512 History of Methodism. 



the gospel to the negroes, any Christian man can be found willing 

 to forego the laudable effort to elevate the race in the scale of in- 

 tellectual, moral, and religious improvement. The same system of 

 instrumentalities, with slight changes to adapt it to the new circum- 

 stances in which they are placed, may be employed for their spirit- 

 ual welfare, and we bespeak your continued and active cooperation 

 to render it effective. Continue, as heretofore, your arrangements 

 for their accommodation in all the churches, that, frecuienting the 

 schools of catechetical instruction, and occupying their accustomed 

 places in the house of God, they may receive from the lips of a 

 pure and spiritual ministry the messages of the gospel, and rejoice 

 with you in the participation of the benefits of a common salvation. 



Wherefore, beloved brethren, dwelling in the communion of a 

 Church enjoying, as at present constituted, great unity and peace, 

 looking to the word of God as an infallible standard of Christian 

 and political ethics, in conformity with the articles of our holy relig- 

 ion, with a firm trust and confidence in Almighty God, and a cheer- 

 ful acquiescence in all the dispensations of his providence, address 

 yourselves with renewed ardor and zeal to every private, domestic, 

 and public duty as Christian men and Christian patriots. Cherish 

 an ardent affection for the Church of your fathers, and strive to 

 make yourselves worthy members of the same by diligently reading 

 God's holy word, reverently keeping all his commandments, and 

 punctually attending on all the ordinances of his house, that there- 

 by all our people, becoming holy in their lives and godly in their 

 conversations, may be an ornament to their profession, and make 

 the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, a praise in the land. 



"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things 

 are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, 

 whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, 

 if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these 

 things." 



The Lord bless you, and keep you. The Lord make his face 

 shine upon you, and be gracious unto ycu. The Lord lift up his 

 countenance upon you, and give you peace. 



