hands, we have been swayed by no other motives than by those which we have frankly avowed. Ulterior purposes do not enter into our present application. Questions of a mere personal bearing have had no power either to draw us to or to turn us from the point of our request. To this we have been led, as we believe, solely by the general legislation of the Church, by the dictates of immutable justice and equity, and by the spirit of the instructions under which we act-all which have concurred to fix our minds on the specific measure which we have urged, as the only one by which the desired relief can be equitably and honoraattained. as every future sentence of suspension must contain We ask for a limitation, instead of a remission, because a limitation of the penalty provides for its exhaustion. When the limit of the penalty under consideration shall have been defined by competent authority, and that limit shall have been reached, the whole amount of punishment decreed by the Court will have been suffered; and the honor of the Court and of the Church will have been amply vindicated. We ask for a limitation of time, instead of condition, because: 1. A limitation of time is a direct and effectual method to secure the desired relief; and the same reasons which move us to pray for relief, move us also to pray for the adoption of such a measure of relief as is direct and effectual, in preference to any other which is indirect and uncertain. Because: It is due to you, also, that we here state with entire frankness, what we suppose to be the precise effect of this measure which we ask you to adopt, and the relative responsibility devolved by it on your venerable body and on our Diocese. The immediate and necessary effect of the limitation and consequent expiration of the penalty will be, we apprehend, simply to reinstate our Bishop in the full possession of his rights of office and jurisdiction, by removing all legal let or impediment to their exercise. The actual performance of Episcopal services in the Diocese, may or may not be consequent on the expiration of the penalty, but will not, we apprehend, be its immediate and necessary effect. As matters now stand, every avenue to relief is closed; the penalty, while it operates, presenting an impassable barrier of indeterminate duration, not only to the full communication of our Diocese with any other Bishop, but to all communication of the Diocese with its own Bishop. But if the penalty be limited, the immediate and necessary effect of the limitation, when the limit shall have been reached, will be, we suppose, simply to bring the Bishop into living connection with his Diocese, and to put both Diocese aud Diocesan in a capacity to unite and co-operate in the adoption of measures for their common good. And in this effect we recognize the line which divides the responsibility of your venerable body from that of our Diocese. 2. A condition involving the merits of the case, when the case is not to be rejudged, ought in equity, we think, to be declared by no other tribunal than that which declared the sentence. That tribunal, however, is no longer in existence; and if it were, there is no harshness in supposing that in the interval of nearly six years, events may have transpired which it would desire to take into consideration in any new action involving the merits of the case. The House of Bishops have the power, indeed, to modify the sentence by annexing On this point we would have it considered, that the to it a condition of this nature; but we respectfully suspension of a Diocesan Bishop is a punishment submit to their consideration, whether a condition which the Church had decreed. It was decreed by which could have been justly inserted in the sentence, the General Convention of 1841, and again decreed by might not now, after the lapse of nearly six years' pa- the General Convention of 1844. Your own House, tient and submissive endurance, operate as an aggra- also, in 1844, adopted a canon which provided that vation of the penalty; and whether it would not be in "In case of the limited suspension of any Bishop, the effect to re-affirm the decision of the Court without Standing Committee of any Diocese of such susgranting the suspended Bishop the benefit of a rehear-pended Bishop, may apply to the Bishop or Bishops ing. And because: 3. A condition not involving the merits of the case, unless indeed it were merely nominal, would have the effect either, 1. To peril a fundamental principle of our Church, and the sacred rights of our Diocesan; or 2. To take the ultimate determination and issue of the penalty from your venerable body, with whom we desire to leave it, and make it dependent on contingencies less favorable to the peace and tranquillity of the Church. of this Church to perform Episcopal duties within such Diocese;" and the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies, also, although it did not concur in the canon, yet adopted the section of it which contains the above provision, expunging only the word limited, on the ground, as is believed, that suspension is, in its own nature, a limited penalty. In view of all this, it was further enacted in 1847, that every suspension, that of a Diocesan Bishop included, hereafter inflicted, shall be limited. This repeated action shows that the But that our motives inthis particular may not be mis-whole subject has been distinctly and maturely consiunderstood, we beg to assure you of our distinct and unwavering conviction, that, as respects the subject of this penalty, all the ends contemplated by a conditional