Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1868-11-08


wanted was something printed and plain,
so that all he had to do was to hand it
over and save SO much talking.
William Miles believed the colored PEG
pie would do right, with the right knowl-
edge; but they are unlearned, and it is
easy to scare them by reports-so many
were pulling and hauling them every
which way, and telling all sorts of things.
The Bethelites took advantage of their
friendly reception at the New Orleans
General Conference, and said our meeting
houses had been given to them. As he
read it and understood it, they were not
given away, but only loaned, conditionalIy,
to be given up when called for by us. Our
people could pay ten cents for copy of the
Minutes, and get all this, when they could
not buy a Discipline. We had churches
in Louisville, Lexington, and Frankfort,
and Bowling Green, aud other places, which
the Bethelites were occupying. Some say
they are ready to act honorably and give
them over. Others set up claim, and in
Louisville We had to begin lawsuit for
our house, which we surely will gain. Let
people see where we are, and what we are
doing, by these Minutes. He believed
that this Church, as now organized, was
the beat chance for the cclOred Methodist.
Here they would have both religion and
freedom. If North or South man tells
him the time is coming of social equality,
when white and black will be seated in the
same church-spsckled, and dotted, and
sprinkled about--he just didn't believe g
word he said. We have our own cabins,
which is to our liking, and we ought to
have our own churches too. We were born
and raised in the South, and expect to die
here, aud it is good sense and good religion
to be Peaceable and on friendly terms
with the people among whom We find en-.
ployment, and where we are to live
The speaker held in his hand a copy Of
the Journal Of the General Conference of
1866, from which he read. He appeared
to utter mature convictions, with earnest
candor, and without doubt he represented
the snimus Of the body he spoke to.
The pastor of the COlored Charge in
Nashville Rev I. n. Stewart, being present,
was requested to act as Secretary until the
organization was effected. With Caleb
Peyton aud Davis; he was present to coun-
sci and advise, and if necessary to be trans
ferrei in order TO form the rev Confer
ence. But in the last capacity they were
not needed. This Conference does not
take in any part of Tennessee, IS was at
one time suggested. 1t is confined to State
lines. This avoids confusion as to boun-
daries, and that arising from different
State laws.
To Thomas Taylor, (While,) of Mem
phis Conference, who is acting as General
Superintendent of the Colored Work, much
credit is due for the way he has got up this
Conference. By travelling through the State,
and putting himself in communication with
influential points and persons, he prepared
the way, and 4 concert Of action which has
thus resulted. Elder Taylor enjoys
their affsctioaate confidence, and was duly
remembered in the vote Of thanks. He
goes on to get ready the Mississippi Col
ored Conference, over which Bishop Ka-
vanaugh is to preside. The second session
of the Tennessee ColoreA Conference
meets, November IS, under Bishop Paine
Bishop Pierce will hold one for Georgia, l
presume, before, or soon after, Christmas.
Alabama would furnish a strong Confer
ence.
The General Conference-plan IS the best
hope for the hundreds Of thousands of co..
orGd people who have been evangelical By
our past labors. Can a mother forget her
children? There must be Substantial
base of Annual Conferences, in working
order for General Conference to rest on.
The problem is to move fast, but not too
fast-slow, but not too slow. Some would
have General Conference next year. OH
- --a-s =. .-e.sts : 49, = - = -
terly and Annual Conferences they enjoy
the consciousness Of corporate existence,
and are having development, and learning
how 10 work the machinery. Moreover,
the right sort of men are coming forward
among them, and being discovered and
pFovtd q, upon whom may safely be :evolvsd
the responsibility Of leaders.
To the preachers Of the Kentucky and
observation-disclosures beg leave to say give
aid to this new Conference operating among
you. Help them to secure the pesceable
possession of the churches that we're built
for them. Help Them to build where houses
are needed. The Conference at Hopkins
vile complained of persecution from three
sides-let them have kindness from one,
Assist the preachers 10 their s;udieJ-lend
them books, for aome OF them are anxious
to learn. In supplying their Sabbath
Schools with books, and in friendly counsel
and help in managing them, Won may be
| of great benefit. They complain that col
leetions are sometimes obtained On their
credit By those nearly OF their name, but
Of very different principles. In view d
these things, the list of appointments here
| with published NAV be useful for reference
Pardon me, Mr.. Editor, for detailing
these matters at such length in your col
umns. The church has great work 10 do
here, and after a survey of the situation
has decided on her plan. The inilia
movements, in carrying out that plan,
| supposed would be of interest. Ifthere b
a better way, desire TO know it. Thu
| subject Is not without its difficulties, bl
the way opens. Let US go forward, seeking
ever His guidance and blessing, whose ar
| all souls.