OPINIONS OF CLERGYMEN OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES. Jubilee College, Ill. Feb. 7, 1844. SIR:—I am glad to hear you are about to publish the Homilies. Better late than never. Had they been in every Churchman's hand, and their blessed contents well treasured in his heart, his head would not be turning over his shoulder to Rome, with longing eyes for her abominations. Go on then, my good sir, and get them before the public as soon as you can. You cannot do the Church a better service. My own clergy are all well supplied from the great numbers I brought with me from England. With prayers for a divine blessing on your undertaking, I am, your faithful friend and humble servant in the Lord Christ. Mr. EDW. C. BIDDLE. PHILANDER CHASE, Sen'r. Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church in the U. S. A. Hartford, January 17, 1844. DEAR SIR:-I am glad to learn, by your letter of the 9th inst., that you are about to publish a beautiful edition of the "Book of Homilies" &c. with the "Canons Ecclesiasucal" as set forth in the year 1603; with an appendix containing the “ Articles of Religion" and "Canons" of the Church in this country. The present state of the church renders it important that all her members should be thoroughly acquainted with the true import of her doctrines, discipline and worship. Beheving that the proposed publication will be conducive to these ends, it has my hearty good wishes for its success. THOS. C. BROWNELL, Bp. of the Diocese of Connecticut. It affords me much pleasure that Mr. E. C. Biddle is about to publish a reprint of the Homilies, from the last Oxford edition. And I cordially recommend the work to the patronage of the clergy and laity of the diocese of Pennsylvania. H. U. ONDERDONK, Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church in the Diocese of Penna. DEAR SIR:-I am happy to learn that you are about publishing an edition of the Homibes. I sincerely wish you success in the enterprise, and if the recommendation of it, which I hereby cordially and respectfully tender, will at all contribute to this effect among the clergy and members of the church, it will afford much pleasure to Yours, dear sir, very truly, BENJ. T. ONDERDONK, Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church in the Diocese of New York. MY DEAR SIR:-Your letter asking my recommendation of your reprint of the last Oxford edition of the Book of Homilies, with the Ecclesiastical Canons set forth in 1603, has only just been received, owing to my absence from this city. I hasten, however, to assure you not only of my "approval" of these works, but also of my conviction, that in their republication in the form you propose, you will confer an essential benefit upon the church in this country: and of my hope that this benefit may be realized in their general circulation among churchmen of every order. I remain, dear sir, most truly your friend and servant, L. S. IVES, Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church in the Diocese of N. Carolina. Philada., January 10, 1844. DEAR SIR:-Your proposed edition of the Book of Homilies, together with the Canons of our Mother Church of England, and an Appendix containing the Articles and General Canons of our own Church, can hardly fail to command universal approbation, and to be productive of considerable good. It will combine in one volume the highest standard authorities, next to the only infallible rule of Scripture, upon every important doctrine of faith and discipline which interests the Protestant Christian; since, however, we may regard them as our own peculiar heritage, of which no Episcopalian should be ignorant, yet it is not too much to say, that the intrinsic merits of the Homilies and the Articles commend them to the most cordial regard and confidence of all who stand fast in the principles of the great Reformation. JOHN H. HOPKINS, Bishop of Prot. Epis. Church in the Diocese of Vermont. Diocese of Kentucky, Jan. 22, 1844. MY DEAR SIR:-The agitating controversies of the times call loudly for a return to the fundamental principles of doctrine and ecclesiastical order: and that press is emphatically performing a seasonable service which is employed in the republication of the earliest, most authentic and sacred documents from which a knowledge of the first and the true can best be derived. Next to the Bible and the Prayer Book, for this purpose, the Homilies of our Mother Church of England are undoubtedly to be ranked. The edition which you propose publishing, appears to me to be specially worthy of patronage; and the documents which you propose to add to your edition, will, to country clergymen especially, prove invaluable. B. B. SMITH, Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church in the Diocese of Kentucky. Gambier, January 18, 1844. DEAR SIR: It is well and seasonable that a new edition of the Homilies should be published in this country. They certainly contain, as our 35th Article says, "a godly and wholesome doctrine, and necessary for these times." I think there could hardly be times in which that wholesome doctrine would be more required than it is at present. As familiar and standard expositions of the doctrines of our Church; and as the Church's stern testimony against the corruptions of Romanism, they are invaluable. Certainly, every family in the Protestant Episcopal Church of this country, should have a copy of the Homilies. But I believe the edition published many years ago, by the Homily and Prayer Book Society of Maryland, is the only American edition; and that has been long out of print. Wishing your edition an extensive patronage, I am, Dear Sir, your obed't serv't. CHAS. P. McILVAINE, Bishop of the Prol. Epis. Church in the Diocese of Ohio. DEAR SIR:-I am pleased to learn that you have in press a reprint of the Oxford edition of the Book of Homilies. I think there can be but one opinion, as