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Sautljcra Christian Jpbonfe.
M A CON, GEORGIA, SEPTEMBER 5,1876
FORMAL FRATERNITV.
We published last week a telegram an
nouncing the conclusions reached by the
Joint Commission touching Fraternization
between the Methodist Churches, North and
South, and below we give in full the Address
the Commissioners send forth to the minis
try and membership of their respective
Cburche9. We have no hesitation in declar
ing that we rejoice most heartily in the ap
preciable advance which the action of the
Commissioners makes toward healing the
breach, and composing the unseemly strife
which has so long existed between these
kindred Communions. It may not be ex
pected that universal satisfaction has beew
given, and that all, in either of the Churches,
-will coidially approve what has been done.
The alienation has been so complete and so
long-continued, and the prejudices and an
tagonisms growing out of the bitter stride
have acquired such robustness and intensity,
that we may not hope that the breach will
heal by first intention, or that all the angry
passions born of a Thirty-Years’ War, will
subside at the first authoritative wave of the
wand of peace. Still, we believe that—the
two Churches having submitted their pro
tracted quarrel for adjustment to chosen
men whom they respectively hold in high es
teem for intelligence and godliness, and
these Commissioners, after patient, prayer
ful, and unreserved conference having unan
imously agreed upon terms of pacification
and fraternity—an immense stride has been
made toward sweeping wholly from the eye
of Christendom the unsightly spectacle of
two great Christian bodies arrayed against
each other in bitter and uncompromising
hostility. It was alike the duty and interest
of the parties to this controversy to select for
its attempted settlement their most judicious
and deserving men, and we have no reason
to suppose that this was not done. Now,
that these elect brethren, representing every
phaze of sentiment on the pending questions,
have had their conference, reached their
conclusions, and adopted their plan of settle
ment, it is no unmanly surrender for all to
acquiesce heartily in their decisions, believ
iug that with their superior facilities for a
thorough and dispassionate canvass of the
subject in all its length and breadth, they
have done the very best possible for the glory
of God, and the good of the Churches. And
while we are not of a morbidly sanguine dis
position, we believe this will be the case—
not immediately, perhaps, but in the near
future. The waves may still roll high for a
rime after the storm is over, hut with the
cessation of the agitating winds they gradu
ally sink to rest. We commend the spirit
manifested by the Commissioners through
out their conferences, and pray that it may
permeate and leaven all ranks of both Com
We do not propose a discussion of the
paper which we present below ; but there are
one or two comments, which it may be nei
ther untimely nor improper to make. From
the stand point of Southern Methodism, the
most prominent, and hitherto insuperable
obstacle to authorized and cordial fraternity
has been the disputed status of the Metho
dist Episcopal Church, South. In view of
all that had been said and done since 1814,
so long as there was no definite and authori
tative acknowledgement of our legitimacy,
and consequent co equality as a brarffch of
American Episcopal Methodism, both self
respect and security forbade formal traternal
relations. 15y the action of the Commission
ers this barrier has been burn ed away, and
no longer obstructs tile flow of fraternal
Deling or hinders the indulgence of fraternal
intercourse. The recognition is hearty, un
equivocal, and authoritative:
As to the status of the Methodist Episco
pal Church, and of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South, and their co ordinate rela
tion as legitimate Branches of Episcopal
Methodism, each of said Churches is a
legitimate Branch of Episcopal Methodism
in the United States, having a common ori
gin in the Methodist Eniacopal Church or
ganized in 1784; and since the organization
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South,
was consummated in 1845, by the voluntary
exercise of the right of the Southern Annual
Conferences, ministers and members, to ad
here to that Communion, it has been an
evangelical Church, reared on Scriptural
foundations, and her ministry and members,
<ith those of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, have constituted one Methodist fam
ily, though in distinct ecclesiastical Connec
tions.
In an unprofitab'e discussion as to the
correspondence of this deliverance with an
tecedent declarations, the two Churches
would doubtless employ different adjectives
to qualify the word “right.” But this is of
no consequence, in presence of the paragraph
as it stands, and which is houorableatid sat
isfactory, alike to both sides.
The principles set forth for the adjust
ment of conflicting property claims, seem to
us equitable and righteous. Their applica
tion will doubtless work hardships in indi
vidual cases, but not more so for one side
than the other ; and there will result, let us
hope, abundant compensation for these ex
ceptional burdens, in the general abatement
of contention and strife. There are other
points at which there has been friction, and
doubtless will be still, but these will more
rapidly disappear under the “peace-policy”
upon which the Churches are now to enter,
than was at all probable a short time ago.
AH formal impediments to actual fraternity
have been cleared away by the Joint Com
mission ; let us hope that the good work so
auspiciously provided for will not be de
feated by jaundiced editors, and other wri
ters of irreconcilable temper. But we have
kept our readers long enough from the
ADDRESS.
To the Bishops, the Ministers, and the Mem
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
South.
Dear Fathers axd Brethren’ : We, the
Commissioners appointed by authority of
the General Conferences, respectively, of
the above named Churches, to remove all
obstacles to formal fraternity and to adjust
all existing difficulties between them, deem
it proper, in advance of our report to the
General Conferences of our respective
Churches, to communicate to you, in gener
al terms,, the results of the recent harmoni
ous session of our Joint Commission.
Pursuant to previous appointment, we
convened at Cape May, X. J., on the 16th
day of August, 1876, and were favored by
the attendance of all the members of both
Boards of Commissioners.
After a written communication from the
Commissioners ot the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South, was received and answered
by the Commissioners of the Methodist Epis
copal Church, both Boards met iu joint ses
sion, the labors of which were continued
during seven days.
We have had a full and free conference
and interchange of views respecting the im
portant matters that claimed our united con
sideration.
If any in the Churches entertained the fear,
previous to our meeting, that we could not
attain complete harmony of sentiment touch
ing the momentous questions to be determin
ed, they will be rejoiced to learn, that after
having given due attentiou to all questions
involved in the proper construction of a plat
form ot complete fraternity between the two
great Branches of Episcopal Methodism in
the United States, we have arrived a* the
settlement of every matter affecting, as we
suppose, the principles of a lasting and cor
dial adjustment.
