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' ' . *.'■ Tha Imagaa appaaclng t^f ara tha baat quality poaaibla cofialdaring tha condition and laglbillty of tha original copy and In kaaplng with . ■ ■■.. ■ ,-■ ,:■•■ " " \ *^ '■■■■■- ■ ■- ■ ■* -^ • ... ■ " 4;- -•:, '> ■S:-:"' 6 ■ W" . ^ . ' ■• ■ r -• • / .affiifelfej',,' .>5 V MKaOCOrV MKOUITION TKT CNAIT '■if (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 7) 01, 1.0 ^^ ^ I.I m III I4P I |2^ 12.0 I '■' U ■ L6 / ■ :• '.A >^PPLIED IM/^GE Ihc . ■ ■ m^ 1653 EatI Main StrMt RochesUr, N«w York 14608 USA (716) 482 - 0300 - Phon. - ' ■ • _ ,Mirt«- irr- ' alM «SAr','^5js*,'^T7Tii^«!rr ^^^g" ^^ ■ ■•#'"'' KHSI!.^ THE ENGILISH CHURCH. V DIOCESE OF HURON CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT \ -Af^D — SYNOD LEGISLATION. w ; ■5f /'Where no cbunsel is, the people fall; but in the niultitiide of Counsiellors there is safety, ''— ANGLICAN CHURCmOF CA^ /;; titiuiitj uiuiiuii L^«^ AM^UIW ii;«)iitji(i>ttiti(>itiiituiiiuiu^ ^■%'m: \i ( I, \' ;: ■ '% "i 1'/''*"; .* »- ■c ■■•a THE ENGLISH CHURCH-> DIOCKSE OK HURON constitutionaTgovernment AND V SYNOD LEGISLATION. ••Where no counsel is, the iKiople fall ; but in the multitude of Counsellorn there is safety."— Solomon. Hotk in Churc h and State, great subjects tending to devel()|»e the blessings of Christian Civilization have been arraigned at the bar of public opinion, through the agency of the I'reks. The Printing ^*ress is accre- dited with being the grand meteor light which flashed upon the moral horizon, dispelling the darkness of sui>erstition, and inaugurating an era made resplen- dent by intellectual growth, and thereby securing to men the blessed heritage of freedom of thought, and liberty of expression. Hence the I'resb has been rightly designated, " The fear of tyrants ; publicity, the terror of transgressors." By it, lil)crtyis maintained aud perpetuated, and through its living agency evils have lieen reformed, and the laws of justice and eipiity maintained in the various dcparlments of civil and religious life. When unfettered, as it should always be, it is the foe of monopoly by maintaining the rights T*. ./^^ I '\. ft:' ''■? b%i A ^ ^ ''-^^jK^' . ^ COWyriTUTIOWAt. ItOVK HNMrHT wfthc wyk AgninM Ihc Mrong. tnirling iu ^iiathciiM agam»t the uiirightcouii theory of "might being right." It ii liabk* tv iwrwrt itii power, but iii theiked by the • public Nentiment it crcfttw and clirectn, It» infliienrc U|i9n Ihc Chiirt h • which in iin agency to develop the ri ligioiiH life. anrincipleii of moral law is acknowledged by all ^kc leioaiitiral UxlieM in th«i iM of it In truth, the l»u||Mt and tbc PrcHM, when jR-rforming their pro|ier functionn. are the |»aIronH ^of intellectual greatnew and Moralworth, Thesje are the agencieii which should move the worUI, and projiel itji inhabitant}* cmword and upward to a higher realiza- tion of the ideal Htate, which ronntitutcji a great humanity. Moth ore hununi/.ing influences, each ca|>ablc of rele i.*^ la])sin|r into indifference, or ,%SI> HVNOII iWilHUVriOM. -.■«J1B.^ "MVM ilrivJiiK thcni to oilier fokk Souk? nwiy tmk, Why no! iiHc tt Chunli l*ti|K'r? Wc rv|»ly Ihni th« C'hurth PufK'rl'Aru ihc iiiirc SHiIiIioIcIIih of « |Kifty, whllM w« rc<'of(nii!t* in our nclviKwy of reform, no mere ultiblKh Icth of «ny ncrtion. Wc aim nl nifiiHurcH, whiili, wliilHt riK|ici ting old Itiml nlnrk^ will nirrml with the rerognixetl (!onHtilMtii>Mal ilinrmter of tin* K|Mm:o|kiI (iovefnnient of the C'hiirrh, ho that the l^iity maf Ih: aroiiMcd to realise the moral reKiHinMihilily rcMinK uiNin them f»f nrtively engaging in (,*hiirc h legiNJatirm and ('Inirili work, thereby ne* nring for thcmNelveH and fc»r the Clergy, their reH|»e(ty tht)usnnd professed mem- hers within tl»e limits of the Ditxcso without the Ministry, and is su|»ported in the assertion by the governing Ixxly the Symnl - the caviller must l»e Hilent, when means are used, and reasonable efforts are put forth to search out the mined. Wc t)cUevc ' THE CAU3E Hfli been divined t»y the writer of teveril \m[n!r% wHii-K Havc a|»))eored rruin time to time in the iie<'iiliir Vrtm, And who evinced a Migacity of mind to |)en eivi> the root of the evil whith him »o militnted ngaitiMi lUe growth of ilic Kngliiih Churc:h, iMKAiiHe of il» liriiig reiNignant to the genhui of Co^itutioMit freedom j^ and on account of which, manjr of her Honti and daughtcrti have alienated themMtvcfi from her fold ; whilst to NtrangcrH, hIic Iiah (trcNcntcd nn nninriting an^iect. Her growth han become itimted, iind nhe rcHcmblc« the *'8crul) onk" more th«n the "ginni of the forcul ;" Jihc in hut ihc shndow of what nhc ought to be» and might hnve been, had ** the rulcm in hmcl ** understood the gcniun of the Canadian character, and the value placed u|)ou highly priced ConNtitntional principles. Pcrhajw the "rulerH" undcrtitfKKl, Init the love of |)Ower, so congenial to poor humanity, ''blinded their eyes, mo that they could not sec," 9^ "closed their car?*, so that they would nol hear." The spirit of Ecclesiosticism, without the agency of Pentecost, is the same in every age, and dei lares itself by the cncjuiry, '• Have any of the rulers believed on Hmi?'* Every Church organization has its evils, and the chief danger of the Episcopal system, is the assumption of absolute power, "which in its full development wtmid reduce both Clergy and I^ity to the abject condition, where all i)owcr is concentrated in one {loor mortal, and in which the several i)arts only |)c'rform their func- / .1 / AND ^VNO|> I PniikATIUlt. Ibiti In milKHnlinhliun U> ihc WHMfimu itniral will." liwii. uliU h \mn Ininm lh« iiwijiiily of law wllhin ilw tloiimini* uf Igmwawi;. ami ufilurcci U l>y Ihtt •*gfflWyi»" of iiwnlal ulavcry. llul Canailian Ki.niu» U Hriliuli, ami like Hriums "CamMlimm m:v«f tan U; iil«v«%'* •I1ie Engllftb Chiir^;h In lii guvcinnicnl in a »«»lciiin T>rc»t«trMa^WR >:4tclfiia«icah,^ w^^ agaiimt Civil, a«ii>otiiim. In ll»c nmiiiicnam c «if bw and «rdcr, »he inwpirci her |KO|,1e by a fct«.|5ni«c;. the Statesmen, who are chosen as represcnt,at^\res of the nation. Whilst every Prelate is ^j^p^ctjecj ii> l^is ^o;^^ u,. *u^ I ftw of the realm, he tgiP.yQys no immunity '^■- ''PIPlWS'' ■t- ./ ■fcf ll -f. \f CONSTITUTION A F, OOVIRNMF.NT Clergyman and every r-iyman in their rc^i)ective -posi . tions. 'r'hc Synod likewise, in the changed state of the Colonial Church, is invested with legislative pov^'ers " in their entirety. The Synod is the'church's PaHia ment, and the free, unfettered exercise of the franehise of every member is as necessary to good government, as the freedom secured to the glory of England, the' House of Commons. Yes ! the evils of absolutism in the Church are vividly portrayed in the following words:— »*^ If a Prelate has it in his power, without the semblance of a ^ourt, a Commission, or a Synod, to assail in private, and officially defame in public, wltii- out one iota of evidence,'the personal character of a Clergyman, simply because he has dared to give utter- ance to opinions not agreeable 'to the Bishop, or from feelings of personal dislike^ originatihg, perhaps, Ax«h prejudice or party feeling; the sooner such power is curtailed, and its sphere of action more consonant with the Protestant principles of our Church defVned. the better for the Gospel; the happier for the safety and liberty of the Clergy, and for the charact^ and reputation of our beloved Reformed Churdi of Rng ' land."