Decatur Democrat, Volume 1, Number 7, Decatur, Adams County, 11 April 1899 — Page 1

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I ’TIS OVER. lhe Fifty=sixth Annual Conference I at an End. ■ecatur Highly Complimented and Elkhart Selected g as the Next Place of fleeting.

■n A love feast was one of the most ■□fieeut ever held in the history of For the opening of K service Rev. Mahin, D. D.. read K 13th chapter of First Cornnthians; y ' Greeman announced very ttively that old Wesleyan hymn, B for a thousand tongue to sing. , Er which Dr. Stabler prayed fefl,tlv hi- petition being punctuated tnliv by Aniens and Hallluijahs ■roughoid. His tender reference to K. young members was as the pat■inelril blessing on spiritual sons in ■e Gospel. Fervently did he prav E the chief officers of the church. Elest the tie that binds", was sung | lh a power that was thrilling. In--1,,,1 it seemed as though every one of E. 1 ->o() voices joined in the sweet Lrds’and music. ' The wave of song died and surged throughout the reat auditorium and rolled and echoiin a manner that stirred the hearts i all. Dr. Mahin in opening the stiiiiony service said, “I was con»rted in 1838 and stayed converted, have not been without some of the seper experiences of God s love. I as licensed to preach liefore I was iventeen years old and traveled a rcuit that meant travelling 200 miles imake a single round. I have no mipathy with the sentiment, ‘this orld’s is a howling wilderness and a lie of tears'. This is a beautiful orld. I was a happy boy, happy lung man, happy in the full flush ad vigor of manhood.” Rev. Freeian -Bro. Mahin and myself are the nly two left of the one hundred and ftv members of the conference when was admitted. I was converted in and have had a happy experince all along the way." Bishop jowman “Sixty-six years ago I was [inverted, sixty years I joined the Baltimore conference. Am {here tcjay and with vou on the wa v to the etter land". T. Stabler “I joined le conference in 1852. I was introuced into the Wesleyan church when sventeen years of age. at a class meetig. was converted. Twelve years ago was a happy pastor at Decatur. If emitted I would be a happy pastor et. The ministry is a glorious linistry. When I cease to utter the ord of God I trust the mantle will all on others”. J. S. McCarty "Am lad to be here, as I had not hoped to a*. I joined the conference in 1854. lave always had good presiding Iders. I thank God I’ve been found rorthy to take some part in the minisry. I live in the memory of the inndreds of souls converted in my ministry”. J. W. Lowry- "After the or. peace and happiness in the serice of God I expect the happiness of he other land. I have peace and ex*et to retain it". R. D. Spellman Tin a double mark. Eighty-five ears ago I was born. Sixty-three ears ago I was born again. The old hell is going to drop pretty soon, ni mixed with joy and sorrow. Forty is rears ago I joined this conference, here were many older than myself, feel a little lonely now. So few of ny old brethren left". Some one farted, “I am Thine Oh. Lord". R. Brewington -“ I can say, ‘’Tis one. the great transaction’s done. I bi my Lord and He is mine’. I love o preach the Gospel better than ever." '■ P. Nash "Sixty-six years ago I vas converted. I’ve had a happv ■hristian experience. Through the ihadows I see the light of an eternal noraing". W. E. McCarty "I rea- - I , z*' the blessed assurance in my heart ' the presence of the Holy Spirit. I 'ladly look forward to the time when shall join with loved ones in the ‘ em ple not made with hands.” A

z —A ' I A ■ - yIL > /a jp^w : t*L" ' M. E. CHURCH, LAGRANGE. ?' r ttier: ,‘While God can keep old Ihk’ ■ Can keep young men." U • ■J r" a Voting preacher “N ineyears fir? " as converted. This is my ' l conference. It has been a love

