The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-03-03
DIR. FULroy's NEW DEPARTURE.
A Former Indianapolis Rector Makes Some In
nOyations Among st. Louis Episcopalians.

DR.. John Fulton, who was dean of st. Paul's
Cathedral of this city, few years ago. will be
remembered as a learned but exceedingly eccen-
trio man. The members of st Paul. which has
always been very sedate and conservative
church, were kept constantly in hot water during
the deans rectorship and upon his leaving the
vestry held a meeting and seriously considered
the question of selling the building, disastrous
had been his administration of affairs. He is
now in St Louis. The following, from the Re-
publican of that city, will be read with interest
by Episcopalians of Indianapolis:
1.-THE delivery of sermons and lectures from
the pulpit of ST Georges Episcopal Church by
ciergymen outside of the blessed pale of the
Episcopal body may, we presume, be regarded
as suggested by spirit of liberality and reform
1t is stated. we understand, that the interesting
performance is not in violation of any precise
rule or canon, but this is merely technical ex-
PLANTATION; it does not suppress the pleasing sus-
picion that the ancient rigidity of the Epsc opal
body is being gradually relaxed under the genial
influences of liberalized Christianity. To be
sure Christianity was always liberal. in its
essential principles but it grew strangely
certain ecclesiastical bodies. So, also.
it seems to have grown singulary
complex, a sort of science to be expounded by
experts, and on the Protestant side at least, re-
QulreS u muIUlLuu0 OIL separate
diversity in unity-to represent the phases of
irreconcilable opinions. Among these church
bodies, the Protestant Episcopal Church of the
United States has been reposeful and symmet-
rical form. Deriving its principles and organl-
cation from the English establishment. it re-
joices in ministry claiming an apostolic sue
cession," and as it was the church of the
governing classes in the early days, so it
became in later to a large extent. that of
cultivated people, with a tendency to aristo-
ia I'D ;cAu al fn owl
a delicate aroma of antiquity and certain in
fleXibility of spirit 1t was church with a
history, with singularly sweet and noble lit
erature, and with a supposed apostolic consecra-
ton, inspiring and peculiar; and thus it is not
surprising that it resisted all innovations and the
influences of religious fashions IL acquired, so
to speak, an unaccommodatins disposition, not
so much from GOODNESS of character as from its
exclusive privileges and the extreme respecta-
bility of its origin and principles.
'Dr Fultcns departure. therefore, from Epis-
copal precedent at least from the mass of
Episcopal opinion, is quite noteworthy and inter
esting. It is contented that the novelty would
not have been attempted nor sanctioned had
not the position of St. Georges been such as to
render it permissible In other words, because
the church is not quite out of debt, and there
fore not formally consecrated, it can afford to be
friendly and liberal to its UNCONVENTIONAL neigh
bors We really think that Dr. Futons pleasant
experiment may. result injuriuusly to church
finances, because, if theexistenceof church debts
facilitates such graceful actions, such charming
Christian bonhomie, there is a very good argu-
ment for neglecting to pay them off. The
venerable and statuesque Episcopal Chur CHI
under the rejuvenating influences of modern
liberalism is highly interesting spectacle. 1t
is a striking illustration that even the most
fixed forms feel the enkindlng breath of the
new era, that breaches union and fraternity
among all the advocates of truth, whether re-
ligious or scientific. 1t is reported that Episco-
palians in ST. Louis are somewhat divided in
opinion respecting the departure at St
Georges, but when the careful and conservative
Bishop Robertson indorses it and personally at
tends the meetings, it may be presumed that the
majority are in accord herewith