limitation, will have been attained in the fulness of their spirit. He has borne his protracted sufferings with the most patient and dutiful submission; and whatever opinions he, in common with others, may have honestly enter tained on abstract questions deeply affecting his interests, he has led, beyond question, from the time he was so unhappy as to incur the displeasure of his brethren, a most devout, guarded and exemplary life. dered. Now, it is hardly to be expected that the penalty of suspension should work itself out on any Diocesan Bishop without rendering a portion, and possibly a large portion, of his Diocese averse to the reception of his services; such a consequence is natural, and too obvious to have escaped attention; but the Church has decreed, notwithstanding, that on the expiration of the penalty the Bishop and his Diocese shall again be brought into active connection. The inference which we draw from this is, that all ulterior questions, all beyond the immediate and necessary effect of limitaIt must be understood, however, Right Reverendtion, are to be settled by the Bishop and the Diocese Fathers, that we approach you on this present occasion, not as partizans of the suspended Bishop, but as representatives of the Diocese. In all that we have deprecated, and in what we have solicited at your between themselves. The supreme authority of the Church inflicts the punishment, guards it in its progress, and brings it to an end, and there leaves the parties more immediately concerned in it to take care of them. selves. A Bishop and Diocese, on coming together again, after such an interruption of their intercourse, must expect to contend with some difficulties and perplexities; but the cure for these evils would seem to be in local and Diocesan regulations, and not in the higher and more general authorities of the Church. It may be that the state of the Diocese will be such as to render the voluntary retirement of the Bishop from his charge desirable for his own peace and the good of the Church; or it may be deemed expedient that the Bishop should give the Diocese the benefit of his counsel and general supervision, but refrain from the visitation of parishes; or again, it may be thought best that he should visit some parts of his Diocese in person, while the visitation of other parts should be delegated to another Bishop. It is impossible to predict, with any degree of precision, what the state of a Diocese, in such an event, would be, or what measures would be best adapted to promote its peace and welfare. But be the difficulties of the case what they may, as the Church did not not need to be particularly informed of them before she prescribed limitation in every case in which a Diocesan Bishop shall be sus-dence, and that all are now shielded, by express canpended, so it cannot be necessary, in the present instance, to press them on your attention. The Church, in her collective capacity, has assumed that the limitation of the penalty is the point at which her immediate responsibility ceases, and that of the Diocese gins; and if the evils naturally consequent on such an event have not deterred her from making limitation the universal rule, they will be of no force, we apprehend, to deter your venerable body from applying the equity of this rule to the particular case under consideration. The Church herself has placed that confidence in every Diocese, as to suppose that when an emergency, such as is here contemplated, shall arise, it will be able to cope with its difficulties in the spirit of wisdom and charity, and we trust that you, Right Reverend Fathers, have no reason to withdraw from the Diocese of rest, through whose pious labors and sacrifices it was obtained. But we now find ourselves deprived of this blessing by an interruption which has no limit, and the end of which, unless your venerable body shall declare it, no human foresight can predict. We had supposed that the rights and liberties of every member of our Church were secured by law, and not left dependent on the will of arbitrary and irresponsi ble power: and we have rejoiced in the confidence, which this security imparts. But we now find ourselves in a matter involving the rights and liberty of a Bishop of the Church, and the rights and welfare of a Diocese which numbers its clergy by hundreds and its communicants by thousands, thrown entirely on your mercy, suing for what we believe to be a simple act of justice, without a canon to enforce our suit, and before a tribunal which may grant or refuse our prayer of its own mere pleasure, and on its responsibility to God and its conscience alone. In this most extraordinary position we have two sources of consolation. The first is, that of all our confederated Churches, the Church of New-York is alone in this state of depenonical provisions, from similar privations in future. The other is, that a power so dangerous and capable of abuse in unworthy hands, is, in the present instance, vested in the order of Bishops, and in members of that be-order who belong to the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. These considerations go far to reconcile us to our position, because they assure us that the power at whose disposal we are placed, and whose interposition we invite, will be exercised in the spirit of wisdom and clemency, "not for destruction but for salvation-not to hurt, but to help," and under a due sense of responsibility to the great Shepherd and Bishop of Souls. New-York that confidence which the General Convention has reposed in her, in common with other Dioceses. Let the equitable