The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-10-13

TIE Protestant EPISCOPAL CONVENTION OF TIE
DIooEss VI New YoRx.-It is but justice to say
that the convention which sat at ST. Johns Oha-
pei, last week, passed off in the most peaceable |
and harmonious manner; there was no pickering
between the lay and clerical delegates-no COM
plants of encroachments malversation by either
party against the other-boh sections seemed to be
animated by one feeling only, and that was to pre-
serve peace and the unity of the church. In addi-
tisn TO the unanimty and good feeling which per-
vsded the convention the report of the Trustees OF
the Episcopal Fund presented gratifying expose Of
the funds of the diocess-showed them to be
in a most healthy and sound condition, and that
large balance remains on hand This is pleasing
picture and will be gratifying to the friends of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of this docess from
il we may safely infer that there no grabbers-
no worldly minded men, nor none who prefer self
interest to self righteousness in the true sense Of
this term, amongst those who have the appropria-
ton and application of the church moneys; but that
all prefer the extension of religion, and the
peace and harmony of the church.
But notwithstanding this pleasing picture, we
cannot hide frem ourselves nor shall We from our
readers, that the elements of dscord abound
in the church; and if measures be not soon taken
TO allay the storm that is now brewing, il will
burst upon us, perhaps at the next convention, with
such fury as will shake the diocess from one ex-
tremity the other destroy the unity of the church,
eonfound its pastors, and scatter their locks
amongst the various sects that hem them in on all
sides. II is, however proper TO say that the con-
vention are not the authors, and are, there
fore, not chargeable with the threatened
disruption of the Episcopal church of this diocess.
II arises from extrnsic causes, over which it has,
collectively at least, no control; and, perhaps,
were it not for its wisdom and forbearance the do
cess would al this time present just such speca-
Gle of dscord, confusion and schism as now unhap-
PLY prevails in some of the churches of the old
world, protesting the same doctrines.
The first of those elements of strife we shall no
tce is tina, of an application made by the colored
congregations of the churches of st. Phillip de
Mere, and the Messiah, of this city, to the Conven
ton, in the year 1916, to be admitted into the union
of churches. The application was referred to the
appropriate committee, who reported adversely to
il, not from any hostility to The colored race. but
knowing that there difference of opinion on
the subject III the convention, which, if the ques-
ton came up, would lead 10 disunion, and, in all
probability, TO split amongst the members The
report was never acted upon, and the matter was
dropped until Mr.. John Jay, jr., a young lawyer
OF this city, lay delegate, and a gentleman who
takes very active part in everything that concerns
the colored race introduced it at the last sitting OF
the convention by speech, 10 say the least of it,
abeundingin strong language. The question, how
ever got rid OF point of form, reserving to
Mr.. Jay the right TO introduce il at some future
time, which no doubt he will.
In,
stances, applications of this kind would not be Of
much importance, and therefore not likely to peril
the eace of the community; but in the pre-
sent excited state of public feeling in regard
TO the slavery question, superinduced by the
agitation of the abolitionists and socialists i
cannot be denied that it presents a thread
ing appearance especially in the hands of suck III
man as Mr.. Jay, who, on all questions connecsa |
with the social position of the colored race, allows
his zeal to outrun his judgment and reason. This
young gentleman seems to have but one idea the
question of slavery, and that is, that the negroes
should be let loose by beat of drum He seems TO
have no idea OF the difficulties that beset this ques-
ton, the conflicting interest. it involves. and the
delicacy with which 1t should be handled. For our
own part. we cannot what object he can have in
attempting TO re-uscitate dead report tut
member; but perhaps he has another and different
one. II may be that he thinks the introduction Of
sprinkling Of coored ladies' in the galleries would
produce an agreeable contrast, and relieve the ted-
business that usually attends those sluggish meet.
irgs. II this be his object, go with him
to the result. We should like to see a bevy Of
black demoiselles flirting their fans in the side aises
and gallenes-here q white and there black spot
Gu ii hava
whimsical effect, and would produce both merr
ment and variety to enliven the scene. Moreover,
the sombre countenances and woody heals of the
colored ladies' would heighten, and set off the
beauty of their pale faced sisters. That would end
the matter.
The other element Of strife is the present ana
mslous state in which the diocesan church has
been left for five years, without head, by the SEN
tence Of suspension pronounced ny the House Of
Bishops on Bishop onderdonk. For ourselves, we
must say that this sentence OF indefote suspension
is most extraordinary one, and has involved the
diocess in great trouble and p,rplexity; but the
.trangest part fhe affair 10, that although the
veniion has annually demonstrated with the bish-
ops and laid before them the troubles and difficult
ties Of the church, the latter have eyaded the ques
ton. To us, this 10 be n mos, extraordinary
state Of things Bishop onderdonk is either
guilty or an insocent man. There can be
half way house between the two extremes.
This is sound Protestant doctrine. Although
we think il very likely the bishop, himself,
has now come misgvings On this point, and that
v he were asked the question, lac would can
ddly say there is such a place as purgetory,
and that he has been tasting the sweets of il
every day since his susPension-yei, be this as it
mGy, the House Of Bishops has incurred great
bame-they have left the docess for five years,
subject TO all the Inconvenience and evils arising
from the want Of the care and supervision Of the
head pastor Of the church. II he was guilty, Why
not degrade him at once and for ever, and for the
peace and quiet Of the church appoint successorl