THE DAILF av'ENINO TELEGRAPH PHILADELPHIA, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1871.
2
man cnuncnism.
Continued from the Firtt Fajf.
trood to the Church either spiritually or materially,
and should be at once abandoned ; therefore
Heoolvea, That the rector le requested to dispense
with the processional and recessional hymns; chang
ing the stoles; the use of limited candles lii the
chancel; the invocation before the sermon; the
Standing of the choir and roiiirrciratlon on t ie pro.
nentation of the offertory ; ehmifrtiiR the f urnltare of
the churrh. or dolu auvthlnfr which may come In
conflict Vith the spirit of the foregoing preamble.
IRE HECTOR PROTESTS.
At a meeting held on November 23, the rector
In the chair, he read a protest to the resolutions
passed at the lost lueelinjr, as follows:
Whereat, At a nicetiBg of the rector, wardens, and
vestry or St. element's Church, held on the 9th of
November, 1H70, two resolutions were ordered to be
placed npon the minutes. The rector enters his pro
test as follows:
To the matter of the first resolution, the rector
makes no objection. lie Is ready to enforce it In
every particular. But as no sui-"pi'actlces" or
customs" are used In the services at tit. Clement's:
Church, he can but feel that the record of such a
resolution npon the minutes of tin vestry will
place him In the mind of the future readerof the
lilstory of the parUh, in a false position.
For this reason alone, he protests against the re
cord of the first resolution.
The second resolution is equally objectionable; for
It intimates that the rector has assumed, or may as
Rume, in opposition to the wishes of the vestry, the
right (which undoubtedly belongs to htm under the
law of the Chnrch) of making a change in the ar
rangement or furniture of the church. As the rector
has made no such change, and as the vestry have no
reason to suppose that he intends to make such a
change without free and friendly consultation, this
resolution also places him In a false position, and he
therefore protests against Its record upon the
minutes of the vestry.
II. J. BATTEftSON,
Rector of St. Clement's Church.
Mr. Allen then withdrew his resolution.
TUK RECTOR ASKED TO EXTLAIN.
The rector's warden, Mr. Morris, asked leave
to put the following questions to the rector,
viz.:
First. Whether auricular confession is encouraged
by the rector or assistant minister of St. Clement's
Chnrch?
And, whether the same is, or has been practised in
the parish building or elsewhere by the rector, or
assistant minister, with the knowledge of the
rector? "
And, whether It is trne that the Rev. Mr. Prescott
Has heard confessions at SU Clement's Chnrch, with
the consent of the rector ?
Second. Whether tho rector approves and gives
tils assent to the doctrine as to prayers for the dead,
advanced by the Kev. 11. Goodwin, in his sermon
delivered at St. Clement's Church on the evening of
the last Wednesday In Advent ?
And whether the propriety of prayers for the dead
is taught to tLe Sunday-school teachers, or to the
children ?
Third. Whether In the celebration of the Holy
Communion at St. Clement's Church, water, or any
other thing. Is permitted to be mingled with the
wine during the service, by the celebrant or his
assistants?
BE ANSWERS.
To which the rector thus responded :
To each clause of the first question, the rector re
plied In the affirmative.
To the second Question, the rector replied :
To the first clause That he la not responsible for
Mr. Goodwin's teaching.
To the second clause That he has no personal
knowledge as to tiut clause
To the third question, tne rector replied:
That water is mixed with the wine in the chalice,
before the oblations are placed on the altar.
AN TNt'SUAL EVENT.
Mr. Lambert then offered a resolution to the
effect that the questions thus put and tho an
swers thereto be referred to a committee of
three to take the whole into consideration and
renort at the next meeting.
The rector declined to put the question on
this resolution, Inasmuch as it referred to mat
ters concerning himself alone, and with which
the vestrT had nothing to do.
The rector's warden then took the chair, put
Mr. Lambert's resolution to a vote, and it was
adopted. The committee appointed consisted
of Messrs. Lambert, Morris, and liiaen.
' TRAYER FOR THE DEAD.
At the next meeting of the vestry. Jan. 12,
1871. Mr. Lambert read the report or tne ma
jority of the committee to take the whole
matter of the questions put by Mr. Morris, and
the answers thereto, into consideration, which
took the shape of Ihe following resolution:
Resolved, That the rector be requested to inform
himself as to the teachings of the Sunday-school,
cither to teachers or scholars on the subject of
prayer for the dead, and to report to the vestry at an
adjourned meeting.
Mr. Tilden read the report of the minority of
the committee in the same words, with the fol
lowing words added, viz.: "And that the com
mittee be discharged from further consideration
of the subject."
On motion, the report of the minority of the
committee was accepted, and the committee was
discharged.
MORE UNPLEASANTNESS.
Mr. Lambert then offered tho following:
Resolved, That in view of the differences and want
of confidence existing between the clerical and lay
authorities of St. Clement's Church, a dissolution
of the present pastoral connections would bo ac
ceptable to the vestry.
This resolution, after considerable debate, was
postponed.
AN ATTEMPT TO HAKMONIZK MATTERS.
