^.S.l\
PRINCETON, N. J. *^g
Presented by A . G. Cc^^r^e'ror\ , PV^.'D.
BX 5995 .M4 J62
Johns, J. 1796-1876.
A memoir of the life of the
Right Rev. William Meade,
fEiTa HE^oWOnnj.^ra m\i^w\
Snj?r iy JjL.O'NeiU.M.T. from. a. Tnaaqrop'^
A MEMOIR OF THE LIFE
n;
\^
^'<jf;f^%\
OF THE
* APR 8- 1911
Right Ret. William MKzmE,
L^W
BISHOP OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH
IK THB
DIOCESE OF VIRGINIA,
EIGHT EEY. J. JOHNS, D.D.
WITH
A. MEMOEIAL SEEMOE"
BY THE REV. WILLIAM SPARROW, D. D.
BALTIMORE:
iKines & COMPAKT, PTTBLI8HBB8, ADAMH EZFBSSB BTTILMKS.
1867.
Entered, accordiug to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, by
INNES & COMPANY,
In the Clerk's Office of the Dist, Court of the U. S. for the District of Maryland.
conte:n^ts.
PAGK
Parentage 7
Schooldays at Carter Hall ....^.... 15
College course and correspondence 18
Religious impressions r 2r>
Determination to become a Minister of the Gospel , 27
Letters from his sister Mrs. Page, and Mrs. Marj Custis, of Arlington 28
Preparation for the ministry 3T
Rev. Walter Addison 38
Princeton 31>
Return to Frederick County; early marriage and manner of life 42
Correspondence with Bishop Madison in reference to ordination 46
Admitted to Deacons' Orders at Williamsburg 50
State of the Church in Virginia 53
Reception as a Minister 54
Style of Preaching 55
Connection with Frederick Parish. Stone Chapel 57
Removal to Alexandria 5i>
Parochial Reforms 60
Hon. F. S. Key, John Randolph, James Milnor ^ 63
Rev. Oliver Norris, Rev. "W. H. Wilmer , 64
Resuscitation of the Church in Virginia , 6(>
Election of Rev. R. C. Moore to the Episcopate 60
Sermon in the Monumental Church, Richmond ; Letter of John Ran-
dolph 70
Resignation of the rectorship of Christ Church, Alexandria ; ordina-
tion as Priest by Bishop Claggett, of Maryland 71
Mode of life and services aa a Parish Minister 72
Labors among the colored people 7G
Clerical support 78
Fidelity to his parishioners 83
Fashionable amusements 84
Card Playing , 94
Horse Racing , 98
Clerical Associations : Rev. Benjamin Allen, Rev. John Thompson
Brooke 101
Death of his mother 107
Her prayers 108
Advice to her children 10i»
His letter of counsel to his sisters 112
Colonization Societ}' 117
His mission to the Southern, and to the New England States 12u
IV OONTENTS.
Education Society 125
Theological Serainarv" , 127
Rev. Dr. Keith 1 130
Further account of parochial measures 135
Nomination as Assistant Bishop of Pennsylvania 138
His course and correspondence on that occasion 141
Use of the Ante-Communion Service 155
Proposed alterations in the order for Morning and Evening Prayer... 156
Letters of Bishop Hobart and Rev. Wra. Meade 158
Action on the subject by the Convention of Virginia 163
Account of his election and consecration as Assistant Bishop of Vir-
ginia > 16T
Correspondence with Rev. Dr. Empie and Bishop Moore 170
Ilis record of the commencement of his Episcopal services 196
General Missionary Society 197
}Iis statement and views in relation to it 199
American and Foreign Bible Society 202
American Tract Society 203
Episcopal Sunday School Union 204
His examination of, and disappointment in, a number of its publica-
tions : 207
Correspondence with the Secretary 208
Evangelical Knowledge Society 225
Correspondence with Bishop Otey 228
Consecration of Bishop Polk ; agreement of Bishops Meade, M'llvaine,
Otey and Polk to pray specially for each other on every Sunday
morning 237
Form of prayer for that purpose by Bishops Meade and Otey 237
Views of Bishops Moore and Meade on the use of the Surplice 240
Proposal to introduce an auxiliary of the Episcopal Sunday School
Union into the Theological Seminary of Virginia 242
Letter of Bishop Meade on the use of fiction as a vehicle of reli-
gious truth 247
Letter to Bishop Alonzo Potter on the Temperance Society 249
Oxford Tracts. 252
Extract from a letter on the subject by Bishop Griswold ....« 254
Bishop Moore's early and earnest warning to his Diocese 255
Action of the Virginia Convention 258
Address by Bishop Meade to the Convention of 1842 260
Other papers prepared by him 264
Discipline 277
History of the 19th Canon of Virginia, "Offenders to be admonished
or exi^elled from the Lord's Table." 278
Qualifications of Lay Delegates 287
Clerical discipline in the case of a Deacon, with letters on the subject
from several Bishops 288
Episcopal Discipline 299
Proceedings in the case of the Bishop of Pennsylvania 300
Proceedings in the case of the Bishop of New York 306
Proceedings in the case of the Bishop of New Jersey 322
Bishop Meade's relation to each ; the violence with which be was
assailed ; his vindication furnished by the documents published
in connection with the several cases, and his own statements pre*
served in manuscript 369—383
CONTENTS.
Effort for the restoration of tlie suspended Bishop 387
Bishop Meade's opposition and reasons 393
Assault upon Bishop Meade; his reply 396
Letter of Bishop Hopkins ^ 399
Double duties, as Rector and Bishop 400
Connection with Christ Church, Norfolk, and Hi. Paul's Church,
Petersburg 402
!jnteresting services, and increased religious interest in Norfolk 404
Letter to his god-children 410
Letter to a student at the University of Virginia 411
Domestic afflictions 412
Affecting letter to his infant grandson after the mother's death 432
Writings 434
Letters to Bishops Johns, Hopkins, and B. T. Onderdonk 435
"Lectures on the Pastoral Office," 439
^'Old Churches, Families and Ministers of Virginia," 441
''The Bible and the Classics," 442
Devotional and other papers 445
Decline of health; letter from his daughter-in-law 457
Intermission of his labors 459
Testimony of respect and affection from the family at Mount Vernon. 461
Visit to Europe 462
Brief memoranda of foreign travel, with passages from letters "pub-
lished in the Southern Churchman," 462
His passionfor trees ~. 465
Death of Bishop Moore 467
Bishop Meade's address to the Convention 468
Special services in Petersburg 469
Visitation of the Western section of the Diocese./ 469
His health impaired by constant and laborious services ; application
to the Convention for official aid 470
Election and Consecration of an Assistant Bishop 471
Bishop Meade's manner of officiating during the period of his bodily
infirmity 472
Unpleasant occurrence at Lawrenceville 473
Brief statement of his views on slavery 476
Change in his health and change in his mode of officiating 478
Prosperity of the Theological Seminary 480
New and additional buildings 480
Their formal dedication. Services on the occasion and addresses by
Bishops Meade and Bedell 481
Tribute to Cassius F. Lee, Esq 483
General Convention of 1859 in Richmond, Va 484
State of the Country 490
Letters on the subject from Bishop Meade to Bishops M'Hvaine and
Johns ^ 492
His address »to the Convention of Virginia in 18G1 496
Provisional measures adopted by the Convention 500
Bishop Meade's letter in behalf of the suffering soldiers 501
Preliminary Convention of Southern Dioceses 502
Notes in anticipation of their united action 503
Consecration of a Bishop for Alabama 506
Bishop Meade's sickness, death, and funeral 507
Resolution? of the Clergy 514
VI CONTENTS.
PAGE,
Notice of the great bereavemeut in Bishop Johns' address to the Con-
vention of 1862 515-
Extract from Bishop Meade's sermon on the opening of the Conven-
tion of 1861 5ia
Transfer of his remains from the vault in vehich they were tempora-
rily placed, and services connected veith their interment in an
appropriate lot in Holywood Cemetery, Richmond..... 520
Commemorative Sermon by the Rev. Wm. Sparrow, D.D., Professor
of the Theological Seminary of Virginia ., 521
COA^TEIS^TS.
I'AGK
Parentage , 7
Schooldays at Carter Hall 15
College course and correspondence 18
Religious impressions 25
Determination to becoraeaMinister of the Gospel , 27
Letters from his sister Mrs. Page, and Mrs. Marj Custis, of Arlington 28
Preparation for the ministry 37
Rev. Walter Addison 3.S
Princeton 30
Return to Frederick County; early marriage and manner of life 42
Correspondence with Bishop Madison in reference to ordination 40
Admitted to Deacons' Orders at Williamsburg 50
State of the Church in Virginia 53
Reception as a Minister 54
Style of Preaching 55
Connection with Frederick Parish, Stone Chapel 57
Removal to Alexandria 51)
Parochial Reforms 60
Hon. F, S. Key, John Randolph, James Milnor ^ 63
Rev. Oliver Norris, Rev. W. H. Wilmer 64
Resuscitation of the Church in Virginia 6'J
Election of Rev. R, C. Moore to the Episcopate 69
Sermon in the Monumental Church, Richmond ; Letter of John Ran-
dolph 70
Resignation of the rectorship of Christ Church, Alexandria : ordina-
tion as Priest by Bishop Claggett, of Maryland 71
Mode of life and services as a Parish Minister 72
Labors among the colored people 7(;
Clerical support 78
Fidelity to his parishioners 83
Fashionable amusements 84
Card Playing , 94
Horse Racing 98
Clerical Associations : Rev. Benjamin Allen, Rev. John Thompson
Brooke 101
Death of his mother 107
Her prayers 108
Advice to her children ; ... I0l»
His letter of counsel to his sisters 112
Colonization Society , 117
His mission to the Southern, and to the New England States 120
IV CONTENTS.
PAGE
Education Society 125
Theological Serniaaiy 12*7
Rev. Dr. Keith '. 130
Further account of parochial measures ir.5
Nomination as Assistant Bishop of Pennsylvania 138
His course and correspondence on that occasion 141
Use of the Ante-Communion Service 155
Proposed alterations in the order for Morning and Evening Prayer... 156
Letters of Bishop Hobart and Rev. Wm. Meade 158
Action on the subject by the Convention of Virginia 163
Account of his election and consecration as Assistant Bishop of Vir-
ginia 167
Correspondence with Rev. Dr. Empie and Bishop Moore ITO
His record of the commencement of his Episcopal services 396
General Missionary Society 197
His statement and views in relation to it 199
American and Foreign Bible Society 202
American Tract Society 203
Episcopal Sunday School Union 204
His examination of, and disappointment in, a number of its publica-
tions. , 207
Correspondence with the Secretary 208
Evangelical Knowledge Society 225
Correspondence with Bishop Otey 228
Consecration of Bishop Polk ; agreementof Bishops Meade, M'Hvaine.
Otey and Polk to pray specially for each other on every Sunday
morning 237
Form of prayer for that purpose by Bishops Meade and Otey 237
Views of Bishops Moore and Meade on the use of the Surplice 240
Proposal, to introduce an auxiliary of the Episcopal Sunday School
Union into the Theological Seminary of Virginia 242
Letter of Bishop Meade on the use of fiction as a vehicle of reli-
gious truth 247
Letter to Bishop Alonzo Potter on the Temperance Society 249
Oxford Tracts 252
Extract from a letter on the subject by Bishop Griswold ....« 254
Bishop Moore's early and earnest warning to his Diocese 255
Action of the Virginia Convention 258
Address by Bishop Meade to the Convention of 1842 260
Other papers prepared by him 264
Discipline 277
History of the 19th Canon of Virginia, ''Oifendersto be admonished
or expelled from the Lord's Table." 278
Qualifications of Lay Delegates 287
Clerical discipline in the case of a Deacon, with letters on the subject
from several Bishops 288
Episcopal Discipline 299
Proceedings in the case of the Bishop of Pennsylvania 300
Proceedings in the case of the Bishop of New York 306
Proceedings in the case of the Bishop of New Jersey 322
Bishop Meade's relation to each ; the violence with which he was
assailed ; his vindication furnished by the documents published
in connection with the several cases, and his own statements pre-
sei'ved in manuscript , 369 — 383
CONTENTS. V
PAGB
Effort for the restoration of the suspended Bishop 387
Bishop Meade's opposition and reasons 393
Assault upon Bishop Meade; his reply 396
Letter of Bishop Hopkins 399
Double duties, as Rector and Bishop 400
•Connection with Christ Church, Norfolk, and St. Paul's Church,
Petersburg ....« 402
5nteresting services, and increased religious interest in Norfolk 404
Letter to his god-children 410
Letter to a student at the University of Virginia 411
Domestic afflictions 412
Affecting letter to his infant grandson after the mother's death 432
Writings 434
Letters to Bishops Johns, Hopkins, and B. T. Onderdonk 435
"Lectures on the Pastoral Office," 439
" Old Churches, Families and Ministers of Virginia," 441
"The Bible and the Classics," 442
Devotional and other papers 445
Decline of health; letter from his daughter-in-law 457
Intermission of his labors 459
Testimony of respect and affection from the family at Mount Vernon. 461
Visit to Europe 462
Brief memoranda of foreign travel, with passages from letters "pub-
lished in the Southern Churchman," 462
His passionfor trees 465
Death of Bishop Moore 467
Bishop Meade's address to the Convention 468
Special services in Petersburg 469
Visitation of the AVestern section of the Diocese 469
His health impaired by conslant and laborious services ; application
to the Convention for official aid 470
Election and Consecration of an Assistant Bishop 471
Bishop Meade's manner of officiating during the period of his bodily
infirmity 472
Unpleasant occurrence at Lawrenceville 473
Brief statement of his views on slavery 476
Change in bis health and change in his mode of officiating 478
Prosperity of the Theological Seminary 480
New and additional buildings 480
Their formal dedication. Services on the occasion and addresses by
Bishops Meade and Bedell 481
Tribute to Cassius F. Lee, Esq 483
Ceneral Convention of 1859 in Richmond, Va 484
State of the Country 490
Letters on the subject from Bishop Meade to Bishops M'Hvaine and
Johns 492
His address to the Convention of Virginia in 1861 496
Provisional measures adopted by the Convention 500
Bishop Meade's letter in behalf of the suffering soldiers 501
Preliminary Convention of Southern Dioceses 502
Notes in anticipation of their united action 503
Consecration of a Bishop for Alabama 506
Bishop Meade's sickness, death, and funeral 507
Resolutions of the Clergy ; 514
VI CONTENTf^.
PAGE,
Notice of the great bereavement in Bishop Johns' address to the Con-
vention of 1862 515-
Extract from Bishop Meade's sermon on the opening of the Conven-
tion of 1861 5ia
Transfer of his remains from the vault in which they were tempora-
rily placed, and services connected with their interment in an
appropriate lot in Holywood Cemetery, Richmond..... 520
Commemorative Sermon by the Rev. Wm. Sparrow, D.D., Professor
of the Theological Seminary of Virginia 521
DEDICATION.
To the Clergy and Laity of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in Virginia.
To you, brethren, this Memoir is cordially dedicated by
one who appreciates your love and support during the past
four and twenty years of his Episcopate — gratefully remem-
bers the aifectionate expression of your sympathy in the
bereavement which this Memoir records, and earnestly
prays that the brief remnant of his ministry may be so
passed that the blessed bonds of peace and love which
^^nite us in Christ Jesus, may be strengthened by our con-
tinued co-operation in promoting the interests of His
Church on earth, and perpetuated in purity and bliss in
Heaven.
