USA > Connecticut > The history of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, Vol. II > Part 14
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" Be not intimidated from avowing and defending the Scriptural and primitive claims of Episcopacy, by the reproach, that you are verging to the Church of Rome. The reproach discovers little acquaintance with genuine Episcopacy, and little knowledge of Papal claims. The Episcopacy which it is the privi- lege of our Church to enjoy, was the glory of mar- tyrs and confessors, centuries before the Papal dom- ination established itself on the depression of Episco- pal prerogatives. When you appeal to the Epistles of Timothy and Titus, in proof of the succession of an order of men to the Apostles, in their powers of ordination and supremacy in government, can you be supposed friendly to the supremacy of the supposed successor of St. Peter, in regard to which these Epis- tles are totally silent ? When you quote the command of the martyr Ignatius, the disciple of an Apostle, 'Let no man do any thing of what belongs to the Church without the Bishop,' can you be accused of vindicating a language with which this holy martyr was unacquainted, ' Let nothing be done but in sub- jection to the Pope of Rome ?' When you appeal to a
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succession of Fathers, in proof of a fact which appears prominent in every ecclesiastical record, that, as is expressed by the judicious Hooker, the 'outward be- ing of a Church consisted in the having of a Bishop ;' must you not necessarily oppose a very different dog- ma, of which the ancient Fathers knew nothing, that the Pope is the visible head of the Church on earth, and that subjection to his supremacy is a necessary evidence of membership in the Catholic or Universal Church ? They who suppose that a primitive Episco- pacy, such as our Church enjoys, symbolizes with the Roman hierarchy, do not know, or do not consider the facts, that Papal and Episcopal prerogatives are at variance ; that the Episcopal tenet of the succession of Episcopal power from the Apostles, and through them from the divine Head of the Church, is incom- patible with the Papal claim, that the Episcopal power, as well as jurisdiction, is derived immediately and solely from the Roman Pontiff; and hence, that the history of the Church affords instances of the at- tempts of the Pope to depress the order of bishops, and of their resistance to his inordinate claims." 1
There was nothing in the Constitution of the Con- necticut Church at this time which defined the num- ber or order of the Standing Committee, and the Convention of 1818, having first resolved that it should consist of five members, three clergymen and two lay- men, elected Rev. Dr. Bronson, Rev. Messrs. Shelton and A. Baldwin, and Samuel W. Johnson and Jonathan Ingersoll. But so great was the reverence in Con- necticut, for the old practice of choosing into the Standing Committee clerical members alone, that it
1 Charge, pp. 18, 19.
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was resumed the next year, and but for this excep- tion, there would be no record of a departure from it in the whole history of the Diocese.
The important subject which had been before the Church for five years, still rose above all others ; and acceptable as was the provisional administration of Bishop Hobart, it was quite evident that the clergy would not long be satisfied with this temporary supply, but would insist on the election of a permanent Dioce- san. The very prosperity of the parishes helped to in- crease the feeling of uneasiness, and the condition of the Episcopal fund was now such as to warrant the steps which some were eager to take. The most per- plexing question was that of the candidate, and the policy of choosing from among the resident clergy of the Diocese was again urged, and a brisk canvassing carried on by those who had their favorite ends to ac- complish. Fitness for the office, and claims to it on the score of eminent services rendered to the Church, were freely discussed, and few of the more prominent clergymen escaped a searching scrutiny. But there were leading laymen, and rectors occupying positions of importance, who were not inclined to this policy, and who thought it best to settle the question of the Episcopate by looking outside of the Diocese for a candidate. Their course provoked the displeasure of the other party, and their counsel in the matter was not only studiously avoided, but efforts at first appear to have been made to weaken their influence, or to prevent them from exercising it to much purpose.
The Rev. B. G. Noble, then of Middletown, who took a deep interest in the election of a Bishop, from his partiality for a favorite candidate, wrote the Rec-
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tor of Trinity Church, New Haven, soon after the Annual Convention at Guilford, and confessed that he had opposed his becoming a member of the Standing Committee, though he rejoiced that he was one of the number entrusted with the reorganization of the Missionary Society. He expressed the hope that "no unpleasant feelings" had been excited in his breast on this account, and stated, moreover, that his efforts to "procure an election did not originate from any dislike of Bishop Hobart."
