WESLEYAN METHODIST CONFERENCE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12903, 7 September 1907, Page 12

WESLEYAN METHODIST CONFERENCE.

A nlcasing ami graceful foaturo in connection with the recent Wosleyan Methodist Conference i-i Wesley s chapel, London, was tho presence of a representative deputation from tho Anglican church. In tho absence of the Bishop of London, who sent a fraternal letter, the deputation was headed by the Bishop of Stepney, who delivered a noblo and cutholic nddross on tho "Links of Union." They (the Methodists) were, said the Bishop, fel-low-workers in one- common task ; they were bound by the link of a common memory; and they were linked together «s one in Christ. The Rev. J. 8. Lidgott. M.A.. President-elect, on behalf of tho Conference, spoke felicitously in reply. On the retirement of the deputation, a Missionary Lovefeaet was held, and over £5000 promised to help in re-building churches injured by earthquakes in the West Indies. The Rev. J. fl. Lidgett, M.A., voiced the mind of the Conference on the sweating system. The following resolution, moved by him, was adopted with great heartiness: —"Recognising the intimate connection between religious and economic prectico, this Conference affirms its abhorrence of the sweeting system; expresses its strong belief that tho first charge in industrial undertakings should bo thn mnintenanc© of tho labourer in physical efficiency, and calls upon the Legislature to deal adequately with the matter." Rev. 8. Chadwick said thete was a need not merely to advise tho Legislature, but their own people might be advised not to be eager to crowd "season sales," and to purchase at sweeting prices. A very lively discussion took placeover tho proposal to set apart the Rev. Frank Ballard, M.A., B.Sc., etc., as lecturer on Christian evidences. Tho proposal was mode by the Rev. Henry Haigh, formerly of- India. Strong exception was mad© to it by tho Reve. S. Chadwick ami Dinsdale T. Young, on the ground that the work proposed to bo done by Mr Ballard was already being done by men in the evangelistic missions, end by ministers in charge of circuits. Two powerful addresses wore delivered in favour of the proposal by the Rev. Dr. Bnnks end Mr P. W. Bunting. M.A. They pointed out the necessity for action, and tho pre-eminent qualifications of the minister nominated. After a full discussion, the proposal was carried by a lnrge majority. When tho discussion arose respecting the pkc-c cf next Conference. Bradford withdrew its claim to tlio honour, and the invitation to visit the ancient city of York (for tho first time) was accepted by a practically unanimoue voto.