Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-05-22
SPECTATOR AND GENERAL ADVERTISER

| evidently come when the Churcll-God's agen
for the worlds regeneration-must assert her
| policy will serve her purpose. She must teach
| her children to shun the bad example of the so.
clai glass to avoid as the very gates Of hell the
ing in private, under whatsoever pretext-here
lies the common danger: The first step taken
| the descent Is very eatSy. The Church must
therefore recognize its mission as a great tenn
perance society, and in respect OF strong drink
make its motto those words Of the apostle,
"TOuch not, taste not handle not"
Less abhorrent in its forms. but not less per-
versive and destructive of true religious life is
the spirit of ,OoridfiaeSs Insidious and seduc-
tive its virus poisons the very lfe-blOod of the
soul, and threatens the speedy extinction of all
genuine spirituality. 1t is fast becoming the
reproach OF the Church that in distinctively
worldly and ungOdly amuseInents-amuse-
ments which are not innocent, but reprehensi-
Bile and hurtful-her children vie with those
who are professedly irreligious. Ofttimes-to
tn eir shame be 1t SpOk en-church-m members are
leaders where they should not be led. Your
committee in speaking of these things, would
emphasize the godly admonitions Of our Bishop
urge upon all who profess and call themselves
Christians the solemn words of the apostle, "Be
not conformed to this world!' But in repres-
sing the great sin OF worldiness and in freeing
the church from its faint, Christian pastors,
especially in their instruction OF the young,
must be seconded by Christian parents and
sponsors; for it is painful truth.that not I'M
frequently teaching of the Sunday school and
pulpit Is cOunteracted and cOntradicted by the
stronger influence and example OF the home
sharply between the lawful and unlawful, be-
tween the permissible and the inexpc dient,
and dangerous and harmful as may be the in
discreet exercise of discipline, it cannot be ques
TONED that, confronted the Church is by
bold and specious worldiness, she owes it to her.
self and to the souls of men not only to make
her protest against all forms of ungodliness, to
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering,
but also on occasion to vindicate distinctly the
the good name of her Lord.
Your committee do not deem it necessary to
speak at length in this place of extravagant
decorations and of light and unchurchly music,
which tend to sensationalism in worship. The
Church In this Diocese has repeatedly testified
devotion to the polity, doctrines, and usages of
our fathers, and the position which we occupy
paths, and neither now nor hereafter do we
propose to depart from them.
Now, as heretofore, invoking the guidance
and blessing OF the Holy Spirit. let us grid up
the loins of our minds, and whether standing
on the defensive against worldly encroach-
ments or pushing the battle to the gate in the
warfare against sin, Satan, and death, let US
serve or suffer for the dear Lords sake in the
strength which He shall give us.
Rev. ThOs. Spencer was elected Assistant
Secretary.
EXCLUSIVE VALIDITY OF EPISCOPAL ORDERS.
The following resolution offered by Col Pal
ton fell like shell among the members who
were anxious to get through business and knew
what diversity OF opinion prevails upon the
Resoloed, That the Diocese of Virginia prizes
eplscOpacy as a venerable historic form of
church government, or ecclesiastical polity, but
does not maintain and does not find in the
Prayer Book the exclusive validity OF Episco-
pal orders.
Rev. X. T. Davis of Leesburg, seconded the
resolution and spoke strongly in favor Of its
adoption, which lie regarded as advisable. tho |
he could not say necessary.
There has been drifting away, he said, from |
what he called moderate views. There are few
er ministers now who adhere to the old doc |
trines than there were twenty, or ten. or five
there would soon be nothing to mark or show |
that it had ever taken place.
Rev. James Grammer Of Smithfield, West Va, |
earnestly favored its adoption. He main tained |
that its adoption would not deny the apostolic |
succession nor the validity OF non-episcopal or |
ders
Rev. G. w. Nelson considered Presbyterian |
orders valid, though not sufficient. He was op- |
posed to the resolution.
Prof. K. Nelson moved as substitute that it |
is inexpedient for this council to legislate up
on the validity or invalidity of the orders of
any church, but our own.
Col. Nelson, of Hanover, moved to lay the
whole subject on the table.
DIR, Nelson considered the resolution in
quisitorial and unauthorized by the Prayer
Book.
DIR. Peterkn, did not think it ought to be
tabled though he was sorry it had been intro
Rev. H. NJ. Jackson. of Richmond, was in
favor of laying it on the table, under the table
any move that divides the council among them
selves.
J. B. Brockenbrough, thought it perfectly |
proper to pass on the resolutions. Wanted to
know where he stood as an Episcopalian.
If the Episcopal doctrine teaches apostolic |
succession then he was not EpiscOpalian..
The vote was taken the motion to lay on |
table by order and resuited-cergy 40 for, 81 |
against; laymen. 43 for, and % against.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
amendments.
The council refused to concur in the amend
ment proposed at the last convention as to the
formation of Missionary Dioceses.
The amendment for the compilation of a
shorter form of prayers for use at other than |
ordinary occasions left to the wise dis |
erection and Judgment of the General Conven- |
ton.
Onmotion of Rev. w. L. Hyland, the thanks
of the Council were rendered to the citizens of
Staunton for their cordial and hospftable en- |
tertainment of this unusually large gathering |
of the clergy and laity, and especially were
thanks rendered to the rector and vestry of
Trinity church and to their committees, for |
their excellent and thoughtful arrangements |
which have so greatly contributed to the COM |
fort and efficiency OF the deliberations OF the
Council
Thanks were also rendered to the pages for |
their promptness, politeness and efficiency; |
also, to the railroad and steamboat companies |
for return tickets.
It was ordered that SIS be paid the sexton for |
his attendance on the Council, and that 1900 |
copies OF the journal be printed fol distribu-
ton.
John w. Lea, of West Virginia, offered the
following resolution which was adopted:
Resolued, That the action OF this Council in |
consenting to the erection of an independent
Diocese of the State of West Virginia, which
was passed with such unanimity, is not to be
construed as disregarding OF the wishes of
any parts of West Virginia to remain with the
old Diocese of Virginia, or as forcing them from
us, but as the decided conviction of this Coun- |
Gil, after hearing all that to be said for and
against. that the good Of the church demanded
this action.
The resolution presented by Rev. DIR. Sprisg |
was adopted, declaring that the Council does
not approve of the proposed amendment to ar
ticle of the Constitution.
Recess.
Mr.. D. B. Harrison and Rev. W. Q. Hulihen
were elected on the Executive Committee of
the Diocesan Missionary society, in place of Mr..
A. T. Laidley and Rev. w. L. Hyland, of West
Virginia. Rev. T. F.. Martin was elected on the
Board OF Managers of Widows and Orphans
Fund in place of Rev. James Grammer, OF West
Virginia. These were the only changes made
in the Standing Committee of last year.
Rev. Giles b. Cooke, of Petersburg, address
ed the Council and gave an interesting account
OF his work among the colored people.
DR.. Peterkin presented resolution commend
Ing Mr.. Cook to the kind regard and liberal
support of the people.
ON motion of DR.. Minnigerode the Council,
after singing the 9th hymn, adjourned sine
die.