We have the satisfaction to declare that
our aspirations for harmony of views on vital
points have been realized. By Divine guid
ance, as we trust, we have been able, after
a frank interchange of views, and prayeiful
endeavor, to harmonize all differences, and
to arrive at the desired consummation of a
unanimous agreement of complete fraternity.
We bel'eve that no principle of honor, on
either side, has been invaded. We struck
the key-note of brotherly love till it sounded
high and clear, and so have been enabled to
reach the elements of perfect harmony. No
divergence of sentiment mars the complete
unanimity of the Joint Commission touching
the essential principles of fraternization.
At the beginning of our consultations one
great question seemed to overshadow ail
others. It concerns the relation of the two
Churches to each other arid to Episcopal
Me’bodism. To this important matter our
most earnest thought and prayerful delibera
tion were first directed, and the result at
tained occasioned the interchange of rejoic
ing congratulations between the members of
the Joint Commission.
We adopted, without a dissentient voice
the following
DECLARATION AND BASIS OF FRATERNITY :
As to the status of the Methodist Episco
pal Church, and of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South, and their co-ordinate rela
tion as legitimate Branches of Episcopal
Methodism, each of said Churcheß is a legi
tirnate Branch of Episcopal Methodism in
the United States, having a common origin
in the Methodist Episcopal Church organized
in 1784; and since the organization of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was
consummated in 1845. by the voluntary ex
ercise of the right of the Southern Annual
Conferences, ministers and members, to ad
here to that Communion, it has been an
evangelical Church, reared on scriptural
foundations, and her ministers and members,
with those of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, have constituted one Methodist fam
ily, though in distinct ecclesiastical Connec
tions.
It was next incumbent on us to consider
the questions concerning conflict'ng claims
to Church property, and some special cases
that could not conveniently be referred to
the operation of a general rule.
There were two principal questions to be
considered with regard to the Church prop
erty in dispute between local societies of the
two Churches :
First.—As to the legal ownership of said
property.
Second —As to whether it will consist with
strict equity or promote Christian harmony
or the cause of religion, to dispossess those
societies now using Church property which
was originally intended for their use and oc
cupancy, and of which they have acquired
possession, though they may have lost legal
title to it by their transfer from the one
Church to the other.
We have considered the papers in all cases
that have been brought to our notice. These
arose in the following States: Virginia,
West Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, Louis
iana, North Carolina and South Carolina.
In respect of some of these cases we have
given particular directions ; but for all other
cases the Joint Commission unanimously
adopted the following:
RULES FOR THE ADJUSTMENT OF ADVERSE
CLAIMS TO CHURCH PROPERTY.
Rule i. In cases not adjudicated by the
Joint Commission, any society of either
Church, constituted according to its Discip
line, now occupying the Church property,
shall remain iu-poseessio* thereof; provided'
that where there is now, in the same place,
a society of more members attached to the
other Church, and which has hitherto claim
ed the use of the properly, the latter shall
be entitled to possession.
Rule ii. Forasmuch as we have no power
to annul decisions respecting Church prop
erty made by the State Courts, the Joint
Commission ordain in respect thereof,
(I.) In cases in which such a decision has
been made, or in which there exists an
agreement, the same shall be carried out in
good faith.
(2.) In communities where there are two
Societies, one belonging to the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and the other to the Meth
odist Episcopal Church, South, which have
adversely claimed the Church property, it is
recommended, that, without delay, they ami
cably compose their differences irrespective
of the strict legal title, and settle the same
according to Christian principles, the equi
ties of the particular case, and, so far as
practicable, according to the principle of the
aforegoing Rule.
But if such settlement cannot be speedily
made, then the question shall he referred for
equitable decision to three Arbitrators, one
to be chosen by each claimant from their re
spective societies, and the two thus chosen
shall select a third person not connected
with either of said Churches ; and the decis
ion of any two of them shall be final.
(3.) In communities in which there is but
one society, Rule Ist shall be faithfully ob
served in the interests of peace and fra
ternity.
Rule hi. Whenever necessary to carry
the aforegoing Rules into effect, the legal
title to the Church property shall be accord
ingly transferred.
Rule iv. These Rules shall take effect
immediately.
In order to further promote the peaceful
results contemplated by this Joint Commis
sion, and to remove as far as may be all oc
casion, and especially to forestall all further
occasion, for hostility between the two
Churches, we recommend to members of
both as a wise rule of settlement where prop
erty is in contest, and one or both are weak,
that they compose their differences by unit
ing in the same Communion ; and in all cas
es, that the ministers and members recog
nize each other, in all relations of fraternity,
and as possessed of ecclesiastical rights and
privileges of equal dignity and validity. They
should each receive from the other, minis
ters and members in good standing, with the
same alacrity and credit, as if coming from
their own Church, and, without interference
with each other’s institutions or missions,
they should nevertheless co-operate in all
Christian enterprises.
It is not to be supposed in respect of some
matters of mere opinion, that all ministers
and members in either Church will be in ac
cord ; but we trust and believe that a spirit
of fellowship and mutual regard will pervade
the reconciled ranks of the entire ministry
and membership of both Churches. We be
lieve, also, that their supreme allegiance to
the cause of the Great Master, will triumph
over all variation of personal sentiments,and
will so exalt the claims of brotherly affection,
that from this auspicious hour, anew epoch
in Methodism will begin its brighter history,
so that we shall know no unfraternal Meth
odism in the United States, or even in the
wide world. To all we commend the wise
counsels given in 1820, to missionaries and
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and of the Wesleyan Connection in the Can
adas by Bishop McKendree and the Wes
leyan Committee —namely: Feel that you
are one with your brethren, embarked in the
same great cause and eminently of the same
religious family, and if any warm spirits rise
up and trouble you, remember that you are
to act on the principles now sanctioned and
SOUTHERN CHR BT IAN ADVOCATE.
avowed by the two Connections, and not
upon local prejudices.
We cannot restrain the expression of oar
united congratulations, to both of the great
Churches, whose commissions we have exe
cuted in uniting between them the broken
cords of affectionate and brotherly fratern
ization. Henceforth they may hail each
other as from the auxiliary ranks of one
great army. The only differences they will
foster will be those friendly rivalries that
spring from earnest endeavors to further
to the utmost the triumphs of the Gospel of
Peace. Whatever progress is made by the
one Church, or by the other, will occasion
general joy. They will rejoice in each oth
er’s success as a common good; and, amid
the thousand glorious memories of Method
ism, they will go forward devoted to their
one work of spreading scriptural holiness
over these lands.
