The New York herald., 1871-03-12
The Frcuch Relief Novcmcut In Our Pro-
tesfaut Churcles-This is the Day.


tcsiaui Churches-This IL the Day.
Bishop Potter protestant Episcopal
church,, of the diocese of New York, ad-
dressed, on the 9th inst, letter to the clergy
and laity within his jurisdiction, appealing
earnestly to them to aid in the relief move
ment In progress for the suffering people Of
France, and recommending that for this object
collections, If possible, be made in the Episco-
pal churches of this diocese on this, the third
Sunday in Lent, ''or as speedily as your cir
March circular, addressed Ito the Christian
pastors of America" was issued from large
number of Protestant clergymen of different
denominations in this city, headed by the
honored and glorious name in the cause of
humanity of the Rev. DR.. Bellows, of the First
Congregational church, and stating that ''on
the second Sunday In March (this day., or as
soon as your circumstances will permit you
are besought to take up collections in your
churches for the starving population of
France"
From these two direct appeals-the one
addressed to the wealthy Protestant Episcopal
churches of this diocese and the other to all
the Christian Churches of America-we expect
good fruits to-day. We believe that
the Chamber of Commerce, from the
voluntary subscriptions of our mer-
chants, brokers and other citizens, has
already sent over to France hundred thou
sand dollars, which has be- n well applied to the
great object of relieving the destitute and suf-
fering French people. We expect to-day, or
next Sunday, as an increase to this fund,
good report from our Protestant churches in
behalf of the same good cause. We hope, too,
that our Catholic Archbishop, his clergy and
laity will take this matter in hand. We know
that the Catholic population of this city en-
braces large proportion Of poor, suffering
and destitute people, who depend upon their
church and its numerous benevolent instit,,-
tions not only for relief but for support. We
know that our Catholics who have means are
that the poor among them freely contribute all
they can to the same pious purposes; and we
know, too, that in his present heavy misfor-
tunes they do not forget their Holy Father at
Rome; but still, we think they ought to do
something as Catholics for the suffering people
of France, who to the number of thirty or
more out of their forty millions are Catholics
And what say our churchmen of the ancient
Hebrew race and Mosaic faith, the fountain
head Of all our Christian Churches? We are
told that our Israelitish citizens have been lib
orally contributing to the relief Of the suffer
ing French in France; but we think that If the
movement were carried into our Hebrew tenn
Piles and synagogues they would respond in q
manner which would rebound to the glory of
their race in France and all over Europe. Let
our wealthy Protestant Episcopal churches
this day show that they believe in the Chris
tisn virtues and graces of faith, hope and
charity, and that, with St. Paul, they believe
that 1.-THE greatest Of these is charity" and we
doubt not the whole church programme we
have suggested will be carried cut, and with
the happiest results to givers and receivers,
and to the general cause of fraternity and
charity among all nations and creeds aud
races OF men.