Mr. Croswell, in his reply, recognized his opposition and admitted that he differed with him respecting the expediency of going into the election of a bishop, mainly for the reason that he believed it impossible then to find a candidate, in or out of the Diocese, who would unite their votes. But the burden of his an- swer bore upon another point in which he was per- sonally involved.
Since the establishment of the Institution at Chesh- ire, the utmost diligence had been employed to ele- vate the standard of literary and theological attain- ment among those seeking Holy Orders, and as far back as 1806, the clergy in Convocation voted, that no person should be considered a candidate in this Diocese, until he had been examined by the Bishop, or such of his presbyters as he might appoint, and that previous to the examination, the person offering himself must have studied with the Bishop, the Prin- cipal of the Academy, or some other presbyter in the Diocese at least one year, if he had received the hon- ors of a college or some incorporated academy, and two years, if he had not received such honors. The aim of this resolution was both to encourage sound
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learning in the Church and direct theological students to Cheshire; and at the time of its adoption, with two or three exceptions, the clergy of Connecticut were graduates of colleges.
Dr. Bronson, the President of the Standing Com- mittee in 1817, and the Principal of the Episcopal Academy, adhered to the sentiments thus deliberately expressed, and he had “ declared his unalterable deter- mination never to sign the testimonials of a candidate who had not received academical honors." It was to this rule as being injudicious and extra-canonical that Mr. Croswell objected, and in the letter just referred to he went on to say, " I consider every such declara- tion on the part of our great literary characters, as a slur upon those who have entered the ministry without the classical attainments required by the canon. I can speak feelingly on this subject. I was admitted to orders by an ecclesiastical body as respectable and learned as our Standing Committee. I came in, under the dispensation, humbly trusting that industry and perseverance might, in some measure, compensate for my other deficiencies. There are probably some others much in the same situation, and I assure you that if they are affected as I am by these sweeping declarations of the learned doctor, they will not very readily place him again in his present situation. I am thus plain, because I think plainness becomes my pro- fession. Nor do I say this confidentially. I have no disposition to disguise my feelings. I stand in no- body's way. I aspire to no ecclesiastical honors. Providence has already placed me in a higher and more responsible station than I could have dared to anticipate. I have no other ambition than that of
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being useful to my fellow men. I would excite no man's jealousy, nor would I feel jealous of others." 1
The question of filling the vacancy in the Episco- pate was openly discussed at the Annual Convention in Bridgeport, and conspicuous in the discussion were Rev. B. G. Noble and Rev. Menzies Rayner, each hav- ing his favorite candidate, and both urging an imme- diate election. But the minds of the majority were not ready for this step, and finally one of the most prominent lay-members put the question to rest for the time, by introducing a resolution, which was adopted, that "it is inexpedient to proceed to the election of a bishop at this Convention." Still there were many who did not feel that the matter should be left precisely in that shape, and in the afternoon, near the close of the proceedings, another resolution was adopted, satisfactory, no doubt, to all parties, " that the Standing Committee be requested to warn a special meeting of the Convention to be holden in the city of New Haven, on the first Wednesday of June next, to proceed to the election of a bishop."
The day thus designated was also the day fixed by the Constitution for the annual meeting, and hence opportunity was given, in the mean time, for fair inquiry and a dispassionate consideration of the claims of the Diocese and of the merits of different candidates. The diversity of sentiment upon this subject was not so great as to be any hinderance to the progress of the parishes. It rather kept alive a spirit of watchfulness, and the gradual inroads of the Church upon the leading denomination of the State were such as to quicken the zeal of its ministers. A 1 Annals of Trinity Parish, MS.
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detailed account of the policy pursued to check this current of feeling towards Episcopacy will be given further on in the pages of the present work.