— (I. Hellmuth, i86«.) rr*<, - f The only safeguard against Episcopal Absolutisrti is , in maintaining the Constitutional rights of every man, whether Uyman or Clergyman, sa that without fear of prejudice, or the influence of lavor, he can be loyal to the convictions of an enJightened conscience. W« shall conie to tins matter again.,,*/ / L, :,t , :> It i s us e less, worse than useless, for Bishops ta iittempt to rule by any pth^r than Constitutional i u 1 ■•■ AND RVNOI) IKOtSlATION. IS means, and the arknowlcdgcd cuntoms of a dclilwrra- tivc AssK-mbly : the spirit of the age, and the gcniuH of all our inHtitutionH arc against it. Any such attempt will, smmer or later, |)ay the lawful debt due to an un. warranted assumption of power, and a vexatious i>re- suming upon the influence of official i)osition. So«D wc shall come to consider the tendency of "Tegislaticiti during the present reghne, and it will be an — easy matter indeed to show that the weather vane in ' the Huron Diocese has pointed to that (piarter, "in which the ^yeral parts only iMirform their functions in absolute subordination to the Supreme central will"* ' Does the reader ask. What is the danger of Central- ization? Our answer is. That it tends to Sacerdotal- ' Jmi^,j, S^^cejdptalism to Priestcraft: Priestcraft to Jesuitism: Jesuitism to the destruction of liberty, and theimiHi^ing of burdens which "neither wc, nor our fjithcrs wq^re able to bear." ; in reiigipn, the Clergy tell m to beware of the first dcJKirture from morality. I A^t us acknowledge the .orthodoxy of such Theology, and apply it to our Con-. * stUutional system of Chiirch CJovernment: yea, let us scftf the tru^h of their doctrine as illustrated by the * * irinUifof,pr<)posUiom we have previously mentioned ; Icjt US l^ope. they will have sufficient moral courage to prafti^e in the Synod, what theyso boldly tell us in the Pulpit If so, the Uity will admire them the Wfl " f ' more, and^upport them better ; at the same time give ximple evidence that they themselves can take such a l) art as to, warrant Cons titutional rights, ?nd that they . poi^sess su^cient determination to maintain them. 1 1 f | ai',.. \ S^^TfTWr^X^i ■ 14 COMHintJTIONAL (KJVKRNMENl •!-r .yy s: As there fanatk sli •nthusjn? ft m I Hcinu' Cbn.stitutcii their Loyalty to the ( ^take up the vexed «|ue»tion of ^ ^ I.OYAi;rY. We will nut waste, the time, or weary the reader with the exploded theory of "Divine right." None but the possesiior of a clouded mind, made imlKTilc fb|LThcrtncMrwou!B aiTogttte that^^^i^^ ; twine right iKlongs to Deity, who upholds it with a jealous concern for His own majesty, and who will n^t "give his glory to another." Hy Him, *' Kings reign, and Prii>ces decree ju.stice." The highest ofTice in Church and State is held hy " Divine grace," or by **'Divine |)ermission." "Heputteth down one, and settcth up another." The claim to Loyalty bv Divine right, is the inalienable heritage of a Diviiie Being, who alone possesses Divine attributes to enforce, and •Divine love to constrain. Those who believe in the Divine right of any man to rule, should say with res4)ect to all his acts, "I was dumb and oi)ened not my mouth, for Thou didst it." < ' ; What is Loyalty? It is simply a willing obedience to law, when it is based upon truth and justice. The Apostles defined it when they addressed the Rulers before whom they stood as prisoners: — "Whether it be right to hearken unto you mote than unto God, judge ye ?" But there is a spurious loyalty, as when others "bowed the knee and mocked, saying, 'Hail King of the Jews.'^'T The cry of " loyalty to the Chu r ch," is th e stock in trade of many, without r efe r - ^nce to the jjractical duties, enforced by the sanctions V AND SVNOI) I.WilM.ATION. 1ft uAci •ntimcn only n ba< kncyvd cxpreH- sion, mndc lo Mcno for a rovcring Uv hkW wUkid dcsignR, and \o blind the *imwary ngainnl inHidioufi dcnption. Hut loyalty to the Chur< h is no more to be cntimatcd by talking, than the value of the C;oM.e iHtoln: understood by the threadbare and perverted «Evangelietition should Ik! anked of any CJod or man, except of the King only," The subterfuge of "loyalty to the Church." is now so trans|)arent as to Uwe its force. In matters of govern- went it is only valid \\\ the maintenance of iCunslitu- tional freedom, and the cons< ientious excreise of a lawful franchise. Loyalty to the State is vindicated by the ballot Im)x; and loyalty to the Church, owing to the inspiration of fear, needs the same fv)stering care. 'I'he ballot Ik)x, however, must needs be safe from the tamiK'rin^ of disloyal men, and official documents must not Ih! withheld with impunity. , / • .VVhcm those "rcMutio^s," which will bv historical in the Diocese of Huron^ appeared in iirint as mailers for legislation, bearing i^h official stamp, timid Clergy- men turned pale, and thoughtful men stood aghast at the temerity which "c6iild desire .such powqr in this Nineteenth Century/' and righteous indignation was such as to declare, that St %* as high time tp ch<,ck >»6 dangerous an chd-oachment ujwnpu^ liberties."-- (I. Hcllmutfi, l^2,j Had the daring.effort!tp place such rcsolutionti ony^hc statute b^ok of the inaUcrs I Clcrg)'- ighast at in this tion was hqck |i6 .•s."--(I. icv'iiiuc'h irch not Diocosc ng over as Ko8- bcrome ''when AND SVNOn I.Rfllil»ATIOH. n Ulwt'bccn written that "toya! t)^tif and HUly" met tot the Council Hoard of Huron College. S^ich loyalty, coihpcU un, «Vom a «cn*c of nhame,tobe ailcnt. Wc leave i«fh painful and dii*tre«»ing cvi- denccji of loyalty, no repugnant to ever) thing manly iind honorable, to othcm. So much in tieholf of •« Loyalty to the Church." Wc now turn otir attention SYSTEM AND TRNDKNCY OF OUR ' LKGISLATfON. :( I The systtm of Government in the Canadian branch ^f the Anglican Churcli is representative : it has been f^ced from the State, and received power to enact laws for its guidance; yet in no way to legislate con- trar) to th6 fundamental principles of civil law. The State claims submission to the chief magistrate in all matters of justice and equity, and protects the sub- jects of the monarch in their rightful claims. But In , matters of religious faith, or religious worihip, the State does not assert any right' to control or to coerct. For the acknowledged >Vell being of Kcclfcsiostica! bodies, fb^med af\cr the piincrple of voluntary menv l)erslilp, the Syndd Act wals obtained under which rejiresentittites assembled, lay and clerical, to frame their machinery for putting In operation self-hnp6sed laws» The system chosen waS one resting upon con- stitiitibnal authority, delegating executive power t6 a defined' dectiveiitimber. The Synod, therAe, is^ sovereign in all legislative jurisdiction, an^annot del e gat e legislativ e power to any 6( its officers 6pon the minciple of constitutional order. The Synod if iviand*. )^ \ "W ^ ^1^' II CONITITITIOHAI. CK>VRIt»iMiNT •nnunlly elective, nncl as iucomtiuient parti may vary from time to time, it ii only by the rute« of the Con- ititution one Synod can bind another. The Coniti- tulkm if not iovcrcign, but lubject to change or alteration ni the rc»pcctivc 8yner," to far as his legislative right is concerned, or in other words, the free, unfettered use of his Sy nodical fran* 'chise ; yea, he is obligated to keep himself free, so at not unlawfully to nullify tift right of another. It it binding upon both Orders, cfcrical' and. lay alike, forl^ whilst legislation is for the protection of each, its ulti- mate end is for both, and therefore for the good of the body corporate. At the layman cannot say to the clersyman, *' I have no need of you," neither can the latter reply, " I have no need of you" ; by this it wilt be apparent that the interest of one is the interest of the other, and the interest oTl^t^h the interest of< the Church, the conclusion of whicn.isthat the visible of men renewed after the^ church b e ing composed |mage of Hifn w)}0 greated thetii, its interest iovolvet .0.- V -*■•»«* = \ ». my vary i)c Con- Comti- mge or Die : for iiy tndi* flM Hat do this, Membly \c tflcct f church [ind the ' attend- , comet (ce|)er»" in other al fran- >e, 80 as It it lite, for^ its ulli- good of say to thcr can y this it interest m'st of< e visible ftcr the I AND HVMClD I.IlU»LATtOli. If the honor of Ood iiid flli Chfltt H !