The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1865-09-07
Aaaioril Address oC the Southern
Methosijst Bishops.


Ha"soral Address oc the Southern
HIsthotiist Bishops.
We have Tire great pleasure Of pre-
sentlng - or readers. below, the
pastoral address OF the Southern Me
tEodlst bishops, aad beg incir :1tton-
uon To 1t rs 81 most able and ll.ciu
exposition OF the feelings of the great
Dlvines OF the Mctho,list Church.
south, concerning the late war, ana
many OF the grave questions whic;,
arose out OF it. 1t is worthy the ,los.
candid pcrusal, which we have 20
doubt it Will receive:
" Me P2'eacherS tnd Mcn,'r.,s cr Aia
ENNehhodiA Episcopal Chu,1@ .>o.i,;
!. BELOVED BRETHREN: Through The
Providence OF God, we l:;lvc !.een Peg
mltted to hold our annual ne ling.
Having reviewed the condition of th,,
Church, IN the light Of the best infor
nation We have been able 10 obtain
from It's various fields, and arranged
the plan. herewith sent forth. Of
Episcopal visitation Of the annual
;<nnierences at their approaching scs-
SONS, we'do not feel that our respon-
sibLhtles, as Your c'mcf pastors, would
he dlschcrgad without giving Won or
Views rs to the bearing OF passing
event; upon the Church, and our :li-
vice as to the duties growing out of
the peculiar times in which uur lot,
have been cast.
The close Of the war reveals much
des:.ltution a,sl material suffering
within those States where the larger
PoIuon OF or membership is situated.
l""t us hope that returning peace will
brinG other and coveted blessings in
Its tral1l--:lvil and social order, quiet
and romunerative industry and plrntv
10 onr land; and that onr churches
havin2, res: may be edited, and walk
ing III TIC fear Of the Lord and in the
multiplied
10 these ends, you need not be 70
minded that II is not less Your du.v as
Christians, than as loyal citizens, to
contribute by I'll the mcals within
Your power. The cultivation of tho
:5rtces of the Spirit will directly and
mi&ht1ly help forward the best inte-
rests OF tho country. now sore and
broken and PROSTATE in its resources.
Especially woIlc we counsel mutual
f.>rbearancc and conciliation in those
sections whore brethren have differed
on the great. issue which has finally
been decided by arms, .ln,l conscien-
tlo"sly held opposing opinions and
courses throughout TIE contest. let
all bitterness, and wrath. and u:.rr-.
and c!a,nor, and evil spclt:ings Be pat
away from you, With all malice. sis,
k;nc one to another, and let pastor;
and people set themselves. in the
temper of our Master. to lrai;ne The
divisions AMI hcart-5rr.linrs ana
alterations that may muap}5iiy have
arisen daring the calamitous years
through which VIC have just passed.
The end Of the war ought to be tho
end of all strife; for it would be an
reasonable and rrpronclfuI in us rs
5 hr1stlans to perpetuatc u conflict
which, i'll or rcIatio1S a; citizens Of
one common country, has been set
tied. Seek peace and pursue it. Build
again the waste places OF Zion. And
forget not to pray for all that are in
authority, that Wa may lead Il quiet
and peaceful lifc in all godliac-s and !
honesty; for this is good and accept
able i'll the sight OF God our Saviour.
The condition of the conferences
and portions of our territory which
have been the principal theatre 0!
sl?hies and battles will render the
support of the ministry, fhr the pre-
sent at least, difficult. They are