The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-09-02

changes which would be necessary TO adapt
their representation to the present crcum-
stances of the Church and that 1t would also
be more satisfactory to the laity if the prepa-
ration of scheme of lay representation were
committed to themselves. We had, then, in
respect of the clergy, to fall back upon the
ancient ecclesiastical synods of the two pro-
vinces which, though they have been long in
allegiance. were yet in existence, and capable
at any moment of being called into
active operation by proper autho-
rity In the province of Dublin,
the synod has been actually summoned
pro f0Jmd every third year. for nearly CEN
tury and half. In recurring to the ancient
provincial synods, as means of bringing be-
fore the consideration of the clergy the dues-
tion of their future representation, we were
met, at the outset by formidable difficulty
in the constitution of the synods themselves.
In lapse of time great changes had taken
place in the Church. Bishoprics had been
united; chapters had decayed and been left
without either duties or property, while the
number of clergy had increased more than
three-fold. 1t was, therefore, clear that the
proportion of parochial clergy who were sum-
moned $50 years ago would be by no means
an adequate representation at the present
day. Such an obsolete arrangement would
lie satisfactory neither to the clergy nor the
in our judgment, the immediate duty
of the synods, which must be
summoned on the ancient model, to consider
and carry out such changes as will give to the
parochial clergy the position which they may
justly claim in the representative body. 1t
may by some be considered unreasonable to
bring the clergy from all parts of Ireland for
the sole purpose of reforming their represen-
tation in the provisional synods But when
we call to mind how highly honorable and
important task it is to adapt the ancient
synod of the Church to the requirements of
its present condition, and, 10y removing obso-
lete arrangements, to give it constitution
which shall obtain the confidence and CO.
operation of the whole Church, the objection
WILL we trust disappear Public opinion,
the united wishes of clergy and laity, and the
interests of the Church, so clearly define what
is required, that we doubt not it will be
fully accomplished, whatever sacrifices may
be required on the part of the pre-
sent members of the synod. This being
done, and the number which are to
constitute the representation of the clergy
being definitely settled, these ecclesiastical
synods will be dissolved for the purpose of
reassembling in that new shape which they
will have given themselves, and in union with
such a number of lay representatives, as would
properly complete the constitution of the pro-
posed General Synod. We now address our
selves especially to the laity of the Church of
Ireland, with the expression of our earnest
hope that they will prepare such a representa-.
ton of themselves against the time of this
reassembling as may, when united with the
clerical representation, complete that body
which the necessities of the Church sc
urgently demand We are quite aware of the
many difficulties and embarrassments which
taking of such work-above all, in tht
making beginning. And if we have beer
slow to proffer any suggestions as to the
way in which the laty should arrange
the scheme of their representation
this has arisen altogether from al
apprehension lest we should appear t.
limit that freedom of action on thei
| part which we sincerely desire to see them
| exercise; and we are anxious to express in oul
| own name, in the name of the whole Episco
pal body, and as we are confident in the name
of the entire clergy, our readiness to co-ope
rate in this work, by counsel, or by any othel
means in our power. If it should be though
| expedient to make use of the parochial system
| and diocesan conferences, as on late occa
| sion, we offer ourselves, and we are sure that
we may also offer the ready help of all on
| clergy, for the carrying out of the wishes o
our lay brethren. Earnestly praying that il
task so novel, so perplexing, so arduous, o
such immense significance for the whole
future of our Church. as that which is before
us, we may each and all be guided by tina
Holy Spirit of truth, unity, and concord, VIII
can alone give us a happy issue from th
difficulties and dangers which are aroun
about us on every side, we remain your faitf
| full servants in Christ, M. g. ARMAGH,
Aug. IS, 1863. r. @. DUBLIN.
|