New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-11-15
RELIGIOUS DISCUSSION.
"TpE OH FPIsCOPALIANs.'

THE OLD EPIsCOPALIANS"
NEW RELIGIOUS OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES LETTER
PROM BISHOP CUMMINs.
Tho controversy on the Joint Communion quesuon
has led as the following letter shows, 70 some I'M
portant and unexpected results. Bishop Cumin,ns
of Kentucky has resigned his office In order 10 de-
vote himself to a reform in the church when VIII
promote. as he believes, the fraternai union VI
Christians of various denominations. and accom-;
plish among EpiscOpalans q result simiiii "
that ut which Bishop Reinkens and his associates
are aiming in the Church of Rome
HRw-YoRK, Nov. 10, 1873.
m N. RioM Rererend BENJAMIN BoewoRrH SMITH,
d. d. Bishop Of me Protestant Episcopal Church IN me
Diocese Of kentucky.
PIT REV AND DEAR BISHOP; Under solemn sense OF
auty and IN the fear God have TO tell you that ain
about to retire the work In which have been en-
Gagged for the years in the Diocese OF Ken
tuoky ead thus 20 the relations which have ex
listed so happily and tremendously between US during
that time.
It's due 10 you and TO my many dear friends in the
Diocese of Kentucky and esewbere that should state
clearly the which have led to this determine
ton.
l. First then, you well know how heavy has been the
trial of having to my office in certain churches
In the Diocese Of Kentucky where the services ore con-
Quoted TO symbolic and to teach the people doc
trnes subyersve OF the truth IL Is In Jesus and o.
Ii was maintained and defended by tho Keformefs oi
the Sixteenth Century
On each occasion that havesoeen 'callod upon 70 ON
cate In those churches been most painfully in-
pressed by conviction that was sanctioning and In
dorspg by my presence and official acts the dangerous
errors symbolzed By the services customary IN KAUAI
Istio Churches.
lean no longer, by my participation in such services
be paraker OF other mems SINS and must clear my
own soul of all completely in such errors.
O. have lost all hope that this system OF error now
prevailing so extensively in the Church OF England and
in the Protestant Episcopal Church in this country
can be or will be eradcated by any action OF the
authorities Of the Church legislative or executive The
only true remedy, In my judgment Is the 1udcious vet
thorough revision Of the PrayerbOok eliminating from
A. all that gives countenauoe, directly indirectly, to
the whole system Of sacerdotalism and Rituaism q
revision after the model Of that recommended by the
Commission appointed IN England under royal author
iy in 1852 and whose work Endorsed by the great
names OF Burnett Patrick Totson and stninGheet, and
others OF Church OF EOgand-a blessed work. winch
failed aasi to receive the approyaof COnvocaton, but
was taken Up aterward by the fathers OF the Protestant
Episcopal Church the United states. and embodied in
the Prayerbook Of l7sS, which they set forth and
recommended tor use in this country.
propose 10 return to that Prayer-book sanctioned by
William White. and 10 tread In the steps OF that sanity
man he acted from 1885 to 1882
One other for my present action remains TO
be given On the last day Of the late Conference OF the
Evangelical Alliance participated in the celebration OF
the Lords Supper by invitation. IN the Rev. Dr. John
Hans Church in the City of NewYork and united with
Or Hall Dr. William Arnot Of Edinburgh, and Prof.
Dorner Of Berlin that precious feast It was prac-
IDEAL manifestation of the real unity Of the blessed
company of all faithful people" whom God hath knit
together IN one communion and fellowship IN the mys-
tcaI body OF His Son Jesus Christ"
The results Of that participation have been such as to
prove to my mind that such step cannot be taken by
Wis he i
disturbing the peace ana harmony of this church" and
without imparng my influence for good over large
portion OF the same church. very many OF whom are
within own diocese.
AS cannot the right and privilege thus to
meet my fellow Christians Of other churches around the
table OF our dear Lord must take place where
can do so without alternating those OF household
Of faith.
therefore leave the communion In which have
labored in the sacred ministry for over;tweDtyeigb
years aud transfer my work and Office 10 another
ephero OF labor have earnest hope anil confidence
that basis for the union OF all Evangelical Christendom
can be found In a communion which shall retanI.or re-
store a Primitive Episcopacy and pure Scrptural
liturgy with fidelity TO the doctrine OF Justification
by Faith onlyATticulpS st1nts &c! e1deaiis EeelesG
"A position toward which the Old Catholics in Europe
sre rapidly tending. and which has already taken O
definite form In the Church OF Jesus" 10 Mexico.
To this blessed work devote the remaining years OF
Ie content IL can only the dawn OF that blessed
day OF tue Lord am, dear Bishop faithfully yours Ia
Christ, GEORGE DAVID CUMMISs
ny address for the present will be No Bible House,
NewIOrk.