The record-union., 1898-10-19
EPISCOPALIANS.
Eloquent Prayer on Assumption of
American Power in Porto Rico.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1S.-This Gov
ernment's assumption of sovereignty
over Porto Rico at noon to-day was
the subject of an eloquent prayer at
the religious services of the Episcopal
Convention, the Bishops and deputies
having decided that suitable reference
be made to this national event The
prayer was prepared by Bishop Sat
terlee of Washington, and was as fol-
lows:
20, God, whose Providence orders all
things in heaven and earth, and whose
will controlleth the issues and events
of the life of nations, we acknowledge
thy goodness which has guided and
blessed the counsels and arms of our
nation to the relief of an oppressed
people and to the victories of peace.
Guard US from all sins of selfseeking
and vainglory Fill US with the spirit
of wisdom and Thy holy fear. Humble
US under the burden of the new duties
with which every move is charged
Strengthen the hand and sanctify the
hearts of those upon whom must come
the solemn decisions of this hour, and
in the new countries and among The
nations to which on this day and from
us grace to establish upon the best
and surest foundation the sovereignty
of good government, true liberty
justice and love, that seeking in all
things to-day Thy will we may be the
instruments of Thy glory, through
Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen"
Bishop Deane, presiding officer of the
House of Bishops, and Rev. Morgan
ri 90
Deputies, joined in directing the SER
vices, and all the Bishops and deputies
united in the national prayer.
At the business session of the depu-
ties the standard Bible came up for
discussion, and steps were taken to
guard this standard by constitutional
provisions. Rev. DR.. Fulton of Phila-
delphia has submitted series of
queries as to the existence of a stand
ard Bible, to which a committee re-
ported that the church had standard,
namely, that published in tS12 and
adopted in General Conference in 1923;
that no alterations had been made
since then, and that the exclusive use
of the standard Bible was obligatory.
In view of the report a resolution was
adopted directing the preparation ot
suitable constitutional provision in re-
gard to the standard Bible, and fixing
the manner of it's alteration.
The house also adopted a resolution
postponing further action on the prop
osition to amend the title of the con-
stitution which makes reference to the
Protestant Episcopal Church. Another
phase of the marriage and divorce
question was presented in resolution
by Rev. Fulton, which was placed on
the calendar, providing for a call of
thirteen deputies to report six months
prior to the next triennial council on
the subject of marriage and divorce.
Consideration of the amended con-
stitution was then resumed Article l.,
which had been passed over, being
taken up The article was then agreed
to as reported. Article III. was
amended by provision that dioceses
shall not be divided while there is
vacancy in the Bishopric. A new pro-
vision was added providing that no
diocese shall be created by less than
six self-supporting parishes and six
presbyteries.
The House of Bishops at the morning
session amended the canon on exam
ination for deaconS' orders so as to
require examination on the prayer
book Changes were made also in the
provision for transferring a clergyman
from one diocese to another.