Year: 1876




ed by the Methodist Episcopal Church


south, to remove the obstacles to frater-


nity between the two churches, have re-


Gently held protracted session at Cape


May. They have at last concluded their


labors and in advance of submitting their


report TO the general conference, have


issued an address to those concerned, COM


municstlng in general terms the result Of
the harmonious session of the joint com.


mission. In this address they announce
that after having given attention to all
questions involved in the proper con-
struction of platform OF complete fra.
ternity between the two great branches
OF Episcopal Methodism in the United
States, they have arrived at a
settlement Of every matter affect
ing the principles of a lasting
and cordial adjustment. They believe
that No principle of honor has been in
vsded, on either side. The keynote OF
bro.herly love was struck until 1t sound
ed high and clear, and SO enabled them to
reach the elements Of perfect harmony.
The following declaration and base of fra
ternity, as to the status of the two
branches of Methodism, was adopted:


each of said churches is legitimate
branch of Episcopal Methodism in the
United States, having common origin
Ia the Methodist Episcopal Church Or
ganized in 1884, and since the organiza-
ton of the Methodist Episcopal Church
South was consummsted IN lS45, by the
voluntary exercise OF the right OF the
Southern annual conference, ministers
and members. to adhere to that COM
munion, it has been an Evangelical
Church, reared on a ascriptural foundation,
and her ministers and members, with
those of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
have constituted one Methodist family,
though indistinct ecclesiastical connec-
ton


In order to compose differences, where
any exist, ia regard to title to church
property in any of the Southern or bor-
der states, the following rules were laid
down:


Rule lin cases not adjudicsted
by the Joint commission, any society of
either church, constituted according to
its discipline, now occupying church
property, shall remain in possession
thereof; provided, where there is now
in the same place = society OF more
members attached to the other church,
and which has hitherto claimed the use
of the property, the latter shall be entl-
tied to possession.


Rule 2. For rs much as we have
no power TO annul decl-
sions respecting church property
made by the state courts, the joint
commission ordain IN respect thereof:
Q.) In cases in which such a decision
has been made, or in which there exists
an agreement the same shall be carried
out in good faith. (2.) In communities
where there are two societies, one belong
ing to the Methodist Episcopal Church
and the other to the Methodist Episcopal
Church South, which have adversely
claimed the church property, 1t is recon-
mended that without delay they amicably
compare their differences, irrespective
of strict legal title, and settle the same
according to Christian principles, the
equities of the particular case, and
so far as practicable according to the
principle of the atoregoing rule But ii
such settlement cannot bespeediiy made,
then the question shall be referred for
equitable decision to three arbltrators,
one TO be chosen by each claimant
from their respective societies, and the
two thus chosen shall select third
person not connected with either OF the
said churches, and the decision OF any
two of them shall be final; third, that In
in which there Is but one
society, rule first shall be faithfully OBJ
served in the interest of peace and
fraternity.


Rule 3.-Whenever necessary, to carry
the foregoing rules into effect, the legal
title to the church property shall be ac'
cordingly transferred.


In order to further promote the peace
ful results contemplated by this joint
convention, and TO remove, as far as
NAV be, all occasion, and especially to
forestall all further occasion tor hostility
between the two churches, they recom-
mend TO the members of both, as
wise rule Of settlement where property
is in contest and one or both are
weak, that they compose their differences
by uniting in the same communion, ana
in ALI cases that ministers and members
recognize each other in all relations OF
and as possessed of eccleslasti-
cal rights and privileges OF equal dignity
and validity. They should each receive
from the other ministers and members IN
good standing, with the same alacr'ty
and credit as if coming from their own
church; and without interference with
each others institutions or missions, they
should, nevertheless, cooperate IN all
Christian enterprises.


LITTLE Kill Cavalry Fitzpatrick car.
ried back to the Republican party q
blatant voice, no end of cheek, and an
infinitessimsl fraction of q conscience;