IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I ■- IIIIIM 1112 1^ 12.2 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 ■• 6" ► * elure, a J The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanks to the generosity of: Harold Campbell Vaughan Memorial Library Acadia University. The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copiea in printed paper coven are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illuatratad impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. Ail other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the laat page with a printed or illustrated impreasion. The laat recorded fmme on each microfiche shaJI contain the symbol —^(meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Maps, plates, charts, etc.. may be filmed at different reduction ratios. 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Un dee symboles suivants apparaitra sur la dami4re image de cheque microfiche, selcn le caa: la symbole — ^ signifie "A SUIVR6", le symbola V signifie "FIN". Lea cartea. planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmAe i des taux de reduction diffirents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich*. il est film« i partir da I'angia sup4riaur gauche, de gauche it droite, et da haut en baa. en prenant le nombre d'Images nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants iilustrent la m^thode. A CHARGE DELIVERED TO THE CiiERGY OF NEWFOUNDLAND ON ST. JOHN BAPTI^'-^S DAY, M.DCCC.LVIII. By EDWARD FEILD, D. D. BISHOP OF NBWFOUNDLAND. OXFORD: PBINTBO BT J. WRIGHT, FRINTBR TO TH« UNIVKBSITT. 1859. m ^1 I f 1 THI I VR i A CHARGE DELIVERED TO THE CLERGY OF NEWFOUNDLAND ON ST. JOHN BAPTISTS DAY, M.DCCC.LVIII. By EDWARD FEILD, D. D. BISHOP OF NEWFOUNDLAND. OXFORD: PRINTED BY J. WRIGHT, PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY. 185J>. il TH St. Joi Nov. TO THE CLERGY OF NEWFOUNDLAND THIS CHARGE, PRINTED AT THEIR REQUEST, IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED BY THEIR FAITHFUL BROTHER AND SERVANT, EDWD. NEWFOUNDLAND. St, John's, Nov. 15, 1858. t 3St3^ 1 J J i , I X c .-.,. ,h 'T -i J^^ -U-Vf ^ ' • >-. „» ^ ■ •» i' ^» fr'» 1 if/* r»»a,'^ .' 1 . , , *.« "^^^t^ /^.>K In^^-y . fV^rr* *yA / /f-OU- .^^.cL^ ■ / 1^* ,..i hj L f : c c E S P s E T A T L C Si VV C( Tl H Li Li Ct Pi Li E( C( CONTENTS i 1 'li ] CONTENT S. y V \ I X Obituury Notices ., ^ Bishop lilomficltl 2 Archdeacon Bridge » Rev. J. G. Mountain , Rev. T. Boland .".■'..'.'.............. 8 Clergymen removed. . Clergymen admitted jj, 2 ' Episcopal Services ^ ^ Statistics Position of the Church, . . , , Services in the Cathedral j 1 Embellishments The Cross 24 Apostolical Succession „ , The Eucharist 32 l.ra\v of Marriage £ Convocation 4 > Diocesan Synods jv Support of the Clergy ^ Widows' and Orphans' Fund Confirmation 50 The Lord's Supper Holy Baptism o Lay Baptism ^ Lay Marriages -i Catechizing ^ Preaching aa. ° 00 Life and Example ^ Education ^ Conclusion .... ■ ; 70 Apprndix __ 75 JK y I A CllAlUiK A CHARGE &c. My Reverend Brethren, It is almost superfluous to remark that, in the four years which have eUipsed since my last general visitation, many important events have occurred, deeply affecting our Church both at home and in this Colony. They are indeed far too many and important to admit of being all dwelt on, or even mentioned, on this occasion. It must suffice if I remind you of those most nearly affecting ourselves, and from which we may, with God's help, draw either warning or encouragement, instruction or admonition, as Ministers of Christ's Church in this Colony of Newfoundland. Some of these events are of a character v/hich cannot but throw a tinge ot sadness upon our solemn meeting ; while we look in vain for those faces, and listen in vain for those voices, so familiar, so dear to many of you ; — the faces and voices of brethren the first to greet and to be greeted on former like occasions : — and while we rejoice with and for those who are yet spared we shall rejoice with trembling. But before I allude particularly to those whose B removal we chiefly have so much cause to deplore, I must be permitted to pay a passing tribute of re- spect and gratitude to that good and kind Prelate, (the late Bishop of London,) by whose recommenda- tion, and at whose instance, I was promoted to, and induced to undertake, the charge of this Diocese. I may be excused for alluding to this circumstance, not indeed as adding to his praise, but certainly as increasing my reverence and gratitude. His praise however and our gratitude may be joined and expressed together for his earnest unceas- ing solicitude for this and every other Colonial Diocese ; to which I am prepared to bear abundant testimony. To his pious and prudent foresight and liberality the Church is chiefly indebted for the Colonial Bishopric Fund, by, or through, which so many new Colonial Sees have been in great part endowed or maintained: while through his influ- ence with successive Secretaries of State other ob- stacles, not less serious than want of funds, were happily overcome. These are his deeds generally known, and as generally and deservedly admired ; but that which is less known is equally worthy of praise and gratitude, at least on our part ; I mean, that he, the same good Bishop, while pursuing his large-hearted schemes of usefulness, extended his bounty, and tendered his counsel, to his Colonial brethren and their Churches in every time of need. I may have occasion to refer more particularly to one instance of his sympathy and solicitude, but I would now declare in general, that whenever I had occasion to seek his advice or assistance (and one 3 or other I sought frequently), my applications always met with a kind and ready response, though I had no personal claim upon his regard or atten- tion. I forbear to speak of his great exertions and undertakings for his own vast Diocese, through which, I believe, among other good works, nearly one hundred new Churches have been erected in London alone, and partly endc^eda. These, and many other like works, as I have already remarked, are generally known, and as generally and de- servedly admired : I have been only concerned to show his claim particularly on our grateful remem- brance, as the generous friend and ready counsellor of your Bishop : and I doubt not of many others similarly situated, or standing in any need of his advice or liberality. On the first and most important of the losses in our own ranks, which so nearly and deeply affect us, I will say but little ; because I am persuaded it is so felt and appreciated by you, that no words of mine would realize your expectations, or supply more than your own thoughts and recollections will suggest. An Archdeacon, it has bee i said, is the Bishop's eye, but in losing Archdeacon Bridge, I lost not an eye only, but, as it were, a hand and a foot ; not only an eye to see, but a hand to labour, a foot to come and go, in all my work and duty ; nay, and not only the eye, the hand, and the foot, but the mind to think, and the heart to feel, even for me. in the midst of his other thousand cares and solici- a In the whole Diocese tht Jishop conpecrated one hundred and ninety-eight Churches. B 2 tudesb. And I believe there is hardly one among you, who in any way required his aid or counsel, who did not in some measure prolit by his manifold gifts. Whether as Archdeacon and Commissary, or as Chairman of the Board of Education, or Super- intendent 01 the School Society, or simply as fiiend and adviser of his younger brethren,— in one or other of these capacities,— he was, I believe, known to, and admired by, you all : and all felt it as a heavy blow and chastisement when he was taken from us in the full career of his labours and ser- vices ; his labours for all and services for all ; though chiefly, as I most gratefully profess, for me. Alas ! my Brother ! But, Blessed are th dead which die in the Lord from henceforth : yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours ; and their works do follow them^. Of Mr. Mountain I may say, if he was less gene- rally known, that must be put to his praise : for it was by his own choice, and in sincere self-denial and deep humility, that he laboured for seven years in an obscure and remote Mission in this Island; when he might have obtained, and would have adorned, a high position in the Church at home, amid numerous fond and admiring friends. But he was prepared, in the true spirit of a disciple and minister of Christ, he was prepared, and enabled by God's grace, to leave all for Christ's and the king- dom of heaven's sake. And it is not, I trust, im- proper to mention that, conscious of a high and fiery temperament by nature, he continually sought '' See Appendix. c Revelation xiv. 13. by prayer and fasting, in denial of self and labours of love for others, that this and every other kind of evil spirit might be cast out<^. His labours, and, I might truly add, his sufferings as a Missionary, were, in some respects, peculiarly great and exemplary, inasmuch as, always afflicted more or less by sea- sickness, he continued to visit the numerous settle- ments of his extensive district in the boats and vessels of the fishermen, as well as in one built for himself: and, though by nature and education of highly refined taste, never drew back from the meanest lodging or coarsest fare. Often in the fisherman's cottage he would sleep, or pass the night, or a bench or settle, to be ready, with or before the dawn, to meet the men going forth to their work, that they might not go without prayers and a blessing. His boat was built chiefly that he might have opportunities of private conference with those who sought, or who, without seeking, might be induced to receive his counsels and instructions. His own residence was always open, as a place of lodging and refreshment, to the poorest of his flocl-i : and on some occasions the sick and diseased were received only to die there in comparative comfort, having things necessary for their bodily and spiritual wants. I cannot forbear the expression of my spe- cial admiration of, and gratitude for, the manner in which he fulfilled all the duties required of him in the new and arduous office of Rural Dean ; visiting frequently all the Clergy of his district, correspond- ing with them, receiving and entertaining them at '' See St. Mark ix. 29. () his own house; instructing, counselling, and en- couraging them, not by word only, but by example. In his Church the order of Morning and Evening Prayer daily throughout the year was never inter- mitted for any cause but his own illness or absence from home. His collections for the Church Society increased to a large amount, and were duly trans- mitted to the Ti-easurer from a poor district, though we may be sure he felt all an English gentleman's repugnance to requiring or receiving contri jutions, w^hich were supposed, or represented, to be for his own support or benefit. He engaged however and persisted in these collections, in the conviction that such acknowledgments are due to the Church al- ways and in all places, and in this country neces- sary for the spiritual maintenance and groAvth, as well of the individual members as of the Church at large. Even the poor, he thought, might thus prove and improve their devotion to their Church and Minister ; and by acknowledging this among their first debts, might find the sure and full reward of their honesty and industry. I have dwelt longer upon these parts of his life and ministry, both be- cause in these the exceeding grace of God in him was specially manifested, and because to the ma- jority of you they may be specially instructive and encouraging. And, for the same reasons, I must not omit to mention, that in the midst of these manifold labours and services, he ever remembered and kept his promise, to " be diligent in Prayers, and in reading of the Holy Scriptures, and in such studies as help to the knowledge of the same :" by which studies he arrived at those sound and en- larged views of divine truth, which our Clmrch has instructed us to teach as collected out of the Scrip- tures "by the Catholic Fathers and ancient Bishops." To their writings, as helps to the knowledge of Holy Scripture, he gave much time and attention ; and the result and reward were, as I believe generally to be the case, that deeper insight into, and appre- ciation of, the Catholic Faith, and of the necessity of " keeping it whole and undefiled." After seven years' service as a Missionary, Mr. Mountain at my request removed to a situation and sphere more suited to his talents and attainments : and shortly after entered into those relations of do- mestic