Delaware State journal and statesman., 1865-10-24
THE EPISCOPAL CONVENTION.

The newspapers throughout the country
are censuring, without stint, the recent ac-
tion of the Protestant Episcopal Convention
now in session in Philadelphia, in reference
to its vote on a certain resolution declaratory
of the cause of the late rebellion, and its re-
flisal to appoint day of general thanksgiv-
ing in the terms of that resolution In these
structures of the press, much bad temper and
disposition to PREJUDICE and mislead the
public mind in reference to the true position
of the Convention, seems to be manifested
The motives of those who voted against the
resolution, are harshly and ungenerously
criticised, and the stigma of disloyalty is ap-
piled, not only to them, but the entire body
itself is charged with unpatriotic, anti.na-
tional, and reasonable proclivities, because
of such action.
Now, we think all this uncharitabeness |
of speech and pen is wrong. It is too late |
in the day to charge the Protestant Episco.
pal Church in the United States with dis
loyalty. The record of that numerous body |
of christians-as a church and as indiyidu- |
als-is too clear to be sullied or dimmed by
bANh ullDu llh IldlTlullhlll HI NlllS
time. 1t has given too many evidences Of
| its devotion TO the cause of the Union and
its steadfastness to the principle of universal
Liberty, to be justly approached with indif-
ference to the true interests of the Republic
or the ultimate redemption of all its people
from the bonds of slavery-mental or physi-
cal, social or politieal-to be much injured
or disturbed by newspaper criticism just
now. Its recent action at Philadelphia has
been but partially laid before the public, and
due regard for fairness and justice would
seem to require that before the popular YER
dict should be made up and rendered, full
and clear statement of the reasons that influ-
enced the votes of the Convention should be
published. Nowhere, as yet, have we found
them so concisely and tersely set forth as in
the letter of the Rev. Dr. Kerfoot, which we
here append. Ifa perusal of this frank and
manly paper will serve to set the minds Of
any of our readers right on the subject, we
will feel that we have done something 10.
wards removing an unjust imputation from
a church which challenges our esteem and
respect by the spirit of true piety, firm pa
triotism and warm christian benevoence
which it constantly exercises in the world.
The following is the
LETTER FROM REV. DIR. @. B. KERFooT
One of the clerical delegates from Pennsyl.
vania requested from the Rev. Dr. Kerfoot
of Connecticut, a written report of his ad
dress on Tuesday, thinking that its publica.
ton now might be useful in explaining the
true motive and nature of the votes of many
of those members of the convention who
voted to lay Mr. Binneys resolutions on ihe
table. AT the same request this outline of
Dr. hertoots address is here given to our
readers:
REV. AND DEAR SIR: You ask me 10 mt
on paper, for publication now, my remarks
/ offered in the convention on Tuesday, think.
f ing that the real mind Of the vast majority of
our convention may thus be better anrre
hended by the public. / comply with great
pleasure, though l can only give the sub.
stance of my address.
, The fmputatton Of dtsloydliy was made
against any who should vote to Law on the
, table certain resolutions which were meant
/, 10 give expression to the sentiments of mem
hers on national topics My point was that
: this vote TO "lay on the tablet need not toucd
any mdn's t0yGityj that many who had so
D voted on Saturday, and might so vote to.
I day, were as loyal in the most intense sense
OF the word, as any man in the house. am
such man. fought secessionism and re.
6elllon IN Maryland for four years, face to
iacei IN the very teeth of the rebel armies
s who held me, my home, and nv work in
9 their grasp again and again. / maintained
+ and declared my loyal convictions and prin
@ ciples, when implored by secession
8 friends to change or withhold them for Tho
: sake OF interests and works most dear to me
: and even when the rebel generals held me
hafr rAria1 fYrtNl Al. A..
o sence in the South as a captive in their pris
o ons. defed any loyal man in or out of III,
. convention to show record Of loyalty clear
n er or stronger than mine.
# Moreover, l believed in every word. Sc
l. far as l could recall the words, OF these ant
/; the earlier resolutions of like tendency,
is rejoiced in the triumph of the national au
J. thorlty over the rebellion. / would lay dow
It my life to secure that glorious result. | n
e thank, and always had thanked God pub
It licly and privately, for this overthrow o
d the rebellion. No man could more honestl,
10 and heartily give such thanks. So do | re
IL joice from my soul in the destruction of Afri
(, can slavery, and | praise God for this grea
10 mercy. NO man can do this more honestl,
1t or heartily. My whole soul goes ont i
u praise for these great mercies 10 us as n ma
IS tion and as individuals, Would not be mis-
II taken on this point. and l desire the press /
note IL and publish a.
v But my point was that this Church cor
:, vention was not the place for declaration
~ on these or on any distinctly national topic.
/ nor on any topics, civil or social, except in
J. rect and necessary connection with an ecclC
~ siastical and religious work. Only mischief
!, confusion, grief and distraction could ensu
h if such resolves and such discussions wer
Q brought in among us here. Our duty as
Church legislature was limited to topics O
,, religious doctrine and worship, and of tn
!, spread of the gospel This is a matter no
u Of loyalty to the National Government il
/ any sense, but solely of adherence to tn
# right rule as to the topics of our action here
n Just here, moreover, there were among IL
delegates from dioceses of the South, wei
coined here by formal resolution, who can
8 not-and all know this-vote aye on thes
0 resolves, touching points of political opin