Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1852-1852, 1852-09-24
CONGREGATIONAL lIcthOdists.

Some weeks since we noticed that a few preach
ers and societies Of the Methodist Church South,
in Georgia, had seeded from the regular denoml-
nation, and had undertaken to set up for them
selves. So far as we have seen in our Georgia
exchanges, the seccdcrs have not abandoned or
repudated the doctrines of the Church, but only
its form of government and the itinerant system.
We make the subioined extract from the reasons
assigned bv the leaders Of this new church as a
part Of the history Of the religious movements of
the day.
sin appearing before the public, we deem it
due to ourselves, our old brethren, and the world,
to set FORTH in 4 distinct manner, some Of the
reasons that led to our separation. We were
not influenced by prejudice or ill-wl towards
one minister or member Of the NJ E. Church !;
but we love them yet as brethren, and look up
on them in TIE main as good and holy men.
q. We think that the itncrant system, as
carried out in this country has mainly lost its
efficiency, and failed to meet alike the want, and
wishes Of the Church and world. This, we think,
is what giveS to all other churches that are COLI
"rcratonal in their form OF worship greatly the
advantage Of lis. 1t also requires us to pay large
sums to have the gospel preached to the walls
and benches in our churches. We think these
evils have been augmenting every year, that the
friction of machinery is increasing, and that the
GOOD accomplished by it is not and will not be
in proportion to the sacrifices required. There
fore, we believe that the day is here when the
taLcrnaclcs should be located; circumstances
Justify 1.-THE peopl demand it.
80 We object to the government of the NJ
f. Church, because it possesses not the elements
of 4 republican form of government. 1t discards
the representative principle shuts out the people,
and confdcs to the same hands the executive,
legislative and judicial powers; and yet those
hands are not the representatives of the people
"3. We objected to said government, because
We were taxed without representation, legislated
for without constituency, and large amounts Of
money and church property are controlled by
the travelling preachers alonc and they, in this
matter. arc beyond the control of the member
ship. a government so uncongcnal with and
contrary to the spirit and genius Of our civil in
stitutions we think to be wrong in theory and
practice. No power possesses so great princi
ple ofincrease and accumulation as an ecclesias-
teal power. Its facilities for multiplication and
rcproduction are many and fearful. They should
therefore I've vigantly guarded against by all
who consider the image of God closely connect
cd with the rights of man."
The followidg are the articles from the const-
tuiion of said Church:
81. This Church shall be called Congrega-
tional Methodist Church, and all the churches III
her connection shall be congregational in their
system of worship.
SO. Christ only is the head of the Church, and
the word of God is the onl y rule Of faith and
conduct.
"3. A Christian Church is a society of believ-
ers in our Lord Jesus Christ, and is of divine in
stitution.
81. No person who loves God and obeys the
Gospel of Christ ought to be deprived of Church
membership.
IS. Every man las an inaenable right to pri-
vatc Judgment in matters of religion, and all
have an equal right to express their opinions in
anv way that will not violate the laws of God or
the rights of man.
sc. Church trials shall be conducted on Cos
pei principles only, and no minister or member
Shall be cxcommunicatcd except for immortality,
propagating unscriptural doctrine, or the neglect
of duties cnjoined by the Word of God"
II. NJ. ship Vcstol arrived at Halifax on the
l4th inst, to join Admiral Sevmours squadron