion apply
anywhere, they bind here. And it is believed that if some of our religious
teacliers would devote less time and attention in defending and promoting
social amusements and attractions, and give, instead, more interest to the
improvement of the domestic circle, both true religion and society would
gain. The frivolous might thereby learn the meaning of an earnest life-
By leaving the regulation of social fun for the multitude to the worldly
and the lovers of pleasure, it would soon appear in the vantage ground of
domestic culture and love that life is not wholly
" To eat, and drink, and sleep, and then
To eat, and drink, and sleep again."
But it must not be forgotten that the soul's interest and fortune are mat-
ters of supreine importance. If need be, let every thing else perish ; this
must not. Family religion must be preserved as an essential fortification
of a pure and spiritual Church. Without a family altiir prevalent in the
families of the Church, the other institutions of the Church are shallow
and deceptive. Public worship may bo decent and gorgeous, but it is
superficial and insincere. " Family prayei'," as the general rules of our
Discipline require, must be preserved as an ordinance of God. This is tlic
great conservator and ornament of the Christian family and of domestic
life.
DiiNGERS TO THE FAMILY.— BY KEV. W. H. OLIN.
Assuming, as I do in this paper, that the family is of divine institution, and
that its obligations can only be measured by the character and nature of
it3 institution, I proceed to consider its dangers. On the additional as-
sumption, that whatever affects our comtnon humanity for good is of divine
origin, and as the use or abuse of the institutions God has given is a matter
of volition, and that, consequently, the family is ever exposed to dangers
which threaten its overthrow, and is surrounded by antagonizing influences,
io8 New York State Methodist Convention.
which are manifestly designed to weaken its bonds, if not designedly and
avowedly aiming at its entire subversion, whatever prevents the exist-
ence of families according to the divine plan, or is calculated to weaken
the bonds that hold the family together, must be considered a danger to
the family. I stand by the divine woid, which manifestly contemplates
the union of man and woman iu wedlock as the foundation and head of
the family. Marriage is by that word accounted honorable. It also re-
quires increase, that the earth may be replenished, occupied, and subdued.
This relation, with its loves, sympathies, passions, and affections, is neces-
sary to the perpetuation and enlargement of the human race. Let it be
conceded, as I understand it to be, that the family is of divine institution
and obligation, and marriage, as a general nile, would clearly be the duty
of all rational persons blessed with a fair measure of reason, health, and
strength.
As it is here understood, marriage is a duty that cannot be thrust aside
as a mere question of taste, desire, expediency, or convenience, but is to
be entered into on the ground that in this relation individual responsibility
may be met, and individual duties dischaiged, in harmony with the ordi-
nance of God.
This duty carries with it all the contingencies, responsibilities, and pos-
sibilities of the relation. It is not demanded here that I should assert or
prove that the divine plan clearly provided for and contemplated nothing
less in human condition than these relations, growing legitimately out of
marriage, namely, husband and wife, and jjarents and children. True
religion brings evei-y creature into harmony with the Creator and his laws.
Hence the great danger to the family is to be found in the irreligion of the
people. But the danger arising from a condition of irreligion has more
to do with the question of the existence of the family at all, perhaps, than
with its perversion.
I will, then, proceed to set in order some of the dangers to which
the family, as found existing among us, is now exposed, and name
first, "The power of fashion." I do not aim this as a blow against
the amenities, civilities, or courtesies of Oliristian life. But it is mani-
fest now, as it has been through the past, centuries, that worldly con-
formity is an enemy to all godliness, and by consequence to the peace,
order, development and growth of the family, and especially of the
Christian family. Whatever head is bowed to the imperious goddess
of fashion is bowed to no new divinity, but to an ancient goddess, first
reve.ahng her destructive and ruinous power in Eden ; but it is designed
to call attention to the evident fact that fashionable life is damaging t%
if not destructive of, the family. And this, when we consider either the
question of family religion, faniUy usefulness, family happiness in its lowest
r,r highest type, or even the existence of the family. Fashion forever
si;.,nds in the way of family religion. She is so exacting as to leave no
The Family — Address of Rev. W. H. Olin. log
•
time for this. Anrl it is a notorious fact that the devotee of fiisbion has
no time for devotion at the cross ; lience the restraints of Christianity are
loosened, if not wholly put aside, in the fashionable family. Fashion de-
mands continuous service ; wliat opportunity, then, for mere acts and
■works of usefulness by such a family ? Fashion demands all service with
a view to the tastes, caprices, and wishes of others, and there is no time to
secure the personal or collective happiness of the family ; this, indeed, is
not considered, but how to lead, or how to follow, in the gay race of
fashion.
To be maintained, it demands the constant and increasing outlay of
more money than the spirit of Christianity approves, and in most in-
stances more than the family exchequer can aftbrd, resulting, in a vast
number of iijgtances, in the disaster; humiliation, and shame of bank-
ruptcy, followed by separation of families, by base subterfuges, by corrapt
and corrupting shifts, by concealed frauds benumbing to the conscience,
and in many instances snapping the family bonds.
To maintain its demands an undue portion of time is required. Time
that should be devoted to elevuting and useful employments is devoted
to calls, dressings, amusements, sensualities, and dissipations, destructive
alike of strength, head, heart, and affections. Her demands cannot be
responded to but by the surrender of the person to her mad aild giddy
whirl; and it was never known beneath the sun that a single votary of
hers was improved in morals or character :
" She is alike the patroness of scandal and of vice."
The second danger arises from the neglect of home religious instrnction.
It is clearly the duty of the head of the family to be the priest; of his own
household — there will be a priest. He is responsible for the proper moral
and religious training of his children : and nothing will excuse him from
the performance of this duty. In too nnmy instances the parents have
satisfied themselves as to this duty by simply giving their countenance to
the Sunday-school liy allowing their children to attend it, and l>y the addi-
tiimal fact that they contribute toward its support pecuniarily. This is
well as far as it goi^s.; but it still holds that the parent, in his own house-
hold, in its seclusion and privacy, is to make sure tlie religious instruction
of his children and f imily. And the standard of instruction must be the
Bible, and the last appeal must be to it. And is it too much to say that
in every instance where this is true — where the commands, precepts, and
promises of the word, as precept ujjon precept, and line upon line, are
lovingly and firmly held in the spirit of their great Author, and are illus-
trated iu the work and life of the parent, and the relative duties of the
household are lovingly and yet firmly administered — that there, as a result,
peace, happiness, prosperity^ and concord have been in the family ?
The absence of this instruction leaves the family open to all ruinous and
' no New York State Methodist Convention.
•
deadly assaults. Then the literature of fiction, and, what is worse, the
fiction of literature, finds an entrance into the mind unoccupied by the
truth. Then is found time for theater-going, and balls, excursions, and
pleasure-seekings, resulting, as they do every year from each of these,
in infidelities, estrangements, alienations, infelicities, divorces, assassina-
tions, and suicides. These things never occm' where virtue and pure relig-
ion hold steady sway. The only absolute safety to the family is to be
found in its pure religious character ; religious faith constantly illustrated
and beautified by religious works.
The third danger to which I would call the attention of the Convention
is found in the mistaken notions and indifference of parents as to what
qualiflcatious and endowments aie necessary to children in order to their
success in life. They proceed, in-too many instances, upon the apparent
assumption that they are to fight the battle of life not only for themselves,
and in the present, but for their children, and during all the future. The
children are to be educated and elegant drones.
It is clear enough that purposeless and aimless men and women are
wholly unfit for the mamed relation, and that, to-day, jails, penitentia-
ries, and poor-houses are crowded and strained by their unwieldiy load,
hourly recruited from the ranks of such as these. It is a mistaken notion
among a large portion of our democratic people that labor is dishonora-
ble and degrading; and moved by the puipose to put their children
beyond the contingencies of such degradation and its attendant want,
fathers and mothers are exhausting their very life in the scramble for
wealth and position, that their children may not have to bear the burdens
which they have borne. The inevitalile and legitimate result is sure to fol-
low. Children grow up with no ability or power, inward or outward, to
do profitably, or to suffer gracefully.
If they inherit wealth, they are projected upon society with only the ability
rapidly to spend it, or with the spirit and greed of the miser to hoard it.
And whichever qualification they may have is not very material, for either
is unfavorable to happiness or usefulness, and to that extent against the
family. To my view, all children should be reared with the distinct un-
derstanding that there is no demand or place for drones in this real world •
and also vsdth the understanding that work — real, rough work — continuous
and hard work— is highly honorable; and that the highest places are
generally reached by the diligent and earnest worker.
" Tliere is room enough at the top," said one, but the top is rarely
reached without it is worked up to. Hence we say that much of the
misery, degradation, wretchedness, and discomfort of families is' to be at-
tributed to this mistaken notion of parents. Is it not a growing evil ?
All honest work is honorable — the honest, industrious, greasy mechanic is
honorable ; the sweating farmer behind his plow is honorable ; the patient
toacher, the plodding lawyer, the sacrificing physician, and the called
The Family — Address of Rev. W. H. Olin. iii_
cmliassador of Jesus, are each and all honorable in the sight of God and
man if hi truth and honesty they fill theii- mission, and work up to their
opportunity.
The fourth danger I name is found in the growing dislike of the pa-
rental relation. This is a danger that startles. Wrapped in this is not only
the question of family existence, but also'of national existence. I do not
take your time to inquire as to the underlying causes which produce this
condition of things, but simply to call attention to the fact. Paternity and
maternity, especially the latter, are accepted in too many households with
the greatest reluctance ; dreaded by many, abhoiTod by some, and crimi-
nally avoided by otiiers, and by how many the awful revelations of the
judgment alone can show.
It is deemed by many vulgar and unfashionable to have children in the
family, and if, Iby some strange and providential visitation, they are sur-
prised into it, the frail and unwelcome visitant, notwithstanding his loud-
est protest, is made a candidate for the heartless sympathies and mercenary
attentions of a strange and uncultured nurse. Wedded life is sought in
a vast number of instances as a matter of convenience, and fi-om purely
mercenary motives : the husband to "secure a fortune by a wife, the wife
to secure a home by a husband. By others,, to avoid the loneliness of a
single life, and the full responsibility of its duties. In these several
instances improper motives lead men and women into the relation, and it
is inevitable that a family thus constituted should be in danger every
hour. Then, to avoid the parental relation, every device is resorted to
consistent with the gratification of the lusts of the flesh — device alike
debasing to the parties, destructive to aU the finer sensibilities of the
soul, ruinous to the morals, and criminal alike in the sisrht of God and
man.