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I feast, to my soul." A lady “Im so glad the Lord died for women as well as men." An old lady -“Praise the Lord for salvation". A young man "I’m glad for salvation. Eight years ago I was converted. Last Thanksgiving day I had a re-baptism. Then how they did sing, “At the Cross! At the Cross'” A young man “Thank God I'm in the Kingdom.” A lady “I know, the best friend to have is Jesus.” Three or four at once, out of them all the one heard most distinctly was Old Sister Hooper. She has been in the church 61 years. "I am 182 years old. This is the first conference I’ve ever attended. If it is so sweet to meet the brethren here what will it not be there." Then they ! all sang, “There is glory in my Soul.” iH. Lucy “I rejoice in the glory of God.” F. M. Lucy "More than twenty-five years ago the Lord saved I me.” Sister Dorwin “Ten years ago ! I went out from this church to work I with the ministry with my husband I Thank God for the dear old hearts." I J. C. White- “Next August it will be I fifty years since my father united with this conference. He is not able to hear our words, yet he tells us that he hears Gcd.” A young man "God has wonderfully blest me." H. G. Neal "God is so precious." W. H. Daniel “I bless God for this scene and what these testimonies mean to Decatur. Earth shall be richer and Heaven more glorious because of this annua] conference." Mt. Deam, of Bluffton -“1 was brought up in a | Universalist family. Last Tuesday night I heard my mother pray for the first time. I have been a member of the offieal board without salvation. ' But thank God I'm saved now." Sisi ter Teby "This old old story is so 1 sweet.” A widow "Praise God, J He's lx*en with me through sickness ! and death. I expect to meet you | in glory. ’ “Thou God of Power" opening hymn I of the morning service was impressively read by Bishop Andrews. After repeating the Apostles creed. Bishop Bowman invoked Divine blessing upon the conference, the country, the brothers who should speak and for a glorious reunion in the better world. First lesson Ezekiel 36: 21. to close of chapter; second lesson John third chapter, the storv of the conversion of Nicodemus. The “Come and dwell with me” was sung. The Bishop | preached Psalm 5: 1-10. Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a right spirit within me. These are the words of a great king who had become a great sinner, and was now a great penitant. This Psalm is his profession and prayer. He acknowledges great transgressions. The burden of sin is heavy. He confesses a proneness to transgress when he professed sin. He offers prayer that his sins may be covered, that his sins may not bring the penalty they demand. The prayer broadens and find its keynote in the text, create, etc. This is a prayer. He is not saying, he is a good man, nor does he declare his purpose to be a good man. He is appealing to God to make him a goal man. The question is: Was David right; or are his critics right? I don’t know the line where the human ends or the life begins, or whether his experience comes instantaneously. Such is God, and such is man. and such are the re--1 lations between Gal and man. that we may look to Gal and ask for the clean heart. This change for which David prays is a conceivable change. Man can think of such a change. Every moment that passes leaves us different than when the mommen began. Some times those changes are wonderful, even outside of theerea of religion. It has lieen known that men who had been given to intoxicants have arisen and broken the chains. Some times a cold-hearted man passes under such a change that he becomes helpful and generous. A young man who had lost his heritage of a great estate, decidal to regain it. Did so, but dial a miser. It is conceivable that somebody who has come here believing intellectually in Gal may go away from this room with a higher life born in him. It is conceivable that a man who has come here a worldling may go away with conscience of the throne. Someone who sees only time may go away with visions that stretch into an eternity beyond. May Gal grant it. (Amen.) Open vour hearts to God. Secondly This change is possible with Gal, for IHe is God. He besets us behind and before and lays his hand upon us. He is so intimately near us that He is able I to mould us. He that made us, that. made this etherial thing we call soul. , He made memory, tact, feeling, miagination, conscience, will, etc. He

DECATUR, INDIANA, TUESDAY MORNING, APRIL 11. 1599.

