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rules in a Church already formed is unnecessary, or may be dispensed with.

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I have written, I hope, what you will deem sufficient and satisfactory. I feel myself indebted for your letter; and if ever I should collect my numbers into a pamphlet, I shail profit by your remarks. For the Bishop I have a sincere and high respect, chiefly from the character which he universally sustains. Did I think it necessary, or that it would be agreeable to him, I would send him my name. If ever the author of "Miscellanies" has an opportunity, he will testify, in person, the estimation in which he holds him.

For the Albany Centinel.

By the Author of " MISCELLANIES." No. V.

I SHALL now finish my remarks on the last piece of ❝ Cyprian,"

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and I hope that the conduct of my numerous opponents will not extort any thing farther from me. My expectation was vain, that when their ecclesiastical drum beat to arms, they would easily yield the victory to a single person; or that even a retreating and irregular fire on their part, would soon cease.

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By the large extracts which I have published from Bishop White's pamphlet, and the explanation of them lately given, both by An Episcopalian," and myself, it must be evident, beyond contradiction, that the Bishop holds sentiments widely different from those warmly contended for by the author of "A Companion for the Festivals and Fasts," &c. and his coadjutors in this State.* What "Cy-` prian" says on this subject is strange. "The judicious and amiable Prelate of Pennsylvania," says he, "although at a very critical and hazardous season, he was willing to relax somewhat from the rigour of his principles, and by a temporary departure from them, make an effort to save his Church from the ruin that seemed to threaten her; yet let it be remembered, that he has never abandoned these principles." I ask now, if no ordination is valid except that performed by Bishops of the Episcopal Church; if ordinances administered by any other are inefficacious; and if there can be no true Church without a government by three orders, how a departure from these principles was to save his Church from ruin? Was not this to plunge her into deeper ruin? According to "Cyprian,"

*And let it be observed, once for all, that the question of Episcopacy is surely not to rest on the decision of any individual, however great his reputation and amiable his character. It should be tested "by the law and the testimony," as explained by the best commentary, the universal faith and usage of the Church. Bishop White would certainly give a decision on the subject, not very agreeable to the author of Miscellanies. For he would trace the Episcopal power to the Apostles, in whom it was lodged by Jesus Christ. The sentiments maintained by the author of the "Companion for the Festivals," &c. and "his coadjutors," are supported by the authority of names, that will yield to none in talents, learning, and piety.

Ed.

Ministers and ordinances on the plan of Bishop White, would be mockery, sacrilege, usurpation, schism, rebellion against Christ, and what was worse than to be in a state of heathenism.* It will readily be believed that Bishop White has " never abandoned his principles." He is an Episcopalian, and is an ornament to the Church over which he presides. He holds such Episcopacy as is consistent with reason, scripture, and that "charity which is the bond of perfectness."t

"Cyprian" speaks of my "resentment against the Companion for the Altar," of the "flame of my indignation," and directs me to the Epistles of Ignatius for "more abundant fue!." Against the author referred to and himself I certainly feel no resentment. It is not said, though the reader may suppose it, as I did myself on first reading the sentence. As to the copious quotations which "Cyprian" has made from Ignatius, and on which he lays his chief stress, they admit of a very short answer. They are not genuine.‡ Hear the words of Mosheim, that learned and impartial ecclesiastical historian. "There are yet extant several Epistles, attributed to him, concerning the authenticity of which there have been, however, tedious and, warm disputes among the learned, which still subsist." Farther: "The whole question relating to the Epistles of St. Ignatius in general, seems to me to labour under much obscurity, and to be embarrassed with many difficulties." There are seven Epistles, which Mosheim says, "the most of learned men acknowledge to be genuine;" but "Cyprian" has not told me which I am to read. Indeed, I am unwilling to admit any of them as proof, until their authenticity is ascertained; and not even then, unless they are agreeable to sacred writ. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."

It is impossible to reconcile the professions of charity which

* The author of Miscellanies persists in confounding the general state of the Church, in which Episcopal ordination is necessary to the exercise of a valid ministry, with those cases of "inevitable necessity," in which, according to some, ordination by Presbyters is valid. A person who maintains that ordination by Presbyters is valid in a case of necessity, where or dination by Bishops cannot be had (which Bishop White supposed was the situation of the Episcopal churches at the time when the pamphlet was written), may surely consistently maintain, that in all other cases, Episcopacy is essential to the Church, and Episcopal ordination essential to the exercise of a valid ministry.

