The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1845-05-16
MIR. CLAY AND THE UNION.

4 large Convention of the preachers oil
the Methodist Episcopal Church, from the
slave holding States Of the Union, are in
session at Louisville, Ky, for the avowed
purpose of efiectlng division Of the gov.
eminent of the churches of the South and
Southwest, from those of the North and
Northeast. in view of this Convention,
letters have been addressed to Mr.. Polk
and Mr.. Clay, putting the following que.
rles -
"Will the division of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, into Two separate organizations, slavery
being the cause of the division, and the dividing
line DO likely TO affect the civil connection be.
tween the slave and the non slave hodng states
IL so. will II strengthen or weaken the bonds
OF their union ?"
Mr.. Polk did not answer the letter, but
Mr.. Clay has, in The following character
istlc manner Phil. Ing.
ASHLAND, April !, 1915
I" Dear Sir-Our mutual friend Mr. Mitchell
Of Frankfort. delivered TO me the day before yes
day, your letter with several publications under
your name, in regard 10 the unfortunate con.
utversy which has arisen in { o Methodist Epis
copal Church of the United States, all Of which
| have attentivoly perused. You desire an ex.
preston of my opinion on certain inquiries com
municated IN your letter.
:" ] have long entertained for that church sen
,imenis of profound esteem and regard, and
have tho happiness Of numbering among it's
mcmbers some Of the best friends lave in the
world will add, with grca, truth, that have
witnessed with much satisfaction the fourishng
condition Of the church, and the good sense and
wisdom which have generally characterized the
administration of It's Affairs, as far as have OBJ.
served it.
Ii was therefore with the deepest regret that l
heard, in the course of the past year. of the dan.
ger of a division Of the church, in consequence
Of difference Of opinion existing on tho delicat,
and unhappy subject of slavery. A division, for
such cause. would be an event greatly TO be dc.
plored, both on account of the church itself and
It's political tendency. lndoed scarcely any pub.
+ lie occurrence has happened for long time that
gave mo much real concern and pain as the
menaced separation OF the church, by a line,
throwing all the free States on one side, and all
the slave States on the other.
! will not say that such separation would
necessarily produce dissolution Of the political
lnlon of these States but the example would DO
irGught with imminent danger, and, in CO opera
ton with other causes unfortunately existing, it,
tendency on the stability of the confederlcy
would be perllous and alarming.
Entertaining these views it would afford mo
the highest satisfaction 10 hear OF an adjustment
of the controversy. reconciliation between the
opposing parties in the church, and the preservl.
ton Of It's unity.
limit myself TO the political aspect of the sub.
Jet, without expressing any opinion on either Of
the plans of compromise and settlement which
have been published, which could not do with.
out exposing myself 10 improper impuiations.
With fervent hopes and wishes that some ar.
rangement Of the difficulty may be devised and
agreed upon, which shall preserve the church in
union ana harmony,
| am. respectfully, your obedicnt servant,
n CIAYh