As an unavoidable out-come to this, vile and unholy condition in mar-
ried life we find many leading and seemingly reputable journals, daily
and weekly, secular and semi-religious, abounding with advertisements of
nostrums designed to aid in the commission of crime — physicians, also,
lend their professional aid in the cornmission of murder — where, in too
many instances, the godless father, the soulless mother, and the mercenary
physician, conspire together against the life of the quick but unborn child.
It should be known by all making pretensions to Qhristianity that mur-
derers of even unborn children, can never walk in white with the saints of
God ; that the high joy shall never be theirs to behold the King in his
Ijeauty; that they who perpetrate these monstrous crimes are counted
and esteemed by the lav of the land, and the law of God, as among the
vilest of the vile ; that fosticide, like infanticide, is murder. This growing
dislike of the parental relation eventuates in one of two crimes, either legal
celibacy or legal prostitution. knA because of these, the crying sins
of Protestant America, the very air is bu- dened with the wailing and
I T 2 New- York State Methodist Convention.
sighing of murdered innocents. Tlie family is brealring down under this
danger.
Fifth danger. The facilities for divorce, and the growing favor with
which the loose laws of free-loveism are received, involving tht ideas of
attraction and repulsion in their broadest extent, I am .happy to know
that thcgreat State of New York has not yet run mad or wild on this
subject, as some of her sister States have, Yet it cannot be disguised that
there is a growing desire on the part of unchristian and licentious men and
women even here to break down and overthrow the restraints which, by
the laws of the State, are thrown around the marriage relation.
The fact that divorces can be obtained in the courts of some of the
States for so trivial causes as they are now, furnishes ai standing tempta-
tion to' selfish, dissolute, and licentious men and women all through the
land ; and to the extent that the temptation is felt, not to say yielded to,
the family is endangered.
And last, but not least, female suffrage. That women have rights ami
duties, as many, and responsible, and important of their kind, as men have,
is undoubtedly true. But the rights of tbe woman, while they may l)e just
as important and as sacred, are not* necessarily the same as the rights of
the raan, and in many things they must be different. There is a manifest
diflerence in their constitution and design. The difference is so marked,
so radical, so fundamental, that no one except the physically blind, or
morally obtuse, can fail to see it. I grant there are instances of masculine
women and feminine men, and these not a few ; but they ordinarily are a
disturbing force whenever manifest, and the more noticeable for that
reason. It is, however, evident that the male was designed to do some
things that the female was not created to do, and so jii'ce loersa. The point
to reach is to ascertain the original or primary design of the Creator, and
then conform to it. If that design be sought in the nature of woman, as
shown in her physical constitution, in her intellectual aptitudes, and
natural moral forces and tendencies, we shidl be compelled to decide that
in the well-regulated Christian community, as illustrated agiiin and again
in our own goodly State, she has found her true position, and is endowed
with all her rights. If that design be sought in God's word, we find that
woman was created a help-meet for man. And if it be humiliating for
the man-ess to stan(} in this relation to the man, it may be understood that
the humiliation is equal. A higher intelligence, a purer heart, an eye
single to the glory of God, will enable man and woman to apprehend their
true relations, and lead them to use the opportunities of time in preparation
for eternity. Has not God in his word clearly indicated tliese duties rela-
tively, as also the rehitive obligation of the one to the other? And is it
not to the application of the principles of Christianity that woman is
indebted for her present elevation as compared with what it was previ-
ously ? And is it not safe, still, to venture the interests of the family to
The Family — Resolutions, Hon. Anson Burlingame. 113
the guiding hand of that same Christianity, in the full expectation that
our common humanity will yet reach a higher moral, political, and eccle-
siastical level than it has ever heretofore attained ? Or has the time come
when the Christianity of the century, and our Christian families and states-
men, shall receive instruction in morals, politics, and religion from the out-
laws, harlots, and cut-throats of Wyoming territory, from the polygamists
and fanatics of Utah, from the spiritualists, free-lovers, levelers, and infi-
dels of all lands — from strong-minded women, and weak-minded men,
dwelling in single blessedness, whom neither God nor men have seen fit to
set in families ? We judge not. We also judge that in its way and after
its kind the Christian family has really no more determined foe than this;
that there is no one movement so fraught with portents of evil to the
family, especially to the Chiistian family, as this.
Is it not on the part of women a protest against real womanhood ? Is
it not a plea made in the interests of the sex by those who are dissatisfied
with their sex ? Why this insane desire on the part of women to break
away from her womanhood — to unsex herself — for transposition ? Why ?
The resolutions of the Committee were then offered, and
being taken up item by item were severally adopted, together
with a fifth additional one offered by Eev. E. W. Jones.
They are as follows :
Besohied, 1. That the family institution is of God — enjoined upon man
for his good, temporal and eternal, and that its sanctity must be drfended
against every form of danger from without or within.
Resolved, 3. We will 8tea,dily defend the laws of the State of New York,
on the subject of divorce, against every attempt to legalize the divorce of
husband and wife upon other than scriptural grounds.
Hesohed, 3. That we will endeavor ourselves to sustain family religion,
with the family altar, and will seek to make it prevalent in the families of
the Church throughout the State.
Resolved, 4. That celibacy, systematic and continued, should be dis-
countenanced, and that its growing evils are -gerious to the State, to
society, and to the Church of God.
Resolved, 5. That we are highly pleased to learn that a bill is to be pre-
sented for the consideration of our Representatives and Senators in Con-
gress for the abolishment and punishment of polygamy, especially as
practiced in Utah ; "and that we earnestly implore the law7makers of our
nation to put away from our land this foul abomination.
Rev. K. P. Jebvis moved that the Publishing Committee
be specially instructed to publish the paper read by W. H.
Olin during this session, and the motion prevailed.
The Committee to present a memorial on the death of Hon.
Anson Burlingame presented their report, as follows :
Whweas, It has come to our knowledge that, in the midst of a career of
almost unparalleled usefulness, death has suddenly called away our dis-
tinguished countryman, the Hon. Anson Burlingame ; therefore,
114 New York State Methodist Convention.
Resolved, That this Convetition recognizes in his death a loss, not
only to ourselves as a nation, but to all nations, to civilization, and to
Christianity.
Reaohed, That while the nations mourn over this untimely event, we
desire to join in the general grief, and also to express our sympathy with
the family of the deceased, devoutly praying our heavenly Father to com-
fort them in this hour of their sorrow by the gift of bis grace. In this
prayer we join the more heartily, as we recall the fact of his being a native
of our own State, and through an honored father associated witb the
history of our Church. E. Remington, ^
J. S. RowB, [■ Committee.
3. T. M'ElHENNY, V
Rev. J. T. Peck, D. D., said :
I regard it as particularly fitting that this expression of our sorrow and
of our painful interest in the death of our distinguished fellow-citizen,
Hon. Anson Burlingame,' should be given here. It may not be known gen-
erally, and yet it is proper for us to be aware, that Mr. Burlingame was a
child of Methodism ; that lie was reared by Methodist parents under the
influence of our Church ; that he grew up with strong attachment to every
thing peculiar to our great communion ; and his tested devotion to the
interests of our Church, while he was broadly Catholic toward all, was a
matter of honest self-satisfaction to him up to the latest period of his life.
He said to me during his late tour as an embassador in this country, that
there had been no change in his feelings of devotion to the Church in
which he was reared ; that he prized her interests as highly as ever, and
desired, above all things, to seethe Methodist Episcopal Church rise more
and more to a comprehension and fulfillment of her great mission. He
said many things in regard to the missions of our Church in China which
I am not at liberty to repeat ; but if they could be said to this Convention,
and go out from here as the utterances of this man, they would go out
with a power that would move the Church and the land. I repeat that
all these assertions were made with the broadest catholicity of spirit,
taking into their large grasp all denominations of Christians.
I feel as though it were true that in this event we have lost a brother.
Some years ago it was my fortune to be the Pastor of a member of this
family in California, a promising youngman and minister of our Church,
who, since my interview with Mr. Burlingame, has died and gone to his
rest. And now this honored and honorable citizen has departed. Let us
refiect, sir, upon the uncertainty of human affairs, and upon the power
and sovereignty of the great Lord of lords and King of kings, controlling,
as he does, all the interests of this world and the world to come.
WhUe we drop a tear over one of earth's fallen heroes, and pass here in
the presence of death, who has seldom reached a more shining mark, let
us feel our obligation to consecrate ourselves anew to the grand Christian
philanthropic eiforts of the age, of which he was among the greatest rep-
resentatives. May the blessing of Christ the Saviour, and of our heavenly
Eighth Session — The Press, Etc. 115
Father, and of the Holy Ghost the Comforter, reach the heaits of the
friends suffering under the heaviness of this bereavement; and God's
providence take care of the great national and world-wide imperial inter-
ests which he has left in the hand of the nations and of God !
The report was unanimously adopted by a rising vote.
On motion of K. P. Jebvis, the Secretary was instructed to
forward a cop}' of the resolutions to the family of the deceased.
Kev. A. SuTHEELAND offered a resolution that colored per-
sons should be admitted to our seminaries and to the proposed
University, which was referred to the Business Committee
under the rule. Adjourned.
EIGHTH SESSION — THE PEESS, ETC.
Tliursday Evening, February 84.
The Convention was called to order by the President. The
hymn commencing " Blow ye the trumpet, blow," was sung.
Eev. A. N. FiLLMOEE offered prayer.
On motion of Rev. K. P. Jeevis, & vote of thanks was given
to Philip Phillips for his services during the Convention.
Rev. Dr. Caelton, Book Agent at New York, by request
of the Chair, represented the publishing interests of the Church,
delivering a very interesting address, showing the origin, prog-
ress, and great success of the Book Concern.
The Business Committee reported respecting the item which
had been referred to them in reference to the admitting of
colored persons to our schools, that, in view of the known senti-
ment of our Church on this subject no action is necessary. On
motion, the report was adopted.
The subject of the evening was 'taken up, namely : " The
Press : the Development of our Publishing Interests ; Read-
ing for the People ; Missionary and Sunday-School Causes."
