Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-02-23
RESIGNATION OF BISHOP IVES.

We lay before our readers to-day, as a mat
ter OF more than ordinary interest to persons of
every religious denomination, the letter of the
Rt Rev. the Episcopal Bishop of North Carroll
ma, to his Diocesan Convention, resigning his
bishoprc, for reasons set forth in his communi-
cation. 1t will doubtless create no small sem
sation throughout the country.
Det. Free Press, IL inst.
ROME, "Wednesday, Dec. %, 1852.
TO The Convention Of The Protestant Episcopal
Church in the Diocese of North Carolina
DEAR BRETHREN:-Some of you, at least, are
aware that for years, doubts of the validity of
my Office as Bishop, have at times harrassed my
mind and greatly enfeebled my action. AT 9TH
er times, it is true, circumstances have arisen to
override these doubts, and to bring to my mind
temporary relief. But it has been only tempo
rary, for in despite of resolutions to abandon
the reading and the use of Catholic books in
spite of earnest prayers and entreaties that God
would protect my mind against the distressing
influence of Catholic Truth; and in spite of
public and private professions and declarations,
which in times of suspended doubt | sincerely
made to shield myself from suspicion and win
back the confidence Of my diocese, which had
been well-nigh lost-in spite of all this, and of
many other considerations which would rise up
before me, as the necessary consequence of suf-
fering my mind to be carried forward in the d.
rection in which my doubts pointed, these doubts
would again return with increased and almost
overwhelming vigor, goading me at times to the
very borders Of arrangement.
Under these doubts, desired temporary re-
lief from duties that had become so disquieting
to me, and determined to accompany Mrs. Ives,
whose health demanded change of climate, in
short absence abroad. But absence has bro't
no relief to my mind. Indeed, the doubts that
disturbed it have grown into clear and settled
convictions; so clear and settled that without
a violation Of conscience and honor, and every
obligation of duty to God and His Church, lean
no longer remain in my position.
am called upon, therefore, to do an act of
self sacrifice, in view of which all other self-sac-
riicing acts of my life ore less than nothing;
called upon to sever the ties which have been
strengthened by long years of love and forbear-
ance, which have bound my heart to many of
you, rs was Davd's to that of Jonathan, and
makes my heart bleed as my hand traces the SEN
tence which separates all pastoral relation be-
tween us, and conveys to you the knowledge
that hereby resign into your hands my office
MS Bishop of North Carolina; and further, that
| am determined to make my submission to the
Catholic Church
In addition (my feelings will allow me only
to say) this act is earlier than any perception
of my own, and antedates, by some months, the
expiration of the time for which lasked leave of
absence, and for which so promptly received
from members of your body an advance of sal
airy, hereby renounce all claim upon the same,
and acknowledge myself bound, on an ntimation
of your wish, to return whatever you may have
advanced to me beyond this Odd day of Deem
Der.
With continued affection and esteem, pray
you to allow me still to subscribe myself,
Your faithful friend, etc,
L. SILLIMAN Ives.