Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-12-04
THE ANGLo-RoMAN CHURCH QUESTION

1ect Ul Inc Gapal aSSreSslOn winch appeared IN The
second edition Of yesterdays papers, A meeting of
the Common Council of London was held yesterday,
at whicha vote Of thanks to Lord John Russell was
carried with accamaion. 1t is impossible to give any
abridged summary of this spirited and well-med pro-
duction without doing injury 20 its sentiments We
therefore send you copy at length:
To The RgM Req. the Bishop of Durham-MY
DEAR LORD - agree with you in considering .lhe
as "insolent and insdious," and therefore feel as
indignant as you can do upon the subject
mot only promoted to The utmost ofmy power the
claims of the Roman Catholics 10 all civil rights but
] thought it right and even desirable, that the eccle-
siaslical system of the Roman Catholics should be
the means of giving instruction to the numerous J..
rish immigrants in London and elsewhere, who with
out such helR would have been left in heather g-
norance. This might have been doEe, however.
without any such innovation as llat which we have
now seen.
1t is impossible to confound the recent measures
of The Pope with the division of Scotland into do-
ceses by The Episcopal Church, or The arrangement
Of The districts in England by the Wesleyan Confer.
ence.
There is an assumption of power in all the docu-
mens which have come from Rome, preention to
supremacy over the realm of England, ard claim
| !
the Queens supremacy,wth the rights of our bishops
and clergy, and the spirited independence of the ma
ton, asserted even in Roman Catholic times. con-
fess however, that my alarm is not equal 10 my in
dlgnalion.
Even if it should appear that the ministers and
servants of the Pone in this country have not trans
gressed the law, feel persuaded that we are strong
enough to repel any outward attacks The liberty
of Professionalism has been enjoyed too long in Eng
! land 10 allow of any successful attempt 10 impose a
foreign yoke upon minds and consciences No
foreign prince or poen'ae will be permitted TO asten
his fetters upon nation which have SO long and so
noby vndicated its right TO freedom of opinion civ
| il, political, and religious
Upon this subject, ,en,I will only say that the Ires-
ent state of the law shall be carefully examined, and
the proprety of adopting any proceedings with refer
to the recent assumptions of power deliberately
considered.
There is danger, however which alarms me much
more than any aggression of foreign sovereign
Cergymen of our own church, who have subscribed
the hirlynine Articles and acknowledged in explicit
terms the Queens supremacy, have been the most
forward in leading their focks, "step by step to the
very verge Of the precipice." The honor paid to
saints the claim of lnlaabiity for the Church; the
supersous use Of the sign of the cross the NUT
tering of the liturgy TO disguise The language in
|
ular confession and the administration Of penance
and absolution-all Of these things pointed out
by orr clergymen Of the Church of England as wor-
thy of adoption and are now openly reprehended by
the Bishop Of London in his charge to the clergy OF
his diocese.
Whal,then,is the danger to be apprehended from
foreign prince of no great power compared 10 the
danger within The gates from The unworthy sons of
the Church of England herself?
have little hope that the propounders and trainers
of these innovations will desst from their insdous
course. But rely with confidence on the people of
England, and will not bate jot of heart or hope
SO long as the glorious principles and the immortal
martyrs Of the Reformation shall be held in reverence
by the grea, mass of nation which looks with con-
tempt on lhemummeres of superslition,and with scorn
at the laborous endeavors which are now making to
conline the intellect and enslave the SOUL
remain, with great respect, sc.
J. RUSSELL.
Downing Street, November a.
There can be little doubt that the sentiments and
feelings expressed by Lord John Russell in this let
ler-strong protest it is against the Papal assump-
tion-will find ready response from many numer-
Gus and important classes Of the community, with
some of which lie has probably not heen popular be-
fore. The letter is horoughgong, and that quail
ity which is always in favor with the people. The
severe casgation which is given to The Puseye cer-
gy appears to be relished exceedingly both by the
press and the people.
The Bishop of London in his late charge to the
clergy of his diocese coticed The business in very
mslakeable terms, and called the innovations which
have lately been introduced into Episcopal ser
vices--"the continual changes Of posture. the Ire
qnent genufeXions the crossings the PeculIari'ies,
of Dress and some of The decorations oil the churches
"a gross imitation of The Roman ceremonial, such
as rendered the service almost hstrionc, and furnish
ed the observant members ol the Romish church
subject, on The one hand of rdicue, as being faint
and meagre copy Of their own gaudy ritual. and, on
the other hand, of exullalon, preparing those who
take delight in them TO seek further qualification OF
their tastes in The Roman communion" This is strong
language when used by high dinitary who has been
hitherto suspected of strong leaning towards Pu-
seyism. In the mean time the DEGREES of the Papal
Bull are being carried into effect; The matter is gath
ering interest and Importance every day; and will,
before the meeting Of Parliament have assumed an
attitude which will demand the prompt action oil that
r Assembly.
The WILL OF JOHN McDoSoUea.-After giving va
rous rules and regulations for carrying out his benevolent
object. the will concludes in this touching and beautiful
language:
And Il was near forgetting that) have still one small
request TO make one little favor still ask, and it shall b.
the last 1t is that it may be permitted, annually, 10 III
children of The free Schools situate the nearest to my pac
of nlerment, to plant and water few flowers around m!
: grave. This little act will have double tendency.
y open their young and susceptible hearts to gratitude an
love the divine Creator for having raised up, the
humble instrumental his bounty to them poor, fral worn
of earth like me, and teach them, at the time wha
they are whence they came, and whittier they must re
:, turn"
m farmer in the northern part of Scotland some year
ago. when urnp culture beginning creep into tn
country. sowed hedge ridge for the use oi le public
and pu, up label with this inscrpon-'You are reques
Us lndl nf ih hs