provisions of the General Convention take their natural course, and we fear no evils which may not, by God's blessing, be averted, and made to redound to the welfare of the Church, and to furnish new proofs of her stability. We find ourselves, Right Reverend Fathers, addressing you under very remarkable circumstances. We had supposed that the benefits of the Episcopacy, subject only to such temporary interruptions as are caused by vacancies, had been secured to us forever; and we have been taught to be thankful to Divine Providence for the blessing, and to hold in honor the names of the great and good men, now gone to their In conclusion, we beg to assure you, Right Reverend Fathers, of our sincere and fervent wishes for your health and prosperity in Christ Jesus our Lord. On behalf and by order of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of New-York. WILLIAM BERRIAN, D. D., Pres. BENJAMIN I. HAIGHT, D. D., Sec. New-York, Sept. 19, 1850. The foregoing Address was adopted at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of New-York, duly convened, on Thursday, the 19th day of Septem ber, A. D., 1850, and ordered to be transmitted to the Right Reverend the Bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church, at their meeting in Cincinnati, on Tuesday, the 1st day of October. Attest. BENJAMIN I. HAIGHT, Sec. New-York, Sept. 25, 1850. SANGUIS ET VULNERA Was the motto on a gentleman's coat of arms. He thus explained it: A motto of this bloody kind, Some readers without doubt will say, Yes, my good friends, you judge aright: I freely own most true's the word: But 'tis thy blood and wounds, O Lord. EDITOR'S TABLE. THE present number will complete the seventh volume of the EVERGREEN, and we cannot close without a few parting words to our subscribers. there be any default on the part of the mail, we will bear the loss. We trust that our subscribers will bear this in mind, and also the fact that the publication of a periodical of this kind is attended with an annual expenditure of thousands of dollars, and make their remittances at the earliest opportunity, without waiting to be called upon by an agent. In our forthcoming volume we shall not flag in our endeavors. We hope by seasonable efforts to add materially to our subscription list, and if our hopes shall be realized, our subscribers shall have the benefit of our success. It is our wish to add to the number of our regular correspondents, and this design will be carried into execution at the earliest possible moment. Our January number will show that we are earnest in our intentions. In looking back through the past year, we think a marked improvement in the character and position of our Magazine is manifest. To effect this has been our chief aim and object, and no expense which the income of the Magazine would justify has been spared. Every dollar of our receipts, and more, has been expended upon our Magazine. The publisher has not made it a matter of pecuniary profit. His desire has been to establish for it a standing worthy of its position as a Religious Journal. In his efforts to accomplish this, he is at this present moment hundreds of dollars in advance of his receipts. This is owing to the fact that a very large number of subscribers reside in distant States, where we have no resident agents, and have not been called upon for their subscriptions. We would take this opportunity to urge upon these sub-rily aided us in our labors. Their kindness will ever scribers to remit to us by mail, AT OUR RISK. The employment of traveling agents is attended with great expense, which in no way adds to the value of our Journal. The moneys paid in this way are lost both to readers and publishers. We would rather save this outlay, and apply the proceeds towards making additional improvements in our Magazine. We will therefore assume the risk of remittances, and should) We cannot close without tendering our especial thanks to those of our contributors who have volunta be borne in grateful remembrance, and to their efforts we are in a great measure indebted for the favor with which our journal has been received. To our subscribers, one and all, we tender our best wishes for their present and future welfare, and our heartfelt thanks for their encouragement and support; and in the hope that we shall meet them all again at the commencement of the coming year, we now take our leave. BOOK TABLE. THE CONSPIRATOR. BY A. E. DUPUY. New-York Our AGNES AND ELIZA; OR HUMILITY. From the Edition of the Society (in England) for Promoting Christian Knowledge. New-York: Gen. Prot. Epis. Sun. School Union, 20 John-st. 1850. This is the title of an excellent little work, intended to portray the necessity and the beauty of "a meek and quiet spirit." Every incident related illustrates this purpose, and as we follow Agnes from infancy to more advanced years, we realize that such a spirit is of "great price" in the sight of Heaven. The character of a true friend is placed in its proper light, and we are reminded of one of the sayings of the wise man: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend." He who is in-unwilling to receive either reproof or instruction, is lacking in an essential element of Christian character. The style is pure and comprehensive, and the paper and type excellent. The Biography of one of the most brilliant and eccentric of our American Statesmen. It contains extracts from many of his letters and speeches, and cludes a large portion of the most interesting period of political history. It will be eagerly sought for and read by all who desire