Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1865-12-05
Denominations Uniting.

AS one of the signs of the times we give below
extracts from leading editorial in the Richmond
Enquirer advocating the reunion of the Metho-
dist and the Episcopal denominations. The "Old
Schools" and the s'New SCHOOL, branches Of the
Presbyterian Church in the South have recently
reunited, after a long and wide separation, with
the happiest results. While we believe that de-
nominatienal divisions are Providential, and do
good-on the principle of st. Paul TO be all things
to all mea to win some, sc. Yet, in the peculiar
circumstances of the South, we now love to see
the charitable spirit obtaining ground which
draws together, in closer bonds, the Christians
of the South.
1t must be remembered that the object of Wes-
lev was not to secede from the Church Of Eng
land, not to innovate upon its doctrines, but to
infuse new life and vigor into its members and
that in his day, when the Episcopalian was slack
in his duty and slumbering at his post, the voice
of the enthusiast was necessary to rouse the
sleeper The overstrained excitement OF the
Metho dist ard the IN timely supineness of the
Episcopalan no longer exists sleep has departed
from the latter and enthusiasm moderated in the
IOIIGf. SO CiO6C1J nav NAS wv -
drawn together, especially here in Virginia, that
they are now separated on no essential points,
and by little more than the shadowy line of pre-
judce and habit 1t might be well for the follow
ers of Wesley seriously to ponder whether IN still
continuing apart from the Episcopal Church they
do not keep I'D distinction without difference
whether by joining that Church they would not
I'll 90 md dSop-
point the Vaccinations of their common enemies.
We look upon the proposed extension of the terms
of the pastorate as an important step, which must
be attended with great good. The days of timer
aney as we'll as of field preaching have passed
away, and the worship of God means something
more than sermon once week. The estab-
lshment of fixed and permanent pastorates will
be another step toward reunion, which may be
deferred year or two longer, but which will
eventually take place. In this connection the
following letter from DR.. Coke, the friend and
biographer of Wesley, tof Bishop White, dated
"Riehmond, April "a, 179l," may not be uninter-
esting:
"Right Rev. Sir: You, I believe, are conscious
that was brought up in the Church Of England,
and have been ordained Prcsbyter of that
Church For many years was prejudlced even,
I think to bigo try in favor Of it; but through o
variety of causes or incidents, to mention which
would be tedious and useless, my mind was ex-
ceedingy biased on the other side of the question
In consequence of this, | am not sure but went
farther in the separation of our Church III Amerl-
ca than Mr.. Wesley, from whom had received
nv commission, did intend. He did, indeed, SOL
EMMY invest me, as far he had right so 70 O,
with Episcopal authority, but did not intend, L
think that an entire separation should take place.
He being pressed by our friends on this side OF
the water for ministers to administer the Sacra-
ment to them there being very few of the clergy
of England then in these States) went farther,
am sure, than he would have gone If he had fore
seen some events which followed. And this am
certain of, thdt he is sorry for the separation.
ssBut what can be done for q reunion, which L
much wish for and to acco mplish which l have
no doubt Mr.. Wesley would use his influence to
the utmost? The affections of very considera-
BILE number Of the preachers, and most OF the
people, is very strong towards him, notwithstand-
inr the excessive il-usage he received from few.
NV interest also is not SMALL and both his and
mine would readily and to the utmost be used 70
accomplish that Ito us very desirable object, if
readiness were shown by the Bishops OF The
Protestant Episcopal Church to reunite."
Much more evidence of desire for reunion ex-
listing with Wesley and his followers during life,
may be found in Bishop Whites memoirs of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States
of America.