254 History of Methodism 



tical relations. He was the only Southern Bishop in 

 the Episcopal College. The force of circumstances 

 had made him a slave-holder, as were many of the 

 leading ministers and members generally of his Com- 

 munion; but the book of Discipline covered with a 

 shield of broad protection all grades in the ministry 

 as well as the membership at large in those States of 

 the Union where emancipation was prohibited by stat- 

 ute. The General Conference, notwithstanding this, 

 suspended Bishop Andrew from the episcopal office, 

 but before adjournment adopted a Plan of Separation 

 to be acted upon at discretion by the Southern Con- 

 ferences. At the meeting of a convention at Louis- 

 ville, in Kentucky, in 1845, the Methodist Episcopal 

 Church, South, was organized on the basis of this 

 plan, and Bishops Soule and Andrew were cordially 

 requested to unite with and become its constitutional 

 bishops. From that time until 1868 Bishop Andrew 

 continued in the. active work of his high office, though 

 with powers and activities gradually diminishing as 

 time went on and the burden of years pressed upon 

 him with increasing weight. At the General Confer- 

 ence of 1866, at New Orleans, he requested, in a brief 

 address, replete with profound and affectionate feel- 

 ing, to be relieved of the active duties of his office 

 and placed on the retired list. This was accordingly 

 done, and the following resolutions were adopted by a 

 unanimous rising vote: 



Besolved, That the General Conference has heard with profound 

 emotion the request made by our honored and beloved friend, Bishop 

 Andrew, that he be allowed, on account of advanced years and grow- 

 ing infirmities, to retire from the responsibilities connected with an 

 active participation in the Episcopal administration. While the 

 General Conference cannot be indifferent to the important consider- 

 ations, and cannot but approve of the high and delicate motives 



