Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1873-12-15
REFORMED CHURCH.
Conservation Of Rev. Charles E. Cheney,
Bishop Of the New Church
Names Of Presbyters
Participating.
Order of Ceremonies, and How Per-
fOrmed-Text and Sermon Of
Bishop Cummins-Inter-
resting Proceedings.

CHICAGO, December l4.-I06 conservation
to-day of Rev. Charles Edward Cheney, in
this city, as bishop of the Reformed Episco-
pal Church, took place at Christ church,
corner of Michigan avenue and twenty fourth
street, OF which Mr.. Cheney is rector. In ad-
dition TO Bishop Cummins,the following pres
byters OF the Episcopal church were In at
tendance and participated in the services:
Rev. Marshall Smith and Rev. Mason Gala
Seacock, New York City; Rev. W. V
Charles H. Tucker, st. Georges Chapel,
Chicago. Services were in accordance with
the formula arranged by the council of the
Reformed Episcopal church, recently held in
New York, and which differs in some particu-
lars from the conservation service of the Pro-
testant Episcopal church, as when after
the reading OF the testimonials in behalf of
the bishops elect, the Reformed service SAYS,
"There shall be said the Lltany, save only al
ter the place That it may please thee to ilIu-
sermon OF Bishop Cummius was based
upon the third and fourth verses of the second
chapter of the second epistle of Peter. 1t was
an elaborate statement Of the views held by
the adherents of the Reformed Episcopal
church, of the nature and character of the
episcopal office, and O. the power and author
ity conferred by ordination to the ministry
and 10 the episcOpacy, fortifying these views
by copious quotations from writers upon
church polity from the earliest times to the
present day. The points thus elaborated are
as follows:
First-That no power but that of the Holy
Ghost can make an ambassador of Christ.
Second-The election by his fellow
christians of one of their number to be their
teacher, ruler, shepherd and guide in spiritual
things, is the eonterring upon the chosen the
right to the ministry as their aeknowledg-
ment of his call from God TO this great work.
Third-0rdination, or the laying on of
hands, with prayer, on one chosen by the
people TO the office and work OF the ministry
Is the solemn ratification and confirmation
by those in authority OF the act OF the church
tCr the minister, an outward sign and seal
of his administration to the office.
Fourth-OrdlnatiOn does not confer grace,
as the Church Of Rome teaches elevating it
against the testimony OF holy scripture into
sacrament. 1t does not confer spiritual gifts
or powers; these come from God alone. Ordi-
nation, then, confeIs only the authority to
execute the offices of the ministry, and this is
the solemn ratification and confirmation by
q visible sign and seat on the part o. those
already in authority OF the choice and act of
the whole body of the Christian community.
In the election, in the form of consecrating
bishop in the Reformed Episcopal church
the words, Receive the holy ghost for the Of
flee and work of a bishop" In the church of
God they do not appear, but in their stead the
words, "Take thou authority to execute the
of God we reject the words, Receive
the holy ghost" ETC., because they
are not sustained by the teaching. Of
Gods holy word. Upon this point Bishop
Cummins quoted learned Episcopal authori
ties to show that, down 20 the twelfth CEN
tury the form of words alluded to never ex-
listed in any ordination service. To this sum-
NJ ary, the bishop said, one more statement
must be added, viz: deposition from the
except On tue OF
ity or denial of the essentials of the truth,
does not destroy or impair the ministerial
character - that was received from the
Lord himself. Its effects are only to
suspend the exercise of the functions
CT the deposed minister in the organization in
which he has heretofore Oficiated. 1t only
suspends the exercise of the functions, does
not destroy them but hold them in abeyance
for these churches that depose ministers who
leave them for another religious body; pro-
videS by law for the restoration of the deposed
clergymen on certain conditions, thus ac-
kuowledging that the ministerial character
or status remain unimpaired by the act OF the
deposition.
The bishop, in conclusion, referred TO the
marked success which had attended the
labors of the newly-made bishop during his
ministry in Chicago, and the unanimity of
both the clergy and laity among his brethren
in calling him TO the bishoprie, admonishedl
him OF the heavy respoIl lsibllities he had lust
taken upon himself, and concluded
with these words: "Feed the flock of
God, which he hath purchased with
his own blood, taking the oversight
cot by constraint, but willingly; not for fiIthy
lucre, but of a ready mind; not as being q lord
over Gods heritage, but being an example TO
the flock; and when the Chief shepherd snaIl
appear, you shall receive a crown of glory
that fadetn not away"
Bishop Cummtns goes from here to Peoria
illinsis, upon the Invitation OF Rev. A. a.
formed Episcopal church.