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A CHARGE
\
DELIVERED AT VISITATIONS
-1 , •■. ^^^vjv ;
OF THE
CLERGY AND CHURCHWARDENS
OF THE
ARCHDEACONRY OF YORK,
Held at Newmarket, on Thursday, Septcvxher 6 ; at Chippawa, Wednesday^
/September 12; at Hamltou, Friday, September 14; at Woodstock,
' Tuesday, September \S; at London, Thursday, September
20; and at Chatham, Tuesday, Sept. 25.
BY
THE VENERABLE A. N. BETilUNE, D. 1).
AKCIIUEACON OF VOKK.
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TOllONTO:
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A CHARGE
Addressed to the Clercfy of the ArcMeaconry of York, at Visitations of
the Clergy and Churchwardens of that Archdeaconry, held at New-
market on Thursday, Sept. 6 ; at Chippawa, • Wednesday, Sept.
12; at Hamilton, Friday, Sept. 14; at Woodstock, Tuesday,
Sept. 18; at London, Thursday, Sept. 20, and at Chatham,
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 1849, by the Venerable A. N. Bethlne,
D. D., Archdeacon of York.
Reverend Brethren, —
The course of duty affords me the gratification of meeting you
on this occasion, although I withhold from myself the satisfaction of
addressing at once the whole of the Clergy of this Archdeaconry, —
feeling it advisable to convene portions of them at such different
points as may best consist with their convenience and the general
good of the Church.
Since my appointment to this Archdeaconry, in the year 1847,
I have made it a business, at such times as other engagements would
allow, to visit every parish or mission, and nearly every station
where Divine Service is performed, within its limits, — a part of duty
which I considered it necessary to discharge, in order that I might
judge, by personal inspection, of the condition of each, and thus
offer more advantageously such suggestions for the effecting of im-
provements, or die correction of defects, as circumstances might
point out.
In the execution of thJs duty, involving, of necessity, the con-
sumption of much tim€, and not a little labour and anxiety, — as, in
all the journeys it required, nearly 4000 miles had to be travelled
in fulfilling it, — I have been well repaid by the accurate information
upon the state of this portion of the Diocese, which I have thus been
enabled to acquire. And here I cannot refrain from expressing
my warm acknowledgments for the uniform kindness and hospitality
which, in the course of these visits, I have experienced both from the
Clergy and Laity, and for the frank and fraternal manner in which
my official inquiries have been met. After the information thus
obtained in detail, you will concur with me in the benefit of throwing
into & condensed form the suggestions and counsels which have
been, from time to time, framed upon it, — that we may act as a body
upon our several duties, and, by a general consideration of them on
the part of both Clergy and Laity, achieve the advantages of united
deliberation and united action.
Our contemplations of the secular condition of the Church will
embrace two lead'ng subjects of consideration, viz., of Local and of
General, or, as they may be termed. Catholic objects.
L Those which are Local, and which must first engage our
consideration, branch out, as will be expected, into sevdal distinct
heads :
L THE BUILDING OF CHURCHES.
Wherever a congregation has been formed, and can be habitu-
ally served, it will be most desirable to secure, as early as possible,
the erection of a Church. To a large extent, in a new country, \fe
avail ourselves of school-houses for Divine Service : in our necessity
we should be thankful for this resource, but it is one which, like
the emergency, should be regarded only as temporary, and to be
superseded, as soon as possible, by the edifice specially set apart for
sacred uses. There is something congenial to the religious mind in
this special consecration, and something very abhorrent to it in the
occasional employment for holy purposes of that which is perhaps
habitually allotted to common uses. The tone of reverential feeling
is, of necessity, much impaired by the absence of its appropriate
symbols ; and though the fervour of genuine devotion may be felt
in the school-house or private abode, the proprieties of public wor-
ship cannot be so easily maintained in a common or unconsecrated
edifice.
There would be little difficulty, generally, in the way of the
accomplishment of this object, where a right religious feeling pre-
vails, and such a feeling is, through God's blessing, a usual result of
the stated employment of the means of grace. That correct and
earnest tone of religious feeling would almost spontaneously urge to
a concentration of the means and energies of a people; and where
this is done, there can be little doubt of success. Persons have
only, as a community, to exert the skill and industry which they
so usually employ, us individuals, in securing to themselves a com-
fortable residence, and even those ornaments and elegancies which
improvement in worldly fortune so generally induces them to supply.
Let the same feeling, deepened and sanctified, animate Christians
in contemplating their obligation to erect and adorn the house of
God; let the "children of light," in this instance, exhibit the pru-
dence and zeal which ehararterize the " children of this world."