and social life, which he could so well adorn and appreciate. Yet never did he suffer his devo- tion and duty to flag ; never did he count these things, or even his life, dear unto him, so that he might finish his course with joy, and give full proof of his ministry. Need I remind you how both these devoted men,— in the highest place successively, next to their Bishop, in the Diocese, and with all the comforts and enjoyments of domestic life,— fell before the pestilence, in visiting and ministering to the poorest and most destitute, in their mean and miserable abodes ? Yes, there fell— not in the pur- suit of wealth or fame, not earning laurels in their country's cause, or otherwise gaining or seeking for themselves reward or renown, but in the discharge of their duty to God and His Church, in ministering to Christ's poor in bodily and spiritual things,-- there and thus fell our first and chief, our best and ' i| dearest, the men in the judgment of us all most worthy of our admiration and regard, and to whom we all might look for instruction or assistance, ac- cording to our several places and occasions. They are gone from us ; but surely by their deaths, as in thoir lives, they speak to us, they instruct, they en- courage us. Surely they speak to us of and for that Church and that Saviour, whom they so loved and served ; they instruct us how, by God's grace, to make our service and ministry acceptable and pro- fitable ; they encourage us in leaving, if need be, and losing, all for the brethren, and chiefly for those- whose souls are committed to our charge. Let it not be said of us. The righteous perisheth, and no man layetli it to heart \ and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. ^ No: can I omit to bear honourable testimony to the worth and devotion of another brother, no less suddenly and unexpectedly taken away, while no less faithfully and efficiently, according to the means and opportunities afforded him, pursuing and ful- filling his ministry. Mr. Boland had been led by his concern for a sick parishioner, being himself at the time in a much enfeebled state of health, to ex- pose himself to the storm, in which, all unattended and unseen, he perished. He fell in the zealous discharge of his duty, and will be welcomed, we trust and believe, equally with his more distin- guished brethren in the ministry, l)y their all-gra- cious Lord, who requires but as He gives — will be \ ^ Isaiah Ivii. i. 9 welcomed with one and the same sweet word of commendation, " Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord J ! let not these examples, whether for instruc- tion or warning, be lost upon us ! If we may " not attain to the first three," we may, in our measure and according to the grace given us, copy and follow them in those works and ways, which made them and their ministry so acceptable, and, as we trust, profitable. And ! let us observe and remember how short our time may be, nay is ; how we may be cut off in the midst of our days and of our \ < ik, and that blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when He cometh shall find so doing, k In addition to these more grievous losses, I have to regret the departure, since our last Visitation, of two Missionaries on account of failing health, and of one who, having laboured nearly twenty years in this Diocese, has, not unreasonably, desired to find employment in his native country of Nova Scotia. And now I may call upon you to acknowledge with me, and praise God for. His mercy and good- ness, Who, in answer, I trust and believe, to many effectual fervent prayers, has enabled me in so short a time, and to such an extent, to repair these great, and as it almost seemed irreparable, losses. I have the liveliest satisfaction in presenting to you an Archdeacon, who has already given proof of his zeal and ability, in that and other important offices, in another Colonial Diocese, after having for several years fulfilled che duties of parish priest in Eng- f St. Matt. XXV. 21. e St. Matt. xxiv. 46. 10 land ; and who, though as yet little known to you aa that chief officer, next to your Bishop, to whom is committed the charj^e and government over you, has justified in this Parish the high encomiums of his parochial ministrations both in England and Montreal, and has given abundant evidence of his will and ability to advise and assist you in all your work and duty. Nor can I refrain from mentioning with thankfulness that St. Augustine's College has furnished us another of her well-disciplined and well-instructed sons : and that a member and gra- duate of the University of Oxford has left his home and friends and pleasant parish, and come over to help us, moved by his concern for our desolation and bereavement ; and desiring to devote himself as he 1 as devoted himself, to the service of the Church, in one of the most obscure and arduous of our Missions. The other vacancies have been sup- plied, or are in course of being supplied, by the young men (four in number in the last two years) who have completed their course, and obtained sa- tisfactory testimonials in the Theological College of this Diocese ; and who deserve, as they desire, your brotherly regard and the help of your prayers. Of my own services since the last Visitation, while I acknowledge and regret their inefficiency, and feel how much I stand in need of your indulgence in many points, I cannot but record with devout thank- fulness, and I am persuaded you will rejoice with me and for me, that (notwithstanding tlie manifold trials and duties which have come upon me in this Parish) I have been enabled to visit every Mission 11 and every Church in Newfoundlr.nd and on the Coast of Labrador; as well as numerous settle- ments, where as yet, alas ! there is neither fold nor shepherd, neither Cliurch nor Minister. I have ad- ministered Confirmation in seventy Churches, and several times on board my Church Ship, and have conveyed the grace of that ordinance, and the bene- fits and blessings of full communion, to, among others for the first time, some Esquimaux Indians. Since our last Meeting here, two thousand four hun- dred and sixty-three persons in Newfoundland and the Labrador have taken upon themselves, in my pre- sence, the vows and promises of Baptism, and been thereupon confirmed. I have consecrated fourteen Churches and sixteen or seventeen Graveyards ; — two of the former and one of the latter on the coast of Labrador. Twice in this interval I have visited Bermuda, and performed there all the usual Epi- scopal duties. In my voyages and other journeys to and fro, I have been mercifully preserved from all serious harm and loss, though exposed to some known, and I doubt not many unknown, dangers. There are now, in this portion of the Diocese, seventy-five consecrated Churches, and a somewhat larger number of Graveyards ; thirty-seven licensed and officiating Missionary Clergymen, exclusive of three engaged in Tuition ; and forty-four thousand two hundred and eighty-five (44,285) registered Church members.— The Census returns include, in the above number, one thousand six hundred and forty-seven (1,647) of our members on the French shore, but do not include upwards of one thousand 12 residents on the liabrador, between Blanc Sablon and Sandwich Bay. Supposing the numbers re- ported on the Labrador (1050) to be divided ay fol- lows, viz. members of the Church of England 1000. Roman Catholics 310, and other Denominations 331, (which I am satisfied is not taking more than our share,) the totals by the last Census just i)ublished are— Romnn Catholics 57,226, Church of England 45,285, and all other Denominations 21,745. We have no reason to complain of the result of the Census ; the increase of our numbers, fi-om 34,000 in 1843 to 4:^,000 in 1857, (exclusive of tlie French Shore and Labrador,) is considerable ; and, as far as such a circumstance can be, encouraging. I must avow my belief however, that, jdaced as I conceive we are (where the truth always is) between two extremes— I allude to the Roman Catholics and the Wesleyans— we must not expect to maintain a progressive and relative increase ; to say nothing J the large number of our members, particularly of the upper class, who have left and are leaving the Island. It is but too manifest that they who mistake or mislike the Truth and us will find, on one or the other side, a Creed and profes- sors adapted to their views and congenial to their taste. It has been sM, indeed, that "the Truth is great, and will prevail/ but all experience shows that this maxim does not apply to every, or per- haps I should say any, particular time or place; nor can it contravene our blessed Master's doctrine, alas ! of universal application, Strait is the gate, and Ttarrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there -tr- Id he that find it •'. My meaning is, that wliilo we may humbly thank Gob for the increuje, hoping that it is by His grace and for His glory, we must not build upon it too confidently; nor, on the other liand, be too much cast down, if at any time tliis or that error is allowed to prevail, and the true disciples of Jesus and His Clmrch are again as a " little flock." The warning of St. Paul to his brethren at Ephesus can never be without its meaning and application : / know this, that after my dcjmrture shall (jricvous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the fioch ; also of your own selves shall ?nen arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watchK And the Apostle, we believe, made no reference to worldly politics and preferments, nor thought how largely these would enlist Christian men on the side of this or that religious party and profession. It appears indeed by the Census that the proportionate increase of the Roman Catholics has not kept pace with that of ourselves ; but this circumstance, 1 conceive, must be accounted for rathjr by emigration from the country, than by separation ot their members from their Church and party, or at least by their adhesion to the Truth and us,— by any cause rather than a disposition to spare the flock ** ; while, on the other hand, the increase of the Wesleyans, now as- suming the name and fuu'^.tions of a Church, makes but too manifest their desire and endeavour to draw away disciples after them. It is not necessary to insist on the presence and effect of that worldly •» St. Matt. vii. 14. ' Acts xx. 29, 30. k See Appendix. 14 element which, I have remarked, was not calcu- lated upon even bj' the Apostle himself. Let us then, — while we congratulate ourselves, and humbly thank God, that the numbers ranged with us on the side of Truth have increased and are increasing — let us think more of the Truth itself; let us strive to maintain it, and be maintained by it, against all inventions of men on either side. Let neither increase nor decrease, fear nor favour, prefer- ment nor loss, tempt us to depart from that dispen- sation of the Gospel which has been committed to us, or that Church which is the pillar and ground of the Truth, Specially let us beware of supposing that the " Kingdom which is not of this world " can be extended or supported, I mean in its spiritual character or condition, by worldly politics or prefer- ments, and as steadily refuse to employ its spiritual weapons for worldly profit or ascendancy. We may be accused of stiffness, shortsightedness, ignorance of our own and the Church's interests; but what says an Apostle ? speaking the Truth in love, we may groiv up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ; from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, c 3- cording to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love '. It is something to know our position, which, in the present day and in this country, we can hardly mistake. On one side there is the Roman, claiming to be the old and only Catholic Church, yet surely ' Ephesiaiis iv. 15, 16. 15 • contradicting its own pretensions by the very name of Rome, and by its many additions and develop- ments both of faith and practice. On the other side there is the Wesleyan, equally glorying, we may suppose, in its new state and title : though how that can be a Church at all, which is new and called by a man's name, would have seemed strange to most Bible Christians a hundred years ago, and to no person more so than to the Revd. John Wesley himself'". Now, placed as we are between these two systems and parties, and having affinities v/ith both, it is easy to perceive liow readily our people may fall into one or the other extreme, and how difficult it must be to maintain our position against two such different and opposite antagonists. Take two or three obvious instances. If we contend for the use of ancient symbols, and specially of that which is the most ancient, most sacred, and most suggestive of all, — the symbol of that in which only St. Paul would glory, — we are presently accused or suspected of Popery ; if we make light of symbols, and specially of the Cross, we are asked where is our resemblance in this regard to the Church of our forefathers, and in what do we diifer from the Meeting-house? When we maintain the necessity of an Apostolical succession, as of the very essence of a Church, we are reminded that the Romanists make it essential also: and when we refer to the doctrines and practices of our Reformers, do not, it is said, even the Wesleyans so ? And yet it cannot but be an a priori argument in '» See Appendix. 