• tHcrefort ft dcpariuic Iroin Con^lituliuiial ubligSliun fur a layman to tay, with rt tpect to any legiilatlvc matter, that It li a cleiical concern with which he hat nothing to 6^ and vie* v4rm. We want laymen to underMand thlt. for It concerni their welfare, and the welfare of their children after them It U ibcir duty and privilege to prolMttbt clergy against laws whkh could be nia i« mlule the Chair* MAH q( tlie Synod, which ofhce carric* with it no legit- — IstWt or'fiitritttal Jurttdtctiofvl fer tt the latter, ito^ Synod could give or take away ; lo the former, U foreigii IP Miy eMCUiive oflker, tuch an that of chair* v^. ,nian* ^|w ^ . At Chairman, according to the lawt of a ^pterative > ffiiembly, he cannot All the chair i|nd vovpcate a motion, much lett move one. . He it not delKirred the right of expressing hit opinion upon the tubject of debate, but it m after the legitilatorH have ^|K>ken, and the debate^ clotted ; bh to the influence he can ., exercise m dctcrintiing the vole, it altogether dcpcndn, to far at momi goml iH conrcrncd, upon \m judgment' and mnrai power. Nothing could I e moraJujuriout to a BiHhot>'s moral influence ; no courHe could be more tuicidal, than for a Chairman to violate the lawt of the atHcmbly ^^ which he presides, and whot^ •f hose wholiave attended » blc to judge whether mainfadk|cd with Christ* imgfcncss of purpose, so as to uphold the constitutional rights of those assembled. It is certain that no one can with impunity continue to violate, or set at naught, the fundamental principles duty it is to mainta our Synod of late y the chairman's oflic ian dignity, honesty governing an assembly, without bringing about a dis- astrous state ol things by losing the confidence of the . ■„- ' ;> ■ :.. ■ :. ■ ■ , ■■ : :=.. ■ ; . ■' , . ■'■■.'. •: , ■ /•' ■■■.■■ d upon Chair* ic» legit' Her, na rnier, ii f Gh•i^ bcralivt clorred lubjtfct he can c|)cndii, (iKiitcnt ijurioui (HI 1(1 be ;hc bw|», an j to |»fc»umc for the*i M\n ha h^ill, .xithy awd leapt^* •••• Ail i» iwadi ptf manciH to ;atiim rent* %i\nn\ him fuH • ,„. he »K'«r^ to the Cl»ufth \ „,.„ .,.., ,i*ion«r Of Uit«f. liHfvitahly or^,»»ominemec^he,Ki.it»onhemi^ ? • itiMWrtwtodciKtrt^a hand luiadth from ine nn» m^it*f of a directly rcUgioun nature. A HiHh % mmi- own u«Mn.»H Ana cn.rmt. .h not " '^« J*. J c«.th.i.«.kc. or the ftre," but In Ok "»t " »"»')*""* of con«;lou» rectitude. IT* ""• « "' mitclv executive, and «o U the ortWe of Hi»hop. i hcy\. r ,, Jnted t; mainuin and enforce Wv. no. to r. J .hem. '10 ie assert, with the utmost confidence, that no loyal , upholder of the Constitutional rights of the Synod- would attempt it. !i:bc question of . - -■,'-■'-,■■■■■-■ ■;'"■■•■ '. ■veto '■.:■■■'•■;■■■ I- :^-. ■ in government has exercised the greatest minds, as t o A_ -I AND SYNOD I.KGISLATION. as guilty would of that, "in In fact, constitu* soon be : unhesi- is t'xcm- ' official nination •rivilegc, it\y mis- nviction Id be as ous dis' flying to ise of a severity* the evil t to our suming person ^islative I name, We are j; and loyal Synod- as to whether it is, in an unlimited form, conducive for good. We will not go into the principle involved, but •" view it in brief form, from a practical standpoint. Its danger arises from the exercise of both a negative and positive influence. It can l)e used as an instrument to negative legislation for the general good : it can bo made positive also by [)eri)etuating an existing evil. We do not trouble about it, i)rovided every clerical and lay representative in the Synod has secured to him the the safe exercise of his franchise ; without this, it is worse than madness to place such a destructive wea- pon in the hands of any one ; it only makes a burles». I. 14 CONSTirUTIONAL C;>VERNMENT any matter by ballot, at the rcM|uc.st of tmlva incmbcrii of the Synod. VVc mention the number tweloa so as to lirevent a vexatious annoyance of the Synod by a single member demanding thc%allot from a factious motive, or from a frivolous rexspri. It is not likely that twelve men would be found united, unless for some good and sufficient cause. UNITY IN THE CHURCH is regarded as essential to its success. Ilie Saviour prayed, "As thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that they may be one in us." IJut what meets us at the threshold of our legislative system ? Not unity, bilt separation of the clergy and laity. Their Orders ^cp^r- ate them in legislation, and consee clergy voting for clerical, members, and the laity for lay members, as if their legislative interests were not tor the general good. >Should not such an anomaly be removed, by every Vll !■ t ANI> SYNOD LF.niSf.ATlON. m lv6 incinbcru vehe so as to Synod by a 111 a factioUH s not likely i, unlcbH for rhc Saviour in thee, that :s us at the t unity, biU )iders sejfli'r- conflict may nly a matter jislation was We readily he perform- iritual func- is intended ty. There :ogether the le members ducing reci- najous then ^ty to re])re- lachinery in voting for mbers, as if ;ncraIgood. d, by every member of the Synod voting for the whole numlier composing the Standing Committee, which is to tarry but that which the whole body in a legislative capa- city had enacted?; This would be the most efficient way to deal with "rings" or "diciues," which bring such a stain imgn moral rectitude. The clergy could not obiecttjPfis, unless they were anxious for a "clerical jfactipl^IlD promote and subserve the interests of a ♦•cicficathierarchy," a piece of ecclesiasticism leading to Prelatical assumption, and Clerical presumption. It is equally necessary to prevent the practice of packing the Committee, that the most efficient and deserving from both Orders should constitute such an important committee, as if is for their respective interests. Some appear- to think that unity is to bei promoted through the agency of the Huron College Theological Institute. If there be wise men' amongst them, let them carefully consider the ttniiy in the Toronto Diocese through the agency of Trinity College, Ixjt the ruling spirits of such an institution take heed, and not call young men to their Council Board of the stamp of the vain Rehe- boam's choice, for we live in exciting times. To fbrm a unity through such an agency would not only be un-, wise and produce a spirit of bitterness, but would be immoral according to the precepts of the Gospel, and subversive of true piety. The result will assuredly be disunion and division, 'i'he #ergy who have been students of colleges, may very properly take a lively^ «and affectionate interest in whatever promotes the wel- fare of "alma mater;" but "the unity of spirit and the bond of peace," cart only be secured by "iiglvteousness "A ■■ f ''^"S '^{^f'^ "" '^'- •f^m,' U m 1 f: itiii m -vr CONSTITUTIONAt OdVERNMENT Of hfe :" the i)utting into practice of the righteous pre- cepts or the Gos|>cl, - that C;os|>cI of which student:* become the heralds, and which alone can make them "able ministers of the New Testament," and " workmen who need not to be ashamed." 'Many laymen look upon these Diocesan training colleges as pregnant with evil by creating party legisla- tion, and producing clerical centralization to the injury ofour Synodical system. It ap|)ears to us that the best method of deranging clerical designs, so prejudi- cial to a wholesome unity of purpost jiermeating both Orders, will be best attained by each member voting for the Executive in its entirety. By this means no clerical prerogative would be invaded, but impro|)er "combinations" would be broken iip and the mainten- ance of constitutional rights secured. It would seem that clerical "combinations" have been formed, for at the last Synod, Archdeacon Marsh stood twenty six out of thirty, which drew from a thoughtful layman the remark, that it was a disgrace to the dergy, when manyyoMw^ meti without a tithe of the exije'rience, ability, or claim of that venerable clergyman were much higher upon the list. The loss of such a man to the Executive of the Synod, would effect the laity as much as the clergy. We venture to affirm that had the laity voted for the clerical members as well as their own, they would not have used their franchise to serve such a party end. Anything approaching clerical cen- tralization in the administration of the Church's funds will certainly alienate lay sympathy, beget lay indiffer- ^nccy the sure foreru nner s o f loss of confidence. W