New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-02-15
THE BISHOPS PASTORAL.
NEED OF STILL MORE INSTRUCTION.


To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: The pastoral letter of the bishops is indeed
an important declaration. 1T may ne fairly doupteo'
however whether there was sufficient cause for
alarm touching thu denial of the Virgin birth OF our
Lord and whether the declaration Of the bishops
has not given undue prominence to theological
speculaton which has not been fathered by a sing .
clergyman OF bishop of the Church. and OF which
the vast majority of the laity remained In profound
ignorance until this pastoral read in our churches,
called their attention to 1t.
As declaration of the faith 1t can do no harm.
and IT has served TO emphasize the loyalty OF the
Church u the Catholic doctrine 81 the incarnation
which, al this particular juncture. may or may not
have been called for 1t cannot be disputed that by
its contradiction OF the heresy involved 1t has
opened TO many OF the laity view of our Lord S
birth which would not in any other way have come
TO their notice.
Now. the bishops have awaited themselves OF
the opportunity consider their duty in the mat
treated of in the pastoral letter. might II not
he well II az the approaching general convention or
before should they have occasion to meet In coun-
Gil they to consider certain other matters per-
tanning the do ,trne and discipline of the Church.
which creating confusion and disorder. and
which also may fairly open to the charge Of fase
teaching. Ii be truthfully said that there are
other things by which 1.-THE minds OF many OF the
faithful clergy and laity disturbed and dis
tressed" and in regard TO which they need and have
the right to expect. the comfort which could be
gwen effectually "by a firm assurance that the
episcopate of the Church to which in peculiar
manner the deposit OF faith has been intrusted IL
not unfathful 10 that sacred charge but will guard
and keep ii with al diligence men who shall here
after give account to Cod
The latest parochial publication. issued monthly
by the one Of the metropolitan churches, contains
the following, In editorial the Catholic
instructor. of Children: Let the teacher inquire
whether the children attend Mass every Sunday
Holy nav Of u,ha tnar fbav
come regularly to confession" Let him
quickly the childs thoughts the Sacred
Host which the priest lifts up at Mass: let him
tell the child that this Host is Jesus-the same
Jesus-still lovingly holding out his arms. because
He wants all men. little children. TO love
and to worship Him" There few
children who will. not respond instantly to the
voice Of one at their side who kindly says suit
ing the action to the word. There's the bell.
Jesus is coming. Let's all bow down TO Him.
Again: I'VE have little child kneel down
on both knees. on the pavement before the statue
OF Our Lady, and not rise go its way until
1t had placed its tiny hands together. said a
prayer and made the sign of the cross And
every child can be taught to pray. If only we Will
teach him that our blessed Lord and His Mother.
the Holy Angels and the Saints are living beings
now who hear us. love and protect u.s.
Here is definite teaching. not founded on mere
rumor, unfair conjecture anonymous author
ship IT is boldly put forth and openly fathered
by priest OF the Church 1t Is incorporated into
the Office Of the Holy Communion by peculiar
methods and ritual. Is 1t true or false?
Permissible unlawful? Is 1t dangerous in
nocuous? A host of the faithful clergy and iaty
Of the Protestant Episcopal Church would like to
know and they have right to look to the Bishops
Tor the answer There are few dioceses where
similar teaching Is not given in one or more
parishes IL would seem that this fact should Of
Itself De sufncient 10 arouse the bishops 'partc,i-
larry TO state what the Church requires all who
minister IN holy things to hold and teach con-
corning these matters.
=, u This , teaching Is Catholic and true let our
and strange doctrine contrary 10 Gods
Word. then may we not rightfuy look to them
TO danish and drive II away from the Church -
as they vowed at their ordination TO do or con-
fess that they are unable. by reason of detective
law other weighty cause, deal authorize lively
either with such teaching this or with any
question touching the Catholic doctrine OF the In
carnation sINCERITAS
Adams Mass Feb T. 1885,.