The Protestant Episcopal Convention [pp. 433-449]

THE
VOL. XXXVIII. JANUARY, 1884. No. 226.
THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CONVENTION.
THE triennial gathering of the Episcopal Church has been in
session for nearly a month and has adjourned. ~Ve do not know
what impression it has left upon the ecclesiastical body which it
represents. The members have said much which to external
observers seems of little importance. In order not to show any
difference of opinions, they ~~ve wisely left out all questions of
doctrine, and, to use the language of a New York infidel preacher,
they have "reiterated worn-out platitudes and nerveless ideals."
We think that they have left upon {he general public the impres
sion that thQV are a respectable body of men, quite satisfied
with themselves, and not disposed to quarrel concerning matters
of doctrine. Neither has any question of ritual been allowed to
disturb the placid surface of their communion. Why should
there be any quarrel where all may do as they please? As says
the Rev. Dr. Newton, if he be correctly reported: "Of all the orthodox churches in the country, there is none that permits such
independence of thought as our own conservative chuich. It
was not the outgrowth of one mind. It was a national church
froni the first. Statesmen and not narrow-minded theologians
provided for the possible unity of those elements in England
which on the Continent were warring with each other. In our
creed there is nothing said about the inspiration of the Scrip
tures. An article concerning future punishment was prepared
and omitted. The article on the sacraments appeals to the l~eart
and not to the head. The ~Vestniinster Catechism is elaborate
Copyright. REV. I. T. HEc!~ER. 1833.