New-York tribune., 1873-12-27
JOINT COMMUNION.
AN APPEAL TO THE FIRST ISSUE.

70 tks Editor Of Ths Tribune.
SIR: MAY it not be well to remind your
readers OF the first proposition that has led to this
whole "Jon. Communion" discussion, ana to remind
them that It ia as yet only bali concludedf Dr. Cum
mins and his allies made the distinct assertion at the
start that the Church OF England has unmstakaby
recognized Presbyterian ordinations The discussion
has thus far turned entirely upon the opinions and
conduct OF individual prmates and preates in the En-
glish Church as justifying this assertion.
1t has certainly been ably and perhaps exhaustivey
argued by divers learned dspuants in your columns
and very many persons myself among the number)
have been led by scholarly letters Of DR.. Drumm
to revise impressions that concided with those
OF Prof. Fisher But be the merits Of the they
may that 1t has got to be argued what the
action OF the whole Church OF England has been
by synoda decision her official gisative
capacity Dr. Thompson, 1t seems to me- with perfect
Justice opens this wider view OF the matter and insists
ldoes he not with good share OF right that the bur-
who laid down the broad assertion at first that the
Church OF England has recognized Presbyterian orders
And now, shall have this important subject argued
with all the interest and ability that belongs to NJ
Milford Conn.,, Dec. IA, 1873.
THE NEW CHURCH "sCHIsMATIC.n
20 the Editor Of Ths Tribune.
SIR: In the declaration of principles of the
body calling itself the Reformed Episcopal Church.
nnd the following statement:
This church recognizes and adheres to epscopaoy
as Of divine right but AZ very ancient and desirable
form Of church polty.
ow in the prayer book adopted for the use Of the
same body there prayer for those who ad
mitted the holy orders containing this expression
Amighty God, who of Thy divine providence hast ap-
pointed divers orders the church" there not some
Inconsistency heref
Again, Bishop Cummins In his opening address, said
We are not schismatcs. No man can be schismatic
who does not deny the faith once delivered.
Tho Bishops definition OF schismatic seems some.
what different from that contained In websters Die
onary, with reference to tho authority Of eminent
names as those Of Blackstone and Swift.
Schismatic.-One who separates from established
church or religious faith ON account OF diversity Of
opinions.
Moreover In the contests OF the early ages the great
schsms of the Donatiss and Novatians were not the
result Of the denial Of the faith delivered but Of
diversity OF opinions to the question Of discipline II
would be news indeed Q student OF theology that
Donatus Novatus, aud Novatianus not schismat-
ics Yet they not accused Of denying the faith,
and told that Noyatianus In the struggle
against heretics "argued solidy and clearly for
orthodox belief" The formidable party Of Donstists,
though retaining their independent position external to
the Catholic Church for several centuries were In the
end reconciled and the schsm healed Let hope that
this division Of tho nineteenth century will
ing, but will finally have as happy termination.
Yev- York, Deo. 1s, 1879. LAIous.
MEANING OF THE PRAYER FOR "THE HOLY CHURCH
UNIVERSAL
70 ne Editor Of Ths Tribune
SIR: Pray print the protest of plain lay
person against all others. whether reverend and pro-
fessiona or otherwise who IN the conduct Of contro
versy for the purpose Of public enlightenment do, to
speak plainly. depart from that OF truth
which is exacted from people IN secular affairs My
Of the is against the Rev. Prof. George p
Fisher who in his letter dated the eth, and printed In
your issue Of Dec. 10, says:
In the evening Boob ss the suppeaon
the clergy of the Epi Church there follows
the simple bat majestic ye Of the Liturgy impressive for
Christians be led prayer idea
the church veil - In the suppeaon that pssdes H. can heartily
Join.
Members Of the Episcopal Church" know about this.
Prayer Book my assertion that the foregoing is. .
truth while in detail t contains careless naccuracy
and ono plain falsehood.
There Is prayer for the Holy Church universal
in tho evening service" The prayer TO which refer
ence is made Is the prayer for al conditions Of men,.
and In the Office OF mathis well Of evensong
THIS inaccuraoy Is OF little Importance In ITSELF but
surely 1t s OF Importance that shall be accurate
And'in the prayer for all conditions OF men," though
the words holy church universal do occur they are
not Joined 10 the words all who profess and call them
selves Christians" Prof Fisher joins them He sots
forth that first phrase includes the second The prayer
dJolns them. Prof Fisher viii permit me TO use his
letter as no uses the PRAYER Book WIN engage TO pro-
the following; Goo. +. Fisher bishop OF tho Holy
Catholic Church" trtu. l. ...r. ui 80 tHl-Isgs Il
Inow quote the exact text OF the PRAYER. which.
repeAL WI sWpILse Any vao have kaated " Prol