16 our favour, with all pious and unprejudiced minds, that we do occupy this middle position, and retain all that is Catholic] in both systems : that while we trace our Church, with her Bishops and Pastors, in unbroken succession from Christ and His Apostles, we contend no less earnestly for the Faith once for all delivered to the Saints". And it appears to me that the safe and real way of resisting the aggres- sions and refuting the assertions of either party or of both together, is by shewing that our Church is the Church of Christ and His Apostles, and that we are one with them, and all true Saints, in faith and practice. We have reason, I think, to be thank- ful that on one side the developments of doctrine are more openly avowed, and modern revelations more unhesitatingly maintained, because nothing can be more contrary to the faith and profession of the Ca- tholic Fathers ; while, on the other side, the recent assumption of the name and functions of a Church seems to carry with it its own confutation, and to be opposed to the constant protestations and m.ost earnest injunctions of Mr. Wesley. Certain it is, that amidst all his irregularities, (irregularities wliich he admitted, justifying them, I believe, on the plea of necessity,) he constantly protested his adherence to the Church of England, and earnestly enjoined it on his followers ; thus solemnly warning them, " If you forsake the Church of England, God will forsake you." A Society in a Church, as con- templated and established by Mr. Wesley, is widely diiferent from a Church; the latter assuming all n St. Jude 3, 4. 17 the functions of the Ministry, which the other left in episcopally ordained hands. Surely the very title, " The Wesleyan Church," will help to convince some men how widely they have departed from the Church and from Wesley. Surely the question of an Apostle will come home to some hearts. Is Chriat divided ? was Paul crucified for you f m' were ye bap- tized in the name of Paul '^ f Let us not however forget, in exposing these errors, — not for victory, but for the Truth's sake, and for the love of Christ and His Church*- let us not forget that the Church of England, and much more that we, the ministers of that Church, must make no claim to infallibility ; and that it specially becomes us to speak the Truth, (as we receive and believe it,) in Love, and to let our moderation be known unto all men. Let us, as admonished by an Apostle, he pitiful be courteous, not re7iderina evil for evil, or railing for railing ; but contrariwise, blessing ; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing^. Having on a former occasion spoken of my desire and purpose, with God's help and blessing, to make the Services in our Cathedral and Mother Church proportionate to its design, and to the means and opportunities afforded us, I would now venture to call your attention to the degree in which that desire and purpose have been attained and fulfilled. We have been enabled, then, with scarcely an inter- ruption, to celebrate the Divine Service three times every Lord's Day, and twice all the other days of ° 1 Cor. i. 13. P I Teter iii. y. 18 the week ; with the Litany alone, at a different hour, on Wednesdays and Fridays. The Lord's Supper has been administered every Sunday and on all the Festivals for which there is a proper Preface, and on a few other special occasions. Public Baptism has been administered and children received into the Church only after the Second Lesson on Sun- days or other Holy-days ; and " the Thanksgiving of Women after Childbirth " has been used only before Service in the Church. In this manner (that is, after the Second Lesson on Sundays or other Holy-days) not less than four hundred and twenty children, with a few adults, have been publicly baptized or received into the Church. (I ani con- fining myself to the interval of time since my last Visitation.) The number of Communicants who received here on Easter Sunday this year was three hundred and thirty, being one hundred and thirty more than on any former occasion. For this in- crease at tha particular season we are in part indebted to the practice, lately introduced, of cele- brating the Holy Communion twice (at 8 and 11 o'clock) on the greater Festivals : and how accept- able that practice is to the Congregation may be judged from the fact, that the number present, for the Communion only, at eight o'clock on Easter Day, was one hundred and sixty-nine : being ac- tually ijiore than in the usual service at eleven o'clock. There has been a considerable increase also in the numbers of those who partake at every early Communion, and who find, we trust, the be- nefit and blessing of thus commencing their Sab- M 19 M bath. The amount of Alms collected at the Otfer- tory last year (1857) was £102. 17^. 5rf.; while the Monthly Collections (in lieu of pew-rents) for the Churchwardens' expenses realized £145. 1 7^. Id. ; together £248. 14*. 6les which Statutes and Acts of Parliament have not created, and which they cannot abrogate. I cannot quit this subject without entreating you, and, as far as I nuiy, and it may be necessary, en- joining you, to make due and careful inquiries re- specting the de^rree of atHnity, the age of the parties, and all other circumstances affecting the lawfulness and propriety of any proposed marruige at which you may be invited to officiate. I am aware of the difficulties which often beset you, in consequence of the seafaring and unsettled life of the majority of our people ; the distance at which many of them reside from any Minister ; the impossibility of ob- taining the necessary hiformation, in numy in- stances, except from the report of the parties them- selves, and, above all, the facilities given them to be married by others. Ministers and Laymen. But when you consider how deeply the peace and in- terest of families, as well as of particular persons, are concerned— to say nothing of the honour of the Church, your own honour, and, I must add your peace of mind, in the event of any irregularity —you will see the duty and necessity of making these inquiries, and of refusing to proceed without all due and reasonable satisfaction. Great shame, if I should not rather say great guilt, must attach to the Minister who, neglecting these considerations, pronounces thorn to be man and wife together, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the 4(1 llolv Gliost, who arc t()rl)i(l(lon to enter tliat sacred relationship l>y the letter or rule of Goo's Holy Word, or tiie laws of tiie country, or the, only hy one decree less aN\'ful and autlioritative, prohiljition of parents and lawful ouardians. I have on former occasions expressed my Avish and hope that yon miuht, 1)V de Ibid. 13. 14. 46 2. The second ground of justification is the consti- tution of our National Church, the Cliurch of Eng- land, in and of which we in this colony are meml)ers. That constitution does not allow professed, or real, members of the Church to demand services of tlie Clergy, except as Parishioners, and they demand them as Parishioners on the ground that the Clergy- man is paid by the Parish. I allude especially to the Sacraments and visits in sickness, for, for other services, fees and offerings are paid even by Pa- rishioners. 3. The third ground of justification is the duty which every Missionary Clergyman in this Colony owes to charitable members of the Church at home, and specially to the Venerable Society for the Pro- pagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. I need not remind you, (though some others, it seems, require still to be reminded,) that the Missionary Clergy in this Colony are in very great part supported by the free bounty of the Church, or rather of Church peo- ple, rich and poor, at home, administered by the Venerable Society. And I contend that every Cler- gyman is rather justified in requiring payment for his services from the people among whom, and to whom, he ministers, than in taking it from persons on whom he has no claim, and who subscribe and give, on the supposition that they who receive and profit by his services are unable to make due and sufficient remuneration. Lastly, every Missionary in this Colony is justi- fied by the concern which he has, or ouglit to have, in and for the many still destitute of, or imperfectly 47 supplied with, religious privileges and means of grace; inasmuch as he knows that it is hy, or tlirough, these payments in the older Missions that new Missions must be established. While, however, I set forth these pleas in justification, I beg it may be understood that I do not require, and have not re- quired, any Clergyman to withhold the offices or or- dinances of the Church from any persons professing themselves members of the Church, who even refuse their annual contributions. I am desirous, as in duty bound, to ler.ve, as I have left, the practical application of these principles in your hands ; trust- ing to your prudence, justice, and charity. I cannot help perceiving that still in some minds, possibly even of the Clergy, there is a lurking idea that the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts is indebted to us for our services,— that we are " doing the Society's work." B:.t surely one moment's reflection will convince every honoiu*- able and unprejudiced mind, that the debt and obli- gation lie upon those for whom and to whom the work is done. It is but, as the Apostle speaks, rob- bing otiier Churches, if we take wages from them, to spare the flock we feed, and the vineyard we plant or tend. This idea has specially prevailed in regard of some provision supposed to be due from the Society to the Widows and Orphans of their deceased Missionaries. But that the Society has assisted us, or rather our Congregations in supporting us, can give no claim upon its further liberality, when it is considered in whose behalf, and for whose benefit, the life is spent or sacrificed, as well as the work 48 done. These considerations, and the certainty that the Society does not recognise any sucli claim npon its funds, seem to point to the duty and necessity of obtaining some provision from the members of the Church here (as is done in the other North American Colonies) for the support or relief of the families of Clergymen dying in their service. The subject was frequently pressed upon my notice by your late Archdeacon ; and although the liberality of his con- gregation and friends here and in England (of which I make mention with sincere and deep gratitude) left nothing to be desired on account of his family, and similar liberality was shown to Mrs. Boland and lier children ; yet it is not right always to de- pond on or expect such aid, and it cannot but be satisfactory to the Clergy to be assured of some settled and permanent provision for their families in the event of their removal. And as I conceive this provision ought to be made by those in whose behalf, and for whose benefit, the Clergy have, as I said, spent or riacrificed their lives, I would prefer removing from it all the apparatus — the nice proba- bilities, and exact calculations — of an assurance society. With a view to such provision, the Com- mittee of the Church Society are prepared to recom- mend the sum of 500/. of their funds, to be invested : and I haA^e the gi r.tification of announcing two very liberal donations, one of 75/. and another of 100/. for the same pious and charitable purpose. I cannot turn my thoughts to your distant Mis- sions, and the visits I have been privileged to make to them and you, without expressing the grateful 49 sense I entertain of your endeavours to render these visits in all respects, personal as well as official, agreeable and sat sfactory. I can truly say that, in the midst of some fightings without and fears within, I have been reft-eshcd and strengthened by your kind attentions, and your endeavours to further our common object and