The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-11-25
POSITION OF THE EPISCOPAL
CHURCH.


The columns Of the Central Presbyterian,
from its first number till the present, bear wit
ness that it has never been used 70 assault
other churches or to intermeddle with their
peculiar affairs. In regard to the Episcopal
Church Its attitude has been defensive only,
though not few subjects were constantly pre-
senting themselves so Extensively aggressive
that it required no small forbearance to abstain
from carrying the war into Africa. Our
fathers of the Presbyterian Church in Virginia
were emphatically lovers of peace, and as the
fathers of the Episcopal Church in this State
were men of like spirit, and were understood
generally to have moulded their churchman'
ship after its more moderate type, these two
branches of the Christian Church have COM
monty lived without collision. 1t must be ad-
mitted indeed, that in their organized capacity
they have had very little fellowship. Even
the least exclusive school of EpiScopalians
generally forbids those interchanges of ministe-
rial offices so common and so pleasant between
other evangelical churches. Still there has
been very little controversy between us. 1t is
gratifying TO know that in so many instances
our ministers and theirs live side by side In
much personal harmony and brotherly affection.
The same remark applies to private Christians,
where neighbors and even families may be di
vided between the two churches, yet live to-
gether not only without strife and envy, but in
much mutual good will We are well persuad
ed that the great body Of our ministers and peo'
pie are not hostile to the Episcopal Church.
Stedfast to their own Presbyterian faith, thev
can still admire the good to be discerned in
others and rejoice in their prosperity.
The Church of England when first proclaim
ing herself Protestant against, and separate
from the ApOstate Church of Rome, mOdestly
proclaimed herself, at the same time, only a
sister of the Protestant Churches of the Con-
tinent Of Europe. Let the Episcopal Church
maintain this position, and Notwithstanding
our decided objection to her prelatical form OF
government and other defects or blemishes, we
bid her GOd-speed.
Is she stedfast and faithful to this her an
eient faith? We are compelled in conscience
to declare that she has been giving more and
more evidence for years past that vital truth
is in many places falling IN her streets, and
that a terrible night is gathering over her.
We have said almost nothing respecting the
fearful controversies which have distracted
that Church for good while, and which are
assuming, in their effects, most serious as
pect. We had no wish to have even the ap-
pearance of interfering in the conflicts Of
others, though aware that great principles
were in peril which must ever be held as the
priceless inheritance of our common Chris
tianity.
But matters are now assuming form and
pressure" so open and decided, that longer
silence would be treason to the truth. The
most sober-minded and judicious among our
Episcopal brethren are themselves coming out
and speaking in tones not to be misunderstood.
1t is known that the Bishops and other clergy
of that Church in Virginia, have diSapproved
of the ritualism which has been making rapid
Roadway in New York and elsewhere. Nor
have they generally gone with the party re-
presented by the two Drs. Tying and others in
all their measures of reform. This we under
stand to be the position of the Southern
Chuchn,aR, the organ of the diocese of Nir'
ginia-a paper which we greatly respect, not
only for its freedom from extravaganza of
views, but for It's excellence both in matter
and spirit. 1t may be presumed to represent
fairly the views of the diocese Of Virginia.
In its last issue, 10Th inst, We find statements
concerning the present condition Of the Epis-
copal Church, that cannot fail to arrest the
attention of rejecting Christians outside of the
pale of that communion. As the esteemed
and able brethren who edit that journal have
spoken in such plains terms on this subject,
there can be no objection to the publicity we
give to their views among Presbyterians, to-
getber with a few remarks suggested by their
article. 1t is long, but its contents are such
that we know it will be most satisfactory to
our readers to have it, with very slight excep
tons, unabridged.
From the Southern Churchman.)
"Defections from the Episcopal Church are
taking place both on the right baud and on
the left. To us, as earnest and loving EpiSco-
palians, this is neither pleasant to eontem
plate, nor agreeable to write about. We would
prefer, did we think only of ourselves, to let
them take place, and keep the facts as quiet
as possible, lest our beloved Church receive
injury. But as Journalists, it is our duty to
publish what takes place IN the Church, and
as EpiScopalians to consider whether our
Church as a Church, is fully alive to the i'm
pOrtance of these matters, as serious and
alarming indications OF movements going on
In the Church.
But let US look at the facts before we con-
slider their importance.
Here mention is made of some ministers in
the Episcopal Church who have recently left
it because they considered false doctrine was
taught therein, and have joined other evan,
geHcal communions The article then pro-
ceeds
I'VE have two Episcopal papers, which
week by week are considering the possibility
of a rupture in the Church, unless the Prayer
Book can be eliminated of certain expressions
which some las the author of Remaining
Germs) believe to be essentially erroneous;
whilst others dislike them, from their liability
to be misunderstood and perverted; and thus
made to teach false doctrine. These are facts
upon one side; and we are certain they are not
receiving that consideration from conservative
Churchmen which they are entitled to, Does
any one wish to see brethren and friends whom |
all respect forced by their conscientious |
Though we may regard them weak Seruples, |
either TO fOrsake the Church of their love, or
else to set up another Church organization? |