The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-09-05

/ aforesaid, we therefore deem 4 sminentlyyS
proper In us, eas sldyu,e7l, e0ncurr1ng as we
\ do with the sentiments. OF our pastors, and
rejoicing as we do in; the action OF the COM
tmissioners, to express our views and feeling
In this public way; therefore belt ~
q Rssolped, That we accept in good faith
the principles and rules adopted by the joint
commissioners ut Cape May as furnishing q
satisfactory and honorable basis Of fraternity
fbetween the two great coordinate branches
of the Methodist Episcopal Church on this
continent.
g Resolued, That we heartily congratulate
the commissioners, as we do the two
Churches represented by them, on the at
ttainment OF q result in their deliberations
which, il faithfully carried out by. the two
Churches cannot fail to be prorlotve OF
the interests Of Christ's Kingdom in the
world.
"Reso!ued, That we earnestly counsel at
this time the careful avoidance Of every
thing in word or deed which would have
the effect to forestall the salutary influences
Iof the noble paper issued by the Joint COM
|missioners, or in any. way defeat or delay
the legitimate practical workings Of the
equitable and Christianly recommend dations
therein contained. -. ~ Il
ssReS0iued, That a copy Of the foregoing
preamble and resolutions be furnished to
our city papers, the Richmond Christian
Adrocate, and to all ourIreligious papers
for publication" :; -
+. MOTION TO ADOPT THE REPORT. +
DIR. j. r. Garnet rose and moved the
adoption of the report. He said it met his
cordial approval, and he knew that every
| Methodist would. feel proud of the oppor-
tunity to vote for it. 1t does us good, said
he, to feel that we can best subserve our
common interests by being distinct in Or
tganization yet we are one in heart, one in
spirit, one in Church doctrine, and can
march forward in noble and generous rival
ry to promote the interests OF Christ's king
dom on earth.
Rev. George 81. Ray said that although it
was laymen's meeting he could not re-
frain from expressing his qualification at
the Christian spirit which had dictated this
meeting, and the report Just submitted met
his hearty approval, as we'll as the grand
report OF the joint commissioners. He said:
[ have been for twenty-five years Meth
odist preacher. and part OF that time has
been spent on the border, where have seen
the
ILL EFFECTS OF THIS ESTRANGEAEST.
| KNOW SOIuc VI lGS cRllS, auu I IcIOiCS tlldG
the day of settlement has arriyed-a settle
ment in which no principle Of honor on
either side has been invaded. see the sum
light of Christian love leaping from hilltop
to hilltop of our land, and all the clouds
that hung over our beloved Methodism scat
tered BY its cheering beams. The report
from Cane May will be felt in all lands, for
Methodism has a home wherever the sun
shines. ] don't want organic union, for
that is not necessary; but want to see the
spirit of Christ pervading the whole Church.
Mr.. Asa Snyder said: !, too, rejoice in
this great work, and feel that its reflex in
f1uence will be felt by all christendom. Let
us practically carry out these resolutions in
eYery.intercourse thus will we strengthen
the cause OF our Master in the earth and
hasten the glorious day Of his coming.
Mr.. James P. Dupuy said: To all that has
been said and done give my cordial sup
port; for it, by the grace OF God, Will re-
dound to His glory and our good.
Rev. D. ?. Wills said: / suppose every
man present would like to say something on
this important subject, but enough has
been said to show that there is not dis
lsenting voice in this house. Our hearts are
SO full OF Christian joy that we cannot eX-
press it. Our Christian love goes forth
freely to our brethren Of the Northern
Church, and we should work together to
spread the Redeemer's kingdom. I heartily
approve OF the action of the joint commits
sioners and the resolutions OF the commit
tee.
The vote was then taken On the resolu-
tions, and they were adopted unanimously,
amid deep and earnest feeling.
At the suggestion Of DR.. Edwards the
meeting then Joined in singing "Hold the
For" " and s'Praise God from whom all
blessings fow''; after which they were dis
missed with the benediction by Rev. D. z.
Wills. @
A LETTER FROM MR.. PETERSON.
The following letter addressed to the
meeting by Rev. 2. 4. Peterson, through
Rev. Dr.. Edwards, will explain itself:
RICHMOND, August 81, 1876.
Rev. j. E. Ed,oardS, ID. d.:
Dear Brother,-I deeply regret that an
imperative engagement out OF the city will
prevent me from being present at the meet
ing called for Sabbath afternoon next, at
Centenary church, to take action in regard
to the results of the late conference at Cape
May between the commissioners OF the
: Methodist Episcopal Church and the Meth
odist Episcopal Church South on the sub
ject of formal fraternity between those two
bodies. -.
1t appears TO me that the conclusions
reached by the joint commission do most sat-
isfactorly adjust all existing difficulties,
and do remove out of the way all obstacles
to hearty and cordial intercourse between
the two great families Of American Metho-
dism, so long unhappily estranged.
Our brethren OF the Methodist Episcopal
Church seem to be actuated by right spirit
in this affair, and, I think, have gracefully
conceded all that we have Justly contended
for or can properly claim in the premises.
Surely we will accept and reciprocate their
Christian oyertures, and do our part to pro
mote peace and goodwill between the
Churches.
Those who represented our Church on
the commission are among the ablest, most
prudent, and most pious of our ministers
and laymen, and where they lead we can
safely follow. Truly yours,
p. A. PETERSON.
CHURCH NoTEs.-Rev. Mr. Weddell, OF St.
Johns church, preached on Sunday after
noon at Grace church.