William Mercer Green Papers Box 2 Folder 9 Document 9

Pastoral Letter of July 19, 1865.

To the Clergy of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Mississippi.

Dear Brethren: --In a Pastoral Letter addressed to you some time since, I requested you, in your public services, to use a certain Prayer "for all in authority," in place of that of like chracater contained in the Prayer Book.

It is known tht in several of the Dioceses where force of arms had prevailed, some of our Churches had been closed and their ministers banished, because a certain Prayer was omitted in the daily service, notwithstanding its omission had been ordered by the highest ecclesiastical authority known to these Dioceses. Fearing lest, upon the late change in our political conditions, a like inference might be attempted in this Diocese, I felt it my duty to set forth in advance the course of action which in such case it was proper for you to pursue. I accordingly reminded you that in all maters of worship you are amenable to no authority but that of your ecclesiastical superiors, and that it was your duty to resist, in every becoming manner, the least inference with you religious duties, from whatever quarter it might come. At the same time, in order to show that, as good Churchmen, we acknowledged the rule of those whom Providence had placed over us, I proposed for your use a Prayer embracing in its inter-

cessions all conditions and degrees of men entrusted with the government of our country. This Prayer, as I then intimated, was to be used only until further developments should be made in our political condition, or an order of our General Council should call for a return to the old Prayer.

Being nore convinced that the military authority at presend over us hasno disposition to interfere with our services, and wishing to conform , as far as may be, with the worship of our brethren in the more Northen Dioceses, I now request that, so soon as military rule shall cease to be excercised over us, and our State government shall be re-established in the exercise of its constitutional rights, you will use the "Prayer for the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority," as prescribed in the Prayer Book. To use that Prayer at present would be equivalent to wishing the success and continuance of a domination which, even in its mildest forms, is repugnant to the spirit of our people.

I will here take occasion, to reply as well as I can, to a question which has been frequently asked of me since the late reverse in our political affairs, viz.:--"Will out Southern Church return to its former connection with out Northern brethren, or will she retain her present organisation?" No satisfactory answer can be given to this inquiry until the

a partial representation in each others' councils, as well as by the possession of a like doctrine, discipline and worship, show to the world that we are still one Church. This, I am pursuaded, would be the surest means of promoting unity and brotherly love between us. But whatever may be the action of our General Council, we have reason to be thankful, brethren, that, possessed, as we are, of an Apostolic Ministry, valid Sacraments, and a primitive Creed, we have within outseves every element necessary to constitute a true Church, to perpetuate its powers, and to entitle it to the affection and veneration of our people.

Commending you to the blessings of Him "without Whom nothing is strong, nothing holy," I remain, dear Brethren,

Your loving Bishop in Christ, W. M. Green.

Columbus, July 19, 1865

Dr. Balch to Bishop Green. Newport, R. I., July 20, '65

My dear Bishop Green,

The Presiding Bishop has given me the pleasure of trasmitting the enclosed letter. To is words, of course, I can add nothing, except to say that it is the ernest wish of all the Presbyters and Laymen with whom I have conversed, that the southern Dioceses should be represented as usual in both Houses next Oct.

Your son has, I hope, long since been restored to his family, and has assured you how much we love you, and how gladly we look forwards to the time when you shall again be our honored guest.

Ever affectionately Yours, Lewis P. W. Balch

Rt. Rev, W. M. Green, D. D., etc., etc.

Circular Letter of the Bishop Hopkins to the Southern Bishops. Burlington, Vermont, July 12th, 1865.

Right Reverend and Dear Brother:

The long and mournful peril of national dissension has now passed away, through the over-ruling Providence of the Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, whose counsels are all governed by the unerring wisdoms and unfailing love. The Union of the States is rapidly advancing to a perfect restoration, and it would be a sad re

proach to out Christian principles if the lack of Union in the Church should indicate our disregard of the great law which enjoins religious concord with our brethren. I consider it a duty, therefore, especially incumbent upon me, as a Senior Bishop, to testify my affectionate attatchment to those among my colleagues from whom I have been separated during those years of suffering and calamity; and to assure you personally of the cordial welcome which awaits you at our approaching General Convention.

In this assurance, however, I pray you to believe that I do not stand alone. I have corresponded on the subject with the Bishops, and think myself fully authorised to state that they sympathize with me generally in the desire to see the fullest representation of the Churches in the South, and to greet their brethren in the spiscopate with the kindliest feeling.

I am unable to concieve how there can be any difference of sentiment on the obligations involved in this important matter. We all agree in prayer to be delivered from Schism; and no theologian denies that a needless and wiful separation from the Church would be clearly schismatical. I am well persuaded that our views on this point must be in perfect harmony, and doubt not that you will resond to our desire with ready satisfaction, and the only course which is truly consistent in religious principle.

The past cannot be recalled, and though it may not soon be