Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1845-05-09
MR.. CLAY AND THE UNION.

A large Convention Of The preachers Of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, from the slave holding state OF the
Union, are in session at Louisville, Ky, for the ayowed
purpose OF effecting a division OF the gcver nmcnt 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 queries:-
Will the division Of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
into two separate organizations. (slayery being tho cause
OF the division, and the dividing line) be likely to affect the
civil connection between the slave and the non-slave hold.
ing statesl
"If so, will it ~'uengihen or weaken the bonds Of their
unionl' .
Mr.. Polk did not answer the letter. but, Mr.. CLAW b,.
in the following characteristic manner Phil. Ing.
ASHLAND, April T., IsI5.
Dear Sir-Onr mutual friend, Mr.. Mitchell of Frank
fort, delivered to me the day before yesterday, your letter,
with several publications under your name, in regard TO
The unfortunate controversy which has arisen in tho Me-
ihodist Episcopal Church Of the United States, all of which
/ have auenuvely perused. You desire an expression of
my opinion on certain inquiries communicat ed in your let.
Ter.
&" have long entertained for that church sentiments of
profound esteem and regard, and have the happiness Of
Numbering among its members, some Of the best friends |
have in the world. j will add. with great truth, that / have
witnessed with much satisfaction, the hourishing condition
OF the church, and the good sense and wisdom which have
generally characterized the administration Of lis Affairs, as
far as i have observed II.
1t was therefore with tho deepest regret that I heard, in
the course OF the past year, of tho dsnser Of q division OF
ihe church, in consequence Of a difference Of opinion e.
isung on the delicate and ~unhsppy subject Of slavery. A
division. for sueha cause. would DO an oyen' greatly to be
deplored, both on account Of the church itself and IL, no.
lucsl tendency. Indeed, scarcely any public Occurrences
has happened for a long time, that gave me so much real
concern and pain as the menaeed separation Of the church,
by a line, throwing all the free States On one side. and all
the slsye States on the other.
will not say that such 4 separation would necessarily
produce q dissolution of the political Union Of lleae States;
but the example would be ffsuRht with imminent danger,
and, in CO operation with other causes unfortunately en-
isuDg. its tendency on the stability Ut the confedeucy would
be penlous and alarming.
Entertaining these yiewS. IL would afford me the highest
saiisisction to bear Of an adjustment Of the controversy, n
reconciliation between the opposing parties IN the church,
and the preservation Of IL, unity.
limit myself 10 the political aspect Of the subject, with.
DOT expressing any opinion on either Of the plans Of com.
promise and settlement which have been published. which
! could not do without exposing myself 70 improper impu.
iaIOns.
with ferVeni hopes and wishes that some arrangement
d tho difficulty msy be devised and sgreed upon, which
shall preserve the church In union and harmony,
am respectfully, your obedient servant,
u. CLAY"