to the value of a work embodying so much of sound doctrine, and wholesome direction in practice, to Christians in all conditions of life. It is a work which the most learned minister of the gospel and the most ignorant disciple may read and study with profit, and to their soul's health. If the expression of this opinion will be of service to you in the prosecution of your design, you are at liberty to make use of it to that end. Very respectfully, yours, &c. JA. H. OTEY, Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church in the Diocese of Tennessee. Wilmington, Jan. 22, 1844. The proposed republication of "The Book of Homilies, &c. by Mr. Edw. C. Biddle, is deserving of the encouragement of the Clergy and members generally, of our Church. The "godly and wholesome doctrine" of these venerable standards of the Reformation Era, should be familiar to every intelligent Churchman. ALFRED LEE, Bishop of the Prot Epis Church in Delaware. RESPECTED SIR-I am happy to learn from your letter that you are about to reprint "the Book of Homilies," and "the Canons Ecclesiastical," from the last Oxford edition, together with "the Articles of Religion," and "Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the U. S. A.” The value of the volume needs no commendation, and the convenience of having such Contents under one cover, must render it very acceptable to the members of our church. Yours, truly J. JOHNS, Assistant Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church in the Diocese of Virginia. Boston, January 15, 1844. DEAR SIR:-I am rejoiced to learn from your letter just received, that you propose to publish a new and cheap edition of the Homilies of our Church. There never was a time when the people stood more in need, than at present, of the wholesome instruction contained in these incomparable productions. To recommend them, seems very like recommending the Prayer Book. Yet a word in their favor will not be altogether superfluous, at a time when the labors and views of the English reformers are, strange to say, by some depreciated and slighted; and men" of whom the world was not worthy," are represented as having very qualified claims upon our gratitude and veneration. Truly yours, MANTON EASTBURN, Bishop of the Pret. Epis. Church in the Diocese of Massachusetts. Providence, Jan. 13, 1844. DEAR SIR-I rejoice to hear of your purpose to publish an edition of the Homilies of the Church. Although not of equal authority in matters of faith with the Creeds and Articles, yet they "contain godly and wholesome doctrine necessary for these times," and show us how the Reformers of the English Church were accustomed to present the most important points of Christian faith and practice in their popular discourses. There have been but two American editions of the Homilies,-one in New York, and the other, under the auspices of the Prayer Book and Homily Society of Maryland. Yours will be more valuable from having attached to it the Canons of the Church of England, and the Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. The circulation of former editions was, I fear, too much confined to the clergy and candidates for orders. Yours, it is to be hoped, will be patronized also by the laity. No Episcopalian family should be ignorant of the laws of the church, or of any part of its doctrinal standards. Yours, &c., J. P. K. HENSHAW, Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church in the Diocese of Rhode Island. Sin: It gives me great pleasure to recommend your beautiful edition of the Book of Homilies to all persons who may wish for a copy of a work, which no churchman should be without. I have compared the specimen which you sent me, with the last Oxford edition, of which yours is a reprint, and think your type is larger and clearer, and your paper whiter, than that of the English copy. Wishing you success in this your laudable undertaking, I am respectfully, yours, B. DORR, DEAR SIR:-In answer to your letter of yesterday, I have to say, that it would be presumptuous indeed, in me, to think that the republication of the admirable "Homilies" of the Church could derive the least consequence from my recommendation. The valuable standards of the Church need no such testimonial from my unimportant pen. But I can truly say, that I am rejoiced to learn that you have those noble documents in press; and hope that they will be extensively read by the members of our communion. From the specimen you have politely sent me, I think your edition cannot fail to be approved of, and to meet a ready sale. I hope that your enterprise will be properly appreciated and duly rewarded. Very respectfully, your friend and servant, HENRY W. DUCACHET, Rector of St. Stephen's Church. Philadelphia, Feb. 6. 1844. SIR-I am much gratified to hear of your proposed republication of the Oxford edition of the Book of Homilies, with the Canons of the Church of England; and an Appendix, containing the Articles, Constitution, and Canons, of the American Church. It will appear very seasonably at the present juncture, and cannot fail to be welcomed by Churchmen generally. With best wishes for its extensive circulation among them, I am, very truly, your friend and servant, JOHN COLEMAN, Rector of Trinity Church, Southwark, and Editor of the "Banner of the Cross." Philadelphia, Feb. 6, 1844. DEAR SIR:-Most cheerfully do I comply with your request, "to aid by the influence of my name," if it has any influence, in giving the widest possible circulation to the "BOOK OF HOMILIES." Next to earnest prayer, for the teaching of the Holy Ghost, and intimately connected with it, I know of no better means to promote "the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace," than by the dissemination of the approved and authorized teaching of the Church. "Our Church's strength would be irresistible," (says Mr. Newman) "humanly speaking, were it but at unity with