History Of Methodist Reform, Volume I - Media Sabda Org

METHODIST REFORM
Edward J. Drinkhouse, M.D., D.D.
Volume I
CHAPTER 15
Wesleyan Methodism from 1840 to 1890; a mere glance — The great Reform in 1877 of a
Pastoral and a Representative house in the Conference — Another attempt to episcopize the
Conference, by Riggs and Hughes, an utter failure — The Bible Christians; O'Brian and his case
1809 to 1814; his expulsion — Organization of a new Methodism; its marvelous success under a
liberal polity — The United Methodist Free churches; a coalition of secedent bodies — Sketch of
its polity and growth — Expulsion of Messrs. Griffith, Everett, and Dunn, originates the Free
Methodists in 1849 — Comparative growth of liberal and autocratic Methodism.
It would demand more space than the scope and intent of this History could allow to treat with
even the same discursiveness the half-century of English Methodism from 1840 to 1890, nor is it
necessary. In the symposium for the centenary of Wesley's death, 1891, in the New York
Independent the Wesleyan Conference is treated by James M. King, D.D. The sketch is meager
considering its importance, and much of its contents has been anticipated. Of course, it takes no
notice of the expulsions and secessions from the body, specially of a later date than the Associated
Methodists under Dr. Warren. These have a separate history in this symposium and shall occupy
most of the space of this concluding chapter on transatlantic Methodisms. Notice is taken of a few
aphoristic sentences of Dr. King's: "No great religious movement known in history is so
thoroughly-personal in conception, development, and manner of its ramifications as the Wesleyan
movement." "The separation from the Church of England was brought about by gradual steps, and
was never the subject of formal declaration."
The leaven of lay-recognition, as has been found under the educational force of secessions,
continued to work from the last in 1835 down through others to be mentioned until the year 1877,
when the widest stride was made in this direction. Dr. King epitomizes it: "In 1877 the constitution
of the Conference was so amended as to admit lay-representatives to a participation in certain parts
of its proceedings. The Pastoral Session of the Conference, composed of ministers only, deals with
ministerial and pastoral questions; and the Representative Session of the Conference, composed of
ministers and laymen, manages financial and general matters. But these sessions of the Conference
possess no functions interfering with the constitutional rights of the Legal Hundred." It outlines the
deepest inroad yet made upon the exclusiveness of the ministerial class, and when Dr. King says
"lay-representation" he means lay-delegation. Two houses, one for ministers, and one for ministers
and laymen, is a favorite idea, borrowed from these brethren by not a few Episcopal Methodist
ministers as they see the inevitable crowding upon them. It is a plausible scheme, and if adopted
would satisfy, for the time at least, not a few of the thoughtful laymen of that Church. But it is
seriously objectionable, and will never be received as a finality by the self-respecting lay element;
but this is not the place for its discussion. It shows also how the Poll-Deed stands as a bar to
generous enlargement, and is the responsible factor for these makeshifts of a liberal polity. Every
such movement also is sure to alarm the class, typical among the ministers, of the old paternal idea,
and reactionary steps are ever and anon suggested. In 1891, when the large delegation of the