purpose. And I desire these declarations may be borne in mind, if I should ap- pear in any point to expect yet further exertions. The chief, or at least most ostensible, object of a Bishop's periodical visits is, to confirm with gifts of the Holy Ghost, through prayer and laying on of hands, those persons, young or old, whose hearts and understandings have been prepared to expect and receive them. But that these gifts cannot be really expected or profitably received without such preparation, is no more, I presume, than we all ac- knowledge and teach. Now I did not fail to recog- nise the almost insuperable difficulty, in many cases, of imparting the needful instruction, in consequence of the widely separated and hardly accessible habi- tations of your scattered flocks, and the irregular nature of their avocations ; and I was satisfied that in most instances every exertion was made to over- come these obstacles. But I venture to think that even these are not sufficient excuse for presenting candidates merely upon their request, or with a single and perfunctory examination. Neither ought you to content yourselves with imparting to them even a perfect knowledge of the short Catechism, unless you can also appeal once and again to the heart and conscience, and press and impress the E It r > 50 duties implied in, and consequent upon, ttie renun- ciation of the pomps and vanity of this wicked world, and the dedication of themselves to a life of obedience and holiness. And to these instruc- tions and admonitions prayer must be added with them and for them, or you will have little warrant, I fear, to expect the blessing. If now I should be asked. What must be done in cases where such preparation is not possible, where, as it may so happen, you can meet a candidate once or twice only? I would venture, in the first place, to an- swer, that this at least should not be done ; such candidates should not be presented to the Bishop as examined and approved, (and examination and ap- proval are implied in presenting them,) unless pre- vious acquaintance has satisfied you that the vows and promises will be seriously and sincerely made, and the further and higher privileges of Holy Com- munion acknowledged and appreciated. But allow me still further to observe, that the special difficul- ties under which you labour seem naturally to sug- gest the necessity of longer, or, I would rather say, of continual preparation : that, being always well informed who are and who are not confirmed, you may frequently and solemnly warn those who have neglected it, of their obligations to come forward, for Christ's and his Church's, as well as their own soul's, sake. And let it be remembered, their pre- paration for Confirmation is, or should be, a prepa- ration for a happy death, not less than for a holy life. The Bishop may be expected to visit and in- auire for them in three or four years; (and how r 61 quickly will that interval of time be gone, how short is it, in the midst of your many other duties and occupations, for making them ready !) but, long be- fore the Bishop's visit. He may appear who has said, Be ye therefore ready also ; for the Son of man Cometh at an hour when ye think not •". Let this be an additional motive for that early and anticipatory preparation I am anxious to inculcate, and through neglect of which some of you, I know, have been sorely distressed and perplexed when the Bishop's promised and expected visit drew near, I have been unwilling to fix any precise limit of years before which no child may be admitted to Confirmation, for reasons which I have stated in my circular letter ; but I entertain fears that the limi- tations of knowledge and character, which I have added, while removing those of years, have not always been sufficiently considered. Now as we are not taught by our Church to believe that the grace of Confirmation takes effect by virtue of the institution merely, when the heart is not right in the sight of God, it appears our duty to require in every Candidate some distinct proofs of intelligence and stability of purpose, and of a desire to profit by the Church's ordinances and means of grace. Let then the years of discretion, rather than the number of years, be carefully considered. Let your candi- dates fully understand the nature and object of the rite, the engagements and promises required of them, and the necessity of prayer and self-examina- tion, and this happy seedtime of holiness and reli- «n St. Luke xii. 40. E 2 n I 52 gion will be followed, we trust, with more abundant fruits, to recompense your cares and labours, and to convince the gainsayers. And let it not be forgotten, that the qualifications of Faith and Repentance, reciuired of them who come to the Lord's Supper, are required also of can- didates for Confirmation, and therefore that the ad- vance to the higher privileges of Holy Communion ought to be expected as its natural and necessary, if not immediate, consequence. If these remarks appear to any of you obvious and commonplace, let me remind you how often, how commonly, our blessed Lord's complaint of the unthankful lepers would apply in this case : Were there not ten cleansed, hut ivhere are the nine^ f How often, how conmionly, alas ! but one in ten — if one — returns to give glory to God, in and by that feast of joy and praise, without which even the giftb of the Holy Ghost must languish and die in us ; nay we must die also : for we know who has said, Ea;- cept ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His Mood, ye have no life in you "^. I would strongly advise you to keep the names of the persons confirmed written in a book, with a column or space, in which to enter the time of each presenting himself or herself for the first Commu- nion, with other particulars which may mark or indicate the advance or decline in their religious life. A card also, or ticket, given to each person after Confirmation, setting forth the fact and time, with suitable texts of Scripture, to l)e brought again. ' St. Luke xvii. 17. "' St. John vi. 5.V 53 to be signed after tlie first Comniunion, will help (and is not all help necessary ?) to keep before them their promises and obligations, and specially the duty and privilege of proceeding to the Holy Communion. On this all important subject, there is, I am per- suaded, much need of instruction and admonition ; which, begun at the season of Confirmation, should be continued and renewed in public and in private to your congregations collectively, and, if possible, to each person individually and separately. While we must not abate one jot or one tittle of the rever- ence due to these Holy Mysteries, or of the duty and necessity of so searching and examining the conscience, as to come holy and clean to such a heavenly Feast, in the marriage-garment required by God in Holy Scripture, we must again and again repeat and enforce that last injunction of our blessed and only Saviour ; I'ake, cat : this is My body, which is broken for you : this do iti remembrance of Me. This cap is the new testament in My blood : this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me^. It is only by frequent personal intercourse that you can know and feel the difficulties and scruples of persons piously disposed, who grow up in the habitual neg- lect of what they are taught, and profess to believe, to be necessary to their salvation. We doubtless all preach, and furnish books and tracts, on this sacred yet simple, mysterious yet obvious duty (and all such methods should be tried and used continu- ally) ; but what is too commonly the result ? Is there not something awful in witnessing almost a 'I I ( ur. xi 24, 25. 54 I « whole congregation sweeping out of a church, when this sacred and strictly enjoined service of our Reli- gion is to be performed, this necessary means of grace to be given and received? And is not such, alas ! the case, after our most careful, and, as we suppose, most convincing discourses ? for it is surely no great presumption to suppose that it should be easy to explain and enforce a duty so plain, and to prevail on mortal men to partake of that bread which Cometh down from Heaven ; that a man may eat thereof^ and not die. What then remains, but, with prayer to God for His help and blessing, to deal privately and particularly, as there is occasion and opportunity, with the separate members of our flock ? I have seen the good effects of such inter- course, in persons who have listened, or appeared to listen, to the most moving discourses from the pulpit, without concern, or, at least, without change. Surely the subject is one which, whether for its in- trinsic importance, or the neglect and ignorance about it, requires all our concern and diligence, as servants sent forth by the Master of the Feast to compel men to come in, yea, as many as they find, to bring to the Marriage. Yet, God forbid they should come in without the wedding-garment required by God in Holy Scripture : and therefore let us never neglect to warn them, in the affecting language of our Prayer-Book, " If any of them be a blasphemer of God, a hinderer or slanderer of His word, an adulterer, or be in malice, or envy, or in any other grievous crime, to repent them of their sins, or else not come to that holy Table." Let us never cease 56 to invite tliem to resort to some discreet and learned Minister of God's Word, and oi)eu their grief, if any there be, who, by tlie examination of his life and conversation by the rule of God's commandments, cannot quiet his own conscience herein, but requir- eth further comfort and counsel. But I have already remarked, we must not abate one jot or tittle of the reverence due to that holy Sacrament; we must not (if it can be prevented) permit, how much less invite, men to eat and drink damnation to themselves, not discerning the Lord's body. And in this respect we have both very solemn warnings and positive instructions given us in the Rubrics and Canons, which deserve more at- tention than they commonly receive. It may even be necessary, in the discharge of that duty we owe to Christ and His Church, to withhold the Sacra- ment from persons whose sins and offences, known and unrepented of, render them unfit and unworthy; though they may not come under the description of open and notorious evil-livers, or of those between whom we may perceive malice and envy to reign* Let me however warn and entreat you to be most watchful over yourselves, that nothing personal may influence you ; most tender and charitable in judg- ing others, that you break not the bruised reed or quench the smoking flax. In the majority of cases, not otherwise determined by the Rubric, it can neither be necessary nor right for you to proceed further than affectionate and solemn admonition ; and if the guilty or offending party then presume to come to the Holy Table, you will have done your 56 duty both to the individual and the Congregation, and, we trust, delivered your own souls. All that in such cases remains to be done, is to inform the Ordinary or Bishop, and receive his instructions. It is contended indeed by some ritualists, that such, and no more, is the meaning of the word " repel " in the Prayer- Book ; and that it is neither incumbent on, nor permitted to, any Clergyman to proceed far- ther than admonitions to abstain, until he has sub- mitted the case to his Ordinary ; and that in the mean time he need not, and may not, refuse the Sacrament to the most uncharitable or profane. But, besides that the Rubric itself seems to contra- dict such an interpretation, (inasmuch as it is said that, in cases of variance, " the Minister ought to admit the penitent person, and not him that is ob- stinate,") there may be offences of such a nature, so committed and persisted in, as to give neither li- cence nor opportunity to consult or deliberate. It is however right that you should be reminded that there is still an ancient Statute in existence, and, as some contend, in force, by which, or rather in which, it is enacted, that the Minister shall not without Iftwful cause deny the Sacrament to any person that devoutly and humbly desires it. And though this Statute, for the age, title, and chief matter or purpose of it, might well be supposed obsolete, T have myself been warned of its existence, and threatened with its application. Its application or effect, indeed, must turn upon the lawful cause ; but it would lead me too far at present to discuss what is lawful in such a case, and I must refer you to 57 ritualists and canonists who have discussed and de- termined it. Only, while we remember that there is a spiritual authority intrusted to us at our Ordi- nation, of which no human laws or enactments can deprive us, and of the exercise of which we must give no account before a civil tribunal, let us not forget that we solemnly promised to give our faith- ful diligence to minister the Sacraments and dis- cipline of Christ, not only as the Lord hath com- manded, but as this realm hath received the same, vccording to the commandments of God. In other ,vords, the lawful cause must have reference, not merely t<^ our views of duty, and the dictates of our own conscience, but to the Statutes and Canons enacted in this behalf I will only add, in conclu- sion, that it may be well in all cases, where possi- ble, to refer in the frst instance to the Bishop, and receive his instructions, in order to reliev^e your- selves in some degree of the responsil)ility. Where that is not possible, lot no person, however noto- riously wicked, be denied the Communion, until he have first been admonished to withdraw himself; and if, persisting, he must, for the satisfaction of the Congregation, or reverence due to the Sacrament, be absolutely repelled ; let information of what has been said and done l)e sent to your Ordinary Avith- out delay. How far at last we shall be safe from legal punishment or censure will depend upon those who interpret and apply the Statutes of the realm : " Only this much," says one who has learn- edly and carefully examined the subject, " this much T would put in, that if a Clergyman's conduct ! 