The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-08-31

raj articles OF Chistian belief, it's primitive svs
tenn of church government. its sententiOns de-
nand of those who would join Its societies, its
itinerant plan of preaching the gospel, its Yves.
lnyan simplicity and orthodoxy. its urgency OF
the practice of holy life. its liberal and sys
tematic benevoencr, its support OF education
al institutions. its promotion IT the Sabbath
School instruction, its vigilant care OF the de-
serving poor. its provisions for superanated
ministers. their widows and children. It's world
wide missionary enterprise, and It's general ac-
tivity IN the dissemination OF gospel truth, are
one and the same in the Methodist Episcopal
Church South. Far away in dark portions OF
the earth to which the missionaries have
penetrated Divine light is breaking on the
long night of Paganism for the elevation OF hui
inality. 1t Is more than the wand nj an en-
cl,anter. There as we'll AS here Methodist doc
trines and usages wear their own peculiar and
heaven-blessed distinctivencss, and seem to
presage the dawn Of that era of gladncss when
the claims of
UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD
will commingle with the full glory of the mil
l,nli,,n,. Episcopal Methodism was never
more strong and Influential. and never appear
ell to feel more the quickening impulse of its
glorious destiny than it does at the present day.
II is cmiDently fit therefore that in its native
realm and wie-extcmtled home in these United
States, whence its spirit and power go forth
INC SWClituS duttiCtuSO vi SIdNilCsS VI OCSo ulhI-
kind, it should bear along the blendid sweet
ness and fraterlal harmony. Then will its Ca
dences roll down the ages enriched with the
true spirit Of the -Ospel, for the wisdom that
is from above is first pure, then peacablc, gen.
tie and easy to be entrtated, full of mercy and
good fruits without Partially, without hypoc-
racy, and the fruit of righteousness is sOwn in
pltcG of them to make peace.
The flowing streams of Gospel truth issuing
from the depths of their sacred fountains in
the holy Scriptures as they are borne to thirsty
thousands through the instrumentalty of
called and qualified ministry, and made effec-
tive to salvation BY the mighty working of d.
vino power; will increase the assuaging fresh
ness when all the Inherent ranks Of Episcopal
Metllollism shall move together in fraternal
concord. Then as chosen vessels Of grace may
they bear the livil e water of salvation to all
the world. Contemplating the prospect of
complete fraternity among them, we are led to
look back to those inspiring scenes of primitive
time.
When the company of disciples were of one
heart and minds steadfast in the apostle doc
trine of fellowship having all things common.
continuing daily in the temple prasing God
and having favor with all the people. In com
pleting the work to which we were assigned by
the highest jud:catories Of the two great branch
es of Episcopal Methods,n in the United States
pour fourth our united prayer for these
kindred churches in the language which inspi-
ration has prepared for us and say, ''may the
Lord of peace himself give you peace always
by all means.''
Now unto Him that is able to keep us from
falling. and 10 present us faultess before the
presence of His glory with exceeding Joy. To
the only wise Cod, our Saviour, be glory and
majesty, dominion and power, both now and
ever. Amen.
In the bonds Of the gospel of peace yonr
brothers and servants, M. d. Crawford, Enoch
T.. Fancher. Erasmer G. Fuller, Clinton B. Fisk,
John P. Newman, committee of the NJ. E.
Church. Edward H. Myers, Robert X. Har-
grove, Thos. NJ. Finney, David Clopton, Rob-
ert B. Vance, committee of the Church South.
CLINTON B. FISK.