Two by two the Apostles began the pro
mulgation of Christianity in the world. They
were companion evangelists, distinct in their
several individuality, but they were, at the
sane time, one in spirit, purpose and fellow
ship. Their itinerant successors in the chief
Churches of American Methodism, in res
tored fraternity will vie with each other, to
wave the banner of the cross in this Western
World, and henceforth will proclaim that
these Churches are one in spirit, one in
purpose, one in fellowship.
Astronomers tell us of dual-stars, revolv
ing together in mutual relation and harmony,
whose differing colors are so much the com
plement of each other as to produce a pure
while light of exceeding brilliancy. The
dual Churches of American Meihodisrn will
henceforth revolve in mutual fellow-hip and
harmony, so much the complement of one
another, as together to produce the pure
and blended light, of Christian charity and
fraternal love. These fraternized Church
es have no further occasion for sectional dis
putes or acrimonious differences. They
may henceforth remember their common
origin, pursue their fruit-bearing work, and
rejoice in their own and each other’s suc
cess, while engaged in the same great mis
sion of converting the world to Christ.
Distinctive features of profession and pol
ity are bound up with the name of Episcopal
Methodism. That form of Christian pro
pagandism and ecclesiastical economy has
peculiar elements of power and qualities of
attraction, that commend its efficiency in
proclaiming a pure Gospel to the world. Its
cardinal doctrines of free salvation by faith,
and of the witness of the Spirit, its scriptural
articles of Christian belief, its primitive sys
tem of Church government, its sententious
demaud of those who would join its societies,
its itinerant plan of preaching the Gospel,
its Wesleyan simplicity and orthodoxy, its
urgency of the practice of a holy life, its lib
eral and systematic benevolence, its support
of educational institutions, i's promotion of
Sabbath school instruction, its vigilant care
for the deserving poor, its provision for su
perannuated ministers, their widows and
children, its world-wide missionary enter
prise, and its general activity in the dissem
iuation of Gospel truth, are one and the
same in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
Far away in dark portions of the earth to
which their missionaries have penetrated, a
Divine light is breaking on the long night
of paganism. For the elevation of humanity,
it is more than the wand of an enchanter.
There, as well as here, Methodist doctrines
and usages wear their own peculiar and
heaven-blessed distinctiveness, and seem to
presage the dawn of that era of gladness
when the claims of universal brotherhood
will commingle with the full glory of the
Millennium. Episcopal Methodism was
never
appeared to feel more the quickening im
pulse of its glorious destiny than it does at
the present day.
It is eminently fit, therefore, that in its
native home and wide-extended realm in
these United States, whence its spirit and
power go forth like swelling anthems of
gladness, to bless mankind, it should bear
along the blended sweetness of fraternal har
mony. Then will its cadences roll down the
ages enriched with the true spirit of the Gos
pel ; for the wisdom that is from above is
first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy
to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality and without hypocrisy:
and the fruit of righteousness is sown in
peace of them that make peace.
The flowing streams of Gospel truth, is
suing from the depths of their sacred foun
tains in the Holy Scriptures, as they are
borne to thirsty thousands through the in
strumentality of a called and qualified min
istry, and mnde effectual to salvation, by the
mighty working of Divine power, will in
crease their assuaging freshness, when all
the itinerant ranks of Episcopal Methodism
shall move together in fraternal concord.
Then, as chosen vessels of grace, may they
bear the living water of salvation to all the
world. Contemplating the prospect of com
plete fraternity among them, we are led to
look back to those inspiring scenes of prim
itive times, when the company of the disci
ples were of one heart and mind, steadfast in
the Apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, hav
ing all things common, continuing daily in
the temple, praising God, and having favor
with all the people.
In completing the work to which we were
assigned by the highest judicatories of the
two great Branches ot Episcopal Methodism
in the United States, we pour forth our
united prayer for these kindred Churches in
the language which inspiration has prepared
for us, and say:—May the Lord of peace
himself give you peace always, by all means.
Now unto Him that is able to keep us
from falling, and to present us faultless be
fore the presence of his glory with exceeding
joy ; to the only wise God, our Saviour, be
glory and majesty, dominion and power,
both now and ever, Amen.
In the bonds of the Gospel of Peace,
Your Brethren and Servants,
M. D'C. Crawford. Edward H Myers.
Enoch L. Fancher. Robt. K. Hargrove.
Erasmus Q. Fuller. Thomas M. Finney.
Clinton B. Fisk. David Ci.opion.
John P. Newman. Robert B. Vance.
Com. of the M. E. Com. of the M. E.
Church. | Church, South.
Cape May N. J., August 23 d, 1876.
Randolph Macon College. —Dr. Duncan,
writing to the Richmond Christian Advocate,
says: “A letter from Dr. Blackwell, declin
ing the Presidency of the College because
the state of his health seems not to permit
his acceptance of that office, renders it nec
essary for me to address you a few words.
The Board of Trustees have elected admira
ble officers to fill the vacant chairs, and in
due time will doubtless find one equally
suitable for President. In the meanwhile I
shall continue to discharge the duties of my
office, at least till next Conference in No
vember. The session will open, and all the
classes, in my own, as well as in all other
departments, will be organized and instruct
ed as usual. Our new building will be com
pleted very soon, and the accommodations
of the College will be greatly improved. Let
me urge upon all the old students of the last
session, who have not finished their colle
giate course, to return next session, and
bring as many new Btudents with them as du
ring vacation they can persuade to come.
The high standard of scholarship, and the
great ability of the corps of instruction, will
be a sufficient pledge to all who desire a
thorough collegiate education, that they can
secure it at Randolph Macon,”
A MAMMOTH SUNDAY-SCHOOL.
In a recent letter from Philadelphia, we I
mentioned “ Wanamaker’s Sunday school,”
and intimated the purpose to give some far
ther information concerning it: and notwith
standing a correspondent has since written
interestingly on this subject, we may revert
to it again without wearisomeness to our
readers.