to become thoroughly acquainted with the progress and genius of our government, and also by those who wish to while away an hour with profitable and delightful reading. LITTLE ANNIE AND HER NURSE, OR THE EFFECTS OF A little story just received, intended principally for servants, and conceived with a very good intention. In it a fretful and discontented nurse is represented, as so far benefiting by the example of a patient sufferer, as to correct her faults from that time forward. WILLIAM NORTON; OR, THE EMIGRANT. From "Tales for the Bush." By Mrs. Francis Vidal. New-York: Gen. Prot. Epis. Sunday School Union, 20 John-st., N. Y. 1850. humble circumstances, who went to foreign lands to The story of a youth, the son of pious parents, in seek his fortune. After his arrival he fell into bad company, and, surrounded by temptations, gave way to a dissolute course of life. The early religious instructions he had received, often forced the conviction of his criminal conduct upon his mind, and at length, in the good Providence of God, he was led back to the fold of the Church, was confirmed, and became in- ) THE DOCTRINE OF THE CROSS. Illustrated in a dustrious, virtuous, and happy. The story is well told, and contains many sound and judicious reflections. Memorial of a humble follower of Christ. Second The narrative of a devout female, of more than or MY MOTHER'S JEWEL; OR, HAPPY IN LIFE, HAPPY An affecting tale of deep interest. The object is to show the superiority of the Church's training and teaching, over those of all other systems. It also shows, what, in the view of the author, is requisite to make the life and conversation of a baptized Christian, consistent with the obligations which have been imposed upon him. Much sound practical instruction may be derived from this volume, both by parents and children. It is issued in beautiful style, and will make a handsome and appropriate Holyday present. OUR SAVIOUR, WITH PROPHETS AND APOSTLES. A Series of Eighteen highly-finished steel Engravings, designed expressly for this work. With Descriptions by several American Divines. Edited by the Rev. J. M. Wainwright, D. D. New-York: D. Appleton & Co. Philadelphia: George S. Appleton. 1851. 4to. pp. 235. among the "Society of Friends," was led by reflection and study to join the Church. The first edition was published some time since, and rapidly exhausted. To meet the demand which exists for the work, the present publishers have issued another edition in a very neat and readable form. We can cordially recommend this volume to our readers, believing that its wide circulation will be productive of much good. The quiet submission to the will of God, under the sufferings of a lingering and painful disease, exhibited by the subject of this narrative, furnishes an example which cannot be contemplated without profit. We trust the book will be extensively read, especially by the young. HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY of the Middle Ages For Colleges and Schools. (Chiefly from the French.) By George Washington Greene, author of "Life of Gen. Greene," &c. New-York: D. Appleton & Co. 1851. 12mo. pp. 454. answer the purpose for which it is intended. The present is the first of a series, which the author designs publishing for the purpose of promoting a taste The above is one of the most splendid works ever for historical studies. It contains an Exposition of the issued from the American press. It contains eighteen Revolutions of the Middle Ages, with general views exquisitely-finished engravings of our Saviour, Pro- of literature, society, and manners. It appears to be phets, and Apostles. The countenances are admi-compiled with great care, and to be well calculated to rably designed, shadowing forth in their outline and expression those traits of character by which each was especially characterized. The loving gentleness of John; the impetuosity of Peter; the scepticism of Thothe dauntless determination of Paul, are all there. Each engraving is accompanied with a narrative of the person represented, written by eminent clergymen of our own Church, and others; and the whole is edited by Dr. Wainwright. We cannot doubt that this volume, published, as it must have been, at great expense, will be appreciated as it deserves by an intelligent and cultivated public, and meet with an immense circulation. A more superb gift for the Holydays cannot be found. mas; A PRONOUNCING GERMAN READER; to which is added, method of learning to read and understand the German Language, with or without a teacher. By James C. Oehlschlager, Professor of Modern Languages in Philadelphia, &c. New-York: D. Appleton & Co. 1850. The above work has been prepared with great labor on the part of the author, to meet a want that has been much felt, both by teacher and pupil, in this department of study. A large portion of the work is occupied with exercises, teaching the pronunciation of the language, and it also contains a vocabulary. CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER. 1. The First Sunday in Advent. 8. Second Sunday in Advent. 15. Third Sunday in Advent. 18. Ember Day. 20. Ember Day. 21. St. Thomas the Apostle. Ember Day. 22. Fourth Sunday in Advent. 25. The Nativity of our Lord, or the Birth-day of Christ, commonly called CHRISTMAS DAY. Proper Psalms, instead of the Psalms for the day. 26. St. Stephen the Martyr. 27. St. John the Evangelist. 28. The Holy Innocents. 29. First Sunday after Christmas. Thanksgiving Days appointed by the Civil Authorities in December : 5. Vermont. 12. New-York, Pennsylvania, New-Jersey. 19. Maine. |