The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-06-09
EXPRESSIONS OF ESTEEM AND LOVE.
Bishop Knickerbacker Presented with SYM
Dol of Office and Purse.

During the closing exercises of the recent do
cesar convention two pleasant incidents oc-
Cured in which both clergy and laymen con-
veyed substantial expression Of their esteem
ard love for Bishop Knickerbscker The for
mer presented him with q bishops crook. tho
staff being Of ebony. bound with silver. and the
crook Of ivory. The Rev w. F. Pettis on be-
half of the clsrgymen, made the presentation
speech. in which he said:
Rt. Rev. Father in Christ-Th> kind will of my
brethren makes it my pleasant privilege to-day to
convey to you . proper and suitable expression of
their reverence and affection.
In the presentation of this symbol OF lepiscopal
authority BY clergy is expressed not only their
desire to add TO the proper episcopal equipment but
also the renewal of their VOW of reverence for their
bishop and submission to his godly Judgment.
The Ornaments Rubric" of the English Church,
which We of the American church have never abro-
gated, declares that such ornaments of the church
and of the ministers thereof al all times of their min
istrations shall be retained and be in use in
this church of Engan by the authority of Parlia-
ment in the second year of King Edward VI" And
that the pastoral staff of the bishop was one of
such ornaments is beyond all question manifest from,
the following rubric in the first book of that
Kings reign, printed at the end of that book "for
the more plain exploitation and decent
ministrstion of the things therein contained" In
'Whensoever the bishop shall celebrate the holy
communion. he shall have his pastoral staff
In nls hand or else borne or nOluon oy MS chaplain
Hence yourclergy wish to their bishop invested
with this symbol of his office and its loving
In the ancient literature on the subject the curva
ture of the staff is always represented symbozing
attractions its uprghtness directions its sharpness
coercion. In accordance with these ideas such
a symb olic ornament may fairly be thus briefly de-
scribed Attrahit incurvus, rectus regit, urget
acutus. We believe that in your loving hand, its
drawing and directing power will find place, but i S
coercive, rarely.
This staff of office shepherd take and hold;
Type of thy work, It's one and yet threefold.
AS bishop feed thou well the flock of God,
Collect, and guide. and urge with sacred rod.
And 10, the Chief Shepherd shall weave for thee
At length a crown of immortality;
Aud with His heavenly staff and presence blest,
Thou shalt be guided to the fold of rest"
The bishop was greatly affected, and in voice
tremulous with emotion, said
Dear brethren of the clergy believe me 1 deeply
appreciate the generous kindness which has prompted
the bestowal of this elegant gift-badge and symbol
OF the pastoral Office 1t needs not this to assure me
of your love and esteem. 1 have had constant evil
dence OF this since my coming stranger to YOU
five years ago. You have given a corporation
and appreciation far above my deserts. The little
progress that has been made by our beloved diocese
cooperation. Ihave tried TO be father to you and
to love and regard you i feel proud of Won
and your labors. rejoice at your success and sor-
row when trials and difficulties trust we may
long be spared Co work together for the advancement
of Christs kingdom within the borders of Indiana
shall ever cherish this gift precious evidence of
your appreciation of my humble efforts in behalf of
the diocese. shall seek to WELD it only for the
gathering in of Cnrsts sheep scattered abroad and of
advancing the kingdom among men.
At the banquet which followed the anniver.
sary exercises of Thursday J. II. Stotsenbere. of
New Albany, on behalf of the laity presented the
bishop with we'll filed purse to be used in de-
fraying the expenses of his European trip.