c AND SYNOD LRGISLATfON. ff ighteous pre- lich studenu n make them id " workmen ^san training party legisla- te the injury us that the ir so prejudi- neating both mber voting is means no ut impro|)er he mainten- would seem rmed, for at I twenty six itful layman Jergy, when exi)erience, yman were such a man jct the laity m that had veil as their ise to serve rlericalcen- rch's funds lay indiffer- mce. We I understand that in the Church Society each, member voted for botli ( Icrical and lay members of the Kxccu- "live, and that the present system of voting by Orders was ^ innovation of late years. Why was the change made? We leave the reader to divine the cause, legislation has tended to CKNTRALI/ATION during the present regime. The result has been to^ weaken Diocesan interest and sympathy, and to foster Congregationalism— a system too isolated to advance the welfare of a Church professing to be Catholic in aim and sympathy. Until of late years all laymen had a voice and vote in the managcnuint of the funds, as had the clergy also,' by being members of the Church Society, and annually^ subscribing not less than five Jollare: then the annual subscriptions reached some $13,200.00 ; but from that time there has been a sen- sible decrease. A wise and e;^perienced man cannot fail to perceive that a recognized Diocesan service arid interest, whether lay or clerical, must conduce to an increased interest and enlarged sympathy in Dipcesan work. A statesman who hovered ar6und the small circumference of his own office, would wreck the ship of state, when international winds stirred the waters to their ocean depths. As to whether Diocesan interest has been accorded to the clergy, can be adjudged by the recognition of new clergymen to lucrative positions, without any just claim by way of superior attainments or usefulness; or whether the interests of the laity have been subserved by thousands bein^ destitute of the ministry. . '~^~~^ * ■'( i i I t ■1' . -v. 2ft CnWSTITUTIONAL OOVEKianWT 1 .'ft in M f .. ^^ » '■«« meeting of the Executive Con.n.itlce, when (he matter was under conHideration to a,.,K,int a Ira veiling agent, a lay official did not hesitate to aswrt TT'"* "'^'''"*•«'" I"/'"?* f""" the form,tion of through the Diocese trt urge Diocesan claims, that it had)>,oved <./«,/««,• although up to the year 1871 it for tWi? It WM tacWy « declarition that Diocesan sympathy had waned, either as regarded the clergy or he latty. or both. I, can only be accounted for on he ground^tl.at the changed system had contracted,! mstead of havmg ex,)anded the motive |)ower ncces!' sary matter of surprise that a Centralked .ystem with .t.rt.?ny baneful influences, which excluded so mTny oTthetnost efficient laity .n having a>oice in the manageuim ^f ,he funds, and confinin^he adminis- -O^ tljI ^PIjP - ^y iffe^^ AND hVNUl) I.KOI&LATlOM. » littce, when point a tra ? to assert, )rnn>tion of leputalions • ims, that it ear 1875 Jt to account t Diocesan e clergy or ted for on ontracted, wer ncces- «hy. In amounted 872), and 0; whilst decreased There future of ials, will ued from d of gra- the same » ged into t can be ?m, with 30 many ? in .the tration to those laymen who are elected rei»re»cnta- tivcs to Synod, that Diocesan interest has waned. The truth of the statement by the lay olTu iai will be credited, and the But was it a failure as regards the /cal of the clergy In advocating Diocevin claims? Let us consider whether the tendency to centralization, m the changed system regulatmg the m SURPLUS OF THK COMMUTATION FUND will solve the problem, and enlighten the uninitiated. The Commutation Fund of the Diocese, amounting to $279,377.49, was a recognition by the Government of clerical claims upon the clergy reserve lands at the tune they were secularized. The Clergy, who were in Holy Orders ai that time, were granted an annuity by the Government, which they afterwards commuted i and in the place of which a lump sum was paid the church, based upob a calculation according to the age of each. This lump sum, as above, was the propor- tion belonging to the Diocese of Huron, when it was set apart from the original Diocese of Toronto, which embraced at first the Province of Ontario. A part of it was not paid until the death of Bishop Strachan. It became therefore a Diocesan Church Fund, and the Clergy who commuted wer^ to receive an annuity from it, equal in amount to that which the Govern- ment had agreed to pay tl>em previously to the Act of Commutation. At the decease of e ach of these idminis- y ■*-Sl ii 3^f&- 1 'f t ■ Dfocese er annum, o.oo. In fulfilled j matters of d, and no cJ^it taken Hocese of nod' can t dispute; ike from fiilfilled ?reernent with him. Ai a rule, rctroupcctivc legislation Is not considered just, but an evidence of the improper use of |)ower. ^ / . Hut what was the nature of the logisladon which changed the appropriation of the said Surplus in the Huron Diocese ? We shall show that jt was Uncon- stitutional, I i.i,K(;ai., and as a necessary consequence Morally wrong. It was ~-^ ~~ UNCONSTITUTIONAL. It is not necessary to dwell upon the gravity of an unconstitutional proceeding, for it strikes at the root of every, man's safety. At the Synod of 1 87 5, a Canon was introduced by the Hishop which, with an amend- ment pledging a certain Income to the Clergy, was carried, after a display of very bitter feeling. But the Canon of the Dishop was not referred to in the circu- lar convening the Synod, and only made its appear- ance for the fir^ time wheh the Synod had assembled, to the general consternation or the young and inex- perienced clergy. By the Constitution, notice of any proposed change of a By-law or Canon, which had previously regulated the fund, had to be given to the representatives of the Synod two weeks before the meeting of the Synod. (See constitution, clauses 1 6 and 24.) But no such notice was given (see S. J., 1875, pages 31, 32) ; the Canon was sprung upon the "Synod ; the parties whose lawful interests were at stake were comparatively young and inexperienced r they were consequently unc(|ual to the occasion, and "[)crformcd their functions' in al)solutc subordination NjI \.. to the supreme central will." The action, therefore, 33, COmTITU TlOWAt OaVUtNNlift "''''"''^""'"'"'^''"^■■■■— — Mil . ■i WM. UHCON»TlTlmoN.^^ ihc icndcnry of «/,. h U «lw«yt 10 crcntc «n«icly. botdctlng on di»tru.l/ Ihe ncxi move in the drama wan ' , ille(;ai. Al the Synod of .876. the matter ««, aK«in brought lorw«rU, and a motion iiul,miltcKC 43 ) The assertion that the mtion of 1876 was illcKal is proved by offi. iai d.« umcntnry evi- dence, for no act could be legal which was Lscd upon another at vijriancc with constitutional law. How then, docs the matter stand f The Canon rcgulatinJ the surplus previously to .875 i, still i,t force, and not only have the clergymen who were re< ipients of $200 l>er year a legitimate and legal claim, but all otheni ' who would be entitled to be pla.c.l upon it up to the present datc-^ That they can .nake their clain.s good must be evident. Strange to say that in the midst of confusion, the utga$i„e vote was not taken, but the I)oxoi.or,v wa. mng. We leave it with our readers to judge whether such proceedings in the fchunh's led-s. ative assembly, do not necessarily tend to destroy Diocesan interest and confidence. No wonder the clerical dciHitation sy.stcm should, as the lay official declared. ■•|,ccom,- a fa i lure," and lay subscriptions I brought idcration. n to the rent, and I; but to This ill "fnlijiv > ucjc m; - Journal, t'tion of tnry evi- L'd U|»on How, i^ulating and not af $200 I others > to the IS good lidst of >ut the dors to s legis' iestroy Icr the oftui.nl ptions Aim fVNOD LtOIRMTIOir. $$ decreaic. Ai by iiueh proccedingis UnconatitU' \ 'TiONAL and iLUittAi., INJUSTICE hftt been done to the Clergy, the pledge given them '^in the by-law having been broken. They had tailored \; in faith and ho|)c, and when they were put on t he ' Fund, it WM uk cn fro m them ifttf the manner det. U •dribed. Many were poor and needed ft for