Malvern. J. Johns.
PEEFACE.
At the earnest solicitation of the sons of Bishop Meade,
I consented, though not without serious misgiving, to pre-
pare a memoir of their honored father. To the responsi-
bility thus assumed, and the difficulty and delicacy of
the performance, I was not insensible. As none of the
many attempts to represent his personal appearance had
been very satisfactory, it was not to be expected that the
more difficult portraiture of his remarkable character,
could be so executed as to prove generally acceptable.
Any delineation which would accord with the impressions
of those who knew him intimately, would be regarded as
too favorable by general acquaintances, and others would
perhaps pronounce against it as unreal. I have therefore
abstained from any formal effort to present a full exhibi-
tion of the subject of this Memoir, and have adopted, as
far as practicable, the less pretentious, but safer expedient
of letting his deeds reflect his likeness, and his own clear
utterances illustrate his spirit.
If his actions had always been isolated, and his commu-
nications so impersonal, that in reporting them, they might
be entirely detached from the course of others, then, what-
ever skill the proper selection might require, it could be
accomplished without the appearance or suspicion of par-
tiality.
This, however, is not possible in Bishop Meade's case.
Many of the transactions in which he was engaged, and
which were most decidedly characteristic of the man, were
of an official nature, open before the Church, and affecting
VI PREFACE.
the reputation of others, as well as his own. Some of
these I would gladly pretermit. But these are the very-
cases in connection with which he has been most egregi-
ously misrepresented, and most violently attacked. Under
these circumstances, silence might be construed as acquies-
cence in the statements of his assailants — and, to leave to
some later period the collection and use of the ample
materials for his vindication now available, would be to
risk their loss, and would justly expose me to the charge
of unfaithfulness to my trust, or at least, of culpable incon-
sideration. In recording those cases, I have relied on his
own manuscripts, together with other authentic records
and cotemporary publications, venturing upon little com-
ment beyond what their perspicuous and decided present-
ment required. If, in one instance, this policy has been
departed from, it is because I would blush to have record-
ed it without a feeling of honest indignation which refused
to be repressed, and which on careful revision, I see no
cause to regret.
A refugee life, amidst the disturbances of a protracted
civil war — with the pressure of increased, various, and
sometimes very painful official services — without a study
and without books, was not favorable for the preparation
of the Memoir. Accomplished under such disadvantages,
the considerate reader will not be exacting, and if, on per-
using this volume, he experiences a moiety of the gratifi-
cation and profit which its composition has afforded me,
by renewing in spirit my intimate intercourse with its
loved and venerated subject, then I shall be amply remu-
nerated for the time and labor which it required.
J. Johns.
MEMOIR.
ISTearly three-fourths of a century have passed since the
birth of the subject of his biography, and with this lapse
of time, the companions of his childhood have disappear-
ed, leaving but two of their number to testify of his early
days. These two retain very distinct impressions of his
appearance, deportment and spirit as a boy, but can recall
but few incidents sufficiently characteristic for formal use
in connexion with this record.
A letter from the only surviving member of his family,
a sister who was five years younger than himself, contains
a line which is conclusive as to the date of his birth. "In
our old family Bible is written 'William Meade, born Nov.
11th, 1789.'"
The eldest brother, Eichard Kidder, who was much
addicted to genealogy, left among his papers a brief his-
tory of the Meade family. He traces to Thomas Crom-
well, a blacksmith of Putney' in Ireland, who was father
of Thomas Cromwell, servant of Wolsey, and his successor
in the favor of Henry the Eighth, but who, forfeiting that,
was beheaded by his order. Oliver Cromwell was his
nephew. One branch of this family was the Everards of
Essex, from whom- Eichard Kidder, Bishop of Bath and
Wells, was derived.
The paternal ancestor of the family in this country was
Andrew Meade, born in the county of Kerry and kingdom
of Ireland, about the latter part of the seventeenth cen-
tury. Tradition says that on leaving his native country,
he went first to London, and from thence came to New
York, where he married Mary Latham of Flushing. Some
five years afterward he removed to Virginia, and settled
8 MEMOIR or BISHOP MEADE.
in Nansemond county. One son and a daughter were all
the children he left. The son David married Susannah,
daughter of Gov. Everard, of North Carolina. Their chil-
dren were Anne, who married Kichard Randolph of Curls —
David, who inherited the estate in l^ansemond — Richard
Kidder, Everard, Andrew and John. The three elder boys
were sent to England for their education, and placed under
the care of Dr. Thackery, the Principal of Harrow School
and Archdeacon of Surrey.
Richard Kidder, at the age of nineteen, married Jane
Randolph of Curls — an aunt of John Randolph of Roan-
oke, who always called him "Uncle Kidder." She lived
but a few years, had several children, all of whom died
before the mother.
At the commencement of the conflict between the Colo-
nies and Great Britain, R. K. Meade lived at Coggins'
Point in Prince George, now the residence of Edmund
Ruffin. In that eventful struggle he felt the deepest inter-
est, and promptly participated in it in person. His name
is second on the list of a party of gentlemen who, on the
24th of June, X775, shortly after the hegira of Lord Dun-
more, removed certain arms from the Governor's palace
at "Williamsburg, and lodge'd them in the magazine, of
which Dr. Bland had the charge. His signature is the first
appended to the following "receipt of arms:" "The sub-
scribers acknowledge the receipt of a stand of arms, each,
from the public magazine; which we do oblige ourselves
to return to Dr. Theoderick Bland or order, when demand-
ed."—Dated June 26th, 1775. ("Memoir" prefixed to the
Bland papers, pp. xxiii-iv.) These active measures were
soon followed by bloody collisions. In "the battle of the
Great Bridge," he took an effective part, serving as Cap-
tain under General Woodford. In his letter to Col. Bland,
describing that fight, the cool determined spirit of the
writer is unmistakably expressed. The letter is dated
" Norfolk Town, Camp, Dec. 18, 1775. The scene when
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 9
"the dead and wounded were brought off, was too much.
".I then saw the horrors of war in perfection, worse than
"can be imagined. Good God! What a sight! What
"will satisfy the Governor? You know my feelings and
" my determination. I'll see this present matter at an end
"or die." — (Bland papers, page 39.)
This was no momentary excitement, but the deliberate
resolve of a patriot spirit, animated by a clear conviction
of right and ready to stand by and sustain it at any sacri-
fice. He at once sold his estate on James river, distribu-
ting the greater portion of the proceeds among his rela-
tions— reserving only $3,000 for himself, which he placed
in the hands of a friend to be invested for him as he might
think best. Having disencumbered himself, he offered his
services to his country. It is not known what position he
at first occupied or through what grades he passed ; but
from several brief letters on army matters, addressed to
Col. Bland, in May, 1777, it appears that he was then aid-
de-camp to the Commander-in-Chief and one of his mili-
tary family.
" As a soldier he was distinguished for his activity in
reconnoitering, being a good rider, and having a fine ani-
mal— the black mare — so well known to British as well as
American armies. He used to say that Hamilton did all
the head work for the General, and he the riding, recon-
noitering and carrying orders on the field. He was with
Washington in all the great battles of the Eevolution.
To him was committed the superintendence of the execu-
tion of Major Andre, of w^hich he always spoke with much
feeling, saying that he could not forbear tears at seeing
the execution of so uncommon and interesting a man,
though he entirely approved the order. When Washing-
ton was taking leave of some of his aids, a circumstance
occurred which showed his estimate of their different
characters. To Hamilton he said, *'You must go to the
bar, which you can reach in six months." To Laurens,
10 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
something as appropriate. To Col. Meade, whom he then
called by his familiar name, " Friend Dick, you must go
to a plantation in Virginia ; you will make a good farmer
and an honest foreman of the grand jury of the county
where you live." The prediction was literally verified.
" At the close of the war, Col. Meade married the widow
of Mr. Eandolph, of Chatsworth, near Eichmond. She is
mentioned in Campbell's history as among the female con-
tributors to the expenses of the war. Perhaps this cir-
cumstance may have first attracted the Colonel's attention
to her." (O. ch. vol. 1, p. 295.) Col. Eichard Kidder and
Mary Meade had six children, of whom William was the
fifth.*
The friend with whom Col. Meade had left the portion
of the proceeds of the sale of his estate which he had
reserved for his own use, purchased with it one thousand
acres of land in that part of the Yalley of Virginia, known
as Frederick County, and since its subdivisicwi, as Clarke.
It was then a wild region, a kind of backwoods to the first
settlements on tide water, and as the price indicates, not
in much demand ; but as it became cleared and was brought
under cultivation, its superior agricultural properties were
soon developed and it rose very much in value. The in-
* Richard Kidder Meade, born July 14th, 1746 Married Dec. 10th,
1780. Died Feb. 9th, 1805.
Mary Meade, his wife, born Nov. 9, 1753. Died June 16, 1813.
CHILDREN.
Ann Randolph Meade, born Dec. 3, 1781. Married March 23d, 1799.
Died March 29, 1838.
Richard Kidder Meade, born Feb. 18, 1784. Married Dec. 19, 1815.
Died Feb. 2fith, 1833.
William Fitzhugh Meade, born March 16, 1786. Died September fol-
lowing.
Susannah Meade, born March 9th, 1788. Died Oct. 2, 1823.
William Meade, born Nov. 11th, 1789. Married Jan. 31, 1810. Mar-
ried Dec. 2, 1820.
David Meade, born March 11, 1793. Married Nov. 17, 1814. Died
Dec. 19, 1837.
Mary Meade, born Christmas day, 1794.
Lucy Fitzhugh Meade, born Oct. 26, 1796. Died October 2d, 1823.
[Copied from the old Family Bible ]
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 11
vestment was regarded as eminently advantageous, which
is quaintly expressed by the name given to the tract,
''- Lucky Hit."
After the war Col. Meade went to reside on this estate,
and labored diligently as a pioneer in its improvement.
With his own hands he assisted in tilling the ground and
"in the erection of the buildings necessary for the accommo-
dation of a family and for the purposes of the farm.
The principal building was a log house, consisting of
but two rooms. This modest mansion was the birth-place
of William Meade.
The energy of Col. Meade was not confined to the gen-
eral management of his property, but extended to those
operations, which involved severe bodily exertion. His
daughter describes him as " hewing trees — working in iron
and in leather — and, with his box of tools, keeping in
repair the furniture of the log house. In those days, and
in that region, mechanics were scarce. Col. Meade shrank
from no labor which the proper culture of the soil or the
real comfort of tl; j dwelling demanded.
"Nevertheless he did not entirely discard books and
politics, but sometimes wrote an article for the press on
some subject which deeply involved the interests of his
country. Nor did Washington disdain to consult him as
to the choice of officers when, in the near prospect of war
with France, he was called once more to head the army.
The year before the death of Washington, Col. Meade
paid him a visit at Mount Yernon. They had not met
since the close of the war. The General was on the farm.
They met in one of the fields near a pair of draw bars.
Each recognizing the other, they dismounted and shook
hands over them, the General insisting that he would pull
down his own bars, and the Colonel that he would still be
his aid!" — (Old Churches, vol. 1, p. 296.)
As he advanced in life, the effects of the exposure and
hardships of his military career, became apparent in pre-
12 MEMOIR OF BIteHOP MEADE.
mature infirmity and painful disease, and then "he was
seen moving about in his Bath coating dressing-gown with
swollen hands and feet," suifering and disabled by frequent
attacks of the gout. Fiom an obituar}^ by the pen of an
intelligent acquaintance, it appears that his death was
caused by an unexpected attack of his constitutional dis-
ease, which occurred at the residence of an old friend in
the vicinity, with whom he was accustomed to pass much
of his time. The obituary furnishes so just an estimate
of his character, that the brief extract which follows
may be fitly introduced in this connexion:
" It id a melancholy reflection that the heroes of the American Revolu-
tion— the patriots of "76 — are rapidly declining.
"On Saturday, theQthinst., (Feb. 9, 1805,) at the seat of Matthew Page,
Esq., in Frederick county, died Col. Richard Kidder Meade, formerly aid-
de-camp to General Washington.
"While the memory of Col. Meade is cherished with fond enthusiasm
by his surviving friends, his loss will be long and bitterly regretted. His
virtues, though of that dignified kind which enforce respect, were yet so
tempered by gentleness and condescension that they never failed to con-
ciliate affection. In public life his conduct was such as to secure the esteem
and friendship of those accurate discerners of merit — Washington and
Hamilton. '
"If any virtue had a pre-eminence over the rest in his character, it was
an invincible fortitude. Neither the pressure of external calamity nor the
most acute bodily pain were ever known to discompose the serenity of his
temper. He possessed likewise a sensibility which seemed scarcely compati-
ble with such firmness as he exhibited.
"The death of his friend. General Hamilton, made an impression of
meliincholy on his mind which, it is believed, was not obliterated till the
hour of his death. He had, for a considerable time, been sensible that his
death was approaching, and when he spoke of that event, always men-
tioned it with the utmost tranquility of a philosopher and a Christian.
The gout, which had long been wandering in his system, settled suddenly
in his stomach, and in a few hours put a period to his existence."
A concise notice of the father is found on the first page
of a few lines of manuscript by the son, commenced as a
memoir of himself, but soon abandoned. "My father was
emphatically an tipright man. I remember to have hear
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 13
him say that his teacher, the master of a grammar school
in England, used to toll him, that though he would not be
a learned scholar, he would be what was far better, ^ vir
probus.' My father evidently took great pleasure in the
thought that he was universally esteemed, what he really
was, a man of great integrity — and without setting it in
opposition to religion, took great pains to bring up his
children in a high admiration of the ^ vir probus.' ''
In the History of the Old Churches, ministers and fami-
lies " of Virginia " by the son, it is recorded of the father
that " he rejoiced as a citizen in those blessings which his
military services had helped to obtain, and often said that
there was no debt he so gladly discharged as the taxes
levied for the maintenance of our (then) free and happy
government. He never allowed a tax-gatherer to come to
his house in search of what was due, but always anticipat-
ed this by paying it beforehand at some appointed place.
The same was true of all his debts."
Another allusion to his father is in a private paper,
enumerating causes for gratitude, where he specifies
having been blessed with "Christian parents."
This sketch will aiford the means of recognizing in the
son a happy reproduction of some of the peculiar features
of the parent.
The inestimable blessing of the household was the
mother, Mrs. Mary Meade. Her praise has been trans-
•mitted by her privileged associates, as well as by the lips
and the lives of her loving children. To their welfare she
gave herself with uncommon energy and judgment as her
business and pleasure, and was amply compensated by
their affection and dutifulness. Her maternal tenderness
was a hallowed power for the comfort and improvement
of her children, and not an amiable infirmity too blind to
behold and too bland to correct or even chide their faults.
She had no ambition to be wiser than inspiration, and when
required, she spared not the rod, j^et administering disci-
14 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
pline so gently that the chastisement was as expressive of
affection as the most agreeable indulgences.
In a person of Mrs. Meade's intelligence and piety, it
might be expected that religion would sustain and pervade
her system of domestic education. In the autobiographi-
cal fragment,* by the son, it is stated, " On my mother
devolved the religious education of the children, and faith-
fully did she perform that duty. A favorite topic with her
was the continual presence of God, a consciousness of
which she wished to have ever on our minds." With the
effect of this training, especially on this son, she had no
cause to be dissatisfied. The sister testifies that he was
" very devoted to his mother," and adds, " I have heard
her say he was very docile." He was her scholar and com-
panion till his tenth year, at which age she believed
''that other government and teachers should be found for
her sons."