58 in this matter shall appear upright, dispassionate, and disinterested, (and I wish it may never appear otherwise,) so as to gain the approbation of reason- able and indiiferent persons, it is to be hoped and presumed, that the interpreters of the law would in their turn shew him all the favour and regard they can." " si sic omnes ! I wish I could persuade myself there is no occa- sion to warn you of ignorance and indifference in reference to the other Sacrament of the Gospel, Holy Baptism ; yes, both ignorance and indifference in reference to— what are surely not the least im- portant requisites in all persons baptized or to be baptized — Repentance and Faith. Baptism, it is said by an Apostle, dotli now save us (i. e. put us into a state of salvation) ; but he immediately adds, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, hut the answer of a good conscience toward God.^ And with respect to this answer of a good conscience, as required in Baptism, I venture to repeat, that the ignorance and indifference are lamentably common and great. The very eagerness with which most persons desire Bap- tism for their children, is, to my mind, a proof that they neither know nor care to know what therein and thereby is required of them. Let then so many as have contended for the regenerating virtue of this Saci'ament; who have maintained, as I trust we do and shall maintain, that as many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ ; p let us all remember, that men are as much pledged to Faith " Archdeacon Sharp on the Rubric. " i Peter iii. 21. P (Jahitiaiis iii. 27. I 59 and Repentance by Baptism, as by or for the Lord's Supper; that these and all other Christian duties attach to, and are consequent upon, the death unto sin, and new birth unto righteousness, not less than upon receiving the Body and Blood of Christ for the strengthening and refreshing of our souls. It is not to be believed, that persons who profess such dread of what they call, by way of distinction, the Sacrament, and shrink, as they do, from the duties and responsibilities therein or thereby re- quired of them, — it is not to b^ believed, that they would make for themselves or ior others the vows and promises of Baptism, if they felt they were binding themselves or those others to duties and responsibilities no less important and imperative ; and were no less dishonouring Christ, and wound- ing their own souls, in departing from them. The history of the Church indeed testifies, that while Christianity was first making its way among hea- then people, and the requirements as well as the privileges of Baptism were duly set forth and in- sisted on, there were the same or similar dread and delay in respect of that Sacrament as now of the Lord's Supper. And I greatly fear the change of behaviour in the present day does not so much arise from the more just appreciation and more devout acknowledgment of our obligations, and of the grace given us in fulfilling them, as from ig- norance and indifference. Let it then be our care to make both the requirements and privileges of Baptism better understood, and more seriously and solemnly a])y)reciated. Specially in instances of per- 60 sons applying to us, who are of riper years, and able to answer for themselves, should we be most careful and conscientious in bringing them to a proper knowledge of the nature and importance of their baptismal vow. You have no doubt observed that it is oidered in the Ru1)ric, when any such persons are to be baptized, that timely ?iotice shall be given to the Bishop, or whom he shall appoint for that purpose, a week before at the least ; that so, it is said, " due care mav be taken for their examina- tion, whether they be sufficiently instructed in the principles of the Christian Religion ; and that they may be exhorted to prepare themselves with prayers and fasting for tlie receiving of this holy Sacra- ment." As in many, or indeed most cases, it is im- possible that the required notice should be given to me, I wish it to be understood that the Rural Deans are appointed by me for that purpose ; and, whether the notice be given to them or me, it is very neces- sary that the age, circumstances and condition of life should be specified ; as, whether married or single, independent or under control, in what way educated or brought up — wliatever, in short, may be requisite for forming a judgment whether any further directions are necessary for their due prepa- ration. And as there may be urgent cases, where notice can be given neither to the Bishop nor Rural Dean, I would request you to bear these particulars in mhul, and on no account to neglect the other di- rections of the Rubric. A similar coiu'se — I mean of reference to the Bishop, or some person aj)j)ointe(l by him, though ■ 1 61 not expresr;!}^ enjoined in our Prayer-Book — is thought by our best ritualists i to be implied and required, when it appears, in answer to the ques- tions you are directed to ask respecting childien, or others brought to be received into the Church, that they have been baptized by lay hands, or not by any lawful Minister. But as such reference may, yet more frequently than in the former case, be im- possible, I wish you to observe, that where you have been duly certified that the wa+er has been rightly used, and the sacred words rightly pro- nounced, (which are essential parts of Baptism,) you are not at liberty to rebciptize, but must re- ceive the child or person as one of the true flock of Christian people. In order, however, to be duly certified, it appears to me you should require the testimony of some credible person who heard what was said and saw what was done, and not rely upon the report of any third person, however re- spectable, not present at the time. In other words, in ansAver to the question, " Who was present when this child was baptized?" you must not be satisfied with " Such or such a person," but must require some person to come forward who is able to give evidence of his or her own knowledge as to the matter and words with which the child or person to be received into the Church was baptized. And if no such person can come forward, or if the an- swer on either of these points be uncertain, you are not only at liberty, but required, to adopt what is called the hypothetical form. But if duly certified '1 Archdeacon Sharp on the Rubric. 62 on both these points, it is not the want of connnis- sion or anthority on the part of the administrator which will sustain you in rebaptizing the Christian child. Only (as you must speak according to truth) in certifying the Congregation that all is well done concerning the bai)tizing of the child, you may cer- tainly omit those following words, •' and according to due order." I have been particular and explicit on these points, both because they are important in themselves, and because I am aw^are that th oy have occasioned some discussion and difficulty. Difficulties also have arisen, and may again arise, of a somewhat kindred nature, on the subject of lay-marriages ; I mean, whether such marriages should be recognised as valid and well done, or the parties should again be married by their lawful Minister before they can be entitled to the privi- leges and blessings of those whom God has joined together. There is, however, at least this wide and essential difference, that every baptism, whether by lawful Minister or layman, is sought and given with a view to religious ends and benefits, whereas the marriage by lay hands is merely a civil contract, to secure some secular privileges or immunities, whe- ther for the parties themselves or their offspring. In the latter case, therefore, the religious element has been overlooked, though it may be neither per- versely nor w^illingly. And although it is of import- ance, with respect to order and decency, and for the due remembrance of a solemn engagement, that some magistrate, or person in authority, should be applied to, in the absence of Clergymen, rather 63 than the fisiiernian or mechanic, I am not aware that any state enactments or officers have supplied, or can supply, the sanctions of Religion and the Church. The marriage-law of this country is cal- culatea to do considerable mischief, by leaving it open, ns it appears to do, to certain parties to be united, if they so choose, by the licensed layman rather than their own Minister. While such is the law, we are bound to recognise it, so far as civil rights are concerned; but how far as to religious privileges is another, and more important, and more difficult question. I can hardly conceive a more perplexing question to a conscientious Clergyman, than how far he is bound or permitted to give the benefits of Religion, in other offices of the Church, to those who despise or refuse them in marriage. I trust that such cases have been and will be very rare, and that it may not be necessary to pronounce upon them generally. The true and only satisfac- tory remedy must be sought in imparting to the people higher and juster views of the sanctity and blessing of the service duly solemnized and rightly received. And while nothing is said or done to weaken the obligation of the civil contract, or bring in question the legitimacy of the children, we must labour to sIioav the vast difference, and no less ad- vantage, in regard of all spiritual benediction and grace, of those whom God by matrimony has made one, and who have by His Ministers been pro- nounced to be man and wife together, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 04 1 would now invite your attention to the method or methods of conve3lng' to your Congregations in- struction or admonition, as may be required, on all needful points of faith and pract'^^e. I have already spoken of the advantage of more frequent personal intercourse, in the opportunities it affords of learning each person's particular state and trials, and of conveying appropriate advice, warning, or consolation, in the most effectual way ; the way best calculated to arrest the attention, reach the understanding, and engage the heart. I have entered more at large upon this subject in a late Charge to the Clergy in the other portion of my Diocese, which I hope shortly to put into your hands. But this method can of course apply only to a few, and is not intended in any way to super- sede the necessity of public or general instruction. You have heard what has ])een attempted in the way of catechetical instruction in the Cathedral, and I am well satisfied that the advantages of that method might be realized to a greater extent, Avere the Church ])etter adapted to the compass of a child's voice. I speak with reference to the Congre- gation, who would be more interested and edified if they could hear the answers more distinctly from the children themselves. Nevertheless the Congre- gation, I believe, generally are both interested and edified, and the benefit to the children is, I can plainly perceive, very considerable. Tlie memory is strengthened, thought awakened, and the under- standing exercised, all upon vital fundamental truths ; and, what is perhaps of more importance, i 65 religious instruction, both of faith and practice, is conveyed to them,— to their heads and hearts,— by God's Minister