hard- working and Helf-sacrificing wivet, and children. Sighs were heaved of which the M^^itcr took notice, nd in the Church's troubled state He will yet avenge heir cause. Had there been disinterestedness in applying the small annuity of $300.00 to the Mission Fund, for the benetit of •' thousands of souls" of the I^ity, and other legislation had been consistent with it; by placing the incomes of Government Rectors coming from the same original source in the same IKJsition, the poorest Clergy in the Diocese would have been willing to continue their hard struggle. But the very men who were receiving respectable stipends from lucrative positions, as well as double or treble the amount from the Commutation Fund, or its Sur* plus, could, without any apparent sting of conscience! support the measure to deprive "the poor man of his little lafnb," yet would not give up a single cent of their own to the Mission Fund. No wonder there is cause for grievance, and that " failure" has overtaken the Church. Will not the Laity be astounded to hear —although the Uishop used the influence of his office, and pleaded for three successive years in behalf of 9ixti/ thousand souls of the Laity, whose distress was :%. n J oi.» ./,;«,,/ cominK from the umc wurcc. ha, lK,cn iwtd lo. and received l.y him, from thai time io,4hB |.rc«en.? Will no. .he public !« .ur,,,i«d lo kZ lh«l Archdeacon Sandy, ha. received .he ..im of IJ80.00 per year from ihc ».i„,c lun.l, from .ha. lo Iht Miew timtt Thi* ikrgymtn ha. In wWi.ion $600 iw year from .he CommuiaiiOn Fund.anda l'ar,Khial cmlowmcm of «.e .mder..afld. abou. $«ri,h he ha. „o. of la.e iH«rf„rmo,l mmutcn.nl du.ie. among., hi. ,.eo|,lc, neither i. he . W««„W. The Con,.,u„ed Clergy gave up none «r Ihe.,^ ye, .hey could v„,c to take it fron ,helr poorer brethren.- The Rectors in,<.d «o St Ihomas. Some pC the Ix,ndon elegy were should „.,. be ehgible for, or receive, any such money, ^ V c ala. ! the Jhshop coritinucd to rcccivi his own n we as Archdeacon^Sandys : aAor whi. h lolZ:: f...HH<^ were uphr l d , w i th the wealthiest congrcRa- Uon,^m the Diocet... in receiving, not $.ooi'^r it^ii^t^ ii -iftSs 4' V AMU dVNini umiMj^rtom* 3A applying the wriion of Ai* lime to,.4l||* »«cl to learn Hie tiim of « that to th« rfiilon $600 a PariK-hial ioo.oo |)er n, for whilst |)crformc(t it her it he vc up none from their lame, with [)mcs came lie Clergy iplayecJ in Jct Christ, luoted in^ whit h he ^|>point<'cl -rgy were and who h money. is own, as London ■ongrega- 0.00 pec annum fWmi tli« miieome of the C!tergy Renf rve<, but AN eon be necn front the Synod reiiortM, from $700 to ISoo |ier year, and fjooo |icr annum fiaid to the Kctior of St. Paurn. The tendency of muh legiula tion, every one mum (perceive, wai not for the disinter* eMetl pur|Kwe of providing for the ipirituat want* of Sixty IlKmwwd of tht Um, What w aa the ttn> dincy ^ It waa to bring the mafw of the c lergy into a Mate of *' absolute Nubordination to the nuprcme ten* tral will," no that a little pittance would be annually doled out to them liy the Standing Committee, and like "mendicants," they would have to knof)erlains to a manly, honorable and Christian independence,- should the rest of the < lergy have the cluidiiions changed with f^|iect to their little pittance, Iwrdly earned and actually needed? Will m)t this satisfy every candid reader that the c hannel of "trentraliza- tioii," in which legislation has been uiade to flow of late years, has beeo ample and suffia*jnt to Recount. *"^ fw 50 rONSTlTUTIOKAI. GOVERNMRNT ''•«: i i'f " i>iii for the statement of the lay official, that clerical de])u- tatioriH visiting the cliflTercnt parishes to plead in behalf of niissionary enterprise have "become a failure ;" the response of the laity showing a waning interest in the work of the Diocese, so different, so changed from the past? But how is a lively interest to be awakened through- out the Diocese, so far as human agency is concerned? By paying Tn additional $i5ooToo per >'eaf toTtravel ling agent ? The result will reply. ^Ve are suffi^i-- ently confident to assert that it must arise from a reci- procal interest between the clergy and laity, being fostered by a recognition' of faithful Diocesan service, and the maintenance of constitutional rights. Cen- . tralization is as much opposed to the interests of the clergy and' laity, as it is to the. genius of the age in which we live: a genius exercising an influence which the Church in her organization cannot afford to regard with indifference, if she would be successful in pro- secuting her work, and maintaining her position among the churches. The taking away of the "surpjus, " was; a grievous blow to the pastoral office, in all but the wealthy parishes : an office peculiarly dear to the laity of the English /Church. How often do laynien sa>- they have little heart for Church work now, for as soon as they come to know their clergyman and regard him as a friend, he goes to some other parish a little more lucrative. Church preferment, under our present system, is not by cementing a happy, useful and sacred union between pastor and people, by rewardirig faith- ful Dioc e san service in Ids parish, bujt by breaking the ^■tlffiJ arr ■j-wit-rr. fc '^^Si-'lSKiXXSO. And sYNon t.fr.iM,^Tiv«« the, , principle upon which the surplus was giycn, and which is carried out in every other Diocese in the Province. ' For the clergy to be efficient in their work, ^hey umst havci a reasonable income to provide fori the ; maintcnancse of their positions ; with parochial aid , and a consistent application of the Church's funds, amounting to nearly seven hundred tho^isand dollars m capital, k ani be done. This involves the principle of the combined voluntary and endowment i^^ms>, which worked so successfully up to the time of abol-^ ishing the latter, in the case of the surplus providing an endoj^ment of $200. No layman will think $200 additional to a clergyman's income too^much after, havingservcd faithfully for 15 years or more. Indeed, the sum of $400 was not considered too much to give M CONHtlTUriONAl, UoVKkNMkNT if N • iff hi the lay SccrcUry-Treasurcr, although he had not scrve< a third of 15 years, and who had an income of $i2bb |)cr annum ; whilst at the present time legislation ioi*^ ««^.l*Kls -ftny a»stslana:,ir:om out of Church funds to a clergyimn having $800 |>e? ytiar, howgver long in the service of the Chunh. After 10 or 15 yeiifs'' iiervtce, an additional $200, or even $400, to incomes which barely meet the necessities of life, and which are alto- gether inadccjuatc to furnish material for the mind, could not militate against useful service, or produce an independence which would degenerate into dn- concern for, the wants of |)arishioncrs ; neither would it be suflficient to continue a parochial connection, when any cause arose to destroy a pastor's usefulness; but it would serve to prevent such causes arising, and tend to bind a clergyntan and his |)eoplc together, producing that harmony which is absolutely essential to the increase of lay sympathy in parochial and Dio- cesan »work. Clerical adventurers, whose lights be- come dim by their oil giving out in a year or two, or perchance less, would have their craft endangered: their ** Diana of t^e Ephesians" would be eclipsed, by the steady glow of faithful, honest, efficient,' jMir. severing and able ministers of the sanctuary, who inspire a recognitior of real worth amongst their jico- ple, and intensify confidence in ministerial sincerity. The resolutions of Archdeaco|^ Marsh, which were intended to have been submitted for discussion at the last Synod— and which would , have been, had it not been for the unj\ist proceedings against him—em- bodied the principle of justice, and e videnc e d a clea r , > AND SYNOD l.toisi.ATlON. » practical mind, possessing a sagacious insight into the exigencies of the Church. We do not doubt that the clergy would, if free, have supported tlie principle, and . a reasonable laity would have acknowledged the wis- dom and necessity of such legislation. The