5

proach to out Christian principles if the lack of Union in the
Church should indicate our disregard of the great law which enjoins religious
concord with our brethren. I consider it a duty, therefore, es-
pecially incumbent upon me, as a Senior Bishop, to testify my af-
fectionate attatchment to those among my colleagues from whom I
have been separated during those years of suffering and calamity;
and to assure you personally of the cordial welcome which awaits
you at our approaching General Convention.

In this assurance, however, I pray you to believe that I do not
stand alone. I have corresponded on the subject with the Bishops, and think my-
self fully authorised to state that they sympathize with me gener-
ally in the desire to see the fullest representation of the Church-
es in the South, and to greet their brethren in the spiscopate with
the kindliest feeling.

I am unable to concieve how there can be any difference of
sentiment on the obligations involved in this important matter. We
all agree in prayer to be delivered from Schism; and no theologi-
an denies that a needless and wiful separation from the Church
would be clearly schismatical. I am well persuaded that our views
on this point must be in perfect harmony, and doubt not that you
will resond to our desire with ready satisfaction, and the only
course which is truly consistent in religious principle.

The past cannot be recalled, and though it may not soon be