The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-11-28

Episcopal Convention which has been called by the
Standing Committee of this diocess for the purpose
of eecting an assistant bishop to perform Episco-
pal functions during the suspension of Bishop On
| derdonk. II will be seen that no sooner had the
Rev. DR.. Wainwright delivered an eloquent and
affecting Sermon than the delegates-lay and cleri
cal-got into squabble concerning the eligibility
of members to occupy seats in the convention. II
appears that a resolution was proposed, referring
the list of clergymen TO committee to report
whether any of them not eligible to seats in the
convention, and whether the names of any clergy
men entitled to seats had been omitted; and also to
report upon the contested seats of lay delegates,
and upon the right TO seats in the convention of all
persons claiming them as lay delegates, whose
names were not called by the secretary.
But one construction can be put on this move
ment, and that is, that in the opinion of the
minority, or low church party, the majority, or
high church party, have endeavored to pack the
convention with their friends, lay and clerical, for
the purpose of carrying their point, and electing
their candidate for the assistant bishoprick, created
by the Council of Bishops. After considerable
discussion, and an exhibition of i'll feeling and bad
temper entirely out of character with the place,
and the important business which is before the
convention, the resolutions were temporarily with
!
temper and feeling already exhibited there is every
! probability that the election of assistant
bishop on this occasion, will not be effected
without creating more trouble in the Episcopal
church in this docess For several years past,
! that church has been divided against itself, and
rent and torn asunder by factionism. According
to present appearances, this unfortunate state of
things is destined to continue. If such should be
the case, the result viii be injurious to the church
throughout the whole country. As it lie, angels
axd good men have wept over the melancholy
spectacle which il has presented.
Notwithstanding all the outward piety which
charscterizes the Protestant Episcopal church,
there is great deal of wire-pulling coa-
neoted with its management, and with the
election and appointment of clergymen,
sistant bishops, &c The convention which is
now IN session, is composed Of two orders, viz
clerical delegates, and lay delegates-the one re-
presenting the interest and views of the clergy and
the other professedly that Of the people. In the
RoHish church, his Holiness the Pope takes all
this into his own hands, openly and above board
In the Protestant Episcopal church, his Holiness
the Pope of that Church-in other words, I" The
Corporation OF Trinity '-monopolizes In the Ca
tholic church, his Holiness, Plus TX, appoints,
dams and invests with spiritual power, the bishop In
the Episcopal church, the clergy select and ia fact
tnront the yCstry. The vest-y then appoint, (s0me
times, and oltener, too, the ciergymen appoinD the
delegates These delegates elect the bishop.
Clergymen who, from any cause, or through any
motive, look for protection from the powers that
be, vote as required and bring with them, too, men
picked out by themselves TO do the same thing.
Trinity church, them indirectly controls the clergy;
and through the clergy, the vestry a1dthrough al
these Channels :hevoteE and thus elects the bishop
10 some churches, it is true that the people elect
their delegates al the time of electng their vesry
But, as general thing, the matter is managed in
the manner we have stated. The Influence of the
Rector, Churchwsrdens and Vestrymen of Tri-
nifty church" is great and irresistible. Our State
Legisetures have not been proof against IT, but
have succUmned 20 Il on more occasions than one.
MoEey-thc loaves and fshes-is as powerful an
element ia the church cut of it-in the election Of
a Bishop as in the choice Of President; and those
who hold the keys Of the strong box of Triniy
church, be they gh.churchmen or low.chureh-
men, will override all opposition, and can break
down any influence that may be opposed to them.
In fact, the Rector, Churchwardens and Vesuy-
men Of Trinity church" constitute the Pope OF the
Episcopal church in the State Of New York
Through their vast revenues and riches, they can
build up and pull down as they please; aud any
church, or any clergyman, who goes counter to
their wishes, finds that he is biting file.
No matter what shape the present convention
may assume, It is certain and pre.arrangcd that
the candidate put forward and supported by Tn-
nifty church, will be elected. The result may be
delay ed by such proceedings as took place yester.
day. but the end will be The same Il is pity that
such state Of things should exist; bat, under the
circumstances, il is no more than what might be
expected. Ifyou want to keep a church pure, no
matter Of whatdenominahon Il may be, you must
keep it POOR Purity and poverty in church organ
zation seem TO go together and on the other hand
imrury end wealth The Established Church Of
England-of which Trinity il an ofIshoot-fur-
nishes abundant evidence Of this and we might
point 10 other instances, Catholic and Protestant,
in times past, in support Of the assertion. II will
be seen that the nfsrmality Of the proceeding Of
the Standing Committee in calling the convention,
was discussed last evening, aad that the matter
was decided in their favor Nothing now remains
but for the convention to 60 into the election, and
this they will probably do this morning. Il is al
most certain that before sunset the name Of the
new assistant bishop Of this diocess, will be known.
THANKSGIVING IN T1E UyirtD SrArEs Several
Of the states Of this confedetacy have fixed upon
this day. the 2sth inst, as one Of general thanks
giving. An Effort was made to have thanksgiving
simultaneously in al the States, but il did not sue
coed. Two years ago oil the States, except Ar
ksnsas, held their Thanksgiving on the same day.
The following are the states in which this day
will be observed -
Massachufotts NeN lIampshiro,
Connecticut, Rhode Island,
Ohio lneianA