in God's House. I would earnestly recommend this method of conveying instruction, (as it is recommended, if I should not say com- manded, in our Rubrics and Canons,) at least as frequently as one Sunday in the month, in every Church where there is regular Sunday Service. It will cost you some trouble to catechize properly and profitably; for it is not expected or desired that you should confine your examinations to the ques- tions and answers of the Church Catechism, though they must form the groundwork, and as ground- work be deeply and securely fixed. But though the labour of catechizing regularly and systematically be considerable, you will, I am persuaded, soon find the beneficial effect even upon your own minds, (how much more upon those of your scholars and Congregation generally !) in a deeper appreciation and more accurate perception of Divine truths. Certain it is, there is no method of instruction bet- ter calculated to prepare both Minister and Congre- gation each to do their part in anotlier ordinance,— which we all, 1 believe, acknowledge it to belong to both to make, by God's grace, profitable,— that of preaching. By your catechetical examinations you will find yourselves greatly assisted in the arrange- ment and expression of your thoughts, while your hearers will come, with at least a foundation laid on which you may build ; 1 should rather say with rooms prepared, in which your arguments and ex- planations will find a ready reception. F ■i '. ■ i 66 We have arrived then at the last of the autfc uzed methods of iiistruction-the last, but not the least, not least regarded by myself, nor I presume by yourselves and your Congregations,-your pulpit discourses. As I have on former occasions spoken of the pains required, as well in the preparation and composition as in the pronunciation and delivery, (and not the !oast when you are addressing your- selves to the least learned and attentive,) I will now only add a caution on the danger of insisting too exclusively on particular truths or doctrmes; tor example, on faith, or good works, or sacramertal grace If ever there were a time and a country in which it was especially necessary that the discourses from the pulpit should be plain and practical, they are, I believe, the time and the country in which, by the providence of God, our lot and ministry are cast Plainness of speech (and an Apostle tells us he usedffveat plainness^) will apply both to matter- forbidding our running into debates and disquisi- tions on things hard to be nnderstood-and to style, which should be grave and simple, free from ambi- tious phraseology and artificial point. And,to be prac- tical, we must enlarge upon the duties of common life • reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffermg and' doctrine. Hero is an example, Put the?n in mind, says the same Apostle, to be subject to principaUHes and powers, to obey mafjistrates, to be ready to every good worh, to speah evil of no man, to he no brawlers, hut senile, shewing all meekness unto all men\ And then he directs that, to young ai.d old, to masters and ser- I 2 Curirith. iii. r s Titus 111. 1, 2. 67 I vants, to husbands and wives, to parents and chil- dren, to rich and poor, should be addressed and re- peated the special lessons suited to their station and place. Yet must all and each of such lessons be based and built up on the great doctrines of our Faith, the corruption of our nature, and the grace of God which hringeth salvation. Lastly, be careful to preach Christ in all His gracious relations to us and with us, the Prophet, Priest and King of the Church : and with this end in view, you cannot do better than follow the course of His life and ministry, as marked out for us in the sacred services of our Prayer Book. I said that the pulpit discourse was the last of the methods of instruction which I should think it necessary to refer to; but I cannot dismiss you with- out solemnly reminding you and myself, that tliere is yet one method more, ever recurring, ever oc- curring to our Congregations, and every member of them ; one method, I say, of teaching and preaching, which, by the testimony of all men, is the most plain and persuasive to the people, and without which none should be sufficient and satisfactory to ourselves — that, I mean, of practice and example. Assuredly, no system of instruction in Religion can be complete till we can say wdth the Apostle, Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: What follows? And the God of peace shall be with you ^" It may seem unkind, in your necessary separation from the world and its vanities and even comforts, to expect greater sacrifices to be made, and harder t Philipp. iv. 9. f2 /r 68 duties to be done ; but, alas ! for ourselves and our Congregations, alas ! for the Church, if we cannot shew that our privations and trials are a joy, and not a burden to us ; not our shame, but our glory. Alas! if we are not content, yes, thankful, to be neglected or unknown, if only by our Ministry Christ's name may in any degree be magnified. His Church edified, or His Kingdom enlarged. Did not the Saint of this day— and let it not be for nothing that our Visitation is celebrated at the season when we thank God for the great preacher of Repentance —did not the Holy Baptist preach by his life not less than his tongue? did not his simple, severe, self-denying life receive notice and commendation even from our blessed Lord? But vhere now are such preachers of Repentance ? where are the Minis- ters content to decrease, that the Master may in- crease? " Where is the lore the Baptist taught, The soul unswerving and the fearless tongue, The much-enduring wisdom, sought By lonely prayer the haunted rocks among? Who counts it gain His light should wane, So the whole world to Jesus throng ?"" There are yet several topics of interest and im- portance, both to the Church at large and this Dio- cese, on which I might address you, : nd on which you might reasonably expect some information and advice. But I have already trespassed too long upon your patience, and I must confine myself to that one subject which is second in importance to u The Christian Year, St. John Baptist's Day. G9 none — the ever vexed and ever vexing question of education. In the midst of much that is discou- raging, it is no small satisfaction to be ena})led to / eport favourably of the state of our branch of the St. John's Academy. Under the present able and zealous master the numbers have steadily increased, and, with the addition shortly to be made to his staff, we may expect still further advance and im- provement. I can report also, with pleasure and gratitude, that a change has taken place in the ad- ministration of the affairs of the Colonial Church and School Society, and a disposition been mani- fested to consult the views or wishes of the Clergy, and court their cooperation. Gladly and grate- fully, under these circumstances, should I turn to assist, and be assisted by, the Society, to whose for- mer benefits to the colony, in this department of education, I shall ever bear my willing testimony, and for many of w^hose Teachers I have entertained and still entertain sincere respect and regard; gladly, I say, and thankfully, should I turn and return to this Scliool Society, if I could see any corresponding modification of its rules and principles. But whilst Teachers can be placed and removed without any reference to the Clergyman ; while the Bishop, with his ('lergy, has only permission to visit the Schools, without authority to teach the lambs of his flock, I should, I conceive, be unjust to you, and unfaith- ful to my charge, if I gave any direct assistance or sanction to the Colonial Church and School So- ciety. It is to no purpose to say, these are but evils or grievances in theory (though, if it were so, we should I ii s 70 hesitate, I think, as men of principle, in committing ourselves to such a system ;) I have felt them too sorely and severely. Too sorely and severely have I felt the power of superintendents and masters to create division and discord, and the insufficiency, to say the least, of their religious instruction and guid- ance. Let us not however be backward to meet any real endeavours, on the part of either the Committee or Teachers, to remove or mitigate the causes of complaint : let us gratefully and gladly avail our- selves of the advantages offered us, as far as we can with consistency, and due regard to our position and duty as Ministers of the Church and Shepherds of Christ's flock. To His Ministers was the commission given : Feed My lambs. You will of course derive some considerable advan- tage fi-om the increase in the Government grant for Education ; and though you will probably feel as I do towards an Inspector not of our communion or choice, you will do well to avail yourselves of his services, and to afford him such assistance and in- formation as may render them more efficient and useful. The expediency of subdividing the grant to the Protestant Schools is, it is said, more gene- rally acknowledged, and hopes may be entertained that this great desideratum will yet be obtained. 1 should do injustice both to myself and you, if I suffered you to depart without declaring that, in the midst of many trials and difficulties, there is much ground for encouragement and thankfulness, in the condition and prospects of many Missions, 71 and generally of the whole Diocese. I might refer to the continued liberality and sympathy of Christ- ian friends in England. I might refer to— what is more encouraging — the increased exertions of our own congregations, as evidenced in the number of new Churches in almost every Deanery (I allude to the interval between the last and present Visitation), and in the Collections for the Church Society. The number of Churches (14) consecrate' in the last four years is greater than in any corresponding in- terval of time since I have been Bishop ; and the Collections for the Society were larger in St. John's, and in almost every Mission which contributes to its funds, (why not in every Mission ?) for the last, than for any preceding year. I might refer to the most gratifying of all outward signs, the increased, and, I trust, increasing number of worshippers and communicants. But there is, I humbly believe, a yet higher and juster occasion of thankfulness in the general growth and increase, around and among us, of those fruits of righteousness, tchich are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God"". I humbly believe that, through God's blessing on your ministrations and example, there exist in many parts of the Diocese a greater desire and a stronger endeavour, in dependence on divine grace, to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy Gody. I do believe the rich are generally more considerate of the pcor, and the poor more thankful to the rich ; and that many, both of rich and poor, are looking beyond this world of vanity for their Philipj). i, I I. y Mifiih vi. y. n V i 72 rest and their recompense, through the satisfaction of their dear Redeemer and for His only merits' sake. I speak not from my own observation only, or chiefly, but on the testimony of persons of larger experience, and more likely perhaps to form an im- partial judgment. There are, (as I believe every body in this community knows and feels,) peculiar temptations to both the great classes into which the population of this country is divided, from the extended system of supply, in anticipation of the means of payment ; temptations which can only be effectually withstood by a very high sense of duty both to God and our neighbour. There is danger too in their life of continual labour, whetlier in pur- suit of wealth or of the bare means of subsistence. And who does not perceive and lament the miseries occasioned by the general, and, it is feared, increas- ing, use of ardent spirits? Be not then afraid or ashamed to say, with an Apostle, to our poorer brethren. Owe no man avy ihing, bat to love one an- other' ; and to the wealthy and prosperous, in the same Apostle's words, 77ie?j that unll be rich fall into temptation and a mare, and into many foolish and hurt- ful lusts, which drown men in destruction a?id perdition''. Be not afraid or ashamed to remind both rich and poor of their duty to God and tlie Church, as they hope for a blessing on their adventures or any work of their hands. Be not afraid or ashamed to warn, and, if need be and it be possible, to coerce and punish the man,— any man,— who wastes his sul)- stance in riotous living, and abuses God's gifts to ' Romant' xiii 8. " i 'riinothy vi. q. '73 his own destruction and the ruin of his family tem- porally and spiritually. Here are the dangers, and here, if we would be found faithful, we must apply the remedy. And even now, as I can testify, the remedy and the blessing in some cases are already seen and felt ; not, it may be, in revivals, or any outward demonstrations, but in the very fruit of the Spirit, — love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law^. As I ventured, at our last Visitation, to draw some encouragement from the number and virulence of the attacks then made upon us, especially upon my- self, and from the vehicles in which they r ppeared, (I mean the newspapers and other anonymous and irresponsible publications ;) sc, having sustained that trial, I may, without inconsistency, congratu- late you and myself, and humbly thank God, for the absence at this time of all such causes of irrita- tion and distress. And I need feel no hesitation now in explaining a remark in my last Ciiarge, (that I was then perhaps addressing you for the last time,) which I believe occasioned some sur- prise. In consequence of the complaints circu- lated against me, and the manner i:i which they appeared to be entertained in England, I felt it my duty to submit to the Bishop jf London, (at whose instance, as I have rruiarked, I was pro- moted to this office,) and to the Society for the Propagacion of the Gospel, (! . whose liberality I am so largely assisted,) tliat I was more than '' Galntians v 22, 2,3. 