The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-08-29
The Agreement.

In Orucr UllaJ OU. fcuQcFS Hlul ScC HoN
fully our views of the agreement between
the commissioners of the two Methodist
Churches are confirmed by distinguished
authority we make the following extract
from sermon preached in Baltimore on
Sunday at the Mount Vernon Place Metho-
dist Episcopal church, by the Rev. DR..
PECK, the pastor. from the text Genesis,
xiii, s:
"And Abram said unto Lot, let there be
no strife, I pray thee, between me and
thee, and between my herdmen and thy
herdmcn, for we be brethren" j.
The american says that the church was
densely packed with very fashionable con-
gregaton, comprising both members and
ministers of various Methodist churches in
the city. The sermon is a long one. and
admirable in spirit and wording. We can
find room here for only few extracts. AS
to organic union he said:
Many ask the question il these two
branches OF Methodism will become one
again. Not at once. 1t is not best to try
to hasten the nuptials. They are gradually
AVID surely approaching each other with
wooing tendencies. The action of the Joint
commission has removed serious obstacles.
Proposals may be delayed, but the bans are
no longer impossible. The signs OF the
times indicate i general tendency to organic
union in all kindred branches Of the Church.
Especially is this true in Methodism the
world over. In Canada. England, and
America, tentatives are being made. The
ecclesiastical polity OF the various bodies
is being unified. Lay representation-the
rock Of many schisms-is becoming llniver-
sal. The tendencies are toward union. The
aifinities and traditions OF Methodism are
strong. This last victory will auspicate tile
day OF union. I will say just what my judy
ment prompts. The afinities of the two great
Methodist bodies ere stronger and more
numerous than the accidental or incidental
dnipathies-the centripetal stronger than
the centrifugal force-whence in time they
must come together. We need have no anX-
iety. Godis with us and His own right hand
is leading us. Let it be felt in both branches
that it is Gods will as indicated in the drift
Of things, and they will meet once more on
Bonded knees, and when they arise from
that huptial altar the twain shall be one
flesh. The late conference shows the two
bodies capable Of anything that ought to be
done. All things are possible now. They
i.
they rose superior to prejudice and passion;
they buried bitter memories; they en-
throned love and righteousness; they sought
the things that make for peace; they. olori-
fed the power of Divine grace and.honored
themselves as ambassadors Of peace. Hence,
if organic union is the will OF God, these
men or their successors will not fail to ac-
complish it. And FOR one expect the year
1900 will see these Churches one, and see
also an ecumenical Methodsmof the world.
One more thought. hear the question,
(Which side has the advantage in the set
Element? Has not the Southern Church
gained most?" / hope so, ii either has the
advantage. Itglorifes the Northern Church
il she has been willing to concede most for
the sake OF peace. any individual OF
Church ought to be glad to glue mach for
peace. It is cheaply bought at any price
short of disloyalty to God and dishonor to
principle. But neither demanded anything
dishonorable. 1t is creditable and Chris
tian that the smaller and not the larger
body should be allowed the advantage il
either has any. It is more blessed to give
than to receive in such crisis. But / be-
lieye both Churches sought only, truth and
and honorable peace. ,s
have felt, brethren, that in thus making
haste to swell the tide of Joy over this grand
event, ratifying in no stinted phrase the
work Of the commission, I have but inter-
preted and voiced your generous sentiments
and honored the trust reposed in me as your
pastor. i think do not transcend the facts
when 4 say, in behalf OF Mount Vernon
Place Methodist Episcopal Church, and in
behalf OF the Baltimore Methodist Episco-
pal Church, to our southern brethren, eve
cordially accept the settlement as complete,
md honorable, and final. We clasp your
hands as brethren beloved in the Lord. !
Farewell to the alienated past y Welcome
the iraternal futurel Henceiorth let there
be no strife, for we be brethreni God bless
The Methodist Episcopal Church! God bless
he Methodist Episcopal Church South
God bless all the Churches! And God bless
Us each and every one. henceforth and for
svermore Amen.y i
= Rev. J.sE.. Hutson gste OF Petersburg),
who is now % doing the work OF stif1feyan. I