The following resolutions were presented by the Committee :
Resolved, 1. That we recognize in tlie Press one of the mightiest agen-
cies of the Churcli in the spread of a pure and vital Christianity.
Besolved, 2. That we deem it an imperative duty, so far as in us lies, to
guard the masses of tlie people both within and without the Church
against the corrupting influences of a sensational and fictitious literature,
which enfeebles the mind, demoralizes the heart, and is a fruitful source
of vice and sin.
Ii6 New York State Methodist Convention.
Besohed, 3. That we will endeavor to advance the publishing interests
of our Church by faithfully disseminating our religious literature, periodi-
cal and otherwise, throughout the congregations and communities of our
State.
BEV. S. M'CHESNET'a ADDRESS.
Rev. S. M'Chesnet, of Albany, addressed the Convention.
He said :
Mb. Pbbsident : The invention of printing in the fifteenth century
marked an era in the history of civilization. It may have seemed to us
like a strange providence that the world was so long deprived of a power
of such wonderful utility. History assures us that ancient Ureece and As-
syria had made some attempts in the direction of the invention of print-
ing. Seals were used by the ancient Israelites. Cicero gives certain direc-
tions as to the use of types ; and yet more than fifteen centuries passed
after this before the art of using movable type was discovered. That same
Providence that directed that the Son of God should not come into tlie
world till the world yas prepared for his advent, also directed that so
great a power as printing should not be let loose till the fullness of its
time had come. Providence waited till the Church had demonstrated to
the world that it could sui-vive schisms, and evinced a sublime vitality
that could outlive corruption from within and persecution from without;
and then, when the morning of the Eefoimation broke upon tlie world, and
truth was reaching out in various directions for powerful agencies for the
dissemination of free Christian thought, the press was found then ready
to do the bidding of truth ; and from that time to the present, where has
there been a reformer who has not recognized its potency and employed
its power ?
The eighteenth century records the names of Wesley and Whitefield
among its great men, but how does it happen that while there are so few
external remains of the labors of Whitefield, the fruits of Wesley's labors
are seen in one of the mightiest Church organizations on earth ?
The first answer suggested will, perhaps, be, that Wesley was an organ-
izer, while Whitefield was not. • But is there not another reason, and may
it not be found in the fact that Wesley at once laid hold upon the power
of the press, and systematically and industriously employed it, while
Whitefield did not ? Marvelous as were Wesley's labors in preaching, is
it extravagant to say that he accomplished as much by his pen and the
press as he did by his preaching ?
We listened at the beginning of this Convention to this interesting Sta-
tistical Keport, and were led to give thanks for our great successes. Sup-
pose we inquire into the causes of that success— shall we not find prom-
inent among those causes our Church literature ? If we as Pastors are
preaching to hundreds, our Editors are preaching to thousands.
The Press — Rev. S. M'Chesnetj's Address. 117
Bisliop Asbury gave us an excellent example in his careful attention to
the -work of circulating our religious literature. There are hundreds of
good and useful Class Leaders in the Church to-day, and many of them
have been aided to become what they are by there being put into their
hands years ago such books as Father Reeves and Carvosso. A young
man whom I knew was appointed leader of a class that was badly run
down ; but soon the class began to come up, and the Pastor, inquiring the
reason, found he had purchased and carefully read Carvosso, and was
practicing upon what he there learned. His class soon filled up, because
he received his ideas of class leading from that book.
There is one feature of this question which demands, and should re-
ceive, our careful attention. Go into any news-room and you will find in
nearly every one % vast amount of that which is sensational, fictitious-
trash, and it is spreading itself all over the land, corrupting the young,
and debasing the old. That is the class of reading that the world pro-
poses to give to our youth. The question is. Shall we let them do it ? or,.
Shall we not keep its place supplied with that which is ennobling? We
have a duty to do in this direction, and I rejoice that we are doing it
as well as we are, and yet there is room for increased activity. It has-
been a matter of amazement to me that any editors of any papers could allow
themselves to give to the public such sheets as some of those found in cur-
news-rooms. Away back in the days of Socrates a heathen city forbade
the circulation of any thing which could injure the youth, and yet these-
editors are scattering their pestilent sheets all over the State and the land.
It seems to me, if they could see what they are doing, they would forsake
it in shame. It is said that a lunatic once escaped from an asylum, and
Avhcn pursued and overtaken, he was found engaged in sharpening a huge
knife. When asked what he was going to do with it, he said he did not
intend to hurt any one ; but there was William Jones, against whom he
had conceived a dislike. He proposed, though he did not wish, to hurt
• him, to cut his head off, and put it on the other way, in order that he
might look back upon his past life. So it seems to me if some of those
editors could look back upon their life, and see the evil they have already
done, it might produce profitable reflection, if not reformation. We should
take special care as to the character of the literature we furnish for our
children. The impressions produced in childhood are permanent. You
remember the texts you heard preached upon in your childhood. Do you
remember those of a few weeks or days ago ? A few days ago I saw in '
the museum at Albany a slab of stone, and at first I wondered why it was
there, as I could see nothing peculiar about it ; but my attention was called
at last to a multitude of slight indentations upon its surface, and I was
told that they were produced by the falling drops of rain while the stone
was in a plastic state. These indentations were all at a certain angle,
produced by the winds causing the drops to fall at that angle, so that by
1 1 8 New York State Methodist Convention.
looking upon this stone we may learn the direction of the wind, so that
the falling rain and blowing wind have left tlicir record upon the rock.
We cannot take too much care as to the character of the impressions made
upon the hearts and minds of children, for, as a renowned orator once
said, " Give us the children of to-day, and we will have the men of the
next generation." Children believe all we tell them until taught by ex-
perience to disbelieve. Let us look well to it, then, that the literature we
put into their hands is pure and true.
The resolutions, as presented by the Committee and given
above, were unanimously adopted.
H. "Wheeler and Asa Brooks offered a resolution pre-
sented by Rev. E. W. Jones as a supplemental amendment,
which was adopted as follows :
Resolved, That we urge our people to patronize our own official press,
because of the safeguard placed around it by the General Conference, and
because its proceeds go to our connectional treasury.
SUNDAY-SCHOOLS — ADDRESS OF REV. 0. Z. CASE.
Rev. C. permanent record of the proceedings of the Convention
made ; and, on motion, Rev. M. S. Hard was appointed Re-
cording Secretary for this purpose.
Rev. Dr. Lore, in behalf of the joint meeting of the Com-
missioners and appointed representative friends of the Uni-
versity, made a report. He said :
124 New York State Methodist Convention.
There is an end to all things here below, pleasant as well as unpleasant,
and we are now approaching the termination of our very pleasant and
successful Convention. It has been to some a joyous occasion, and to
some a very laborious occasion. You have heard the call frequently for
the meeting of the Educational Committee, and I assure you that Com-
mittee has labored earnestly and faithfully, and we are rejoiced that we
have had the sujjport, not only moral, but financial also, of this grand,
glorious State Convention of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and though
we have worked hard, we have been cheered in our labors by your sympa-
thy and aid. We are here this evening with a report, not perhaps pre-
cisely in order— I mean by this not as a part of the regular order of the
Convention — ^but we have felt that we would Tike to have you know what
we have done. We present before you this evening the child of our labors
and prayers, and have named him " THE UNIVEKSITT OF SYRACUSE,"
and may he live forevex !
A motion was here made that the name be approved by the
Convention, and it prevailed unanimously.
Dr. Lore continued :
The name is sanctioned, and having this name sanctioned by this Con-
vention, consisting not only of citizens of Syracuse, but of men ftom all
parts of the State, let me ask the citizens of this city, Will you take care of
this child, our and your institution ? Will you love and cherish it till
death shall part it and you ? (A unanimous response, We will.)
Not only have we succeeded in getting a name, a beautiful name — Syra-
cuse University — it is music to my ears, but we are prepared to announce
nominations for Trustees ; and it will doubtless be gratifying to you to
hear the names of the persons selected to whom we propose to commit the
material interests of this institution. The Secretary will please read the
names.
Kev. A. S. Graves, the Secretary of the Committee, an-
nounced the following nominations for a
BOARD OF TRUSTEES .
At Large : Eev. Bishop E. S. Janes, D.D., of New York ; Hon. Reuben
E. Penton.
Oenesee Oonference : Rev. Thomas Carlton, D.D., Rev. A. D. Wilbor
A.M., F. H. Root, Esq., J. N. Scatchard, Esq. '
East Oenesee Oavference : Rev. J. E. Latimer, D.D., Hon. D. A. Ogden
A.M., David Decker, Esq., Ezra Jones, Esq.
Central New York Oonference : Rev. D. D. Lore, D.D., Rev. A. J. Phelps
Rev. B. L Ives, Rev. J. F. Crawford, E. Remington, Esq.
Wyoming Conference : Rev. H. R. Clark,*D.D., Rev. D. W. Bristol D D
Hon. H. G. Prindle.
Black River Conference : Rev. I. S. Bingham, Rev. S. R. Fuller A.M.
Hon. Willard Ives.
University Trustees — Closing Remarks by Dr. Peck. 125
Troy Conference: Rev. J. T. Peck, D.D., Rev. J. E. King, D.D., Rev.
Bostwick Hawley, D.D., Professor H. Wilson, A.M.
New York Conference: Rev. M. D'O. Crawford, D.D., Professor Alonzo
Flack, A. M., Philip Phillips.
New Torh Emt -Conference: Rev. George Lansing Taylor, A.M., John
Stephenson, Esq., John H. Ockershausen, Esq.
City of Syracuse : Judge G. F. Comstock, Rev. E. Arnold, Hon. Charles
Andrew, W. W. Porter, M.D., T. B. Fitch, Esq.
CLOSING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRMAK, DR. J. T. PECK.
Bbkthebn of the Convention, and Ladibb and Gentlemen : I
cannot allow myself to make protracted remarks at this hour of our ses-
sion, but I feel it incumbent upon me to say that the New York State
Methodist Convention, which at first seemed to human thought fairly
subject to criticism, which gradually worked itself forward till it met its
antagonisms, which gracefully and kindly, but powerfully, shook itself
loose from these antagonisms, has gone forward till it seems to me to have
passed out of the sphere of a mere human thought into a clearly revealed
providence. I now feel that upon the evidence which has been upon our
ears and hearts during the session, we are entitled to stand before it as
one of God's great monuments for the accomplishment of great moral and
religious purposes.
