New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-11-04

so;ous body in America. There are HOtspurs
- the wings. High and Low, but the rank
"a file are conservative in doctrine and prac-
.;ce The plan Of organization, broad and
simnle AS it was, would have been sharply
.ritcised if it had been preached at any other
tinoe Int at that feverish period IL acted like
orick finder and kindled at once raging
controversy. Bishop Potter declined to pre-
side. and Bishop Coke, who has singular
cenius for saying what he thinks Is the right
ond necessary thing in the wrong way and at
,be wrong time, denounced the proposed con-
,ress as n species of lobby to the General Con-
1entiou. The leaders of the movement took
Gre at once; bad blood was stirred and vollcys
of namphlets were exchanged and the shadow
&C ON ecclesiastical wrangle fell upon the first
Church Congress.
Hanpily the prejudice against tine Church
Congress quickly dissolved. 1t proved TO be
most reasonable religious movement. Ihe dls-
o,,ss;ons were entirely free from legislative
RIOS No vote was taken; no measures were
rossed. there was,pcrfect freedom of speech;
tbere was no jealous majority to override
conscientious minority. Clergymen and lay
men were brought together on common
level and topics Of practical interest Ill rela-
ton to religion and morals were freely and
candidly debated. The deliberations were not
colored by pSrtisanship. There was nothing
IN stir I'D strife; there was everything to pro-
mote intelligence and charity. The Low
Cburchman got out of his rut and the High
Churchman came down from his scattoding;
and each was surprised to find how broad was
the foundation OF underlying truth which they
both recognized.
The Church Congress has passed its tentative
stage and is now almost as useful IN It's sphere
as the corresponding assembly in the Anglican
communion. The third session, which is soon
to be held in Boston, promises to be less dog
matte and more practical than the first. There
will be an exchange OF views between the
leaders of the strongest factions in the church
representative men like Dr. De koven and
DIR. John Cotton Smith, who differ widely on
points of doctrine and government The re-
sult cannot he otherwise than wholesome. Zeal
will learn TO discriminate truth; ITS eyes
will be opened; its horizon will be en-
lorged its heart will be sOftenCd. The
Broad Churchman will come to realize
that truth is many-Sided, and that while he
must differ from his neighbOr, the Ritualist,
both may be right in the end. Nor should 1t
he forgotten that while the Church was founded
BY twelve ignorant peasants, with fisherman
at their head, Christianity has mind as well
as a heart. Paul urged his followers to make
the conversion of the world their great work
but he also exbOrted them to "edty the
"body of Christ" Alas how often does the
nulpit fail to edify the pews The Christian
ministry cannot afford to lower the standards
of acquired culture. The preacher must keep
abreast of the congregation. The pulpit only
wastes powder when it uses blank cartridge
or fires at short range. This Congress, by
stimulating intellectual activity i'll the Church
will promote the cause of religion and public
intelligence.