The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-09-10

This feeling has for some time past operated upon
my MINT growing more and more petent as have
advanced step by step IN their consideration until
have been compelled to hesitate at the threshold OF
any work to which have been invited In the Church.
from parishes, that but for these FEELINGS s would
have been highly desirable, but which felt must
refuse In two cases the calls have been repeated
Win great urgency, and In one was compelled to
assign the true cause Of my REFUSAL as herein ex-
planned which, but for the eanestness OF the appll-
cation, would have chosen not to present.
The question: too, has arisen in my mind whether
It was not rather duty to stay and combat what I
deemed error in the Church where it exists. For
some time have thought &c. but my mind Is now
clear ON that subject. have only to
consider the past to obtain a convincing
leave no hope for the future. The sacerdotal and
sacramental theories have not paed before their
tSa nor become less potent IN the Church
the simplicity OF the Gospel or the doctrine OF saliva
ton only by faith. The Influences in the ministry
and episcopacy OF the Church are now, more than
ever, thrown ponderOusly into the scale on the side
OF these errors. This believe to be true OF the do
cese which God has 80 long entrusted to your care.
foremost champions for the truth in this conict can
fan TO see that while the weapons of your warfare
nave peen bright and glorious in this great struggle
you are yet girdled about and hedged In by the in
ences which you have so long opposedG And though
quae are the forces that act with YOU in the epsco
pate and out of It, that your and their 1naI subJuga
uon Is manifestly only matter OF time.
1t has been suggested to me- and to others who
feel as do upon this subject that change can be
safely anticipated In the Prayer Book and in the att
tude OF the Church Some even believe that recon-
struction Of our formuares be expected at our
next General Convention and comfort themselves
with these hopes. The more discerning think en-
terrain no such expectations. The best Informed
are more than convinced while hoping 1t may be
Otherwise, that the action OF that body VIII but
strengthen the hands VI the RituastS and Sacrament
tariauS.
Another form Of hope Is entertained by some the
most despondent)-a new light cleaning out on the
troubled waters-hat, II relief should come from
the sources we have been contemplating new or.
ganization will present safe harbor for the wave
tossed mariner. would say amen to this with all
my heart but cannot regard 1t as q well grounded
source OF comfort. Others may. will not disturb
them In their anticlpatonS or enjoyment But this,
believe Will be verified in the future II this
last hope should be realized. Any such supposable
organization Will in its trial be found either power
less or, ultimately undesirable. My convictions
are these. Few would contemplate separation,
unless episcopacy, as OF Divine appointments and
the consequent doctrine of apostoilcal succession.
should be carried with II. Without this few would
organize for higher and purer form Of evangelical
ton. III could therefore have no numerical strength,
and with these In the workings OF the great future,
the same results now giving all this unrest would
the foundation OF all anti-Protesant exclusveness
all churchly pretensOns, all rltualistc and sacra
end as much in the way of the march OF mind, as
much opposed to liberal Institutions religious unity
and Christian fellowship as the present structure
now Is that they would try to improve.
Pardon me for 30 long OBTAINING you with these
specifications and points upon which have been
troubled. While thus to burden you with them in
detail may seem supernu0us l could not free my
mind or well make myself understood without doing
it, And whether it shall satisfy you those. II any,
who have an interest In the course take. that am
right trust 1t will make IL plain that have been
constrained by convictions that, however inadequate
In the estimation of others, are yet to me strong
satisfactory and imperative
IT. Is therefore. with deep feeling with emotions
Stirred by many, to me, weighty considerations,
with earnest prayer to God and reliance upon Him
who has thus far been gracious to me, that make
the declaration herein contained, asking to dissolve
my connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church.
- am dear Bishop, most aaecti0nately, yours In
Christ. ]. w. C}ACRAFT