The themes which have come before the Convention have been grave
and important, and many of them diflicult of solution, and all of them
far-reaching in their influence. Upon no one of these themes could this
Convention have made a real mistake without pennan'ently harming the
Methodist Church in this State and elsewhere. I feel very well assured
that the members of this Convention, as well those who have been
appointed to take leading parts in papers presented, as the members
generally, have to an unexpected, and even improbable degree, grasped
the greatness of tie occasion and the gravity of their own responsibility,
and moved forward as if they understood they were making history that
it would be in the power of no man to destroy. There has been no spirit
of trifling here. Cheerfulness and occasional humor, quite in place, have
taken their proper position. From the beginning to the end it has been
evident that, working together as true friends, and with hearts of fondest
love to our common Methodism, and to the cause of our Redeemer, going
forward as if in the presence of the great Searcher of hearts, and with an
eye upon the final judgment, every man has sought to do his duty in this
crisis of our history. I did not expect in the course of my life-time to see
so large a delegated body of representative men of any Church or order
in society, manifesting such a fcroad common sense, such a high regard
for order, such a devotion to deeply-laid principles, such cohesion, such
energy, such masterly power as I have seen in this Convention. I never
expected to see it anywhere. I stand profoundly awed in the presence
126 New York State Methodist Convention.
of the assemblage of moral forces brought out here to the eyes of the
world and before the eyes of God. I beg you to join me in recognizing
these noble facts as coming, not from us, but from God. If there have been
errors, they have come from us. If there have been discoveries of grand
.truths and high moral duties, and brave and honorable marching up to
the issues before us, these have come from God ; and we ask no man to
give us the honor, but call upon all men to render gratitude and glory to
our divine Lord.
I trust it will appear in our history and influence that we go out with
new and profounder convictions of life's great duties, and the great mis-
sion of Methodism, than we have ever had before. I do not know how it
may be with you, but I am not the same man I was when I came here.
I have found gathering into my humble character elements of truth and
power, and majestic revelations of history to come, to which I could not
have risen before I came here. I believe this is true of every one of you.
In some good measure, I think, we may feel that we are endued with
power from on high. Our mission seems mightier, the problems before
us seem larger, and the march of our history more gigantic tlian before.
In view of all this, let us guard carefully against two errors. One is, self-
laudation, denominational egotism, foolish vanity. God has made us too
great to be proud. God has laid upon us weights of responsibility too heavy
to permit us to be triflers. We join in the battles for God and humanity
with the feeling that high designs tremble upon the march of this Church,
and upon our personal devotion to duty. May God save us from all nar-
rowness and egotism, and send us out with warmer hearts for our brethren
of other Churches ; with a more cordial hand for the concentrating forces
of God's noble army in the great work of conquering the common enemy.
Here we lise up into a higher sphere than mere denominational power.
We have come up where all these forces have their place, each under its
own flag, but all under the common banner. We are marching side by
side, eye glancing to eye, hand joined in hand, heart united with heart, with
the Christians of this State of every name, on. to. the conquest of the world.
In behalf of this Convention I extend to evangelical Christianity in this
city and elsewhere the cordial greetings of these Christian men in the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We affect no superiority, and arrogate to
ourselves no leadership. We only seek to march up to our personal and
denominational responsibilities, while we look for all others to do the
same, and pray that God may bless them.
Again. Let us be careful to guard against overestimating the impor-
tance of mere paper and written words.
Words are live tilings, philosophically and really, and they are debased
if they do not represent live men and live actions. Let us understand
that we are going out, not to feel proud of our utterances, but to live them
before God, and men, and angels every-where and every day. This wiU
Final Adjournment. 127
give us a position lower down in the valley than before ; more cross bear-
ing, more power to endure hardness' as good soldiers, and will help us to
seek out the poor and the outcast of society without leaving one behind ;
and without seeming to ask of any man a change of our field of labor, we
shall be able, in the work God has given us, to tower higher and reach out
further and wider, while we demand of our brethren and of each other
higher and still higher accomplishments of learning, and are crowrned
with the glory of real things, of grand achievements. This is all I ven-
ture to say. Brethren, let us rise and sing
"All hail the power of Jesus' name.'.'
The Convention joined heartily in the singing, making the
hall ring to'the sacred song as it never rang before; after
which, on motion, the Convention adjourned sine die.
The benediction was pronounced by Dr. Lore.
APPENDIX.
A.
CHURCH EDIFICES— UintED STATES CENSUS 1860.
Denominations. Ctiurchea. Accommodation. Value.
Methodists 19,883 6,259,799 $33,093,371
Baptists .... j^ 11,331 3,749,553 19,799,378
Presbyterians* 5,061 3,088,838 34,327,359
Roman Catholics 3,550 1,404,437 26,774,119
Congregationalists 2,334 956,351 13,327,511
Episcopalians 2,145 847,296 21,665,698
Lutherans 3,128 757,637 5,385,179
Christians 2,068 681,016 3,518,045
Union 1,366 371,899 1,370,212
Oumb. Presbyterians 820 262,978 914,256
German Reformed 676 373,697 2,422,670
Uniyersalists 664 235,219 2,856,095
Freewill Baptists 530 148,693 3,789,395
Friends 765 269,084 3,544,507
Reformed Dutch 440 311,068 4,453,850
United Presbyterians 389 165,336 1,312,375
Unitarians 264 138,213 4,338,316
Tunkers 163 67,995 162,956
Reformed Presbyterians . . 136 48,897 386,635
Mennonites 109 36,435 137;960
Jewish 77 34,413 1,135,300
Advcntist 70 17,130 101,170
Winebrennerians 65 37,700 74,175
Swedenborgians 58 15,395 321,200
Seventh-Day Baptists .... 53 17,864 107,200
Moravians 49 20,316 237,450
Spiritualists 17 6,275 7,500
Shakers 13 5,300 41,000
Six-Principle Baptists. .. . 9 1,990 8,150
MinorSects.. 30 14,150 895,100
Total 54,009 19,128,751 $171,398,432
130 New York State Methodist Convention.
B.
PRESIDENT STEELE'S ADDRESS.*
Christianity is remarkable for the prominence which she gives to the
truth. Men are to be saved through the truth. The truth appeals to the
intellect, and through that awakens the affections and sw:ays the will. We
trample under foot the pernicious doctrine that ignorance is the mother
of devotion. We Methodists uphold this motto to those who put sacra-
mentalism in the place of Intelligent faith, and who teach that men are
saved, not by a belief in the truth, but by ecclesiastical machinery. For
the elucidation and defense of Christian truth there must be schools. We
must have an intelligent Church and an educated ministry. To secure
these desirable ends we must maintain a system of Christian schools above
the State Common School System. Methodism, originating in Oxford
University, has always advocated the cause of Christian learning, though
she has been compelled to employ many preachers with limited literary
culture to man her ever- widening lines of evangelical aggression. " Meth-
odism," in the language of Edward Everett, " is doing morfe for the edu-
cation of the people of the United States than any other religious agency."
She has dotted the whole Republic with vigorous, well-sustained, and
popular seminaries. These annually educate many thousands of our youth.
Methodism in New York takes just pride in her great seminaries : Caze-
novia, (the mother of them all,) Amenia, Genesee Wesleyan, Fort Edward,
The Hudson River Institute, Falley, Gouvemeur, and others. But these
cannot furnish the Church with the highest culture. They profess to give
only the drill requisite for admission to higher institutions. Where are
these higher institutions? In the Empire State, where Methodism first
touched the New World more than a century ago, we, with a membership
of nearly 300,000, and with adherents of more than half a million, have
not a single professional school in the departments of law, medicine, or
theology, nor an institution above the academic grade, save the Genesee
College, which has done an excellent, but exceedingly limited, work for
the Church.
Why has the Methodist Episcopal Church in New York so signally, so
shamefully failed to complete her academic system by crowning it with at
least one commanding University ? Our enemies answer that it is because
Methodism cannot carry up her culture above the rudiments of the semi-
nary. She is adapted only to the uneducated masses ; she can neither
reach the highly cultivated by converting them at her altai-s, nor can she
* Address of Rev. D. Steele, D. D., Acting President of Genesee College, was
read to the Convention, but was not received by the Editors in time to be inserted
in its proper place. See page 73.
Address of Rev. Dr. Steele. 1 3 1
train np her own children to the highest literary and scientific culture.
Where are her appliances for this work \ Where, on either continent, has
she, with her boasted millions crowding her communion and making the
grandest religious body on the voluntary principle on the face of the
earth— where has she a single first class University or school of all the sci-
ences, with ample opportunities ? Faculties, libraries, endowments — where ?
Our enemies echo the answer, Where ? And they allege that this failure,
both in England and America, justifies the assertion that the mission of
Methodism is to do the rough work for the rough masses ; but for the
more delicate and scholarly work she must depend on other Churches. I
am not one who feels complimented by the assertion that the mission of
Methodism is to the poor. Her mission, like that of Christianity, is to
Man., in every grade of society, and every degree of mental and moral
development. To say that Methodism has not a range of adaptation wide
as Humanity, is to say that she is a failure, as Christianity certainly would
be a failure if it could not keep in the van of human progress, and com-
mend itself to the Bacons, the Lockes, and the Newtons of each succeeding
generation, as well as to the poor and the ignorant.
No religious body in this age of intense intellectual activity can long
maintain a leadership, can long command respect, which fails to provide
for the education of her more aspiring minds, and regularly hands them
over to some other Church to complete the work which she is unable to
finish. For such minds, taking the impress of the last mint through
which they have passed, enrich other communions with their intellectual
wealth. The Church which allows this state of things for a series of years,
however great her numbers, piety, and zeal, must expect to sink lower and
lower in influence till Ichabod is inscribed on her walls. That this may
not be the sad history of New York Methodism we must arouse from our
apathy, and with a vigorous hand lay the foundations of an institution
which shall have no superior in the Empire State. We must demonstrate
our capacity for the bestowment of the highest scholastic culture. The
time was when our enemies alleged that we could not reach the rich.
