The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-05-24
1Hs CHURCH COUNCILS.

Ounnsrence or the Methodist Episcopal
Church south-ReP0rt or tho Conn
nitsee ON tho Proposed Union with the
Usrshern Church-A Recital OF the Diff
LOUISVILLE KY. May 2a 1874
In the General Conference OF the Methodist Eps-
<,ooai Church. south, yesterday, the Committee on
Fraternal Relations with the Northern church re-
ported that It Is deemed proper for the attain
nent OF the object sought, and to guard against
m misapprehe rson, TO declare that the organixa-
IRONS are not involved in fraternity in our view OF
me subject. The reasons for the separate exist
once OF the TWO branches OF MethodIsts are such
n to make corporate union undesirable and
mpracticaD,e The causes wnich lea 10 the DIVISION
N ls44 nave not disappeared.
the report then goes on to give the history OF
rne causes OF the separation. Reference is made
10 the inconvenience OF organizing proper basis
Of representation TO the General Conference and to
the difference in power claimed by the two
branches as inherent in the General Conference.
ON THE SUBJECT OF SLAVERY
the report says the position OF Southern Method
ism is scupiural; our opinions have undergone no
change Missions to the slaves constituted large
part OF our work. At the beginning OF the war o
quarter OF million Of negroes communicated with
our churches. The societies organized In the South
ern states during the last ten years by Northern
brethren and the members OF which swell their
statistics are made up largely or those VINO In
slavery had oeen converted by our lnstru-
mentality COlored preacher, exhOrters and class
leaders. by whom they have principally carried on
their southern work. and some OF whom were
Serences. we christanized and trained under our
ministry in other days. following the indication
work, adapted our methods TO the changed con-
dition Of the African race. Many OF them had
were not prepared to counterfeit, but remnant
RENAMED and at their request we have set or
cur colored members into independent eeclesias-
tica. bodies. We have turned over to them the
titles and possessions OF the Church property
formerly held by Us. Our Northern brethren have
pursued a different plan, and they seem committed
70 1t by honest and conscientious convictions.
THEY HAVE MIXED CONFERENCES
naked congregations and mixed schools. We do
not ask them 10 adopt our plan. We could not
adopt theirs
The report then gives details OF the effort made
by the Southern branch in 1916 to reconcile the
differences ana the refusal Of the Northern Dranct
60 receive the Commissioners; also the renewal OF
the effort made IN 1870. The report says:-.rhus
stood the case when the distinguished delegates or
the Methodist Episcopal Church OF the conference
of 1873 brought US Their iraterna greetings. We
nail them with easure and welcome the oppor-
tunlty at length offered us OF entering into nego-
tlati0ns to secure tranquility and fellowship to our
ahenated commissions upon permanent basis
and alike honorable to all Special stress Is land
separation originally proposed by the Church
South. 1t SAYS
Is too important to be lightly esteemed by us. II
BIS provisions t0uc ing territorial limits have been
violated we are ready 70 confer with our Northern
70 formal fraternity would be detective, that
would leave out Of view the questions in dispute
between the Methodist Episcopal Church and our
selves. These questions relate 10 the course pur-
sued by some OF their accredited agents while
prosecuting their WORK in the South and TO prop
erty which has been taken and held by them 10
this day against our protest and remonstrance.
Although feeling ourselves sorely asgrieved IN
these Things we stand ready to meet our brothers
La . spirit OF Christian candor and 10 compose all
differences upon principles OF justice and equity.
Commissioners were not empowered to agree
upon plan OF settlement and ays:-"We are
prepared TO rake advanced steps In this direction;
and waving any considerations which might JUS
thy greater reserve. we VIII not only appoint
conveyed to us, but win also provide for u commits
sion to meet similar commission for the purpose
Of settling the disturbing question:"
AN ANIMATED DEBATE
followed the report IN which 1t was evident
IA the report but were In favor OF not conp,icat-
ing the bass for establishing fraternal relations
with reference to the old diricultes between the
Toe report was finally adopted by very large
vote.
The Presbyterian General Assembly at
st. Louis.
ST. LOUIS, Mo-, May % 1874
At the opening OF the third days session OF the
Presbyterian General Assembly this A. NJ. q CON-
nunication was received from Gerard B. Allen,
President OF the Illinois and 81. Louis Bridge Com
Eads Bridge which is thrown open TO the public
Tor the first time to-day. The invitation was ac-
-cepted.
The report OF the Committee OF the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, now in session at Springfield,
No., appointed to draw up basis for union with
the Presbyterian Church, was read. 1t suggests
that both Confessions OF Faith remain as thew are.
and be regarded as OF equal authority the stand
ard evangelical authority and that candidates for
ordination be allowed to choose between them.
The committee representing the Presbyterian
C1ui c reported that they were not ready to agree
win the other committee and, on motion, q fur
,ther committee was appointed to continue the
sderat0n Of the subject tall next year. Greetings
we're sent to the Cumberland Presbyterian Assem-
;bay.
AZ ten O'Clock DR.. Herrick Johnson obtained the
inoor Tor the purpose Of giving his views on the
minority report on consolidation submitted by
him. The consideration OF the majority report
was postponed and the minority report taken up
The first section, leaving the Board OF Foreign
Missions, as it is at present, was adopted. on a
motion to adopt the second relating to the Board
OF Home Missions, and providing that the work be
done by the Ministerial SustentatiJn Committee
and Missions for Freedmen, DR.. Henry OAR
Ling. Of Albany, spoke warmly in favor
the employment OF missionaries as colporteurs.
Judge Drake, OF Washington, followed MIN and
Advocated the adoption OF the minority report
To lei ministers become booksellers would, he
thought diminish theis influence. Speaking or
not have the heart OF the Church In was becau Sc
st.was not the vehicle oil sound Calyinistlc doc
arihes tApplause and nis5eS)
Al the close OF the debate DR.. Atwater obtained
the floor for Monday morning, when the discuss ion
viii he resumed.
The Cumbe rland Presbyterian General
Assembly.
ST. LOUIS Mo-, May %, 1874.
TIE Cumberland Presbyterian General Assembly
met IN Springfield, Mo-, yesterday and elected by
Acclamarion DR.. G. Blake, OF Nashville, Tenn.
Moderator, after which the usual standing COM
mittees were apposted and quite number OF re-
ports, memorials and communications or various
kinds whIch were submitted were referred to aD-
propriate committees.
Rev. j. Is. Logan, secretary and superintendent
OF the Board OF Missions made fepor, " hich