The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1859-10-06

INTRODUCTORY SERMON.
The Introductory sermon was delivered by
Rt. Rev. Bishop UrEY, of Tennessee, after the
usual morning services of the Episcopal
Church. conducted by Rev. Messrs. HINES
and QUINTARD of Tennessee. lie selected for
his text the 18th verse Of the 10th chapter of
Mark: 'Neriiy l say unto you, whosoeyer
shall not receive the kingdom of God as
little child, he shall not enter therein
The remarks OF the Bishop were confined to
Il most interesting topic-nameiy, the training
of the young in the way of holiness. Many of
ns, he thought, would live to see the affairs of
the nation pass into the hands of those little
beings who are now playing with their toys
and TO maintain the vital principle of the re-
public SO that it may flourish in the hands of
the future generation, it is necessary TO give
the material which is before the plastic
touch of education. Lessons taught in early
Childhood, though future influences may at
feet the being, can never be eradicated. He
did not use the term education in it's
popular acceptation, but applied it to that
which improves the character and fills
the mind with lessons of virtue
He alluded TO the many institutions and
seminaries in the land, where the mind is
titled with extreme care, while the moral
culture is almost entirely neglected. Know
ledge is a great lever, but the moral effect de-
pends upon the manner IN which it is welded.
A knowledge of mathematics, natural philoso-
ply. aud other branches of science, unaccom-
panied by religious teachings, would not make
a child abhor vice or love virtue. The child
should be surrounded with everything pure
should be carried before the Throne OF Grace
and by this means all noxious germs would
be expelled and his charactet formed for ex-
cellence and usefulness.
The reverend speaker drew a startling picture
of Il community destitute of religion-not a
community in a savage land but a picture of
civilized community. from which the mild
influences ofreligion were removed. The mind
would shrink from the contemplation of such
i scene. The moral desolation which such a
condition of things would exhibit, was deline-
ated in most forcible language. knowledge
might vanish away but virtue would live for
ever; and he thought that unless the popular
error that human knowledge was sufficient
FOR the education of The young, in few years
this nation would be wofully agitated. All
healthy, moral sentiment springs from faith in
God not from faith in this worlds wisdom.
He next considered the benefits of early re-
ligious culture in another and more impor-
tant light. Children have souls to save, and
much depends upon the direction given 10 the
infant mind by those who have the care of
them. He said it was a noble work, and the
Church, from her earliest days, had considered
1t as such. She makes it the duty of the min
isters to instruct and eatecha1e the children OF
the parish, and he urged them to reflect upon
its importance. He finally considered the
family circle us the nursery for Heaven
There the infant heart is moulded for
God-for time, and for eternity. 1t is the
birth place of mans charac ter-all Others
are OF human origin, but this which
GOD has blessed may not be rashly invaded
The little plaything which we dandle on the
knee has a thinking soul, destined for heaven or
hell. God has appointed the teachers-to their
hands committed its des tiny. If the duty is
neglected how shall We answer to God for it 4!
The speaker closed his eloquent address by an
allusion to the sorrowful death-bed reflections
of those parents who fail to instil into the
minds of their children the truths of Gods
word.
After the close of the sermon. the holy COM
munion was administered to large number of
persons, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Meade of Va
assisted by other Bishops in attendance.
ORGANIZATION.
After the conclusion of public worship, the
testimonials of those who attended as members
elect of the House of Clerical and Law Depu-
Howe, ID. d., of Pa, Secretary of the last Con-
vention. and recorded. The list was then read
after which it was declared that Deputies were
present from a majority of the Dioceses as re-
quired by Art. l. of the Constitution.
1t was then resolved that the House proceed
to the election of President.
Rev. WILLIAM CREIGHTON, D. D., of New
York, was nominated, and the vote having
been taken, he was unanimously electe On
taking the chair, the President acknowledged
the honor conferred, in suitable terms.
The House then proceeded to the choice of a
Secretary and the Rev. M. A. DE WOLFE
HOWE, ID. d., of Pennsylvania, was nominated
and unanimously elected.
On motion, a committee was appointed to
wait on the House of Bishops and inform
them of the organization of this House, and
its readiness to proceed to business.
The Rules of Order of the last House of
Clerical and Lay Deputies were adopted as the
Rules of this body.
On motion, a committee was appointed to
examine and report upon the credentials of the
Deputies elect.
On motion. il was ordered that when this
House adjourn, it adjourn to meet again to-
morrow mo ming at half-past 9oclock, and
that the House meet each morning at that
hour, and adjourn at 3.
On motion of Rev DR.. Mead. OF Conn, Re-
solrsd. That the President appoint, during
the recess of the House, the following standing
committees, to wit: On the State OF the
Church, to consist of one member from each
Diocese; en- the General Theological Semina-
ryi on the Domestic and Foreign Missionary
on the Conservation of Bishops; on Canons !;
on Expenses; on Unfinished Business; on
Elections; and on the Prayer Book each OF
which TO consist of nine members.
On motion of the same, ordered, That cler-
gymen OF the Protestant Episcopal Church;
clergymen of the United Church of England
and Ireland, also of the Episcopal Church of
Scotland, and clergymen of the Colonies, " ho
may be solourning in this city; trustees pro.
fessors and students Of the General Theoioei.
cal Seminary; other students of Theology who
are candidates for Holy Orders in this Church,
former members Of the House of Clerical and
Lay Deputies, &c., &c., be admitted to the sit
tings of this House.
Bishop of Nova Scotia, who was present, was
invited to attend the sittings Of the Conyen-
ton. and 10 take a seat by the President.
HOUSE or BISHOPS.
A message was received from the House OF
Bishops, 70 the effect thht they had organized
by eiecting Rev. l.. p. W. BALcH, u. u, OF
Nd, Secretary, sad Were ready 70 proceed %