At the next meeting, on the 18th of January,
Mr. Lambert withdrew the resolution given
above, and substituted the following, looking
towards peace:
Whereas, At the last meeting of the vestry a dispo
sition to harmonize tho present differences of
opinion between the rector and vestry was mani
fested, the rector having expressed a willingness to
meet the wishes of the vestry in the manner of cou
ducting the services and in the teachlngs,whera the
same did not conflict with his sense of duty, which
Should be met In like spirit by the vestry; and
Whereas, Hopes are eutertained.that some arrange
ment mutually satisfactory, and not liable to be ruts
underhtood, may be reached by further conference;
therefore
Jtetohed, That with that end in view a committoe,
consisting of the rector and rector's warden, be ao
nolnted to confer on this subject and jointly snggest.
at an adjourned meeting of the vestry, a basis for
the mutual and satisfactory adjubtmeut of the dif
ferences. This was adopted.
FAIL TO AGREE.
At the vestry mectlDg on Februray 0, Hector's
Warden Morris (who, with the rector, was, at
the meeting of the vestry held on January IS,
1871. appointed a committee to confer on the
subject of the differences between the rector and
the vestrr. and jointly suggest at an adjourned
meeting of the vestry a basis for the adjustment
of those differences) stated that the rector and
be having failed to agree, had each put in writing
his plan of a report to the vestry, and agreed
that the two should be presented to the bishop
of the diocese that this had been done, and that
he, Mr. Morris, had written a letter to the Bishop,
enclosing the two papers that this letter had
been submitted to the rector and approved
iy aim.
TQE LETTER TO TUB BUUOP.
This was the letter sent by the rector's warden,
Mr. P. P. Morris, to the Bishop:
To the Right Uev. William Bacon Btevens, D.
D., Bishop ot Pennsylvania: Differences of
opinion touching certain points of doctrine aud
practice having arleen between the rector and
ve6try of St. Clement's Church la this city, the
subjects in question were finally relerred to a
committee consisting of the rector and the
writer to report a plan for huimonlzln the
differences. The subjects which printTpally
embarrassed us were those of coufeaslon aud
prayers lor the dead. As to tbe first, tuo rector
thought his priestly office gave him the rlirht,
not only to hear the confessions of penitent
sinners seeking relief in that way, but to follow
the confession, when satisfied of the reality of
the penitence, by absolution adminis
tered in private; and he declared that
be could- not conscientiously undertake
to say that the same shoild not
Le practiced in Bt. Clement's parirh; neither
could he undertake to s;uv. that tho practice of
confession, to be followed by private absolution,
thould not be taught or eucourui'ed lu the put l-u
as a proper Christian duty.
lie malntninad hU right, and declared hli In
tention, to grant absolution privately w heu ho
considered it proper to do no.
As I conld rot agree to this view, I suggested
consultation with yon, when the Kev. Lr. Hat
terson proposed that the papers prepared by us
respectively should be submitted to you, in your
official capacity, for your opinion In the pre
mises, Dr. Batterson at the same time autho
rizing me to stato his views to you as 1 have
given tbem above. To whieh I assented.
The paper marked "B" Is Dr. Batterson's pro
position for allaying the dlfllcnlties. The paper
marked "M" contains what I thought was es
sential, and is in tbe form of a report to the
vestry from the committee already mentioned.
We submit these papers in the hope that you
will be able to give such counsel as will secure
harmony and prosperity to St. Clement's
Church.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
l . r. MORRH.
THE RECTOR'S TLAN.
ThO paper (marked B) by which Dr. Batter-
eon proposed to settle the difficulty, after de
claring his willingness to consult or be con
sulted by any warden or vestryman, "in the
free, frank, open-hearted manliness which be
longs to Christian gentlemen." proposes to com
mit tne vestry to the defense of the service as it
now stands: "That is to say processional and
recessional hyms, the Invocation, the standing
of the people during the presentation of alms, to
be continued. The banner to bo used only at
Christmas and Easter, the feast of All Saints
and the children's festival. Tho colored stoles
to continue in use until the next General Con
vention (October, 1871), at which time the de
cision of the convention upon the subject (if any
THE CONFESSIONAL.
"As to teaching," continues Dr. Batterson;
"first, private or auricular confession. This
matter to be left, os heretofore, entirely volun
tary; compulsory confession, having never been
taught in the Anglican communion, will never
be taught in St. Clement's parish; but in all
cases the penitent will be left to make it or not,
as his own conscience ma' decide.
'1 hen the Doctor quotes from "Hooker's Ec
clesiastical Polity" (a book recommended by tbe
House of Bishops), among other paragraphs the
following, in support ot tne confession:
"For private confession and absolution, It staudetu
thus with u:
"The minister's power to absolve Is publicly taught
and professed. The Church not denied t4 have
authority either of abridging or enlarging the use
and exercise of that power; upon the people no
such neefssity Imposed of opening their trausgres
slons onto men, as if remission of sins othervUe were
Impossible neither en? such opinion had of the
thirty itself as though it were either unlawful or un-
rodtable.' In a foot-note Hooker quotes from
Ishop Jewell: "As for private confession, abuses
and errors removed, we condemn it not, but leave it
at liberty." Then adds Dr. Batterson, "Hooker's
polity having received tbe sanction of the House of
Bishops and General Convention, viihmitanv wovUo
or qualification, may be said fairly to speak the mind
of the American Church." As for nrayers for the
dead, Dr. Batterson says he would like to Investi
gate the subject more thoroughly.
AURICULAR CONFESSION SHALL NOT BE
PRACTISED.