If this were done, we should have fewer complaints of the difficulty,
much less of the impossibility, of erecting a becoming edifice of
prayer: what one, for individual satisfaction or comfort, is enabled
body
?m on
nited
li will
nd of
to eiFect for himself, a whole community, without any extraordinary
self-denial or serious self-deprivation, can surely accomplish. In
this way, in the prosperous and populous city, — in the rising town
or village, — we should discern the sanctuary of God, standing out,
in its proportions and adornments, pre-eminent amongst the mere
structures of the world. In like proportion the rural population
would manifest their handiwork and their liberality; and even
amongst the struggling settlers of the newly cleared township, the
building specially set apart for the service of God, though of rude
construction, would shew, in its dimensions and in the care of its
workmanship, a superiority over at least the best log dwelling in
;he wilderness.
And let us not be frowned away from a right appreciation of
this duty, by the cold philosophic contempt which is sometimes
expressed for what some are pleased to term these trappings of
devotion — these gorgeous adornments of the simple duty of our
Maker's praise. The whole handiwork of the adorable Architect
of the universe proves that to His immeasurable and inconceivable
Spoilt, harmony and order are things consentaneous and delightful.
If w e look at the embroidery of the flowers, which are His work-
manship, or at the texture of the insect's wing, which owns the
cunning of His hand, we shall be justified in throwing the fulness
of our architectural skill into the edifices which are raised to His
honour.
All the reasons I have stated will have their weight in effecting
repairs where they are needed, and in not suffering dilapidations
from time, or injuries from accident, to evince, by our neglect of
them, an indifference to the honour and reverence which is due from
us to the sanctuary of the Most High.
2. THE PROVIDING OF THINGS NECESSARY FOR THE BECOMING
PERFORMANCE OF DIViri. SERVICE.
The Apostle's command, — " Let all things be done decently
and in order," will be a general direction in this duty: what is
applied to holy uses should have its peculiar adaptation to that end.
And here I may speak first of Church vestments, or rather of that
vestment which is, in a singular degree, the becoming garb of the
minister of God in the sanctuary. This — the Surplice — should be
furnished by the parishioners ; and in churches in towns and villages,
it would be always desirable that there should be two. A good rule
would be, to require also a surplice from the congregations minis-
tered to in out stations, as well as a Bible and Prayer Book of con-
venient size.
Connected closely with this, is the supply of the appropriate
liner coverings for the Lord's Table, — now easily procured of an
appropriate pattern, and which, if so procured, would exclude the
M
6
use of tliat which is employed for ordinary or secuhir purposes.
The same consideration will apply to the procuring of an appro*
priate service of Comjnunion Plate and a Font, — the means for a
right administration of the two Sacraments of the Church; where
a sense of duty in holy things would forbid the employment of
vessels adapted to the common uses and conveniences of life. The
emblematic washing of water, — the divinely-appointed pledge of
the new birth, — should have its peculiar " laver," as doubtless was
the case in the Apostles' times; and the bread and wine, which
represent Christ's spiritual presence in the feast, should have a
receptiicle different from that used for tlie eating and drinking of
ordinary life. VVc should otherwise be rendering the Lord's house
a common habitation, and coufounding the apx)ropriate emblems
and symbols of Divine things with what is adapted to the business
or pastimes of the world. Such things ought not to be ; Christian
reverence would caus<; us to shrink from the profanation.
The sou id of the "Church-going Bell" is one to almost every
heart of happy associations ; and its music, though rude and simple,
affects with a consolatory feeling many who have left their father-
land, and who, in a distant clime, look for their best consolation
from the services of religion* To warn of the hours of prayer, is
one of its simplest uses; but we shall not allow ourselves, at the
same time, to overlook the benefit of the monitions it affords cm
occasions of spiritual gladness or sorrow. It is, in short, an append-
age to a church which many ancient aud holy feelings would con-
strain us to supply.
And who, in the house of God, can be inscsible to the charm
of the strain of praise, mingling, in its appropriate place, with the
voice of supplication and intercession ? The sound of many voices
speaking out tlve joy and gratitude of a redeemed soul, is revealed
as the employment of just spirits made perfect, and of the Cherubim
and Seraphim, in heaven; and on earth we feci, in the devout
performance of that duty of tliankfulness, a foretaste of tlie coming
bliss in the same bright world of peace and love. The sound of
many voices expressing their thankful praises to their Maker and
Redeemer, is helped, we must all feel, by the Church's most ap-
propriate instrument of music, the Organ. All congregations, it
is true, are not so circumstanced as to provide that pleasing accom-
paniment of Divine worship; but I need scarcely press, what is so
spontaneously felt, the benefit of supp'ying it as scon as it can
be done.
3. THE ENLARGEMENT OF CHURCHES, WHEN NECESSARY.
When I said that the religious edifice, emphatically termed
the House of Prayer, should be such, in external appearance and
internal adorning, as to exhibit, if we may say so, a stauding
I
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memorial of the religions taste and spirit of the people, I am far
from meaning to urge an expenditure inconsistent with their well-
considered means. On the contrary, 1 should strongly press the
avoiding of that serious impediment to tlie spiritual welfare of a
congregation, — the incumbrance of a heavy debt upon their church.