laity ate concerned, not only to Iiavc efficient clergymen, but that the Bioccse .should be so inviting as to retain their services : if not, the t:rcam of ministerial worth will enrich other Diocesan wants, to the prejudice ot— their own parishes. V W" Our readers will, we venture to believe, acknowledge that the arguments adduced have no practical ten- dency to do the laity any injustice^.f but we should l3C doing violence to facts, certified to by experience, if we were to suppojic the laity were incapable of exer-, cising tfieir power, in suth a manner as to beget a spint of LAV ABSOLUTISM. " We remehiber the case of those who assumed such absolute authority \h the Church of Cod, as to say to Moses and Aaron,--" Ye take too much uix)n you, seeing all the congregation arc holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them ; wherefore then .lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord ?" Here we have a subject for contemplation of equal interest and importance to the Church a» that of clerical autocracy. The rights of the laity entail upon them corresponding tes[x>nsibilitieSj and onl^ as they recognize the latter, have th^ya right to assert the former. Presuming upon the power they possess, tin providing or withholding the supplies, is as unjusti- '. ,'i \Wtt^ •Tp^«f^9r^ 4o; rONSTITLTIONAL GOVKRNMKNT ^.' fiable and injurioiiH to the Church's prosperity, as a clerical "lording it ovcf the heritage of tiod." A sordid '•Scyjla" of mind, is as dangerous as the "Charybdis" of irresponsible power; they equally serve as the vortex to engulph all efHciency and use- fulness. If the fi^ndamental princiiiFe in the Consti- tution of the (;hurt:h of (iod be |)ractical bve, it" is no leiis binding ujion the laity than the clergy. Ix)ve is the embodiment of all morality and religion, an ittt- portant factor of which is a recognition of the rights of others. If Hhe clergy are to serve from love, the laity, are to remember thenv "in jovc for their work's sake." Irresponsible lay absolutism binds ministers in galling fetters, -nullifying the good they might otherwise accpni|)lish : it begets a weak and effeminate type of men to fill the desk and pulpit, and.an e<]ually grovel- ling type of auditors to fill the sanctuary. If laymenii would have "able ministers of the New Testament," boldl/ unfolding thfe truth, and maintainiilS it by a consisteil^ example in life, they must fulfil the duties imposed by constitutional law, and which are as bind- injgr upon them.selves .is upon the clergy. Episcopal absolutist!! in dismissing clergymen at pleasure, is no more to be deprecated than lay absolutism "starving them out '^ Both are ^ opposed to cpnstitutionat liberty ; both ruinous to the church ; both dishonpri,ng ; to true manhood ; both the destroyers of moral good. ^ A clergyman is in a pitiably and eriticaS position, when he bas to run the gauntlet between the *'iSrylla":<^f on'^ unreliable Am ^itrary Episcpi)ate, and the "Charybd ^iti us a|i is" Qf'^a vicious a|id unreasonable H-ong r egation. ,If r it- 5 ^AND SYNOD LROISLATION. 41 he be vi man at all, he will cither throw up the sponge in despair, or inlite the remedial a< tion of some friendly guillotine. U ns aX'hristian, he realizes that . his effort*? and ability ran avail nothing, he will depart for (.lalilee, recognizing that in leaving Judea "he must needs ])ass through Samaria." If pronnising young men have only to choose between the ••rock" and "yortex" of paralyzed ministerial lif^, they will _ avoid both, and look' fbr "labour'* In other fields, and -other folds. Ministers of Christ must bear with evil, and be content with necessar>' "fo9d and raiment;" they must deal prudently with those whom they serve in the tlosijel ; put they are a curse to the Church- when so epsla/ed by fear as to become the tools^M * arrogant and^ ^esi^ning m^n, whose only claim w CJhurch inflU^e arises from unreasonableness or un- godliness, il/om/ power and chaste liberty in every department of the church's work, are essential to the gro^^th of real good, whether in Bishops, Presbyters or laymen. Caesar is not tq be neglected in the service of God ; neither is Clod to be despised in deference to Caesar.' ■■'■■■•■-■ ■■'■"■■■ ■'■ '**'■■ ■^■" --"^ .:.•';''■■ ''■;.■■■ * We do not desire to presume upon the patience and consideration of jpur readers, but the system of appoiiiting and diswiijsing ' ' -^,- V ittjiy be judged deserving of attention. Oflkial safety . is the best guaran^e for* an honest performance of pflficiaV duties. Both the Church and the State recojj^- n ize this principle. Insecurity either paralyse^ e(fort > - or, for personal Safety, produces truculency of charac: tmLaA^f^^ 1^ II '• •Ml n CONRTI At hOVIll^Millf . » ter. The Huron Synod thought it desirable to have Rur^l Deans, as 'officers in Church (Jovernmcnt, and placed the power of apiwintment in the Episcopate, but limited the duration of office "to "the pleasure" ofihe Bishop. Such a condition as " during Epis- copal pleasure," has, we believe, np r)recedent for thai office in Ihc Church throughout the world, and wa» an innovation introduced by the Synod of 1873. \Kt^ know of no good and sufficient reason for it, and be^ lieve that it neutralizes real usefulne^i^ Indeed, we have heard of cases where nn offer of the office was decline gentlemen, and when appointed to an office are regarded as fit ahd proper persons to fill the same. - If the authority to appoint has be^n misplaced, or it is incai^able of exercising proper Judgment in the « ^iC;ifJK!£lB'. itiVi t.tlH^srA AND SYNOD l.r.filSH^TIOW. 4S- ^ tivefy«tera oj Government, and the introduclion of i^ ^ ilrtf the thill f dgc.of the wcd^-, which wan afterwards attempted to \yt driven up at the Synttd of 1879, in the casei of othiir clergymen ; but aifeAring so repul- , ttve to the Synod, the attempt proved abortive. 'V\m evil should be rectified, and is supported by the theory * advanced by Bishop licllmuth in 1862, on the ground 'thl^t It " would reduce to the abject condition, where ; ' All power is concentrated in one mortal, ar^ in which the several parts only perform their functions in abso- llutc aubordination to the suprente central wilk" The conditions attached should be, obedience to the • Canons of the Church, and residence within the hmits ; pf territorial jurisdiction, the same as attached to other clerical positions. The Bishop having the entire thoice of selection, should ^ot desire the power of unqualified dismissal, in the doing of which he would act ks judge, and jury in determining the wisdom of his own act. With the Chancellor and Registrar it i^ difllerent, if both be Uy?ien, for they arc not subject to the Canons bf discipline : ^et with respect to their olfices. it might be better for the Church and them- . selVes if some wise conditions were attached, so as to ^counteract any departures from moral rectitude, with, out putting the onus upon the Episcopal office, , for holding office "during pleasure" is likely to bripg- trouble and difikulty. We have heard it stated, that , the late Bishop of Montreal thought the Synr.d should elcjct the Rural Deans. Some may fail to see the ne^ssity of having Rural Deaif8 4tyall in an Episcopal system o'i Church Gov* -0- .!*; 41 CONSTITITTfONAl. r.OVr.RNMr.NT ■ \ \t/ ernment, as the Bishop is the proper medium between the Clergy and the f^aity. Wc arc not concerned to enter into the question ; and moreover, owing to the multitude of Kural Deans, our courage would bll us in an attempt to unravel such a knotty subject' This much we- acknowledge, that wc are ignorant of the existence of such worthy ofhcers, either in the aprtstolic or primitive church. ; We now come to the appointment of SYNOD COMMirrEES. " Clause I of •' Rules Regarding Committees," reads — '• All committees shall be appointed by the Chair, unless named by the Synod, and the names shall be publicly announced while the Synod is in session.'