As the time approached for the meeting of the Con- vention at New Haven, the inexpediency of attempt- ing to choose a bishop from the clergy of the Diocese became more apparent. No one among them could go into the canvass with any prospect of securing a respectable majority, for age or other disqualifications seemed to stand in the way of all. The old were too old for the cares and trials of the office, and the young were too young, and lacked the needed wisdom and experience. A few of the most influential laity in New Haven came to a settled determination, in case the policy of electing a resident clergyman was pressed, to sustain the Rev. Bethel Judd, then Rector of St. James's Church, New London, as better fitted, on the whole, for the office than any presbyter in the Diocese. While his piety was unquestioned, and his views of the ministry and government of the Church perfectly sound, he was especially distasteful to those who had cherished the tone of early Connecticut churchmanship ; for he made no secret of differ- ing from his brethren on certain speculative points of theology, and leaned to what he himself was accus- tomed to term a "moderate Calvinism." Neither his style of preaching nor his manner of conducting the public services of the Church were particularly attractive, but these defects were disregarded by his friends, in consideration of his other qualifications ; and those who had brought him forward as a candi- date, openly avowed their intention of pressing his election, if the policy of choosing from the Diocese was not relinquished.
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Whether the knowledge of this determination affected the result or not, it is certain that the clergy soon changed their ground, and began to inquire for a suitable person abroad to elect into the vacant Epis- copate. Their attention was directed to the Rev. T. C. Brownell, Assistant Minister of Trinity Church, New York, and immediately a correspondence was commenced to ascertain from those who might know him best his character and fitness for the high office. Among other letters of a confidential nature was one written by Mr. Croswell to Bishop Hobart, and a short extract from the reply of that discerning prelate will show how far his advice contributed to the end in view. It was right in the clergy to consult him, for he had provisional charge of the Diocese and was concerned about its future prosperity. " My opinion is," said he, " that the person you mention will serve, if he be elected, with provision for his adequate support. And speaking prudently, I do think he will answer exceed- ingly well. The more I know of him, the better I think of him." 1
The Rev. B. Judd also wrote to the New Haven Rector in strong commendation of the proposed can- didate, and added, " If I did not think my want of popularity would prejudice the contemplated election of Mr. Brownell, I would warmly advocate it; but presuming that silent approbation will be most favor- able to him, I have thought best to take this course. You are at liberty, however, to say that the election of Mr. Brownell has the approbation of your friend and brother in Christ." 2
The Convention which assembled at New Haven on 1 MS. Letter, Feb. 20, 1819. 2 Annals of Trinity Parish, MS.
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the morning of the second of June, 1819, was the largest since the organization of the Diocese, being composed of thirty-three clergymen and fifty-four lay delegates. Of the latter, twenty-one were from New Haven County, sixteen from Fairfield County, seven from Litchfield County, five from Hartford, Granby, and Middletown, and the remainder from towns east of the Connecticut River. Bishop Hobart was not present on the first day of the session, and the 'ser- mon at the opening services was preached by the Rev. Frederick Holcomb. After the usual recess, the Convention came together at 3 o'clock P. M., in the Senate Chamber of the old State House, and when the preliminary business had been disposed of, the two orders separated for the purpose of proceeding to the election of a bishop - the clergy retiring to Trinity Church. The venerable Dr. Mansfield, of Derby, verging upon a century, met his brethren for the last time on this occasion, and presided over their deliberations during the pendency of the ballot. The Rev. Thomas C. Brownell was duly and unanimously elected ; and the result was communicated to the lay delegates, who postponed their action until 9 o'clock the next morning, when they reassembled, and by a unanimous vote concurred in the choice of the clergy.
Thus happily was terminated the long struggle to fill the vacant Episcopate of Connecticut. For six years the subject had occupied the attention of the Church, and though the fund, in the meantime, had been nursed and increased, it was not yet large enough to yield an income which would provide a competent salary for the Diocesan. The committee
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appointed to wait upon the Bishop elect, consisting of Rev. Messrs. Shelton, B. Judd, Wainwright, and Marsh, and Messrs. Samuel W. Johnson, Daniel Putnam, and Nathan Smith had a difficult and delicate office to dis- charge. The Convention had not formally instructed them to offer any definite salary. They were to solicit Mr. Brownell's acceptance, " and to adopt such meas- ures as in their opinion should be deemed necessary for his due establishment in the office of Bishop of this Diocese."
