The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-08-31
Methodist Conference at Cape May.


THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN CHURCHES
ADDRESS OF THE JOINT COsIMIssION-A
LASTING AND CORDIAL AMUSEMENT
HARMONY ON VITAL POINTS-DECLARA-
TON AND BASIS OF FRATERNITY.
CAPE MAY. N. j.. August 23.-The boards
of commissioners appointed by the Methodist
Episcopal Church and Methodist Episcopal
Church South to remove all obstacles to fra
ternity between the two churches have been in
session at Congress Hall during the last few
days. They concluded their labors this even
ing, and issued the following In ta4s .'iso.lisss4
.slstaEl fsa ADDRESS IT. .,,5i.-sir34,r, i !
20 the Bishops. the Ministers and the Members
ofMe Methodist Episcopal Church and of
the Methodist Episcopal Church South: .lil
Dear Fathers and Brethren: We, the COM
missoners appointed by authority OF the Cen
eral Conferences respectively of the above
ramed Churches to remove all obstacles to for
NAL fraternity and to adjust all existing diff
cultiess between them, deem it proper in adj
vance of our report to the General Conferences
OF our respective Churches to communicate to
you in general terms the results of the recent
harmonious session OF our joint commission.
Pursuant to previous appointment. we COLI
vcnef at Cape May, N. j.. on the 10th day OF
August, 1876, and were favored by the attend
ance of all the members Of both boards OF COM
missioners. After Il written communication
from the commissioners of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church South was received and answered
by the commissioners of the Methodist EpiscO-
pal Church, both boards met in joint session,
the labors of which were continued during
seven DAYS. Fl s.f.. 4t4is ..is5i3.sif tl.tie
We have had full and free conference and
interchange of views respecting the important
matters that claimed orr united consideration.
If any in the churches entertained the fear
previous to our meeting that we could not at
tain complete harmony OF sentiment touching
tl,a ntItn IpfArn1nRtl.
they will be rejoiced to learn that after having
given due attention to all questions involved
in the proper construction OF a platform OF
complete fraternity between the two great
branches Of Episcopal Methodism in the Unl-
ted States, we have arrived at settlement OF
every matter affecting us we suppose, the
principles of Il lasting and cordial adjustment.
We have the satisfaction to declare that our as
pirations for harmony of views OIL vital points
have been realized. By Divine guidance, as
we trust. we have been able, after a frank i'll
terchange of views and prayerful endeavor TO
harnonize all differences. to arrive at the de-
sired conslimmatian of Hi. unanimous agree
nent to complete fraternity.
We believe that no principle OF honoron
either side has been invaded We struck the
key note of brotherly love till it sounded high
and clear, and so have been enabled to reach
the element OF perfect harmony. No diver
gemce of sentiment mars complete uilanimity
OF the joint commission touching the essential
principles Of determination. 5la4s 4sagiF
AT the beginning of Our consultation one
great question seemed to overshadow all 9th
ers. 1t concerns the relation Of the two
Churches to each othersaHd to Episcopal Me-
tllodism 70 this important matter our most
earnest thought and prayerfu deliberations
were first directed, and the result attained oc-
casioncd tile interchange of rejoicing congratu-
latioils between members OF the joint conlmis-
sion. iHta am .ffe;es
STATUS OF THE TWO CHURCHES. sQI
We adopted without a dissenting voice the
following declaration and basis of fraternity as
to the status of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and of the Methodist Episcopal Church
South and their coordinate relation as legti-
mate branches of Episcopal Methodism:
Each OF said churches is a legitimate branch
Of Episcopal Methodism in the United States,