Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1845-10-18
From the Missouri Statesman.
MISSOURI ANNUAL CONFERENCE

inst, Bishop SoULE, presiding. Notwith-
standing there seemed TO be but little, if
any doubt, as it regarded the position
which the Conference would assume, touch
ing the great question of Separation, the
deeply exciting character of that topic |
brought together large number of Minis
ters, and other citizens from this and other
counties. For that question was one of
profound interest TO every citizen of the
common wealth;-as well to members of all
Protestant churches as to those who were
not. Hence the deliberations of the Con-
ference, touching the all.absorbing topic
Of the occasion, were attended by large
audience.
The debate was protracted one. These
who participated in the discussion, and de-
MED the propriety of adhering to the
Church South. were the following Reverend
gentlemen: JAMES M. JAMESON, WILSON S.
McMURRY, NATHANIEL WEsTERMAN and
THos. w. CHANDLER. The gist of the ar
gument on this side of the question, to our
understanding, was, that they counseled
not the propriety of the Missouri Confer
ence, going either North or South-that
they, individually, did not purpose doing
either, but intended remaining in the Meth
odit Episcopal Church-that they denied,
in toto, the assumed necessity for separa-
ton, never having yet seen evidence sutti
Gent 10 convince them that the objects and
purposes of the Christian Ministry and
church organization, could not be peacea
bly,, fully and satisfactorily accomplished
without such eparation-that they denied
the identity of the Southern Organization
with the M. Episcopal Church and deemed
the former secession, &c.
To these positions and arguments reply
was made by the following Ministers: AN.
DREW MONROE, Tmos. AsHBY. WIN. PAT
TON, WESLEY BROWNING, Jos. BOYLE, and
JESSE GREEN.
Rev. Mr.. BoYLE's argument, particularly,
was most eloquent, able, and, 10 our mind,
conclusive.
The following preamble and resolutions,
Chiefly however the Sd resolution,) having
been introduced by the Rev. WIN. PATTON
and seconded by Rev. A. MONROE formed
the basis of the discusson-fxing, as they
did, the position of the Conference: &
WHEREAS, The continued agitation OF the
subject OF slavery and abolition in The Metho
dist Episcopal Church, for many years, and
the excitement produced by such agitation,
more especially in the late General Confer.
ence, in the case of Bishop Andrew, &C..
leading to virtual suspension Of said Bishop
from his Episcopal office without charge or
form Of trial, and thereby adopting principle,
and setting precedent, which, if carried out,
must necessarily unchurch hundreds Of the
best Ministers, ard thousands OF the very best
members Of the church, in the conferences in
the slaveholdng States: and whereas, the dele
gates from the annual conferences in those
States, did most sincerely and solemnly pro
test against such extra judicial measures, and
did as solemnly and sincerely believe, that
such course was calculated TO produce a
state OF things in the Southern and South
western conferences, in the slave holding
States as would render it necessary, in order to
the success Of the christian ministry in those
conferences, that they should dissolve their
!, connection with the jurisdiction OF the General
Conference OF the Methodist Episcopal Church,
as then constituted: And whereas, the late
General Conference did upon this declaration,
make provision for such jurisdictiona separa
ton, If the "annual conferences in the slave
holding States should find it necessary to sep
arate." And whereas, the said annual con-
ferences did, first, in their separate capacity,
and, secondly, in their united general conven
tiona capacity, in the city OF Louisville, KY,
in May last, by their delegates. acting under
instructions from their conferences respectively,
determine that the above separation was
strictly necessary, and consequently, did, &C
+ cordng 10 the power vested in them collec
lively declare the jurisdiction Of the General
Conference OF the Methodist E Episcopal Church,
in fact and form, dissolved. and did organ ize a
separate and distinct ecclesiastical connec.
ton" or general conference jurisdiction, on
the basis OF the doctrine. discipline, govern
ment and usage OF the M. E. Church in the
United States, to be known by the name and
style Of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
South And whereas, the entire bench OF
Bishops have decided that the general confer
ence plan OF separation, is 10 all intents and
purposes binding, so far as their administration
is concerned-Norlh or Southland whereas
said General Conference plan Of separation,
allows conferences, as well as societies and
stations, bordering on the line Of division, by
vote Of its members, to determine to which
Of the divisions, North or South as the case
may be, they will adhere And whereas, the
Missouri Annual Conference Of the M. E,
Church is border conference, according TO
said plan Of separation, and consequently,
subject to the above rule; Therefore, in view,
Of all the facts and circumstances in the case:
l. ReSolred, BY the Mo. Annual Conference
OF the M. E. Church, that in conforming to the
General Conference plan Of separation, it is
right and proper that this conference decide by
vote OF majorty OF its members, to which con.
necton OF the Methodist E. Church it will ad.
here, and that we now proceed 10 make such
decision.