Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-02-16

Ep Commodore Stockton has resigned
his seat IN the q. S. Sena g, and John w.
Thompson the Commodore's b~rother-in-law)
has been elected in his place.
B The Michigan Legislature has passed
an anti-liquor law.
esA Wee President King arrived at Ha-
wanna ON the 9th, in improved health.
WASHINGTON, Feb. II. Tile President has
nominated John Randoll h Clay, Eavoy Ex-
traordinary and Minister Plenipotenriary to
Peru, and Theodore Fay. Charge to Swiss
Confederation.
The Senate, to-day, postponed the nomina-
ton of Mr.. Bad ger till the 4th of March by u
vote Of % to 25-Mr. Ciemons being absent.
R~EsIGNATIoS or BIsHoPIvEs.-As u portion
of the news ofthe dav, W. give the following
letter from Bishop Ives, who his lately joiRtd
the Cathniic church, addressed To the Convtn-
ton of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the
Diocese of North Carolina:
ROVE, "Wednesday, Dec. %, 1852.
Dear Brethren: Some of you, at least, are
as are that for years doubts Of the validity of
my Office as Bishop have at times harrassed my
mind and greatly eIfeenled my action. AT
other times, it is true, circumstances have arisen.
to overrule these doubts, and To bring 10 my
mind temporary relief. But it has been only
temporary, for, in spite of resolutions to aban-
don the reading and the use OF Catholic hooks
in spite of earnest prayers and entreatiPs that
God would protect ny mind against the dis
trcssing influence of Catholic Truth and ir
spite of public and private professions and de-
clarations, which il times OF suspended doub
| sincerely mad, to shield myself from sns
picion and win back the confidence of my dio
..c, urL1,1, Id banp v.,il n,rbf Lost m snit.
of all this, and of many other consideration
which wonld rise up before me, as the necessary
consequence of suffering my mind to be car.
ripd forward in the direction in which mydoubt.
pointed. these doubts would again return will
increased and almost overwhelming vigor
goading me at times to the very borders o.
arrangement.
Under these doubts, | desired temporary re
lief from duties that hid become so disquieting
to me, and determined to Ms
Ives, whose health demanded a change of eli
mate, ia Il short absence abroad. But absence
has brought no relief to my mind. Indeed, The
doubts that disturbed it have grown into cleai
and settled convictions; so clear and settled
that, without u violation Of conscience anC
honor, and every obligation ofduty to God anI
His Church, | can no longer remain in M
position.
I am called upon, therefore, to do an act 0
self-sacrifice, in view of which all other self sd
~crificing acts of my lie are less than moth NJ
called upon II sever the ties which have beer
strengthened by long wears Of love and 70; bear
ancc. which have bound my heart to many Q
you. as was DAvid's to tn # of Jonathan, an
make my heart bleed as my ,and traces, III
sentence which separates all pastoral re alto
between us, and conveys TO 20 the ~knowlefg
that | hereby resign into Soar hands my offic
OF B shop of North Caro- ina; and further, Iha
am determined to make my submission to tn
Catholic Church.
In addition (my feelings wi allow me onl
to say rs this act is earlier tn n an> percel
ton of my own, and anteCiates. by some months
the ex, ~iration of the time for which ask
leave of absence. and for wt,ich ! so promrtl
received from members Of yonr body an az
vance OF larry, | hereby renounce all lam "
on the sane md acknowledge myself bound, 0
an intimation of your w sh. to return whatev.
you NAV have advanced 10 me beyond tlis p
f day of December.
With continued affection and esteem, | pra
! you to allow me sill to subscribe myself.
: Yoar faithful friend, etc.,
: j. SILLIMAN IVES.