The Bethany Sunday-school—with the reg
ularly organized Presbyterian Church which
has sprung from it—is very largely the crea
tion of one man ; and its marvellous
ity and success are mainly due to the enthu
siam and zeal inspired by his personal super
vision and labors. This devoted and singu
larly successful “Sunday-school man,” is
Mr. John Wanamaker, the most extensive
Clothing merchant in America, if not in the
world. Mr. Wanamaker is the publisher
of the Sunday school Times; and though
that journal devotes a reasonable portion of'
its space to advertisements, and is one of the
very best advertising mediums in the coun
try, and though Mr. W. fully appreciates and"
avails himself of the advantages of adverti
sing, so scrupulous is h about seeming in
any way to make his Sunday-school zeal tri
butary to his pecuniary interests, that you
will search the Times in vaiu for any men
tion of his vast business.
The Sunday school, which was originally a
purely missionary work, is located in what
was, at the time of its inauguration, a most
dissolute and depraved neighborhood. But
the healthful influence of the School, and
o'.her reformatory agencies set. in motion by.
Mr. Wanamaker and his coadjutors, have
wrought a complete revolution throughoW
the entire vicinity, and changed its whole
social and moral aspect. The exterior of
the Sunday-school building is by no means
prepossessing, but its internal arrangements
are by far the most complete, and best adap
ted to Sunday school purposes of any we
have ever seen. It is a spacious stone struc
ture of irregular shape, capable of searing a
vast crowd. The “class forms” are curvilin-'
ear benches, the teacher occupying a chair
in the open space of the semi- circle, fronting 1
the pupils. There is an ample platform,
upon which is the organ, and a desk for the
Superintendent, and from the bar of this the
“forms” rise by regular gradations to the
opposite end of the building. From the cen
tre, a neat fountain sends up jets of water,'
which purify and cool the atmosphere. By
an elaborate arrangement of glazed parti
tions, this entire portion of the building can*
be made a single audience-chamber during
the opening and closing exercises of the
school, and then converted into a number of,
sound proof apartments, during the time foi*
recitation and instruction. The tiny chairs
and low benches in the Infant Class apart”
meat, indicate the considerate
for the comfort of riie wee lambs of the fold.
Extensive galleries provide large accommo
dations for visitors, but they are not adequate
for the multitudes that seek admission from
Sabbath to Sabbath ; at least such was the
case on the two Sabbaths that I visited the
School. There are Reception Rooms, for
the convenience of teacheis and pupils, for
depositing hats, cloaks, umbrellas, etc., when
entering the school; a Depository well sup-,
plied with Bibles and Testaments, which ars(
sold to members of the School at prime co3jjj
Lecture Rooms, for religious services oi
various kinds throughout the week nights;
rooms for Sewing Circles, and Social gath
erings ; and a large hall, used sometimes
for gymnastic exerciseH, and when
as a dining hall. All these rooms, except
the last mentioned, are neatly carpeted,
and furnished. In the basement of the
building is a kitchen, provided with a range,
ar and all other conveniences for a complete
department. l Attached to
“ dumb waiter” for elevating the dishes to
the floor above. Upon enquiring of the
courteous janitor who conducted us through
the building, the design of all these
ments, he explained that almost weekiy,
and often several times a week, some of the
classes have reunions, embracing a supper,
or refreshments of some sort; and that with
these facilities furnished them, they are en
abled to have their entertainments at greatly
reduced expense, and ut.der the conscious
influence of the School. The beneficial re
sults of thus providing for social enjoyments,
which otherwise would be sought in ques
tionable places, are incalculable; and at
the same time it has been found to contribute
considerably toward swelling the member
ship of the school. We were informed—
whether corr- ctly or not, we cannot say —
that this building was erected at a cost of
$50,000, and that the amount was furnished
by Mr. Wanamaker himself.
It was our misfortune, on both occasions
that we visited this model School of about.
2,600 memberf, to be too late (or observing
the methods pursued in conducting the ex
ercises, so that we can give no account of
them. On each occasion, it was near the
close when we entered, and Mr. Wanamaker
was making an address, based upon the les
son for the day. He is comparatively a
young man, of prepossessing appearance,
talks sensibly, but with a drawling, sing song
utterance and intonation, that to a stranger
are anything but pleasant. It is plain to
see, however, that his whole heart is in his
great work, and that he is the main-spring of
this vast establishment. After the session,
of the School is closed, and the pupils are
dismissed by classes at a tap of the Superin
tendant’s bell during the singing of a hymn,
“ twenty minutes by th i watch” are devoted
to prayer, and speech- naking, in the inter
est of this particular school, and the cause
in general.
We have g.ven a very meager idea of this
devoted man, and the glorious work he is
accomplishing, but we have written as much
perhaps, as will be read with patience in this
hot weather, and we close this imperfect
sketch by saying to our readers, that
any of them have occasion to spend a Sun
day in Philadelphia, they cannot'employ the
afternoon more pleasantly or with greater
profit, than at the mammoth Sunday-school,
on 22d Street, near the corner of South.
Yellow Fever.— This dreadful scourge
has made its appeal auce in Savannah, and
the population, during t l e past v eek, has
been leaving by thousands. The repoits are
so conflicting that nothing is certain beyond
the fact that the fever is prevalent, and that
there have been, by the lowest statement, ten
or twelve deaths. Most devoutly do we pray
that our sister city may be spared such a vis
itation as has scourged it in forn er years.
We invoke on the part of our people earnest
prayers for the safety of our ministees there,
and their families; and that the Lord would
graciously avert the threatened calamity from
the entire community.
Our Monthlies. —Such is the pressure
upon our columns that we are compelled to
omit our usual notice of the interesting mag
azines that come to our table. We hope to,
be able to publish lists of the contents of
their next monthly issues. We also have
several books on hand, which publishers
have kindly sent us, but it has been impossi
ble for us to read them, and hence the delay
in noticing them. We hope to catch up be
fore a great while, and then to do justice to
all parties.
Thomasville, Ga.—Rev. J. 0. A. Cook
says in a note, August 28: “We have just
closed a good meeting. The Church greatly
revived, and twenty-six added to the mem
bership.”
STRANGE BLUNDERING.
We have been astounded and then amused
at the misconception of the Cape May nego
tiations, by many secular papers North and
South. The way was prepared for this gross
blundering by the intelligent Agent of the
Associated Press, who sent flashing along
the wires all over the land the unauthorized
and unfounded statement that the Commis
sioners have “agreed on a basis of union.”