who made this strange thing we call the soul, can He not remake it ? Men can mould the feelings of his fellowman. A great orator moves a great audience. He speaks, they shout, they weep. They rouse as did the Greek at the outbursts of eloquence of Demosthenes, and cry “Lead us.” There are three here this morning who know what I mean. Many times they have called the little child to their kneesand played along the whole gamut of the human will and seen the child’s lip quiver or expressisons of determination as you told of right, wrong or sorrow,and then as you spoke of your love, how the little ones have surrounded your neck and your own heart has responded. If the earthly parent has such power, why can’t Gal stir the human soul and transform it? But some one will say that this implies an interference with the freedom of the human soul. I bless God that we are made free, and that God’s work with the will is not as the working with crude matter, but along lines of persuation, argument and effort. This explains why it seems so long for the world to be saved. Are we fools that we should refuse to believe a thing liecause we don't understand it? The air vibrates as I speak and your ear responds, the brain and mind begins to interpret the words and you know my thought,feeling and purpose. But can you explain the mystery? Should we refuse to believe Gal because we don’t know how he stirs our hearts, transforms our souls? Thirdly. This change is not only conceivable and possible, but probable. It is inevitable because of the Divine righteousness He wants humanity to be righteous. We do feel that the noblest thing in the human being worthy of ourselves for He knows how much our well being and happiness is shut up in ourselves. That word of Milton, "The mind is its own place, and of itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven is

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righteousness.” Whether we find men or women true to conscience and righteousness, we rejoice. Who made them so? Gal. Then Gal knowing all about us, longs unspeakably that we should become worthy of Him. There is wretchedness in palaces, peace in palaces. The God who knows the wretchedness of this world bends over you this morning to pour such mighty energies of goodness as get you in harmony with them. Lord send the porer. (Amen!) There are thinkers who go out under the stars and note their systems indefinitely and tell how long it takes for the light to travel from the nearest star and then say, is it conceivable that this little five or six fioot man or woman, foolish, contemptible, often, that when he gets on his knees that Gal will stoop down and hear his prayer? There are many answers to this proposition. The very greatness of God proves that he can do it. If he were an emperor he would have to parcel out this duty and that. But He is infinite. He knows the human heart, makes every tear, hears the sighs and blessed be his name for ever more. The other answer to that is things are not of value according to their bulk. Some times there is a jewel on a finger that will buy a whole county. There are farmers here who have broad acres, you have left a big farm, but also a little girl at home. If you were to choose as to which was to go, you would not let the little girl go. God don’t value bulk. He values souls. He so loval them that ho gave his onlybegotten son. Fourthly. This change is actually provided and promised. A new spirit will I give you; I will take away the stony heart and a new heart will I give you. David prays, ‘Create a new heart within me and create in me a clean heart O, God and renew a right spirit within me.’ Let me read you from the authority. Will you believe it? Will you claim the promise? Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean from all your filthiness and all

your idols will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you and you can have an abundance of grace. The New Testament says: "I am come that ye might have light and ye might have it more abundantly.’ I don’t take sharp definitions in this matter of Christian experiences, but if a man will go to Christ and stay there then will come power into his soul and he will have power continually. I will put my spirit within you. ‘The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, meekness, etc,’ If ye being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more is the Heavenly Father willing to give good gifts to them that ask him. Fifthly. This change which is conceivable, possible, probable, and provided, has been often experienced. Nothing can describe the sweet pathos and tender language with which the venerable bishop of saintly presence told again the experiences of Paul in his struggles and triumphs. At times there was a painful silence as with broken voice, tears streming down his cheeks, he recited the sweetest of passages from the great apostle. Ferverent amens were heard. Tear dimmed eyes and a strange holy awe overcame that vast audience. “Finally,it is a necessary change that must take place, the Master said, ‘Except a man be born of the water and the spirit, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of God. This statement is not made by these ministers, but by Jesus Christ. This kingdom of God has two sides. It is on earth and in heaven. One cannot I enter it on earth for the reason that ‘ there must pass on him a change in which moral power and moral purity i has come. Souls have been overcome with the call to duty, and they could not move until the gospel comes into ’ the interior of their nature and transform the whole man. Not otherwise ■ can you get into the kingdom of God. We can't be good unless the Lord ! helps us. While I don’t know much

