Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1884-03-22


WILD Goose FARM, March 10, 1884.
To Mesrs. ". 4. Morgan, J. Gregg. Gi1ssH
and Others:
Yours Of the 10th inst. at hand.
assure you duly appreciate your eI-
preston Of sympathy with my recently
published views OH church ma alters, but
at the same time think it would be more
prudent for me to decline to serve rs yes
tryman. My acceptance would likely be
misconstrucd, and might thus prejudice
other interests of the church, which de-
sire to avoid as far as possible.
1t is gratifying, however, to witness
some promised benefits from The discus
sion of the subjects referred to already
manifesting themselves in an increased
interest in The approaching election of
vestrymen. .is.
For years past learn the vote pOlled
ut such elections has been comparatively
small, owing partly, 10 doubt, to the
manner of conduct ting them, but mainly
to All imperfect conception of the require
ments of the church, and tho naturally
attendant indifference.
Without a knowledge Of the church and
its origin and customs, so-called liberal
views are apt to prevail, which are false
in principle and must be false in influence
and effect. ..r
They relax the fervor OF the faithful to
crafty the lukewarm and Indifferent.
They lower the inspired standard Of our
beloved church to their own human level.
What We need In Trinity Church are
doctrinal sermons, All intelligent discus
sion of the cardinal principles OF the
church. -.,.. s...-...
These DO not include tolerance Of me-
mortal crosses and windows, but they do
include rs the basis of its faith aud wor-
ship an implicit belief in the Apostolic
succession, tho unbroken transmission of
the Holy Orders from the Apostles to the
clorgy, the divine origin and institution
of the Episcopacy. .,....itr non
Thoroughly educate in the fundamental
tenets of the church, and the propriety Of
memorial crosses and windo~s and similar
ornaments riH follow as naturally as the
shadop follows the substance.
Serious opposition TO such things-non-
essentials-is only the result Of deficient
religious training. =! ~ II
One eonscientiously objects to memo
rial cross, but is ready at the same time to
favor memorial window IN the chdncel,
4 distinction without difference as far as
any principle is concerned, and just Is
untenable and unreasonable a position as
to object on the grounds Of conscience to
a cultured and skilled choir, unless a con-
scieatious reluctance to share any ezpease
thereof makes the difference. fi'i'' go.
Recurring again, in conclusion, to the
election of vestrymen, though not assent
ing to serve myself, It may not be i'm
proper for me to express my views in ro-
gard to the character and composition Of
the ticket 1.i .." 'n.~ 30 rnHh
would favor and recommend q con-
servatiye one-in accord and harmony
with our good Notwithstanding no ex-
IRENE measures Of either ritualistic or a
Cummings tendency, but at the same time
observing the cslions Of the church and
adhering strictly to them in the purity
and simplicity of the well-establislied
forms of worship. rf.,z-., =.
Not at all inconsistent with this is the
propriety of special efforts to improve our
music and make it more church-like.
This tends not only to elevate and re-
fine but to attract, especially, young per-
sons to the service, who being brought
under its influence, become interested in
and attached to the church. Z. 'i''.'a i'.'as
In addition, certain repairs to the church
property, the Rectory ,poreh-Rector's
study steps at the entrance to'the church
and other urgent demands for early stten-
ton, ought not to be lost sisht'ofsn Y
L feel assured, however, that proper
ticket can be formed that will duly care
for all these interests without my services.
Thanking you none the less for kindly
proGcred support, islcZ' = sIo's s.-l is "
am, very respectfully, yours, . ''s
-N1'4 HENRY SHErHERD.