Ed.

Now Bishop White holds, that Jesus Christ lodged an Episcopal power with the Apostles, which was by them communicated to the order of Bishops; that the Apostles vested an order of Ministers, among whom were Timothy and Titus, with a supereminent commission; that this commission has been banded down through succeeding ages; that this is the ORIGINALLY CONSTITUTED ORDER. Let it be remembered then, that, according to the author of Miscellanies, this is an Episcopacy "consistent with reason, scripture, and that charity which is the bond of perfectness." Ed.

This is an easy way of destroying the authority of Ignatius. See the remarks at the end of this number.

Ed.

From the Epistles acknowledged, according to Mosheim, "by the most of learned men," to be genuine, were the quotations of Cyprian taken. Ed.

“Cyprian" makes with many of his assertions. "If our doctrine," says he, " goes to unchurch other denominations, it is much to be regretted." Again: "Episcopalians believe their own Church the only true one." Again: "It is of the utmost importance to us all, that we should be in the true Church, in the Church (the Episcopal Church) which was founded by Christ and his Apostles. In no other place can we obtain a title to the covenanted mercy of God. In the Episcopal Church we are assured that we are in perfect security. Those who are in involuntary or unavoidable ignorance on this topic (such as idiots, or such as live in heathenish darkness, or such as have never read as much as the Episcopal Priests, and have not the same enlarged understandings) no doubt, will be excused by God. But let it be remembered, that the same indulgence cannot be supposed to be extended to those who, when they have been admitted to the light (they who have read "A Companion for the Festivals and Fasts," &c. and the productions of "A Layman," and "Cyprian"), have wilfully and obstinately closed their eyes against it." This is his charity! Who could expect, notwithstanding all this, to hear him talking of "a most sincere and ardent attachment to brethren of other denominations"-of "fellow Christians" of "not pretending to hurl anathemas" of "utterly disclaiming all unchristian sentiments"-of "trusting that we (Episcopalians) shall at last meet many of them (anti-Episcopalians) in that haven where we would be." The reader shall make his own reflections, if he indulge me in a single one. If this be the charity of Episcopalians, I sincerely and publicly declare it is not that which I exercise towards them. "Cyprian" says, in the name of his Church, "We exact from others only the same privilege which, in our turn, we are willing to yield them." They shall have abundantly more than they have yielded to me. I do not unchurch them. I do not assert that their ordination, and their administration of ordinances are invalid.* I will not express myself so coldly as to say, "We trust we shall meet many of them in heaven;" for I firmly believe it. God forbid that my charity should be able to find no other excuse for brethren who differ from me, than that "they have wilfully and obstinately closed their eyes against the light!"t

* Here is the great advantage of the Episcopal Church. Even its opponents cannot assert that its "administration of ordinances is invalid." In maintaining that Episcopal ordination is necessary to the exercise of a valid ministry, Episcopalians contend for the faith of the universal Church for fifteen centuries. With the unpleasant consequences that may result from this opinion, they are not chargeable. They wish to "judge no man." "To his own master he standeth or falleth."

Ed.

†The Quaker can go still farther in charity than the author of Miscel lanies, for he can extend his charity to those who wilfully reject baptism and the Lord's Supper. The Socinian will contend for the praise of supe rior charity with the author of Miscellanies, for he also can say, "God forbid that my charity should be able to find no other excuse for" those who deny the divinity of Christ, "than that they have wilfully and obstinately closed their eyes against the light!"

Cyprian did not apply personally to any individual who opposed Episco

I see no good reason why "Cyprian" has digressed from the subject to attack the seventeenth article of his own Church. "If there are," says he, " any doctrines uncharitable in themselves-if there are any doctrines that would excite my zeal to extirpate them from the Church of Christ-they are the doctrines of election and reprobation as taught in the institutes of Calvin." The institutes of Calvin were written by an individual, and are entitled to no other authority than what the character of a great reformer, reason, and scripture give them; but the articles of the Episcopal Church have long received the sanction of the Church of England, and have been adopted in this country. It looks, therefore, like a wantonness, especially in a member of that Church, to go out of his way to rail against them. I know that the article which respects election and reprobation is not entirely to the mind of some Episcopal Priests; and that in a Convention held 1799, a substitute was proposed; but that the Convention, after mature deliberation, determined (in my opinion wisely), that they either would not, or could not, at present, alter the DIVINE DECREES.* As this, however, is a matter which has no connection with the controversy on hand, and I wonder how "Cyprian" contrived to introduce it, I shall leave him, if he should be thought censurable, to the admonition of his Bishop.