Considering the superficial investigarion usu
ally accorded to ecclesiastical matters, it is
*ftot strange that notwithstanding the plain
text of the address, the glaring error should
gain currency, and that the reckless news
mongers should spread it with the startling
head line, The Methodist Churches Re
united. The question of union was not, and
is never likely to be, a subject of negotiation
between these two Churches. While they
have a glorious history in common, and are
-substantially agreed in their scheme of doc
trines, and mainly in their polity, they en
tertaiu views on some constitutional ques
tions so radically different as absolutely to
forbid their consolidation. In their separate
it is possible for them to main
tain their respective views and still live in
peace and fraternity ; united under one eccle
siastical government, perpetual str fe, end
ing in another violent rupture, would be the
inevitable result. Fraternity and union are
I wholly distinct; these two Churches may
i now fraternize, it is not probable they can
; ever unite.
To Correspondents. —We have several
on hand, which are delayed tor
■want of room, but which we hope to pub'
Plish before long.
i We beg our brethren and friends who have
| sent us obituary notices, to believe that we
j are publishing them as promptly as po-sibie,
: and without the least parliali y as to the or
j der in which they appear. There is a fear
i ful accumulation of these notices in the
j office, and the delay in publishing them is
I absolutely unavoidable. We repeat, for the
: satisfaction of all who grow restless in wait
ling for the appearance of notices of this
kind that they have forwarded, that each
obituary notice is endorsed with the date upon
which it is received, and that they pass into
i the printer’s hands in the precise order of
| their reception. Owing to the number and
I length of the notices sent for some time
back, we h ive fallen grievously behind, not
withstanding an extra column of space has
been accorded to this department. If breth
j ren could conceive of our embarrassment
and tribulation in conducting this depart-
I ment of the paper, they would not “ fuss at
I us,” we feel sure. But our difficuliies at
this point transcend their ability tocouceive,
j so we try to endure their complaints meekly
' and with patience.
SOME NORTHERN METHODIST EDI
TORS.
It is hard for a Northern man to under
stand us of the South, and, we sadly fear
sometimes, harder still for him to feel true
brotherliness for us in his soul. Much of
Northern love for us looks very like “ love
of enemies,” But it is harder still for an av
erage Northern Editor to “reflect” South
( erners justly in his paper. But it seems
[hardest of all for the Northern religious pa-
Cpers to be fair and just. Here we wish to
say, for nearly all of them : we believe they
wish and intend to be both. But it is a hard
task. In the first place, they are a long ways
off and know very little about us. Again,
they are perpetually victimized by “report
ers” in the South, who have a great stake in
making a case against us. For instance :
we happen to know that a most estimable
Editor of an old and leading Northern Meth
odist paper received letter after letter de-
Mjhrriftg that the, recent Hamburg inassaerfc,
deplored and denounced by all good men
everywhere, was but a poorly managed affair,
designed as part of a plot to terrorize the
negroes in South Carolina and to carry Gen.
Hampton into the Governor’s chair by force
I and fraud ? And how it was iterated and re
iterated till our learned and, as we firmly be
lieve, truly Christian friend, the Editor afore
said, was much inclined to believe and ac
cept this theory of the shameful affair ! The
*men who wrote the bitter and wicked libel
the whole white population of South Car
olina, have a political interest to serve. If
they can only get the Northern Republicans,
the Northern Christian public, and the Gov
ernment, to accept their theory, why it gives
them a better chance. We will entertain our
friend, the aforesaid Editor, to the best of
our ability all next winter, if he will come
down here and study the race question with
his own eyes. Of three things we complain,
and rightly. First, our Northern Methodist
Editors are not as careful as they should be
f in receiving the assertions of men so far away
fas are some of their reporters of Southern
outrages; secondly, the Northern people do
not take sufficient pains to inform themselves
about the reality, the “bottom facts,” in the
South. There is this notable difference: the
Northern people, as a class, read no South
ern newspapers—Southern people do read
the papers of the North. Our Northern
friends may say they like their own better.
Granted, but they should not set themselves
up in judgment upon people whose affairs
they do not understand. Thirdly, they pub
lish ex parte statements and too often refuse
to publish in our favor even so much as the
condemnation of outrages that our papers do
express. Some of them not only won’t copy,
bat hurl anathemas at us for “sinful silence.”
And when their attention is called to what
they should have seen without help, they—
that is some of them—if they go so far as to
admit that some of our papers have denounc
ed the Hamburg massacre, put in a “dead
fly” by railing at what they call “tardy ut
terances!” It is one goqd quality in most
| Southern Editors, that they wait to know
Lthe facts before they approve or denounce,
fit is a little old fogyish, but it seems to be
‘ the better way.
■ In relation to this deplorable Hamburg
\ affair, several of the leading papers of the
■ M. E. Church, have done our Church press
[ the justice to let Northern Methodists see
I that we do not approve any sort of outrage
[ upon our colored fellow-citizens. But we
[ cannot say as much for them all. We yet
[ wait to see if some of them will not do us
| “ tardy justice.” One of them commands
our gratitude. The New York Methodist has
taken special pains to vindicate our Church
press from the cruelly unjust charge of sinful
silence in the Hamburg matter. We trust
that this recognition of Dr. Wheeler’s jus
tice to the Southern press will not lead Dr.
Fuller to suspect him of sympathizing with
the rebellion.
For our part we really wish to see true
Christian fraternity established between the
two great Methodist Churches in the United
States. But, really, if we are as bad as some
of them say we are, what can they want with
us? How can they fraternize with us?
.What can they do with us, unless they put
us in the penitentiary ? And what can we
want with them if they judge us without evi
dence, condemn us without law, denounce
us without distinction, refuse us opportunity
to say we also denounce outrages aud crimes ?
If what they say is true; if what they say is
false, what can we do for or with each other ?
We cannot believe that these Editors tell
conscious falsehoods. We do believe that
those whose editorials have led to this article
are good and honest Christians. And, there
fore, we hope to do them good when we say,
plainly but affectionately: Brethren, you are
! too suspicious; too quick on trigger—you go
off half cocked ; you are too willing to be
lieve hard things of us; you do not publish
news fairly; you are too susceptible to re
ports of conspiracies and treason; you do
not give us a fair chance to be heard in de
fence ; you are too apt to slap us in the
mouth if we speak up and deny that we are
all bad men ; you do not love us enough.
