USA > Virginia > A digest of the proceedings of the conventions and councils in the diocese of Virginia > Part 17
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during the last year or two, with a larger number of destitute places than usual, which I fear will not be supplied during the present year. In addition to these difficulties in the way of our rapid progress, re- quiring great zeal and self-denial in order to advancement, I should suppress the truth were I not to say, that recent circumstances in the history of our own and Mother Church have contributed not a little to revive old prejudices and former opposition, which for the last thirty years had been gradually and happily subsiding, under the faithful preaching, and peaceable, conciliatory deportment of our ministers. The cry of false doctrine and Romish tendencies has been renewed under circumstances well calculated to mislead the judgments of many good people who are not so well qualified to distinguish between the errors of individuals and the positive corruptions of a Church. There are those, who, of course, would make use of these circumstances to our injury, the temptation being too strong for poor human nature entirely to resist. And in what spirit and with what weapons shall we meet and contend with this old enemy now risen up with renovated strength against us? Surely it becomes us to remember in what manner and with what success old prejudices were put down, and former opposition in a measure disarmed. Let us adopt the same method now, when we would overcome a less formidable foe, for it cannot be that prejudice now exists to the same extent as formerly. Making all allowance for honest prejudice, and little regarding any other, let us in the spirit of Christian kindness and patience set forth the true doctrines of our Church as established by the Reformers, and their conformity with Scripture more emphatically than ever.
"Let us avoid as much as possible all contention, not rendering railing for railing, but contrarywise blessing, and thus as in former times, commend our Church to the hearts and judgment of the pious and peaceable. I well know the difficulty of this, in some places, and under some circumstances, but am not the less persuaded of the duty, because of its difficulty, and the temptations to an opposite course.
"To conclude. In urging you my brethren, to an adherence to those modes of exhibiting truth, and those means of advancing religion, which in our Mother Church, and in the Church of Virginia, have been so blessed of Heaven; in warning you against changes in this time of innovation; you will not understand me as intimating that those who were first engaged in the work were incapable of error, and that no improvement could be made, neither that circumstances being changed in the progress of events, there might not be some modifications in the manner of promoting the same great object.
"I am well aware of the folly of supposing that any one age or gen-
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eration can be an unerring standard of truth and holiness. I admit the justness of the wise son of Sirach's warning, 'say not that the former times were better than these, for thou speaketh not wisely concerning this thing.' I admit, with readiness and gratitude, a general improve- ment in the condition of mankind, as to morals and religion, not only since my own recollection and observation, but for a much longer previ- ous period. I dissent entirely from those who can see nothing but dete- rioration in the history of man, either in our own, or other lands. I see the very reverse of it in all Protestant Christendom, and even in some parts of the corrupt Church of Rome. Nevertheless, I cannot close my eyes to the fact, that some in the Episcopal Church of England and America, in their desire for its rapid extension, and its universal preva- lence, and in their haste to attain some ideal perfection of unity, have embraced exploded errors, and subjected the whole Church to the charge of retracing its steps towards apostate Rome. In this, and in the vigorous and too successful efforts of Romanist to regain some of their lost power, we may perhaps see the approach of that last fearful couflict between truth and error, which is, happily, however, to be of short duration, and to end in a sure victory to the former. However this may be, my brethren, and whether we shall see, or be engaged in this battle or not, one thing is certain, that we cannot be too earnest in our endeavors, each one, after personal holiness. We need not fear as an innovation or presumption, the attempt to be more holy than any who have gone before us, provided only, that we go by the rule of God's Word. Neither can we be too zealous and faithful in preaching accord- ing to the law and testimony. If, in any thing, any of us find that we have erred, laying too much or too little comparative emphasis on doctrines, duties, ordinances, promises, threatenings, or any thing per- taining to the whole council of God; of course it is our duty, by the unerring word, to correct the same, not without a careful regard to the warning and instructive voice of history, which shows how prone some have been to give to the mint the annice and cummin of religion, that regard which is due only to the weightier matters of the law."
An order was passed by which rectors were required to report, by the first day of each Convention, the number of white communicants, which number shall determine the amount to be paid to the Contingent Fund.
The Trustees of the Seminary were directed to reopen the High School as soon as possible and to engage the services of the Rev. E. A. Dalrymple as rector.
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A committee was appointed to raise funds for repairs and furniture of the High School. In a few minutes they reported that $1,000 had been obtained.
A resolution of thanks was adopted, to Mrs. Griswold, widow of Bishop Griswold, for the donation of the library recently made by her, according to the provisions of her husband's will.
The Executive Committee reported having expended $1,837.50 in support of missionaries, $21 for Prayer Books, and $54.45 for tracts. Thirteen parishes were helped.
A resolution was adopted by which the Secretary was directed to return for correction all parochial reports not prepared according to the form, and if not properly pre- pared the second time, they were ordered to be excluded from the Journal.