This i» too often carelessly, and even recklessly, inciured, — not so
much always from the actual want of means, ;is because there has
been some deficiency in management, — a hastj^ forming of plans,
without ensuring the combination of energies and resources that
might carry them through. Although, then, in a new country like
this, where the population may be expected to increase from other
than natural causes, — where, indeed, the ever-flowing tide of
emigration is rapidly augmenting the number of our people, — it
would not be wise to limit the church accommodation to the pre-
sent demand, but to provide for the probable wants of some years
to come, it would, nevertheless, be better to commence with con-
tracted dimensions and on an inferior scale, rather than embark in
expenses which there is but a doubtful prospect of meeting. It
would be prudent, however, in such cases, so to construct our
chuvches that they should admit of enlargement, without doing vio-
lence to the proportions or impairing the symmetry of the whole.
Frequently we find it necessary to enlarge our church accom-
modation in a place where the church itself is so inferior a building
that it is hardly worth while to add to it; and at the same time
difficulty is experienced in erecting an entirely new church. Here
it is quite possible, as experience in many cases testifies, to com-
bine increase of accommodation with the actual commencement of
a new church. A new front, or a new ehancel, may be added in
strict connexion with the plan of a new church on a larger and
improved scale ; and that artdition may be easily made to afford, for
the present, an additional number of sittings : in time, as means
increase and wants become pressing, the enlargement may be ex-
tended on the same plan, and at last an entirely new church may-
be completed.
In this way, many of the noblest ecclesiastical structures of
our fatherland have been brought to completion : they were com-
menced and proceeded with, by small beginnings, in faith ; and
what one generation left incomplete, another took up and carried
on. The work was for posterity not less than for the present gene-
ration ; and they who did a little in their day, felt cheered in the
thought, that in this work of piety they were linked in sympathy
and action with those coming after them, and that unity was main-
tained in their common end of glorifying God.
This unfinished church will be regarded, indeed, as a trust
committed from the father to the child ; and the latter will not feel
%%
8
that he has walked in the steps of his parent, if he lend not a help-
ing hand to build up the sanctuary. Moreover, this very aspect
of an unfinished work is a sort of rebuke upon generations as they
pass: it is to them a monition of a great enterprise to be com-
pleted; and every year of inaction bringing with it its reproof,
they will, from this standing memorial of a high duty to be per-
formed, be urged to its arcomplishment<
4. CHURCH REVENUE.
We come next to the important subject of Church revenue ;
and here, in referring to what upon this continent is made to form
an iiijportant source of such revenue, I should be led into a con-
sideration of the difficult and much agitated question of Pews.
But, from the acknowledged difficulties which beset this question,
and because any view we may take of it must be modified, in a
large degree, by local circumstances, I feel it to be desirable,
for the present at least, to abstain from any particular notice of the
principle involved in that question. I shall content myself, there-
fore, with deliberating upon facts as they exist, in this case.
The possession of a pew in n church implies the possession of
a certain exclusive privilege; and this kind of privilege, if we
consult the permanent benefit of a parish or congregation, should
be curbed as much as possible. The custom of alienating pew8
from the corporate tenure of the church, by selling them,
should, in my judgment, be avoided as far as practicable. The
church should be the owners of them, and hold them merely as a
property to lease ; in no case for sale. The Church, in this way,
retains her legitimate voice in their appropriation, and can exercise
a judgment in occasionally changing the occupation of them; a
power which it is important she should keep in her hands, because
frequently great detriment is experienced from the impossibility
of assuming and appropriating pews which the possessors only
rarely, and perhaps never, occupy ; whereas if they were but leased,
the Vestry could change the occupants as circumstances might re-
quire. And it would be found advantageous to make such changes
in all cases where pews are not habitually occupied, — reasonable
notice being first given to the parties in possession.
Where people desire the exclusive privilege of pews, or sit-
tings, in a church, they should be willing, as in the case of every
other luxury, to give a suitable remuneration for it ; and on this
account, a due consideration should be given to the amount of rent
that is imposed. It might be found an equitable rule to value the
sittings in a church according to the cost of the edifice ; for that,
in general, is fou d to bear a fair proportion to the means of the
congregation. In a church worth £1000, ten shillings per annum
for each sitting would be a reasonable charge, and certainly it ought
i
^
f ,* - -
9
not to be lower. Supposing:, then, a church of that cost to contain
400 sittings, and that one-third was set apart as free, the residue,
if leased even on those moderate terms, would yield a revenue
(allowing for occasional losses) of fully £100 per annum.
Another very ancient and legitimate, because Scriptural,
source of Church revenue, is from alms and offerings on the Lord's
Day, as appointed in the Book of Common Prayer. This unos-
tentatious, and as we may hope, sanctified method of bestowing
our bounty for purposes of piety and charity, must recommend
itself to every Christian heart; and feeling it a duty thus to bestow
out of what God has givenjus, we shall feel it equally a duty to giye
liberally. In this way, too, all have the opportunity of contributing,
according to their ability^ to the Lord's service : the rich and the
poor can jointly throw in their offerings; and the left hand knows
not what the right hand doeth, in this unobtrusive work of love.
