The New York herald., 1876-02-25

CONSERVATION OF BISHOP IN PHILADELPHIA
THE REV. WILLIAM r. NICHOLSON GROWTH
OF THE REFORM MOVEMENT IN THE CHURCH
WHY THE NEW BISHOP LEAVES THE OLD
CHURCH.
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. "a, 1876
An imposing and interesting ecclesiastical ceremony
will take place in this city this evening" event OF
peculiar significance to Protestant churchnen, as
showing the growth OF the recent reform movement
in the Episcopal Church naugurated by Bishop Cum
MINIS. In the chapel Of the Second church, Twenty
first and SAMSON Streets OF which he has been pastor
for a considerable time, the Rev. William r. Nicholson
will be consecrated to the Office OF Bishop of the Re-
formed Episcopal Church The ceremony win be an
imposing one and the services will be conducted and
participated in by number OF eminent Reformed
churchmen. Bishop Cummns himself will be present
from Louisville the Rev. Bishop Charles Edward
Cheney, OF Chicago, will preach the sermon; and
Bishop Simpson, of this city; Rev DR.. Bedle, also Of
this city, and Bishop Cummins will assist in the
Grafton services
THE CEREMONY.
The form Of service ritual will be according the
law laid down In the Prayer Book OF the Reformed
Episcopal Church, and differs materially from that
used in the old Church. The form for setting
apart men to the Office of deacon is called 'the
form Of ordaining deacons;' that for presbyters is
called 'the form of ordaning presbyters. In the
Prayer Book OF the Protestant Episcopal Church
service for setting apart presbyter to the office of
bishop called the form OF ordaining consecratng
bisnop." In practice the word "ordinaton" is not
used in the old Church, but 'consecraton while yet
its essential and distinctive idea is ordaning imply
ing the advancement TO third order distinct from
those which have preceded it. In the Revised Prayer
Book of the Reformed Episcopal Church the form for
setting apart presbyter 10 the office Of bishop
called "the form OF consecratng bishop" The term
''ordnation" is purposey omitted consecration
chosen because the reformers clam that 1t is the only
good and proper term designate the service and TO
teach that any advancement to higher order OF the
ministry is not intended This is entirely consistent
with the fundamental principle OF the Reformed
Church, that the bishop Is only president, chief,
leader, first among equals.
In the form nothing is said about vestmens,
habits robes OF any description No part Of the
ceremony consists in putting any insignia Of rank
or office. Only in the nnal charge or exhortation,
copy of the Scriptures is placed IN the hands OF the
bishop What Is termed by ecclesastcs OF the
old Church the vow Of ordination, the oath OF prom
ise of uniformity TO the doctrine, discipline and
ship of the Protestant Episcopal Church, omitted
altogether in this ceremony OF the Reformed Church
THE NEW BISHOP.
ter IN the Methodist Church. from which he withdrew
became pastor in the Protestant Episcopal Church
While rector of the Trinity church, Newark, N j., he
resigned his charge November, 1874, and notified
the vestry that his intention TO connect himself
with the Reformed Episcopal Church. which, at that
tme just struggling into life, and through the
action Of Dr. Cummins, was attracting much public at
tention in New Jersey and Pennsylvania In his letter
OF resignation he stated that he had accepted
a call from the Second Reformed Episcopal church,
Of this city, and gave the following reasons
for taking the step. 81 cannot" he said continue to
exercise my ministry in the Protestant Episcopal
Church. The church principles now so universally
belieyed and taught and which were reaihrmed by the
late General Convention with an hnwohied emphasis
are, in my Judgment not only Scripturay untrue but
also Il mean no ofence) deeply dshonoring to the
The General Convention has made tepfold
more intense the anti-Protestant errors OF the
prevailing churchmanshp, and never. till there is
revised Prayer Book, such errors be couneracted
But of that there is no hope"
The resignation Of DR.. Nicholson created profound
sensation throughout the Episcopal Church. and
strengthened the reform movement In answer TO the
questions put to him by his own parshioners in New
ark, be said plainly that Bishop odenhelmer OF that
conscentiousy remain longer in the Episcopal minis
try. Upon his withdrawal being made public he
invited TO the rectorshp OF the Reformed Episcopal
church in Newark, but declined in favor Of the Re-
formed church in this city on the 18th of last May Dr.
Nicholson, at a council OF the new Church in Chicago,
elected missionary bishop receiving % out Of 2S
clerical votes and % out OF 20 lay votes He accepted
the distinction and responsibilities of the Office and
tonight he will be consecrated for the work OF his
Office The event is considered important in
church circles here, and the solemnzaton will be wit
messed 9y large assemblage.
GROWTH THE REFORM MOVEMENT.
The tendency toward the new Episcopal Church Is
increasing in this city apparently. There are now six
Bishop Cummins Is the Presiding Bishop of the United
States and he has four assistants in different sections
OF the country with TWO others VINO have not yet re-
ceved episcopal orders
DECLARATION oP PRINCIPLES
The following declaration OF principles OF this reform
Church, adopted December 2 1873 will be Of value
TO those who have nothing but vague Information
what this important movement among Epscopalians
means:-
The Reformed Episcopal Church. holding the faith
delivered the santsn declares belief In the
Holy Scriptures the Old New restaents the Word
God and the sole rule OF faith and practice the creed
commonly called the Apostles Creed in the divine insti
tuition of the ordinances OF baptism and the Lords supper
and in the doctrines Of substantially they
forth in the Thirty nine Articles Of Religion.
H. This Church recognizes and adheres episcopacy not
OF divine right but as ancient aud desirable form
OF church poliiy.
Ill This Church, retaining liturgy which shall not DO
imperative represve Of freedom prayer accepts
Book Of Common Prayer revised proposed and
commended for by the General Convention OF the Prot
Episcopal Church, A. d. l7 reserving full liberty
to alter abridge enlarge and amend the
conducive the edhcaton OF she people, provided
that the substance OF the iath be kept entren
w This Church condemns and rejects the following
and strange doctrines contrary to COOS Word
Firt-That the Church Of Christ exists only in
form Of ecclesiastical poity.
Seod-Tha Christian ministers priests" In another
than that In which all believers n royal priest
hood"
Thyd-That the Lords table an altar on which
ohation Of the body aud blood OF Christ offered
she Faiher.
Fofh-That the presence Of Christ the Lords Supper
Is n presence In the elements of bread and wine.
FVl--That regeneration is nsepArably connected with
han