M. E. PARSONAGE, LAGRANGE.

about heaven or where it is I do know that character makes destiny. Howsound in reasoning was the word of Christ, ‘Except a man lx? born again he cannot enter into the kingdom of j God.' Dying man, what you want is the life hereafter. Let it be begun in you here and now. You may have it by yielding to the will and purpose of ! God. Oh, that I might preach ’til this great audience would unite in the ! prayer, ‘Create in me a clean heart.' " The prayer that followed was a simple, I sweet talk, not to a Gal far away, but I as a friend nearby. AFTERNOON SESSION ; Memorial services in honor of de- ! ceased ministers or members of their families were held begining at two o’clock. The conference secretaries read short biographies of the following. Margaret Shaw-, Brewington, wife of Rev. Brewington, Rev. Beeks who died at Indianapolis, Rev John Moffit, R. A. Newton, Rev. Albert G. McCarter and Rev. M. A. Tague. Some very fine music appropriate to the a-cassion, by the conference and Decatur male quartettes. Rev. J. W. Cain read the scripture lesson. Following the Memorial services was the ordination of Deacons and Elders. The solemnity and impressiveness of this occasion as these young men presented themselves at the altar to give their lives wholly to the service of the Lord was greater than pen can portray. Rev. L. J. Naftzger presented the following brethren to be ordained Deacons byBishop Andrews: John T. Hammond. Jesse O. Stutesman, Calvin J. Graves, Lewis P. Pfeifer, Wm. T. Trout, Raymond J. Wade, Edward Trippeer, E. Brandenbery, E. C. Dumm, S. F. Wilson, J. F. Schilling E. L. Jones, C. A. Wood. As Elders the foiling were presented: J. E. Ferris, W. A. Greist S. F. Harter, R. L. Seman. evening service. At six o’clock the Epworth League Anniversary Service was conducted by Rev H. H. Jackson. The speak-

ers were all young men and limited in time to five minutes. Rev. E. T. Gregg of Kokomo, was the first speaker, who said in part, "The Epworth League is a body of young people organized to help build up the church. Their work is comparable to that of the Disciples. The League must stand as long as the church stands. It is the spiritual class room where

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young Christians become educated and cultured.” Rev. Chestine Smith of Mishawaka, whose subject was, “Do Numbers Count” showed that the real success of the League is not in numbers but in quality of work accomplished. He is one of the great factors in promoting church interests. The Decatur M. E. choir very beautifully sang an anthem. -‘What Comes First, the League or the World?” was discussed by R. J. Wade in such a manner as to convince Christians that the world is one thing and the League another, and that to be a consistent Leaguer is to be a Christian, “Ye Cannot Save God and the World: Shall Our Master be Jesus or Satan ?" Rev. E. F. Naftzger upon the -‘lnfluence of the League,” demonstrated that our influence is either for good or bad, and the coming church will not be what it should be unless the proper influences are brought upon the voting so as to build a character that will stand the test. The solo without accompaniment by Mrs. C. H. Brown was one of the sweetest musical treats of the conference, and when she had finished there was scarcely a <>yo in the great audience. Rev. G. H. Myers, “Does the League help to make our Young People Happy ?” If the League is true to its purpose it does create happiness. He treated the subject largely upon the social feature. Rev. R. L. Seamans told them something of what the is doing “away down east. Rev. Perry E. Powell discussed the subject, “The League and Our Heathen Brother.” Rev. E. J. Johnson on -How to Make a League Grow,” suggested that the Bible be more largely used in League and Sunday School work. Rev. W. E. Gross who is a jolly, enthusiastic preacher who has charge of the book department, said n annual conference is an eye opener, a heart warmer and a soul stirrer. The superanuated ministers have a warm place in his heart, and the profits of the book concern, which is no small thing, is devoted to the support of these faithful old workers for the Master. The next International League Convention is to be held at Indianapolis the 20-2.3 of next July and Dr. Poor urged a full attendance from this conference. Services at the opera house Sunday evening were intensely interesting. The house was completely filled and scores of people turned away for want of room. Rev. Gregg preached the sermon while Mr. Small of Anderson, conducted the meeting. The Conference Quartette furnished music. An air of activity other than that whi -h pervaded the opening of former sessions was apparent yesterday morn ing. The air of expectancy and anxiety was traceable on the countenances. Thereturn home was in immediate anticipation, with the resumption of the year's work in the same field or a removal. Rev. C. \\ . Lynch of Redkey conducted the devotional services. Bishop Bowman was in the chair. Conference was opened for committee reports. Book concern report provided that all accounts be subject to rules of credit. All accounts be paid as far as possible at annual conferences. Committee for keeping journals recommended clean, neat records. Bible Sa-iety report commendation of the sa-iety for supplying Bibles. That three hundred dollars be distributal in the conferences. Committee class meeting that pastors encourage this means of grace. Appoint the first vice president of the £. L. class leader. Missionary cause ra--ommended the splendid work done and the raising of the debt. Com-