In their report the Trustees of the Seminary say :
The year just closed has certainly been marked by blessings from God and favors from men. For reasons, which we need not here state, the attention of the Church has been recently directed with more than ordinary interest to the institution under our care ; and the indications of friendly regard among those who love the truth as it is in Jesus have been neither few nor unimportant. The number of students is greater than at any previous period. A considerable amount has been added to the permanent fund, and a large addition secured to the library; at the same time the duties incumbent upon professors and students have been so discharged as to promise the happiest results.
* * * * * *
The efforts to obtain funds for the endowment of one or more pro- fessorships in the Seminary, and the measure of success attending them, have been stated by the Bishop and assistant Bishop in their reports read to this body. For their success we offer thanks first to God, who has ever been our unfailing friend, and then to the brethren and others by whom they were so kindly received. The amount pledged, and which will probably be collected, is about $15,000. As it comes to hand, it is carefully invested for the purpose of increasing the perma- nent fund, the understanding when it was solicited being that nothing but the interest should be used. Thankful, as we doubtless are, for whatever has been thus obtained, yet it is matter of duty with us to
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remind you that the object contemplated by the last Convention has not been fully secured. A considerable sum is still requisite for the endowment of professorships, and we earnestly call for renewed exer- tions among our many friends, particularly those found within the limits of our own Diocese. * * The present amount of the principal is $34,119.
Since July last the exercises of the High School have been sus- pended. At that time the Rev. Mr. Pendleton resigned his station as its Principal. In parting with this worthy and excellent brother, we thought it to be not only just to him, but due to our own feelings, to enter upon record some expression of our confidence and regard.
* * * * *
* * *
The reopening of this school has been with us a subject of great anxiety, and kept constantly in view. Deeming it an object of such vast importance, we are glad to believe that the attempt can now be made with a reasonable hope of success. The Rev. E. A. Dalrymple has agreed to take charge of the institution, and proposes to commence his duties during the next fall. *
CONVENTION OF 1846.
Convention met in St. Paul's church, Petersburg, May 20th.
Bishop Meade said in his address :
"Having thus briefly stated my Episcopal duties in the Northern Neck, I must beg leave to advert to a circumstance which was particu- larly presented to my consideration while near the site of one of our old churches in the county of Northumberland, and which has been not a little misunderstood, and even misrepresented in the public prints, and on the floor of our Legislature. In the spring of 1840, I received a communication from Mr. Joseph Ball, an old and valued member of our Church, in Northumberland, on the subject of the sale of the church in his neighborhood. It was then just in that condition, when spoliation of the bricks having begun, it would become an object of plunder to all around, and soon disappear. One of the neighbors,
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therefore, proposed to purchase it, and my consent was asked. I re- plied that I had no right whatever to dispose of it. Visiting that part of the State soon after, Mr. Ball informed me that a gentleman living near the church, and professing an attachment to it, declared that it distressed him to see the church thus treated; that in a short time not a brick would be left; that they would be used for hearths, chimneys, and such like purposes, all the country around; that if Mr. Ball would consent, he would give $500 either to rebuild it or to take it down-the materials, in the latter case, being his own; that he had consulted a lawyer, who told him that the head of the church could dispose of it. As Mr. Ball was an old warden of the parish, and the only surviving member, the gentleman thought he might be regarded as the head ; but on being told that the Bishop was so regarded, it was referred to myself. In reply to the renewed proposal, I stated again that I had no right to sell it, and was unwilling to have anything to do with it, as it might be misunderstood and misrepresented. On its being urged by Mr. Ball that a refusal to give such permission would only encourage great numbers to robbery, I at length said that if he chose to sell it I would receive the proceeds and place them in the hands of the Trustees of our Theological Seminary, to be returned, should it ever be called for to build a church in its room. I was induced to do this partly by the consideration that our Convention had, many years before, passed a resolution calling upon persons having church plate in vacant parishes to send it for safe-keeping to the Bishop of the Diocese, liable to be called for, should the parishes ever be revived. Such property has been given into the hands of Bishop Moore and myself, and has been lent to other parishes on that condition. I accordingly, in writing, stated my assent to the sale of the walls of the church (nothing else remaining), for $500, giving what right I might be thought to have. I looked upon the transaction as an affair between the person proposing it, Mr. Ball, and myself, as friends to religion and the Church, who were desirous to prevent a dishonorable use of the remains of a building not likely to be wanted again, and as an act which would be approved by all good and pious persons. After having paid one-half of the money, the purchaser refused the remainder, on the plea of its having been an improper sale. In order to prevent all future misunderstanding of this transaction, I have thought it best thus to place it among our records. The two hundred and fifty dollars which were paid were expended, I believe, on the chapel attached to our Theological Seminary, and I hold myself personally responsible for its return, whenever any competent au- thority shall claim it."