But he occupied a prominent position in the city of New York, with an ample income for the reasonable wants of his family, and it was not expected that he would relinquish it for the dignified post tendered him by the Church in Connecticut, without the prospect of an adequate support. After correspondence and a personal interview, the committee stated that fifteen hundred dollars per annum had been secured for his maintenance, and in the name of the Convention, they requested him to accept it, and " take the Episcopal charge of the Diocese, as soon as consecration could be effected." In his communication, signifying to the committee his acceptance of the office, Mr. Brownell added, " With respect to pecuniary support, I do not feel any great solicitude. I have no doubt but the Diocese will cheerfully take upon itself the mainten- ance of my family ; and till the Bishop's Fund is ade- quate to this object, I think it proper to reserve to myself the right of deriving any necessary aid from the performance of such parish or missionary service as may not be incompatible with my duties to the Diocese at large.
" I shall be ready to enter upon the duties of the
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office to which I have been elected as soon after the necessary arrangements for my consecration are com- pleted, as my domestic affairs will permit. And I most fervently beseech the Great Head of the Church to grant his blessing on our humble exertions for the spiritual welfare of the Diocese of Connecticut."
Here it would be proper to introduce some notice of the previous life of the Bishop elect. But an autobiography, in the form of a letter to Bishop Williams, never before published, and kindly given for use in this volume, covers that period so well, that without adding a phrase, or altering a sentence or a word, it will be allowed to stand by itself, as it de- serves, and furnish the matter for the next chapter.
On the second day of the session of this Conven- tion Bishop Hobart delivered an address, and admitted Joseph M. Gilbert, a graduate of Yale College, to the order of Deacons. A resolution was adopted, empow- ering the Treasurer "to call upon the delinquent parishes to pay the sums due from them respectively to the Bishop's Fund, or secure the same with interest annually on or before the 1st day of October." Bishop Hobart had been paid the sum of five hundred dollars as a remuneration for his expenses in visiting the Diocese previously to 1818, and a like amount was appropriated to him for the expense of his visitations in that year. The aggregate of these sums was about the annual income of the Fund, and the Convention could not meet its engagements to the new Diocesan unless the parishes responded with promptitude and cheerfulness to the appeal of the Treasurer, and bore their fair proportion of the common burden.
The vigor with which the work of the Christian
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Knowledge Society was undertaken promised success. The receipts from all sources for the past year were about nine hundred dollars, and three itinerant mis- sionaries had been sent on tours of observation into the most neglected portions of the State, and their reports showed the need and utility of their services. " Though the Society," said the Directors in closing the annual account of their proceedings, "is in its infancy, though its receipts have been small, and though its operations have not yet been perfectly sys- tematized, yet it cannot be doubted that its effects have already proved highly beneficial to the interests of the Church and the cause of religion. They indulge the pleasing hope, therefore, that it will still receive the fostering care of the Convention, and that the friends of the Church, both clergy and laity, will afford it their liberal support and encouragement."
It has been mentioned in a former chapter, that, during the progress of political events in the State, some persons were led to declare themselves Episco- palians who proved of no great advantage to the Church. They failed to adorn it with the fruits of piety, though they contributed freely of their means to the support of individual parishes. A vein of secret Universalism ran through the minds of a few of the laity, and it was suspected that one or two of the clergy entertained opinions in sympathy with the same doctrine. The effect was perceptible upon their congregations, and instead of growth, a decline in godliness was the consequence. The statistics of Christ Church, Norwich, as reported in 1819, gave a total of forty communicants only, and yet in that place and "parts adjacent," seventy families had re-
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cently conformed to the Church. The Rector, now far advanced in life, had not been present at a con- vention of the Diocese but once in ten years, and if his views, tending to the opposite extreme from Cal- vinism, helped to produce this apparent indifference to the deliberations of his brethren, he still remained at his post - a quiet and cheerful sentinel, whom his flock had learned to love and honor for the virtues of a meek, benevolent, and gentle nature. In his own account of the number of his communicants, he said it was always small, "owing to the prejudices of edu- cation, which he labored faithfully, but ineffectually, to overcome." 1
1 Rev. S. B. Paddock's Historical Discourse, 1840.
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CHAPTER XIV.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE BISHOP ELECT.
