The DeLamar nugget. [volume] (DeLamar, Idaho) 1891-1900, 1895-06-08

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avians, the form of church government
which had existed for centuries an,
which they were convinced had beel
handed down, even from the Apostol
age, namely, government by the orde
Of Bishops, in an unbroken line of sue
cessiou. They knew it to have beer
the primitive way, they continued tn,
mode as the old way, and time ha
proved it the best way. Hence, the
Church of the present day is callec
Episcopal, because governed By
Bishops ia the line of the old success
sion. 1t is needless TO add that the
conception of this Office was materially
affected by the doctriual changes of the
time.
For the many, however, the resem-
blance between the Churches does moi
lie in the region of doctrine or Church
government but is found in the fact
that Episcopal clergymen are called
priests, and that the ritual and ecclesi-
astical year of the Church offers some
likeness to the ceremonies and seasons
of the Church of Rome. In regard to
the word, priest, it will suffice to assure
our readers of the meaning of the term.
1t is corrupted from the old word, pres
byter, and by the Church is used in
that sense. The writer can remember
when it was unusual to hear minister
of the Church termed priest, the com
mon expression being clergymen, par
son or rector, the word. however, is
found in the Prayer Book, but it can be
seen in what sense the term is used, by
examining the Church's formulsries,
which will show that no priestly, as
commonly understood, but simply min
isterial powers are conferred.
The Church year is an institution of
great age and great merit. 1t is not the
peculiar property of the Roman Church
but is shared by the Greek, Anglican
and Episcopal Churches and has been by
them used for centuries. We can see no
serious objection to having seasonsand
festivals, but, on the contrary, are aware
that much good is derived from having
times set apart to com % emorate
the most important events in our Saw
ours life and to bring to our notice the
leading doctrines OF the christian relig-
on. Many of our Protestant brethren
ire awakening to their great loss in
having no seasons of like character.
)nly few days ago, we received a
written by learned Presley |
erian layman, advocating the adoption
# the Church's year, and have seen in
Iorsements of the plea from many
eading clergymen ofthe various bodies.
md now about the ritual. One does
ee the Episcopal clergy using vest
lents; the chancels are handsomely
FINISHED, altar clothes of different coll
rs, crosses and various symbols meet
ne eye.
Some members of the Episcopal
hurch cross themselves, bend the
nee and bow the head. All of this
lay be ssen in Roman Churches. But
as it ever occurred to my readers that
! of the Episcopal Churches are not
formed alike, and that all Episcopal
ms do not genufect or cross them
Ives? Indeed the matter entirely de-
ends upon the individual taste, the
lurch has almost nothing to say about
/; but only asks that her members
leel and stand at stated intervals;
en- the bowling of the head at the
me of Jesus in the creed is of individ-
i preference. Different parishes pre-
r different rituals, one is helped by
elaborate ceremonial, another prefers
g of the plainest nature, and SO, while
e words of the service is always the n
ne, the methods of worship are va
us. The Church assumes, in this in
nee, the broad and liberal policy T
itch is her especial glory; she recog-
ies what We are slow to recognize, that
n are nota alike and, consequently,
ints to all the privilege Of doing that !
ich is Of help to them; if a parish is
ed in their spiritual life by an elab-
tie ritual, it is theirs; if simple and
service is more conducive
ne spiritual life of another, they are
come to their choice; if an individ-
finds himself benefited by making
sign of the cross, bending the knee
lowing the head, the Church grants
J the liberty to do SO, but she is q
ally generous in permitting his
ghbor to refrain from SO doing, if be
J fit, charity to our neighbors being Y
watchword Of the Church in her IN
ship. Thus, our dissenting brethren