The high toned morality which prevailed at "Lucky
Hit," forbade all habits of extravagance, and perhaps was
not tolerant of certain indulgences which could not now
be prohibited in the same class of societ}^ without the
appearance of austerity. All daintiness of diet and expen-
siveness of dress was decidedly eschewed as unfavorable to
manliness of both of mind and body — and something like
Spartan frugality and hardness were esteemed conducive
to health, honesty and happiness. If, during the boyhood
of William Meade, "his clothes, both for summer and win-
ter, were all of home manufacture," and he little heeded
hat or shoe — it was not from penuriousness, but from prin-
ciple, to avoid effeminacy and to secure becoming vigor
and independence.
At Carter Hall, the residence of Mr. Burwell, which was
about five miles from Col. Meade's, there was a select
* This fragment which will be referred to as occasion offers, is endorsed
thus: " Something like an autobiography commenced. Intended to pre-
vent anything like an heightened eulogy by some partial friend, from
which my soul revolts."
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 15
school, consisting of iSlr. Burwell's own boys and a few
others received for this purpose, as boarders in his family.
Their instructor was the Rev. Mr. Wiley, who, under the
conviction that in entering upon the ministry he had mis-
taken his calling, abstained from the exercises of its sacred
functions and devoted himself to secular teaching. For
this he was well qualified, and pursued it with great enthu-
siasm and singular success. His reputation as a classical
teacher, was not confined to Carter Hall. In the course
of a few years he was elected principal of a flourishing
academy in Fredericktown, Maryland, and afterwards pro-
fessor of languages in St. John's CoUefje, Annapolis, where
he remained till his death. Whatever his infirmities may
have been, he was an able instructor, and his pupils com-
pare favorably with those of other teachers of that period.
To this school at " Carter Hall," William Meade was sent
in his tenth year. His literary taste, and more especially
his fondness for the ancient classics, were skilfully cultiva-
ted by the intelligence and zeal of Mr. Wiley. The happy
eff^ect of this training was* soon apparent in the successful
collegiate course of the pupil; but its most surprising
result was reserved for the closing years of his life, and
survives in the last volume of his numerous writings —
"The. Bible and the Classics" — the excellent fruit of his
old age.
The desire to know something of the spirit and bearing
of the boy and of the incidents connected with his school
days, is perfectly natural. But where are the witnesses?
Of all his companions at "Carter Hall," but one survives;
he, his junior by two years, and never associated with him
in the same classes. This sole witness, whose own worth
fitted»him emir^ntly for perceiving and appreciating the
character of William Meade, furnishes, in a recent reply
to a letter, the following concise statement:
"I went to school with him for about two years, (I think between the
years 1801 and 1804,) to a Mr. "Wiley who then taught in the family of
16 MEMOIR OF EISHOP MEADE.
Col. Burwell, of Carter Hall, being at the time about ten years old, and
William two years my senior. He was, at that timfe, as I recollect hira, a
boy of uncommonly amiable character, insomuch that I was at once attract-
ed to him, and at that early period formed for him a friendship which was
increased by all my subsequent intercourse with him to the end of his life.
This I think was the general estimation of him in the school. He was
more than usually liked among the boys. As he was in more advanced
classes than myself, I have not a very distinct recollection of his standing
as a scholar, though my impression is that it was excellent. He was full
of vivacity, and showed much of that ardor and energy in the sports of
boyhood, which has since greatly distinguished him in matters of a graver
kind. In following his impulses of this sort, he would occasionally be be-
trayed into improprieties which brought on him the rebuke of his teacher.
I have a very distinct recollection, in particular, of one incident illustrat-
ing this point. In one t)f his rambles on the banks of a stream which
ran through the ''Carter Hall" estate, he got in pursuit of an eel, which,
by dint of great effort and strategy, he at length succeeded (in the techni-
cal language of the youth fuLanglers) in hanging — that is to say, in drawing
up from the water, but not finally capturing it. The call to books inter-
rupted the sport for the time. Upon going into school, his head was so
full of his late exploit that he could think of nothing else. Books for the
time were quite out of the question, and he could do nothing but go round
among his companions, detailing his adventure, particularly dwelling on
the fact that, though he had not whollysecured the slippery prize, he cer-
tainly had 'lying an eel.' At last the disturbance made by the loud and
animated whispering, attracted the attention of Mr. Wiley, who, to punish
his disorderly conduct and make any.further communication about the eel
superfluous, fastened on his back a piece of paper, on which was written,
in large letters, ' William Meade hung an eel.' "
"After leaving Mr. Wiley's school, I do not remember to have met with
William until after he became a minister. I forbear going into any details
of his subsequent life. I will, however, say, that having known him in-
timately during the whole time, I have never seen anything to justify the
idea some have entertained, that there was anything harsh or repulsive
about him, either in his character or manners. On the contrary, he always
appeared to me in the light of a warm-hearted and affectionate, as well as
a firm and faithful friend." — [Letter of Major Thomas M. Ambler, of Mor-
ven, Fauquier Co.]
Another significant school-boy adventure has been
transmitted by uncontradicted tradition. The garden at
Carter Hall was surrounded by a high enclosure, which
formed an adequate protection against ordinary intruders,
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 17
but did not hide the inviting fruit from the vision of those
outside. The temptation thus constantly presented, was
too much for boy nature — but who so active as to scale
the barrier, or so bold as to risk detection ? William
Meade was the one to volunteer for the enterprise. Apart
from the fine fruit, for which, thrgugh life, his appetite
was extraordinary, the peril involved appealed to his
intrepidity, and fondness for adventure. Aided by the
boys, he was soon over the fence, and in the midst of the
spoils. But the pillage had scarcely begun, when Col.
Burwell, himself, surprised and arrested him in the very
act. On hearing how he had eflFected an entrance, the
Col. seems to have lost sight of the offence, in admiration
of the daring it evinced. Instead of punishing the trans-
gressor, he said, "help yourself to as many as you can eat,
but take none away with you. Those who would not
share the danger, shall not partake of its fruits."
In athletic exercises and juvenile sports, William Meade
engaged with great ardor and success. The popular
amusement of dancing and its associations, seemed to have
had peculiar charms for him at this period. In a letter to
his sister a few months after he had left home for college,
he adverts to those fascinating scenes — "What would I not
give to spend a few such evenings with our Virginia belles
as I did last Summer, during the time of the dancing
school : that was a golden age, indeed, to me."
When, at a subsequent period, he regarded that recrea-
tion as frivolous in itself, and pernicious in its rnfluences on
Christian experience and character, the decided change in
his opinion must be imputed to some other cause than
native austerit}-, or insufficient information. He could
truly affirm — I speak that I do know, and testify that I
have seen, and in which I once delighted.
When he had attained his seventeenth year, he was
thought to be sufficiently advanced in his studies to enter
advantageously on his collegiate course. The Rev. Samuel
18 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
Stanhope Smith was at this time the President of Prince,
ton College, New Jersey, and by his distinguished literary
attainments, and elegant manners, had rendered the Insti-
tution highly attractive to Southern students.
In the Fall of 1806, William Meade and two of his com-
panions — William Page, of Frederick county, and William
Fitzhugh, of Fairfax, matriculated as members of the
Junior Class.
His first letter from Princeton will form his appropriate
personal introduction, and extracts from the few others
which remain, will afford sufficient information as to his
life in College :
Nassau Hall, Nov. 19, 1806.
I received my dear sister's letter, accompanied by one from brother Kid-
der, dated the 10th, yesterday morning ; both of them gave me inexpressi-
ble delight by informing me of the health of all my friends. I thank my
sister for her great anxiet/ concerning the manner of my admission into
the Junior Class, and am glad to inform you that neither William Page
or myself were deficient in anything except Kenneth's Antiquities, which
we had never read. Wm. Fitzhugh being well versed in that book, was
deficient in nothing.
As to our lodging in the same room, we found that impossible ; but are
all fixed greatly to our satisfaction. My own room-mates are very clever,
sensible young men, and I hope we shall all agree well. You request a par-
ticular account of my journey, but want of time must excuse me. At
some future period I will satisfy your curiosity. I cannot be so ungrateful
as to omit our reception in Philadelphia. Besides the particular attention
of Aunt Hair, and all my other aunts and uncles, Mr, Abercromby and bis
whole family, treated me in the most friendly hospitable manner. He car-
ried us over the whole town, and often invited us to his house, to which
we went very willingly, for his daughters are the finest women I ever be-
held. It was with reluctance we proceeded on to Princeton, where we are
safely landed, and have to suffer penance for our long vacation. Upon,
examination I found my purse so light as to be obliged to write for more —
but for fear of disappointment, ask Mr. Bowen to endeavor to get the
balance due from Pain, and send it to me by the first post. This short let-
ter must suffice for the present. I thank you for your good advice, and
will try to follow it as far as lies in my power. Remember me to all my
friends, particularly to Uncle, in the most affectionate terms, and believe
me. Your affectionate brother,
William Meade.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 19
p. s. — Excuse me for not returning the compliment of writing post-paid,
for believe me, I have but 18 cents in the world.
Nassau Hall, Feb., 1807.
My Dear Mother : —
Many, many thanks for your long, long expected letter, which came
last Tuesday evening, not, however, before it had taken atrip to Brunswick.
Here is an additional argument which ought to make you punctual, for who
knows whether the next neglect may not send it on to Nova Scotia, and
there be salted up among their herrings. Notwithstanding this misfortune,
your letter, my dear mamma, was truly grateful to my heart, and so will
all of them be while I have an affectionate heart, and I hope to die before
it shall be otherwise than truly so. Your anxious solicitude, your hopes
and fears for your children's future conduct will, I hope, only make me
more dutiful. The thought of a fond mother's tender care, of the trans-
port she will^eceive, at realized hopes, or the unhappiness she must feel
at seeing her expectations blasted in undutiful and bad children, will, I
most fervently pray, ever be an inmate in our breasts and warn us of our
duty. Your letter was doubly satisfactory, because it assured me you
were well and all round you going on happily. It merits a longer reply
than I am able to give at present by reason of the urgency of college
duties. You will excuse me though, I am sure, as I do not often put you
off with a laconic epistle. There is nothing new worth relating, which
you have not heard, and I am no politician to expatiate on the Embargo.
Farmer Meade seems to have been inspired by it, for he gave me some
verses full of patriotic warmth. It must have acted both as muse and sub-
ject to him, for I never knew he was a ppet before. Here, then, is one
advantage arising from the horrid Embargo that it has given America a
poet. Let Mr. Jefferson alone. He knew that we should want Bards to
sing our battles, and proposed this method to bring them out from their
farm yards. Embargo born poets ! beautiful name ! America disdains
being shackled by custom, and will have no poets dependent on the Nine.
However, brother Kidder may call me envious, I will therefore desist. I
must conclude by sending my love to all in the neighborhood, old and
young — the pretty girls whom I long to see, and the boys who, I hope,
are going on well with their studies. Tell Mr. Wylie I confess my neglect
and will try to write soon. Remember me to all the servants. Daddy Bru-
tus, and Aggy in particular. Thank Susan for her letter, and answer
this hurried one from me.
I am your affectionate son,
W. Meade.
P. S. — ^Ym. Fitzhugh is well and thanks you for your letter.
Nassau Hall, Nov. —
My Dear Mother : —
Your affectionate letter dictated in a warm bed, and after a good night's
20 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
rest, has safely arrived. I rejoice that all my friends are well, but was disap-
pointed in not receiving a particular account of brother Kidder's leg, con-
cerning which I cannot but feel a little uneasiness, until I am assured of its
perfect restoration to strength. I beg, therefore, to be informed minutely
in the next letter from Frederick.
To proceed to your next information concerning the regularity you are
about to introduce in the several occupations of my sisters, I must say that
I rejoice to hear of it, and hope you will succeed to the extent of your
wishes.
Perhaps I may be called a trumpeter of my own fame, when I say that
my mother would be highly gratified in seeing the order I observe in every
one of my occupations, whether it be study, conversation with a few par-
ticular friends, or my exercise for the preservation of health. Had I time
at present, you should have a particular account of them all. Perhaps you
may think this but a poor specimen of the advantage I receive from ray
regul arity, not to be able to write a long letter to my mother once in two
weeks. You shall have an explanation of it. Our class is shortly obliged
to appear on the Church stage, and each made to deliver an oration of his
own composition. In preparing this I am now engaged, otherwise I would
write you a long circumstantial, aflfectionate epistle. In my next 1 will be
more explicit. You tell me Mary has been reading to ,vou my favorite
author. Watts. I know you must be pleased with his sentiments, though
not more than I am myself. Would you believe me when I tell you that I
had spent the whole of the evening en which I got your letter, in reading
his rules for the improvement of the mind. I have an elegant English
edition of -that book, which I shall ever value above all others, as it was a
present from a much loved friend of mine. He is a student, but unlike the
greater part of them. We have been intimate since our first entrance into
College, which intimacy has ripened into a friendship, I hope not of that
flimsy texture which often marks youthful connexions. His name is
Howell ; you may, perhaps, have heard me €peak of him before. I at first
refused his offer, fearing lest he should be unable to procure another here-
after, but he pressed me much to take it, and preserve it as a token of his
affection. Knowing how anxious you were for me to procure it, I accepted
it, and hope to have the esseu'^e of it in my mind when I return to my
friends.
And now, my dear mother, I must bid you adieu, with a fervent prayer
that God will grant you health and happiness, and the love of your child-
ren. I am your dutiful son,
William Meade.
P. S.— My love to brothers, sisters, friends and neighbors. If I have
a few moments to spare before the post goes out, I must scribble a few lines
to Lucy.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 21
My Dear Sister : —
I have found time to write you a few lines, but wish from my heart that
I could assign some other cause for it than the following : Dr. Smith has
just heard of the death of his favourite daughter, and is unable to attend
on our class this evening. If I judge correctly of my sister Lucy's heart,
she will sympathise with me in lamenting this unfortunate circumstance.
You should feel for all, my sister, and remember what you would feel your-
self on such an occasion. To leave this melancholy subject, I thank you for
your letter. I think it pretty good, although it had several errors. My
dear sister, improve the present opportunity of learning useful things ; I
assure you will never find another, so capable, and so desirous' of teaching
you as mamma. Love her with all your heart — be dutiful and make her
happy — then you will be lov^d more sincerely by
Your affectionate brother,
W. Meade.
P. S. — Give my love to David. Tell him to write me how he is coming
on with his studies, and I will answer his letter. Tell Mr. Wyley as he
would not write to me, I am determined to write to him, and rouse him
from his lethargy.
Nassau Hall, Dec. 7, 1806.
