Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1860-01-06


MIR. EDIToR:-I noticed recently, in one of the
Worcester papers, communication from Mr.. Seth
Hartwell OF Wllkinsonyile purp9rtlng TO pc stale
Church of that place. Permit me to call attention
to some of his statements.
He says, "At the annual meeting of St Johns
Parish it appeared that Mr. Spalter had persuaded
portion of the Pensioners to pass the vote to eA-
change &C., with ministers of other denomna-
tons. This statement is erroneous: Mr. Spalter has
never influenced any person to such course OF ac-
ton, did he know that any member OF the socle-
ty had any such thing in contemplation The reso-
luton was offered by Mr.. Warren Wilder and warm
y advocated by the clerk of the parish who SAID he
believed the principle was right, and he hoped the
resolution would pass. Mr.. Wilder desires me to
state, that Mr.. Spalter had connection with the
matter, did he communicate with MIR. Spalter at
all upon the subject.
He also states, that the resolution was passed the
last thing at the meeting, which is incorrect, part
of the Vestry having been chosen after the passage
of the resolution. Mr., Hartwell endeavors to show
that Mr.. Spater had 10 right to preach; in short,
that he not regularly constituted minister. If
he was ordained to preach the Gospel, pray, what
was it for? Bishop Eastburn did not once mention
the subject of his third examination, at any of his
interviews with Mr.. Spalter, but told him that he
found no fault with anything but his exchanging
with ministers of other denominations, and that if
he would stop exchanging, and keep within the lin
its of tine canons of the church, he 1.-THE Bishop
would be glad TO have him continue in charge of the
parish as long as he saw fit to remain
Mr. III. also mentions confidential letter, Last
April it was rumored abroad that Mr.. Spalter had
written to E. Saunders. Esq, offering to sell out the
Episcopal church and society, body and soul,n to
Mr.. Saunders. and establish a free independent
church. AT the annual meeting of the church,
committee chosen to wait upon Mr.. Saunders,
and solicit copy of the letter. The committee did
so, and reported that Mr.. Saunders said he cid re-
ceive note from Mr. Spalter, but that it was con-
fidential thing and he was not aware that any one
had seen the letter. he, therefore, refused to grant
their request. Several persons claimed to have seen
copy of the letter, but no one would make 1t pub
lie. Bishop Eastburn brought copy with him to
Wilkinsonvile, after which Mr.. Spalter produced
the Oririual a nf which I suhioiu for Dublica-
ton.
come now to speak of events connected with the
closing of the church. On the evening of Nov. Sth
the wardens and vestry held meeting at the par
sonage. They were informed of the action of the
Bishop. and after much deliberation they voted to
instruct Mr.. Spalter to go on Notwithstanding the
Bishops prohibition, assuring him of their sympathy
and support. On Saturday, Nov. 18th, Mr. Hartwell
closed the church, without consulting the other
officers, and in defiance of their action, claiming
that the Bishop ordered him to do so, he being the
senior warden, and that the other officers had no
authority in the premises.
Where is religious liberty and freedom of con-
science, if one is to dictate to whole commu-
nity We are told that we had right to pass such
a resolution. Must we go to the Bishop the Book
of Canons to know who we may hear preach, how
we shall act, what we shall think, or whether we
may think at all, or not? For one, object to
coming under any such rule. +. q. SEARLEs.
Wilknsonyie, Dec. %, 1859.
KEENE, N. H Feb. "a, 1859.
| E. SAUNDERS. Eso.,-Dear Sir:-In the stictest
confidence, please receive the subject matter of this
mssive. In submitting the subjoined, for your con-
sideration, permit me to say that should it prove
| acceptable to you, should hope to have an
interview to more fully captain myself; and if not
acceptable. to have you return this missive at your
convenience. AT the same time, rest assured, dear
sir that it affords me pleasure thus to repose in your
confidence your honor, and your sympathy.
shall return to Worcester on Saturday P. NJ, as
| i oiiciate there next Lords Day, having made an
exchange with the Rev. Mr.. Patterson. d. W l
shall be at Wilkinsonvie ON Monday next
Last Saturday eve my vestry met at j. P, New
toms, chose committee to confer with me, desiring
TO my abors in their midst beyond my present
engagement, 1ohch does not erplre till May assuring
me that the ''call' was unanimous Most CRATE
fully was this received, for have formed strong and
| growing attachments for many, very MANY, Of my
people, having received naught but kindness and
satisfaction from them, and friendship from all.
Thus feeling and my feeble labors having been sig
nally blessed by the Most High God, find it pain
full to separate from Them but, unless labor in
| your midst in the upbuiiding of Congregational
independent Church, thereby giving those like mind
| ed with myself an opportunity to remain with me,
! land am assured that large majority would APP
| prove my course,l must do So Ifyou have not en-
gagged permanent supply, and should regard with
| favor the Within gladly would labor in your midst
secure the presence of many good and true friends
ana estabisha Seminary, ifapproyed and sanctioned
| by yourself
Much love belonging to the Episcopal Church,
all that is founded upon the "Inprsd World; but do
not approve and cannot accept eXclusiyeness can
not be denied exchanges with Evangelical Clrgy of
other names / also deem it inexpedienta and unwise
TO await Bishops visitation any be admit
teu " Cnulcn memberships therefore must feufe
voluntarily, land at pleasant time of advancement
and appreciation from great and good ones, and be-
loved ones Clerical and Lay,) from Episcopal exclu-
siyeness for it does compOrt with Christian fell
owship drawn from Christ's teachings, according to
my humble interpretations thereof. Y GU will per-
ceiye at moments glance, my peculiarly trying sit
uation, and the necessity for much thought, WISDOM
careulness, and confidence. in bringing this subject
at the proper time, to a consummarion.
Kind sir let no one be advised of my correspond
ence with you, as would not injure the feelings of
any one unnecessarily or by great haste act in OPP
| position to church friends.
Excuse me for using so much liberty in addressing
you, and believe me, with considerations of high es-
TEEN. your obedient servant and humble friend in
Christ, A. d. SPALrER