through the influence of the delegates from the Eastern States, practically, though not ostensibly, a return to the English Prayer Book, as the basis of the new compilation.

A body of canons was also prepared. Bishop Seabury was requested to preach the opening sermon at the next meeting of the Convention; and among the closing proceedings, the following Report gives the final action of the Convention with reference to the measures for union:

"The Committee on the Means of Perpetuating the Episcopal Succession in the United States of America, made the following report, which was read and adopted, viz.

The Committee on the Means of Perpetuating the Episcopal Succession in these United States, are of opinion

That the Standing Committee, which, agreeably to the Constitution, is chosen, as above, to act during the recess of the General Convention, ought, in the name of the Convention, to recommend for consecration any person who shall appear to them to be duly elected and qualified for the Episcopal office. That should any person elected and qualified as above, be proposed, and should the answer from the English Archbishops be favourable to the intended plan of consecrating by the Right Rev. the Bishops Seabury, White aud Provoost, the Committee shall write to the said three Bishops, intimating that it is the will and desire of the General Convention, that such consecration should, as soon as convenient, take place. That, should the answer from England be unfavourable, or any obstacle occur, by the death of either of the three Bishops, or otherwise, the said Committee shall recommend any Bishop elect to England, for consecration."(1)

(1) Reprinted Journals, Perry's edition I. 113.

THE END.

APPENDIX OF DOCUMENTS

"The Case of the Episcopal Churches in the United States considered" written by the Rev. William White, at a time when there seemed little prospect of securing the apostolic succession for the American Church has been too often referred to in the preceding pages to require further preface. Bp. White's own reference to this pamphlet will be found in his Memoirs of the Church, second edition. pp. 89.92.

THE

CASE

OF THE

EPISCOPAL CHURCHES

IN THE

UNITED STATES

CONSIDERED.

To make

ew articles of faith and doctrine, no man thinketh it lawful; new laws of government, what commonwealth or church is there which maketh not or another?

at one time HOOKER.

PHILADELPHIA:

PRINTED BY DAVID C. CLAYPOOLE.

1783

PREFACE.

It may be presumed, that the members of the Episcopal Churches, some from conviction, and others from the influence of ancient habits, entertain a preference for their own communion; and that accordingly they are not a little anxious, to see some speedy and decisive measures adopted for its continuance. The author believes, therefore, that his undertaking needs no apology to the public; and that those for whom it is designed will give him credit for his good intentions.

Nothing is farther from his wishes, than the reviving of such controversies as have been found destructive of good neighbourhood and the christian temper; especially as he conceives them to be unconnected with the peculiar situation of the churches in question. He has for this reason, avoided the discussion of subjects, on which Episcopalians differ from their fellow christians; and even of those, concerning which a latitude of sentiment has prevailed among themselves.

He thinks his design is subservient to the general cause of religion and virtue; for a numerous society, losing the benefit of the stated ordinances within itself, cannot but severely feel the effect of such a change, on the piety and morals of its members. In this point of view, all good men must lament that cessation of public worship, which has happened to many of the Episcopal churches, and threatens to become universal.

The present work he also believes to be connected with the civil happiness of the community. A prejudice has prevailed with many, that the Episcopal churches cannot otherwise exist than under the dominion of Great Britain. A church government that would contain the constituent principles of the Church of England, and yet be independent of foreign jurisdiction or influence, would remove that anxiety which at present hangs heavy on the minds of many sincere persons.

Such is the natural tendency of this performance. If it should fail of effect on account of the insufficiency of the author, it may nevertheless be of advantage, by drawing to the subject the attention of others, better qualified for the undertaking.