On Monday evening I received my dear brother's letter, enclosing a note
of $50 . It was very acceptable to me on two accounts — the one because it
assured me of the health of my dear mother, and all my friends — the other
because it enabled me to pay what I had borrowed, and likewise to pur-
chase some articles -that are absolutely necessary. I have in the end of
the letter stated in what manner a part of the money was disposed of, the
remainder, I think, will be fully sufficient for this session. Be assured, I
will run into no expense which can be avoided. You desire to know how
tnuoh will suffice for one year. I cannot decide accurately, but I think,
exclusive of traveling expenses and clothes, $300 will be fully sufficient; if it is
possible, T will make less serve me. I really think my dear brother might
have devoted a few moments more to his letter, and have given me some
little information concerning the farm, as he must know how very anxious
I am to hear of every movement about it. Pray take time in your next,
which, I hope, will be very soon, and tell me particularly how the wheat
looks, how much corn you make, whether you have sold any wheat or
pork, and at whgj, price, which of the boys you hire for the ensuing year,
and how you and Mr. Green come on? An answer to all these questions
will afford me much satisfaction, and will not be very troublesome to you,
who are so expert with your pen.
Tell mamma, my mind does not run so much on home as to cause the
least neglect of my studies. At the mention of my studies, I recollect my
promise in a former letter of informing you what they were. We are at
22 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
present at Euclid and Algebra, in the former of which we recite iBve prob-
lems per day. In a few weeks we will recite Sunday lectures to Dr. Hun-
ter. The remaining studies of this year are Navigation, Surveying, Trig-
onometry, Heilsham's and Blair's Lectures. As the studies of the Junior
Class are easy in comparison with those of the Senior, I shall avail myself
of the opportunity, and read History while I have it in my power. At
present I am engaged with the American Revolution, written by a company
of gentlemen in England. If my eyes will permit, I intend to be a very
hard student during my residence at Colle'ge. My brother must excuse my
abrupt conclusion, as it is Church time, and I wish to address a few lines
to my mother on the next page, when I return. Please to give my best
love to all our friends, to my sisters, and to David. The only manner in
which you can now evince your affection for me, is by endeavoring to
make our dear mother happy by your tenderness and care of her. Adieu,
and believe me Your affectionate brother,
William Meade.
ACCOUNT.
To Black Gown...'. $6.25
" Table and Cbair 4.75
" Money borrowed 2.50
" Skates 1.00
" Neckcloths , 88
" Shoes 1.00
" Sundry Articles 1.50
In my letter to sister, I promised to address my next letter to my dear
mother, but without thinking, have used almost the whole of the paper in
writing to brother Kidder. My mother will excuse me, no doubt, upon
my promise of never neglecting her so again. I hoped long ago to have,
received a letter from you in your own handwriting, nor can I conceive
the reason why I have not. If you do not favour me with one soon, I shall
be certain you are too unwell to write, and will put no confidence in the
assertions of any letters but your own, concerning your own health. Pray,
my dear mother, be careful of yourself this winter. Sister has persuaded
you to remove to Annfield at Christmas. I will not pretend to offer my
advice, since I am certain you are the best judge. I hope you will not fol-
low the example of sister Nancy in your letters to me ; not even the Spar-
tans could have been more laconic in writing than she was. From being
so tenacious of her advice, she must have feared that it would have been
slighted by me. I have no means of proving to the contrary than by
assuring her that nothing would delight me more than to receive advice
from her. Want of time and of paper forces me to bid my dear beloved
mamma adieu. W. Meade.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 23
His college course, however, did not pass without serious
disturbance. The year 1807 is memorable at Nassau Hall,
as the year of the great rebellion, in which he was so far
implicated, that with many others he was dismissed from
the Institution. His own account of the unhappy occur-
rences is recorded in his brief autobiography :
''At the end of four or five months an unfortunate difference between
the Faculty and some of the students arose, Avhich produced a general peti-
tion from the latter to the former. Myself and many others, through
want of experience, were imposed on, and signed, without consideration, an
offensive document, which led to the suspension of one hundred and fifty
out of two hundred students, because they did not on the spot withdraw
their names, when suddenly and in a very unhappy manner required to do
so. Out of the one hundred and fifty, only fifty returned. I was one of
that number. My mother, whose authority was well established over her
children, had only to express her desire that I should return and make any
acknowledgment that might be required. It was done without a mur-
mur. How often have I blessed God for giving me such a mother, and for
this act of maternal authority especially."
After his re-admission to college, he addressed to his
mother the letter which follows :
Nassau Hall, May 21, 1807.
It gives me real pleasure to tell my dear mother that I am now re-instated
in College, according to her desire and opinion of propriety ; and what
renders my situation more agreeable is, that in obeying the wishes of my
mother and submitting to her superior judgment, I have in no manner
acted in opposition to my own feelings or inclinations. An implicit obe-
dience to your will, mamma, I hope ever to consider not as a duty only,
but a pleasure. How pleasing, then, is the thought that in this act your
will and my inclination do perfectly coincide. You will, perhaps, be sur-
prised to hear of this alteration in my sentiments with regard to entering
college — it is one which will contribute much to my future welfare, and
perhaps, will not derogate from my honour at present. Upon mature con-
sideration, I think the promise we made of supporting the committee, a
rash step, and the means of performing it not in our power. "We have
assisted them as far as lay in our power, and from conversations which I
have held with several of them, they appear to think that if consciousness
of error, or the wish of parents incline any to enter, they would act with great
propriety in so doing. It will certainly afford them greater satisfaction to
see young men obtaining their education and profiting by the opportunities
offered here than absenting themselves on account of that promise. Be-
24 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
fore I came, the tumult which had so long prevailed, had subsided and was
succeeded by the utmost order. Many have returned, to the number of one
hundred and twenty, though, I must confess, the finest young men have
refused to return. Some there are whose minds were wavering at one time,
but who determined to persist at last because the trustees, not content with
suspending or expelling the non-retractors from college, wished to force
the societies to do the same also, threatening to dissolve them in case of a
refusal. They, however, did refuse in a very resolute manner — and Col-
lege, societies and all were at the point of dissolution several different
times. Prudence, however, at last got the better of passion and the trustees
receded. William Fitzhugh, after much doubt and deliberation, had very
prudently entered a few days before my arrival. His Papa's uneasiness,
before I left Alexandria, was so extreme that I believe had William object-
ed, it might have been attended with fatal consequences. You have, I
suppose, before this received a letter from William Page, dated at Bait i-
more, assigning reasons for his determination. I must confess it surprised
nae a little. I will not pretend, however, to censure him, as I am liable to
err so often myself, and as it was left for his judgment to determine, an
adherence to the dictates of that was very proper. I think if he had re-
mained at home one week longer, and waited till all those students who came
determined to persevere, had withdrawn themselves, his opinion would
have been materially altered. Perhaps, however, it will be all for the bist,
since he is so advantageously fixed.
All disturbances are now at an end, and I hope will never again be
revived. Since I have run so narrow a chance of not completing my edu-
cation here, I will take great care never to run a similar risk, and the only
piece of advice I ever intend giving to a young man on entering college
will be, never to sign a petition on any account.
And now my dear mamma, let us take a final adieu of this subject which
has afforded matter of conversation throughout the whole United States,
and on which you have heard so many debates, pro and con . I will follow
your advice, and avoid all conversation relating to it, with the students ;
indeed it seems to require little exertion so to do, as we are all wearied
with it.
To change the subject then, I hope you are by this time perfectly restored
to health, and have been skipping about at the dancing school with the
girls. Dancing is an exercise, the moderate use of which I think, salutary
both to young and old, and were you to have one quarter with Mr. Robar-
dette, I should expect to find you quite renovated on my return. If I be
not mistaken, you intended going to Lucky Hit the week succeeding that
of my departure. I hope when you get there, that your health will permit
you to attend to domestic affairs, since a little exercise is so beneficial to
you. Brother Kidder is, I suppose, as usual, busily engaged on his farm,
and in constructing the barn. It will give me much pleasure to receive a-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 25
fe^v bulletins similar to those of the last Winter, from headquarters, and
grateful thanks will always be returned for them.
.It is ti'iie to bid my dear mamma adieu. God grant that she may
enjoy health and happiness, is the constant and fervent prayer of her truly
affectionate son, WILLIAM MEADE.
P. S. — Mamma, this letter is not written as correctly as it should be. I
depend upon the good news compensating for all its errors."
If be blessed God for giving bim such a niotber, well
raiicht she bless Grod for ffivino; her such a son.
It was during his last year in college that his religious
views and experience assumed a decided character. In
reference to this very important and interesting subject,
it is not necessary to have recourse to conjecture or infer-
ence, or the testimony of others. His own clear statement
commencing with his earliest impressions, and extending
to the period of his life now under consideration, furnish
the very information which is desirable.
Alluding to his mother's " faithfulness in the religious
education of her children," and to the fiivorite topic, the
continual presence of God, a consciousness of which she
wished to have ever in our minds " — he proceeds : " I felt
the effects of this at a very early period. Indeed I cannot
go back so far as to recollect a time- when I was without
some sense of God's presence, and, as I believe, some opera-
tion of the Spirit on my mind. At the age of, I should
think, about eight years, I recollect that my mind was the
subject of some contending thoughts. I was conscious of
the desire to do right in the sight of God, and would
I'esolve to do it, and at the same time I was beset with
some most wicked thoughts, even to curse God. I can
well remember how I would sometimes set out and run
with the utmost violence, trying thus to get away from
such a wicked act of the mind.
At the age often, when first sent to school, I wrote the
day before leaving home, some thoughts as to my duty,
which were very gratifying to my parents. Although
9
26 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
much like other boys, while there, in my general conduct,
yet even now can I recollect the reasonings of my mind
in favor of religion, as something which, even if proving
untrue, must be a happy delusion to the believer and use-
ful to mankind. Even more than this I remember, when
fourteen years of age, being most deeply distressed for one
very dear to me, who seemed almost hopelessly given up to
an evil habit, and being led as a last resort to pray most
earnestly for him to God as the Being who alone could
rescue. One night, after being in great distress weeping
and agonizing in prayer, I was most sensibly relieved by
the strong impression that God would hear my prayer.
I have ever believed that even my poor prayers were heard
among many others, far more fervent and effectual,
Avhich were sent up from righteous hearts, for the evil
was averted.
I remember, also, during my sixteenth year, I would
often read some chapters in the Spectator and Vicesimus
Knox's Essays of a serious character, and' being much
affected by them, although they by no means conveyed
clear and strong views of Christianity. My mind was in
search of truth — my heart was in some degree longing
for God as my portion. It was an age of darkness, when
even the best Christians did not enter so fully into the glo-
rious system of redemption as they should have done. It
was a long time before I rejoiced in God as a Saviour. The
law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus had not made me
free from the law of sin which still had dominion over
me."
"In this state of mind — my father being dead — my
mother sent me to college. God made use of this separa-
tion from my friends in strengthening my religious feel-
ings. My heart was tenderly attached to them. I had
n'fever been more than a few miles from them, and for a
few days at a time before, and I was very sad. I read the
few books I took with me with deep feeling — particularly
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 27
'Young's IS'iglit Thoughts,' a great fixvorite of my mother
and elder sister. I remember that my religion partook
very much of a communing with the spirit of my deceased
father, and of my absent mother, whom I was ever regard-
ing as being present with me, and whose approbation I
was earnestly seeking. But God was still drawing me to
himself.'^
After a brief narrative of the College rebellion, his rela-
tion to it, his being sent home, and his return to his
mother's direction, he proceeds : " It j^robably gave direc-
tion to all my subsequent life. I was destined to the law,
and had I been permitted to follow the example of many
others who were sent home at the same time — that is, in
proud rebellion refuse to return — I should at once have
entered on the study of a secular profession, and what
might have been the eifect of the same on my moral and
religious character, God knows. As it was, on returning
to an almost desolate College, and hambled at the thought
of the injury our own folly had done to it, my religious
feelings were greatly strengthened, and this was so ap-
parent in my letters homeward, that I soon received a let-
ter from my elder sister, Mrs. Page, conveying to me the
suggestion of our beloved mother, that I should seriously
consider whether the ministry was not the path of duty.
Although such a thought had never entered my mind, and
everything in the state of our Church was most discourag-
ing, yet do I well remember that I felt my determination
fixed in a moment, and at once rejoiced at the thought of
a life of such honor and usefulness."
When this determination was communicated to his family
and friends in Virginia, it gave great satisfaction. The
letters which he received from home abounded in expres-
sions of grateful joy. His eldest sister, Mrs. Ann R. Page, to
whom he was largelj^ indebted for much excellent instruc-
tion and advice, and who, at ln*s mother's request, had pre-
sented the subject of the Christian ministry for his serious
28 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
consideration, now responded for that delighted mother
and herself:
"My brother, your sentiments have in every point given
the most complete joy. You have pictured out our every
wish, and your Heavenly Father will enable you to ])er-
form them — will carr}^ your mind from strength to
strength. I have the supreme satisfaction of expressing
this in our dear mother's name. Brother Kidder will, I
expect, certainly write to you how congenial your letter
was to his heart. The overflowing eye evidenced his
feeling."
There was another relative and friend whose heart was
deeply inlerested in this determination — Mrs. Mary Custis,
of Arlington, J). C. — the sister of his friend, William
Fitzhugh. She was a Christian lady of superior intelli-
gence, and of a moSt gentle and affectionate spirit, and with
evangelical views and religious experience, in advance of
her day and associatictHS
The correspondence of these devoted cousins commenced
early — was frequent and familiar, sometimes playful, but
generally very serious, and very salutary in its influence
upon the 3'oung student. Her discernment and sensitive-
ness in connection with his character and usefulness, and
the judgment and fidelity with which she communicated
with him, and expressed her solicitude in reference to his
professional qualifications and efficiency, appear in the fol-
lowing extract from a letter written at a later period, but
recurring to the important purpose now formed :
April 20, 1819.
Ultimately, with tears and anxious desires for yourself, your ministry,
and your mission, my soul was poured out in prayer. Unpossessed, how-
ever, with ihat assurance of faith which many possess, both for themselves
and others, those tranquil emotions which succeed the unburdening of the
heart to God, gave way once more to a trembling anxiety, which I have
ever been subjected to on your account. I looked back to the circum-
stances connected with 3'our entrance into the ministry — your letters
written to me whilst you were in College were re-perused, and though
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 29
fraught with many of those amiable feelings which resiilled from the pious
care of your excellent mother — the very possession of those feelings seemed
to beguile you into self-righteousness. You know who has said, "God
often leads his servants blindfold into the sanctuary,' and thus it certainly
was with you, for no deep feeling of unworthiness seemed to appal your
entrance. I desire to thank God that you have been gradually led to per-
ceive the depravity of an unrenewed heart. In your enlarged intercourse
with the world, I sometimes fear, evils may be elicited which you dream
not of. Should it be so, I humbly trust you will be preserved from such a
manifestation of them as shall give the enemies of religion cause to triumph.
May every high imagination be checked in its first rising — every feeling
inimical to a "single eye" to God's glory, be bathed in the tears of an
early repentence. May the arms of our divine Saviour uphold j'ou continu-
ally— the Spirit of Grace dwell in you richly, and a constan*; dependence
on the Father and Creator of all things, annihilate self in your bosom !
Such would be my daily prayer for you, if I could daily be fervent in
prayer, but warm words from cold lips, reach not the throne of grace."