You may retort, “Nor do you Southerners
love us enough.” True, censors, brethren,
but we are trying hard to love you all: we are
making some progress ; we are “growing”
in this “ grace ;” we wish to “go on” to the
“ perfection” of genuine Christian—and, if
you please—Methodist fraternity. But, pray,
don’t give us such fearful kicks ; don’t call us
such frightlul names. It is easy to abuse
us ; but abuse is not strong writing. Nor is
it useful. H.
Oxford.
Corrcsponkitte.
SUNDAYS FROM HOME.
On the second Sunday in August, and the
week previous, I attended the Jonesboro
District Conference, Rev. George Stewart
presiding. It was held at Johnson City,
seven miles from Jonesboro, on the railroad.
The Conference was very well attended by
the delegates and preachers. There was a
greater number of local preachers present
than usually attend such gatherings in our
country. The office is rather a nondescript
in onr Church government. They come
neither under the head of preachers nor of
laymey. In some senses they are the one.
and in other cases they are the other. It is
a source of perplexity to many. When the
General Conference in 1870 was called upon
to define their status, they declined so to do
because they didn't know how. At every
returning District Conference the question
comes up, and in every case no satisfactory
conclusions are reached. There is one point
that might be smoothed at least. The pro
vision in the discipline for the election of
delegates to the Annual Conference, un
doubtedly discriminates against local preach
ers. It says four are to be elected, one of
whom may be a local preacher—no neces
sity of electing one, however. Yet, by the
verbiage, it absolutely prohibits the election
of more than one. But this is a discussion
of a question foreign to my purpose.
The District Conference is the same every
where us to its work. The object of the
General Conference was to leave it unhar
nessed, and to be governed at the will of the
presiding officer as to its mode of business.
Brothe'- Stewart showed himself equal to
the emergency. The procedure to elicit in
formation was the common method adopted
among us at home, but he shut himself off,
by committing the various subjects to com
mittees. This method has its objections,
and serious ones, in my estimation. The
most important objection was exemplified at
this Conference. It was the reading of the
reports of the committees just at the close
of the session, when everybody was anxious
to adjourn. There was an admirable report
on Finances and Church property. It was
listened to by the members with seeming in
difference, and was adopted without a mo
ment’s consideration —eliciting no discussion
—and then consigned to the hands of the
secretary, never to see the light again. N>t
a man, perhaps, in the Conference had given
the subject a moment’s thought, save the
chairman of the committee. That was the
end of it. And so it is with half the reports
of committees of deliberative bodies. It is
so to a great extent in our Annual Confer
ences. The better plan is to have the dis
cussion over at once, when the subject is
brought up, especially in these District Con
ferences; as nothing fchey do is fcindirg—
their entire action being recommendatory.
This Conference, however, was a success,
as all the interests of the Church were look
ed into, to the extent that allotted time
would allow. The same deficiences that are
so apparent and so alarming at home, I
found existing here. Personal piety is not
so distinct as in other days. Family reli
gion is waning woefully— not one-third of
our heads of families keeping up the family
altar. In consequence of this, inconsisten
cies mar the Christian profession—home in
fluence lost, and children bringing many
grey heads in sorrow to the grave. This I
found true here, as well as in Georgia. Ear
nest exhortations were given, and many for
mal resolves made.
Another characteristic of a Methedist
preacher was observable. Some men —good
men too, and men that preach well, seem
never to know anything about their work.
You ask them a simple question about the
interest upon their circuit or station, and
they preface the answer with a miserable
“ perhaps,” or “ about.” They know noth
ing definitely. This is simply inexcusable.
A man that has sense enough to preach,
surely has sense enough to become acquaint
ed with the business connected with his
work. But it seems that some men will
never learn.
Among the visitors introduced to the
Conference were two Northern Methodist
preachers. They were received kindly, and
invited to seats within the bar, which they
accepted, and remained interested specta
tors during the entire session. Practical
fraternity already exists between the two
bodies in this country. Strange that it
should, after such fierce con'roversies have
taken place between them. But so it
is. They opeu their doors to entertain our
Conferences, and the fearful wrangles that
have separated them seem to be among the
things that were. A few of the older ones
retain their prejudices, and refuse to com
mune with the members of the other
Churches.
At this Conference I met with Dr. E. E.
Wiley, President of Emory and Henry Col
lege. This institution belongs to the Holston
Conference, and is one of the most flourish
ing colleges in our connection. Its patron
age extends from Maryland to Texas, and
the past year has been one of success. I
know of no other school —if our people of
Georgia will persist in sending their sons out
of the State to educate them —than Emory
and Henry, where so complete an education
can be obtained for so small an outlay. It
is located in the mountains of Virginia, on
the railroad, just eight miles from Abing
don. The location is high and healthy—the
coarse of instruction thorough, and discipline
firm.
I had also the pleasure here of meeting
your excellent friend, Dr. Warren DuPre,
President of Martha Washington Female
College, located at Abingdon, Va. Although
anew President, he convinced the brethren
of the Conference that he was uo stranger
to the duties devolving upon him. He made
a very effective speech to the Conference on
education ; and on Sabbath afternoon a most
excellent and instructive one to the Sunday
school children. He won the hearts of
both preachers and people during his stay
among them. The institution over which
he is called to preside has a very flattering
prospect for its opening in September. It is
a good school, and worthy of extensive pat
ronage.
Your confrere of the Holstou Methodist,
Rev. R. N. Price, was also on hand, and de
monstrated the fact that he not only knows
how to get up a good paper, but can do many
other things as well. He preached us two
instructive and effective sermons, and gave
a Sunday-school talk, aud got quite a num
ber of subscribers to his jpaper. He is an
industrious worker, and is held in high es
teem by his brethren.
Dr. Wiley preached a fine sermon on Sun
day morning in our Church it is said. I was
as unfortunate as another man I know of,
and was sent to the Presbyteri in Church
that morning, and I didn’t wear a high silk
hat either.
The preaching that I heard was good, but
lacked the fervor and pathos that used to
characterize the preaching in this country
years ago. It was certainly more intellect
ual, but not more effective in moving hearts.
