Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1882-05-20

separation wisely guarded this yer,
poiDt, and it's restorstion. or th,
adoption of better one, covering
the broader field of church-work
would prevent the thing complained
OF, and, at the same :ime, conserve
| important interests which might be
otherwise sacrificed. The church OF
God has never yet reached q point il
His providential guidance. in which
wisdom from above has not been
given 1t to meet every emergency
and prepare the way fer large useful.
ness. 1t would indeed argue Ill for
the condition of the churches, and
the preparation for aiding in the SAL
vstion of the world, if they have not
grace and wisdom enough to devise
plans by which to economize re-
sources aud so adjust differences and
outline work as not to defeat the
plans of God in sending the gospel to
those to whom they are to carry it. Ii
such an arrangement cannot be ef-
fected ey consultation and agree.
Elent, certainly the parties are not
ready for consolidation, Us COOL feel.
ing and love mu,t 60 in advance of
union. =,
The Western Christian Advocate of
Cincinnati (NortherD presents u
sensible view of this subject in the
following language:
1--WE have not deemed it necessary
nor profitable to consume the space
in this journal which would be re.
quired to present and discuss the
various branches of Methodism with
which the public has been sfa-
vored' (2) during the last few mon this.
As Bishop McTyeire of the church,
South, is reported to have said re-.
Gently, we have favored and we have
highly valued fraternity for its own
sake. We have been amazed at the
folly of persons who could talk san
guinely of union and consolidation
when even fraternity 10 struggling for
recognition. We have been all along
of the opinion, aud we are not less 80
now, that what Metbodlsm in Amer.
lea nseds is mutual confidence aud
frieMdliness between all its branches.
Let these become real, hearty and
mutually helpful, east, west, north
and south. All expectation Of any,
thing beyond is for the present CHI
merical, and to obtrude it upon the
public is only to bring Suspicion upon
and to obstruct the cause of fraterni-
ty, which otherwise might find fa.
vor. aud would be advantageous to
ALL"
These points embrace the strong
est statement in favor of the organic
un ion of the churches. All others
are moro or less involved in them.
In addition to what have already
said the following reasons Justify me.
i'll believing that it would be umwise
and j, furious to unite the churches
whose future history is involved in
this qucs. ion. =
l. believe the division in 1874 was
and the churches arising
therefrom, with some notifications,
are still needed in their separate Or
ganization. Of course it does no,
become any man to pass absolute
Judgment upon the ways and works
of God, which are SO often above our
understanding. He must be His own
interpreter. HIS Interpretations,
however, are frequently sufficient
ly plain for US to comprehend
them in part. Tested by all
the legitimate rules which should
limit aud guide men in seeking rea.
sons for Gods dealings, l cannot
hesitate in the belief that the division
of the Methodist church in 1874 was
dlvinely directed. As the move
ment led by Mr.. Wesley, and Its en-.
forced organization the subsequent
break i'll the ranks of the English
Wesiyan societies the ordination of
DR.. Coke and the establishment ofthe
Methodist church in the United
are accepted as beng in the
order of providence; so think
was the separation in 1874. The
whole ultimate purpose OF God in the
act no man can comprehend. Evident.
ly, however, it has been productive
Of results which had tn. ir origin in
The division itself. ami which arc
still affecting benriicially the utter
,sts and aiding the romsumm alton of
The work ot Christ's earthly kingdom.
An intelligent and firm belief in this
view OF the matter not only recOnciled
.hc southern part OF the mem bershi u |
70 the separation. but still confirms
hem in the conviction that the or.
should continue in lact |
lhill there is presented indgbi:abls |
'vidence Of the tut iin.nt by thrIn of |
he Purp 'se VI the division. That |
has not been yet Forthcoming |
'ut on the contrary, each day opens |
20 the watchful eye of the church new
ields of labo: and enterprise in the
'ineyard of her ascended Lord.
A
,eeh salutary.
So far as the Methodist Episco pal
South, is concerned, | think
his statement is manifest in the con.
ervation by it ct the best form of |
church government of which il is a |
ype, rs well as in the evangelistic
work which it has accomplished and
Which would not probably nave been
lone without its agency. As in the
general church. the vsriens denomi-
'ations have been profitable in their
influence upon each other, SO il has
,sen among the Methodist sssocia-
ions. The different branches of the
church in England and the Canadas
rave evidently done good by their
'eflex Influence upon each other. In
ne United States this has been 80 |
clearly observed that the wisest men,
n the church and state, would hesi-
ate in securing reunion of the diff
ercnt bodies, if such thug were
possible. The necessity of perpetu.
ltlng the benefits coming from the
liVlslon holds as strongly now as ever
t did.
3. The reunion of tho two churches
would result i'll constituting too large
consolidated religious body. say
consolidated body" as the Episco-
,al form Of government in both
hurches, aud The peculiar manner of
appointment, Justify the ex.
,ression- The whole Episcopal Me.ho-
list system is connectioual and might
'e dangerously exposed to the mamip
'latlon OF crafty and dpslgning men
o be used for Interior purposes. Be-
lde the danger OF ccntruliZiny power
II the hands of comparatively small
'umber OF men, rs would he the case,
|hder the arrangement, The orgam-
alton itself would bc too UNIV wieldy.
towever we'll il might be governed
Or time. dissensinns, strifes and
visions would inevitable result.
uch has been history in the past,
nd it would likely repeat itself in
he future. The unification of the
iomish church furnishes an example
/ the point in hand. 1t has ALWAYS
cen exposed to The critici.D, nf