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The Executive Committee of the Diocesan Missionary Society reported having assisted twenty missionaries. Re- ceipts, $2,673.34. They contrast this with the year 1839, when their receipts were $29. They purchased 1,200 Prayer Books, and 91,540 pages of tracts. They distrib- uted 632 Prayer Books, and 44,468 pages of tracts.
The Seminary Trustees reported forty students, and $38,000 invested funds. In regard to the High School, which was recently reopened, they say-
The High School, under the management and instruction of the Rev. Mr. Dalrymple, is growing in number and efficiency. We cannot but express our earnest hope that it will receive the warm patronage of all the friends of the Church. Its value as an auxiliary to the Seminary, in furnishing for that institution well-trained youths, can hardly be too highly estimated. But its influence on the laity will, we trust, be not. less healthful. While it will train those for the Seminary who have chosen the ministry for their profession, it will bring our youths, who. among the laity are to have a controlling influence upon the future destiny of the Church, under the most valuable moral and religious influences."
The Committee on New Parishes recommend to grant the petition of Grace church, Lexington, for division of Wood- ville parish ; St. Stephen's church, Bedford, for division of Russell parish, Bedford. Shelburne parish to have Middle- burg and vicinity, with the tract of country between Mid- dleburg and Aldie, separated from Shelburne parish and joined to Meade parish, Fauquier.
St. James, Mecklenburg county, to erect a new parish, called St. Luke's; also the admission to union with the Con- vention of Wytheville parish and parishes in Wood and Jackson counties. All of which was approved.
In view of the depressed condition of the Education So- ciety, collections were earnestly requested from the parishes before the meeting in July.
The Committee on the State of the Church deprecated
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the effect of the religious controversies of the day, and de- plored the spirit of worldliness, and urged the communi- cants to avoid all familiarity with the seducing and cor- rupting pleasures of the world.
In concluding their report they say-
Your committee would make a passing remark in reference to our form of (annual) prayer and thanksgiving to Almighty God for the fruits of the earth, and the other blessings of his merciful providence. As our civil authorities never call upon us to observe a day of yearly thanks- giving, there is reason to fear that it is too generally neglected by the clergy of this Diocese. Certainly, the service is both appropriate and highly expedient. Certainly, good will be done by calling the attention of our people yearly to this interesting subject. Your committee, there- fore, hope that our hundred congregations will remember every year publicly to thank and pray to Almighty God for the fruits of the earth, and the other blessings of his merciful providence ..
CONVENTION OF 1847.
Convention met in Christ church, Winchester, May 19. The assistant Bishop in his address laid before the Con- vention the following statement:
"In October last I received an unofficial communication, made for the purpose of ascertaining whether, if elected, I would accept the Presidency of William and Mary College, assuring me at the same time that if it were understood I was disposed to favor the appointment, it would be so made, and urging my consent by various strong consider- ations, which I need not recite. From my reply to this very interesting communication I take the following extract: 'When I consider the nature of the duties of the Episcopal office, and the incessant and in- creasing demands of a Diocese, so extensive as this, it seems to me that a Bishop in Virginia may not look to any other employment than that of the ministry for which he is specially consecrated. It is from the
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nature of the case, and under existing circumstances, a mastery incom- patible with any second occupation. It would, I fear, only be by rob- bing it that a second could be served. With these impressions I cannot respond to your suggestions as you desire. Yet so deeply do I feel the responsibility imposed on me by your communication, that I am un- willing to send you a final answer before consulting with my honored associate, in whose judgment and wisdom we all have good cause to repose the greatest confidence. I expect to meet him in Lynchburg on the 13th of this month, when I shall take pleasure in laying your letter before him, and availing myself of his excellent counsel. If his views differ from my own, and the considerations furnished by him produce any change in the opinion which I have expressed, I will then imme- diately apprize you.'
"In the conference which I anticipated, this subject was carefully examined by Bishop Meade and myself, and as nothing appeared that wrought any alteration in my convictions, I found it unnecessary to trouble my correspondent with any further communication.
"By others interested in the proposed arrangement, it was again and again earnestly pressed during the past winter. On every such occa- sion I returned substantially the reply which had been previously made.
"In the month of February I was called on by one of the Board of Visitors, who renewed the application, and with great zeal and ability urged my compliance, assuring me that it was greatly desired, and that the Board would make every arrangement as to services and time which might be requisite to prevent any interference with the duties of the Episcopate. His statements did not change my convictions. They did, however, lead me to suspect that perhaps I was too confident in an opinion, from which this gentleman and others, entitled to my highest respect, seemed to differ so decidedly. I therefore thought it but proper to say, that if Bishop Meade and the Convention approved of the pro- posed arrangement, I should feel it my duty to make the experiment. Not that I supposed it possible to do what I am now performing, and at the same time meet the demands of the new station; but such ap- proval on their part I should regard as an expression of their judgment that I ought to dispense with so much of my present engagements as might be necessary to enable me to enter upon the presidency, with some hope of answering the expectations of my friends. On this state- ment, the gentleman alluded to replied that he would, with this under- standing, assume the responsibility of nominating me to the Board.