If the PriDceton letters alluded to were available, they
would, no doubt, fully sustain the statement relative to
the dimness and defectiveness of his personal piety at this
period, and the inadequacy of his perception of the nature
and responsibilities of the oflSce to which he, sincerely, yet
in much remaining darkness aspired. But of this we have
decisive proof under another form. After recording his
prompt determination to devote himself to the ministr^^,
he furnishes a frank disclosure of the state of his own
mind:
"While there was a sincere and lively desire to do good
to my fellow-beings by promoting what I believed to be
necessary to happiness in both worlds, there was still a
very indistinct and imperfect view of the Christian system
and the gospel ministry, and I was entering the latter
blindfold in a considerable degree. I was, however, work-
ing out yiy salvation Avith perfect sincerity, and honestly
preparing to teach others to do the same."
lie proceeds : " I had only one or two religious associ-
ates, and but few helps to advancement in divine life. I
took pleasure, however, in reading a few pious books and
30 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
was engaged in a warfare with my body. In order to get
away from the temptation of eating too much at dinner, I
would sometimes take a good book and stroll so far from
the College, that at the sound of the horn for dinner, I
could not reach it in time. Many were the resolutions
then made, and many the resolutions then broken. By
this process, God was preparing me for a fuller under-
standing and more humble reception of the doctrines of
grace.
"As one evidence of the imperfect views I had of reli-
gion and the ministry, and of the low state of piety in our
Church, let me state that in passing through Baltimore,
on my way home, I went to the theatre, where I saw an
old schoolmate of my earlier years, who having been liv-
ing there for some time, had learned that the theatre was
no place for me, aild expressed his surprise at finding me
there.* I never remember before that, to have heard it
condemned." (Autobiograj^hy.)
His College course was drawing to its close. The fol-
lowing letters written during the last session of his senior-
year, show his sentiments and action in the transition pe-
riod, from youth to manhood. •
Nassau Hall, June 13, 1808.
*****! feel anxious for the arrival of the time
when I shall embrace mj beloved mother and all my dear relatives, not be-
cause I am discontented at present, but because it is the nature of man to
long for coming happiness. I expert to bring with me my young friend
from Jersey, who is the warmest friend I ever had. Some of his qualities
I will state more particularly when we meet, and some you will immedi-
ately perceive on the first acquaintance. If he should come, you must treat
him just as you would myself, for he lives in a neighborhood much like
our own for hospitality and rural simplicity of manners. I wish I could
bring him, heart and all, and give him to some of our fine girls, but the
poor fellow has, I fear, parted with the first portion of himself, s'o that they
must seek husbands for themselves.
I am now devoting all of my spare time to French, to enable me to read
those eloquent preachers who endeavored to disseminate true religion
through the unhappy land of France. In three months I cannot learn
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 31
much, onlj elementary principles, and how to jabber a little Francais. I
shall learn at least to beg for mercy, when our land is overrun by Bona-
parte, which is a circumstance the warm Fed^s are very apprehensive of,
though I can never agree to it. Do not think I ever meddle with politics
because a word slips out now and then, that way inclined. I have read
nothing but Pickering's letters and Gardner's speeches. The former I re_
vere as a firm, honest patriot ; the latter I admire as a bold, independent
orator, but must condemn him as a very punctilious man of modern honor.
All good.men I will openly applaud ; proved villians I may condemn, but
of doubtful characters I will be silent. The characters of a politician and
divine are not easily blended, or at least form an unnatural and unprofita-
ble combination.
Adieu, my fond mother. May Heaven guard you from distress either of
mind or body; may the gratitude of your children cheer you through the
remainder of life ; may you live to see them flourishing in happiness and
virtue, and may the expectations formed of your son be verified."
William Meade.
Nassau Hall, July 1st, 1808.
My Dear Brother :
It is now five o'clock in the morning, and I am just returned from a salu-
tary bath at a run of water, a mile hence. This little circumstance is related,
to prove that the strengthening of my body is not overlooked in the cultiva-
tion of my mind. In your affectionate letter of the 22d ult., you reminded
me that my own hands were to supply me with the comforts of life, and
advised a careful attention to my health. I have ever expected this, and
look forward with pleasure to the time when alternate study and labor
shall keep me in constant employment. As to any carelessness of health,
I am too sensible of its value, to sport with it heedlessly. Three or four
hours of each day are devoted to exercise. The hottest sun that has ever
shone on the classic land of Princeton, never confined me within the Col-
lege, at the appointed time for exercise. The happy consequences of this
regularity, are an uninterrupted health, and a greater fondness and capacity
for study. To books, I never give less than ten hours per day ; more should
be given were my eyes sufficiently strong to bear more, but they require
indulgence, and I cannot read at night without pain.
Sometimes, when I reflect on our poverty and on the necessi ty of my
speedy liberation of you from further expense, I wish they were so strong
as to let me study twelve or fourteen hours in the day. I would lop off
one year at least from my professional study. But, again, I look on their
weakness as a kind dispensation of Heaven — as one of those which we
term evils; but which in truth are only manifestations of the Divine good-
ness in offering us stimulants to virtue. Were my eyes perfectly strong,
love of reading, and perhaps ambition would keep me perpetually at books.
32 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
my health would have perhaps been alreadj^ sacrificed, and little time would
have been spent in devotion, in meditation, and reflection. I might now be
picturing to my worldly mind the beauties of fame, of office, of popular
eloquence, and all the gewgaws which offer charms to the vain heart of
man. I might have been engaged in such contemplation, quite estranged
from my God, and certainly not half so happy as at present, while looking
forward through the humble, obscure, though, I hope, useful and respectable
life I am about to lead. Never, unless necessity (arising from the weakness
of my sight which made me lay aside my book very frequently) had led me
to retire in my own mind, would I have made any virtuous resolutions,
which only paved the way for my ready entrance into mamma's choice of
a profession.
Thus have I reason to bless my God for this apparent evil. It has forced
me to be temperate, and to refrain entirely from liquors. The clear water
of the brook will quench my thirst better than the richest wines — the sim-
plest nutriment will appease my hunger better than the choicest dishes of
the epicure.
Having satisfied you with regard to my health both of body and mind, I
will reply to your question concerning the studies of this session. They
consist of Chemistry, Astronomy, Logic, Political Philosophy and Theol-
ogy. Our class has in some manner gotten a little behind hand, and we
are now forced to make it up by assiduous study. In answer to your re-
quest that I would not be unmindful of College distinctions, I must say that
it has come rather late, for two months will terminate our course. There
are forty-four in our class, and about twenty-five or thirty distinctions are
usually distributed. I will only promise that your brother's name shall not
be found amcng the last on the list. Whether it will lie in the neighbor-
hood of the top, remains a secret locked up in the minds of our Professors.
As soon as the determination is made, you shall be informed ; but let me
ask jou not to raise your expectations high, as the fall may be grievous.
Your cautions on the score of economy shall be observed. I will not
spend one farthing unavoidably, but many must be spent necessarily. Cer-
tainly I can never spend more than half as much hereafter, wherever I shall
live. At this place, the expense will be inconsiderable. Whatever shall be
the result of your joint deliberations in respect to the place of my residence
during the next year, shall meet with my cheerful compliance. Cousin
Molly Custis is very anxious for me to live with Mr. Addison, and wishes
me to grant her permission to ask his consent, supposing that it would meet
with mamma's approbation. Perhaps it would be more agreeable to yoii
all, if I should live with Mr. Belmaine, or return here immediately. We
can agree on this point in the fall, and therefore I will dismiss it from con-
sideration till then.
It gave me not a little uneasiness to hear that my expenses here are equal
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 33
to the value of the crop at the present price, but let us all derive good from
evil, by economy, industry, and every domestic virtue. I really am of the
opinion that the embargo will be serviceable to our neighborhood, for it
must lessen that pride, which, we have ever thought, threatened destruc-
tion to its prosperity. If this affliction should not suffice, you, my dear
br.others, and myself, mutually strengthening each other, will, in spite of
the odium fixed on singularity, dare to set example of true agricultural
simplicity, so necessary for the permanency of that happy union, which
now connects so many virtuous, yet extravagant families in Frederick. I
am happy to hear that mamma is making Virginia cloth, and with the
greatest pleasure will receive the present%he is preparing of a coat. If my
sisters are knitting any stockings for me, ask them to make them larger
than the rest. I strongly suspect the little jades are about to surprise me
with their industry, to present me with some valuable marks of their love.
I cannot go on writing in this hurried, careless manner any longer, with-
out apologizing. You know it is necessary for a preacher to write a plain,
large, and easy hand. I cannot do this, and therefore intend, as soon as I
return home, to alter mine entirely. Being, at present, much in want of
time, I do not think it criminal to write as fast as possible, since my friends
will not ascribe it to a carelessness of affection. You do me wrong, in sup-
posing that I ever harbored narrow opinions of your fraternal liberality. I
always thought that our general happiness was uppermost in your heart,
and looked up to you in that respect as a just father. I trust that my
whole conduct, through life, will prove the truth of this assertion. Although
I have often united with mamma and sister, in censuring some of your re-
solutions, yet be assured, I have admired, in secret, those steady principles
of honor, justice, and piety, taken from the example of our dear departed
father, and which directed all your actions, in contradiction to the trivial
ridicule manifested by others, who make custom their guide, without ever
retiring into their own minds to consult its propriety. When we have set-
tled together, we shall be able to defy the assaults of ridicule, whether they
be directed against supposed penuriousness, against a weak humanity for
servants, or any other principles which mark our actions. We will culti-
vate friendship with our virtuous neighbors, but let the strictest friendship
subsist between ourselves. Let it be the aim of our lives to set exitniples
of piety, contentment, love, charity, and every Christian virtue. That I
should be exemplary is indispensably necessary. A minister of religion is
a light, set on an high hill, to light others to glory. This light must not
be dim or deceitful to travellers. That I may be able to make my light
shine clear to the sight of men, is the constant prayer of my heart to Al-
mighty God.
Against the temptations of the world, I will fortify my mind by princi-
ples of religion. That I shall ever fail in any great affair, I am not much
9*
34 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
much fearful ; in the small concerns which are also weighed in the balance
of God, I fear I shall often be found wanting. I know this much, that I
place my confidence in God I am anxious for the promotion of His glory,
by the diffusion of His religion through the hearts of men. I would rather
be a worthy minister of the huinble and lowly Jesus, than the first magis-
trate of our country, decked with all the glories of his office.
I never will disgrace the profession, by undertaking it, unless qualified by
learning, zeal, and uprightness. As for the gaudy flowers of oratory, they
never shall disfigure the pulpit where I stand. If important truths, whole-
some warnings, and advice delivered in the simple style of nature, which is
warm and impressive, have no power over the hearts of my hearers, they
must seek for some others to please their fcmcy.
Give my love to all the neighbors. I hope they are well and happy.
Tell mamma I long to see her long winning letter, which must be very long
to compensate for my long unfulfilled expectation. The embargo has cer-
tainly stopped sister's pen, and Susan's and David's, and in fine all of you
have felt its influence. My love to them all. I remain
Your most affectionate brother,
W. Meads.
In the Colleire of ]N"ew Jersey, it was cnstomaiy for the
Faculty to signifiy their estimate of the comparative
schohirship of the prominent members of each graduating
class, hy the award of "honors," or complimentarj^ recog-
nitions, which w^ere announced to the audience at Com-
mencement, and given to the press for publication. The
prizes thus proposed were most potent appeals to youthful
emulation. The competition for the highest honors was
always very spirited, and the ardor of the candidates was
often intensified by the rivalry of the two literary socie-
ties of the College — each eager for the success of its own
members, and constantly stimulating them to efforts to
secure its triumph.
As the preceding letter discloses, there was at the rural
home beyond the Blue Ridge and in the hearts of the un-
ostentatious inmates there, an assurance that William could
excel, and a true desire that his superiority should be ap-
parent. The elder brother communicated to him these
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 35
aspirations of the domestic circle,-and in the name of their
honored and beloved mother, expresses the hope that he
would not he indifferent to College distinctions. This, of
itself, would be sufficient to rouse his energies, if they had
been slumbering, in the j^ending race for Academic honor.
He received the communication without disturbance — al-
luded in reply to certain duties and discouragements, and
cautions against any higli expectations, lest the disappoint-
ment should be the harder to bear — but he had, and could
not but be conscious of, those endowments which guaran-
tee success. In a few months the contest was decided.
Out of a large class, he and two others were proclaimed
to be of equal merit, and entitled to the '' First Honor."
The policy of such distinctions has been seriously ques-
tioned. He has recorded his own testimony, founded on
experience :
" I was doubtless somewhat hindered in my religious
progress, by the fact that I was one of the candidates in a
class of forty, for the highest honor, which was divided
between myself and two others." (Autobiography.)
The Cliosophic Society of which he was a member, ex-
iilted in his success, and addressed to him a letter of cordial
thanks and congratulations.
Cliosophic Hall, September 5, 1808.
Sir and Brother:
The members of the Cliosophic Society, feeling grateful for the honor
conferred upon the Institution by your exertions, have unanimously voted
you their thanks, and determined to present you with a diploma as a testi-
mony of their brotherly affection. It is also expected that you will, as soon
as convenient, act in conformity to that law of the Society which specifies
the highest reward and the greatest insignia of honor, Cliosophians can
oestow upon conspicuous merit. I shall not attempt to describe the pleas-
ant and joyous sensations, which our late triumph excited, and which have
already been so fully expressed by ydur brothers.
We hope that you have too much strength of mind to regard the invid-
ious, unfounded assertions of malicious rivals, whose disappointment at
the decision of the Faculty, has been expressed in scurrilous observations
upon the most worthy members of that honorable body, and in ungentle-
36 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
manly detractions from your merit. Your honor becomes apparent in pro-
portion to tlieir abuse. Trusting that your subsequent conduct will be
such as to gratify the expectations of all, and that rigid virtue will be the
coinpanion of your future life. I remain
Your aifectionate brother Cliosophian,
James Moor'b Wayne.
(In behalf of the Cliosophic Society.)
Mr. Wm. Meade.
Of the orations usually appointed for Commencement
day, the Valedictory, which carries with it a recognition
both of superior scholarship and excellence as a speaker,
was assigned to him, and formed a graceful close to his
Collegate course.
The following letter, addressed to his mother from Dr.
Smith, President of the College, preceded hie return home
by a few days :
Madam :
I have the pleasure to inform you that j^our son has just tlnished his
course of College studies with great credit to himself. His talents, his ap-
plication, his principles, and morals are such as may justly afford a virtu-
ous and affectionate parent the siucerest, purest consolation. It will not
be long I trust, till you embrace a son worthy of you.
With the greatest respect and the best wishes for your happiness,
I am, Madam,
Your obedient humble servant,
Samuel Smith.
At this period, the Church had no Theological Seminary.
Divinity students either returned to College, as resident
graduates, to avail themselves of the advantage of exten-
sive libraries and general literary association, or else placed
themselves under the guidance of some minister eminent
for his abilit}'^, to receive such instructions as he might
have leisure to impart, and to learn from his example.
During William Meade's last session at Princeton, the
arrangement for pursuing his professional studies v/as often
the subject of correspondence between his family and him-
, self In a letter to his mother, written June, 1807, this
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 37
passage is found: " Cousin M. Custis takes a warm inter-
est in my welfare and writes me very affectionate letters.
She is anxious that I should spend the next year with Mr.
Addison, and from many considerations, I enter warmly
into the plan. A good and constant example, mamma, is
of more real utility to a young man, than any collection
of precepts. I am averse to returning here immediately,
because I should find only young men like myself The
first entrance of ecclesiastical study is the most important,
since then, the opinions of the many subjects which have
unfortunately divided Christians, are formed. I wish to
form them from mature reflection, aided by the advice of
a virtuous and well-informed minister. Such a man is Mr.