A congregation of the size just mentioned, — 400 persons, — if
animated by a right Christian spirit, might fairly be reckoned upon
for £100 per annum from the Offertory collections : it would be
little more than a penny a week from each.
Taking, then, these two sources of revenue into computation,
the amount, as a general rule, might be made up from thence,
which would be required on the part of the people towards the
stipend of the clergyman. After making the necessary appropria-
tions to other church purposes, £100 per annum at the least could
be spared for this object; and this would be a better method of
meeting the obligation than by instituting a subscription-list, with
all the labour, vexation, and uncertainty with which that is found
too generally to be accompanied. This, I repeat, would be a more
satisfactory method of attaining this object ; but it cannot always
perhaps be secured in that way. An annual subscription, therefore,
might be instituted to meet the deficiency / though to supply this,
the ancient Church rule of Easter or Christmas offerings, specially
made for this purpose, would be found much more satisfactory.
There are cases, however,— those especially of rural congrega-
tions, where pew-rents are small, or perhaps do not exist at all, — in
which thfi method just stated of securing the required share of the
stipend of the Minister would be found impracticable. Here, then,
we must reverse our plan, — make the subscription-list the main
dependence, — and supply deficiencies from the pew-rents, (if they
exist,) and the Offertory B und. This plan might be found to work
more advantageously in rural congregations, because much could
be contributed in produce ; a mode of contribution which, with a
very little previous arrangement, might be turned to much better
account than has heretofore been the case.
B
.*!»«-
^msammmm
10
I have assumed, my brethren, as you'will perceire, the pay-
ment of a portion of the Minister's maintenance by the people whom
he serves, as an esablished rule and indispensable obligation j for,
while our own Christian feelings will assent to its propriety and
justice, circumstances themselves imperatively demand its appli-
cation.
I need not enter here into the history of -the question, the
agitation of which has resulted in the loss of so large a share
of the ecclesiastical property bestowed by the best of Kings upon
the Church in this Province : it is enough for us without indulging
in vaiii repinings or useless regrets, to contemplate the irreversible
result and to make the most of what is left. What is left, as all
must be aware, can meet but a small share of the maintenance of
the Church in this Diocese ; and if its valued ministrations are to
be secured, it must be through the exercise of a right Christian
zeal and self-denial on the part of our people generally. In view
of this necessity, the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in
Foreign Parts, — a Society ever to be spoken of and remembered
by us with gratitude and affection, — as Tustees, under an Impe-
rial enactment, of that portion of the Clergy Reserve Fund which
is commonly called the Surplus Fund, (that is, over and above
what is required to meet the pledge of Government in support of
our Ecclesiastical Establishment as it existed in 1833), — have pub-
lished a I jgulation that no clergyman shall, in future, receive a
stipend from that Fund larger than may be guaranteed annually
by the congregation amongst whom he ministers : in other words,
the payments on both sides shall be equal, — with a limitation, of
conrse, on the part of the Society, which need not apply to the
congregations coming under that regulation. From the equitable-
ness of this arrangement, as a general rule, we can hardly allow
ourselves to dissent. There will be cases in which a sound discre-
tion, consulting for the good of the Church, wot:ld desire some
modification of that rule ; but the general principle, that the
people should bear a direct share in the maintenance of their
minister, we must all concur in as just and beneficial.
In contemplating our obligations in this particular, we are
called upon to take the highest ground. Supposing that every
acre of the Clergy Reserves remained to us, we should not even
then, deem ourselves, as individual Christians, exempt from the
duty of contributing directly to the support of religion. God himself
has laid down the rule of action for us in his holy word ; and that
rule we cannot regard otherwise than as eternally binding upon
mankind. For purposes of piety and char'^y, one-tenth of their
substance is claimed by Him : it was so unaer ihe law : there has
T I
,
]l
the pay-
jle wliom
ion J for,
riety and
its appli>
)tion, the
e a share
ngs upon
ndulging
•eversible
eft, as all
enance of
>ii8 are to
Christian
In riew
Gospel in
nembered
an Impe-
ind which
md above
support of
have pub-
receive a
i annually
ler words,
litation, of
ply to the
equitable-
rdly allow
nd discre-
esire some
that the
e of their
r, we are
hat every
I not even
; from the
od himself
and that
ling upon
th of their
there has
been no prohibition or contravention of the rule under the Gospel ;
and the first Christians, as liave succeeding Christians, interpreting
it as of perpetual obligation, have recogiiized and acted upon it as a
solemn religious duty. It stands in the light of a sacred contract on
our part, — a condition and acknowledgement of the gifts which God,
in his providence, bestows upon us: and if the debt be not paid, —
if this fair share of our means and earnings be not given to God's
cause, our firm conviction should be that, sooner or later, in the
righteous workings of his providence, that amount will be taken
from us. Either we, or those that come after us, will be made to feel
that God has been " robbed in tithes and offerings." (Malachi iii. 8.)
