The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-05-18

and hand with you to stay, and rs far as prac-
s, tlcable TO remedy, them. But you could rot
expect us to say less than this--that the words
of our rejected delegate have been ever since,
and still are, our words.
1t may help to the more speedy and certain
attainment of the ends we both desire to keep
distinctly in mind our m utual positions and 10
hold the facts involved in our common history
in p clear light.
You say THAT the great cause which led to
| the separation from US OF both the Wesleyan
Metbodists OF this country and of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church South has passed
away" If we understand your reference,
we so far differ from You in this opinion that
1t may help any negotiations heren fter takn e
place to restate our position. Slavery was
not, In any proper sense, the cause, but the
occasion only, of that separation, the neccs-
sity OF which we regretted as much IS you.
But certain principles were developed in rela-
ton to the political aspects of that question
involving the right of ecclesiastical bodies to
handle and determine matters lying outside OF
their proper Jurisdiction which we could not
accept; and. in n case arising. certain con-
structions of the constitutional powers and
preroSatives of the General Conference were
assumed and acted on which we considered
oppressive and destructive OF the rights Of the
numerical minority represented in that high
est iudcatory OF the Church. That which
you are pleased 10 CALL no doubt sincerely
thinging 1t so, "the great cause" Of separa-
ton existed In the Church from It's oTganiza-
ton, and yet for sixty years there was no
separation. But when those theories Incl
den tally evolved in connection with it began
| TO be put into practice, then the separation
came.
We cannot think you mean TO offend us
when Won speak OF our having separated from
you, and put rs in the same category with 4
small body ofschismatics who we're always IN
acknowledged secession. Allow us, in all
kindness, brethren, to remind yon, and to
keep the important fact OF history prominent,
~, toi ~,
which You did not separate from us. The
separation was by compact, and mutual; and
nearer approaches to each other can be con-
Quoted with hope of q successful issue only on
this basis.
It is our opinion that the controversies and
tempers which so disturb the Churches, and
are so hurtful to the souls Of those for whom
Christ died. are due in q large measure 10
irritating causes which are not entirely be-
yond the control Of the chief pastors OF the
separated bodies. To this end We invite your
concurrence and CO operation.
And we take this occasion frankly to say
that the conduct of some of your missionaries
and agents who have been sent in that por-
ton Of our common country occupied by US.
and their avowed purpose to disntegrate and
absorb our societies that otherwise dwell
quietly, have been very prejudicial TO that
charity which we desire our people to cuiti-
vate toward all Christians, and especially
those who are called by the endeared name OF
Methodists and their course in taking pos
session of some of our houses of worship has
inflicted both grief and loss on MS, and bears
the appearance, to disinterested men Of the
world, of being not only breach OF charity
| but an invasion of the plainest rights of pro-
perry. Tins the adversary has had occasion
to speak reproachfully, and the cause of our
Master has been wounded by its protested
friends.
Brethren, these things ought not go to be, and
we propose, until some action more formal
and authoritative, and advanced in this drec-
ton, can be taken by our highest iudica tories,
TO mite with you in preventing them. We do
not say that our own people have been in
every instance of these unhappy controversies
and tempers without blame rs toward you.
But this we say, If any offences against the
law Of love committed by those under our APP
pointTnent-any aggressions upon. your just
privileges and rights-are properly represent t
ed to us the representation will be respectfully
considered, and we shall stand ready, by al
the authority and influence we have, TO re.
strain and correct them.
These are our views; and we are sure that
we represent the sentiments of our ministers
and people. We have no authority TO deter
mine anything rs TO the " propriety, practica-
blity, and methods" of reunion of the
Churches represented by you and ourselves.
With sentiments of Christian regard, we are,
dear brethren, very truly yours,
K. PAINE, Chairman.
| IT, v lrTVeirs, Secretary.
St. Louis, Mo, May II, 1862