The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-12-25

earlier convention composed exclusively of laymen
was deemed by many necessity, for two great
reasons: first the secession of several charges pre-
vious to the SJaunton Convention seemed inevta-
BILE, which however could be checked by this mme-
date action; secondly, it was deemed proper that
the voice of the laity should be heard in a memo
rial to the Annual Conference as the supreme au-
thority. Accordingly two important charges called
primary convention of aymen, said convention
not superceding the convention of March. This
call met with an extended and somewhat surprising
response Over 100 delegated representatives from
the Baltimore Conference convened while the East
Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Western Virginia
Conferences also sent delegates This body was
composed of gentlemen of character, influence and
PRELIMINARY of them known throughout the I'm
ion. The labors of the convention eliminated in
the preparation and adoption of dignifed memo
rial, addressed to the Annual Conference as the
proper appellate tribunal. detailing the grievances
of the border and requesting the favorable cOnsid
Grafton of proposition TO rec the Conference from
the jurisdiction of the Northern Methodist Episco-
pal Church, as the only channel to the hearts of
our people.
In March this joint convention will assemble at
Staunton with over 400 clerical and Law delepates
| Its primary business will be the rejection
or adoption of the Baltimore memorial. Its
passage is acknowledged by all parties to be GER
tainty, although it will meet with firm resistance
from certain quarters, besides the Northern pres
sure, against which it will be called to contend.-
The session will doubtless be the most stormy, in
| teresting and important in its history. Several
| substitutes Tor the memorial Will be oHeredy en-
deavorlng to effect such compromise as VIII pre-
serve at least temporarily the connection with the
| Genral Conference without humiliating the abused
| honor and dignity of the conference. From re-
view of the opinions of all parties, three PROPOSE
tions will be presented, representing the various
shades of opinions prevalent within the bounds of
| this body.
| The first plan evidently meets the views of ma
| jOrty of the Conference. 1t is compromise be-
tween further connection with the North and i'm
mediate union with the N. E. Church South. Its
adoption is more than probable, although it may be
somewhat modified before its passage:
Proposition LIST:
(a). Reputation of the new chapter.
| (b) Immediate secession from NJ. E. Church.
| (cj independent position Discipline
| of 1856 minus the chapter on slavery.
(d). Election of a Conference President or
| Bishop.
The following proposition will be offered by those
desiring the Conference to continue its present re-
latons and who regard the new chapter as mere
| AdUice U.s. Law:
(0). Reputation.
~. An edition of the Discipline without the new
chapter.
| Cc). Presentation of a memorial to the General
| Conference, requesting the repeal Of the offensive
| enactment.
| (d). Provision for future secession with disci-
pline of 1856, and independent ecclesiastical posi-
ton if repeal is not g anted.
The third plan will be presented by those who
desire union of the Baltimore Conference with
the Nj. E. Church South. This has but few sup
pOrters and will not be pressed by its advc Gates
most of them being willing for the present to
py central position.
| Proposition 3:
| (d). Reputation.
| (b1. Secession.
lei. Union with the NJ. E. Church South, and
adoption of its discipline.
Such is the present position of Methodsm in Ms
ryland and Virginia. STELLA.