Now the committee of tho vestry who were to
irame a oasis lor mutual ana satisfactory adjust
ment of the differences between the rector and
the vestry put their foot flatly down on auricular
confession and priestly absolution by reporting
tne lonowing:
That they have agreed upon the following as
toaocirine or practice involving doctrine:
l. Auricular comesbion, by wnicn we mean
private confession, to be followed by priestly
absolution, either witn or without penance en
joined, snail not be practised in this parish, or
taught or enqpuraged as a proper Christian
dutj. either as preparatory to the communion
or without reference to that sacrament. There
being no Intention to exclude the services for
tho visitation of the sick, or prisoners, or the
godly counsel to troubled minds contemplated
by the exnortatlon to the communion, or to in
terfere with the duty to hear tho confession of
an oppressed conscience bona fide seeking relief
in that way; but In no case shall private absolu
tion be given, unless where specially authorized
by the rubric.
, 2. The opinion that prayers for the dead are
cmcacious, ana mat tney are countenanced or
warranted by the Protestant Episcopal Church
in the United States of America, to form no part
or tne teaclilogs ot una parisn.
a. Bowings to the altar, ana prostrations be
fore It, not to be practised by the cleagy, and to
be loi bidden to tne cnonsters.
AS TO CEREMONIES.
The banner to be carried only ou Christmas.
faster, and All taints, and on tbe children s ser
vices when desired.
Water not to be mingled with the wine in the
chancel.
The question of colored stoles to be left to
await the action of the next General Conven
tion.
Nothing new to be Introduced Into the ser
vices, and no changes made therein, without
consultation with the vestry, and acquiescence
by them.
TUE BISHOP GIVES HIS OFFICIAL COt'NSKL ON
THE QUESTIONS AT ISSUE THE INNOVATIONS
THAT HE CONDEMNS.
The Right Kev. Bishop Indited a letter to
P. P. Morris, i.eq., on the bth of February last.
in aiiswer to a note from that gentleman, with
accompanying papers, 6tatlug, "We Dr. Bit
tcrson and himseltj submit these papers in the
Lope that you will be able to give such counsel
as will secure harmony and prosperity to St.
Clement's Church." Then says the BishoD:
"The subjects thus laid before me are grave and
momentous, ana iceung tne need of Divine ail,
1 have earnestly sought wisdom and truth from
God, who has promised to give the Holy Spirit
to them that ask Him." The Bishop then quotes
the paper drawn up by the committee and that
ty Dr. Batterson, and then says:
It will be seen by this answer Dr. Batterson's to
the vestry that the decision of the report U
evaded. That whatever the teaching or practice
was ueiure me isiuoi January, iaii, Dr. Batterson
wisned it "to be left as heretofore." That lie made
no oiler to discontinue the practice, and attempted
to vindicate his courso by an appeal to certain pas
sages found in the Ecclesiastical Polity of Kletiarl
llookrr. Not a point was conceded.
As the request of tho vestry was based on a state
of things existing betore the 18lh of January, and
as, but for that state of things, the request to dis
continue the practice and teachlDg alluded to would
not nave been made, it loiiows that the plan sub
in u it u uy ur. isaueraou, in oraer, as He says.
ao eneci a nearly concurrence of the
vestry, and to quiet all dliierences of opinion oa
matters of ritual," etc., does not yield one thing to
the vestry, but virtually reaillrrns his previous
t aching, and asks "to be left as heretofore" to his
practice.
This view of Dr. Patterson's plan Is confirmed by
the following extract from jour note dated February
2, and which you say Dr. Batterson authorized you
to state as his views, aud which also Dr. Batterson
saw. a no auuea an interlineation lu his own hand
writing:
"As to the tlrst (confession), the rector thought
his priestly otbee gave him the right not ouly to hear
the confession of peni ent sluners, Seeking relief lu
that way, but to follow the confection, when sails
lied of the reality of the peulteoce, by absolution
admlnlsteied in private, and he declared that he
could not conscientiously undertake to say that the
same should not be practised ia St. Uleineut's
parish; neither could le undertake to eay that l lie
practice of confeasi' n. to ba folljwed by private ab
sriution, chotld not be taught or encouraged in the
patish as a proper Christian duty, when tho penitent
cannot otherwise qu'et lua coiiS';ieu e. tie main
tained his right and declared bis luteution t j grant
absolution privately, when he conidered :t proptr
todos'i." this, men, is l ie roipinse or tue rector
to the request of lha vestry.
I need riot stop to point out the fallacy of tho
argui'it nt of Dr. Batterson, that because an author
is mentioned lu tbe list of books prescribed bytua
House of Bishops to be read and studied byciadl
iiutes fur hiily order, that therefore such autbor or
vuiL has the sanction and authority of the House of
BiEhojiH, mid may be said fairly to represent the
ir.iiuii f ti.o American church, for it la too evident
io t( ape notice, l.ut will proceed at once to asuer
lamwlietlu r Hooker, w hose words he quotes, does
cuuuikeiiie views aui practices ui nr. Batiersou. The
acrttibo which Hcoktr UiUkea lu his sixth book of
"toi.'ieHsiuu'aiid "ai'soinilwH, ' is of the three re
Mucitu aim mourned furius then in use lu the
iiiuii'iini r.niiiaiiu. TUese tnreu loruu are
hi hi. -i ne 'oiiieksion and aaoluiiu ia the dally
lucrum' and evtbing praer, which are both publio
Utlli t'l lll'tlll .
Fecund. '1 he confession and abao'utiou nijduia
the onk r fi r the aoimuiMtratiou ol the Hoy t'ocu-
mi'Mi'ii, wwi n is aiio ooiu pu'-ito and geuera..