itself." If it remains divided, part against part, we shall see the energy, which was meant to subdue the world, preying upon itself, according to our Saviour's express assurance, that such a house "cannot stand." The Book of Homilies is acknowledged on all hands to "contain a godly and wholesome doctrine," and no one can deny that it is "necessary for these times;" quite as much so perhaps, as it was for the reign of Elizabeth, when it was "appointed to be read in the churches" of England. By the circulation of this book, the laity will be able to determine what the truth is, as held and witnessed by the Church; better than they can, by the opposing testimony of too many of her living teachers. May the time soon come, (if we may hope for so desirable a consummation,) when the clergy and the laity of the Church, will love and treat one another as brethren; "not lightly throwing aside our private opinions, which we seem to feel we have received from above; from an ill-regu lated untrue desire of unity; but returning to each other in heart, and coming together to God, to do for us, what we cannot do for ourselves." Yours affectionately, GEORGE BOYD, Rector of St. John's Church, N. Liberties. P. S.-The style in which you propose publishing the "Book of Homilies," is beautiful, and the additions of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of England, as set forth in the year 1603;" and the "Articles, Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States," will greatly enhance its value. G. B. Philadelphia, Feb. 7, 1844. DEAR SIR:-I am happy to learn that you are about to issue a reprint of the "Book of Homilies," with the Constitution and Canons of the Church of England, and with an Appendix containing the Articles of Religion, Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. Such a publication cannot fail to have an extensive circulation. I hope it will find its way into every Episcopal family in the land. With great respect, yours, &c. THOS. M. CLARK, Rector of St. Andrew's Church. MY DEAR SIR:-I have heard with much pleasure of your plan of publishing a new edition of the "Book of Homilies," and very cheerfully commend the work to the attention of all who desire to know the real doctrines of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Though its language is so antiquated, the authority of the work remains the same; and we may apply to it, with an emphasis, the declaration of those who once set it forth -that it is "especially needful for THESE TIMES." With best wishes for the success of your enterprise, I remain, dear sir, yours, very respectfully, Rector of St. Luke's, Phila. DEAR SIR-I rejoice to hear of your purpose to publish a reprint of the Book of Homilies. There could not well be a more acceptable service done to the members of the Episcopal Church, at the present day, than to bring within their reach this volume of sound and scriptural principles. Wishing you all success in your enterprise, I remain truly yours, RICHARD NEWTON, Rector of St. Paul's Church. Philadelphia, Feb. 13, 1844. DEAR SIR-It gives me sincere pleasure to hear that you are preparing an edition of the Homilies. Their ancient and rustic dress are unfashionable, and may be unpopular in our day; but they contain the truths of God's Holy Word, clearly, strongly, faithfully expressed; and their circulation will do much good in the effort to build up, and sustain the interests of Evangelical truth. Yours, STEPHEN H. TYNG, Rector of the Church of the Epiphany. Philadelphia, Feb. 14, 1844. DEAR SIR:-It gives me great pleasure to recommend the edition of "The Homilies with Various Readings," which you are about publishing. The typography is decidedly superior to any American edition I have ever seen; and as the American Church endorses the Homilies, in so far as they are "An explication of Christian doctrine, and instructive in piety and morals," a copy of your edition should find its way into the library of every Churchman. Respectfully yours, W. H. ODENHEIMER, Rector of St. Peter's Church. Philadelphia, Feb. 19, 1844. DEAR SIR:-I am glad to find that you are preparing for publication a substantial edition of our good old book of Homilies. I have long been accustomed to esteem it as the very next best work to our book of Common Prayer; and although in the nature of things it can never be expected to have a circulation any thing equal thereto, still, it ought certainly to be measurably proportionate. I am sure you will spare neither care nor expense in making it worthy the approval of our church, and I trust you will be rewarded by a large and continuous demand. With great respect, yours, truly, WM. SUDDARDS, Rector of Grace Church. New York, Feb. 8, 1844. MY DEAR SIR:-I am not aware that there has been an American reprint of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of England, and yet they are documents to which the intelligent members of our Church, and especially our Clergy, have frequent occasion to refer. A new edition of the Homilies also, is much needed, and I cannot but think, therefore, that your proposition to republish "the last Oxford edition of the Book of Homilies," &c., will meet with general encouragement. Accept my best wishes for your success in the enterprise, and believe me to be, Dear sir, your obdt. ser. S. SEABURY, Rector of Church of the Annunciation and Editor of "The Churchman." New York, Feb. 10, 1844. DEAR SIR-No publication could be more opportune than that which you contemplate. Error will always increase among us in proportion to our disregard of the sentiments of our Protestant Fathers: and therefore the readiest reproof of error, is the circulation of the truths which our Reformers believed and taught, in the form in which they have delivered them to us. In this view your intended publication of the Homilies has my heartiest approval and recommendation. Yours, respectfully, G. T. BEDELL, |