"Subsequent correspondence, with persons most likely to anticipate the probable action of the Convention, led me to the conclusion that. the proposed arrangement would not be favorably regarded by the.
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Diocese-that no such general concurrence could be secured as would be necessary to justify the experiment. I, therefore, to prevent all misapprehension, and to avoid even the appearance of any ground of dissatisfaction, immediately addressed to the gentleman alluded to a letter, from which I give the following extract: 'With the knowledge of the fact stated, it might seem to be trifling with the Board of Visitors if I were to acquiesce in your kind purpose to nominate me for the pre- sidency. You must, therefore, permit me to return to the original position from which your earnest appeal in some measure moved me.'
" This letter was laid before the Board at their last meeting, when, as informed by a communication from the Rector, dated February 24th, I was 'elected President of William and Mary College and Professor of the Moral Chair with great unanimity.'
"To this communication I replied as follows: 'Under the peculiar circumstances in which I am placed, and in view of the statement which I forwarded to Judge Christian, and which, I understand, he submitted to the Board of Visitors, no action on my part can be expected at pre- sent. I conclude, therefore, to wait respectfully for such further informa- tion as may place me in a position to dispose of the honorable appoint- ment, without even seeming to be insensible to its importance, or averse from any course which duty may require.'
"Such, my respected brethren, is a brief history of this transaction, a knowledge of which I supposed it might be important for you to pos- sess, that in the event of its being in any form presented for your con- sideration, you may be prepared to take such counsel as will best subserve those great interests for the promotion of which we are assembled."
The subject was referred to a committee, consisting of the Rev. Messrs. Mann, Sparrow, E. C. McGuire, Hodges, Castle- man, and A. Jones, Messrs. Bryan, Nelson, Page, Richard Randolph and Colston. Their report, made on Friday after- ternoon, was as follows:
The committee to whom were referred so much of the report of the assistant Bishop as relates to the Presidency of William and Mary Col- lege, have given to that subject the most earnest consideration. They are deeply impressed with the importance of this subject, and therefore trust that, on both sides of this question, a spirit of calm consideration may be displayed, which will give just weight to all reasons which have influenced their minds on this difficult subject. Your committee feel that, under the providence of God, great benefits might result to the
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Church in Virginia, by placing that venerable and well-endowed institu- tion under such influence as they believe the assistant Bishop would exercise there. They cannot but feel a deep interest in the success of this College, which has conferred such lasting benefits on Virginia and the world, in the education of many of our own ancestors, and many of the most distinguished fathers of the Republic. They are not insensible to the benefits which might accrue to this whole Commonwealth from placing this valuable institution under not only religious but Episcopal influences ; and yet your committee sincerely regret to say, that not- withstanding all these desirable results, they are compelled, in view of the great difficulties and serious objections which present themselves, to concur with the assistant Bishop in the opinion that this appointment should be declined. Whilst your committee have come with pain to this conclusion, they feel that some explanations are due to the authori- ties of William and Mary, and as these can better be made in a full and frank correspondence, than detailed in a report, your committee beg leave to conclude with the following resolution :
Resolved, That the Bishop and assistant Bishop be requested to unite in a letter to the authorities of William and Mary College express- ing the thanks of this Convention for the confidence they have mani- fested in the Episcopal Church of this Diocese, by honoring one of her chief pastors with the highly responsible office of President of that most respected and valued institution ; and also to explain to them the objections, in our view insuperable, which compel this Convention, with great regret, to decline advising our assistant Bishop to accept that appointment.
The rectors and wardens of the several parishes were di- rected to inform the Secretary before each Annual Council of the number of white communicants in their respective parishes; also of any delinquencies in payment of the Con- tingent Fund, and whether the same has been or is likely to be paid, or to make any proper explanation in relation thereto; the letters to be sent by mail, so as to reach the Secretary on the first day of the session of the Convention, and to be delivered by the Secretary to the Finance Com- mittee.
On motion, it was-
Resolved, That the resolution of the Convention, passed 19th May,
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1827, recommending the Protestant Episcopal Sunday-School Union to the patronage of this Diocese be hereby rescinded. (See page 125.)
The following was also adopted :
Resolved, further, That the thanks of this Convention, and of the friends of Evangelical truth throughout the Church, are due to our be- loved Bishop for the faithful manner in which he has warned the Church against the errors contained in some of our Sunday-School books and other publications.
Heber parish, Bedford, was admitted into union with the Council.
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