The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-03-22


heavenly kingdom, etc. by no honest interpreta-
tion can we from these passages defend or sanction
prayers for the dead.
When consider that errors of the gravest sort
have clustered around this doctrine OF prayer for
the Dead that out OF 1t grew the fearful errors OF
masses Tor the dead and the horrors Of purgatory
we cannot but be thankful that the trainers OF our
Prayer Book left out of It everything that could be
justly construed as teaching or countenSncing such
taught word on the subject" and "the vestry need
have no fear OF his doing so until he has satisfied
himself entirely as to the teaching Of the Church"
need say nothing further on this point.
The third topic in the paper msrSed M" IS thus
Xpressed:-"BowiDRs TO the altar and prostrations
before it. not be practsed by the clergy and to be
forbidden to the chorfsters."
Upon this DR. Patterson says nothing
These bowlngs and prostrations and the like
are novelties, only very recently introduced
INTO the american Church, ana nave no
OF our communion. They also symbolic
the Romish doctrine of local and objective pre-
sence OF the body and blood Of Christ on the holy
table. This / consider to be one Of the most spe-
cious and dangerous of all the errors so subty
the germ out OF which naturally grows the whole
rtualistic system an once admitted. and logically
followed out, the only sequence is submission to the
earnestly request therefore, that all bowings to
the altar, and pfostrations and gepuneixons before
church.
The 4th point in the paper marked an" is con-
cerning the OF the banner. Both the rector and
vestry agree as to restricting the carrying OF the
banner Christmas Easter, the Feast of All Saints,
and in the Childrens services.
This is another innovation which conscientously
condemn, as being an unnecessary aud improper
parade and spectacle in the house OF God. | grant
that there may be special occasions, such Sunday
school anniversaries or the gathering OF Church
ceties, when, for the sake of interesting children
designating classes or societies, such banners
may be allowed as harmless; but to introduce them
into the ordinary worship of the great congregation,
is to set up pomp and display unknown in the ear
Hest ages OF the Church. and unknown in the Church
on bat Se Sa pg a 81 S
| banner in st Clements Church will be dispensed
| wth save only in the exceptional cases which
| The nfth point mentioned is "Water not to be
mingled with the wine in the chancel" DR.. Batter
| son says nothing on this point.
The American Church, neither by rubrc, canon,
usage, sanctions this practice and request that
! it be heBceforth omitted.
Sixth. The wearing OF colored stoes is by both
parties left the decision OF the next General Con
vention; though Dr. Patterson announces his in
| tention to continue their use. There is no
authority for the use OF the coored vestments
Of any Kind in our Church; and the uninterrupted
usage Of the first seventy years OF our existence as
National Church condemns the practice, which
| request may be discontinued.
| Several of these points which have referred to
may seem small and harmless. Each In its single
ness may be so; but when aggregated they indicate
a growth of symbolism and a drifting error-ward
that cannot be too speedily checked, If we would
| defend the faith once delivered to the saints.
have thus, as you desired, given you my official
council and opinion upon the points submitted
to me.
| prosperity to St Clements Church Will depend on
the course which the rector shall pursue, as well as
| on the moderation and hrmneSs OF the vestry. III,
as trust, DIR. Patterson recognizes himself bound
by his ordination VOWS and amenabe to the rubrics
| and canons OF the Protestant Episcopal Church. he
viii, sure, yield to the decisions here given, al
least so far as to cease practices and teachings
which are here discountenanced for it would
certainly be a mockery OF Episcopal autho-
vestry Of ST. Clements, after mu-
tualy agreeing to submit the controversy to the
''Ordinaryr and receiving his opinion thereon, tc
ignore his Judgment and counsel Ia the premises
and to c. ntinue to act If he had pronounced nc
decision in the case
Praying that the Great Head of the Church may
direct your minds and hearts into the way Of truth
and peace
| And servant In Christ
VIM. BACON STEVENS,
Bishop OF the Diocese OF Pennsylvania.
When these papers had been read to the vestry
the question was put to the rector.as to what he
intended to do in regard to the Bishops letter
to which he replied that the vestry, as q vestry
had nothing more to do with it.
REQUEST TO THE RECTOR.
On the Esd of February last, at another vestry
meeting, Mr.. Morris offered the following which
was passed.
Resored That the rector be respectfully requested
to conform the teachings practices, and ritual o
this parish to the requirements and requests OF TIN
Bishop, contained In his letter to Mr.. Morris aiC
before the vestry at the last meeting and of Whic
q copy is in the possession of the rector and tha
the secretary send copy OF this resolution to tn
Bishop.
Another resolution was adopted, that in orde
10 give the congregation clear understanding
of the existing differences of opinion, tn
minutes of the vestry be printed and circuate
among the members of the church.