Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1867-03-13

We are truly glad to learn that the differ
! ent Methodist denominations that have
been separated for years on account Of
Slavery, are making preparations to unite
with the "Old Methodist Episcopal Church
In some parts of our country the Protes-
tant Methodist Church are beginning to
move in this direction, and are inviting our
ministers to meet them in a religious Con-
vention. There is every indication that the
Wesleyan Methodists will soon return to the
mother Church. Meetings have been held
in several places, and many of the leading
men of the Wesleyan Church, are very
anxious to re-unite with our Church. They
take the ground that their Church has ac-
is concerned, and now there ought to be a
unity among all the Methodist families
This is as it should be, and we hope that
other Methodist organizations will take due
and timely notice, and govern themselves
as the signs of the times indicates. We
would advise them to work whilst it is call
ed day, for the time will soon come when
they will not be able to do which is of the
utmost Importance to be done at as early
period as possible. We hope thousands
will read the following preamble and reso-
lutions
We the undersigned, members of the New Eng
land Conference Of the Wesleyan Methodist Con-
nection being assembled for mutual consultation
adopt the following preamble and resolutions as ex-
pressive of our feelings on the premises
Whereas The causes that led to our separate or
ganizaton may be summed up in the two following
slavery and the improper use of ecclesiastical power
and as the former is, by the Providence Of God
fully overthrown, and the latter is so modified as
to give to all their just rights ministers and men,
bers, and as the question of lay representation is in
fair way to be settled in favor of the membership
and
Whereas, Ths N. E. Church is TODAY the largest
not only in numbers but in spiritual members, is
doing more for the cause of education, for the
spread of Christian literature for the cause of mis-
sions, both home and in foreign lands; in a word,
more for the salvation Of mankind, than any other
organized body Of Christians. And
Whereas, " Union is strength" and az we make
no sacrifice Of principle Methodism being the same
in doctrine, means of grace and labor for the sal
vation of our fellow men. Therefore be it
Resotved l. That in our opinion the indications of
Divine Providence clearly point to the NJ E. Church
as our future home and field Of uEefuness where we
can do more for the advancement of the Redeem
ers cause than we now can in our isolated condi-
ton
2. That we will use our influence to have the
Wesleyan Churches in New England give up their
separate organization and connect themselves with
the NJ. E. Church.
There ought not to be schisms in the
Church, for they bring opprobium upon the
cause of God. The m ost unjust and dis
graceful division that has ever taken place
in the Church in these United States, was
IN 1874 and I845, when the slavery por-
ton of the Methodist Church seeded /
from the old Methodist Church. This un-
doubtedly was the entering wedge that LED /
to the bloody rebellion in 1861, which con-
tinued TO Law waste to our country for more
than four wears, and which came very near
proving fatal TO the unity and life of the
best Government God ever planted upon
this earth All that love God and his
Church. and all who are DESTROYS Of seeing
man elevated. and our civil and religious
liberties perpetuated to the latest genera
ton. will be anxious and willing to come TO
the terms of the Gospel. Christ prayed
that his followers might be one, that the
world might believe that he was sent from
God the Father. All denominations %
Christians that have the same '4lseiPilhe
and forms of worship, should DC one, ana
the people in this country VINO are loyal 10
tbe;I country. and who are striving TO be
the meek and humble iohoWefs OF the Lord ;
Jesus Christ. are determined to mt down
by moral force, every principle that comes
q opposition to the sentiments above enun-
i1'eu L. F. DRAKE. ]
'on''S0rO'' Tenn, March sth, 1867.