Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-05-29

DAYS and SATURDAYS, at FIVE DOLLARS
PR ANNUM, payable in advance.
REVISION OF THE PRAYER BOOK.
The following are the resolutions adopted
by an almost unanimous vote, by the Epis
copal Council of Virginia, at its recent session
The report of the committee to whom was
referred the consideration of all resolutions
looking toward revision Of the Prayer Book,
was submitted through Judge Shelley The
report is declared to be not only unanimous, but
to have received the endorsement of both the
bishops of the diocese.
The committee to whom have been referred
various resolutions and propositions connected
with the Office of institution, and alleged diff
cullies in sume of the Offices of the Prayer
Book, have considered the same with a pro-
found sense of the responsible duty devolved
upon them. They are satisfied that the for
mularies of the Church in respect TO faith and
worship, in their just Interpretation, embody
the truth OF Christ, are warreDted by the
teachings of Holy Scripture, and are faith
full following of the doctrines professed and
defended by the Anglican Reformers They
canUot, however, close their eyes to the fact
that in some few particulars the forms of words,
iu the use of which, taken in their ancient
sense, the Church as whole has known no
lust cause of scruple for more than three hun-
drcd years, has given seeming occasion for per-
versions and false doctrine on one hand,
aud for conscientious scruples of men OF
godly conversation and usefulness in the
earnest desire aud prayer for peace and
unity of the Church, with feeling Of
grateful recognition of the wisdom and just
prudence OF the Bishops address on this sub
iect, viewed in the light in which it was con-
ceived and dictated, and impressed by cousid-
eratiuns now developed 10 connection with the
statement and feeling of a number of brethren,
beloved and honored, whose scruples are en-
titled to our most respectful consideration,
YOUR committee have deemed it wise and most
conducive to the we'll beiog of the Church and
the cause of religion to recommend, and they
accordingly do recommend the adoption by the
Council of the following resoutions
Resolved, That the Council Of the Dio-
cese of Virginia gratefully accepts the decara-
ton of the House of Bishops made in the year
lS7l, in respect to the Office of baptism, as a
wise step in the direction of peace and unity in
the Church, and trusts that the same may in
due form be made authoritative.
> That iD Difference to scruples the respect
ful consideration Of which induced the author
tiles OF the Church to allow freedom in respect
to Que of the clauses or articles of the creed
aud the omitting Of the sign of the cross 10 the
Office of baptism (although, as the rubric de-
cares, the Church knows no worthy cause of
scruple concerning the same, it will be wise
to allow freedom of like kind in another
part Of the side Office. Aud this council doth
declare that in their opinion it would be coDsis
tent with the spirit of the Church and of the
Prayer Book, that the suggestion made on this
poiut by some OF the most eminent friends and
exponents Of the Church should be carried
OUT and doth express the hope and earnest
desire that liberty be allowed, without change
10 the text Of the office, to omit the phrases
in the post baptismal service in which the
word ''regcnerate' occurs.
g. That in view OF the action of the Council
in approving the report of the committee OF
thirteen on ritualism and the office of institu-
ton a. its present session, and of the opinions
entertained. that if the General Convention
shall adopt the suggestions of this Council on
the subject of rituaism, the Objectionable
phrases 10 the Office Of institution must lose in
great measure the false significance attributed
to them, aud must, as q consequence of such
action, be ultimately corrected, it is uhexpe-
deDt at this time to make any further recon-
mendation in respect to said office.
l. That In order 10 secure the success of the
great measures of relief hereinbefore referred
to. and 10 Difference to the opinions of those
Who shrink from the suggestion of alterations
OF the prayer book, justly e0deared to the best
affections and most sacred associations Of the
children OF the Church, it is declared to be in
expedieut at this time to make any recommeh-
datiogs in respect to the additional matters re-
terred to the committee.
That in the existing critical emergency
pressing upon the Church. it is the duty of true
and conservative churchmen to draw near to
each other 'in the unity of the faith and 10 the
bond of peace" and 10 the spirit Of concession
and love 10 yield much to each other as to
matters of mere expediency--as to things in
their nature indifferent and alterable-so as,
however, the frame and order of the Church be
still continued firm and unshaken; and the
substance of the faith be kept eutre and willing
ly to follow the rule of the Church herself, aud
set forth 10 the preface of the Book of Com
mon Prayer; that is, Ito do that which accord
Ing to her best understanding, may most tend
to the preservation OF the peace and uuity of
the Church; the procuring of reverence, and
the exciting of pety and devotion 10 the wor-
ship of God; and fnally the cutting off occa-
sion from those that seek occasion of cavil or
quarrel agains. her liturgy and so, as breth-
reu of common faith, to work together to
save the beloved Church of their fathers both
ilom schism and from Rome.
TAX ON ToBACCo. Thomas White
head writes thatth bill urged before the CON-
mttee on ways and means by the tobacco dele
cations Of Richmond and Petersburg would be
reported on tavorably in few days, and that its
successful passage was assured. By the pro-
Visions of this bill licorice and other ingredi-
tsNp... r.
Oftariff duties. The tax On lioorice alone by
existing law is nine cents in gold per pound.
lhe bill referred to also allows drawback on
exported tobacco without waiting for report
iOm the port of final delivery. This provi-
Sion Is deemed most important matter to
parties engaged in the export trade, and will,
10 doubt tend materially To increase the mann.