The New York herald., 1845-01-10

10 winch we alluded yesterday, Is not yet ready
for publication. Il will perhaps be delayed for a
few days, the preparation Of it is work of some
care and labor In the meantime, we are receiving
great number OF communications, which come
pouring in from all quarters, some favorable to the
Bishop, and some sustaining, with great warmth OF
feeling, the decision of the court. We have Sc
lected one OF these communications for publication
and give 1t on the first page Of this days paper. 1t
comes. as will be perceived, from a friend OF the
Bishop; but there is reasonableness and mode
ration in its partizanship which commend it to
favorable and attentive regard.
1t is obviously impossible to form any just con-
clusion respecting the guilt or innocence Of the
Bishop with the present total lack Of authentic in
formation. We have now nothing before us but
rumors and hearsay, and all sorts of exaggeration
The secrecy with which the investigation was con-
ducted-the developments relative to the manner
in which it orignated-the violent party spirit
which has manifested itself on both sides-the ex-
| travagant and exaggerated statements circulated
by the adherents OF both parties-have all involved
this affair in great obscurity, and render 1t alto
gether impossible, with the data now before us, 10
form any rational or satisfactory conclusion as
the righteousness Of the sentence pronounced
against the accused party. The chief difficulty,
far relates to the Bishop, seems to be the as
certainment from the attendant circumstances of
the character and intent of the acts alleged against
him. But whether those acts were really criminal
or not it is impossible to learn from any informa-
ton yet presented to the public. We regard the
mere rumors and statements Of both parties as
equally unworthy of serious attention. It is in
view of this anxiety and doubt in the public mind,
that the publication OF condensed and accurate
account.of the evidence actually given in the trial,
seems to be all important to the interests of truth,
and the various parties concerned in this singular
affair
But however doubtful the question of the guilt or
innocence of Bishop Onderdonk may be, there can
be but one opinion as to the injurious influence
which these proceedings must exercise on the EpN
copal church itself 1t would, indeed, appear that
that ecclesiastical body is on the very brink Of vo-
entdisrupton. The seeds Of Reorganization appear
to be manifesting themselves in various quarters
within the pale ofthat religious denomination On
all hands there are loud and violent denunciations
of the conduct of the Court of Bishops, and these
| are echoed back'by equally violent outcres about
| the immoraties and the apostacies Of individual
! dgnitaries. The personalties-the volence-the
unchristian rancour-the party spirit-the bigotry-
| the intolerance-the brawling-the disorder which
now characterize this large section of the religious
community, certainly present a most painful and
melancholy spectacle to every man who cherishes
| reverent regard for Christianity.
What contrast does all this present to the con-
duct and teachings of the blessed founder of the
Christian faith and his Apostles! What purity
| what simpliclty-what charity what forbearance
what fraternal harmony characterized the col
| lege of fishermen! There were no secret con-
| caves of the Disciples of Jesus OF Nazareth in
those days. The religion Of the Saviour is one Of
| peace, and love, and mercy. What, in all ages,
has been the greatest barrier to its success and
universal triumph? We can have no hesitation in
replying that it has been presented by the priest
hood 1t hasbeen the combination of men who
have claimed monopoly of religion, only to pros.
titue 1t to their own base uses, for the gratiica-
ton Of their selfish ambition, which has in all pc
RODS created the most formidable opposition to the
| progress of genuine Christianity. And thie was
foreseen by the Author of Christianity. Hence
his repeated admonitions to his disciples to beware
of the wolves in sheep's.clothing who would enter
| into the fold to devour and destroy.
| Christianity is the only system Of religion and
morals that can make mankind prosperous and
happy. 1t is the only true safeguard individuals
| and of nations. 1t will be through its influence
| alone that man will ultimately obtain his destined
elevation. No other influence can retain the ma
tons of the earth in state Of civilization and or
| der. And the author of this benign and ennobline
| system, so framed it that it would receive con-
stant and progressive impetus from the progress ol
the human race and the inventions Of future ages
And we have seen abundant illustration of this in
the mighty impulse communicated to christianity
by the invention of the art of printing. The pres
has, in this latter day, been the great auxiliary sgen
cy of religion. What has the pulpit done in com
parisoR with the press in spreading the sublime re-
ligion of the cross That very press which eccle.
siasiics are accustomed in their bigotry or theil
blindness to deride and denounce, has been, ir
truth, at once the great missionary and the stead
fast conservator Of true religion. Were it not fol
an independent periodical press, under the gui
dance of an enlightened and liberal christianity
the world would be at this moment under the do
minion of ecclesiastical intolerance and darkness
And this case of Bishop Onderdonk has enly giver
us one illustration Of the injustice-the intoler
ance-the violence-and the partzan hate, which
the priesthood would create and perpetuate in al
the churches, were they not restrained and con
trolled by the free and independent press.
In the mean time, the excitement of this cas-,
increases with great rapdity in all the religious
clerical and legal circles. 1t is now understoo.
that Bishop Onderdonk will be supported most in
sensey by his friends, and will continue in the ex
ercse OF his duties as usual, being regarded b.
his adherents as still the Bishop Of this diocese
In opposition to this view, his antagonists are con
sulting lawyers all round town in order to ascertain
the nature Of his position, and the legality Of tn,
verdict of suspension. 1t IS said that DR.. Milno
contradicts with great warmth statement mad
on oath by DR.. Higbee during the trial, and Their
can be no doubt that prodigious amount Of per
sonal and bitter controversy is yet to grow out
this affair Again, it is suggested that the sale t
the Appletons Of the evidence the trial, and tn,
argument and proceedings before the Court o
Bishops, is gross outrage upon the moral sensibil
ties of the public, and that the Court had no rgh
whatever to se such matter for any purpose what