HARTFORD, May 22d, 1858.
RIGHT REV. AND DEAR BROTHER : In fulfilment of my promise, I now give you a sketch of the principal events of my life, previous to my consecration to the Episcopate.
I was born at Westport, in the State of Massachu- setts, on the 19th day of October, in the year 1779. I am the oldest son of the late Sylvester and Mercy Brownell, and the first born of their eleven children - five sons and six daughters.
My father was the fourth in descent from George Brownell, who with a cousin by the name of Graves, purchased from the Narraganset Indians a tract of land lying on the seacoast, extending westward from the Acoaxset River, to the border of the Rhode Island Colony. The farm on which my father resided has continued in possession of the family from the time of its original purchase, to within the last thirty years, when he removed from that place to a farm which he owned in the town of Little Compton, Rhode Island. He died at the latter place, about eighteen years ago, in the eighty-second year of his age. My mother had died about three years earlier, at the same advanced period of life.
Of the lineage of my mother, Baylies in his “ Me-
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moirs of the Plymouth Colony" (vol. ii. p. 140), has the following note : -
" Thomas Church, the eldest son of the Warrior (Col. Benjamin Church) left children ; one of whom was the late Hon. Thomas Church, one of the assist- ants of the Government of Rhode Island, and colonel of one of the Rhode Island regiments at the com- mencement of the Revolutionary War. He was born at Little Compton. In the latter years of his life, he removed to Dighton, in Massachusetts, of which town he was a representative in the General Court. He died there. One of his daughters married the Hon. Sylvester Brownell of Westport, Massachusetts, and is the mother of the Right Rev. Thomas Church Brown- ell, Bishop of Connecticut."
In my early life, I received, as a farmer's son, a common country school education. At the age of fifteen, when no schoolmaster could be obtained for the district, I consented to act as schoolmaster my- self, for several months, and succeeded in securing the respect of my former schoolmates.
About three years after this, with the approbation of my parents, I spent a few months with our clergy- man, the Rev. Dr. Shepard, in the study of English grammar, and the rudiments of the Latin language. In pursuance of his advice, and with the approval of my parents, I resolved on obtaining a collegiate edu- cation ; and became a student of "Bristol Academy," at Taunton, under the Rev. Dr. Daggett, as Principal.
In September, of the next year, 1800, I entered as a member of the Freshman class in the College at Providence, then under the presidency of the Rev. Dr. Maxcy.
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In the summer of 1802, at the close of my Sopho- more year, the Doctor was appointed to the presi- dency of Union College, Schenectady ; and having formed a strong attachment to him, I accompanied him and his family to their new residence, and became a member of the Junior class in Union College. At the end of two years I was graduated there, at the head of my class, with the " Valedictory."
It had been, for some time, my intention to devote myself to the study of theology, at the conclusion of my collegiate course; and it was the earnest wish of my parents that I should do so. I had, how- ever, begun to find difficulties in the Calvinistic sys- tem of theology, in which I had been reared; but resolved to make myself better acquainted with it, before coming to a decision. The Rev. Dr. Nott was then a distinguished clergyman of the Presbyterian Church, at Albany, and kindly consented to take me under his tuition. He had the faculty of presenting these doctrines under a somewhat mitigated form ; but advised me to study well the early history of the Church ; and for this purpose he put into my hands the " Ecclesiastical History " of Mosheim. After read- ing a portion of this work, I enquired of my instruc- tor whether there was any more minute history of the early organization of the Christian Church ; `and he re-, ferred me to Echard's " History of the first four Cen- turies," which he had in his library. I read these volumes with deep interest. At the conclusion, I remarked to my instructor that, if the author was correct, the first organization of the Christian Church must have been more like that of the Episcopal Com- munion, than either the Presbyterian or Congrega- tional denominations. He appeared to admit this
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