Year: 1865




Dear Brethren: Living in your mids
interested in all that concerns th
peace and welfare Of the Church, ca
of from all communication with M
colleagues, Ehave felt it to be my dut'
to address you briefly and respectfully
in relation to matters Of grave mOmen
and of common inserest


In various ways have learned TIA
some discussion has arisen, and thar
some anxiety is felt in relation to til,
future policy ofo Church. The ques
ton has come up--if the Methodist
Church, North, proposes reunion shall
We accept Opposed to this PROPOSE
ton, some have suggested that we seek
refuge from strife in the bosom of the
Episcopal Church. Now 1 beg to say
that the agitation Of these questions is
premature and fraught with evil In
the first place the Northern Methodists
have not proposed reunion, and / pre-
dict will not, except upon terms so de
grading and repulsive as to preclude
even their northumberland less
their acceptance. found this opinion
upon their past history-their antece-
dents before and during the war, and
their policy a. declared, in a recent
meeting, by their Bishops.


AS TO the other alternative it is COM
passed with embarrassments Many
difficulties are involved. We have not
been invited, and it is indehcate to
presume upon a welcome. Withal
these are questions of etiquette and
conscience-of canons or ordination
and forms-of Itineracy and discipline,
which no man or congregation can set
tie. They belong to Conferences and
Conventions


In the present state Of sffairs-if
either proposition were presented and
urged, nothing but strife, discord-
alienation and Acknowledgement would
follow. He who Observation-Disclosures
upon the possibilities-the contingen-
cies Of the future, and assumes that the
logic of events or the policy of others
viii force US to q choice between the
alternatives mentioned, and thus seeks
70 precipitate an issue upon as, in my
judgment acts unwisely, indiscreetly,





such counsellors involve themselves in
very unnecessary disquietude No,
''In patience let US possess our souls.
We are not children to be tossed about
with every kind OF doctrine. Nor are
we subject TO the dictation of others.
Our church relations are not dependent
upon the fortunes of war;. There need
be no Tesistanee--no apprehension and
there ought to be no premature excite
ment-no hasty decision. The Annual
Conferences will meet this Fall aud
Winter; and the General Conferencein
April or May next These bodies will
embody the piety and intelligence of
the Ministry, and will be thoroughly
informed Of the viii and wishes of the
people. Through these organs, the
Church will speak officially-authorita.
lively. In the mean time let every
preacher stand to his appointment--do
his work-make full proof of his min
istry, both among whites and blacks
Let the membership live in peace
be devout and strive for the revival
Of the work of God


For one / abhor strife, controversy,
and pray daily for the peace Of Jerusa.
lem. Alter much reflection, my delib
crate judgment is, that our true policy
is to maintain oar present organization.
Herein is unity, peace and prosperity.
Propose amalgamasion with any other
we shall divide, scatter and
be lost Believe me brethren, in giving
this opinion, am not taking counsel Of
bigotry or prejudice-of sectional pride
or political animosity-but of my con-
victions of what is most conducive TO
peace. and most for the glory of God.


Accepting the issues Of the war as
the will of God in reference to the unity
of the nation and the government, let
us all lead quiet an6 peaceable life in
all godliness and honesty. Do not
leave your loyalty in doubt by uuman
lv repininRs-by querulous complaints,
Or by refusing the terms of offered
amnesty. Qualify yovTeelves for the
duties of citizenship--fof the speedy
restoration of civil government Let
US seek to repair the desolations Of the
land By prompt and vigorous indus
try and prevent the further demoraii-
zation Of society by multiplied works
Of faith and love


At an early day there will be a meet
ing of the bishops-an announcement
Of the time Of the Conference and
our address to the Churches. Pardon me
il / have trespassed in following my
own Judgment and the advice of sun
dry brethren, by sending 10 you this
brotherly epistle. May the Great Head
Of the Church give Us the spirit OF
power, and love, and 8 sound mind.


G. F. PmRCE.


Sunshine, July Goth, 1855.