Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-10-23
BISHOPS PASTORAL.
Address Of the Upper House Of the
Episcopal Convention.
SUNDAY OBSERVANCE
massacre Of Christian MIssionartes
In China-MissiOnnry Districts of
C.-AdJOurnment- Incidents

MINNEAPOLIS. MINI, October o.
The pastoral address Of the bishops of the
Protestant Episcopal Church was given
out to-day. 1t is largely routine in cha
racter. the most interesting points be-
ing those In reference to the massacre
of Christian missionaries in China and
the Sunday-observance law. In reference
to the latter matter the address says:
Recent events In some parts OF our
country compel us to call your earnest
attention to a widespread and deter
mined attack upon the use and purpose
OF the weekly day of rest, known at the
beginning OF the Christian era as the
Lord SHAY of rest. 1t is declared In the
law of God to be His own day, and by the
Saviour of man TO be made for man.
II is protected by Divine command, and
by the perpetual sanctity of human right.
Men may and ought to worship God every
day. but for the greater assurance OF
this duty. one day in seven has, with the
formal sanction Of all Christian civillza-
ton, been set apart for it's due obser-
vance This order cannot be disturbed
and the family. to society, and the state.
1t seems almost incredible that our
modern life should be capable of bringing
into play any powers of evil that could
seriously threaten the existence or so
divine and benehcent an institution.
"And yet there exists such evil, and
II confronts Christian people in wide
areas of the country. We eXhort you,
dear brethren, to meet this menace with
unfatering courage and resolute deter
mination, and in no opportunity that may
be presented to decline to resist the
Unsuitable greed of the lquor-trafiic. and
the growing desire for the popular plea
sures and amusements which, with in
creasing boldness. claim all days alike
for their use
The convention on this, its last, day
showed an apparent minority OF dele-
gates present, evidently only enough re-
manning to constitute quorum for the
winding up OF necessary business de-
tails.
A message was received from the House
of Bishops containing a joint resolution
constituting the missionary district OF
Northern Texas. 1t was concurred in
without debate.
WASHINGTON HOSPITALITY.
DR.. Elliott. OF Maryland, by invitation
OF President Dix addressed the conven-
ton in relation to the meeting OF the
convention In Washington in 1898. He
assured the convention that the new Do
cese Of Washington was well equipped,
both In communicates and material
wealth. There are 5000 communicates
in the Washington Diocese. They are
we'll equipped in churches and church
property Everything that a generous,
hospitable. a noble Christian people can
a - l,r fhA NIaC h inc ton
Diocese for the comfort and convenience
OF the convention in 1898.
A message was received from the House
of Bishops to the effect that the new mis-
slonary District OF North Carolina shall
be known as the District Of Asheville.
The Pennsylvania delegates offered a
resolution recognizing the uniform dig
nifty, courtesy. and kindness Of the pre-
siding officer OF the House. DR.. Morgan
Dix, of New York.
The resolution was adopted by rising
vote, and DIR. Dix responded in grace
full and touching manner.
Or. Hoffman OF New York. moved
that n committee be appointed TO inform
the House Of Bishops that the House OF
Deputies has concluded its business and
is now ready TO adjourn.
IL was announced that the conference
Committee on Hymnal was still in ses-
sion. and DR.. Hoffman temporarily with
drew his motion.
A message from the House Of Bishops
announced its recession from its action
concerning the binding OF the Hymnal
with the Book Of Common Prayer.
Gethsemane church was crowded at the
Joint meeting of the two houses this
afternoon at 3 o'clock. The pastoral let
ter was read and the Episcopal conven-
ton for 1895 closed sine die. with the
usual services.