New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-10-01
TIE CHURCH CONGRESS.

A REVIEW OF TIE LETTERS OF BISHOPS POTTER
AND CoxE IN OPPOSITION TO 1.-THE CHURCH OF
AMERICA OH OF CONSTITUTIONAL LAW.
A review OF certain letters, notably those of
Bishop Potter OF Diocese aud Bishop Coke OF West
.rn York touching proposed Church Congress,
which il to NEE, THIS next week, has been written
by the Rev. Dr. washburn. Rector of Calvary Church.
IL is entitled Episcopal Preroga,iye and Constitu
tioDal Law" He gives at the outset the following ac-
count the origin Of the movement for Church Con-
gress
came 70 mass some months ago that at an assoca-
tion Of clergymen an admirable sketch OF the Bath
Congress from the interest called forth by
r. alter some debate, 1t jagged wise to try the
ncrnent nj home To assure ourselves however. OF the
general feeling preparatory conference was held,
sirpedly from Offering schools OF Church opinion.
aud such was the dignity aud ability of
the best promise for larger efrt. The
model. A Church Congress as those know who nave
attended one, nave read the excellent pamphlet OF
~ os he called an oresnznon at all It is voi%n
iay movement whose proper life Is IN is freedom from
yied as a pOiot Of courtesy to preside; bu. beyond
tins Office OF chairman ne has no duty Whatever, ana
ut times eminent layman has called the as
sembly. Certain subjects are chosen, and certain
free 10 any within limits OF Christian dccorun. NO
votes taken majority can override the liberty OF
speech; and no influence be exered beyond that of
Reasonable argument such the plan accepted; and
20 make movement generous and catholic as pos
sIble large Committee was formed, representing every
hue of theological opinion even extremes; yet all men
of the highest character The list
formed IN the same way At subsequent meeting IN
New YOrK this Committee arranged the details aud 50
anxious they 10 carry out the comprehensive
appointed who known 10 have quite opposite
Views IL not easy 10 fix the tune but II
resolved TO choose the day just before the opening
Of the Convention, for the plain reason that II Is
next impossible TO bring together those who would
10th feel inspire interest III such a meeting
III any other season. All The objections since
urged by vehement assailants-ss II none beside
themselves had been wise enough to conceive them
folly debated. But the argument already named
settled the question aud the only mistake Of the Com
the belief that they could trust III the
erous faith Of their brethren 10 the motive that
prompted the decision. No plan was ever laid before
This Communion absolutely free from party spirit.
the baseDess OF church cabal All promised success;
letters were received OF heartiest sympathy from
Ihere appeared a note from the Bishop OF West
Nun Work, In which, well as In DINER attacks
following IT, there 10 utter misrepresentation OF the
cLSracer OF this movement as TO compel plain reply.
We cannot for a moment suspect the Right Eeyerend
autbSr Of coarser article printed in Buffalo paper
shOugb experts have professed 10 see traces OF
the s.Sne band)-an article which represented this
sts for political ends No answer beyond the nans VI
the Committee, which are open 10 The public, is
needed to rSfute such caumDy.
The writer s6en replies with much bitterness 20 the
sinuatoD that>the tendency Of tho Church Congress
would be that sspbby 10 the General CoByenon In
yepy to Bishop Po9sr's ground Of oensure that The
an was executed WITHOUT bis sanction, and that t<c
bopsress vsu stTude oSon the proper business 81
TosyeRton. the wrser ststes pat n ves arranged toat