American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-04-03

trues the declaration may be in regard TO other
annual conferences, it is not true in respect to
the Baltimore Annual Conference, and that
our conference could not properly withdraw
from the NJ. E. Church under the "Plan of
Separation" Nor do we know of any other
justiiable cause for changing the ecclesiastical
| relation which the conference and the people
under its care have so long and SO advanta-
geousy maintained.
Secondly. Some of the memorialists ask,
that if the Baltimore Conference should not
change its ecclesiastical relation, it will divide
itself into two conferences, erecting a new con-
ference, to include all that portion of the State
ofVirgina which lies within the present bounds
of the conference, and as much Of Maryland
now within these bounds as may so desire.
1t would be a sufficient answer to this request
TO say, that an annual conference has no autho-
rity or power, under the Discipline of the M.
E. Church, to divide itself. 1t can only recon-
mend such measure to the General Confer
ence, and that body may act in accordance with
such recommendation, or may decline the pro-
! posal. Our memorazing brethren will there
fore see that they have asked what the confer
ence cannot grant To do so would be revo-
lutionary, and wholly inconsistent with its du-
! ties and ecclesiastical obligations. 1t would
be a violent disruption, neither sanctioned by
the Discipline of the Church, nor by the "Plan
of Separation, :" and for both the memorialists
profess the utmost regard.
But it is due to the brethren of the member
ship every where in our conference explicitly
to mako known, that as the proposed division
Of the conference is expressly stated to be made
with the view of erecting a new conference,
which will be expected to dissolve its connec-
ton with the NJ. E. Church, and attach itself
to the NJ. E. Church, South, this conference
has no disposition to favor the object proposed.
/ AS body, we are as firmly as ever fixed in
/ our attachment to the Church of which we are
ministers, and believe the membership under
our care are generally as strong in their adhe-
sion to the Church of their choice as the men,
bers of this conference are. In this opinion we
are confirmed by numerous memorials from our
brethren of Virginia themselves. We could
not therefore divide our conference for the pur-
pose intended, even if we were constitutionally
authorized to do So
Finally. Some of the memorialists ask, that
/ if the conference should determine to maintain
its connection with the Nj. E. Church, and de-
cline to divide itself into two conferences, it
will withdraw its jurisdiction from the memo-
rializng circuits, that they may unite with the
NJ. E. Church, South.
We apprehend that this request, like those
already referred to, rests upon mistaken views
ofthe duties and obligations of the conference.
The memoraists evidently understand the
"Pan OF Separation" as justify ing their re-
quest; yet the authority to choose their Church
relations is not given to circuits by the "Plan
| This privilege is confined to societies, stations,
and conferences on the border, and the border
is immutably fixed.
1t was to be the northern boundary of the
conferences adherlng to the Church, South
Societies and stations on this border, thus de-
fined, adhering to either one or the other
Church by vote OF a majority, are authorized
to transfer themselves. But it is expressly pro-
vided that this rule shall apply only TO socie-
ties stations, and conferences bordering on the
line of division, and not to interior charges,
which shall in all cases be left to the care OF
that Church within whose territory they are
situated 1t must DO evident therefore, that
the societies on a circuit, except those which
are situated OH the border, are ''nterior char
ces," and, according to the "Plan," must be
left to the care of that Church within whose
territory they are situated. Thus the bound
airy being a fixed, and not Il movable one, eX
pressly determined by the conferences which
have united in the contemplated distinct eccic-
sastical connection authorized by the "Plan of
Separation, :" and the choice of Church rela-
ton being confined to conferences, societies and
, stations, excluding from such election presld-
>. ing elder districts and circuits, the Baltimore
Animal Conference cannot withdraw its lurs-
diction or its ministry from any circuit or pre-
siding elder district situated within its terrific
!; ry. First, because the bishops OF the Church,
/, South, could not, in accordance with the "Plan
|, of Separation, - send preachers to such circuits
and presiding elder DISTRICTS and secondly, be-
cause to deny the preaching of the Gospel, AMI
, the pastoral care of the ministry, TO those in
such circuits and districts who desire to remain
f in fellowship with the Nj. E. Church, would be
cruel and unjust. And the members of the
Baltimore Annual Conference could not an
swer to God and to their own consciences tor
such violation of their sacred obligations as
oyerscers of the Church of God.
And now, dearly beloved brethren, may we
not ask, why should we iorsake any portion of
the hocks of Christ committed to our care? or
why should any portion of our hocks torsake
} US? We have neither changed nor violated
any part of the Discipline or usages Of the
} Church, as they were found when our present
relation of pastors and flocks commenced. And
we are rejoced to learn by the memorials be-
fore US, that there is no complaint against the
: preachers of the conference who have from
time to time labored among the memorialists
in respect either to their ministry or their adj
Q minisration of discipline. On the contrary,
: they are spoken of in terms, which, if they
= have deserved the commentator bestowed, are
: a itch reward for all their labors and CARE
: Why then should we part? The conference
:, has learned, indeed, that the dissatisfaction
: which some express with their present Church
o relation is not on account of evils which exist,
!, but the apprehension of evils to come. They
: have been made to believe that the M. Il.
9 Church will be forced (now that many Of the
a Southern Conferences have left herr Into such
o an alteration other Discipline as to make nom
: saveholdiDg, whatever the circumstance of the
o case may be, condition of Church fellowship.