The allotment of land, from the public property of a country,
for the maintenance of the ministry, constitutes, therefore, no release
to us as individual Christians from this ever-standing obligation:
that allotment should be regarded as emphatically the heritage of
the poor scattered throughout the land ; so that this payment for
God's cause must, in some shape or other, come directly from our-
selves. It may be, then, in very mercy to His people, that He has
allowed a portion of that patrimony to be alienated from them, —
that there may exist, as it were, a compulsory reason for their per-
sonally discharging that share of this religious debt, which they
might be induced to withhold if a pressing necessity for its pay-
ment did not appear to exist.
It would exhibit, indeed, a sad picture of spiritual barrenness, if
a people were content to see their clergyman paid from resources
which they helped not to supply ; if they enjoyed every religious
privilege and ordinance without sharing in the charge of maintain-
ing them. I fully believe that there can be no spiritual prosperity
where this disposition is wanting; for its very element, — the nutri-
ment of it, as we may say, manifested in a pious mind and willing
heart,— is absent. Nor do 1 feel that 1 am going too far in saying
that there will be no te^npond prosperity to the people who neglect
this duty. The Jews were traitsported to Babylon as captives,
that the land, stripped of its inhabitants, might enjoy of necessity
that sabbatical repose which thecovetousnessof the people, — another
form of idolatry, — withheld them from allowing to it. From this,
Christians, who wx-i bound to serve God at least as much as Jews
may learn a lesson ; and, in the solemn assurance that God's threat-
enings as well as His promises will be fulfilled, they should avoid the
peril and the penalty of a similar disobedience.
5. PARSONAGE HOUSES.
I cannot lay too much stress upon the benefit of providing Par-
sonage Houses in the several parishes, as speedily as possible. A
comfortable Parsonage gives to a parish an aspect of settlement and
w
w^^•
12
stability; while, in the absence of a dwelling specially provided for
the clert^yman, we should be led to conclude that his appointment
there was not considered a privilege designed to be permanent or
successive. Moreover, a residence for the Clergyman, by the
saving of rent, is just so much added to his income; or, at least, it
removes from ihe congregation the burden of that annual charge.
Besides, in many country parishes, and even in small towns and
villages, it is often found impossible to procure any thing like a
comfortable dwelling; nor is the Incumbent sure of being able
permanently to retain the house he may hold on lease. There is
always, too, on the part of landlords, in rural districts especially
where the aplication foi residences is unfrequent, a great repug-
nance to keep leased houses in repair ; while neither the clergyman
nor his people feel any encouragement to assume that expense
themselves.
In consequence of these difficulties, the clergyman, on entering
a parish, is frequently induced to provide a house for himself, either
by purchasing or building a suitable residence; with the laudable
feeling, that it will be so much real property for his family after-
wards. Although this is a natural and often a necessary step, experi-
ence proves, in many cases, that it is not a prudent one. Few-
clergymen can spare so much from their means as such an acqui-
sition of property requires ; and if a debt be incurred in obtaining
it, it is seldom that, with a slender stipend, its pressure can be got
rid of. The annual amount of the interest of its cost is, at all events,
virtually subtracted from his income.
Where a clergyman has, under such circumstances, built or
purchased a house for himself, it would be desirable, in my judg-
ment, — if he has no objection himself to the arrangement, — that
the parish should become the purchasers of it; and this transfer
might generally be effected on terms mutually accommodating. —
T)ie possession of such a property by a clergyman, notwithstand-
ing the prospective advantages connected with it, would generally
be found an incumbrance in case of his desire to remove to another
parish. Nor need the laudable wish he entertains of securing to
liis family a residence after his removal from his labours by death,
prove an obstacle to the arrangement which I recommend ; because,
in many instances, a residence elsewhere, on private grounds of
convenience, would be desired by them ; and, if not, a smaller
dwelling would, under the change of circumstances, generally be
sought for.
6. CHURCH-YARDS.
The reverence which is so universally felt for the consecrated
receptacle of the dead, will naturally prompt a becoming cnre of the
church-yard, — especially its protection, by a sufficient fence or wall,
13
ovided for
pointment
manent or
n, by the
at least, it
al charge,
towns and
ing like a
)eing able
There is
especially
!at repug-
elergyman
t expense
n entering
lelf, either
c laudable
lily after-
?p, experi-
•ne. Few
an acqui-
obtaining
can be got
all events,
s, built or
my judg-
ent, — that
is transfer
adating. —
withstand-
generally
to another
^curing to
by death,
; because,
grounds of
a smaller
lerally be
)nsecrated
are of the
ce or wall.
from unseemly depredations. In towns of any considerable size,
it would be wise to provide in time a cemetery at a convenient dis-
tance beyond its limits.
