The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-11-14


In conformity with thsoustom ofths Episcopal Church
In the United States clergy very generally through
out the city read the Pastoral Letter ofths House
ops to their respective Sunday morning
last II is very excellent production, and considering
that proceeds from the pen of Of the Low Church
Bishops Is remarkably free from AL Objectionable mat
ter and may be- perused with advantage and pront py
persons who are within and without the pale OF the
church Its spirit Is commendable would that IT might
be extended into the practice OF all the members Oh the
church catholic.
PASTORAL LETTER.
BELOVED BRErHREN-In compliance with one OF our
canons the bishops beg leave at the the trenn
al convention of ls47 address In
letter to the members of church In these niteo
States Although subjects Of greatimportance and PAIN
full interest have been under and the
been earnestly discussed it is most gratifying to renect
rt public discussions have been conducted with
great moderation and propriety and that under thesi-
perntending provdence of God deliberations have
terminated In the adoption of which may be
to hope will result in the best interests OF the
church Let be the resolve Of each Of that we will
use our oes endeavors TO promote this happy result ana
let our prayers be offered Heaven for that blessing
without which all the efforts aud counses Of will be
unavailing
The bishops directed by the 9Th canon of 1874 have
mad before them from all parts Of our wide spreading
during the last trennia period and are happy to
be able to state that God still to
rted blessings to our church Her are still length
enng and stretching into portions Of the land and
her stakes strengthening where she already estab
lishsd In the number Of new churches built
gregations formed in of the dioceses in the add
ons to the communion Others and in the encouraging
in which most of the reports speak of the
condition Of their doceses cherish the hope that
there may be the signs Of something far i'm
portant than any outward prosperity for it would yield
consolation to hear OF numbers being added to the
church, unless 1t accompanied with the good hope
| that they OF such shall be savedo While,
hoping for more of the divine Blessing in the M
ture, 1t becomes In deep humility before God to in
quirs how faithfully have used hs talents com
mitted to trust and whether II had been more
diligent In the performance Of all duties might
have received much larger euson of the spirit for
the conversion Of Sinners for the perecng of saints
and the efectua operation of all the institutions OF the
church When we consider the many advantages with
dsalsd religion d think upon the wealth intelligence
and influence belonging to our communion; when
to his people who pray unto him through his
Jesus Christ when we read the promises of his
proof Of their ministry, must we not believe that if
all these had been diligently used in spirit OF faith
ed. Had more faithful and importuna prayer been
offered to the great Lord Of the harvest what in
number Of faithful aborers might have been sent
into the great field of the world IL deeper feeling for
souls psrshing through lack of knowledge had animated
bosoms would missionary societies have much
work IN the most enectua manner scantily afford
ed While rejoicing therefore, ut what has been done
anu IN sns blessings an 70 mourn inas
thereby forfeited Gods true children, and especially
faithful minister's have always been disposed thus to
humble themselves at the thought Of their best
works and wonder that they should still be permitted to
such master, and labor in such cause unproht
able and unworthy as they feel themselves to be.
To these few remarks the general condition Of the
church we have only to add that one new diocese has
been admitted to union the diocese of Wisconsin,
one beloved brother welcomed into our house. the
Bishop Of Pennsylvania; and that after our
separation another most worthy of confidence will
by divine permssion be for the diocese of
Maine. ,.-gr. f- .1 -.....- rrrt
Having thus, in compliance with past usage aad the
expressed wish of brethren, the clerical and lay
delegates of the convention noticed such facts
ed to require our special attention. proceed here
tofore address few words Of counsel to the minis
tiers and members of our communion abroad
through this widely extended and highly favored land
dressed to the Episcopal Church Of America from it,
first establishment the present time perceive that
great has been taken to present. with due prom
nence, and in just proportion only the great doc
trna features Of holy religion but those pecuartie
of external organization which, believe, have
down to With divine sanction from the times
Of the Apostles Nor has 1t been omitted from time
time to warn against any movements which seemed
threaten either the faith deliver
the saints" the integrity Of the church in its
external arrangements received from fathers
Trusting that these admontous have not been without
some sautary influence in times past, and hoping that
they will not be forgotten in time to shall
present occasion orbear their repetition and invite
topics Of practical nature, whose importance all
must feel aud about which, surely, taere be d.
We have already said how much it becomes us to be
thankful that Notwithstanding our unworthiness and
God has still vouohsafsd to bless the feeble Efforts which
have been made for the extension OF his kingdom
earth; and that endeavor should be- by Increased
fidelity and ZEAL to obtain through the intercession of
blessed Redeemery much larger measures Of grace
\ In time to
We would endeavor to impress this great duty upon
your minds by few words Of aectionate counsel ad-
| dressed to the ministers and members Of commu-
| MON.
And frs we speak to dear brethren in the minis
try. How deeply affecting to Is the consideration
that from the established relation between and those
committed to charge, 1t must be a general
truth that what the clergy in point of doctrine and
personal holiness such will be the most part the cha
racter Of the people While greater blessing cannot
be granted to people than pastors after Gods own
heart the heaviest of all calamities which befall
them pastors who GRuse them to What respon-
sibes, them laid upon to be good stewards OF
the manifold grace of God. We are, and must be- to
those who hear SAVIOR of life unto life or of death
unto DEATH" and therefore may well exclaim, Who
sufficient for these things!" 1t H. however, blessed
be God most encouraging to US In view OF our great
| work and the account be rendered reflect that