We did not pause to repel the charge, but pressed on in our work, and
God has raised up at our own altars not only rich men, but men who know
how to use their wealth for the glory of God and the good of their fellow-
men. Orange Judd, Daniel Drew, Isaac Eich, and many others were taken
by Methodism from the farm, the drover's saddle, the fisher's smack, and
set on high among the magnates of the land. Our enemies are silent on
this point. We must put them to silence also on the other charge by
building a first class University, capable of attracting om- own youth, and
of commanding the respect of the public. Another fact which I would
impress on the Convention is this : we are reduced to the alternative of
no college in this State, or one on a magnificent scale. The drift of the
times is against small colleges, so that they must inevitably succumb. The
132 New York Methodist Convention — Appendix.
legal proftasion is against the college ; men are encouraged to study for the
bar, and are admitted by the hundred annually, who never saw the inside
of a college. This was not so twenty-five years ago, when a college diploma
counted four years of the seven required for admission to the bar. The
medical profession affords no aid to those upholding collegiate education ;
and many religions bodies encourage candidates to enter their pulpits
rather than enter college. The result is, that the number of collegiate stu-
dents has declined not only relatively, but absolutely, and there arises a
sharp competition among the colleges for students. The besl^appointed
cblleges hold out their attractions, and draw away the students.
Again, the agitation in public sentiment respecting the studies suitable
for the collegiate curriculum grinds the smaller colleges like the upper and
nether millstones. Forty years ago Latin, Greek, and mathematics con-
stituted almost entirely the college course. A Faculty of six was then
sufficient for the instruction of two hundred students. But a change has
come. Sir William Hamilton's great name is arrayed against the mathe-
matics, and many strong men are questioning the utility of the dead lan-
guages as an instrument of intellectual discipline. While whole regiments
of scientific men are claiming each a place for his favorite science in the
studies of the college — while the English language and all the modern
tongues are making a Babel in their loud cry for admission — what is to be
done ? Bifurcate and trifurcate the course. Give a wide range of choice.
Attract the young lawyer by an English course with the elements of law,
the prospective physician by an ample range of sciences, the candidate for
authorship and jimrnalism by a course of English literature, political phi-
losophy, and history. But who will do the teaching ? Your Faculty of
six must be increased by six to meet this pressing demand, especially if
the same degree is conferred to the graduate in each course. Hence our
assertion that the small colleges must amplify themselves to meet the
wants of the age, or they must be ground to powder. The colleges aljle
to meet this demand will inevitably draw the students. The big fish will
swallow the little ones. The alternative is before New York Methodism — ■
a great University, or none at all.
One consideration more. No college can command public respect and
meet the wants of the times which fails to provide post-graduate courses
— schools of analytical chemistry, civil engineering, observatory practice,
mining, advanced studies in mathematics, in philology, the Shemitic lan-
guages, and in the Sanscrit as key to the structure and history of the Indo-
Germanic languages. For the endowment of these post-graduate schools,
in connection with our University, there will be required an ample contri-
bution from the wealth of the Church. This provision for our graduates
must be made or they will be drawn away to schools not under evangeli-
cal influences to study the sciences under the baneful influence of Ration-
aUsni. This creates the demand for a large institution, and dtmoustratcs
Subscriptions for Syracuse University.
133
tlia impossibility of maintaining a small and feeble college. As a
Church, we should also be creating a great library for the use of our
professors and students, and for the benefit of future historians. This
cannot be done except by concentrating all oui' contributions upon one
institution.
As a native of the Empire State, I regarded it as a humiliation twenty-five
years ago to be obliged to leave the State to attend a college of my own
faith. Still more humiliating is the question proposed by my children,
Where is the Methodist College in the State of New York which gives
promise of a long and vigorous life from which alma mater I may go forth
without the prospect of speedy orphanage ? Having spent the last eight
years in endeavoring to build up a College worthy of Methodism in my
native State, I have had ample opportunity to observe the wants of the
times, and the demands which our children are making upon us. We
must unite and build .in institution which shall honor our denomination.
If possible, let us conserve what has already been accumulated in that di-
rection by our only existing College. But if it is found impracticable
either to endow that institution in its present location, or to remove it to a
more central place, let us lay the foundation of a new University, where
the resources of the Church in the entire State will be poured into its treas-
ury, and our children gathered from all the State shall throng its ample
halls. On this theme I speak from a full heart. I am profoundly con-
vinced that the Methodist Episcopal Church in New York owes it to her-
self, to her children, to future generations, to the great Republic founded
on intelligence and morality, to Christianity, to history, that she may cover
the disastrous failures which now tarnish the name of Methodism in our
State, with the illustrious name of a University munificently endowed, and
commensurate with the growth of the Church through all the coming
centuries.
c.
SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR THE UNIVERSITY.
The following is a complete list of the subscriptions for the Syracuse
University, taken at the State Convention, held Feb. 22-34 :■
Isaac Holloway f 5,000
P. G. Weeks 5,000
W. W. Williams 3,000
Dr. W. W. Porter 1,000
W. Kehnard 1,000
Rev. B. I. Ives 1,000
Rev. D. D. Lore, D. D 1,000
J. W. Davison 1,000
J.Mitchell 1,000
Rev. J. T. Peck, D. D $25,000
Rev. J. F. Crawford 25,000
E. Remington 25,000
P. H. Root, (int. for 5 yrs. on) 25,000
Hon. Geo. F. Comstock, (int.
for 10 years on) 25,000
A. Terwilliger... 10,000
D. Decker 10,000
Ezra Jones 5,000
134 iV^w York Methodist Convention^ Appendix.
Rev. A. B. Gregg $1,000
G. B. Folts 1,000
J. M. Wood 1,000
Key. T. J. M'Elhenny 1,000
Rev. A. S. Graves, (int. for 10
years on) 1,000
Rev. E. C. Curtiss 1,000
a D. Delay 1,000
Mi-s. E. W. Newcomb 1,000
Ed. L. Thornton 1,000
Hiram Davis 1,000
N. T. Childs 1,000
Rev. J. L. Wells 1,000
Almeda Gay 1,000
Rev. Wm. Searles 1,000
Miss Helen Flack, (daughter
of Rev. Alonzo ELick) 1,000
Alfred A. Howlitt 1,000
Jas. L. Lyon 1,000
J. B. Tallmnn 1,000
W. Post 1,000
Rev. L. C. Queal 500
M. B. Biinnister 500
Rev. Wm. Reddy 500
R. N. PeUon and wife 500
V. V. Nottingham 500
L.Nelson 500
Rev. 0. P. Lyford 500
L. H. Palmer. 500
Rev. J. B. Foote 500
M. Kan 500
Joseph Call 500
Wm. Gilbert 500
E. EveringUam. , 500
J. Dwelle and wife 500
G. Krisler 500
P. H. Curtiss 500
Mr. & Mrs. J. L. Bagg 500
J. Arthur Eddy ... 500
Geo. W. Hunter (transferred) 500
Myron B. Lindsley 500
Hon. Geo. M. Copeland 500
Rev. E. Arnold 500
Rev. E. C. Brown 500
Rev. Wm. Manchester 500
Rev. W. H. Olin 500
J. N. Dorris; 300
H. L. Daniels (transferred
from Genesee College) . . . 370
J. H. Gregory (transferred). 350
T. J. Bissell 350
Mrs. Augusta E. Shepard. . . 350
Thos. Rhodes 300
Rev. N. E. Cobb (transferred
and added) 300
John S. Adams (transfeiTed) 300
John Pease $200
C. Z. Case 300
Chas. Hibbard 300
Prof. Wormuith 300
J. M. Woelnier 300
Rev. D. W. Bristol 300
Rev. E.Sutton 300
T. Gregory 300
Oliver Watkins 300
Mi-s. G. M. Pierce 300
Rev. A. '^. Countryman 300
Hiram B. Brower. 300
Salem Hyde 300
Rev. M. A. Senter 200
Benj. Shou (transferred) 100
Frances Asbury Alabaster. . 100
Rev. C. P. Hard 100
Rev. M. S. Hard 100
Celia A. Hard 100
Mrs. Benj. Shore 100
Rev. W. W. Runyan 100
Mrs. Jane A. Harrell 100
R. F. & Mary A. North. ... 100
Dr. F. G. Hibbard 100
Clark P. Hard 100
Mrs. Daniel Hibbard 100
Mrs. W.N. Cobb 100
H. Skell, 100
E. W. Caswell 100
O. li. Wairen , 100
Richard & Emily Hioms. . . 100
S.F.King 100
A. H. Green 100
Mrs. C. Georgie . ; 100
Mrs. E. K. Secor 100
Herbert H. Brower. 100
W. G. Queal 100
Thos. Harroun 100
Jerome Merrell 100
Franklin Green 100
Fred. De Sand Leet (two an-
nual payments) 100
Bishop J. W. Logueu 100
Jas. & Henry Lyman (trans-
ferred) 100
S.Lee 100
Mts. C. Lamerson 100
D. W. Roney 100
Geo. Wilson lOO
E.OlinK:inne($50transfer'd) 100
Mrs. Henry Lewis loo
Miss Phebe K. Armstrong. . 50
Mrs. W. W. Tripp (trans-
ferred) 50
Jno. Valentine 35
Genesee College Removal Enterprise, 135
D.
HISTORY OF GENESEE COLLEGE REMOVAL ENTERPRISE.*
BY EEV. A. J. PHELPS.
Mr. President, and Members of the Convention : By special invi-
tation, it devolves upon me to oflFer a few brief statements connected with
the history of our college enterprise.
Like many other great and noble enterprises, this seems not to have
been the result of plan or concert, but rather, as we then thought, and
still believe, a sort of intuition or inspiration which came upon several
minds almosUsimultaneously.
The first tangible expression looking toward the removal of Genesee
College within our knowledge was in a note from Professor J. R. French,
of Lima, in answer to a communication he had received, declining co-
operation with Genesee College on the ground of its imsuitable location
for a State Methodist institution. This note, written in March, 1866, dis-
tinctly states the desirability of the removal of Genesee College, and em-
phatically commits the writer in that direction.
Almost instantly after the receipt of this note we learned of an inci-
dental conversation which occurred a few days before in a stage-coach
between Rev. E. Arnold and Professor Rennet. The spirit fell first upon
the former, and the latter soon caught the inspiration, and, almost as quick
as thought, there appeared screws under the sills, a locomotive on the
track, and the old time-honored college seemed trembling for its journey.