The Sunday exercises were full ot interest,
and a very profitable day to me. It will not
soon be forgotten.
Last Sunday, August 20, was a quiet day
in the village, with the usual Sunday ser
vices, conducted by the writer.
In my last article you make the types call
my good brother D. W. Carter, D. W. Cos
ter —a mistake more in the fault of the writer
doubtless than the printer.
S. S. Sweet.
QUARTERLY CONFERENCES.
Dear Brother Kennedy: The third ses
sion of the Quarterly Conference for Dub
lin Circuit, and Laurens Mission, was held
at Darsey’s Church, on Saturday, August
6. The Presiding Elder, brother Sentell,
preached on Saturday and Sunday, and
brother Williams on Saturday night. Both
preached with power and demonstration of
the Spirit, and I hope did much good. The
meeting was very interesting ; but as the ob
ject of this communication is not to give an
account of the meeting at Darsey's, I will
say nothing more in Regard thereto.
While on my return from this meeting
and reflecting on the services I enjoyed so
much —and so many of the official members
seem to underrate the Quarterly Meetings—
l conceived the idea of writing this article.
I esteem it a great privilege to be permitted
to attend these meetings and could not do
without them. The Quarterly Conference
proper, the preaching, the love feast, the
prayer-meeting—all have a hallowing influ
ence, and tend to build up and strengthen
the inner man. My faith is increased, my
mind enlightened on the doctrines and
usages of the Church aud as to my duties,
and I am encouraged to go forward in the
discharge of all my Christian obligations by
the influence of the Quarterly Meetings.
The duties of the members of the Quarterly
Conference are very peculiar and trying to
their faith, and hence they should seek all
the information and encouragement within
their reach. Brother steward, is it a great
trial for you to ask your neighbors for quar
terage for your pastor ? and are you at a
loss to know how to discharge this important
duty ? If so, attend every session of the
Quarterly Conference, and the trial will be
greatly lessened and your mind enlighten
ed. Brother superintendent, are you per
plexed and tempted to give up the Sunday
school because the brethren are careless and
indifferent and will not give you their assist
ance ? Then be faithful and do not neglect
any of your duties. I have been a member
of the Quarterly Conference for several
years, serving the Church in different posi
tions, and if I have displayed any efficiency
as an official member, I owe it mostly to the
influences of the Quarterly Conference. It
is almost impossible to do only a part of
your duty well. If you wish to succeed in
one office, try to excel in all. Resolve to
be faithful in all things, and never hesitate
when you see your duty. W.
Dublin, Ga.
EDGEFIELD CIRCUIT, SOUTH CARO
LINA CONFERENCE.
Mr. Editor: This circuit is situated on
and north of the C. C, &A. Railroad. It is
courporfed of ftmr- churches, has a pleasaitt
and well furnished parsonage, a membership
of three hundred and sixty, and offers a fine
field for work to the earnest, live preachers
of our conference. The people generally
live well, and see to it that their preachers
have a comfortable living. The country is
under considerable excitement just now, and
great hopes are entertained that the dark
night of disaster and gloom overhanging us
so long is to give way to a bright and happy
day, when white men shall again rule our
fortunes, and its norma! condition be restor
ed to our once happy land.
How refreshing to know that in these times
of excitement and peril, the power of the
Gospel is felt and acknowledged, andßinners
are convicted of sin and converted to God.
Two weekß ago I wrote you concerning the
delightful meeting at Harmony church. Since
then we have had two others, both successful
—if we may indicate success by large congre
gations for five or six days, many mourners at
the altar earnestly pleading for salvation,
some who were backslidden reclaimed, and
some of the brightest conversions I ever wit
nessed. The first of these meetings was
held at McKendree church, where we had the
help of brother J. C. Counts, and where we
gathered into the fold of Christ seven pre
cious souls. The same number connected
themselves with Spann’s church, where bro.
J. A. Clifton gave us help for one day. Both
these brethren have endeared themselves to
my people by their labors during these meet
ings and at previous seasons of grace, and
will always find a warm welcome in Old
Edgi field.
One conversion at Spann’s church affected
me as deeply as any I ever saw. It was a
poor woman, far gone with consumption,
too weak almost to attend the sanctuary,
but tremblingly approaching the altar for
prayer, and whispering to her pastor, amid
sobs and tears, “ I haven’t long to live—the
doctors say I can’t live twelve months; I am
not ready to die: pray (or me.” OI that
pallid face, and that pleading cry, and that
hacking cough, in that circle of mourners.
Can I ever forget it ? Never! Nor will I
soon forget the joy that shone on her happy
face wften I closed the meeting on Wednes
day to go to the District Conference at Bates
burg, and she bade me good-bye with these
words, “ I am happy now —God bless you
for your prayers.” Oh, precious Gospel of
Jesus! the antidote for all our sorrows, the
solace for all our woes, it is rest to the weary,
medicine to the sick, and life to the dying.
It suits all classes and conditions of human
life, offers an experience of abiding joy to
all, and a promise of a coming inheritance,
incorruptible, undefiied, and that fadeth not
away. Geo. F. Round.
Edgefield, S. C., August 17, 1876.
Blairsvii.i.e Mission, North Georgia Con
ference. — The Rev. T. J. Edwards writes
August sth: “At the Dohlonega District
Conference, the committee recommend
ed that two new missions be formed within
the bounds of the district, one of which to
be known as the Hiwassee Mission. During
this year I have been giving all the time I
had to spare from my work to this neglected
portion of the mountain country, known as
Towns county. We have had no preacher
here since the war. We have now three or
ganized churches in the county,and territory
yet unoccupied. On the fifth Sunday in
July and Saturday before, I commenced a
two days’ meeting at a place called Many
forks, and the Lord graciously revived bis
Church and people, and the shouts of new
born souls were heard in the wilderness.
The membership of the Church increased.
The meeting continued seven days and
nights. Bro. J. H. Sensabaugh, of the
Holston Conference was my yoke fellow in
the meeting. We are in the heat of the bat
tle and the work goes on.”
VOLUME XXXIX., NO. 36.
is it so :
A cry for the revival of the spiritual pow
er of Methodis'm is heard in every quarter.