*— (f'age fj ) The construction to be put upon this is not very clear, but it appears that all committees shall be named by the Synod, unless otherwise directed. There are several committees appointed by the Chair, - such as ** On Canons," etc., but wc do not fi net any- thing ia the " Constitution and ' Rules " authorizing such c Jnmittees. However, as we are deahng with the principle involved, we are not miich concerned ' about them. If no Canon exists to the contrary, or Rule investing the same in the Chair, then the Syiiod should appoint them. In some cases it might be dif- ficult and unsatisfactory to do it ; yet as such appoints ments belong to the Synod, it shpuld be ^onei or jtf^ power delegated. It seems but reasonable, m the maintenance of constitutional rights, as well as for the purpbse of expediting business, that a Nominating CoromittQC, consiatinj; ot e^ual nUmbi?r§ from.bot^ -^slAtsi.'-^ k^O SYNpD LlOttlAtlON. ■ X ....minlcd by coiwlUtitroiwl regulation. If U.oMKht I'roDer. ihc Hishoi. could appoint onollurd of cuh couMuitlce, ana the Nominating Co.U)..itt?c the rctt : ihii i» b^tscd upon II.C theory of three Order* ^onrtlr, tutinK the Synod, vi... the lli.hop. the re.l of d.« ^^ aZ, »"«» 'he Ltity. AUhe synod of .87.,. " i.-^ very winful to observe that the Archdeacon of London. -)^ although no one could be betfer Mualif.ed. or more • useful, was not placed upon «... of them. W hiUt • oowerfuNtrelch of the imagination might reg.wd An an oversight, we are satisfied that no Nommatmg Committee yf the Synod would, or could. h.tve made such a conspicuous mistake. K we judge by the action of the clergy in putting that venerable clergy- man on committees appointed under the ba lot. we canno\ believe the, would have entirely excluded hm. from the others; and that the laity would, have left . him off.i»even more difficult to believe, as his service. , are recognized by them to be of great value. We tvould n^ be justified in asserting tlut the onnss.on bad a tendency to incfease Diocesan conSdence, or^ to enlarge Diocesan sympathy. '• ■' 'I'here is a matter of, at least; some nnporUnce, . which is ca(fSc of improvement, viz., that of AUDITING THE ACCOUNTS. - The Church Treasury, containing nearly ««i«« Imh. ^ '^':i..l «A«uW ./"«««. cull, for jt from 4 busines^' ■ * «,int of view. An annual audit is not sufficient Far be it from us to suppose any error, but we ca nnot & , '-%^ * * 1. ' « -%=k'.-- -,i — ■ ■ ■ y : . .■■. -. TJ^.^- -•• i' • " \.: ' ■ ■ ■■ . t 3i.tS-«^3 forget the finaticial dimcutttcfl in lh« Dioccii of Toronto, ctu»cd through errom of jiiilKment by tome who were high in authority. The |>erfecting of any •y«tem, htving for hn Icgitimftte object the inspiring of the highcHi confidence in the Dioceve, cannot, and will not, Ik* objected to by any loyal member of the Church. AQjif i)ecuni«ry lots, by nii.Hiakeii Judgment 1n fnvertfn^, might b« trivial, as •compared with the moral effect produced ujKin not over credulous mindji. The following < ircumstance is* liable to be mi«apprt. hendcd: In the appointment of the "l^ind and In- vestment " Committee, which in a sub committee of the Executive, dealing with all invcstmentsj we think the Standing Committee should not have shrunk from the i)crformance of a clear duty by shirking the apiwintmcnt, and |)lacing the resjionsibility u|K)n the Bishop. It IS evident that there mist have been a mistake in leaving off Archdeacon Marsh's name, who had been a member of such a very imywrtant com- mittee from the formation of the Diocese (tweHt^ftunj years), and whose knowledge and experience so pecul- ' iarly fitted him for the first iiosition. We will not attempt to account ior such^ a mistake, but every one who is conversant with the history of the Church in the Diocese, knows full well that up to^ 1873 he was • an imiwrtant instrument in creating the unbounded confidence then existing. Persons without any larg^ discerning powers may anxiously enquire, with no little uneasiness,— Why was he left off? VVc trust that the above explanatjoji will sa t isfy them Auditors' powers should be ^njarged. To take the W- fli' 4t vote by biltel aftfr notiitiuiting, would bt th€ mmt likely nicthwl Tor iiecuring the liciit men. Ihcy iiiiRhf 'iHjiiit out the effett of leginlAtkin, or executive at tion, on any fumi, and HUggCMt a remedy, Had they been artiicd with hu< h jKiwer, they niii^ht have given uneful information alHiut the nale of the Cronyn Synod Hall, which wai mM to ftkl in the erection of an «nbryo cathedral: they coutd have shown that nuch acrton , would entail a Iohji of $jA).oo |K.r annum uiwn the Diocese ; and in addition, at the end of 20 years, A ^ rontribulion amounting to at lca.st live ThouHand Dollars, would lie made to that profUrthlc institution the "Sinking I' und :" at the same time the othces would Ik: in a less convenient Itxality. We will not urry longer on this head, for- as the sword would lie over Jerusalem, we arc constrained to stay our hand. ^ ■ The sul^cct of ,■ ■ . .;■■■•. v-.^" ■•..«'*/■ *■, '■£,■; ■ .^^ N-. . PATRON A(;k ■■• ■■■' r'^'" demands vci'y careful consideration, as the dis|H:nsing^ of it exercises a most imiwrtant influence upon the Church. Indeed, it holds a primary ixwition in lcgi»-.. - lation, and is sunrounded by so many acknowledged* difficulties, that its practical adapUition to the Church's exigencies is by no means an easy wottc. All churches recognize it to be a problem of difficult solution, as cofiflicting interests are involved. Wc take up the j: consideration of it with no desire to infringe u|K)n the rights of any. It is a i)Ct theorjr witl/a few that the Episcopal office should be the sole de|)osit of author- such a theo r y, howev e r, is . ity in connection with it ; such a not in accord with the practice of the English' Church, y OOMJ^TITUtNMtAt flOVKit!e eligible. Ihe principle ^. involved k that of Trusteeship, in whi« h ck'riting tht TnHlee, but a^ Iti romi>onenl i>artt vary from year lo ycar» it In evident that ^ matter of preteniaw^ tiofi <^an ch%nxc. It i* timply a matter thcrefort aa to howTar a Synod in morally liintificfl in delcgatmg Iti pbwer^. where Clerical and Uy intcrett* ^ a ipiHtiial and material nature are concerned : further- more, it demand* care ai io the wiidop t)f ^ |»rA- cedure. no far as the general intcretitt liT the Church are involvetl, becau^ certain positions carry an mrtu- ence independent of the merit of ability of the holder, if any over zealous Kpiwopalian should suppose that the Bishop is entitled by virtue of his ofTice to the fight of presentation, hi« enthnsinsm would bring hmi into collision with the practice of the Church ih Kng- P. land, and in other Colontat Dioceses, as well as with the sister Church in the United States, »e would -^nd himself liemtned in, when learning that the right of prentutnlion to P.irishcH is just ai much a tnii^t com- /inittcd to the Synod in its legislative capacity, as any other trnst ; and that if, of right, it should be exer cised by the Hishop, so also should the responsibility „of caitying out every .other trust. If it be declared that the Bishop has the right by virtue of his office to control and direct this trust, then to carry out the principle, he would have a right to control and ditcct ri\ lagiih|tiop, md be the ^^Q,^*"^^^^^^^^ Ug^^- m ■-^^ m CONfiTITUTIONAr. OOVRRNMENT "'$:■ tive Aisembly and the Executive Committee. Over . zealous Episcopalians should- i>ause and consider liefore they assume such a position, which is at varl-. ance with the system to which they belong, and their "xeal not being according to knowledge" would by them open to the grave charge of dUhyaUy to Con« stitutional law, and moral order. The matter is one which calls for wise action, so that the Trust may be properly eiiecuted. The wisdom of the Mother Church is shown by placing the right of presenti^ion in various forms, and not eeMraliziMg it in the Episcopate. It ~ would safor of presumption for an infant ofispring,to~ say of the parent institution, hoary with age, that her ■-■ governing counsels were unwise : it would be a piece ef unbearable precocity, which only the most advanced Ritualist could tolerate. It seems to be wisdom to ^ learn from the parent, especially from sucji a parent as England's Church, and for the child to imbibe and practice a principle fostered so carefully through man^ ages, and adapt it to the special circumstances > in which she is plated. As it would be unwise, so it ; would be immoral,' to place such a vital trust in a position over which the Synod would have no power: •therefore, a safe method of carrying out the trust would be a committee annually elected to nominate to vacant parishes, and their presentation to have the approval of the administrator of the Diocese. By this means we believe the trust would be guarded as sectireiy as any earthly trust cari be, /and that the Bishop, the Clergy, the Laity, and the Church collec- tivel^f WQuld e2|ch h^ve ^heir legitimate rights accorded §;; AND SYNOU LEGISLATION. 