The next day or two after. Dr. Lore might have been seen in his sanc-
tum listening to words upon this topic, when suddenly lie replied by
handing the brother who was entertaining him a half column of "proof"
on college removals, and the two agreed that the intuition or inspiration,
whatever it was, must be good.
The next fact of interest we can take time to note was the first College
Convention, called by a committee at a great centenary meeting at Elmira,
and held at Syracuse April 13, 1866. This Convention, consisting of rep-
resentatives from the five Conferences then interested, passed resolutions
favoring the enterprise, and made arrangements for presenting the subject
before the Black River, Oneida, and Wyoming Conferences.
The Black River and Oneida Conferences, holding their sessions at the
same time, and being in correspondence, took harmonious action, author-
izing their College Visitors to confer with the Trustees, and negotiate with
them for the removal of the college to some central location in the State.
* This paper was prepared for the Convention, but not read. It is inserted here
by special request.
136 New York Methodist Convention — Appendix.
At the annual meeting of the Trustees, held at Lima June 27, 1866, the
Commissioners being jjresent, and representing their several Conferences,
the Trustees responded in substance that, the Qcnesee and East Genesee
Conferences concurring, we deem it best that Qenesee College should be
removed to some more central location in the State on condition that two
hundred thousand dollars, irrespective of ground and buildings, be raised
by the Conferences east of Cayuga Lake, to equal two hundred thousand
dollars to be furnished by the two Genesee Conferences.
Immediately after this action of the Trustees the Commissioners issued
a call for a Convention of Laymen and Ministers from Black Kiver, Oneida,
and Wyoming Conferences, which was held at Syracuse July 26, 1868.
This Convention indorsed the basis agreed upon by the joint meeting of
Trustees and Visitors, and recommended that Syracuse and other eligible
localities should be canvassed, to ascertain what inducements would be
offered to locate the college in their midst.
At the session of the Genesee Conference in the autumn of 1866 this
whole plan was, with great unanimity, indorsed, whereupon the Trustees
took measures to secure the passage of an act by the Legislature of 1866-
67, legalizing the removal of the college. Immediately thereafter parties
entered upon the authorized canvass in several localities. In Syracuse
private interviews were held with several distinguished gentlemen, by
whose advice and co-operation a preliminaiy counsel was called, and
thereupon a private note was distributed, as follows :
"Sykaocse, March 5, 1861.
" Sir : Tou are requested to meet several of our citizens at the office of
the Salt Company of Onondaga, Thursday, March 21, at seven P. M., to
attend an adjourned meeting for consultation in regard to a matter of great
■ public interest. Tours, etc.
William D. Stbwakt, A. D. White, T. B. Fitch,
Geobgb F. Oomstock, C. T. Longstrebt, C. Tallman,
E. W. Leavenwoeth, Chakles Audbews, A. Mtjneoe."
This note was addressed to somewhat more than one hundred of our
most wealthy and influential citizens. The Convention thus called was
largely attended. After being " posted " by Dr. Lore and others, invited
to attend, without any suggestion from members or ministers of our own
denomination, the Convention resolved to take measures to secure the
bonding of the city for this enterprise ; whereupon Judge Comstock was
appointed a committee to draft a bill, and the whole Convention joined
in a public call for a mass meeting of the city of Syracuse. This meeting
convened the following week at the City Hall, and though vory largely
attended, the meeting fully, and almost unanimously, approved the pro-
posed bUl, which provided for bonding the city for one hundred thousand
Genesee College Removal Enterprise. 137
dollars, conditioned on the establishment of a college in Syracnse, or im-
mediate vicinity, with an endowment of four hundred thousand dollars,
independent of the city bonds. This bill was forwarded at once to our
representatives at Albany, and immediately passed the Legislature, and
became a law.
At the sessions of the Black River and Oneida Conferences in the spring
of 1807, both Conferences fully ratified these preliminary proceedings,
elected College Commissioners, and appointed J. D. Adams and J. Erwin,
of the Black River Conference, and A. B. Giegg, of the Oneida Conference,
College Agents* Volunteer agents, among whom C. P. Lyford was promi-
nent, also co-operated, with great success, in procuring subscriptions.
These five Conferences aforesaid, and the Trustees of the College, have
annually reaffirmed their interest and faith in the- enterprise.
At the Conference of 1808 Commissioners were appointed, and J. Erwin,
of the B^ck River Conference, and A. B. Gregg, of the Oneida Conference,
were reappointed Agents.
Meantime the Trustees have kept the faith, and done all in their power
to consummate the noble enterprise.
Failing to seclire the passage of the desiied bill in the Legislature, in
the session of 1866-'07, they renewed their eflEbrts the following session,
and procured the passage of an enabling or disenabling act, authorizing
the Trustees to remove the College, leaving to the Seminary all its real
estate, and $75,000 of its cash endowment. Besides some slight disabili-
ties among politicians, these Trustees have had to conflict with most per-
severing opposition at Lima, and at this time a legal injunction is upon
them, so that the whole enterprise of removal must wait the action of the
Courts.
What, then, is our present showing :
We have pledged City Bonds |100,000
We have on Subscription, about 125,000
Endowment of Genesee College, say. 50,000
Reliable assets of enterprise $275,000
Then we shall need as a final key-stone, to bind the whole, the sum of
only $325,000. This we could reach without any manner of doubt, except
that we have overlooked one item in our column of liabilities, that is, the
injunction. This item will be difficult to estimate. If we could remove
this obstacle our course is safe. If not, the whole column of assets is
jeopardized. -This may appear an ominous footing. Still we can say,
with Jeremy Taylor, " The best of all is left us." We have honest hearts,
steady nerves, full confidence in our cause, and mighty faith in God and
in the people. In keeping with these resolutions, we shall see in time a
138 New York Methodist Convention — Appendix.
magnificent University looming up on some of the highlands of our
Central City, standing there a living record of our constancy and perse-
verance — a blessing to the great State in which we live ; a perpetual honor
to the Church we represent, and an imperishable monument to the praise
and glory of the great Head of the Church. God hasten the day when
the vision shall be real !
E.
LETTERS FROM INVITED GUESTS.
[From Bishop Janes.]
New Toek, Fel. 16, 1870.
Rev. Jesse T. Peck, D. D. .
Deab Brother, — My duties will not permit me to attend the State
Convention.
I should greatly delight to meet and greet the members of the Conven-
tion could I do so consistently with other obligations.
Tours truly and fraternally,
E. S. Janes.
[From Rev. Geo. Peck, D. D., Presiding Elder of Wyoming District,
Wyoming Conference.]
SoRANTON, Feb. 8, 1870.
Rev. W. G. QuEAL :
Dear Brother, — The kind invitation extended me to attend the Con-
vention at Syracuse on the 23d is by me highly appreciated, and has my
hearty thanks ; but I do not see how I can, consistently, comply with it.
I am on my last round, and do not see how I can leave a Quarterly Meet-
ing which is right in the way. Then I do not see that ray presence in the
Convention would be of any importance. May God make it a success !
Tours in Christ,
George Peck.
[From Rev. D. Cdbrt, D. D., Editor of the Christian Advocate.]
To THE Methodist Convention or the State of New Tork, to meet
AT Syracuse, Feb. 33, 1870.
New Toek, 805 Beoadwat, Feb. 21, 1870.
Dear Brethren, — Enforced absence from your assembly leaves me
only the poor alternative of writing an apology, and expressing my sincere
Letters front Invited Guests. 139
regret8. Yet I am consoled with the assurance that I shall not be missed,
and that the various parts of your large pro<?ramme of proceedings will be
thoroughly carried out. It would be a grand sight to look in upon the
Methodism of the Empire State assembled in council ; but that sight is
for other eyes.
The office of The Christian Advocate is to be represented among you by
our worthy associate, Kev.W. H. De Puy, who also, as a member of one of
your Preparatory Committees, will come to you nclily freighted with a
mass of statistics of the Methodism of the State such as have never
before been prepared. These alone, should the Convention produce no
other permanent results, will remain as a memorial of your gathering.
You have before you several highly important subjects for your action.
The interests of our denominational Collegiate Education in the State will
no doubt command a large share of your attention, and it may be hoped
that an impulse will be given to the proposed central University that will
make sure its early realization.
I am glad to perceive that you propose to consider the subject of the
family, including the laws of marriage and divorce. That your utterances
upon this subject will be right and of salutary influence cannot be
doubted.
The duties of Christian citizenship, which you propose to consider, were
never more deserving of the attention of Christian men than now and in
our State. Our public men must be taught that only by properly regard-
ing the moral welfare of the Commonwealth can they hope to command
the confidence or receive the support of the Christian freemen of the
State. The Church is not to be made a political party; neither shall po-
litical parties deliver themselves up to the dictation of the profane and
immoral, 'and still hope for the support of Christian men. Let your voice
be heard clearly and strongly denouncing sin in high places — like that of
John the Baptist, preaching the higher law in the ruler's palace.
Earnestly praying that the great Head of the Church may be among
you, and preside over all your deliberations, I remain your servant for
Christ's sake,
Danibi, Ottebt.
[From Rev. B. Gr. Paddock, of the Central New York Conference.]
To THE OFnCEBS AND MeMBBKS OP THE NeW YoEK StATB MeTHODIST
Convention, Ministebs and Latmen, of the Methodist Episcopal
Chuech :
Dear Bbbthbbn, — Who can doubt the divine approbation attending
the general movement of mind with regard to the present Convention ?
Your object as announced, namely. The edification of Christ's Church,
which he hath purchased with his precious blood, identifies the divine
140 New York Methodist Convention — Appendix.
influence, evidently, that you may be enabled to harmonize in all your
deliberated plans to promote the Vrue spirit of union, (which is strength,)
and holy, enliglitened zeal, through all our ministerial and lay ranks, for
the enlargement and stability of Christ's kingdom.
