The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-05-18
ST. LOUIS, May :, 1889.

ST. LOUIS, May 7, 1859.
| To Bishop james and Simpson:
Reverend and Dear Brethren, Your note Of
this date to the College of Bishops Of the Me-
thodist Episcopal Church South informin E
them that You have been deputed to convey
10 Them 4 communication from the Board Of
Bishops Of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and Of their readiness to wait upon them for
this purpose, has been received.
I have been instructed TO reply that they
| will be pleased to receive you to morrow, at
10 o'clock Il. M, 1t their room, li06 Locust
Place.
Very respectfully and truly yours,
H. N. McTrEIRE, Secretary.
Accordingly, at 10 O'Clock A. M, Bishops
James and Simpson, having been announced,
| were introduced to the Bishops of the Me1ho-
dist Episcopal Church South, and, after
some general conversation, made the follow
ing communications:
MEADv1LLE, Pa, April %, 1889.
Dear Brethren,-I seems to us that IS the
division OF those Churches of our country
which are Of like faith and order has been
productive of evil, so the re- union of them
would be productive OF good.
As the main cause of the separation has
been removed, SO has the chief obstacle 10 the
restoration.
1t is fitting that the Methodist Church,
which began the disunion, should moi be the
last TO achieve the re. union; and it would be
| reproach to the chief pastors of the sepa-
rated bodies II they waited until their flocks
prompted them TO the union, which both the
love of country and of religion invoke and
which the Providence of God seems TO render
inevitable at no distant day.
We are aware that there are difficulties in
the way, growing out Of the controversies of
the past and the tempers of the present.
We have, therefore, deputed our colleagues
Morris and James TO confer with you alike rs
TO the propriety, practcability, and methods
of reunion, hoping that they, having been
elected TO their high office by the Church be.
fore its severance and endeared to all its parts
by their apostolic labors, may live to see the
severed parts united upon foundation honor
able to all, stable rs truth and harmonious
with the fundamental law Of our religion.
In behalf of the Bishops of the Methodist
Episcopal Church
Respectfully yours, &c,
I. A. MORRIS, President.
D. ". Clark, Secretary.
To The Rtrere7ldS, the Bishops Of the Methodist Epis
copdR Church South.
P. S. Bishop Morris having stated that 1t
was doubtful whether he would be able to full
fill the duties of the commission it was resell
we'd that Bishop Simpson be added to the dele
CATION above described T. 4. MORRIS.
70 the Bishops Of the Methodist Episcopal Church
South, conrened in ST. Lo1iS, No.:
Reverend and Dear Brethren, At n m ee ting
OF the Board Of Bishops at the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, held in Erie, Pa, in June,
claration:
THAT the great cause which led to the sepa-
ration from us of both the Wesleyan Metho-
dists of this country, and of the Methodist
Episcopal Church South, has passed away,
and we trust the day is not far distant when
there shall be but one organization, which
shall embrace the whole Methodist family in
the United States"
This declaration was made in good faith,
and shows what were then our sentiments
n fnul linz and was pnl nv ti,u t1t-
most we were authorized 10 say or do on the
subject at that time.
Although our late General Conference did
not directly authorize us 10 take further spe-
cific action in the matter, yet we Judge that
some Of its acts justify advanced steps on our
part.
In our quadrernal address to the General
Conference we referred 10 the declaration
above quoted, and no exception was taken 10
il by that body.
| The General Conference, TO promote the
union OF Methodistic Churches appointed a
commission, consisting Of eight members OF
that body and the bishops Of the Church, "ho
were "empoWered to treat with Il similar
| commission from any other Methodist
| Church" that may desire 4 union with Us.
We have understood that there were in the
minds of many of the members and ministers
Of the Methodist Episcopal Church South
| reasons why they consider it unsuitable for
them TO initiate measures 10 effect Reunion
OF the two Churches.
Believing, as we do, that if they were one
| in both spirit and organization much more
| could be accomplished for the interests OF l. u
| mainly and for the glory of God, we are de-
sirous of doing all we consistently can 10 pro-
mote Il reunion on terms alike honorable 70
| both Churches and in The spirit Of our divine
| Lord.
We therefore ask your attep ton to the com.
| mission above referred TO, and we express to
you the opinion that should your approaching
| General Conference see proper 10 appoint Il
| similar commission they viii be promptly
met by our commission, who, We doubt NOT
will be happy 10 treat with them and TO report
| the result 10 our next General Conference.
| Praying that Infinite Wisdom may guide
! both you and us in this important matter, SC
| that our Redeemer's kingdom may be al
| vanced and His name be gloritleG, we are
yours, in the bonds Of the gospel of Christ,
| i. s. JAMES,
| NJ. SIMPSON.
In behalf Of the Bishops of the Methods
| f,Dl.rDual Church.