'iuird. 'I'm tQuuk'U wiiXa the w.-k uuu it
moved to make, and th absolution following In the
i;nllsh Offlcetor the Visitation of the Hick.
But neither of these form rorresnouds to the
auricular confession and absolution which Dr. Bat
terson tenches and defends. For what he contends
for Is a private corfexslon of veil persons, la tho
vestry room, or some other part of the church build
ing aud the giving to penitents thus confessing a
pilvate priestly absolution.
roiar rrora juooner s approving tnts. tno wnoie
drift of n's teaching is attalnst it, as Is also the
whole teaching of Bishop Jewell, whom Dr. Batter
8fn also quotes; for this able defender of the
Church of Kngland distinctly says, "1 hat the priest
should hear the private confesuons of the
people ano listen to their whisperings; .that every
man snouin ie oouno to tneir auricular confession,
it Is no commandment or ordinance of Uod. It Is
devised and established by men, and was lately con
firmed by Innocentlns the Third" (In the Council of
uucian, izia.i a i realise or tne tsacraineui.
Again he says, in his "AnologTof the Church of Eng
land," part II, chap. VII, dlv. S, "That Christ's dis-
cIlUs did receive this authority (touching the keys),
not that they should hear private confessions of the
people, and listen to their w hlsperlngs.BB the common
massing priests do everywhere now-a days, and do
it, so us though in that one point lay all the virtue
and use of the keys ; but to the end that they should
go, they should teach, they should publish abroad
tne uospei, ana oe unto tne believing a sweet savor
of life unto life, aud nnto the unbelieving and un-
laitniui a savor or tieain unto death."
As. therefore, the only two cases wherein private
confession end absolution are allowed In the English
Church, and which are countenanced by these great
writers, ao not exist in the American Church.' it is
wide of the truth to say that they, in defending these
confessions ana absolutions which have beeu ruici
out of tho American Prayer Book, "may be said
fairly lo speak the mind of the American Church."
"The American 'Jhurch" has snoken out her own
mind onfthe subject, aud with no indistinct or falter
ing voice.
wncre ire jtngusn rrayer book, in tne nrst or
the exhortations to the Holy Communion, has the
sentence, "that by the ministry of Ood's holy word,
he may iccelve the benetltof absolution, together
with ghostly counsel nd advice," In the American
l'rajer Book the reference to absolution is left out,
and the passage reads, "that he may receive such
gomy counsel ana advice."
nere tne tfngusn ruonc, oeiore tne confession in
the Holy Communion reads: "Then shall this gene-
rat coniession ue maae in me name or an tnose rnac
are minded to receive;" the Ame
rican rubric says: "Then shall this
general confession be made by the priest, and all
these who are minded to receive;" I.e., that the
priest is to confess as well as the people.
nere ine ,ngnsn ruuric uirects, alter this gene
ral ccnfoHsIon: "Then shall the priest (or the
bishop, being present) stand up, and turning nunself
to the people, pronounce this absolution ;" the
American rubric leaves out the words "pronounce
this absolution." and substitutes the single word
'eav."
Where '"The Order for the visitation of the
Sick," in the English Prayer Book, reads: "Here
shall the sick person be moved to make a
special confession of his sins, if he feel his con
science trouoiea wttn any weighty matter. After
which confession the priest shad absolve him (if he
humbly and heartily oetire it;, after this sort," and
then follows an absolution; In the American Prayer
Book, this rubric and this absolution are wholly
onilttqd.
1 he only confession countenanced bv the Ameri
can Prayer Book other than the two in the Morning
and Evening Prayer, and in the Dolv Communion,
is that in "A Form of Prayer for the Visitation of
Prisoners." (This form does not exist in the Eng
lish Prayer Book, and was taken bv the framers of
our liturgy out of tho Irish Prayer Book, Into which
it was introuucea in m.)
But the language here used is very clear and pre
cise. The rubric says: "Then shall the Minister
examine whether he repent him truly of his sias,
exhorting him to a particular confem n, v the in far
viiii a ne is conaemnea, anu, npon confession, he
shall Instruct bun what satisfaction ought lo be
made to those whom he has otrvndeil thereby," etc.
"After hlsconfession the priest s'lall declare unto
him the pardoning mercy of Clod, in the form used
in the communion service."
Observe here, that the only confession which the
minister is to exhort the prisoner to make is "a par
ticular confession of the slu for which he la con
demned" that the absolution consists in tho minis
ter declaring unto him the pardoning mercy of God,
in tne precatory lorm usea in me communion
service; and, further, that this visitation of prisoners
Is to be used "when a prisoner Is confined for some
great or capital crime." So that Dr. Batterson
cannot picaa tnis oince as sustaining nis views of
private confession and absolution.
I repeal, tnereiore, man uie American ciiurcn nas
spoken for herself. She recognizes no Inherent
right In the minister to hear confession and grant
absolution outside of the forma and waya specially
provided ; and by her legislation, direct and lu.llrjet,
has protested agauist private confessionals and pri
vate absolution.
In the language of Bishop Ilobart, "The Church
man Justly deems auricular confession and private
absolution an encroachment on the lights of con
science; an invasion of tho prerogative of the
Searcher of hearts, and, with sune exceptions, hos
tile to domestic and social happiness, and licentious
and corrupting in its tendency."
