This limit was retained for sixty
years, when, at the general conference
of 1888, when it was extended to five
years. We believe it would be an ad
vantage to tlie church if the time limit
were entirely removed. The change
from two to three and then to live
years has not destroyed the itineracy
:is Hie opponents of the change main
tained, nor do w think that a removal
of the limit would destroy it. In the
earlier history of this country, when
the population was scattered and mi
gratory missionary labor seemed lo be
almost the sole need, and tlte pioneer
ministers adjusted themselves to the
need with marvelous felicity, the time
limit acted as a strong arm of evange
listic power. Now that the population
is more' settled and its nidi to the
cities is so impetuous. Hie work of
building tip the church and adjusting
it to the changed social conditions is as
imperative its gathering the people
into the kingdom, and a longer term in
the great cllles is a necessity. A longer
term would be good for the minister.
It would compel increased diligent e in
reading, study and pulpit preparation.
It would enable him to lay deeper and
broader plans and build more substan
tial and ariistic superstructures. The
dead line is where a minister eases to
do new work, though ho bo but thirty
years ot age. The change would gK e
the 1 Methodist ministers the oppor
tunity that those of other denomina
tions have of fastening themselves to
the local institutions of education,
benevolence, and reform.
EVOLUTION OF THE M IGROSCOPE.