74 i: ready, more than willing to resign ; if in their judg- ment the work of the Church or the interests of the Society were hindered or prejudiced by the course I had adopted, and which I felt bound in honour and conscience to pursue. My presence here at this time, and on this occasion, is a sufficient intimation of the answers I received, substantially the same, from both parties : sufficient to shew that such a change was not then thought necessary or expe- dient. And where are now the attackers and their attacks ? Let us humbly hope that God has graci- ously heard and answered that prayer which our Church has instructed us to use, and which I trust we did, and do, and shall use, in every such case, " That it may please Him to forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts." God forgive them and us. God make them and us more sensible of our own faults and offences, our infirmities and our sins. God enable us to know — for how otherwise can we know that which is deceitful above all things and desperately ivicked f — our own heart. When that and all its hidden evils are known, and, by God's abundant grace for His dear Son's sake, corrected, it will be time to take up the weapons of controversy ; till then, Prayers and Tears are the weapons of the Church c. c Preces et lacrymae sunt arm a Ecclesise. ATPENDIX. Archdeacon Bridge. Page 3. The last letter which Archdeacon BridcxB ever wrote was addressed to his Bishop; and on that account, and because it presents a faithful record or representation of some most inter- esting points in his character, it is carefully preserved. Being entirely of a private nature, it may be regarded as the more natural and characteristic, and for this reason, and for the in- struction as well as interest of the points alluded to, I feel my- self justified in pubUshing some extracts from it. It was written at intervals, (as was his usual practice in addressing me, m order to record the events of each day which he supposed would interest me,) and continued up to the last moment that he could guide his pen. It was concluded with a shaking hand and aching head, but with a heart full as ever of duty and affec- tion. The amount of service performed on that last Sunday, when his friends and medical advisers would have kept him in the house, will shew his indomitable energy ; but the points most characteristic, and, to me at least, most interesting, are the concern expressed for his Bishop, and for a sick parishioner, among the poorest of his flock. The Rectory,— Saturday, Noon, MvDbahLoro, KWA^., 1856. 1 have just had the pleasure of receiving your note of the 1 Ith, from Brigus : I am thankful to hear that you had got so far on your way • I hoped to have heard to day of your having reached your destination. When I do. may there be no further reports of the ill effects of heat and cold, separate or comhined ; because it is not so much the heat or cold that affects you, as that you are not m good "orts . I wrote after the Haul, and Meeting [the first of the Subscribers to the Church of England Asvlum for Widows and Orphans], giving an account of each There is nothing since to mention in relation Wi 76 to either, except that the Wood is being stacked, and the Rules, Report he. of the Asylum are in the Printer's hands, who are to bring them out in a fortnight, under a penalty for delay beyond that period. I am sorry to say that I am a little seedy : standing about on the day of the Haul, and the next day getting wet up to my knees when I could not change a ; I have a nasty cold and cough, and have been quite " hoarse de combat." But last evening Dr. Johnson prepared a dose, and I lay in bed till ten o'clock this morning, and have not yet been out; and, thank God, I am much better, barring a little headache, which I have no doubt the air will remedy. * * Saturday Evening, Mrs. J. has been so kind as to send across to me your letter, just received, announcing your arrival at Walsh's b " Deserted Village." I thank your Lordship sincerely for the kind consideration you ex- press for me ; but we are better ofF than the long unserved or but partially served flock, to whom you are now ministering ; and it would be great selfishness to begrudge them your services, much as I and others miss you. [ do hope that you may be with us again — if not sooner — on the " Queen of Days." [Easter dav.] * * * * * Wood preached last evening in the Cathedral an excellent Sermon on St. Matt, vi, IG — 18. 1 am just finishing a discourse for to morrow on Prayer; I quote in it from Bunyan, and S.Bernard! ! From John the Cobbler — " When thou prayest, rather let thy heart be without words, than thy words without heart;" and from the mitred (?) Abbot—" Ora, quasi assumptus et prsescntatus in faciem Ejus in excelso throno, ubi millia milliuni Ei ministrant ;" also from Jeremy Taylor and Bax- ter : widely different sources from whence to draw, but I hope the passages from each are apposite. Your Lordship will not understand me to imply that my reading is as extensive as it may appear, I wish it was ! A " Mountain of Wood" was brought to and for my special use to-day from Bennett's Mill, contributed by the mechanics and la- bourers there ; Roman Catholics and other Dissenters, as well as Churchmen. Our neighbour poor old Mrs. Furniss is departing, I humbly trust a In this state he visited and miniftered to some patients in the Hospital. b Rev. C. Walsh had been removed in severe illnes. c Pray, as if taken up and presented before His face, on His throne high and lifted tip, where thousands of thousands minister unto Him. 77 for a better world. I have only been out to-day to see her, nursing for to-morrow. * * * I see in an estimate of the ' Public Expenditure' for the cur- rent year, 200/. for General Inspection of Schools. I do not know what it means ; it was only published to-day. I suppose it is • Nu- gent and Jones redivivi.' Sunday, 5 p. m. I was at early Communion [8 o'clock] ; opened Sunday School [9. 30 o'clock] ; said the Prayers and Communion Office, and preached in the morning [11 o'clock Service]. Churched four women (at twice), baptized three Children and preached this after- noon ; so I have not much to complain of. Governor, Mrs. D. and W. S. at the Cathedral this afternoon. I have seen old Mrs. Furniss, still living. I have such a violent headache. Excuse more, my dear Lord, than, I am ever Yours faithfully and affectionately, THOMAS F. H. BRIDGE. Roman Catholics, Page 14. Some instances how, as Milton speaks'^, " the grim wolf de- vours" (though no longer " with privy paw,") may usefully be related, as a warning to our people connected, specially those connected by marriage, with Roman Catholics. The first "shall be one which occurred under my own imme- diate notice in the person of John Linscott, an old English- man, married to a Roman Catholic. He fell sick during the time in which the Parish was in my ministerial charge, after the death successively of Archdeacon Bridge and the Rev. Mr. Mountain. I frequently visited him, and found him remark- ably intelUgent and well informed, with a thorough and well- grounded knowledge of his faith and hope, as a sincere mem- ber of the Church of England. On my giving up the charge of the ^'arish to Archdeacon Lower, John Linscott was as regu- larly and faithfully ministered to as before ; and, being unable to leave the house, frequently received the Holy Communion at home. At length he became bedridden, and while his spi- ritual wants were attended to by the Archdeacon, and occa- sionally by myself, his bodily wants and those of his wife were provided for, (in addition to the government allowance,) by a d See Milton'a Lycidas. 78 lady who visited him, as she does other sick and poor members of the congregation, with unremitting assiduity. The Arch- deacon had paid a customary visit on Saturday the 12th of June, and, except increased debility of body and mind, had found no change in his patient : there was the same thankful acceptance of, the same devout acquiescence in, the services of his Church and Minister. On the Tuesday following, the lady before spoken of called, on her usual errand of mercy, and was surprised to find the wife with another woman at the door, and still more to be rudely told, " You shan't come in here — John belongs to the true Church now." Being refused admittance, she reported the circumstance (I was then absent from St. John's) to the Archdeacon, who, repairing to the house, found the door fastened, and could obtain neither admittance nor an- swer. The Archdeacon then called upon the Rev. Mr. CDon- nell, the R. C. Priest in charge, and stated his conviction that Linscott, if in his proper senses, had been coerced ; and offered to call with the priest, and hear from himself his own views and wishes, and be determined by them. Mr. O'Donnell re- plied that his brother, another Priest, had been called in and had baptized the man, after half an hour's examination ; that he, (the brother,) was not then at home, but that, on his re- turn, the Archdeacon's wish and proposal should be communi- cated to him. After waiting two or three days, without re- ceiving any notice of his call and application, the Archdeacon wrote to Mr. O'Donnell as follows : Tlie Rectory, St. Johris, Reverend Sir, J\mie 21st, 1858. Will you be so good as to inform me whether you communi- cated to your brother the substance of the conversation which took place between us on Thursday last ? Will you also let me know, as soon as you conveniently can, the decision which you and your brother have come to in tlie case of John Linscott ? I am. Rev. Sir, Your obedient Servant, H. M. LOWER, (Archdeacon.) 