These words, though strong, are not tooBtrong;
for the history of the confessional Is one or the
foulest pages In the annals of the Church of Korue.
tiod forbid that there should be any revival of such
a system in the Church. There Is nothing that will
more invade the sanctity of domestic life and de
stroy the purity of woman's heart ; nothing that will
breed more loathsome Ideas In the minds of the so
called penitents, and foster lust and crime m the so
called father confessors, than the teaching aud
practice of private auricular confession, aud private
priestly absolution.
Our American Church, by excluding everything
from her liturgy that savors of such a uoctriue, has
wisely gua.did against th g evil. For, however
mild aud pure tins may now appear in its lirst be
giLniugs. it will not long remain so, for the system
advccuied only needs a vantage ground and a little
headway, to become as debauching lu iU results to
the mlna, and soul, and body, us tne system which
it Imitates has aiready proved itself to be
all over the world. As Dr. Batterson
"maintains bis light aud declares his
lnlenilnn to grant absoiniion privately when he con
s'.dered It pioper to do so," aud us this whole subject
is now subiuiiteu to me ier my decision and udir.
iueLt, 1 therefore declare that all private luXes.sion
aud absolution, save only in the way, aiiiT inder tho
special circumstances, provided for lu the form for
llie VIBliatlon oi priKuuera, is, in niv opinion, con
tiary to the doctrine, discipline, aud worship of
tie Protestant .Episcopal Church; aud that it
is an erroneous aud strange doctrine, which 1 am
bound, as far as in me lies, to banish and drive
away from that portion of the Church over which
the Holy tlhott hath made me overseer. Hence, I
rtnulre the oillclating nilulbier iu St. Clement's
parish to discontinue all teaching aud practices
which lean to or couuienunce sucn private conies,
s'on or private absolution
The second point noted in tho paper, marked "M."
is concerning prayers lur the dead, and Is In the fol.
In wlni? words: "i'he onlnlou mat nravers for tha
d( ad are elllcactous, ana that they are couutenanced
or warranted by the l'rotistaut Episcopal ciiureh
In the United States of Ameiica, to lorm no part of
the teachings ci tins parisn.
IT. Batterson, in his paper marked U,' siy:
"The rector would luc to investigate the
subject more thoroughly, and uk.s for time
to do so. So far iu his in aestivation he
ilnds that for the first 1500 years of the
Church' history, no liturgy is i xtant which does not
conta'n a petiuou to tne ettect that the soma oi tne
faithful departed may erjoy perpetual rest and fe
licity in the realms of paradise. The wholo subject
shall receive his careful attention. As he has never
taught a word on the subject, tne vestry need have
no fear of Ills doing so until he lias sailalled himself
entirely as to itie teaching eif the t'liuroh." Tuougn
Dr. Batterson has not, as he :-as, "taught a word on
the subject." ytt r.e allowed others 10 teacll
audprtachit from his pulpit, aud as privy to, uud
crgnizant kit, such teaching, without reuuklug or
controverting It, he is and must ba held responsible
lur such c rroncous doctrine.
The vestry would never, as in the p.ipcr before
me.request the discount 'l.anclDg of teaching au opi
i ion, ii the opinion had net in i u tuught. Tbe fact
that "the opinion that praveis for the dea l uro CM
carious," lias beeu broached and urged ou aeverul
occasions, U the ground of the desire herein ex
pressed, that it "suould form no p jrt of the teauhlug
oi tine pansD. '
I'pon the subject in genen.1 1 beg leave to say tint
tui re is nut a single passage ot canonical s'-npeurc,
nor a sentence la tho Boon of Common Jrnyuroi
tho Protestant tpiscopal Church, ih-t warrants or
cociiti i.ances, by any fair aud honest lutcrprcutiou,
pray ersior mc dead.
The two pafsngttj In tho Pruytr Br-ok that are
mtibily relied ou by the advocate of this doctriue
aro ffcnud in tne player for the wliola state of
t hi Ist's church Militant,. and In one e.f the prayers
lu the burial service. 1'ne first sentence is: -"And
we also bless Thy holv name for all Thy servants
departed this l.fe m Thy faith end fear, beseeching
Thee to ivn usirrace so to follow their goou exam
pics, that w'.tli them we mar be partakers of Thy
heaveriy kingiioin."
Iltie Is s'n ply a blessing o' Clod's name for Ills
servants aeiauen luisllle in ins lauu ami ie.tr a
beseeihllir ef Ol d lor irrace to lollow their g.j-id
exauijue, und iccogmziLg the fact that they, In con
sequence ejf departing in faith sud fear, are par
takers of Cod's ht-avenly kmg'iuiii. U a ask ! mil to
orant that "with them' we mav bo partaker also
'I he passage In the prayer iu the burial wervtce Is
this: "And we beset-oii Time tuat wo, with ail
those who are departed In the Hue lauu
of Ttiv holv Name. may havs our
perfect cenauuiuutiou aud bliss lu Tuy eternal .and
heavenly kingdom." eto. By no honest Interpreta
tion can we from these passages defend or sanction
pisvers for the rtenrt.
When we consider that errors of tho gravest sort
have clustered around this doctrine of prayer for
the dead, that out of it grew the fearful errors of
majifiea lor the dead and the horrors of purgatory,
we runot but te thankful that the framers of our
lrayer Book left nut of It everything that could be
justly construed as teaching or countenancing such
an error. But as Dr. Batterson says "ne has never
taught a word on the subject," and "the vestry need
have no fear of his doing so until he has satisfied
himself entire ly as to the teaching of the Church," I
need say iiithlog further on this point.
