The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-03-24

another COP for CHRIST's sake iak JcSsren
you."-Ephes. ir: 81, g.
This paper is now being circulated, so we
are informed, among the parishioners (who
have received the statement of the vestry which
we reproduced on Wednesday,, In order to afford
them an opportunity of hearing-rather reading
both sides of the case and discovering clearly
the position of each party. The reverend gem
tleman speaks of the Outrageous slanders" that
have been circulated, and repels them with
''burning Indignation" He declares that he is
"a man of peace" but twill not retract," con-
scientiousy believing himself to be right in
what he has done and fully supported by the
Church authorities. He declares, in referring
to the teachings he has put in practice,
that he will maintain them, and deals calmly,
yet firmly, with the unfairness of the vestry.
Bowings, prostrations and genuhexions have,
as he affirms never been taught at st. Clements.
The Bishops letter-wherein he declares that
there is no sanction in ''auy rubric or usage of
our communion" for bowings to the altar and
prostratons before it; the carrying of the banner
for the sake of pomp; the mingling of the COM
munion wine with water the wearing of colored
stoles, and all teachings and practices which
lead to or countenance private confession or
private absolution-is taken up and vigorously
criticized. Many errors in the argument of tn
Bishop are discovered, and In some instances
there is O positive.dissent from his statements.
But 1t is useless to summarize this paper, which
we present to our readers oerbatins et Rterdtim:
To he members Of 81. Clements Parish
DEAR FRIENDS AND BRETHREN:
i cannot tell you, in words, Low much it pains
me TO appear before you in this holy season of
Lent, In controversy with some members of
the vestry. 1t is necessity, however, for you
well as for me. 1 shall not say one word to
impugn the motives of any individual. In the
paper attached to this letter, have written
strongly, but hope not in any way forgetting
my office, or the dignity and duty belonging
TO it.
THE OUTRAGEOUS SANDERS;
the wilful fabrications; the malicious reports
| which have been so persslenty circulated re-
gardiDg the teaching, practice, and ritual" at
| st. Clements Church, II becsmes at last my duty
| for your sake, as well as my own, to repel.
Never ON any occasion, has there been any SER
vice in st. Clements which is not perfectly
| In accordance with the laws and rubrics of our
Church.
Never has there been any teaching which lie
| not in perfect accord with our standards
I AN CHARGED
| with introducing practices and teachings
| which have been the occasion OF many aud pain
full rumors, seriously damaging the beat interests
| OF the Church of Christ" i repel the charge
| with hot and burning indignation!
l have been pestered and worried for two
| years with anonymous letters from the busy
bodies in other mems matters" who had not the
|
| to tell the truth.
| AM A MAN OF PEACE.
Nothing is more distasteful to me than contro-
| yeTsy; but the time has come when, for your
sake, i must defend S. Clements.
The Lord being my helper, will do 1t TO the
last. For two years have borne In patience
and silence all the malignity and falsehood
of envious tongues, aud will bear it no longer.
The services in st. Clements have Deen wit
messed by several of our most faithful aud honest
| bishops who with one accord have given to me
| their hearty communication
| therefore announce to you that shall main
tain those services, and no word of teaching
which have given you during my rectorship
will retract; on the contrary, will maintain
and defend IL to the last.
thank you for the overwhelming manifesto
ton of your trust and sympathy.
Since writing the above have seen copy
of the minutes" printed by order OF
THE vEsTRY,
to which is preixed statement" signed byten
members.
can but express my regret that was not
permitted to see this statement" before IL was
printed. asked for 1t, but was not allowed to
see Ii.
The vote 10 print the minutes" was taken at
a meeting when / was absent, and but six mem
bers of the yestry were present. No notice OF
4 Continued on fhe Second Paqs.