Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1866-04-13

hmore delegation had arrived Their names
were then catfsd By the Secretary. and they
were introduced to the Conference BY Bishop
Paine, who congratulated them and the Con
ference on their appearance as members Of the
body.
Dr.. Dogge,t, Of Virginia, made IA few re-
marks in reference to the late action OF the
Baltimore Conference in adhcring' to the
Church South, in the midst Of the difficulties
of their position.
Rev. Noryal Wilson, On behalf IF the Bal
timore delegations, stated that more credit per
hans had been awarded them for their action
than they deserved They had only redeemed
solemn pledges made to their people years ago.
They came into the Southern Church firmly
believing that it mole fully embodied all the
elements of genuine Wesleyan Methodlsm than
any other Methodist Church on this continent.
DR.. Deems, Of North Carolina, expressed his
profound gratitude to God that alter all the
trials through which the Church had passed,
it was his privilege to behold this scene. .a
DIR. Doegett presented the following resolu-
ton, which was adopted by rising vote
Resolved, That We approve thc'actlon OF blsh-
CD Early in admitting the Baltimore Conference
and that we cordially receive and recognize the
delegation elect from thatCoEference asmembers
of this body. .,.. .#,. .s..... t...... .....
The Kentucky delegation also appeared and
took their seats.
DR.. T. B.. Sargent, late Of the East Balti
more Conference, was introduced to the Con
ference. He said he had come home to stay
home until he should go home. God had
strangely set him free. He had been like
Abraham, always journeylng with his face TO-
wards the South. He rcjoiced to have reached
there at last. - .l...| 't<.. q.
Rev. John Poisa Of the Baltimore Confer
ence, was also introduced, and gave brief ac-
count Of his life as minister, and the provl-
Dental movements by which he was led to take
his place in the Southern Church.
DR.. Sargent and MIR. Polsal were then cor
daily invited by the Conference to occupy seats
within the bar OF the house.
Ia connection with the foregoing proceedings
occurred the following
Rev. Dr. McFerrin presented the following
communication from Bishop Soule, which was
read by the Secretary, and ordered to be filed
with the Conference papers.
TO the Bishops and members of the General
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church
South, to assemble the first Wednesday in
April, 1866:
"
cial request Of the venerable Bishop Soule, our
Superintendent, I visited him on the 18th Of
February last. He had been deeply afflicted
for few days and thought in all probability
| it was his last sickness. had visited him often
during the year. and always found him the
| same gentle meck-spirited chrstian-a man Of
| great faith and full of hope and charity hut
| this was perhaps the most interesting interview
| I had ever had with this dearly beloved Minis
ter of the Lord Jesus Christ. Though I WAS at
| the time feeble, going from sick room to visit
the Bishop, felt truly refreshed in spirit, and
| left greatly encouraged as Christian and Christ
ian Minister. 49, ~. -..."
| He pres cntcd to me copy Of the ''lettcrs' Of
the Rev VIM. Beauchamp, with ''pretace,'
written by the Bishop himselfinIl SIS, He said !:
II request you to take this book to the General
| Conference, and request the preface to be read
to the mem 9ers composing that body. as indica-
| ting my views on the general itinerant system
| of our church. l had hoped but Il is
hope against hope to be able to visit the APP
preaching General Confer ence; but that hope
| is now gone Ny late atIlictions admonish me
that it will be impossible to meet that body:
had greatly desired to be present at the session,
| which will be one Of vast Importance to the
Church, but have no expectation Of being
there" He then added with his peculiar en-
phasis: THE Church must preserve her grand
| itinerant system inviolate, or we will be shorn
| Of our strength We will lose our power As 4
| Church."
He then remarked that he had noticed in the
| papers that great many changes were propo-
sed: that in ali these we should move with eau
! ton and circumspcction.
on tho MULTIPLICATION Of Bishops he said -
| mot Bishop for every Conference. he I'D
suggest u sufficient number to supervise the
work thoroughly; but steady eye must be
kept on the General IMMIGRANT Supcrintendency:
! thi, must not be married.
Name of the Church.-He was not very par.
ticular to the title, but the name that would
please him most would be wesleyan Episcopal
Methodist Church. ''Wo are" he added.
! truly Wesleyan"
! Clsss-meetings and love-feasts he thought
could not bcimprovcd BY Legislation.
! Lay Representation He had no fears Of the
| ia:ty; he WAS willing to trust them But there
were difficulties attending its introduction
| The wisest and best laymcn should be in our
councils; but how are they to be compensated
| and their expenses must be paid. And then
! they should be so limited as not to interfere III
our pastoral and itinerant work. These apper,,
tain TO the ministry, and should not be controlled
| by local men.
! The Extension of Pastoral Tenure.-Hcrc he
seemed 10 hesitate for q moment. and then said
! nothing should be done to interfere with our
! efficient itnerancy.
| These remarks / noted at the timc with the
understanding that the Bishops views were to be
! communicated to the General Conference: /
accordingly submit these notes, with the little
! V0IuUe, WDlCN ne ueSlTcQ sllOulu lo ~
! your venerable body. j. B. MCFERREN.
| February Is, 1866.
| Mr.. JEFFERSON DAVIS. President S
late proclamation seems to have been general
y interpreted as restoring the privilege OF the
writ of habeas corpus to the States lately Sin
insurrectioD This fact has again directed
| the public attention to Mr. Davis On Tues
day, Mr. Boutwell,, of Massachusetts, offered q
series of resolutions, instructing the Commit
tee on the Judiciary to inquire whether any
legislation is necessary to bring him and MIR.
Clay to trial upon the charge Of completely
with the assassns of Mr.. Lincoln; and also
upon the charge of treason. Against this
movement of the Radicals, obviously designed
to bring about the trial OF Mr.. Davis before a
Military Commission, Mr.. Raymond protested,
by offering resolutions requesting the President
| to take stems for the sDeeAy trial Of Mr. Davis.