The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-11-12

DECISION IN THE GREAT METHODIST CHURCH
CAsE.-In the United States Circuit Court, Judges
Nelson and Belts presiding, decision was yester-
day rendered in the great Methodist Church case
litigation which had its origin in abolition.sm,
and which was one of the first practical means of
alternating the Northern States fro N the Southern.
1t will be recollected that the late John c. Cal.
houn, in one Of his speeches in the Senate, laid
great stress on the division Of the great Metho-
dist Church, which, he said, was one Of the threads
which held the States together. He drew from it
an inference that it was the beginning Of dis
ruption of the Union. We shall publish the deci-
sion in full in tomorrows paper. 1t is one of the
most interesting documents that we have read in
long time.
By this decision, it appears the cour. has decided
that the Methodist Church South is entitled to its
propertionate share of the funds and property Of
the church. This was the point in dispute the
right to such division having been denied by the
Methodist Church North. The Methodist Church
South had, therefore, no alternative but to appeal
to the law for the enforcement of their rights;
and the law, through its ministers, declares their
claim to be well founded, and DEGREES, accord
ingly, that it shall be allowed. Under all the
circumstances of the case, this is a righteous
Importance when we say that it will exercise great
influence in quelling the rampant and destructive
spirit of abolition and fanatacism, which, to a
greater or less degree, pervades all our religious
organizations, and viii tend in great me asure to
res ore harmony between the Northern and South
ern States Of the confederacy. Abolitionism may
row see that it viii find no favor with the United
States Courts, and viii get no encouragement from
the judiciary. Allowed to stand or fall on it's own
merits, AID without any help assistance It's fate
is easily seen.
The people of the whole country should rejoice
at this decision, we have no doubt they will 1t
is another step toward: making the republic as it
was some years since-one harm onious whole, with
the same feeling the same sympathes, and with
the same destiny before it, 1t comes in good
season, too, for following on the heels of the com.
promise measures it will have the effect of sitting
in great measure, the remnant OF the abolition
spirit which yet aims at the North 1t is to be
hoped the suggestion of the learned judges who pro
nounced the elaborate ard admirable opinion, viii
be attended to, and that toe parties, if they cauno
reunite, viii mutually agree upon division of the
property, AMI apportion ii in a spirit Of kindness,
charity, and good feeling. We would regret to see
any necessity for enforcing the decree This uufortu
nate ana mucnto-pe regretted controversy IA; pro
ceeded too far il s and should the Court be under
the necessity Of carrying the judgment into effect,
through the officers of the law it will tend TO reopen
the bleeding wounds Of the Methodist Church, and
eave sting behind which il would take years TO
remove, lift could be ever removed Let The heads
Of the church consult together among themselves,
and adjust their difficulty without the further inter
position Of courts OF law or equity. 1t would be
great satisfaction if the church would re- unite;
but if this cannot be effected, in the name Of
charity, of the stones Of Christianity et
them part in peace, AMI remain at peace.