(4) The Committee does not find that any evils have so far arisen from the lack of definite Conference rules and regulations for the conduct of the Brotherhoods. The defects brought under the notice of the Committee may in most cases be traced to initial errors in the choice of persons to take the lead and responsibility of the meetings. These errors might arise under any rules that could be devised, and can only be guarded against by wise and careful administration. Having regard to the varied conditions obtaining in different places, the spirit that on the whole animates the effort, and the provisions already existing to prevent abuses, it is unnecessary and undesirable for the Conference to frame detailed regulations, which, whilst applicable to one set of circumstances, might be unsuitable and even injurious in others. (5) To prevent, however, possible abuses, the Committee. suggests that the following considerations should be steadily kept in view: (a) The Brotherhood Meetings ought not to be regarded as separate organisations outside, and distinct from, the ordinary life of the Missions or Chapels with which they are associated, and on whose premises they are held. They should be treated as part of the great organisation whose supreme aim is to "spread scriptural holiness throughout the land," and all the arrangements for them should be in harmony with this purpose. There is already abundant proof that those Brotherhoods in which evangelical teaching is the predominant note, and redemptive service the leading feature, are not only the most useful but also the most attractive and permanent. If used for any lower purpose early decay may be confidently predicted. (b) The provisions contained in our Trust deeds, if duly observed by the Superintendent Minister and the Trustees in their several capacities, are a sufficient safeguard that the meetings and services held will be in accordance with the general rules and usage of the people called Methodists. The Committee consider these rules adequate, that subject to them it is better this movement should in other respects be unfettered, and that each place should be free to work out its own methods in accordance with the varied needs of the localities concerned. (c) The Committee is of opinion that great forbearance and conciliation may be necessary in certain cases in which there has been some lack of prevision in arrangements already made. The Committee confidently expresscs the hope that as to existing Brotherhoods there will be no undue or unnecessary exercise of authority in relation to opportunities for usefulness so peculiar and delicate as those presented by this new, and in some respects untried, movement, but that the experience already gained will be of service in preventing cvils in the establishment of future Brotherhoods. XI. Officers and Committee. 1. The thanks of the Conference are presented to the Committee for their services during the past year. 2. Mr. THOMAS ROBINSON FERENS, M.P., and Mr. HENRY HOLLOWAY, are appointed the Treasurers for the ensuing year; and the Rev. Dr. HENRY J. POPE is re-appointed Deputy Treasurer. 3. The following is the Committee: (1) The Rev. J. SCOTT LIDGETT, M.A., President of the Conference; JOIN S. SIMON, Ex-President; JOHN HORNABROOK, Secretary; the Treasurers and Secretary of the Fund; the Secretary of the Connexional Fund; the Treasurers and Secretary of the London Wesleyan Methodist Mission; the Treasurers and Secretaries of the Missionary Society. 45 John Horsfall Horrocks, David Lewis, W. Henry Thompson, Henry Northcroft, Thomas J. Thorpe, " James Nuttall, John E. Wakerley, Samuel Osborn, " Owen Watkins, " Thomas L. Pearson, Frederick L. Wiseman, B.A., Robert H. Posnett, Dinsdale T. Young, Mr. Albert W. Bain, " E. Percy Bainbridge, ,, Sidney Barker, " Walter W. Berry, "Henry Bisseker, " Alfred E. Booth, "James Botteley, John Henry Carte, Edward Pretty, E. Walton Rowe, ,, George Shrubsall, Herbert S. Squance, " William E. Walker. (3) The Chairman of each District in Great Britain, and one Layman nominated by the District Committee; vis. THE ARMY AND NAVY. Army and Navy Board of Management. The PRESIDENT and SECRETARY of the Conference; the Officers of the Home Mission Fund; the Officers of the Wesleyan Missionary Society; the Secretary of the Board; the Secretary of the Army and Navy Committee in Ireland; with the Rev. William Bridie, W. Langdon Brimmell, William H. Hart, " John H. Loxley, Ewen Harper, Harold Hartley, Charles E. Mees, B.A., Rear-Admiral John A. Lemon, R.N., Mr. T. Ivor Moore, Henry Northcroft, ,, George W. Parham, E. Walton Rowe, G. M'Arthur Scales, Colonel Sir George J. Smith, The Rev. RICHARD W. ALLEN is the Secretary. SEAMEN'S MISSION. 1. The Conference receives and adopts the Report of the Seamen's Mission, and expresses its gratification at the continued progress and expansion of the work amongst Merchant Seamen of all nationalities. 2. The Conference also rejoices at the continued success of the Queen Victoria Seamen's Rest, and in the commencement of the new work at Canning Town in the neighbourhood of the Victoria and Albert Docks, and warmly commends the Mission to the practical sympathy and support of the Methodist people. 3. Treasurers, Rev. JOHN BELL (B) and Mr. ROBERT GAMBLES; General Secretary, Rev. DAVID ROE; Lay Secretary, Mr. CHARLES J. O. SANDERS. 4. The following is the Committee for the ensuing year: Rev. JOHN BELL (B), Chairman; the Trustees of the Queen Victoria Seamen's Rest; the Officers of the Home Mission Committee; the Chairman and Secretary of the First London District; the Secretary of Common Cash; the Ministers of the Seamen's Mission; the Seamen's Mission Stewards; and the Treasurers and ten others to be elected by the Home Mission Committee. LONDON MISSION. 1. The Conference receives and adopts the Report of the Committee. 2. The Rev. ENOCH SALT is appointed and Sir ROBERT W. PERKS, Bart., M.P., is re-appointed as Treasurers of the Mission. |