Addison supposed to be. Cousin Mary promises to ask
him whether he will receive a young student of divinity
into his house, and guide him by his counsel. If it meets
with the approbation of my mother, I would prefer it to
any other plan. Yet be assured, I will follow implicitly
your advice, however different it may prove from my
opinions or wishes."
The conclusion was in favor of an application to the
Eev. Walter Addison to receive him as a student, and the
negotiation which was conducted by Mrs. Custis resulted
successfully.
After his graduation, Mr. Meade returned to Virginia,
and remained there for a short time, enjoying the society
of his honored mother and other beloved relations and
friends. This interval of study was rendered memorable
by his engagement to Mary Nelson, daughter of Philip
and Sarah Nelson — an event which gave great pleasure
to both families.
When a "month or two " had been passed "at home"
amidst the most pleasing associations, affording a salutary
recreation both to mind and body, well deserved by his
academic diligence and success, he again left his native
valley and repaired to the residence of the Eev. Mr. Addi-
38 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
son, to live in his family, and study divinity under his
direction.
Mr. Addison was remarkable for extreme mildness and
simplicity, combined with extraordinary decision, where
principle and duty were concerned. In the ordinary in-
tercourse of life so gentle and compliant, that one might
imagine a child could lead him, and- yet, when occasion de-
manded, not only immoveably firm, but heroically aggres-
sive. His admiring pupil states : "In him I became ac-
quainted with one of the best men, and saw one of the
purest specimens of the ministerial character. He was
flxithful and bold in reproving vice from the pulpit and
elsewhere, thou<>:h one of the meekest of men. He was of
English parentage and born to large landed possessions on
the Maryland side of the Potomac, opposite Alexandria."
This fine estate, extending several miles along the east
bank of the river, was graduall}^ wasted away by misman-
agement, and at last, its once wealthy proprietor w\as re-
duced to penury. To penury was added the great afflic-
tion of increasing dimness of sight, terminating in blind-
ness. Both of these evils, he bore with most exemplary
resignation, and both were, as far as possible, alleviated by
every attention and comfort which affection could bestow.
"He lived to a good old age," as his pupil further states,
"loving all men, and beloved by all who knew him — to
the last the happiest and most grateful of all the happy
and grateful ones, I have ever seen or known. In my
visits to the District afterwards, I ever felt it to be my
sacred duty, and it was my high happiness, to enter his
humble dwelling. But this was never done without bursts
of feeling and of tears on both sides. Such was the man
of Grod with whom it w^as ni}^ privilege to spend some hap-
py, and I trust not unprofitable months — the period of
my stay being abridged by a weakness in the eyes, which
altogether prevented study."
" Parson Addison," as he was then commonly called, was
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 39
more noted for the attractive excellence of his personal
character, than distinguished for theological learning. The
great advantage which his student enjoyed, was aifordcd,
not so much by oral instruction, as by the meekness, hu-
mility and holiness of his Christian life.
Mr. Meade's indistinct and imperfect view of the Chris-
tian system, at the time of his determination to devote
himse'f to the ministry, has been represented in his own
language. Happily he has also left us his own account of
the time, place and instrumentality connected with the
entrance of clearer light, and the experience of its decided
power. " It was while reading under his (Rev. Mr. Addi-
son's) direction, that the first' clear and satisfactory and
delightfcil view of the necessity and reasonableness of a
propitiation for sin by our blessed Lord, was presented to
my mind. I shall never forget the time, or the instru-
ment, or the happy effect, and how I rose up again and
again from my bed, to give thanks to God for it. The
book which was instrumental to it was ' Soame Jennings
on the Internal Evidences of Christianity.' Mr. Wilber-
force's work (Practical View) about the same time was
put into my hands and gave the cast and coloring to my
religious views."
The w^eakness of his eyes — an infirmity from which he
often suffered during his whole life — now rendered it ne-
cessary that he should intermit his studies. A few months
at home and his e^^es were sufficiently im])roved to permit
him to resume his regular professional reading. He was
evidently very partial to Princeton. Though there was
no Divinity School there, yet a few young men Avho were
preparing for the ministry resorted to the place as afford-
ing superior advantages to theological students. To avail
himself of those advantages Mr. Meade returned to Prince-
ton, in the summer of 1809, but his expectations were soon
and sadly disappointed. A few days after his arrival, he
was seized with a violent fever, which brought him to the
4:0 MEMOIR QF BIBHOP MEADE.
verge of the grave. During this severe ilhiess and tedious
recovery, his thoughts very naturally turned with more
than usualtenderness, to his famil}^ and friends at his distant
home, and yet he was by no means insensible to the sym-
pathy and friendly services which he received from the
people of the place. In his reply to a letter from One of
his sisters, he writes : " How rejoiced am I to hear that
you are happy and well, neighbors, visitors, and all. The
sincere and fervent ejaculation of my heart is, that you
may long continue so. ISTever I believe was there more
happiness condensed into any one society, equal in dimen-
sions with that of which we are members. At least, no
band of relatives and friends ever possessed better or more
abundant material for true Christian felicity, than the
members of our neighborhood. The more I see of the vain
world, the more a^ttached do I become to the society in
which I was born, nurtured and educated. Little do you
know you young generation, whose eyes have never peep-
ed over the mountains, that you inhabit the Paradise of
our State, and, my great attachment adds, of all the States,
for I verily believe the valley of Frederick contains more
real friendship, piety, and happiness than any other spot
in the land. My partiality for a native spot, however,
does not encroach on my judgment and blind it to the
merit of others. On the contrary, m}^ friendship and good
oj^inion of the State and place in which I now am, have
been greatly augmented since my last visit. My indispo-
sition, which drew some of the kindest souls to see me,
and led to a most extensive acquaintance in the State,
showing me, that hosj^itality and Jersey were by no means
unharmonious names, has made this addition to my es-
teem. "Were I not bound by the ties of religion and friend-
ship to my own State, and were the valley covered with
the lake, which Mr. Jefferson imagined, overspi*ead where
you reside, I should prefer this to any other State I have
yet visited. But Virginia shall ever be the scene of my
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 41
labors. Ob tbat 1 could see bcr already wbat my hopes
and fancy portray !"
Tbe following letter, without date, appears to have
been written to bis sister, Mrs. Page, before his departure
from Princeton :
My Dearest Sister :
For three years have I now been a stranger to my home, and for three
years have held communion, ah ! sweet communion with the best of
sisters.
By the guidance of Providence, a letter from herself, and my dearest
mother, first directed my heart to the noblest of sciences, and the best of
professions.
To epistolary communion with my Christian friends, how much delight
and profit do I owe. It is now drawing to a close. I come among you
perhaps never to part more, unless my Master, Father, and Redeemer shall
order. To Bis will, may I ever be willingly obedient.
I come among you, my dear friends, with sentiments of the tenderest
love, and the most ardent wishes to make the glory of our blessed Redeemer
shine brightly throughout the hearts of all.
My beloved sister, you whose heart beams with so much ecstacy and com-
fort on the cause I am abouUto undertake, and whOse prayers so often as-
cend to Heaven in behalf of your brother, rejoice alway, that his heart is
every day more and more set on his glorious mission^ Each day some new
and precious light, coming down from the Father of lights, seems to dawn
upon his soul, teaching him the blessedness of religion. Prayer, and every
religious exercise are no longer duties, but the most glorious privileges
given to poor condemned mortals, by which they may regain that purity
of nature, and perfection of bliss, for which the Almighty first intended us,
but which our first parents lost by their disobedience, and the restoration
of which, is the merciful end of the Christian mediation.
There is surely no happiness on earth but to serve the Lord. To serve
with a willing, zealous, and glad heart is felicity little lower than that of
the angels above. They enjoy His presence, and so does the Christian,
only removed at a greater distance. Oh ! my dear sister, what a choice
have we made. How glorious are our prospects. Happy here, and di-
vinely, transcendantly happy for ever hereafter ! Should we ever forget to
pray most fervently for our dear mother, that good instrument in the hands
of Almighty God for converting souls to His kingdom? How can we ever
love her enough, for that watchful Christian care with which she reared our
tender souls to piety and virtue.
May it be our sedulous endeavor hereafter, to smooth the path of her de-
42 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
dining life — to comfort her anxious heart by showing in our lives, and by
every filial office, that her labors have been blest. Let the tenderness of
our love soften the least anguish that may disturb her bosom, and, as her
life and labors have been devoted to our good, so may ours be now em-
ployed in making the best of mothers, the happiest of mothers also.
Your affectionate brother,
William Meade.
Though restored to health, it was thought better for
him not to resume immediately his regular course of study.
Accordingly he left Princeton, indulged himself in a short
visit to Parson Addison, and hastened to his earthly Para-
dise in the happy valley. In a few months, when he had
just entered upon his twentieth year, he consummated his
engagement with Miss Nelson. From a congratulatory
letter addressed to him on the occasion by Mrs. Custis,
and dated "Arlington, Jan. 30, 1810," it appears that the
marriage occurred the next day :
" I learn with joy, my dear William, that you will to-
morrow be the happy husband of Mary JSTelson. May
every blessing attend you both! — congenial minds — souls
attuned to heavenly pleasures — friends apj^roving — these
are delightful auspices. How few such unions seem to
bless mankind. How often is a life of suffering the pen-
alty of a connection formed on the ignominious principle
of aggrandizement. Monday night Kidder's arrival sur-
prised us. He only staid to see you a Benedict, and brought
to us the welcome news, and your letter and your Mary's.
As you are o?ie now, she will not think I have slighted
her, if I do not address her on a separate paper."
If William Meade did not serve seven years in advance
for his Mary, their marriage certainly subjected him to
quite that term of service, very laborious in its nature, and
very diligently and perseveringly performed — though no
doubt he could have testified, as did the Patriarch, that "it
seemed to him but a few days for the love he had to her,"
and which he, at a later period, so affectingly recorded in
his "Recollections," "printed for private circulation."
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 43
His circumstances at this time and his independent,
manly course, are best learned from his own frank rela-
tion : " This step, (marriage) compelled me at once, and
for many years, to labor with my own hands for a support.
My mother gave me a small farm, out of order, much in-
jured by the tenant, and without a house on it. My wife
had nothino". I beo-an at once to build a small house.
Myself and one or two hands burnt the lime-kiln, which
was used in building. I was in attendance, almost without
intermission, night and day, from Monday morning to
Saturday night. I assisted to tend the workmen who
built the house. On the farm I helped to plough the first
field that was cultivated, and, as I did for many years,
scattered the seed with my own hands. I did all this be-
cause I was resolved never to incur debt — a rule to which
I have strictly adhered ever since, and which, in the good
Providence of Grod, has been the means of greatly increas-
ing my property and enabling me to divide a sufficient por-
tion to my sons. Had I, at an early period, been too proud
or too indolent to work, or had I not been a rigid econo-
mist, and even subjected myself to ridicule for what seem-
ed a needless singularity to some, I should have been forced
to sell, at a very low price, my portion of my father's mil-
itary land, which has since so increased in value, as to en-
able me to give to each of my sons, as much to begin life
with, as I desire they should have."
Such proceeding, however, was not compatible with
much study, or favorable to those intellectual habits which
are so important to professional proficiency. " The stej),"
to one in his circumstances, may have created the neces-
sity of which he speaks; but, was it necessary that a step
so seriously interfering with his preparatory course of
reading, should then be taken ? Ought not a youth in his
twentieth year, and who had scarcely commenced his theo-
logical training, to have resolutely avoided any, and every
entanglement with the affairs of this life, which would re-
44 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
tard and impair his education for the sacred service to
which he was dedicated?
At a later period of his life, no one could give to this
question a more prompt and decided affirmation than he
did. Consciousness of the disadvantage under which, not-
withstanding his fine intellect and subsequent application,
he labored, in consequence of not having had early and
thorough systematic drill in the elementary branches of
theological learning, gave peculiar emphasis in his testi-
mony. And the sad effect of premature engagement and
marriage in other cases, where there was not the redeem-
ing power which his talents and temperament afforded,
made him avail himself of every proper occasion to caution
students against a hasty "step" which might cripple them
during their whole professional course.
The following Mnts on this subject are extracted from
the 18th Lecture of the "Pastoral Office:"
'' Ist. Be not in too great haste to marry, or make en-
gagements. Take time for consideration and consultation.
Let judgment and conscience, and religious principle, and
prayer have their full share in deciding j^our choice. Do
not trust to the first appearance and exhibitions of charac-
ter. You will not understand me as condemning all refer-
ence to the feeling of love, or as denying that there is a
sympathy and congeniality of character most important
to conjugal happiness, and which must be consulted. I
only warn you against drawing your standard from novels,
poets and sentimental writers, as weak young men and
women do, to the ruin of their peace and comfort through
life.
Do not rush into matrimony on your first entrance upon
the ministerial life. Wait until you can- form a proper es-
timate of your own abilities, and ascertain what station
you will be able to get and retain. Some, by neglecting
this, have chosen companions who were inferior to those
with whom they were afterwards to associate, and have
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 45
become ashamed of them ; while others have succeeded in
securina- those who were doomed to the mortification of
seeing their husbands sink instead of rise — of being oblig-
ed to sink with them, to the great unhappiness of both,
and to the disappointment of friends. •
Wait, therefore, until you have found your proper level,
and then choose one to suit yourself, and those with whom
you are both to associate."
Candidates for orders would, with very rare exceptions,
be seriously injured in their devotional character, if not
entirely alienated from the proper spirit of the ministry
by the manner of life led by Mr. Meade at this time.
His personal piety was, from its first formation, remark-
ably direct and practical. He had a happy facility in as-
sociating his religion which he loved, with his secular pur-
suits in which he was diligent ; blending them so naturally
and continuously in his daily walk as to exemplify the
Apostolic precept, "Whatsoever ye do in word and deed, do
all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God
and the Father by Him." His laboring with his own
hands was performed, not to accumulate wealth, to gratify
"the lusts of the flesh and the lust of the eyes, and
the pride of life"; but for conscience sake, to maintain
his household in godly simplicity, and himself, pending
his preparation for the ministry, and afterwards in the
discharge of its duties foj* many years, without pecuniary
fee or reward. Manual labor so conducted, he regarded as
much a part of his moral obligation, as his daily devotion.
It did not hinder but help his growth in grace, and enable
him to walk with God as truly in the operations of the
farm, as in the services of the sanctuary. This period of
much bodily exercise, but of moderate mental activity
witnessed no loss of interest in reference to the sacred
office to which he had devoted himself, though there could
have been little progress in those studies which are pre-
scribed as suitable preparation for its responsible services.
46 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
Of all this, he was fnlly aware — "the weakness of my
eyes — my sickness at Princeton — my early marriage and
the necessity of resorting to much manual labor,, of course,
all prevented even a moderate share of theological prepara-
tion for holy orders. Yery little indeed in those days was
required/'
" The Course of Ecclesiastical Studies established by the
House of Bishops in the Convention of 1804, in pursuance
of a resolution of the preceding General Convention," to-
gether with the then existing canons relative to "the
learning of those to be ordained," and the several "exam-
inations " they were required to 'pass, relieved the Church
from the censure implied by the preceding remark and de-
volves it where, when called for, it properly belongs —
upon the persons whose duty it is "to take heed that those
whom they present, be apt and meet for their learning and
godly conversation to exercise their ministry duly to the
honor of God and the edifying of His phurch" The qual-
ification for admission to Holy Orders, so far as literary
and theological attainments are concerned, was higher
then, than now. The culpable remissness of those entrust-
ed witii the examination of candidates, still too often neu-
tralizes the canonical provision, and would, not unfre-
quently justify the report, that "very little preparation
indeed, in these days, is required." A serious evil, not to
be remedied by mere legislation, but by greater fidelity on
the part of the examiners, on whom must still rest the
great responsibility of keeping the learning of the minis-
try uj) to the standard which the Church has wisely es-
tablished.
