Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1857-07-18


THE CLERGY AND THE LAITy.-At the late
convention of the clergy of the Church of Eng
land, one of that body who had twice visited the
United States, the Rev, Mr.. Caswell, thus re-
marked upon tho sub ject of admitting laymen to
a voice in the government of the church. OF
course, though the reverend gentleman spoke of
the american Church." he only meant that
branch of it known as the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the United States:
When first knew the American Church, in
1928, its bishops were nine III number. its clergy
under five hundred and its communicates per
haps thirty thousand.-ln 1853 in company with
member of this convocation | was present at
the General Convention held in New York. How
great the change effected in 25 years! The
bishops were in 1853, 81 in number. the clergy
LOO, the COMMITMENTS above 100000. At the
present time there are 36 bishops, nearly 1000
clergy, aud probably 100000 communicates,
representing perhaps million and II half of no
tual worshippors In the Convention Of 1853,
we saw body of clergy and laity far more
merous than this House of Convocation, yet far
more unweldly, and most regular and orderly in
its proceedings.
1t was evident that the clergy, far from being
"swamped" by the laty, were greatly assisted by
them; that in fact the practical experience of the
| laty supplied what was wanting to the zeal and
| pety of the clergy. confess that as looked on
that assembly and witnessed the demeanor OF the
distinguished men-.jndges, Legislators and 9th
ers-wbo had given up three weeks of their valu
! able time at tho call of the Church. and who had
| brought all their abilities to the solution of diff
! cult questions, thought of our Jerusalem Cham
| Der, and wished that by some constitutional ar
rangcment could be permitted to avail our
self of the services of such LAY element
| With the clergy, the American lai,y found
10 work heartily in carrying out plans for Church
extension at homo and abroad. Having seen
what lay agency in Synods is capable of effect
ing, and having judged from hence how much
more it muy accomplish. with the blessing OF
God desire to add my testimony in its favor
CUNNING OF THE RAvEN.-lu the narrative Of
the Arctic Voyage of Capt. MeClure, of the
British Navy, is the following story of two Ra-
vens, which became domciiated on board the
| Investigator. The Raven, it appears. is the on
ly bird that willingly braves Polar winter, and
in the depth of the season. he is seen to Hit through
the cold and sunless atmosphere like an evil
spirit, his suen croak alone breaking the silence
of the death-ike scene. No one of tho crew at
tempted to shoot the ravens and they consequent
| ly became very bold, as will be seen from the
! following story:
Two ravens now established themselves Us
friends of the family in Mercy Bay, living mainly
| by what little scraps the men might have thrown
away after meal times. The ships dog, howev
err. looked upon these rs his especial perqusites,
and exhibited considerable energy in maintaining
his rights against the ravens, who nevertheless
outwnted him in way which amus,d every one.
Observing that he appeared quite willing TO make
a mouthfu Of their sable persons. they used
to throw themselves Intentionally in his way. just
as the mess, tins were being cleaned out on the
dirt heap outside the ship. The dog would u
mediately run nj them, and they would just by a
few yards; the dog then made another run, and
again they would appear to escape him but by an
inch, and SO on, until they had tempted aud pro
voked him to the shore, considerable distance
off. Then the ravens would make direct flight
for the ship, and had generally done good execu
ton before the mortified looking dog detected tho
imposition that had been practiced upon him,
Ill l,al.