The thlid topic In the paper limned M" Is thus
expressed : "Bowlxgs to the altar and prostrations
brfote It, not to be practised by the clergy and to be
forbidden to the choristers."
l'Kn th's Dr. Batterson says nothing
These bowings and prostrations and the like
are novelties, only very recently Introduced
Into the American Church, and have no
warrant or sanction from any rubric or usage
of our communion. They also symbolize
the Bomlsh doctrine of a local and objective pre
sence of the body and blood of Christ on the holy
table. This 1 consider to be one of the most spe
cious aud dangerous of all the errors now so subtly
inculcated by the pnlplt and by the press; for It is
the germ out of which naturally grows the whole
ritualistic system, an I once adml'ted. and loglciMy
followed out, the only sequence is submission to the
Church of Pome.
I earnestly request, therefore, that all bowings to
the altar, and prostrations and geuuflclxons before
It. be henceforth dlscontlnaed In St. Clemsut's
Cnnrch.
The 4th point In the paper marked "M," is con
cerning the nse of the banner. Both the rector and
vestry agree as to restricting the carrying of the
banner on Chrlstman, Buster, the Feast or All Saints,
and In the Children's services.
This is another Innovation which I conscientiously
condemn, as being an unnecessary aud Improper
parade and spectacle In the house of Clod. I grant
mat mere may oe special occasions, sucn as Sunday
school anniversaries or the gathering of Church so
cieties, when, for the sake of Interesting children
or designating classes or societies, such banners
may be allowed as harmless: but to introduce them
into the ordinary worship of the great congregation.
is to Bet up a pomp aud display uuknown in the ear
liest ages or tne cnurcii.anu unknown in tne Church
In these United Mates until within ths last live
years. I hope, therefore, that the carrying of the
banner In M. Clement's Church will bo dispensed
with, save only lu the exceptional cases which I
have sneciiled above.
'ine ntm point mentioned is, -water not to oe
mlneled with the wine in the chanceL" Dr. Batter
son says nothing on this point.
Tne American ennren, ncitner Dyruonc, canon,
nor nsage, sanctions this practice, and I request that
it be henceforth omitted.
Sixth. The wearing of colored stoles is by both
pariies left to the decision of the next Oeneral Con
vention; though Dr. Batterson announces his in
tention to continue their use. There is no
authority for the use of the colored vestments
or any Kind in our ennren ; ana tne uninterrupted
usage of the first seventy years of our extstenca as
a National Church condemns the practice, which I
request may be discontinued.
Several or these points wnicn i nave referred to
may seem small and harmless. Each In Its single
ness may be so: but when aggregated they indicate
a growth of symbolism and a drifting error-ward
that cannot be too speedily checked, if wo would
defend the faith once delivered to the saints.
I have thus, as you desired, given you my offlolal
counsel and opinion npon the points submitted
to me.
How far mv judgment win secure narmony and
prosperity to t-t. Clement's Church will depend on
the course which the rector shall pursue, as well as
on the moderation and firmness of the vestry. If,
as I trust, Dr. Batterson recognizes himself bound
by his ordination vows, and amenable to the rubrics
and canons of the Protestant Episcopal Chureri, he
will, 1 am sure, yield to the decisions here given, at
least so far as to cease practices and teachltjrs
which are here discountenanced; for It would
certainly be a mockery of Episcopal autho
rity, and bad faith towards the
vestry ci m elements, alter mu
tually agreeing to submit the controversy to the
Ordinary," ana receiving nis opinion mcreon, to
Ignore his judgment and counsel ia the premises,
and to c ntlnue to act as If be had pronounced no
decision In the case.
Pravlnsr that the Great Head of the Church mav
direct your minds and hearts into the way of truth
and peace,
1 rcmaio your lauuiui menu,
And servant in Christ,
Wm. Bacon Stevkns,
Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania.
When these papers had been read to the vestry,
the question was put to the rectotas to what be
intended to do in regard to the Bishop's letter,
to which he replied that the vestry, as a vestry,
had nothing more to do with it.
A REQUEST TO TIIK RECTOU.
On the 23d of February last, at another vestry
meeting, Mr. Morrisoffered the folio wing, which
was passed:
V Rewired, That the rector be respectfully requested
to conform the teachings,' practices, aud ritual of
this parish to the requirements and requests or the
Bishop, aB contained In his letter to Mr. Morris, laid
before the vestry at the last meeting, aud or which
a cony Is In the possession of the rector, and that
the beoretary send a copy of this resolution to the
Bishop.
Another resolution was adopted, that In order
to give tbe congregation a clear understanding
of the existing differences of opinion, tho
minutes of tho vestry be printed and circulated
among tle members ofthe church.
MNANCIAL.
SPECIAL NOTICE TO INVESTQHS.
IL Choice Security.
We are now able to supply a limited amoun
of the
Catawissa Railroad Company's
7 PER CENT.
COHVERTIELE MOST GAGE BCWD3,
FREE OF bTATB AND UNITED STATES TAX.
They are Issued for the sole purpose of building
tho extension from MILTON TO WiLUAMseOKT,
a distance Of BO miles, and are secured bit a lien on the
entire road of marly luu miles, fully equipped and
doing a nourishing bublness.
When it is uouxtdered that the entire Indebtedness
of the company wtl be less than 1 16, uuu per mile,
leaving out their Valuable Coal Hroyterty of Vim arres,
It will Tie seen at once what an nuusuil auiouut of
security Is attached to thxite bonds, and they there
fore must coiumeud themselves to the moat prudeut
investors. An additional advantage 1a, that they
ran le converted, at the option of ihe holder, after
15 years, Into tho Preferred Stock, at par.
