Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1877-10-29
The Late Episcopal Convention


cd on last Thursday, was one OF the larges
in numbers and most noteworthy in the dis
tiDguished character OF its members that has
ever assembled. Some good measures have
been passed in its sessions, but the principal
value OF the convention is in indicating the
path which the church proposes to tread, and
In thus clearing the way for future legisla-
tion. The convention is so constituted with
its system Of separate houses and its union OF
the clerical and lay deputies in the lower
house, that every opportunity is offered TO a
numerically weak opposition to defeat by
delay or otherwise measure to which 1t
may be opposed. That many good PROPOSE
tons come TO naught through such checks
upon legislation can hardly he doubted.
Much disappointment IS felt at the failure of
the proposed canons for shortening the church
services under certain circumstances, and
for establishing an order of deacOnesses. A
notable characteristic of the meetings OF the
convention was the practical business-like
way in which so many questions having a
close application To secular life, and at the
same time affecting the interests OF the
church, were treated. The deputies worked
hard, and the convention broke ground in
many matters ofinterest which must be taken
mp and decided by succ seding conventions.
Notwithstanding considerable difference of
opinion among the deputies. it Is said that
there has never before been shown so great
kindness and courtesy AMI good feeling in
debate, as have characterized the sessions OF
the recent assemblsga. The permissiva use
of the English dictionary and of new lessons
for Lent will serve in a measure as a con
ISOLATION for the failure OF the proposed canon
for shortened services . those who desire a
flexible prayer book. capable OF being accom-
modated 10 the present "a far a. can BE- done
In consistency with the historic position IF
the church. Among the other important
measures approved were the adoption OF a
new sy 81 N Cor the organization of mission
arv work. making the general convention
the board OF missions, and the canon Oh
marriage ard divorce. The tabliShrnent
under certain restrictions of lay preaching.
the recognition of the high claims OF our
public schools, and the endeavCr to efecf.
by all consistent means, a wider reaching of
all conditions OF men, will ever be connected
In the public mind with the Episcopal con-
ventiOn Of 1871.
The fourth church congress will assemble
in New York on the JOJh. Though this asso-
citation is entirely voluntary body, being
formed on the same pattern as the English
church congresses, IL will contain in its com
ing session the representative men OF the
Episcopal church. The proposed discussion
OF such topics as the Indian problem the
relation OF the press to Christianity, the in
fuence OF the pull pit on modern thought and
life, and OF such minor subjects as church
architecture, popular amusements, and the
organization of charities, goes far to prove a
renewed vitality in the church, a freshly
aroused attention TO what is practical and
timely, and a strong desire to keep pace
with social and political progress.