As the period of Mr. Meade's ordination approached, he
was much disturbed in reference to certain ecclesiastical
regulations which, -as a minister of the Church, he would
be bound to observe, but which, as some represented them,
he was neither prepared to approve or practice. As an
honest man, he freely communicated his difficulties to the
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 47
Bishop of the Diocese. The following statement of his
scruples and the letter of Bishop Madison on the subject,
together with the account of the examination and ordina-
tion, are transferred from the pages of "Old Churches in
Virginia " to this volume, as here specially pertinent:
"But before speaking of some circumstances attendant
on my ordination, it maybe well to allude to a correspon-
dence between Bishop Madison and myself some months
before that event. It is the more proper to do so, as it
will serve to correct some misunderstandings which have
gone abroad with respect to us both, and which have had
a bearing on the Virginia Churchmanship of that day.
Passing through Philadelphia a year or more before my
ordination, and staying at the house of an Episcopal clergy-
man, I heard some severe strictures on one or more of the
ministers of our Church in some other diocese, or dioceses,
for violating the rubric of the Prayer Book by abridging
the service. It was designated by no slighter term than
perjury in the violation of solemn ordination vows. I
learned afterwards that such charges were made elsewhere.
In examining the canons of the Church, I also found one
which seemed positively to forbid, under any circumstances,
the admission into an Episcopal pulpit of any minister, not
Episcojoally ordained. I was aware that it was impossible
to use the whole of the service in very many of the places
where I might be called to officiate, and well knew that
ministers of other denominations preached in many of our
old Episcopal Churches, and indeed that it was questioned
Tf hether under the law, our ministers had the exclusive
right to them. I also saw that there was a canon forbid-
ding servile labor to the clergy, while from necessity — for
the support of a young family — I Was then taking part in
the labors of the field, which in Virginia was emphatically
servile labor. Wishing to enter the ministry with a good
conscience, and correct understanding of my ordination
vows, I wrote a letter of inquiry to Bishop Madison on
48 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
these several points. To this I received a very sensible
reply, nearly all of which, I think, the Hoase of Bishops,
and the Church generally, would now endorse, though
there would. have been some demurring informer times.
BISHOP MADISON'S LETTER.
Dear Sir :
I received your letter by Mr. Bracken and approve of your conscientious
inquiries respecting certain obligations imposed by the canons. You know
that every society must have general rules as the guides of conduct for its
members, but I believe the Episco[)al Churcli is as lenient as any other re-
ligious society whatever. The subscription required by the candidate is,
that he will conform to the discipline and worship of the Protestant Epis-
copal Church in the United States, At the time of ordination he promises
to conform to the canons. With respect to the Book of Common Prayer,
an adherence is required, wherever the situation of the Church will per-
mit; it happens, however, too often, that the minister must be left to his
own discretion, particularly on occasions when it mav be necessary to
abridge the service, or where there may be no clerk, &c. No oath is ad-
ministered or required, and that adherence to the Book cmly is expected,
which may tend to further religion and good order in a religious society ;
for there can be no doubt of the superiority of forms of prayer for public
worship. Before sermon, many ministers, 1 believe, prefer a prayer of their
own, and if it be well conceived, i suppose no objection would be made.
His private prayer may certainly be determined by himself With respect
to th-e use of our Churches by other societies, the general rule is often dis-
pensed with, especially if the party wishing the use will assist in the pre-
servation of the building, or the preacher be of known respectable charac-
ter. Too often indeed our Churches are now used entirely by other sects.
The canon could never intend that a minister should be entirely prevented
from following any occupation which was creditable. Hence the practice
of physic, &c., is not deemed inconsistent with the ministerial profession,
nor I conceive any oikcr business which is free from a kind of public
odium. It would be unfit for a minister to keep a tavern or grog shop, &(^,
but certainly not to follow any occupation, where good may result both to
the community and to the individual. The honest discharge of clerical
duties, with a life preaching by example, are, in reality, the principal re-
quisites ; when these are manifested, and the piety and good behaviour of
the minister cannot be questioned, he need not apprehend the rigor of
canons, or any other spiritual authority. I am, Sir,
Yours very respectfully,
J. Madison.
October 10, 1810.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 49
" Eemarks : — Some years after mj^ entrance on the min-
istry, I Avas conversing on the subject of dispensing with
the regular service in preaching to the servants in their
quarters, with one of our most eminent ministers, when
he maintained, I doubt not, most conscientiously, that I
had no right to open my lips in preaching to them, with-
out first using the service according to the rubric. A
very great change has recently come over the minds of
some of our clergy on this subject — judging from some
things seen in our religious papers, in which more latitu-
dinarian views are taken than I ever remember to have
heard of formerly."
In reference to the rigid and uncompromising construc-
tion of extravagant rubricians, the venerable Bishop Gris-
wold was wont to say in his sententious way, " The ser-
vice of the Protestant Episcopal Church is a reasonable
service." The members of the Council which adopted the
canons of the Church in the Confederate States were of
the same mind. Regarding the rubrics as sufficiently di-
rective and obligatory as to the use of the Book of Com-
mon Prayer, the canon on this subject was omitted in the
new code, and a prolific cause of dispute was thus judi-
ciously retired.
The friendly author of a brief biographical sketch pub-
lished in a Philadelphia paper, alluding to Mr. Meade's
conscientious scruples occasioned by the canon forbidding
servile labor, represents it as a canon of Virginia, and then,
with the morbid aptness to regard all that is supposed to
be wrong at the South, as heading in slaver}^, ascribes
the prohibition to the prejudice which slavery produces
against all such occupation. The amiable author is scarcely
excusable for a statement so totally erroneous. S^e ought
to have been better informed. The canon was adopted by
the General Convention in conformity with the LXXY
Canon of the Church of England entitled, " Sober conver-
sation required in ministers," which ordains that " ecclesi-
3
50 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
astical " persons, " shall not give themselves to any base
or servile labor." The spirit of the prohibition is found in
those canons of the early Church, which forbid all secular
service on the part of the clerg}^, "Let not a Bishop, Pres-
byter, or Deacon, undertake worldly business ; otherwise
let him be deposed." (Apost. Canon, YI.) The Diocese of
Virginia has never legislated on the subject.
As to the Canon concerning the officiating in Episcopal
congregations, by persons not Episcopally ordained, the
declaratory resolution passed by the General Convention
recognizes, all that charity for others should ask, and as
much as a due care for the sound teaching of Episcopal
congregations allows.
In reference to the particulars enumerated, the letter
of Bishop Madison satisfied Mr. Meade that he might with
a good conscience, promise canonical obedience, and he
now made his arrangements for early ordination.
Williamsburg, where the Bishop resided, was about two
hundred miles from Erederick County. Mr. Meade per-
formed the journey on horseback, and, with the requisite
testimonials, presented himself to the Bishop for ordina-
tion.. Once before, when quite a youth, the hands of the
Bishop had been laid upon his head. His account of the
service is brief and unsatisfactory: "My confirmation took
place at a very early period, during the first and only visit
of Bishop Madison to this part of Virginia. I have but an
indistinct recollection of his* having heard some of us
the Catechism at Church, and as I suppose, lajang his hands
on us in Confirmation afterwards, perceiving that we said
our Catechism well. But as to both of them, especially
the latter, I have relied more on the testimony of other
persons, than on my own certain remembrance." (O. C,
p. 22.)
Now, by this second imposition of hands with prayer,
he was, on Sunday, Feb. 24th, 1811, solemnly authorized
to "execute the office of Deacon in the Church of God."
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 51
His examination took place at the Bishop's, before break-
fast; he and Dr. Bracken conducting it. "Asvrc went
down to the Church," he relates, " companies of students
with guns on their shoulders, and dogs at their sides, met
us on their way to the country, attracted by the frosty
morning which was favorable to the chase ; and at the
same time one of the citizens was filling his ice-house. On
arriving at the Church, we found it in a wretched condi-
tion, with broken windows, and a gloomy comfortless as-
pect. The congregation which assembled, consisted of two
ladies and about fifteen gentlemen, nearly all of whom
were relatives and acquaintances. The morning service
being over, the ordination and communion were adminis-
tered, and then I was put into the pulpit to preach — there
being no ordination sermon." (O. C. p. 29.)
A venerable Christian lady, extensively known, and
much loved in the Churchy in Virginia, and now in he^
eighty-first year, has kindly furnished a few "personal
recollections of the early life of Mr. Meade" :
" The first time I ever saw William Meade, (as we
used to call him,) was in the ^^ear 1811, when he came down
to receive Deacons' orders from Bishop Madison. I was
then living in York with my sainted mother, the grand-
mother of his two wives.
Before he came, the reputation of his having devoted
himself, soul and body and spirit, to the service of God,
had gone before him, and we looked forward to his visit
with mingled feelings of respect and curiosity ; for such
things were rare in those days. I was then a seeker of
righteousness. Oh! so anxious for my soul's salvation,
thinking I should get good to my poor soul from being
with him. His dress was a plain suit of home-spun. At
that time he was a husband and a father, and spolce of his
Mar}" in a way to gratify her numerous relatives. He
only spent one night with us. In those days, though
there were pious people in the house, we did not have
52 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
family prayers. It was very cold weather ; the whole
face of the earth being covered with snow. I did not see
him again, but we heard of his saying, when he went into
the old Church at Williamsburg, and saw the few assem-
bled there, that ' he wondered if it was emblematical of
his ministry ?' "
Before, and at several periods subsequent to his ordina-
tion, a rumor was circulated which he thought that, jus-
tice to another as well as to himself, required him to con-
tradict, and later in life to commit his statement to writing.
A copy of the manuscript found among his papers is here
inserted : •
Prospect Hill, near Millwood, "I
Clarke Co., Dec. 15, '51. j
Having been asked twice, within the last year or two, whether it is a fact
that I was anxious to ,enter the ministry of the Presbyterian Church, but
■was dissuaded from it by Dr. Hill, of Winchester, and having an accurate
recollection of the circumstances which attended a report of such design on
my part many years since, while a candidate for orders, I think it well to
commit the same to paper.
Shortly after my return from College, Dr. Hill visited me at my mother's
house, and expressed great pleasure at hearing of my design to enter the
ministry^ and particularly the ministry of the Episcopal Church, as he be-
lieved I could do more good in that than in any other. I became quite
intimate with him and fond of him, and was often at his house in Winches-
ter. During all the time of my candidateship he ever held the same lan-
guage of pleasure at my purpose of entering the ministry of the Episcopal
Church. During the summer before I was ordained, I was one day sur-
prised by a visit at my mother's from Mr. Balmaine, the Episcopal minister
at Winchester. While sitting in my mother's chamber, Mr. B. suddenly,
in his peculiar manner, and to the surprise of all, said to me, " You must
not let Mr. Hill persuade you to join the Presbyterian Church." lex-
pressed my astonishment at what he said, and that such an idea had ever
entered into any one's mind, for T never had had a thought of such a thing.
Mr. B. said that there was such a report in Winchester, and he had come
down to see about it. He returned, much relieved by my assurance that
there was not the least foundation for it. Shortly after this, on going to
Winchester, I saw Mr. Hill and mentioned what had occurred, when he
told me that he had been exceedingly annoyed by the report, which he
eaid contained something else, viz : That he had employed the Rev. Mr.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 53
Shannon, a Presbyterian minister who occasionally preached near my
mother's, as his agent in the work of proselyting me. I often mentioned
these things at that time and for years afterwards, when the report was
mentioned, not only to correct the impression of my wish to relinquish the
design of entering the Episcopal ministry, and adopt another, but to do
justice to Mr. Hill."
William Meade.
Mr. Meade conjectured that this oft-repeated and an-
noying report might have originated in a misapprehension
of the nature and design of the correspondence known to
have passed between Bishop Madison and himself. Less
thaji this, however, would have afforded occasion for the
story and given it plausibility, in the then deeply depress-
ed condition of the Episcopal Church. His own testimony
on this subject, though exceedingly painful, is so impor-
tant in its relation to his ministerial life and labors, that
its omission here would be inexcusable.
" Infidelity was then (at the Jjme of his ordination) rife
in the State, and the College of William and Mary was re-
garded as the hot-bed of French politics and religion. I
can truly say that then, and for some years after, in every
educated young man of Virginia whom I met, I expected
to find a skeptic, if not an avowed unbeliever. I left Wil-
liamsburg, as may well be imagined, with sad feelings of
discouragement. My next Sabbath was spent in Eich-
mond, where the condition of things was little better. Al-
though there was a Church in the older part of the town,
it was never used, but on communion days. The place of
worship was an apartment in the Capitol, which held a
few hundred persons at most, and as the Presbyterians
had no Church at all in Eichmond at that time, the use of
the room was divided between them and the Episcopali-
ans, each having service every other Sabbath morning,
and no oftener. Even two years after this, being in Eich-
mond on a communion Sunday, I assisted the Eector, the
Eev. Dr. Buchanan, in the old Church, when only .two
gentlemen and a few ladies communed. One of the gen-
54 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
tlemen was a resident in the upper country. One of the
old clergy who was present, did approach the chancel with
a view of partaking, but his habits were so bad and so
notorious that he was motioned by the Eector not to
come. Indeed it was believed that he was not in a sober
state at the time."
" So low and hopeless was the state of the Church at
this time, but a few of the clergy even attempting to carry
on the work, and only one person having for a long time
been ordained by Bishop Madison, and he from a distance
— and a most unworthy one — it created surprise,^nd
was a matter of much conversation when it was under-
stood that a yOung Virginian had entered the ministry of
the Episcopal Church. Even some years after this, when
I applied to Judge Marshall for a subscription to our The-
ological Seminary, though he gave with his accustomed
liberality, he could not re^'ain from saying that it was a
hopeless undertaking, and that it was almost unkind to
induce young Virginians to enter the Episcopal ministry,
the Church being too far gone to be revived. Such was
the general impression among friends and foes."
His account of his reception as a minister is of great
interest.* "I had, however, through the State, many most
respectable and influential relatives. Some still rich,
other of fallen fortunes, both on my father's and mother's
side, who were still attached to the Church. These things
caused my ordination to excite a greater interest, and
created a partiality in favor of my ministry. But still,
there were many who thought it so strange a proceeding,
that they were ready to accept, as a probable mode of ac-
counting for it, an opinion expressed by one or more, and
soon put in circulation, that there was something unsound
*"With his characteristic modesty, he prefaces this reference to hisfamilj
and self with the apologetic remark that it is done "at the risk of being
charged with even more of egotism than has already been displayed", the
statement "being necessary to the right understanding of the whole sub-
ject I have taken in hand."
