New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-08-27
The Reunited Nlethodists.

The boards OF commissioners appointed
bv the Methodist Episcopal Church and the
Methodist Episcopal Church South to re-
move all obstacles to fraternity between
| the two Churches have been in session at
| Cape May for the last ten days. They con-
cluded their labors Wednesday evening,
| and issued an address to the bishops, min
listers and members of the Methodist Epis-
| copal Church and Of the Methodist Episco-
| pal Church South in which they say they
now will be rejoiced to learn that, after hav-
| ing given due attention to all questions in
volved in the proper construction of the
| platform of complete fraternity between
| MethOdism in the United States, we
| have arrived at settlement of every
| matter affecting, as We suppose, the prin-
| ciples of lasting and cordial adjust
\ ment. We have the satisfaction to declare
| that our aspirations for harmony of We've
on vital points have been realized by Divine
| guidance, as We trust. We have been able,
| after frank interchange of views and
prayerful endeavOr, to harmonic all differ
| ences and to arrive at the desired cODsum-
nation of q unanimous agreement of com.
plete fraternity. At the beginning of our
consultations one great question seemed to
| overshadow all others. 1t concerns the re-
lation of the two Churches to each other,
and to the Episcopal Methodism. To this
and prayerful dellberatiOn were 6ret d.
rected, and the result attained Ocoasioned
| an interchange Of rejoicing and cOngratula-
| tiOns between the members Of the joint
commission. We adopted without q dis
senting voice the following declaration and
basis Of fraternity as to the status Of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and of the
their coordinate relations a. legitimate
branches of Episcopal Methodism:
Each of said churches is q legitimate
branch of Episcopal Methodism in the
United States, common origin in the
Methodist Episcopal Church organized in
1874, and since the organization Of the
Methodist Episcopal Church South was con-
else of right Of the Southern annual con-
terences, and the ministers and members to
adhere to that convention, it has been an
Evangelical church reared on Scriptufal
foundations, and her ministers and mem
bers, with those of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, have constituted one Methodist
family, though in distinct ecclesiastical con-
neotiOns.
It was next incumbent on us to consider
the question concerning the conflicting
claims to the church property and some
special cases that could not conveniently
be referred to the operation of Q general
rule. There were two principal questions
to be considered with regard to the church
property in dispute between the local socie-
ties of the two churches.
l. As to the legal ownership of said prop
erty.
9. As to whether it will consist with strict
equity or promote Christian harmony or
the cause Of religion to dispossess these
societies now using church property, which
was originally intended for their use and
and Of which they have acquired
possession, though they may have lost legal
title to it by their transfer from one church
to the other.
We have considered the papers in all
cases that have been brought to our notice.
These arose in the following States: Vir-
ginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee,
Louisiana, North Carolina and South Caro-
lima In respect OF some OF these cases We
have given particular directions, but for all
other cases joint commission unanimous
ly adoptedlthe following rules for adjust
ment of adverse claims to church property:
Rule LIN cases not adjudicated by the
joint commission, any society of either
church constituted according to it's discip-
line, now occupying the church property,
shall remain in possession thereof, pro-
vided that where there is now in the same
place q society of members attached to the
other church, and which has hitherto
claimed the use of the property, the latter
shall be entitled to possession.
Rule 2.-FOr asmuch as we have no pow
or to amend decisions respecting Church
property made by the State courts, the
joint commission Ordain and respect there
Of First, in cases in which such decision
has been made. or in which there exists an
good faith. Second, in communities where
there are two societies, one belonging to the
Episcopal Church South, which
have adversely claimed Church property, it.
is recommended that without delay they
compose their differences, irres-
pective Of the strict legal title, and settle
the same according to Christian principles,
far as practicable according to the princi-
pie of the foregoing rule; but if suca set
Element can not be speedily made, then the
question shall be referred for equitable de-
cision TO three arbitrat0rs, one to be chosen
by each claimant from their respective 80
cieties, and the two thus chosen shall select
3 third person not connected with either of
said churches, and the decision of any two
Of them shall be final. Third-Iu commu-
mites in which there is but one society,
rule one shall be faithfully observed in the
interests OF peace and fraternity.
Rule 3-Whenever necessary to carry tho
afOregoing rules into effect the legal title
70 church property shall be accordingly
transferred.
nediately, in order to further promote the
peaceful results contemplated by this joint
commission, and to remove as far az NAV
70 all occasion, and especially to forestalI
III further occasion, for hostility between
he two churches.
We recommend to members of both as a
wise rule of settlement where property is
n contest, and one or both are weak, that
hey settle their differences by uniting in
he same communion, and in all cases that
and members recognize each other
n all relations of fraternity, and as pos
essed OF ecclesiastical rights and privileges
# equal dignity and validity. They should
ach receive from the other ministers and
MEMBERS in good standing with the same
lscrity and credit as if coming from their
wn church, and without Interference with
ach others institutions or missions. Thew
hOuld nevertheless cooperate in all Chris
ion enterprises. 1t is not to be supposed
! respect Of some matters of mere opinion
hat all ministers and members in either
hurch will be in accord, but We trust and
elieve that spirit Of fellowship and mu-
aal regard will pervade the reconciled
anks OF the entire ministry, and the mem.
ership Of both churches. We believe also
rat their supreme allegiance to the cause
the Great Master will triumph over all
arlatlon OF personal sentiments, and will
exalt the claims of brotherly affection,
nat from this suspicious hour o new epoch
Methodism will begin it's brighter history. -
that we shall know no unfrsternal Ne.
iodism in the United States or even in the :
ide world.
Fashions in Jewelry.
The prevalent fashions in ladies' jewelrv
rbid lavish display except in the matter
finger rings, which may be worn ad lib
I'M on both hands. The conventional