6

the validity of your consecration be fully and explicitly re-
cognised; and even then, it would be, on other accounts, "A
bitter pill to swallow."

After thus begging leave to correct you misapprehension
I take pleasure in expressing my cordial approval both of the
spirit and purport of your Letter to your Clergy and people.

I regret exceedingly to see the course which Bishop Johns
has thought fit to pursue. It will, I fear, give us no lit-
tle trouble by presenting us with divided counsels, and by
giving cause for invidious comparisons between himself and
his brother Bishops who may prefer a more considerate and in-
dependent course. I see that a supple press is already com-
mending his wise, prudent, and loya course. "To this com-
plexion may we come at last;" but it is due to ourselves and
each other that me move together. if possible, and that after
full and prayerful deliberation.

I would have written to Bishop Elliott a month ago, if I
had known how or where to reach him. Most sincerely fo I
hope that the rumor of his arrest is without foundation. If
it be true, whilst I regret that he should be subjected to
any inconvenience or indignity, I rejoice that the lot has
fallen upon one so fit to represent and defend the Church.

Please excuse this long letter. I have no time to som-
press what I wish to say to you.

Believ me very truly
Your brother in labors of Christ,
W. M. Green.

P. S. My reason for recommending that Prayer to my Cler-
gy, instead of advising them to omit the one now in
the Prayer Book, was twofold:-- First, that we might not be ac-
cused of disobeying the Apostolic injuction to pray for all
in authority; And, Secondly, that we might say to our Masters:
--"We do pray for your President and all of every state and
degree in your government; but we claim the privilege of pray-
ing in our own words."