Year: 1865




wrongs, if there was the slightest pros
pect of throwing off the yoke


-


PASTORAL ADDRESS OF THE SourH-
ERN METHODIST BIsHoPs---To the
Preachers Of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, South-Dear Brethren -Thro'
the Providence of God, we have been
permitted to held our annual meeting.-
Having reviewed the condition Of the
Church, in the light Of the best informa-
tion We have been able to obtain from its
various fields, and arranged the plan
herewith sent forth, of Episcopal vista
ton Of the Annual Conference at their
approaching sessions, We do not feel that
our responsibilities, as our chief Pastors,
would be discharged without giving you
our views as to the bearing of passing
events upon the Church, and our advice
as to the duties growing cut Of the pc
culiar times in which our lots have been
cast.


The close of the war reveals much
destitution and material suffering within
those States where the large portion Of
our membership is situated Let us
hope that returning peace will bring 9th
er and coveted blessings in its train
civil and social order, quiet and remu-
nerative industry and plenty to our land;
and that our churches having rest may
be edited, and walking in the fear of the
Lord and in the comfort of the Holy
Ghost, may be multiplied. To these
ends you need not be reminded that it is
not less your duty, as Christians, than
as loyal citizens, to contribute by all the
means within your power. The cultiva-
ton of the graces Of the Spirit will d.
rectly and nightly help forward the best
interests Of the country, now sore and
broken and PROSTATE in its resources
Especially would we counsel mutual for
bearance and conciliation in those see
tons where brethren have differed on the
great issue, which has finally been de-
cided by arms, and conscienc .ously held
opposing opinions and courses, through
out the contest. LIE: all bitterness and
wrath and anger and clamor, and evil
speakings, be- put away from you, with
all malice. Be kind one to another; and
let pastors and people set themselves, in
the temper of our Master, to healing the
divisions and heart burning and aliena
tions that may unhappily have arisen
during the calamitous years through
which We have just past. The end of
the war ought to be- the end of all strife;
for it would be unreasonable and re-
Proachful in us as Christians to perpetu-
ate a conflict which, in our relations as
citizens OF one common country, has been
settled. Seek peace and pursue it.
Build again the waste places Of Ziop.-
And forget not to pray for all that are in
authority. that we may lead quiet
peaceable life in all godiiness and hon
esty; for this is good and acceptable in
the sight Of God our Savior.


Tho condition Of those Conferences
and portions Of our Territory which
have been the principal theatre Of armies
and battles, will render the support of
the ministry, for the present at least, diff
ficuit. They are threatened with that
great calamity, not famine of bread or
a thirst for water, but of hearing the
words of the Lord Never were the
counsels and consultations of our holy re-
igion and the ordinances of Gods house
more needed by You and your families
and your neighbors. We beseech YOU,
brethren. let no labor or sacrifice hinder
you from preaching and hearing the gos-
pei. To accomplish this result, Your
self-denials must be mutual and cheerful.
The work Of saving the souls Of dying
men and of extending the Redeemer's 3
Kingdom. must 60 forward. Our youth
must be instructed, our Sabbaths hallow-
ed and our sanctuaries kept open. When
and wherever necessary, we commend TO
the preachers the example Of the Apos-