Brownlow's Knoxville Whig, and rebel ventilator. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1863-1866, 1865-08-09
TO the Preachers and Members OF the
Georgia Conference.

Dear BFetErsst: Living ID your nidst-interested
in all that concerns the peace ard welfare Of the
Church, cut on from all communication with my
colleagues, have felt it to be my duty to address
YOU briefly and respectfully in relation to matters
of grave moment and Of common interest.
IN various WAYS I have learned that some discus
sion has arisen and that some anxiety is felt in
lation to the future policy of our Church. The
question has come up-if the Methodist Church,
North proposes reunion shall We accept p
Opposed to this proposition, some have suggested
that we seek refuge from strife in the bosom of the
Episcopal Church. Now beg to say that the agi-
taton of these questions is premature and fraug hi
with evil In the first place the Northern Metho-
dists have not proposed re-union and predict viii
| not except upon terms so degrading and repusive
as to preclude even their northumberland less
their acceptance. Hound this opinion upon their
| past history-their attecedents before and during
the war, and their policy as declared, in recent
meeting by their Bishops. 7fFaf "a
AS to the other alternative it is compass sed with
| embarrassments. Many difficulties are involved
We have not been invited and it is indicate to
presume upon a welcome. Withal these are ques-
tons of etiquette and conscence-of cannons or or
dination and forms-of Itinerancy and discipline,
which no man or congregation can settle. They
! belong to Conferences and Conventions
In the present state of afairs-if either PROPOSE
ton were presented and urged, nothing but strife
Decentralization and dismemberment would fol-
low. He who Observation-Disclosures upon the posi-
bilities-the contingencies of the future and as
sumes that the logic Of events the policy of 9TH
ers will force US to choice between the alternatives
mentioned, and thus seeks to precipitate an issue
upon US, in my judgment acts unwsely, indiscreety
and those who are excited or misled by such coun-
sellers involve themselves in very unnecessary dis
quietude. No, In patience let US possess our souls
We are not children to be tossed about with every
kind Of doctrine. Nor we subject to the dicta-
| ton of others Our church relations are not de-
H. r l.,
| no restlessness-no apprehension and there ought
to be no premature excitement-no hasty decision.
The Annual Conferences will meet this Fall and
Winter; and the General Conference in April or
May next. These bodies will embody the piety and
the intelligence of the Ministry and will be thor
oughly informed of the will and wishes of the peo-
| pie. Through these organs-the Church will speak
| oficially -authoritativ In the meantime LET
every preacher do his work-make full proof of his
ministry, both among whites and blacks. Let the
membership live in peace-be devout and strive foI
the revival of the work of God.
! For one l abhor strife controversy, and pray
daily for the peace of Jerusalem. After much re-
Election, my deliberate Judgment is that our true
policy is to maintain our present organization. Here
in is unity, peace and prosperity. Proposed ANAL
gamation with every other communion, we shall
divide scatter and be lost Believe me brethren, in
giving this opinion, not taking counsel of big
otry or preudice-of sectional pride or political
| animosity-but of my convictions of what is most
conducive of peace, and most for the glory Of God
Accepting the issues of the war as the will Of
God in reference to the unity of the nation and the
government let all lead quiet and peaceable life
in ali godlness and honesty. Do not leave your 10y
atty in doubt by unmanly repinings-by querrulou:
complaint, or by refusing the terms of offered am
nesty Qualify yourselves for the duties of citizen
ship-fOr the speedy restoration Of civil govern.
ment. Let seek to repair the desolations of the
land by prompt and vigorous industry and pre-.
e I'D
works of faith and love.
At an early day there will be meeting of the
! bishops-an announcement of the time of the Con
! ference and our address to the Churches. Pardon
me if have trespassed in following my own judg
ment and the advice of sundry brethren, by send
| ing to you this brotherly epistle. May the Great
Head of the Church give US the spirit of power
and love, and sound mind. G. F. PIERCE.
Sunshine, July goth, 1865.
| Will the press please copy.