1HE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sia,—Not for many years past have Wesleyan Methodists approached so thankfully and hopefully as this year their annual conference, which, next Wednesday, will assemble in Bristol. The President will be the Rev. T. Ferrier Hulme, MA., Chairman of the Bristol and Bath District, and, there- fore, affectionately acclaimed "a Bristol man." He will preside over a conference singularly buoyant and resolved. It will report a considerable increase in the membership of the Church, achieved in all parts of the country.
Bristol loomed large in Wesley's life-work. George
Whitefield, already on the ground, invited him thither, addressing his letter to "the Rev. Mr. John Wesley, at Mr. John Bray's, a brazier, in Little Britain, in Aldersgate Street, London." The invitation excited in Wesley great misgivings. "I was not at all forward" to go to Bristol. For one thing, he was afraid he might not live long under the tremendous strain which, already, less than a year after his heart had been "strangely warmed," his ardent evangelistic labours involved. As a matter of fact, he outlived his fears fifty-two years. Again, his brother Charles was "extremely averse" to the journey until, "appealing to the oracles of God," he
was assured that all would be well. He must not " mourn or weep" if "the desire of thine eyes" should be taken away "with a stroke." It is curious to reflect that eventually the " lot " was resorted to for the determining sign. Here are Wesley's words :—
" Our other brethren, however, continuing the dispute without any probability of their coming to one conclusion, we at length agreed to decide it by lot."
The conference at Bristol will be the 180th of the conferences originated by Wesley. The denominational agenda is alive with interest and importance. The Committee on Methodist Union will present an interim report. Neither those " for " or " against " the tentative scheme in circulation betray any weakening of conviction ; so that the end is not yet. Happily, however, all the time, unity of spirit spreads and grows. The war-disturbed balance of ministerial supply and demand seems to be correcting itself. The number of men to be ordained this year is fewer, probably, than within living memory, but the number of candidates for the ministry—a period of seven years normally divides the two classes—is gratifying if not, indeed, adequate. The question of extended terms of ministerial residence, that is, periods beyond the legal three years, comes up again now that the war " indem- nity " in that matter automatically ceases. A ministry that itinerates, without prejudice, at fixed intervals is an advantage which experience almost universally approves. Is the con- stitutional term of three years long enough, under modern conditions ? No easy solution of the situation is in sight.
The Archbishop of Canterbury will address the conference on the Lambeth Appeal. An enthusiastic welcome, warm with admiration and affection, awaits him. What will be his Impression of the chief court of the people called Methodists ? One thing I predict, his Grace will be thrilled when the conference sings.—I am, Sir, &c., J. EDWARD HARLOW. Wesley Manse, Margate, July 6th.
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