The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1885-06-17
(For the Ledger.
Explanatory. ,

1t has been brought to our attention,
that. notwithstanding the specific form
OF the call under which the Sunday
School Convention Is to assemble at
Salem Church, July Sd, 4th, some mis-
apprehension exists as to the nature Of
said call and the constituency of said
convention. ,..
At the session of the South Carolina
Conference, convened at Sumter, Dec.
l2-l7, 1883, under special resolution,
II was rec commended. THAT, as far al
"practicable, there shall be formed a
"Sunday School Convention I'm each
County within the bounds Of the
conference, and that the pastor or
pastors of the church or churches
Located al the respective county seats,
"shall be charged with organizing
''such Conventions"
1t Is in conformity with this action
OF tie South Carolina Conference that
the Convention Of which we write has
been called and Is to assemble.
During the discussion which at
tended the passage of the resolution
above quoted, the point was raised as
to what should be done In those coun-
ties where Conventions, under the
Observation-Disclosures call and form,
had been organized and existed. If
we remember correctly the posttion
assumed and the counsel that prevailed,
touching that point. It was thus: That
where such inter-denomination Con-
ventions existed, we would continue
to work, in this great and blessed
cause, through, and in, that form Of
organization but where such Con-
ventions had not been organized, or
did not exist, it would become the
duty of the pastors In question to
proceed under the resolution.
So far as the feelings Of the writer Of
this Is concerned, the mingliug, in
"the unity of the spirit In the bond Of
peace" in the inter-denominational
form. that the "arm of the Lold" NAV
be revealed" to all alike Is more to be
desired. This, too, Is in accord with
the broad Protestant EVANGELICAL
Christian spirit OF the day. which, we
rejoice to know, is sweeping away,
with the breath of the Masters love,
(as that love will ever do when 1t
properly moves the heart) not only
sectarian, but sectional, bigotIy and
alienation. and preparing the way for
the standards Of the cross, underithe
universality of the atonement, to be
erected upon every hillside, plane and
valley Of earth. For did not God 30
toue tho world as to give his only
begotten Son, that trhosoeuer believeth
on him might not perish but have
everlasting life?
But. 80 far as this writer Is also con-
cerned, there was no knowledge, not
even Of any previous movement for
the organization and establishment
OF an inter Sunday
School Convention for Lancaster
County, and hence, 80 far as his move
ment was concerned. the spirit OF
loyalty To his own church consists,
rendered 1t obligatory. that the moye-
ment should be under the provision
made and provided.
In conclusion. we feel that we but
express the heart Of our Methodist
brethren all, when we say, that we
cordially invite, and will heartily well
come. our beloved brethren Of other
and all christian denominations, In
attendance upon the sittings of our
Convention. and to give us the benefit
oftheir counsel and experience, though
they may not oe integral parts Of the
same. Respectfully,
A. A. GILBERT,
Chairman Executive Committee.