The Howard union. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1865-1866, 1865-10-19
Reunion of the Episcopal Church,


We give an authentic extract from the
address of Bishop Potter to the late annual
Convention of the Diocese Of New York at
the conclusion Of which it was unanimously
and cordially responded to by the Conven-
ton, on motion OF Ex-Governor John A.
| King. The Church Journal states that the
resolution of the honorable gentleman "was
not only voted UNANIMOUSLY, but the vote
was given with such voice and volume as
showed that the whole heart went with it,
Among the many happy consequences
Of the restoration Of peace will be, It is
presumed, the speedy temperance in our
general ecclesiastical council of the beloved
brethren, Bishops, clergy and Iaity, who
for four years have been separated from us
| by hindrances incident 10 state of war.
1t will be reunion that will arouse the
tenderest sensibiliies Of every Christian
heart. It will show that old affections have
only been restrained, not extinguished, and
that feelings long pent up claim a more than
ordinary indulgence in demonstrations Of
love, respect and sympathy. l verify be-
lieve, as do most feryently hope and pray,
that net one word of roproach or bitterness
will be heard, not one look of coldness op-
pear, TO mar the diguity ard loveiness OF
that touching scene. In that muoh-longed.
for and welcome hour, we shall need no
declaration Of principles, no formal vindi-
cation Of the peaceful character of the
Christian ministry. Divine Providence has
spoken! Any words that we can use in
reference 10 the past, whether Of persons or
things, will be mere mpertlnence, adding
nothing to the lessons that come TO us from
above, and only tending to change celestial
harmonies iato the miserable discordaEt
sounds of earth born passion.
The important nets Of the Southern
Dioceses, done while they were N state
CT separation from us, and which, therefore
require the sanction of the General Con.
vention, will unquesionably be recognized
and confirmed at once. They are only three
in number: The election of Bishop Wilmer
by the Diocese Of Alabama; the erection oi
Arkansas into a regularly organized Dio,
cese; and the election Of the Missionary
Bishop of the Southwest, DR.. Lay, 10 The
Episcopnie of Arkansas. These dstin-
guished brethren selected by the two
Doceses named, are universally esteemed
throughout the whole Church and there will
not be a dissenting voice to the action which
will promptly place them upon an equal
footing with all their brethren.
What happiness and glory for the Church
which can present such spectacle 10 the
world Immediately after the close Of such g
conflict! And how little TO be enved
would be the judgement and the feeling
which could interpose with ill,timed words
to breal; the charm of Christian unity and
love, end make things that ought 10 be
sacred seem common and uhcean. Let us
offer up our united prayers that the whole
Church may rise to the height Of this grea
occasion, and that if unhsppily any ont
misguided spirit should seek 10 trouble III,
peace of Israel, it may only prompt 10 {
demonstration still more lofty and emphatic
of that Christian sympathy which vii
undoubtedly animate the general mind q
the Church,