They are registered Coupon Bouds (a great safe
guard), issued in sums or l.'-oo and Siooo. Interest
pavtible February and August.
Prlco nx and accrued interest, leaving a good
margin for advance.
For further lutormatlon, apply to
D. C- WHARTON SMITH & CO.,
No. 121 SOUTH TIII11B STREET,
1 868 PHILADELPHIA.
B. K. JAHISON & C07
SUCCESSORS TO
I?. IT. ICliHY Sz CO.,
BANKERS AND DEALERS IN
Geld, Silver, and Government Bond
At Close! Market ttatea,
N. W. Cor. THIRD and CHESNUT SU
Special attention given to COMMISSION ORDERS
in New York and Philadelphia Stock Boards, etc,
etc MS
F
Six Per Cent. Loan of the City of Wil
liam sport, Pennsylvania,
JP v ? o of u 11 Taxes,
At 85 and Accrued Interest.
These Bonds are made absolutely secure by act of
Legislature compellin? the city to levy sufficient tax
to pay Interest aiid principal. ,
P. 8. PETERSON & CO.,
Ho. 29 8. T11IKD STltEET,
as roiLADELPniA.
FINANCIAL.
JAY COOKE & CO.,
PHILADELPHIA, NEW YORK and WASHINGTON.
jay cooke, Mcculloch & co.,
LONDON,
AMD
Dealers in Government Securities,
Special attention given to the Purchase and Sale
of Bonds and Stocks on Commission, at.the Board of
Brokers In this and other cities,
INTEREST ALLOWED ON DEPOSITS,
COLLECTIONS MADE ON ALL POINTS.
OOLD AND SILVER BOUGHT AND SOL
In connection with our London House we are now
prepared to transact a general
FOREIGN EXCHANGE BUSINESS,
Including Purchase and Sale of Sterling Bills, and
the lssne of Commercial Credits and Travellers' Clr-
cuiar Letters, available In any part of the world, and
are thus enabled to receive GOLD ON DEPOSIT,
and to allow four per cent. Interest In currency
thereon.
Having direct telegraphic communication with
both our New "fork and Washington Offices, we can
offer superior facilities to our customers.
RELIABLE RAILROAD BONDS FOR INVEST
MENT. Pamphlets and full information given at our office,
8 s 3mrp No. 114 S. THIRD Street. Phllada,
Wilmington and Reading
Railroad
7 PX2H CZI&T. XZOPJD3.
Free of Taxes.
we are now offering a limited amount of the
biXUiNU iuuKXtiAUJS BOJNU3 ol this Ootupany
At and Accrued Interest.
The Bonds are Issued in
SIOOs, S500s, and SI 000s,
COUPONS PAYABLE JANUARY AND JULY.
We placed the FIRST MORTGAGE BOND3 of
this Company at 86 per cent. They are now bringing
on the open market 95 per cent. This fact la strong
evidence or tne Btanding and credit of this Com
pany.
The road la now finished and doing a large and
prontaoie Dusiness.
wra. painter. & coJ
BANKERS,
And Dealers In Government Secn'l.les,
Uo. 3G South
THIRD Street,
PHILADELPHIA.
5 PER CSUT.
New United States Loan,
Agents appointed to receive
change
subscriptions or ex-
FOR 5-20 230UD3.
Books now open and information furnished
terms, etc.
as
ELLIOTT, COLLINS & CO.,
No. 109 SOUTH THIRD STREET,
3 8tf PHILADELPHIA.
INVESTMENT BONDS
PORTAGE LAKE AND LAKE SUPERIOR SHfi
cain a l, ius. fc ecu red by tlrst mortgage on the
canal (now completed), aud on real estate worth live
times the amount or tue mortgage.
LAFAYETTE COUNTY, MISSOURI, 10s.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, NEBRASKA. (Including
Omaha), 10s, and other choice Western county and
vnj vvuub, jriciuiug guuu ruiea oi mieresu
WtSTJCKN fUNNaYLAVPtlA RAILROAD 6g,
euuuiBcu uj mo i tuuHj'ivauia itauroia company.
For full particulars app'y to
UOWAISI UlKLIXUTO-i,
8 2 8m No. 147 Bonth FOURTH Street.
DUNN BROTHERS,
Nos. 51 and 53 S. TJiniD St.
realera In Mercantile Paper, Collateral Loan,
Government Securities, and Gold.
Draw Pills of Exchango on the Union Bank ol
Indon.and issue travellers' letters of crodit ttirouirh
Messrs. P.OWLE3 PROS & CO., aallabla In all the
cities of Europe,
Maka Collections on all points.
Execute orders for Bonds and stocks at Board of
Brokers.
Allow Interest on Deposits, subject to check at
sight 18
530 530
BANKER.
DKPOSIT ACCOUNTS KUCKIVffi) AND lUTBli
JtS'P A1LOWKD ON DAILY liALANiJIM.
ORLEita PKOMPTLY EXECUTED KOR TUB
PCKOHAtiE AND SALE OV ALL HJSLIALLB bit
CDRI'flKti.
tXJLLhXTlONS MADS EVPRYWHKKB.
KKALJioTATE COLLATiatAL LOANS NEUQ
TIAlfcD. 18 SI U1
Uo. 630 WALNUT St., Phil la.