mittee on sustenation recommended that the Presiding Elders’ districts be authorized to raise SISOO for this fund. Approved with amendment. Woman’s work in the church. Commendation of all branches of woman’s work especially W. F. M. and W. H. M. S. A Deaconess board consisting of nine members be appointed. Moral and social questions. Resolutions regard-

CHRISTIAN CHURCH, DECATUR.

ing ease of Brigham Robinson, con-gressman-elect. who is an avowed polygamist, adopted and copy to be sent to congressmen having a constit uency in this conference. Resolution recommending the establishment of Preachers Homes and the appointment of a committe to the matter in hand was adopted. Revs. Harrison, Parr and Hasty were appointed as said committee. Rev. Frank Browne of the Christian Advocate was introduced and spoke a few minutes. A collection for Rev. Paschall who was superanuated atthis session was taken. Committee on Freedman’s Aid and Southern Education recommended that funds be raised to liquidate the debt under which that society is laboring. Temperance. Opposition to legalized liquor traffic, and recognition of the Indiana anti-saloon league as a society that means death to the saloon business. Resolution that the gift of Thomas F. Payne who has deeded a valuable farm during this session be given a vote of thanks and his action commended. Rev. W. H. Hickman of DePauw University was introduced and made a plea for the endowment of a chair. Bishop Bow man gave SSUO. A rising vote of thanks was given, emphasised by waiving handkerchiefs. Rev. O. A. Trabue of West Nebraska conference, was introduced. Rev. H. C. Duckett of the Presbyterian church and Rev. J. Q. Kline of the U. B. church of this city were introduced. Rev. E. E. Neal offered a resolution citing the enjoyment the male quartet had furn ished the conference and that they lie given permission to have the title. “Fourth Indiana Conference Quartet.” The resolution adopted by the Baltimore conference regarding lay representation at the general conference was not concerned in. A substitute was adopted which was adopted by a rising vote of 121 for and 4 against. In a plea for the Preachers Mutual Relief Society Rev. M. Mahin speak ing of his chances for a long life said he helped his mother celebrate her ninety-fifth birth day two weeks ago today. Moved and seconeded that the next place for the meeting of the annual conference be Elkhart, received the unannimous vote of the conference. Rev. J. M. Stewart was granted, at his own request, supernumerary relations to the conference. The following were recommended to be admitted to the conference on trial:

■! . ■ ■. <4 ■ * ■SnH' :~aX53& PENDELTON RICE. J. A. Sprague. E. H. Peters. RevArnold, Rev. Ranker. J. F. Chenewcrth and G. F. Osborn. A. L. Brandenburg discontinued at his own reCONTINUED ON PAGE TWO.

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