The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-04-26
VOICES FROM ENGLAND.
EVINGELTCAL FREE CHURCHES
ACROSS OCEAN SEND GREETINGS.
Many Leaders OF the House Of Commons
in Favor OF Observation-Disclosures to
Accomplish This Result.

Rev. DR.. Alex. Mackennal, Secretary OF
the National Council OF the Evangelical
Free Churches OF England, has forward
ed the following fraternai communication
to Rev. Or. W. A. Campbell, secretary
OF the Ecclesiastical Peace Conference;
The National Council OF the Evangelical
Churches of England, assembled In not
bingham, March 9th TO l2th, Oh Inns
Year, 1896 To the Churches OF CHRIST
In the United States or America Se"eS
Greetings. Grace. Mercy, and Peace he
With You From Our Common HEAD
The Lord Jesus Christ:
Dear Brethren,- the many q ueo-
lions of supreme interest and Importance
I'm relation TO the Kingdom OF God, winch
have been occupying our attention, tneIs
IS none which lies nearer TO our hearts
than the continuance OF that Tow nc.
tween England and America, when mas
been growing strong for many years OF
increasing intercourse between us.
ABOUT VENEZUELA.
We rejoice that in the difficulty whlch
arose. during the closing days or Iey0'
between your government and ours, re,a-
tive 10 Venezuela, the influence OF the
pulpit on both sides OF the Atlantic was
Immediately and successfully eXerted 20
repress angry feeling, and 10 declare that
no difference must be allowed TO be
cause OF war; that there could be none
which the Christian wisdom or me TWO
nations tOulU hot StAAlcs
We are anxious, as We are sure you
are, 10 turn that expression Of the best
feeling and the clear conscience or the
two nations into basis or continued
and honorable peace.
mons have declared themselves IN favor
OF accepting the principle Of arbitration
IN settlement OF differences between US.
FAVOR THE PRINCIPLE.
Many OF our most distinguished men
in all departments OF civil life-including
the past and present leaders OF the House
Of COmmons-have deliberately declared
in favor Of the principle, since the erner-
Gence OF the Venezuelan difficulty. IL
3. however, TO the churches In the TWO
lands that We look 70 sustain THIS pur-
pose, and 70 urge political parties 10 ac-
cept II as settled matter OK policy, ana
devise means for carrying IL into effect.
We wish 10 pledge you, as we pledge
ourselves. not to relax watchfuness, ana
ondeavor, until tho principle OF arDitia-
ton I'm al our differences be embodied IN
a binding treaty, and permanent TIL
bunal OF arbitration be established.
We intend 70 send a copy OF this our
memorial 10 our political leaders and 10
give il all publicity, so as 70 bind our
selves 20 YOU as emphatically as we can.
Should you find yourselves able TO do
something OF the same sort In America
w - INTERESTS IN COMMON.
Again We assure you OF our affection
for YOU. and our unceasing prayer on
your behalf Among many memories we
have IN common. dear and sacred as they
are. the closest tie which unites us-closer,
even. than our blood relatiOn--i5 that;
that your churches and ours have com
mon origin, a common martyr history a
common experience Of Missionary zeal and
triumph. n common enthusiasm for man
and freedom, as well as a common type
OF religious doctrine, spiritual HE, and
ethical character.
Signed on behalf OF the Council;
70
CHARLES 4. BERRY, eX-President,
ALEX. MACKENNAL. Secretary.