51 §■■_ Ihcm. This we bcHOvc to be the proper principle, and as to the dctattsHn carrying it out, they must be of a tuture not to clog the machinery in its working. ' As to the influence a Bishop can use, lieyond the right of consent, will deilbnd, and very properly depend, upon the moral power and sound judgment he possesses ; and truly it will be a great assistance to him, if he can realize that his position is a mf^ed Trust. , Another subject which has engaged attention is that relating to the system of ^ • ... ... . KLECTING bISHOPS. We shall not dwelt upon this, although deserving much attention. We know of no system which, in the _ exigency of the Church, can be made to supplant the|i elective one. It is open to improvement by purify- ing tKe system of its political ch»ac^er, and disarming any aspirant to the office of such means as would ^rv able him to coerce an ^lector by intimidatifjij, or obtain his franchise tlirough the unlawful use of patronage. The only practical method would seem to be that of purging the Synod of the leaven of centralized power, so that each member will be free to follow a conscientious conviction of duty, without prejudice to himself in any way. 'More than this will be beyond legislation to accomplish, and it must depend for moral improvement upon that agency which wrought effectually oh the day of Pentecost. The sphere of ' legislation is to protect men so that they can do their duty: it is only the constraining influence of Christ's 03 ,^»?*S8K^' CONSTITUTIOK/IL OOVBRNMBNT* love that can make them willing to do it in the day of God's power We now suggest a few propositions foi; tl^; consideration of Churchmen, with a view to LEGISLATION. ; 1. For the purpose of securing a conscientious use of the constitutional franchise, that the vote upon any resolution, or proposed Canon, or change of Canon, be taken by ballot at the request of twelve members of the Synod. . # a. That the appointment to the office of Rural Dean be made permanent, subject only to the Canons of the _ Synod and residence' within territorial jurisdiction. - — 3. That the Executive Committee of sixty members, half clerical and half lay, be elected by the Synod in its corporate capacity, and not by the Qrders separ- ately, as at present. 4. That a committee, consisting of five of each Order, be elected by ballot to nominate all commit- tees of the Synod, excepting those chosen by ballot; that the Bishop appoint one-third of the required number, and the said committee the rest 5. That the Synod annually elect by ballot a Patron- age Committee, consisting of — members, half of which shall be from the clerical and lay Orders respec- tively, and who shall nominate, to vacant parishes ; the said nominee to have the approval of the Bishop. The following rules might direct the working thereof: - I.— To assemble at the Chapter House upon receivihg six days' notice from the Bishop, or from some one appointed by him, upon the vacancy of any govern- ment rectory, and, together with the Wardens of the \:S''m;:i .■>:■ » • "■'■.> . ■ '■ - •■ ■ ■ » ■ • * '" i- . _ « , MMBB i^HHBi M^^MM r^%- AND SYNOD LEGISLATION. 53 vicatit parish, nominate an incumbent for the said vacancy. II.— To assemble, whenever a vacancy in any parish shall uke pUce, at the request of a major- ity vote of the vestry of the parish, there being but one congregation, and proceed as in clause I. If no request sl^all be made within one month of such vacancy, the Bishop shall appoint; or, at the request of the vestry, he shall do so without delay. in,--In parishes or missions with tj^r more churches, the wardens, together with thlH^legates, shall form a committee to wait upon WRshop and arrange f«r - the appointment to such Vacant parish or mission as^ they may see fit IV.—The expenses of such Patron- age Committee shall be paid by the vestry of the church requiring the same; and in the case of the government rectories, the expense jshall be paid from out of the general purposes fund. In every case it .shall be the duty ^f the Wardens to notify the Bishop immediately upon the parish becoming vacant. If these measures commend themselves to the Laity they might greatly assist in having them placed upon the Statute Book of the Church's legislation by taking action at their respective Vestry meetings next ' Easter, or by adopting some other 4egitimate method. CONCLUSION. We have written in the interests of the Church, and , endeavored to accord to all their legitimate rights. Whilst our readers will approve the views enunciated or not, we venture to believe they will credit us with a most decided expression of them. We believe the Laity as well as. the Cleigy should thorouehly under- ,1' . ' ^9 T^f ■'M' 54 COWST irUTIONAL 6oyjRVTMgNT f . . itand the wortt^of the Chujrc.h, silas to be prepared to ; do their part in legislatioiv \ To ihcm an i(ni>ortant talent has ()cei) committed, and injhe use of it the 4^ future of the Church greatly dependrfor it« prospcnty. . Whilst naone can lawfully o5]ect to their taking an active part in legisUtion, and using th|;ir influentte to direct it, we Are satisfied they.will have no dcsife tof ' entreiich upon those spiritual fimctions belonging tO% the Ministry. We have no sympathy with the.reroaric of a elcrgytnanV that the I^ity knew too r^iiich already. * we think they know too little, ^and if in any degree ' this pai)er proveji of servic^ to them', so a? to cause them to better jufdge of the merits and consistency of . any proposed legislation ^ich may come before thie ^^ Synod from time to time, w^^all cor>sider our labor ^ well repaid. VVe bcrtievc remedial measures arc neces- sgiry to check aggressive power, and' that it will only i.e by fL wise and prudfent • use ol their franchise thar days of trouble will be averted, in which all mi^^ht • have cause to §ay, •' We have no pleasure m them.' Our jmmary object has been to deal with the prjn-, ciples of Government, and secure to all their due influence as membeh of that body of which Christ is the head. Acknowledging the necessary agency of the Spirit to make any work effectual/or goodj we "Cast our bread upon- the waters/' leaving it to An, Invisible a^d Almightv hand to direct its course, for to Him belong the kingdom, the power and the glory. ' "The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me. He that ruleth over men must be just, ruTmg in the fear of God."— (2 Samuel 23 ch., 3 verse.) _ ERRATA -On page 9, Ime 17. read "Constitu- tional Government" instead of " Constitutional pnn ciples." On page 16, line 2, read '* Daniel" instead of '• DaviJl." On page 26, line 18, read "twenty'- sixth" instead of " twenty-six." -^ I. . " ' iii . ■■■>• - ''* * ■ ■•'■'•• ^Sv' f ;.' ■i\f V- » ^ •a , ^' to ant : the b an to tof ' 5_to%' laric idy. ' ;re« .use y of . • ''l^t^CT- — > ■ xV ' ■ ■HI "■^p«- J^ i . /i> 'M \ ^ l" ' . . .* * • • • % i J' ' ' « I ^ • -* pjK 1 # ■"J^ • « » . ■ 1 1 / '»* f l*iJ^ » * i' ^ II \ 4 ^ .SJ * -' '^ «• . • \ te ' . »-*_» ' t ^F'. ■• • '. .^, , * \ ' - <> % ■■ ,|r, 4' i ' ) ,1 • ♦ ■ * ♦ ^ ■ f-- ' . ■ .. 4) It \ .# \ ' y • Mi f '• .■^- _ „ t - ' > < ji ^ • , . '. - , s • "" - . + - t • . '•'V ..; > ■ i ■ 1 ; ', >.. ' ■ - « - If^**^ _f .*. .-«. tetX*^ i .b^v