I would press here the recommendation to have buryinar-grounds
regularly laid out in lots of convenient size, that the several families
of parishioners might have their own allotments; and as none can
be more interested than themselves in keeping the church-yard
fences, &c., in repair, the simplest means of securing this would be,
at the first assignment of a lot therein, to require a small payment
(such as the Vestry might agree upon), and a small annual or
occasional assessment besides, as circumstances might call for if^
application.
7. INSURANCE OF CHURCHES AND PARSONAGES.
The precaution here recommended is now so generally adopted,
that little need be said upon this head. The greatest vigilance and
care cannot always protect us against accidents by fire ; and when
these occur in the case of our churches or parsonages, we should
feel much jelf-condemnation if we had neglected the usual means,
— which now in so many shapes are afforded, — of being assured
against them.
II. I come now to the second proposed head of consideration, —
General or Catholic objects, as distinguished from such as are
merely local.
Here, my Brethren, I must be permitted to call attention to
the duty of a vigorous and systematic maintenance of the Church
Society^ established a few years ago, under auspices so favourable,
in our Diocese. And I do so here, on account of that prominent
and kindly feature in its character, the Catholic spirit which marks
its constitution and its working, — the inherent power it exerts of
promoting unity amongst the members of our holy communion, —
of linking Churchmen together, however distant and separated, in
that sympathy and in those offices of charity which best attest the
brotherhood of the whole.
We must all feel that our Christian charity is not to be limited
to the spot in which we live, or bounded by the space in which our
property may lie ; but that it must extend to those also with whom
we cannot hold direct intercourse or personal communion. We are
to testify, by acts which will be visible and felt, that there is a
sympathy between the members of the Church everywhere, — that
there is a circulation, as it were, of Christian charity and graces, —
that Ihe current of Gospel love has free course through the whole
body of the household of faith, — that by this interchange of kindly
offices and feelings, we are practically as well as relatively one.
The poor, whether in a spiritual or temporal view, wheresoever
placed, have a claim upon their better-provided brethren ; and by
:^l
■ '. «
'.»■ i
! i
!i
I i
I ';
! 1
14
our support of an Institution which is so Catholic in its objects,
we show that this claim is allowed. The needy emigrant, in the
township just cleared, looks to his more favoured brethren for aid
to supply to him the ministrations of religion ; and none, so cir-
cumstanced as to have enough and to spare, are permitted to hear
unmoved the appeal, " Come over and help us."
In the persuasion that such is our duty, we should rejoice that
channels are opened to us and an organization eifected, by which
our Catholic sympathies may have exercise and expansion with
some certainty of positive and beneficial results. These in the
Church Society are promised, and the experience of a few years
tells us how satisfactorily they have been realized.
1. By contributing one-fourth of the resources raised under
that organization to the Parent Society, — the almoner of our libe-
rality for the common good, — we are benefitting our brethren
throughout the Diocese generally. We supply the means of pro-
viding for them tlie Bible and the Prayer Book, and also of main-
taining, in part at least, the Travelling or Resident Missionary.
2. By the several District Branches aiding in the same objects
within the bounds of such Districts, — in distributing religious
f)ublications, and furnishing a portion of the stipend of the Travel-
ing Missionary, — we, as members of those Branch Associations,
are carrying out the same ends as the Parent Society, though
within a narrower sphere, and dispensing to others those spiritual
blessings which it is our own privilege to enjoy.
3. The same principle is carried out in a judicious appropria-
tion of the residue of the funds applicable, by the constitution, to
local purposes. The appropviation of some portion of it to the
purchase of a glebe lot, the erection of a parsonage, or the building
or endowing of a parochial school, is legitimately within those
Catholic or more diffused objects. It is a lookitig off from our-
selves to those that come after us, and effecting through our bounty
the permanent religious benefit of {.osterity. It would, in my
judgment, be most desirable that the portion of funds placed at the
disposal of the Parochial Associations should be expended upon
objects of that character, — that the appropriations thus made should
be visible in their results to coming generations. And here I am
happy to adduce an extract from the last Report of the Church
Society, closely in unison with these suggestions: — " It is hoped
that the unendowed Mission will use every exertion to provide for
themselves landed endowments, whilst wild lands can be procured
at so small a cost, and on such easy terms. If each parish would
contribute £10 per annum for ten years, a lot of 200 acres could be
procured, which might be leased on liberal terms; and at the expi-
ration of only a few years would be so much improved in value, that
its objects,
rant, in the
liren for aid
one, so cir-
tted to hear
rejoice that
d, by which
lansion with
hese in the
a few years
aised under
of our libe-
Jr brethren
aiis of pro-
so of main-
lissionary.
ame objects
g religious
the Travel-
ssociations,
?ty, though
^se spiritual
I appropria-
$titution, to
►f it to the
he building
ithin those
F from our-
our bounty
ild, in my
aced at the
nded upon
lade should
here I am
he Church
It is hoped
provide for
e procured
•ish would
's could be
t the expi-
value, that
I
15
it would be capable of producing an income : so that by using a
little forethought now to procure land, even if distant from the
church which it is intended to endow, the time would soon come
when such lands might be exchanged for a farm in the immediate
vicinity. Several Parochial Associations in the Diocese have done
this, and tliere is little doubt but that wherever the plan is adopted
by men really in earnest, it will be carried into effectual operation."*
By such a course of action, we are subserving the great and useful
principle of union and communion, interwoven in the very design
of the Church Society ; connecting, as it were, generations
together ; and causing our children and children's children to con-
template, with a grateful piety and Christian emulation, the
monuments of faith and love bequeathed to them by their fathers.
