Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1865-11-15
The Episcopal Convention.

/
The Episcopal Convention held in Phila-
delphia has just closed its labors. The ques-
tion of thanksgiving for the restoration of
| national authority created consider able de-
| bate in that body. The New York hide
pendent says that the House of Bishops had
| at one time determined unanimously to give
| such thanks. just at that moment Bishop
Atkinson of North Carolina, and Lay of
Arkansas, entered and took their seats
Immediately all was changed With them
must have entered the phantom of Bishop
Elliott, whose famous Silence, if you please,
but not a word OF censure'' was henceforth
the order of the day. Bishop Nottingham
whose proved loyalty is beyond dispute
attested as it is by the paper left by Gov
ernor Hicks, in which it is stated that the
BISHOP did more than any one else to help
him In keeping Maryland in the Union, and
who Is honored by the hostility of his clergy,
| almost unanimous in their sympathy with
rebellion--took up the part of pacifcator
He was aided by Bishop Potter, aud the
work was accomplished. 1t was conceived
to be ar injustice to force men to rejoice
over what they had contended against Tor
| four years, and would place them under the
| suspicion of being hypocrites if they attend
ed, while their absence would show that the
church was not reunited. So the compro-
mise-if that can be called compromise
where everything was yielded to an insig-
nlflcant minority of two-was made, and
the church committed to a half hearted
policy. 1t were nice question to inquire
what must be the feelings of men who dur
ing the last four years had asked God to
grant the very thing they are now ashamed
to thank him for. No consideration for the
feelings of Southern brethren prevented
them from imploring the Divine aid in their
hour of agony; but, when that was afforded,
they dare not offer up praise for it. 1t is
the oh, story: Were there not ten cleans
ed, but where are the nine ~
The steadfastly loyal Bishops, however
were not willing that all the members of that
House should appear to have concurred in
its refusal to return thanks for the restora-
tion of the national authority and the de-
struetlon OF slavery. Seven of them joined
in the presentation of paper which has
been published in the Episcopal Recorder,
and which explains their position-as fol-
lows:
The undersigned have desired one of their
number to read, in his place in the House
of Bishops, the following paper. 1t is not
a remonstrance against action, which is al
ready past. 1t is not protest, for which
they are aware that the wholesome rules of
1t is simply statement, which, after it has
been read, can be by themselves preserved
made public and transmitted to the knowl-
edge of those who shall come after.
In the decisions of the House of Bishops
with reference to the day of Thanksgiving
for the restoration of peace, and to other
important subjects, the gro md has been
taken, that. for the sake of more complete
conciliation. no sentiment should be express
ed by this House, or this Convention, on
subjects of such Importance and so dear to
all of us as the reestablishment of the Ma
tional Union and the emancipation of the
slaves.
The House of Bishops unquestionably
loved their country and Its unity, and they
could not approve the system of human
bondage; but they will seem to have adopt
ed as the position to be henceforth occupied
by this Church, one which is consistent with
Indifference to the safety and unity of the
nation. and to the freedom of the oppressed
This is position which, as the under
signed believe, should not be maintained by
any branch of the Christian Church in the
United States, whether IN the present or
any future generation. To signify THAT it
was not accepted by all, only because an
e1trenae desire for Cancellation and unanimi
ty prevailed for the hour, the undersigned
have prepared this document, with perfect
and cordial respect for their brethren, bat
under the consciousness of great duty to
the inseparable interests of their beloved
Church and country
CHARLES p. MCILvAINE,
Bishop of the Diocese of Ohio
ALFRED LEE,
Bishop of the Diocese of Delaware
MANToN EAsTBURN,
Bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts,.
GEORGE BURGESS,
Bishop of the Diocese of Maine
HENRY W. LEE,
Bishop of the Diocese of Iowa
@. Z. BEDELL,
Assistant Bishop of Ohio
Thomas H. VAIL,
Bishop of the Diocese of Kansas.
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. "a, 1865.