The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-03-06
Letter from Bishop Lee, OF Davenport,
Davenport, Iowa. March l, 1867.

Davenport, Iowa, March l, 1857.
TO the Germ and Laity OF me Protestdnt Episcopal
init me to call your attention to the accompanying
eCt of Rtuaslc Innovations and to ask of the clergy
TO communicate this letter and thatdocument to their
respective congregations at an early day. 10 me IL
is a matter OF deep modification that there
paPp OF the Bishops in any portion Of the Church
either in this country or in England and am glad
tions have not, thus far been introduced and that
Within oIr borders st the signs Of the times and
certain public demonstrations seem to render THIS
check any dangerous tendencies, and to give inhuen
ta tesimony in favor of the simplicity OF the Gospel
and OF that ecclesiastical system which has come
down to us from the Apostolic age and whose legti- H.
spiritual and venerable character as marking true
branch OF the Church of Christ. The innovations
named, seem to- to me TO- to degrade grad he worship Of
persttion they certainly lend in direction,
are I'm opposition TO the spirit of the new dspensaton
/ could myself have willingly and gladly gone much
further than the few details Of the Declarations but
object not only preventing the more Objectionable and
those of q minor though related character, and
which am persuaded are sometimes INDUCED In
without authority as established customs OF the
is usual and OrdinoTy in The celebration OF Divine
vice. and suggest that everything that is un-
9sOf Is &RT T e@Se THAT Ge efe should be-
uniformity in the customs and practices OF our wor-
test OF true attachment TO the Church The appica
lOn OF sucb test naturally grows out oil those extra
rubrical innovations, which is one strong reason,
among others. against their introduction into any of
our congregations. That may be more explicit,
would state that aside from the very prevalent
tom of bowling in the Greed at the name of Jesus
which Itself, in our Church, is traditional and
optional - regard all bowings and genu-
hecons curing public service by the clergy people,
as lneXpedlent, not being warranted by rubrics,
canOns, OF general CUSTOM and tending excite and
roster spirit of Journalism, at variance with the
simple teachings of Christ and His holy Apostles. I
would include the habit of turning significantly
towards the Lords table in the usual ascrip-
,ts""na ~ The close Of the sermon, as we'll as in
certain parts OF ~ seTyce where no such
direction Is kiveu by the Church, among those
practices that are comparatively novel and limited
and that hindranCeB to the order and uniformity
that much to be desired in church whose
prosperity viii ever be identified with ritual Sim
plcity, and with that primitive faith which was once
delivered to the saints.
do not refer TO these things In any dlctatoral
the practices IN question, whether arising from senti
mental or doctrinal feelings and views, entirely
ineXpedient, IL not unlawful; and because feel 1t
bounden duty to discourage and oppose them in the
is earnest desire to stand by the Church
it is, and to see the clergy and laity conform
ing to all fixed usages and customs, and discOuute-
nancing everything In all directions. that is unauho
rZed by the Church. May God give us grace TO be
faithful TO trust to drive away from the Church
all and strange doctrines and practices. and
to do all in power for the promotion and extern
sion of that blessed kingdom which is not meat and
Holy Ghost.
Commanding you all, my dear brethren. to
the favor and blessing OF the Great Head of the
Church, remain your affecLionate friend and
Bishop. HENRY w. LEE.
Davendort, Iowa, March l, 1867.