III. I come, lastly, to what in an Address like the present I
should naturally be expected to revert to, and which the presence
of not a few of our lay brethren on the present occasion, renders
it more proper to notice : I mean —
THE DUTIES OF CHURCHWARDENS.
But upon this I feel myself called upon to be brief. The
enumeration of the duties and powers of Churchwardens, in detail,
would almost of itself, occupy the limits of an ordinary Charge ;
and it may be advisable, at some future period, — if such, in the
good Providence of God should be permitted, — to enter with some
minuteness into that subject. At present, I can advert but cur-
sorily to a few points connected with that important class of Church
officers.
And, first, I would say th.it theirs is a duty from which no com-
petent or influential layman should allow himself to shrink. We
are stewards, all of us, of the manifold grace of God, comprehend-
ing the boundlessness of His gifts, both temporal and spiritual;
and here the laity, as well as the clergy, have their share of the
responsibility : the one, as well as the other, must use the talents
entrusted to them for the spiritual as well as temporal good of their
brethren. There are, all must perceive, many portions of duty
connected with the due administration of the Word and ordinances,
— in the decent and orderly employment of what marks our fellow-
ship as well as common worship, in which the clergy must have the
co-operation of laical help : and this can only be ensured by special
appointments to special and classified duties.
There is, too, a leading feature in the very constitution of the
visible Church, which shews the appropriateness and importance of
this office. The Church is composed of the whole body of believers,
— of all the baptized, of all who name the name of Christ. The
• This quotation has been added since the delivery of the Charge.
m
iit**i%-*
16
clergy, one class of this ^reat body, have a special office assigned to
them ; by a dist net and regularly transmitted commission, they are
entrusted with executive duties of a spiritual character, the efficacy
of which, amono^st other causes, must be considered to depend upon
the validity of the commission by which they are exercised. Closely
connected with the clergy in privilege, hope, and responsibility,
are the rest of the great body of believers; these, too, with their
appriate work in the Church of God, — with an obligation, differin;^
only in kind, to serve and glorify their Maker and Redeemer. If
the leading privilege of the Church of Christ be the bringing us
into communion and fellowship with Him through his appointed
ordinances; if the chatmel of the communication of the gifts pur-
chased for us, be the Church and her Divine appointments; if our
spiritual growth, not to speak alone of our spiritual existence, be
dependent upon our union with Christ through this agency and
means; then we shall feel how much alike we are in our responsibi-
lities, as well as in our privileges and hopes. And if the members of
the Church at large, — the laity, as they may be distinctively termed,
— have thus their obligation to serve the Lord in their place in his
household ; and if to do so effectually, with that order and fitness
which his own appointments require, organization and arrangement
is necessary ; we shall see and feel how completely the establishment
of Churchwardens meets that requirement, — how happily it effects
the due connexion between ministers and people in the common
duty of honouring and serving God. We cannot, therefore, resist
the conviction that the delegation of this office, in turn, to competent
individuals amongst the laity, will be felt as an honour and a dis-
tinction, rather than a burden ; we shall believe that it will be
welcomed as a means for the employment of a -^reat trust com-
mitted to every member of the Church of Goa, rather than be
regarded as a troublesome interference with the common engage-
ments of the world.
Here too, perhaps, we should, as a duty to them, as well as a
benefit to the Church at large, preserve a rotation in their appoint-
ment, and as a general rule, at least, limit their tenure of office to two
years. This would be gradually diffusing, through the body of the
parishioners, that deeper interest in ecclesiastical affairs, which the
exercise of a public and special office connected with them must be
supposed to beget.
