The record-union., 1895-05-16
EPISCOPAL MINISTERS IN COUNCIL.
First Day of the Northern California
Convocation.
Bishop Wfn2field Presiding-Proceed-
fngS Opened With u Sermon
The Session To-Day.

The twentythird annual Convocation
of the Protestant Episcopal Missionary
Jurisdiction OF Northern California was
convened yesterday morning at st. Paups
Church by Right Rev. Bishop J. H. u.
Wingtield.
Services were held. commencing at IL
A. NJ, the Bishop being the celebrant,
Rev. J. A. Shepherd of Santa Rosa Epis-
toler and Rev. l.. De Lew, d. D., LII. D., of
Woodland Gospeler. The Bishop was
assisted in the service by niue clergymen
in robes.
Rev. John Partridge of Petaluma
preached the sermon, taking for his text
Second Timothy, H., 18th verse, Study
to show thyself approved unto God, q
workman that needeth not to be
ashamed"
He said that when the relation between
rector and people was what it should be,
the work of God would prosper. The
approval and cooperation Of his congre-
CATION has an uplifting effect upon him
as he goes about his work. On the other
hand. everything drags when the house
is divided against itself. Indifference.
languor and lack of interest follow, and
even dislike between the parties for each
other. Unity is absolutely necessary,
not only to suppress immortality and
wickedness but also to promote Godli-
ness.
What would be the consequence to the
world if the restraints of religion were
removed, and men left to carry out their
own ideas without remonstrance, and
children to go through the world without
the teachings OF the Sunday-schOol and
the church; and the invalid to die with
out words Of hope being whispered in his
ear?
Ii the church and clergymen are a
necessity, the next point is, one or the
other should be Obeyed. Clergymen are
comm issioned by God to preach his word.
What makes clergymen? Not influence.
education or even deep piety, but ordina-
ton only. 1t is a false idea that it matters
not what men believe, so long as they do
right. The clergyman speaks with au-
thOrity by virtue Of the inherent right Of
his of1ice-nOt in his own name, but in
that of God. What does God want US to
do? What is His will? These are the
only questions for us to ask, and we need
not seek 10 please any one else. II the
minister has a duty TO his Master. the
laity also have one. Since he is the
direct successor and follower Of
the Apostles, he must have
certain authority and prominence.
ana must De Ruluo ana leaQor 60 the
people. He has made religion the study
of his life and ought to know about it.
When we want to know about law we go
to lawyer. and if we want to know
about medicine we 60 60 doctor. 1t is
only fair 10 let the minister work his
parish in his own way. for his parishion-
ers will not be united in their ideas Of
what should he done.
People should, moreover. be most leni-
ent in respect to what they think are The
faults OF the minister. Ii sinful, no con-
dsmnatiOn can be too strong for them,
but if they are only light they are simply
draw backs and should be forgiven. Mere
differences of opinion should be over
looked.
The speaker spoke of the difficulties
encountered by the clergyman. He
must never get angry or make
mistakes. He must never run coun-
ter to the prejudices or inter-
ests of others. A faithful minister
should be cheered and helped by his
people. Members are needed in church.
Sunday-school work, and in many ways,
but they are often not willing to serve.
They should attend services and assist in
responses. Such things are an indica-
ton of the estimation in which their
clergyman,is is held by them.