If the assertion of "Cyprian" be true, that the Episcopal Church "has always been the mildest, the most tolerant and charitable in her spirit, of any Church in Christendom," I shall only say, that I am sorry she has forfeited her character in this country. Never were more intolerant principles held by the Roman Catholic Church; and nothing appears to me wanting but power to act again the same bloody scenes. She sets up for the mother Church, the only Church; and declares that there is no salvation in any other. I cannot believe that these are the sentiments of the great body of the denomination; and I trust that the advocates of them will, upon longer and more mature reflection, become less rash and censorious.

"A little learning is a dangerous thing;

"Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."

pacy, the charge that his opposition was "obstinate and wilful." Such may surely characterize opposition to Episcopacy; it is therefore the duty of its advocates to caution its opponents against this inexcusable opposition. Who justly merits the charge, they presume not to say; it is known only to

God.

* See the remarks at the end of this number.

Ed. Ed.

Here, doubtless, the author of Miscellanies exercises that "charity which is the bond of perfectness." Here, doubtless, he displays that "spirit of the gospel," the want of which, in one of the following sentences, he charitably imputes to his opponents. Here, he evidences the sincerity of his professions of respect for the Episcopal Church. What would be thought, what would be said of the Episcopalian who should impute such a disposition to those who conscientiously differed from him in opinion? Surely when the author of Miscellanies wrote this sentence, he "knew not what spirit he was of."

Ed.

Not so. Episcopalians do not thus presumptuously limit the mercies of the Almighty. In all denominations; the humble, the penitent, and the obedient, whose errors are not voluntary and wilful, will be accepted

When their locks are silvered by age, when their experience is more ripe, and when they have imbibed more of the spirit of the Gospel, they will abate in self-sufficiency and exclusive pretensions.* The reader will make such application as he may think proper, of the following passage in the New Testament: "And when his dis ciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are made of."

I shall conclude with expressing a few sentiments, and challeng ing my opponents to meet me on the same liberal ground. I believe that the Episcopal Church is a part of the Church of Christ, and that the ordinances administered by her are, with the blessing of God, effectual means of salvation. Did I reside in a place where I could attend only that Church, I would worship with her, and re ceive the sacraments from her hand; yea, had I been educated in that Church, I think it highly probable, that I would remain in her communion. I can easily conceive that persons may prefer Epis copal government without being “in involuntary or unavoidable ignorance," or without "wilfully or obstinately closing their eyes against the light." I think it perfectly right, that every Church should adopt and conform to such regulations as they may judge to be agreeable to the word of God. In short, I contend for no other privilege to be extended to me, than what Cyprian has promised, or than what I cheerfully extend to others. He most heartily wishes that I was a "good Episcopalian." I sincerely thank him. I think myself safer where I am; because I act according to my conscience, as he does according to his. Let him continue an Epis copalian, and me a Presbyterian; and if we both improve the precious advantages which we enjoy, we shall meet in heaven, and spend an eternity together in praising "Him who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood."t

by the gracious Parent of the universe, through the merits of that blood which was shed for all. These are the sentiments expressly avowed in various parts of his books by the author of the " Companion for the Festivals and Fasts," and "for the Altar."

Ed.

*Young as may be the advocates of Episcopacy to whom the author of Miscellanies here alludes, they surely deserve commendation for not indulging a propensity, common to youth, and which those whose "locks are silvered by age" have not always restrained, to strike out into new paths. Their object has been to find the" old paths, and to walk therein." They sought to drink at the deep and pure fountain of primitive truth, not in the shallow and degenerate streams of later ages. The charges of selfsufficient and exclusive pretensions will apply to all the primitive Fathers, and to some of the most eminent Divines that ever adorned the Church. With such company they are proud to be ranked; and thus supported they fear not any charge that can be brought against them.

Ed.

† In this sentiment every Episcopalian can join, for though "in these controversies, truth can be only on one side, sincerity may be on both.” And where there has not been a wilful neglect of the means of information, nor a wilful opposition to the truth, sincerity, even in error, will be accepted by the merciful Judge of the world. Ed.

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