I humbly and earnestly pray the blessing of the Holy Trinity may be
abundantly poured upon you, each and all, so that all who attend your
sessions may feel that it was a good and profitable season. It would glad-
den my old heart to be with you, but I submit to an eyer wise and good
Providence, knowing " all things work together for good (the best good)
to them that love God." Permit me now to say, I united with the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church in 1804, and soon after commenced in her ministry,
and have witnessed some gracious revivals. At one of these I preached emery
evening for nine weeks, and in a few months received more than four hun-
dred professed converts to Chiist into the bosom of the Church. When I
imited with the Church there were only a very few preachers in this State,
and a few hundred members. Now, according to the General Minutes of
last year, there were about fifteen hundred preachers, and oyer two hundred
thousand members, including probationers, in the State; leaving out a
district in the Wyoming Conference, and one in the Troy Conference.
There may be others in East New York. At this time it may justly be
said. What hath God wrought ? And the Lord hath done great things for
us, whereof we are glad and thankful.
And now, brethren, may I say, having held nearly all the ofiicial rela-
tions to the Church, and thereby seen Jier bearings in her doctrin.es, dis-
cipline, and distinctive usages, will it surprise you for me to say I con-
scientiously believe, all in all, the Methodist Episcopal Church comes the
nearest to the apostolic model of any ecclesiastical body of which I have
any knowledge ? The great legalist, Batabd, of Delaware, after carefully
perusing our Discipline, said, " No earthly power can break down the
Methodist Episcopal Church while she lives up to her Discipline." This
was said some fifty years since. And the Rev. Dirk C. Lai^sing, D. D., of
the Presbyterian Church, said in my hearing, before the Oneida Confer-
ence, at Utica, that it was his deliberate opinion that the Methodist
Episcopal Church would be the Church at our close of time. So I believe
if she lme» to her Discipline.
B. G. Paddock.
[From Rev. A. Withbkspoon, Presiding Elder of Plattsburgh District,
Troy Conference.]
MORIAH, N. T., Feb. 19, 18^0.
Rev. J. T. Pbck, D. D.:
Deab Beothek,— I am on this part of Plattsburgh District to attend
some five quarterly meetings before my return to Plattsburgh, namely,
Moriah, Crown Point, Ticonderoga, Elizabethtown, and Westport.
Letters from Invited Guests. 141
Immediately after your preliminary meeting at Albany I received a
letter from Brother King informing me of the conclusions reached by the
Committee, and the plan proposed for the appointment of delegates to the
Convention.
I wrote to him to the effect that the thing had been so little thought
of, or spoken of, on this district that it vpould be impossible, in so short
a time, to awaken such an interest on the subject as to secure the carrying
out of the plan for the appointment of delegates, but assured him that I
would introduce the subject at the approaching District Preachers' meet-
ing, (Feb. 8.) In the meantime the action of the New York Preachers'
Meeting was published, recommending the postponement until next June.
The preachers' meeting was held according to appointment, and tlie
subject was discussed ; but, under the impression that the Convention
would be postponed, tlie subject was laid on the table.
Just before the close of our session it was called up, and the writer
'appointed to represent the district in case the Convention should be held
on the 32d inst. I protested that, such were my appointments, it being
my last round of visitation before the Annual Conference, I could not,
consistently with my responsibilities, attend. But as none of us thought
the Convention would be held, all of us concurring with the views of the
New York brethren, no further action was taken, and I looked upon my
appointment as merely complimentary or nominal.
These statements will explain to you, and through you to the Conven-
tion, our apparent lack of interest on the Plattsburgh District. It would
give me great pleasure to meet with the brethren in Convention assembled,
to deliberate with them on the subjects indicated. But it was not until I
was about leaving home for this part of the district that I learned from
the newspapers that the meeting would be held according to the original
appointment.
Please assure the brethren of the Convention that the preachers and
membership of the Methodist Episcopal Church on Plattsburgh District,
Troy Conference, will be ready to co-operate with other portions of the
Church in this State in all legitimate measures to promote the interests
of true religion and of this Commonwealth.
May the God of our fathers preside over your deliberations, and guide
you to such conclusions as may be promotive of the best interests of our
Church, of our common Christianity, of our State, our common country,
and common humanity.
Yours affectionately,
A. WiTHBRSPOON.
142 New York Methodist Convention — Appendix.
[From Key. E. L. Janbs, of the New York East Conference.]
Sharon, Conn., Feb. 21, 1870.
Rev. Jesse T. Peck, D.D :
Dbae Bbothek, — I regret to say that the death of a beloved sister pre-
Tents my being at the Methodist State ConTention to be held in Syracuse
on the 22d instant.
May the great Head of the Church guide and bless you in your impor-
tant work 1
Yours in the love of Christ,
Edwin L. Jaubs.
[Prom Professor Febnch, Genesee College.]
Lima, N. Y., Feb. 19, 1870.
Rev. J. B. Footb :
Dbab Bbothee, — Yours of the 15th instant, inviting me to attend the
Methodist State Convention, is received. It would afford me great pleas-
ure to accept your kind invitation, but as Dr. Steele expects to attend as a
delegate if seems necessary that I should remain here.
I am looking, however, with great interest to that Convention, especially
to its action on the subject of " education," I sincerely hope it will, with
great unanimity, be thought best to inaugurate active measures for the es-
tablishment of a Methodist college at Syracuse at the earliest possible day,
and that at all events, whether Genesee College is removed or not, for I
greatly fear if Genesee College remains in Lima it must die.
With a lively interest in the Convention, I remain yours sincerely,
John R. Fkench.
[From Rev. C. H. Payne, Pastor of Arch-street Methodist Episcopal
Church, Philadelphia.]
Philadelphia, Feb. 17, 1870.
Rev. Gbohgb L. Tavlok :
Deab Bkothbk, — Your very kind note of invitation to the New York
Methodist State Convention has been duly received. I should love to
meet the loyal and royal men of the great Methodist army in the Empire
State at Syracuse, but engagements at home will prevent my attendance.
I hope much from the wise counseUngs and liberal devisings of this
Convention. Glorious as has been the past of Methodism, her future may
" excel in glory " if we are true to our mission.
May great grace be upon the brethren assembled in council, and the
fruitage thereof enrich the Churches 1
Very sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,
C. H. Payne.
Letters from Invited Guests? 143
[From U. C. Cook, Esq., Chicago.]
Chicago. Fei. 2, 1870.
Rev. W. G. Qubal :
Deak Bkotheb, — I can hardly conceive of any thing on earth that
■would afford me more pleasure than to join the New York division of
Methodism.
It is joyously true that my eyes were opened to Jesus as my Saviour in
Broome County, State of New York, where I joined the first class ever
held in the village. 1 shall try to be present.
I see by the action of the friends in New York City that they propose
to postpone until June, which to me appears appropriate.
Thanking ygu for this remembrance of one so unworthy, I am truly, etc.,
G. C. Cook.
[From R. F. Queal, Chicago.]
Chicaqo, Feb. 16, ISIO.
Rev. WUiLiAM G. Qtjeal:
Deab Bbotheb, — Your letter, as one of a Committee for that purpose,
inviting me to attend the New York State Methodist Convention, to be
held at Syracuse on the 23d instant, was duly received. It would aftbrd
me great pleasure to be there, and I have delayed a reply, hoping I might
be able to adjust my business to do so. This I now find I cannot well do.
Though denied the pleasure of attending, I thank you and the Committee
for the invitation. It stirred anew the memories of early years.
The breezy hills of Central New York, so tenderly remembered, are for-
ever associated with the recollection of the ministry and Church through
whose instrumentality, under God, my tlioughts were early turned to the
consideration of religion. I coimt this tlie pre-eminent blessing of my life.
With such occasion for perpetual thanksgiving, I must ever feel a special
interest in Methodism in my native State.
The gathering of the representative men of Methodism, ministry and
liiity, from all parts of that great State to consult concerning its welfare is
an event of signal moment to the denomination, and full of promise for
the future. I trust that all the deliberations and discussions of the Con-
vention may result in giving greater breadth, unity, and vigor to the plans
of the Church in your midst; greater zeal in the cause of the Master,
whose we are and whom we serve, and that his blessing may be upon the
Convention and upon the denorpination at large in the State.
Very truly yours,
ROBEBT F. QXTBAL.
144 iV^w York Methodist Convention — Appendix.
[From Eev. E. M. Hatfield, D. D., Pastor of Centenary Methodist Epis-
copal Church, Chicago.]
. Chicago, Fel. 18, ISYO.
Ret. Geo. Lansiks Tati,ok:
Dear Brothbk, — I thank you very sincerely for the invitation to attend
the Convention at Syracuse, and for the kind terms in which that invitation
is extended. It would rejoice my heart to be with you, and I shall hope
for tlie best results from your meeting. Separated as I am from the fields
of labor In which I have spent the best years of my life, I have not lost my
interest in the Methodism of the Empire State. Whatever others of us may
do for the cause, you, brethren of New York, hold the central and most
influential position.
May the great Head of the Church so direct the action of the Conven-
tion that his glory and the best interests of Christ's cause may be promoted
in all our country ! It is not for me to dictate, or even suggest, with regard
to the business of the Convention; but I hope there may be a distinct and
emphatic deliverance against the appropriation of public moneys for any
sectarian purposes. In the coming conflict with Eome, Methodism should
enter the lists with clean hands.
Truly and fraternally yours,
R. M. Hatfield.
[Prom Rev. Thos. H. Pbaknb, D. D., of the Holston Conference.]
Knoxville, Tenn., Feb. 5, 1870.
Rev. W. G-. Queal :
Dear Brother, — I have this moment received yours of the 28th ultimo
inviting me to attend your State Methodist Convention, to be held in Syra-
cuse on the 22d instant.
Buring fourteen years of severe, rugged labor in Oregon, from 1851 to
1865, and since then, four years of still more exciting and exacting toil in
Tennessee, I have never forgotten the old Oneida Conference, in the bounds
of which my ministerial life began, in 1837, and in connection with which
more than twelve years of itinerant service was rendered.
It would be most agreeable to me to be with you at your approaching
Convention, to renew old associations, to re-traverse old paths, and to
rejoice with you in your ripe maturity of enlarged and established successes.
I regret that^ circumstances deprive me of the pleasure which such a
reunion would yield. It might, perhaps, be allowed me if present to state
some of the instances and illustrations I have seen of the growth of our
beloved Methodism in the then distant West, and more recently, in the slave-
cursed and war-blasted fields of the South.