But, in contemplating the benefit and the duties of Church-
wardens, we shall more clearly understand tliem if we look bac! to
the various points connected with the temporal circumstances of the
Church which wo have just been reviewing. I'he erection of a
church, — its enlargement or adorning, — the providing it with what
is seemly and necessary for public worship, — the maintenance of the
17
minister, and the carrying out those Catholic objects which we are
I every one of us bound to advance, — these it would be impossible in
[any parish to eflFect, without the co-operation and action of the laity;
! and this co-operation, we can understand, could not be efficiently
brought to bear, unless throu^^ one or more individuals specially
delej^ated to act on their behalf. The body of believers, in their
direct connexion with and duty to the visible Church, must have
their representatives or deiej^ates; and these are satisfactorily
realized in the persons of Churchwardens. If they will work
heartily in this cause, and labour with a true Christian zeal, to carry
out these ends and purposes, we may with God's blessing look for
the most prosperous results; but without that earnest co operation,
in all the temporal circumstances of the Church, — and spiritual
advancement is much connected with them, — our progress will be
proportionately slow. Yet, in the present day of keen speculation
and untiring energy, we shall not, my brethren, let the world have
all the advantage : we shall apply some share of its wisdom and toil
to the harvest of souls and the kingdom of grace : we shall appro-
priate some portion of those talents which the world, in its peculiar
vocations, so much applauds, to the realization of blessings which
are heavenly and unchanging. The "mammon of unrighteousness"
shall not be suffered to engross all l\ie skill and energy of our talents
as stewards; but our powers and our fidelity will be shown as much,
at least, in the diifusion of the truth and the spread of holiness of
life. If the world's commendations can affect us, and the capricious
breath of human praise can impel us to higher efforts in the mere
cause of the world, how much more should we be influenced by the
anticipation of this welcome, and, above all, by the consequences
of its loss — *' Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into
the joy of thy Lord !"
But the great secret of success rests, under God, in an adher-
ence to principle. While we work, we may work erroneously; and the
superstructure upon which pains and skill have been lavished, may,
from want of foui'dation, suddenly fall and be destroyed. We mast
strive to be clear in our conceptions of the Church of Christ, and
courageous in maintaining them; for to a neglect of this is owing,
we must feel, much of the perilous wanderings of the times, and the
overturning of many high spiritual enterprises. The temper of the
day is calculated to bring every thing under the philosophising and
speculative disputations of mere human reason and predilection. —
Lven religion has come to be treated as a speculation — bent and
moulded, by men's perverse passions, to subserve personal or party
interests. Adherence to the Church of Christ, from the depravea
system of belief and action so much cherished, becomes in too many
■'^1^'
I i
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! i
.
i
i
i
'■
i
1
i
i
1
t
'f
i
1
1
^^ri4k
.1
cases a question of expediency. The time, the occasion, the com-
pany, — popularity, interest, — can shift it in an instant.
The Churchman here has doubtless his trials and temptations.
The strength and consolidation and long endurance of many of the
false systems that have been setup, — an erroneous creed with many
followers, — an uuscriptural Church polity, with numerous adherents,
— are formidable things even for the consistent believer's discreet
dealing. Yet no show of vigour, and power, and influence, can
change the character of right and wrong; and the conscientious
member of the Church of tjie living God must look off from the green
and flourisliing erections of man's device and cunning to the " build-
ing fitly framed together," which is the Church of the Lord's own
construction ; and he must adhere to this as the only sure depository
of the promises and presence of the Lord.
That we have no right to trifle with the truth, or"deal presump-
tuously with any of the Divine revelations, is a consideration which
alone should keep us close in our allegiance to the Church of our
fathers ; but we can further commend an adherence to this high
principle on grounds connected with practical duty. Where there
IS a loose foundation, there will be a tottering superstructure ; where
there is no root of conviction, there will be no settlemant or consis-
tency in the Christian life ; where, in such high concernments, there
is a waverino and capricious temper, there will be the absence of
vital and abiding piety. A religion like this cannot stand the test
either of the sunshine or the storm. When the light of prosperity
blazes out, the feeble plant is scorched and withered ; while the
superscription of " the world and the flesh " is stamped, in charac-
ters which all may read upon the brow of this their devotee. And
in the day of darkness and adversity, there is sullenness and fretful-
ness, — a discontent with and arraigning of the Divine Providence,
— and too natural a sliding, at last, into scepticism and infidelity.
But in building upon, and in working by, the principles in
which as Churchmen we are trained, I use no extravagant language
in saying, we build upon a rock. Guided by Divine revelation, and
not by man's inventions, we are out of the reach of the fluctuations
of human pride and passion. We may have our dark days, our
seasons of trial, mercifully interposed amidst brighter prospects; but
we labour in confidence — we toil on in security. Resting on a sound
foundation, and directing our efforts by a right standard, we can
heartily bid one another " God speed; " in the contemplation of all
our designs and enterprises of piety and charity, we can say in faith
and hope — "This workgoedi fast on and prospereth in our hands."
(Ezra v. 8.)
n, the com-
;emptatIons.
many of the
1 with many
s adherents,
er's discreet i
Itience, can
onscientious
m the green
the " build-
Lord's own
2 depository
al presump-
*ation which
lurch of our
to this high
kVhere there
ture ; where
nt or consis-
ments, there
e absence of
and the test
>f prosperity
i ; while the
[1, in charac-
i^otee. And
I and fretful-
Providence,
infidelity.
Drinciples in
mt language
velation, and
? fluctuations
■k days, our
respects; but
g on a sound
dard, we can
iplation of all
n say in faith
1 our hands."