The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-09-08
Pastoral Letter frem the South
eFn Bishops. o4ae
The Changed Relations Of
Things---Duties Of the
Church to the
Freedmen.
The Question of Reunion with
the Church North.
The Majority Of Northern Metho-
dists Incurably Radical.

dists Incurably Radical.
Political Preaching Deprecated.
To the Preachers 0s,3 Nehsbers Of tie Methodist
EpiscepaI Church South;
BELOVED BRzrHREN-Through the provi-
denoe of God. we have been permitted to
hold our annual meeting. Having re-
viewed the condition of the church, In the
light of the best information We have been
able to obtain from its varied fields, and
arranged the plan, herewith set forth, OF
eniscopal visitation of the annual confer
ences at their approaching sessions, we do
NOT feel that our responsibilities as chief
pastors, would be discharged without CIV
ing you our views as to the bearing of
passing events upon the church, and our
advice as to the duties growing out of the
peculiar times in which our lots have been
cast
The close of the war reveals much des-
titution and material suffering within those
States where the larger portion of our
membership is situated. Let us hope that
returning peace will bring other and COW
eoed blessings in its train-civil and social
order, quiet and remunerative industry
and plenty to our land; and that our
churches having rest may be edited, and
walking in the fear of the Lord and in the
comfort of the Holy Ghost may be multi
piled. To these ends you need not be
reminded that it is not less your duty as
Christians, than as loyal citizens, to con-
tribute by all the means in your power.
The cultivation of the graces Of the Spirit
will directly and nightly help forward
the best interests of our country, now sore
and broken and PROSTATE in its resources.
Especially would we counsel mutual for
bearance and Cancellation in those sections
where brethren have differed on the great
issue, which has finally been decided by
arms, and conscientiously held opposing
opinions and courses, throughout the
contest. Let all bitterness and wrath and
anger and clamor and evil speakings be
put away from you, with all malice. Be
kind one to another; and let pastors and
people set themselves, in the temper of
our Master, to healing the divisions and
heart burning and alterations that may
unhappily have arisen during the calami-
tous years through which We have just
passed. The end of the war ought to be
the end OF all strife; for it would be un-
reasonable and reproachful in Us as Chris
tsns to perpetuate conflict which, in our
relations as citizens of one common cOun-
try, has been settled. Seek peace and
pursue it. Build again the waste places
of Zion. And forget not to pray for all
that are in authority, that we may lead a
quiet and peaceabe life in all goodness
and honesty; for this is good and accept.
able in the sight of God Our Saviour.
The condition of these conferences and
portions of territory which have been the
principal theatre of armies and battles,
will render the support of the ministry, at
least for the present, difficult. They are
threatened with great calamity, not
famine for bread, nor thirst for water, but
of hearing of the words of the Lord"
Never were the counsels and consultations
OF our holy religion and the ordinances of
Gods house, more needed by you and
your families and your neighbors. We
beseech yOu, brethren, let no labor or sac
rince hinder you from preaching and hear
ing the gospel. To accomplish this result,
your selt-denials must be mutual and
cheerful. The work of saving the souls of
dying men, and of extending the Redeem
er's kingdom, must 60 forward. Onr
youth must he instructed, Sabbaths hal
lowed and our sanctuaries kept open.
When and wherever necessary, we com
mend TO the preachers the example OF the
Apostle OF the Gentles in ministering to
the Corinthians, working with his own
hands" And to the members the exam
ole OF the churches OF Macedonia, whose
s:deep poverty" in q great trial of attic
ton. "abounded unto the riches of their
liberality." Have the days OF heroic
and suffering ministry passed aways We
trust not, but hope to see it illustrated in
the opportunities the present distress af-
lords. We cannot draw in our lines. We
cannot abandon any field. But rather in
the spirit of our fathers, at once conserva-
tive and aggressive, while maintaining po-
sitions already taken, We must extend our
labors to regions beyond.
In the change from slaves to freemen,
which has providentially befallen the ne
groes of the Southern States, our obligs-
tons TO promote their spiritual welfare
has not ceased. We are still debtor to
them free, as before to then bond. On.
der the divine blessing our church has
done great work for this people. Their
moral training, and generally diffused
knowledge of the cardinal truths Of Chris
tianity, and their ecclesiastical discipline
have justly won the admiration of many
who have lately come into contact and &C
qusintance with them. Il has accom-
plished more! lit has materially contrib
uted to their subordination and ipoffensiye
behavior through the lste defenceless and
excited times, when prophecies were COZ
6deut and opportunities frequent for do
nestle instruction
and their safe though sudden pss-
sage from 8 state OF bondage to liberty.
a transition accompanied by NO violence