Of the former I may say, that Oregon is one of the grandest monuments
of Methodistic zeal and success on the continent. Society there is more
thoroughly pervaded in all its departments with Methodist agencies and
Letters from Invited Guests. 145
influences than by those of any other Church ; I had almost said, of all
other Churches. Our Churches there are strong, our educational interests
are wisely planned and broadly founded, and the piety of our preacliers
and people is of the enlightened, hardy form, which gives promise of solid
and grand development. Our denomination has the honor of having erected
the first Protestant place of worship on the Pacific coast, from Gape Horn
to Alaska. I refer to the Oregon City Church. In 1856, in a Conference
missionary sermon I preached in Cortland, I employed the following lan-
guage:
" Do you not love to contemplate that day when the reapers here, and
the reapers there, shall be found in every part of this great harvest ? When
shout shall echo to shout, and song respond to song, as the spheres of the
different labcwera touch each other ? Wlien, as the laborers advance from
the East, through Kansas, Nebraska, and Utah, they shall meet those who,
starting from Oregon and California, are moving from the West ? O
what a shout will go up from the summits of the Bocky Mountains as
the Church surveys, from those altitude^, the universal triumphs of the
cross ! "
In fourteen years we have lived to see part of this hope become fruition.
The line is joined across the continent, and ttie sentinels amid the fast-
nesses of the Rocky Mountains are waiting for the shouts of universal
triumph to be wafted from Japan, China, India, and other lands, that they
may send it eastward, westward, northward, and southward. Madagascar
is coming, Ethiopia is coming to Jesus from Africa and from the Southern
States. Of the new growth of Methodism in the South — in the fields con-
secrated by the personal labors of the apostolic Asbury and of the vener-
able M'Kendree — I need hardly speak, as you are already well informed on
that subject. In June, 1865, Bishop Clark organized the Holston Confer-
• ence. It consisted of forty or fifty members, representing a lay membership
of some six thousand. From that small and recent beginning it has
increased to eleven Conferences, and more than one hundred and fifty thou-
sand members.
I need not say that these achievements have involved the endfirance of
no small degree of proscription and rigors. The leaven of slavery and dis-
loyalty is not yet all purged away. The leaders of Southern Methodism —
especially in the ministry — are bitter denouncers of the old Methodist Epis-
copal Church. There should be, and there will yet be, when the Southern
Methodists become more chsfritable and loyal, an organic union of the two
Methodisms. So far as I know, our people in the South are ready for it
upon right principles.
The adoption of lay delegation by our Church, and the maintenahce of
our position in the South as an aggressive, God-honoring, truth-maintaining
Church, are among the surest and best methods for bringmg about the unifi-
cation of Methodism, so desirable.
10
146 New York Methodist Convention— Appendix.
I may not weary you further. The energy of New York has given im-
pulse to the enterprises of every State west of her in all departments,
secular and religious. If every vine which has thus run over the wall were
to send specimens of its fruit to your Convention, you would need to make
it a protracted meeting of weeks, or of months, to enable you to give it
the merest attention.
I am, with great esteem, yours very truly,
Thomas H. Pbaenb.
[From Rev. W. H. Pbaknb, Presiding Elder of Memphis District, Ten-
nessee Conference.]
Memphis, Tenn., Feb. 15, 1870.
Eev. "W. G. QuEAii, et al. : Your kind fraternal note inviting me to be
present at the Methodist Convention for the State of New York, to be held
in Syracuse on the 23d instant, is received. Very many considerations
would lead me to comply with tjiat invitation, and enjoy the unspeakable
pleasure of greeting a large class of personal friends and former associates
and co-laborers in the Church; but duty detains me at my post, and
personal gratification must yield.
Allow me to express the fervent wish that your Convocation may be
1)oth happy and profitable to all interested. For some thirty years of my
ministry I was side by side with you in various fields of labor. For five
years last past I have been in these distant and more difficult scenes of toil,
still, I trust, pursuing the same glorious end, and laboring to accomplish
the same great work. My mind often recurs to those former years, and
the brethren with whom I then associated, with untold interest. A now
sainted father and mother were brought to God under the labors of the
late venerable Lewis Pease, then in the city of Brooklyn. Removing to
Central New York so(m after, they became instrumental in establishing
the Church in their neighborhood — the New York Mills, near Utica.
Then young, I was made a subject of divine grace, and have been
reared and trained under the influence of the Church, have marked her
history and progress, her trials and triumphs, especially in the State of
New York. I remember the venerable forms of some of the pioneer
champions and defenders of "Christianity in earnest" in your region,
whose names are as precious ointment poured out, whose memory is a
sweet fragrance, and whose works will remain in all coming time a more
grateful and enduring monument to their zeal and devotion to God than
chiseled marble or granite column.
They are happy now, and we
Soon their happiness shall see.
With many of the living who will participate in your deliberations, and
co-operate in your plans, have I often joined heart and hand in the same
Letter from Rev. W. H. Peanie. 147
great and glorious work, and I can but say I am with you in apirit
to-day, although absent in the body.
The mission of Methodism, so truly expressed by its great founder, is
"to spread scriptural holiness throughout these lands." This our fathers
recognized, and entered into it with a singleness of purpose and a devo-
tion of spirit that gave them success. I believe their sons in the Gospel
are actuated by the same spirit and enter into the same design. That
amid all the outward and visible signs of prosperity we are permitted to
see the prominent, all-absorbing desire of the Church lo-day, as of old, is
to see the glory of the Lord, and rear a spiritual temple which shall stand
to his praise to the remotest period of time.
New questions may arise, to answer which may tax our judgment; new
plans may be proposed, which may seem to require somewhat a departure
from the old land-marks left us. But it is only on points not endangering
the identity or vitality of the Church, and our system being the child of
Providence from the origin, is prepared for them. With a wisdom that
seems now almost inspired, our fathers framed the constitution of the
Church to meet such emergencies. We need fear no harm from any rea-
sonable change in the visible elements of our economy. Only let us keep
the spirit of the Master in our hearts and our position is safe, our success
secured.
The review of the past from your present stand-point will be peculiarly
gratifying. As you mark the pi'ogress of the Church in your State, well
may you exclaim, " What hath God wrought !" ' He has given you the
privilege of gathering the harvest, the seed of which the fathers sowed in
tears. A glorious harvest it is ! ■ Not alone in your own State, for tHe
fruit of your vine "has run over the wall," and is now shading many and
distant parts of the great field, the world. In our own country especially
you can find scions of New York Methodism in almost or quite every
State in the Union, and, planted in the luxuriant soil of the West and
South, they are becoming great trees, beneath whose branches thousands
find shelter. Looking into the future, you see the harvest enlarging on
every hand, and increasing a hundredfold, until it almost bewilders the
mind to try and conceive what we shall be if only true to God and
to duty.
Then we look forward a little further — only a few years — and we see
the laborers gathered home, with all the fruits of their toil and sacrifice,
and haste to join them in the land where our toiling is o'er.
There all the ship's company meet.
Who Bailed with the Saviour beneath ;
With shouting each other they greet,
And triumph o'er sorrow and death.
God bless and make you a thousand times as many as you are !
Your friend and brother in the Lord, W. H. Feabni!.
148 New York Methodist Convention — Appettdix.
FINANCIAL EXHIBIT OF THE METHODIST BOOK CONCERN.
Dr. Carlton, Book Agent at New York, presented, in his remarks at the
Convention, numerous interesting figures, from which the following are
quoted :
BOOK CONOEBN, NEW TOBK— ASSETS.
1. Beai< Estate.
Three fourths interest in Building and Lot,
805 Broadway, N. T $706,047 02
Buildings and Lots, Mulberry and Mott-
streets, N. Y 150,000 00
Building and Lot, Pittsburgh, Pa 35,000 00
Building and Lot, San .Francisco, Cal 48,000 00
Land in Hamilton, N. J 200 00
Total Real Estate $939,247 02
2. Cash.
Cash on hand 91,625 52
3. Mebchaitdise.
Bound Books, Editors' Library, and OfiBce
Furniture $160,955 89
Presses, Type, Stereotype Plates, Wood-cuts,
and Paper in Printing Office 163,514 54
Sheet Stock, Tools, and Unfinished Work in
Bindery 114,371 21
Stock in Depositories :
Boston $16,773 10
Buffalo 23,297 70
Pittsburgh 25,468 90
65,538 70
Total Merchandise ■ 504 380 34
Financial Exhibit of Methodist Book Concern. 149
4. Notes and Accottntb.
Due from Missionary Society on account of
Kcw Building, one quarter interest in |107,714 00 »
Due Concern on Book Account. .$237,136 58
Due Concern on Notes 24,602 66
261,739 24
Deduct 25 per cent, for probable
losses 65,434 81
Lea-ring due on Notes and Book Accounts. . . 196,304 43
304,018 43
Total Assets •. $1,839,271 31
LIABILITma.
1. Bonds.
Amount of Bonds sold, issued for the pay-
ment of Property, 805 Broadway $182,700 00
2. Notes.
Due to others 685,574 00
3. Accounts.
Due to others 34,002 07
902,276 07
Net Capital Stock ' $936,995 24
Mbmokanda.
The Profits for the year have been $113,693 65
Paid out by order of General Conference 80,441 09
Increase of Capital included in the above
exhibit $83,252 66
Nora.— Of the above proits, $51,739 48 were earned last year, though not shown
by the exhibit ; leaving the actual profits this year $60,954 17.
150 New York Methodist Convention — Appendix.
EXHIBIT FOR 1869.
The following figures, taken from the Consolidated Exhibits of the
Book Concerns, show their condition November 30, 1869 :
1. Real Estate.
New York Concern $939,347 03
Western Concern 336,775 66
$1,176,033 68
3. Merchandise.
New York Concern 504,380 84
Western Concern 382,515 05
. 836,895 39
3. Cash on Hand.
New York Concern 91,635 53
Western Concern 14,096 53
105,733 05
4. Notes and Accounts.
New York Concern (net) 304,018 43
Western Concern (net) 336,889 99
530,908 43
Total Assets 3,649,548 54
LiABiLiTiBS — Notes and Acootjnts.
New York 903,376 07
Western 388,697 47
1,190,973 54
Net Capital Stock $1,458,575 00
Baknings.
New York $113,693 65
Western 17,846 37
130,540 03
Paid by order of General Conference 45,515 81
Net Profit $85,034 31
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