It is acknowledged to be the greatest need
of our Church. How shall it be answered ?
What hindrances oppose the diffusion of the
Spirit’s power?
Will someone give a plain, but well con
sidered reply to this question : Have not
financial or temporal interests been allowed
to encroach upon ihe spiritual work of Meth
odism ? No meeting is now without its col
lections for colleges, missions, or like pur
poses. Of course such interests must be
attended to, but would it not be better to
devote some other time than that appointed
for revivals ? Offerings must be made, but
might not persuasions to this duty and priv
ilege draw heart and mind from the plea for
reconcileatiin to Christ? W.
August 22, 1876.
NORTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE.
The last session of this body resolved to
meet this year in Sparta. This greatly de
lighted the Church here. They have long
wanted the Conference to convene at this
place. It will afford them real pleasure to
entertain the brethren. It will require, how
ever, our best endeavors to do so. Our town
is small, and the number who can accommo
date members is quite limited. We will
have no spare room for mere visitors. Our
hearts are willing to take them, but our
dwellings too few and small <o do juslice to
all at the same time. Several families are
already embarrassed, because kin-folks and
dear friends have annoancf-d their coming at
that time. If our Visiting friends cannot be
prevailed on to postpone their purpose to see
us then, some other place will have to take
care of the Conference. Wait, friends, till
the Conference is provided for, and then we
will let you know if we can take you too.
Sparta, Aug. 16. G. H. Pattillo.
CROSS PRAIRIE MISSION, FLORIDA
CONFERENCE.
Part of the territory of this mission was
cut off from Orange circuit at our la a t Con
ference and brother .John 11. Sansbery, a
local preacher, was appointed to serve it.
Toe Bishop requested me to visit the work
arid assist brother Sansbery in organizing and
carrying it on —a request with which I have
complied as far as possible.
Ou Sa’urday before the fifth Sunday in
July, we commenced a protracted meeting
at Shingle Creek—a place at which a revival
of religion had never been known. There
had been preaching there for several years,
and quite a number bad joined the Church,
but only a few were converted. For two
months previous to the meeting, we prayed
that the Lord would visit his people, and
make bare his arm in the conviction and
conversion of sinners. We were not disap
pointed. The meeting progressed for two
days and two nights with but little apparent
interest; but, on the third day, the Chris
tians were powerfully revived, and many
them shouted praises to God in the highest.
Though anew thing to some, it seemed to
have a magical effect upon all. Several came
forward for prayers. The first person con
verted was a man near seventy years old.
His youngest daughter was also converted,
and they joined the Church together. Avery
large and prominent family, several of them
members of the Church, had had a family
difficulty, and they were not enjoying the
meeting. The Christians, through the grace
of God, were enabled to bring about a re
conciliation, and at the close of one morn
ing’s services the father and children met in
the altar, shook hands, and embraced each
other. It was a most affecting scene, and
seemed to give anew impetus to the meet
ing, which continued for nine days. Many
hard hearted ones who had never bowed be-
fore, came forward for prayers, and prom
ised never to cease seeking until they found
the Saviour. Several were happily convert
ed ; many who had never been fully satisfied
with regard to their acceptance with God,
found assurance ; and five joined the Church.
Thus closed one of the most powerful meet
ings ever known in this county.
This mission embraces part of Orange and
Brevard counties, a stretch of country of
about seventy-five miles in length and thirty
or forty in breadth. In places it is very
thickly populated, and, as a general thing,
by a people who are not able to pay much
towards the support of the Gospel. Brother
Sansbery is the only Methodist preacher. He
has no horse and has to walk to all his ap
pointments, except as he can borrow one.
The Conference is only able to pay him forty
odd dollars missionary money, and the mis
sion will, perhaps, pay fifty. The people are
anxious for preaching, and willing to do all
they can to support a preacher. They are
almost destitute of preaching, as can be seen
from the above statement, and have been so
during the past. Will not something be done
for this part of our beloved Florida?
O. W. Ransom.
Orlando, Orange co., Ha.
OGLETHORPE CIRCUIT, SOUTH GEOR
GIA CONFERENCE.
Mr. Editor: To the friends of our com.
mon Zion, and especially to those who feel
a personal interest in the religious welfare
of Oglethorpe, it will no doubt be interesting
to hear that the Lord is doing a great work
for this people. Our meeting, protracted
now sixteen days, has most powerfully re
vived the Church in all its membership.
Few times in my ministry have I ever seen a
Church so stirred up to a proper apprecia
tion of obligation and duty to work for God
in the salvation of souls ; and promptly and
with one heart and mind coming up to the
“help of the Lord,” the Lord has done a
great work for them and the community.
Up to this time 23 have joined. It was an
interesting sight yesterday; Sabbath) evening
to see the people in wagons, buggies, and car
riages, pouring in to witness the beautiful
ceremony of induction into the Church of
this large class of new members. And in
that class might be seen some of the most
prominent citizens of Macon county. Broth
er Potter, a most indefatigable worker,
called off to conduct other revivals at other
points in the circuit was with us only a few
days, in the beginning of our meeting Rev.
H. R. Felder and Rev. J. L. Gibson, M.D.,
two most glorious workers, have contributed
largely to the results of the meeting. The
meeting is still protracted. To God be all
the glory. Amen! S H. J. Sistkunk.
Oglethorpe, Ga., August 21, 1876.
Greenville, S. C. —The Rev. I. J. New
berry writes August 10th: “I have just
closed a very interesting meeting at Asbury
Chapel, which commenced on Friday, August
the 4th, and continued five days. God was
with us in prayer. Souls were converted,
and the Church greatly revived. Some of
the brethren tell me that the Church has
never enjoyed such a gracious outpouring of
the Spirit. I think the future is bright for
Asbury Chapel. We had six accessions to
the Church.
Eatonton, North Georgia Conference.
Rev. R. W. Bighatn adds to a private note
of August 15 : “An intense, pervading revi
val of religion, now in this place. To date,
twenty-one have joined the Church. The
young men hard at work iu it; the Church
alive to God; brother Andrews aglow with
the power of grace.”
Atlanta, Ga.— Rev. W. C. Dunlap writes
August 21st: “ We are having a glorious re
vival at Evans chapel. Have entered our
second week. We are workiug and believing
for hundreds of conversions. Pray for us.”