79 This was the reply : — Vbrt Rev. Sir, I received your note of yesterday, and beg to state that I have communicated to my brother the subject of a conversation held on Thursday last, and that he is not at all disposed to hear any pro- position on the matter to which you allude. I am, Very Rev. Sir, Your obedient Servant, JEREMIAH O'DONNELL. After this the poor man's house was so continually and effectually closed^ that not even his medical attendant (an old and most kind friend) could ever obtain admittance, though he made, as he assured me, repeated attempts, and the poor man lived on, I believe, till the middle of the following month ; in what state of body and mind must be left to conjecture. Here is another case. The Rev. Mr. Johnson had faithfully ministered to a poor Englishman in a long illness, and at length had prepared him for death, and was quitting him per- fectly resigned and satisfied, with no doubt whatever on his mind. As Mr. Johnson was leaving the house, he observed a Roman Catholic Priest approaching, and suspecting his pur- pose, returned to the poor man's room. The Priest then en- tered, and asked the man whether he had sent for the Priest. No reply. " Well," said the Priest. " if you can't speak, hold up your hand, or make a sign." No sign was given. The Priest then proceeded to lift the man's hand ; upon which Mr. John- son interposed, and said, that though quite willing the poor man should speak or act for himself, according to his con- victions, he must not be controlled contrary to his convictions, which had been long ago fully known and declared. Upon this the Priest departed. Who can doubt but that, if Mr. Johnson had left the house, this poor man would, like John Linscott, have been rebaptized, and called a good Catholic? or who can doubt that, if John Linscott had enjoyed the presence and protection of his Minister, he would have died in the Faith and Church in which he had been baptized and brought up ? a I I 80 good Catholic too, though a sincere and faithful member of the Church of England. These cases are not mentioned with the view of remon- strating against the proceedings of the Priests, who, we must suppose, have doctrines to justify, or dispensations to excuse, what appears to us so unscrupulous and uncanonical. My ob- ject is to shew by these instances the dangers which beset our flock from their Roman Catholic relatives and connections. Rev. John Wesley. Page 15. The following passages are taken from a Sermon preached by Mr. Wesley, within, I believe, two years of his death, and published in the Arminian Magazine in May 1790 : " One of our first rules given to each Preacher was. You are to do that part of the work which we appoint. But what work was this ? Did we ever appoint you to administer Sacraments, to exercise the priestly office ? Such a design never entered into our mind ; it was the farthest from our thoughts. And if any preacher had taken such a step, we should have looked upon it as a pal- pable breach of this rule, and consequently as a recantation of our connexion. " It was sevei^al years after our Society was formed before any attempt of this kind was made. The first was, I appre- hend, at Norwich. One of our preachers there yielded to the importunity of a few of the people, and baptized their children. But as soon as it was known, he was informed it must not be, unless he designed to leave our connexion. He promised to do it no more, and I suppose ho kept his promise. Now as long as the Methodists keep to this plan, they cannot separate from the Church : and this is our peculiar glory. " Oh, contain yourselves within your own bounds. Ye your- selves were first called in the Church of England ; and though ye have, and will have a thousand temptations to leave it, and set up for yourselves, regard them not. Be Church of England men still." (See Wesley's Works, vol. 7. edited by Jackson, and published by Mason, London. Also Arminian Magazine 1790.) Similar declarations and injunctions are found in various parts of Mr. Wesley's Sermons and other works. 81 Apostolical Succession. Pago 25. My remarks have reference to a Sermon bv the Rev. E. Gir- dlestone, M. A., with the following title : " Apostolical Succes- sion neither proved matter of fact, nor revealed in the Bible, nor the Doctrine of the Church of England." I should not have thought of commenting upon this Sermon, probably should not have been aware of its existence, if it had not been put into circulation in St. John's, and, I presume, in other parts of the Diocese. I know nothing of its author, and would fain believe that he is at least more charitable than this dis- course represents him. A Clergyman declaring, publicly and in the pulpit, of his brethren, (" two hundred and twenty cler- gymen in one Diocese, with their Bishop at their head," and many others,) that, " instead of the test of an approved min- istry written by St. Paul, they most deliberately adopt that of a lineal Succession from the Apostles," seems to one not versed in controversy a striking and sad instance of the odium theo- logicum. It is difficult to understand what Apostolical Suc- cession has to do with St. Paul's test of an approved ministry, or why or how one should supersede the other ; l>ut that they who maintain the Succession should be published and pointed at as making it the test of an approved ministry, " approved unto God," as the Apostle speaks, is monstrous. I have shewn, 1 think, that this writer's arguments are not so strong as his denunciations. I have shewn also that his quotations from the Reformers do not militate against the Succession, properly re- ceived and applied. His quotation from Archbishop Cranmer, though very little to the purpose, is extracted from certain Questions and Answers concerning the Sacraments, wherein the Archbishop " remits the judgment of his opinion wholly to the King" (and that King Henry the Eighth) ; and it seems impossible to reconcile it with the sentiments contained in a State paper drawn up at nearly the same time, and submitted by the Archbishop to the German and other divines then as- sembled in Londonc. " Cranmer's Cathechism" is well known to have been a translation of one which originally appeared in = See Cranmer's Works II, pp. 117, and 484. G >^ ^. % IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // „<^. c^ /. f/j 1.0 I.I II2J 1^ _ 1^ 1:2 ti^ IIIM M 1.8 1.25 1.4 1.6 -• 6" — ► vg <^ /2 ^l '<3 ^ ■%. ^ %.^ "^ ? % '''^ vv ^?;^ Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 J; I' . I 82 German, and was put into Latin by Justus Jonas. The English version, considerably altered, was published under Cranmer's sanction, and was presented by him to Edward the Sixth. The attempt to draw in the "judicious Hooker" as a witness in any sense against Apostolical Succession (introduced with the characteristic " Hooker says'') is very unaccountable. The most charitable supposition is, that the quotations were taken at second hand, and the author not referred to. With regard to the longer quotation, it is too little to reply that Hooker says nothing of the kind. He is in that passage but explaining a sentence of St. Jerome's, which he introduces in the following way: "A sentence there is indeed of St. Jerome's, which, being not thoroughly weighed and considered, may cause his meaning so to be taken as if he judged Episcopal regiment to have been the Church's invention long after, and not the Apo- stles' own institution : as namely, when he admonisheth Bishops in this manner: As therefore &c. &c." He (Hooker) then explains Jerome's admonition, which, he says, " is reasonably sensible and plain, being contrived to this effect : The ruling superiority of one Bishop over many Presbyters in each Church is an order descending from Christ to the Apostles, who were themselves Bishops at large ; and from the Apostles to those whom they in their stead appointed bishops over particular countries and cities ; and even from those ancient times uni- versally established, thus many years it hath continued through- out the world ; for which cause Presbyters must not grudge to continue subject unto their Bishops, unless they will proudly oppose themselves against that which God Himself ordained hy His Apostles, and the whole Church of Christ approveth and judgeth most convenient." He next states what Jerome may have intended by way of admonition to Bishops " on the other side," as quoted in the Sermon. After which Hooker proceeds thus : " In all this there is no let why St. Jerome might not think the authors of Episcopal regiment to have been the very blessed Apostles themselves, directed therein by the special motion of the Holy Ghc3t ; which the ancients all before and besides him, and himself also elsewhere, being known to hold, we are not, without better evidence than this, to think 83 him in judgment divided both from himself and them." This is what " Hooker says " on this point. The next quotation from Hooker is equally incomplete. Three different parts of a sentence, or rather of different sen- tences, are brought together, the intermediate parts, which explain and qualify the others, being omitted. Who would suppose, from the quotation, that the only just and sufficient reasons granted ly Hooker for allowing ordination without Bishops are, (1) " when God Himself doth of Himself raise up any, whose labour He useth without requiring that men should authorize them ; (but then," he goes on, " He doth ratify their calling by manifest signs and tokens Himself from Heaven,") and (2) " where the Church must needs hat^e some ordained, and neither hath, nor can have possibly, a Bishop to Oxdair.'' Who could suppose that, immediately after the quotation, thei-e follow these plain and positive words : " These cases of inevit- able necessity excepted, none may ordain but only Bishops!" I may conclude in Mr. Girdlestone's words :— " Additional testimony of the same kind might be adduced almost ' tnc/^/- nitely: This is quite enough, however, as a sample of all." Of the Reformei's of our Church three, who sealed their testi- mony with their blood, have been shewn to have admitted the Succession of Bishops, and to have made it, with succession of doctrme, to be a good proof for the Cathohc Church ; while the first and chief, Archbishop Cranmer, maintains it, and its necessary continuance, in its truest and fullest sense. Hooker declares that all the ancients were known to hold, " that the authors of Episcopal government were the very blessed Apo- stles themselves, directed therein by the special motion of the Holy Ghost ;" and " that, cases of inevitable necessity ex- cepted, none may ordain but only Bishops." Pious and learned divmes of both Schools in our Church have from that time to the present day taught and maintained the same doctrine, and grounded their authority upon it. The Church asserts that " trom the Apostles' time there have been these" (not three, as strangely misquoted in the Sermon) « Orders of Ministers in Christ's Church, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons." St. Paul gave du'ections only to the persons on whom he had laid hands, and appointed for that purpose to ordain elders in 84 every city. Is it necessary, is it right or reverent, in such circumstances, to require a sig .'. or revelation from Heaven ? I. ! i i Divorce. Page 36. Suetonius, in his Life of Augustus, (Octav. cap. 34,) speak- ing of the Juhan law, says, " Cumque, matrimonioruni crebra niutatioue, vim legis eludi sentiret, ten ^ us sponsas habendi ooarctavit, divortiis modum impomit." i. e. " When Augustus perceived tha»; the law was evaded by the frequent changing of marriages, he shortened the time of espousals, and imposed a limit or restraint on divorces'' To which salutary law Horace is supposed to allude in his Ode to Augustus ; (Lib. 4. Ode 5.) NuUis poUuitur casta domus stupris ; Mos et lex maculosura edomuit nefas ; Laudantur simili prole puerperae. Culpam poena premit comes. Whilst this Charge was passing through the press I received a copy of the Charge of the Lord Bishop of Salisbury, delivered August 17; in the Appendix is the following melancholy state- ment, in reference to this new law. " I am informed by the Chancellor of the Diocese that the following is a correct statement of the number of cases in which parties are proceeding to put in force the Statute concerning Marriage and Divorce : — " Number of causes entered on the Registry, from the 11th January to the 20th August, 1858. For Dissolution of Marriage [!] 181 For Judicial Separation 51 For Restitution of Conjugal Rights .... 9 For Orders of Protection 32 " This statement is a sad proof of the utter failure of the pre- diction made by some supporters of the Bill, as to the probable number of cases which would be brought each year before the new Court. " The number of Divorces a vinculo before the passing of this Bill was about four a year, and we were assured that no great increase in the number would take place." verent, in such •cm Heaven? cap. 34,) speak- onioruiii crebra ponsas habendi Vhen Augustus ent changing of and imposed a ary law Horace Lib. 4. Ode 5.) press I received bury, delivered blanch oly state- iocese that the ' cases in which ute concerning from the 11th .181 . 51 . 9 . 32 are of the pre- the probable ear before the 86 Marriage with a rECBASBo wipe's sister. Page 32. Lest I should appear to have spoken too strongly on this subject, I will quote the words of an Ecclesiastical Judge in a suit brought by a father to annul the marriage of his daughter, who was of age, with the husband of her late sister. '< In the hrst place, this is a contract which is prohibited by the laws of God and man. The marriage had between the two parties is an incestuous marriage, and must ever so remain. The law of God cannot be altered by the law of man. The legislature may exempt the parties from punishment : it may legalize, humanly speaking, every prohibited act, and give effect to any contract, however inconsistent with the Divine law, but it can- not change the character of the act itself, which remains as it was, and must always m remain, whatever be the effect of the act of Parliament." (Ray v. Sherwood. See Burns' Eccl Law, vol. u. p. 501.) passing of this that no great