FINANOIAL.
A RELIABLE
Safe
Home Investment
TXIKS
Sunbury and Lewistown Railro
Company
7 rnu (EriS. COLD
First Mortgage Bond
IntrfMi PfiTnlileAnril and Ore
States Taxes
We are now offering the balance of the loa
1,00,(HK), which Is secured by a tlrst and only
n the entire property and franchises of the C
pany,
At 90 and the Accrned Intertf
Added.
The Road Is now rapidly approaching coranlet
with a large trade In COAL, IKON, and LU.MU
in addition to the passenger travel awaitlnir
opening of this greatly needed enterprise. The iJ
trane aione is sumcienuy large to sustain tne I(
We have no hesitation In recommending the Ho
as a CHEAP, KhLIAbLE, and SAFE INVE
HI ENT.
For pamrhfets, with map, and full informal
apply to
VIW. PAINTER & Cd
BANKERS,
Dealers In Government Securities,
No. S6 South THIRD Stred
PnjLADELPniA.
THE PENNSYLVANIA CO MP AS
FOlt INSURANCES ON LIVES A
GRANTING
ANNUITIES.
Office No. 304 WALNUT Si reel
INCORPORATED MARCH 10, 1S12.
CHARTER PERPETUAL.
CAPITAL $1,000,000.
SURPLUS UPWARDS OF $750,0
Pecelve money on deposit, returnable on dem
for which interest Is allowed.
nd under appointment by Individuals, corp
lions, und courts, act as
EXECLTOHS. ADMINISTRATORS, TRl'STJ
ttl'AKDI&NS, ASSIGNEES. COMMITTEE
And for tbe faithful performance of its dutiesj
sucn all its assets are liable.
CHARLES DUTILII, Paesiden
William B. II ill, Actuary.
DIRECTORS.
Charles Dntllh, Joshua P.. Llppfncott.
Henry J. Williams, I Charles II. Ilutchinso
William 8. Vaux, Lindlcy Smyth,
John R. Wncherer, Oeorge A. Wood,
Adolph K. Borle, lAnthony J. Antelo,
Alexander Piddle, Charles 8. Lewis,
tieary t,evis.
JOHN S. RUSHTON & CU
BANKERS AND BROKER?.
GOLD AND COUPONS WANTS
City Warranta
BOUGHT AND SOLD.
Ho. 60 South
THIRD Stred
8 841
PHILADELPHIA.
ELLIOTT, COLLINS I CO,
HANUU'riH,
No. 100 South THIRD Stre
MEMBERS OF STOOK AND GOLD
CHANGES.
DEALERS IN MERCANTILE PAP;
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES, GOLD,
DRAW BILLS OF EXCHANGE ON T
UNION BANK OF LONDON. I3fmv$
CITY ORDINANCES.
COMMON COUNCIL OF HIILADELPH
"w Clekk's Ofi-ice,
Philadelphia, March 17, 1871.
In accordance with a Resolution adopted
the Common Council of the city of I'hiladelp
on Thursday, the sixteenth day of March, 1
the annexed bill, entitled, "An ordina
creatine1 a loan for the extension of
WittAr WnrL'B " la hrhv nnhllshprt fnr nn
information. A
-TIlTT NT vniraTVTKi ' I
Clerk of Common Counci
AN ORDINANCE CREATING A LOAN F
THE EXTENSION OF THE WAT
VOP.KS.
Section 1. The Select und Common Coun
of the city of Philadelphia do ordain, That
Major ot Philadelphia be and he is her
anthoJized to borrow at not less than par.
the credit of the city, two million one hund
and twenty-two thousand dollars for the furt
extension of the Water Works. For which in
rest not to-exceed tbe rate of six per cent
annum, shall be paid nalt-yearlv, on the
days of January and July, at the ollice of
City Treasurer.
ihe principal ot said loan shall be paya
and raid at the expiration oi ihirtv years fr
tbe date of tbe same, and not before with
the consent of the holders thereof; and
certificates therefor, In the usual form of
certiticates ot city loan, suau oe issued in s
amounts as the lenders may require, but not
any fractional part ot one liuudred dollars,
if required, in amounts of five huud
or one thousand dollars; and It shall be
preyed in Eald certificate:) that the loan ther
mentioned and the interest thereof are paya
free from all taxes.
Section 2. Whenever any loan ehall
made by virtue thereof, there shall be
force of this ordinance annually appro;rf
atd out of the income ot the cor
rate estates, and from the sum raised A
taxation, a 6um 6ui)icieDt to pay the interest
faid ccrtiucatee; atd tbo further sum of thrJ
tenths of one i cr centum on the par value
euch certiiieutes eo issued shall be appropriat
uuarterlv out of said income and taxes to
tiiikiuir fund, which fund and IU accumnlatioi
are Iieiely especially pledged for tbe'fuJ
tion aud payment oi 6aui ceruucate
RESOLUTiay
TO PUBLISH A LAN BILL.
Resolved, That the Ckrk of Common Coi
ell lo authoilzed to publish in two dally nev
papers of this city dally for four weeks t
ordinance presented to Common Council
Thursday, March 115, 1871, entitled "An or
r.nuco t-retinK a 'oau for the extension of t
Waterworks." And the suld C erk, at t
elated meeting of Councils af ter said puMh
uod, Ecsu pretent to this council oue ot ea
of Eald newspapers for every day In which t.
eume tha!' have been made. 3 17 'jf.