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 55
in mind, or eccentric in character, at any rate, a want of
good cammon sense, or I would not make such a mistake
as to attach myself to the fallen and desperate fortunes of
the old Church. Some strange speeches of this kind were
made. Nor were they or their effects confined to Vir-
ginia or to that time. I am not sure that their influence
has ceased to the present day. One good, however, re-
sulted from them, viz : that certain views of religion, and
certain modes of life adopted by me, and supposed to be
contrary to what were supposed to be the doctrines of the
Episcopal Church — certainly contrary to the sentiments
and practice of the people — were ascribed to this natural
defect, and were kindly dealt with, instead of awakening
hostility, which under other circumstances might have
been excited. Certain it is, that my ministry, from the
first, was received with a favor, which neither my im-
perfect theological education, nor my most unfinished
sermons, nor anything else about me, were entitled to."
(O. C, pp. 30, 31.)
Those who listened to his discourses would say that to
represent his ministry simply as '' being received with fa-
vor," would convey a very inadequate idea of its accepta-
bleness. Wherever he preached, a crowd gathered to ad-
mire, if nothing more, his manner of reading prayers and
the eloquence of his sermons — not the eloquence formed
by the arts of oratory — but flowing from a heart pervaded
by intense interest in his message and for his hearers, and
which the peasant and the philosopher could alike appre-
ciate and enjoy. And when he wrote that there was
nothing in his " unfinished sermons," or " about himself,"
to entitle his ministry or himself to be "received with fa-
vor," he no doubt expressed his own honest convictions,
and yet as certainly afiirmed, what all who heard him in
the pulpit, or knew him personally, would positively deny.
As a minister of the gospel, he was highly gifted. His
youthful appearance at the first — the manly presence
56 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
into which this matured — his sound and vigorous and
well-balanced intellect — his naturally brave and feeling
heart were very important contributions for efficiency in
his sacred office. And when to- these are added a voice
singularly sonorous and sweet, and a manner very earnest
and persuasive, it is unnecessary to say that he was capa-
ble of the highest order of eloquence.
But the elements in the preaching of Mr. Meade, to
which its peculiar interest and impressiveness are to be
ascribed, wsis the evangelical truth which it presented,
with great clearness and emphasis. The Church sermons
of that day were, with few exceptions, meagre and impo-
tent discourses on ethics, with some- infusion of natural
theology, and rare and remote references to distinctive
Christian doctrine. Alluding to this, Mr. Meade states :
" In the Church in Yirginia, with the exception of Mr.
Jarrett and perhaps a few others, I fear the preaching
had, for a long time, been almost entirely of the moral
kind." " Blair's sermons, on account of their elegant style,
and great moderation in all things were most popular."
"The sickly sensibility of Sterne's sermons (and especially
of his Sentimental Journey) was the favorite style, and
standard of too many of our clergy. After entering the
ministry, I heard several of such most faulty exhibitions
of Christian morality. It is no wonder that the Churches
were deserted, and the meeting-houses filled. But the
time had come, both in the English and American Church,
for a blessed change. (O. C, Yol. I, p 25.) In Yirginia,
the works of Bishop Porteus, Wilberforce and Hannah
More, were largely instrumental in the happy result.
They were republished in this country, and introduced
more evangelical views into some of the most influential
families in Yirginia. A desire for the pure word of life
began to spread among the laity, and when this desire was
not regarded by their own clergy, other teachers were
resorted to, and their own neglected. Under these cir-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
57
cumstances, when a beardless youth, in his home-spun
dress and with his boy-like collar and black neck ribband,
stood up in the pulpit, zealously preaching "Jesus Christ
and Him crucified," as the Saviour of perishing sinners, it
is not surprising that wherever he officiated, the Church
was filled with attentive hearers, and some began to en-
tertain the hope that better things were in reversion for
the old Church in Virginia.
The Rev. Mr. Balmaine, who had been a chaplain in the
United States Army during the war of the Eevolution, and
who had married a relative of President Madison, was the
minister of the parish in Frederick county. He resided in
Winchester, and preached alternately there and in the
Stone Chapel near Millwood. His character is briefly
sketched by Mr. Meade, who, in the spring of 1811, be-
came his associate : "My connexion with Mr. Balmaine
was most pleasant and harmonious. He was one of the
most simple and single-hearted of men. He was also very
generous and disinterested, but, like too many of the min-
isters of that day, he thought there was no harm in the
dance, the game of cards, and, sometimes, the free use of
the cup. For the last ten years of his life, however^ he
was a changed man. Some of the most eloquent extem-
pore efi'usions I ever heard, were from his lips while stand-
ing in the chancel on Sacramental occasions, when he re-
ferred with tears to past errors, and sought to make
amends by thus testifying to evangelical doctrine and
holy living."
In the Old Stone Chapel, in the erection of which Mr.
Meade's father had taken an active part, and in which for
many years, his honored parents had been accustomed to
worship, surrounded by their children ; to which he had
often been carried an infant in his mother's arms, and
when a boy, on horseback behind his father — where in after
life he was destined to bend again and again as a mour-
ner, and where he hoped at last himself to find a grave
3*
58 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEA.DE.
near the remains of the many loved ones, there sleeping
in Jesus — there he now commenced those stated services,
which continued for five and twenty years of his ministe-
rial life, "Living and laboring on a small farm, and hav-
ing no design or wish to go elsewhere."
In the " recollections," by Mrs. J. Nelson, referring to
his visit at the time of his ordination, it is stated that "at
that time he was a father.^' The event had occurred but a
few weeks before, and of course had been announced to
absent friends, especially to the family at Arlington. That
letter is lost, or very probably it would furnish a specimen
of wild joy, and extravagant description such as few would
credit of William Meade. There is however, something
to sustain such a conjecture, in letters which remain. Mrs.
Custis, in a congratulatory communication to Mrs. Meade,
alluded to Mr. Meade's glowing account of the boy's ex-
cellencies, both corporeal and mental, and made playful
overtures to pre-engage Philip for her own daughter Mary,
(now Mrs. Gen. Eobert Lee,) but wilh the ])roviso that he
must prove "very good and very wise." Mrs. Meade in a
letter post-marked Feb. 11, 1811, and addressed to Miss
Susan. Meade, then on a visit to Arlington, alluding in
modest terms to her infant, sleeping near her says, " Bat
do not credit William's exaggerated accounts of his perso-
nal perfections. He is not a beauty even in my eyes,"
and, " as to his intellectual perfections, I can give you little
information on that score, as they have not yet developed
themselves." Eeferring to the condition annexed to the
betroth ment proposed by Mrs. Castis, she remarks, "Tell
Cousin Molly the condition on which she offers her pre-
cious Mary, are no easy ones, ' To be very good and very
wise,' falls to the lot of few of the sons of Eve. But
tempting is the prize, it must be confessed; sufficiently so,
to induce a strenuous effort to obtain it. However, I ex-
pect Mary will not consent to wait for Philip. Her bright
eyes will lead captive many a poor youth, I suppose, e'er
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 59
he will have escaped the light branches of hie, hsec, hoc,
&c., and amongst her train the happy selection will, I sus-
pect, be made before that period."
To this letter Mr. Meade appends a few lines intended
for Mrs. Custis :
"Hip ! Gee ! Woo ! Wha! and the plough,
Hie ! Haec ! Hoc ! and the Latin Grammar.
No ! No! Mr. Philip! You shall learn to say the words
in the upper line before spring, and then with all solemni-
ty I intend to consecrate you to the hands of the plough.
Teach Mary to wash and spin and cook, and we will make
a match of it, Cousin Molly. Mary, my wife, she does
think him handsome, and so he is. He laughs killingly;
he cries sweetly ; he opens his mouth, above all, in imita-
tion of mine! Good-bye."
With a heart alive to the delightful charities of domes-
tic life, and a circle of relatives and acquaintances suited
to exercise every feeling of affection and friendship, it is
not strange that he should have '• no design or wish," to
leave the beautiful " little farm on which he lived " so hap-
pily, and labored diligently with his own hands to support
his family, whilst, in public and private, he freely and faith-
fully preached to the people the unsearcheable riches of
Christ. But this happy arrangement was soon to be, for
a time and partially interrupted, Christ Church, Alexan-
dria, had just become vacant. The last Rector was from
the West Indies, where his wife whom he had abandoned,
still lived. After coming to this country he married
again. The wife whom he had forsaken, pursued him to
Alexandria, when he quickly disappeared, and was heard
of no more. This was not the first instance in which the
parish had suffered from the unworthiness of its minis-
ters, and now, desirous to avoid a repetition of the evil, the
vestry determined to secure the services of some one of
known worth and ability. With Mr. Meade they were
60 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
acquainted, and to him they made an unanimous and earn-
est appeal to come to their relief. The very peculiar cir-
cumstances of the congregation, of which he was well in-
formed, enforced the appeal and determined his accep-
tance of the invitation, with the understanding that he
was to spend *' a considerable part of the year in Freder-
ick, visiting Alexandria during that time, once in four
weeks." It could not have been expected that this ar-
rangement would be durable. It continued but two years.
Finding it impossible to do justice to both congregations,
he withdrew from his connection with Christ Church, Al-
exandria, and gave himself again wholly to his first love
in Frederick.
His temporary residence in Alexandria was by no means
a profitless experiment. It was productive of a reform in
certain practices, which were irregular and injurious, in
the cultivation of a taste, on the part of the people, for de-
cidedly evangelical preaching, in the adoption for the first
time, of an instrumentality for good, which, in after life,
he often employed with happy effect, and in the formation
of acquaintances and associations, which, in the good pro-
vidence of Grod, led to measures most influential in the
gradual revival of pure and undefiled religion in many
parishes.
The irregularities, to the correction of which he ad-
dressed himself, were connected with " the place of bap-
tism and the qualification of sponsors." "At an early pe-
riod," he writes, " I resolved to oppose myself to the prac-
tice of private baptism, without due cause, on account of
its shameful dishonoring of the ordinance. When I went
to Alexandria the Fall after my ordination as Deacon, I
found that up to that time, the old custom had prevailed
of private baptism, with more or less merriment. I deter-
mined to make a change. I communicated my purpose to
one or two of the best of the laity, but found they feared
the result. ' Let us try it,' I said, and accordingly ad-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 61
dressed the congregation on the subject from the pulpit,
setting forth the law of the Church, and the great prosti-
tution of the ordinance by reason of its violation, and beg-
ging them to bring un baptised children to the Church, on
a certain Sabbath and at a certain time appointed. God
blessed the effort. There was but one refusal, and that
only for a few months. The same thing occurred at a later
period of my ministry, both in Norfolk and Petersburg.
The most interesting of all my services at those places
were the public baptisms. They were separate occasions,
the hymns as well as the prayers, were suited to the occa-
sion. Exhortation both before and after the Baptism,
were altogether on that subject. The afternoon of cer-
tain Sunday's was devoted to such services and many
were the attendants."
With regard to sponsors, the error lay in making the
request a mere compliment, and in placing in that relation
those utterly destitute of personal piety, and, not unfre-
quently, youth who had themselves scarcely come to years
of discretion. The impropriety of this practice was too
palpable to stand exposure, and it easily yielded to his af-
fectionate and judicious remonstrances.
Mr. Meade aimed to reform the pulpit as well as the
font. The prevailing style of preaching has been noted.
From the character of several of the Rectors of Christ
Church, it is a fair inference, that in their .teaching there
was little to inform the mind, rouse the conscience, or lead
the enquiring to the "Lamb of God, who taketh away the
sins of the world." "The Gospel, it is to be feared," writes
Mr. Meade, " had not been clearly preached in times past.
It was now attempted, and though most imperfectly done,
as to style and manner, God's blessing was granted. The
services were well attended. Many were added to the
Church of such as gave good proof afterwards, that they
would be of those who should be saved." (O. C.,p. 32.)
The change which he so humbly records was not a freak
62 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
of religious excitement, occasioned by the powers of a popu-
lar preacher, and on his removal sure to be followed by a
relapse. It was a holy and wholesome resolution in the
spiritual taste and appetite, and has been so perpetuated,
that, from that pei^od, none but an evangelical ministry,
has found favor in Christ Church.
Mr. Meade was, early and always, partial to that mode
of ministerial usefulness, which consisted in the circula-
tion of judicious tracts and larger treatises on those reli-
gious subjects, which the state of the Church seemed to
need. Many of these he wrote himself and was zealous
in inviting others to tliQ, work. When he found anything
in print which promised, in whole or in part, to advance
the good cause, he was diligent w:th his pen in preparing
it for use, and liberal with his means in publishing it for
distribution. He , thus relates his first experiment: "It
was during my stay in Alexandria, that I procured from
the library of Mr. Custis at Arlington, the folio edition of
Bishop Wilson's works, which had been presented to Gen.
Washington by the son of Bishop Wilson, and which works
had been recommended to me by Bishop Madison. By
the help of Mr. Edward McGuire, who was then prepar-
ing for the ministry with me, I selected from the various
parts of that large book, a small volume of private and
family prayers, which have gone through three editions,
and which, being freely circulated among the families of
Virginia, contributed greatly to introduce what was indeed
a novelty in that day — the practice of family worship."
(O.C.,p.34.)
A distinguished politician who has long been in public
life, was a few years since, on a visit to one of his constit-
uents. Before the family separated for the night, the
stand, with the Bible and the Book of Prayer was set out,
and the head of 'the family read a chapter and said praj^ers.
When the service was over, the visitor observed, "Well!
what a change in old Virginia ! When I first canvassed
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 63
this district, tiamilj^ worship was ahnost unknown ; but
now in nearly every house I visit, the members assemble
asyou have done, to read the Scriptures and unite in prayer
before retiring to rest." This salutary chanj^e in the reli-
gious usage of the families of Virginia, may, without lia-
bility to the charge of creduiousness, be annexed to the
record of the work of the young parish minister and his
student in Alexandria.
In his autobiographical sketch, he mentions in connex-
ion with this date, the commencement of an acquaintance,
which soon ripened into a devoted friendship, and contin-
ued without intermission till terminated by death. " It
was during my stay in Alexandria that I formed a strong
attachment to my most estimable friend, Mr. Francis S.
Key, of Georgetown." The rare genius of this distin-
guished gentleman — his great natural refinement and
grace — and his extraordinary conversational powers, com-
bined with his intelligent, ardent, and active piety, ren-
dered him a charming companion, and an invaluable friend.
He was highly gifted us a poet, and though the pieces
which he has left us, are few and brief — evidently pro-
duced without effort or elaboration — they speak to the
patriotism and the piety of the people, and have embalmed
his memory in the History of the Country, and in the de-
votions of the Church which he loved. ISTo one could
more highly appreciate his personal excellencies and en-
joy his lovely Christian spirit, than Mr. Meade. In" evan-
gelical sentiment, and in reference to the benevolent and
religious enterprises of the day, they were of one mind
and one heart, and hand in hand, rejoiced to labor for
their advancement.
The vicinity of Alexandria to Washington, enabled some
members of Congress who were attracted by the character
and preaching of Mr. Meade, to attend the services in
Christ Church. John Randolph, df Roanoke, and James
Milnor, who was then a Representative from Philadelphia,
64 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
were among his occasional hearers. Mr. Eandolph, who
was distantly connected with him, and always called his
father " Uncle Kidder," regarded him with singular favor,
both as a man, and as a preacher. When, at a subsequent pe-
riod, his conscience was roused, and he became alive to
the importance of religion, he communicated freely with
Mr. Meade^ and with their mutual friend, Mr. Key. Some
of his letters addressed to them under these interesting
circumstances, and preserved in "Garland's Life of Ran-
dolph," and in the " The History of the Old Churches, and
Families of Virginia," are well worthy of perusal, as exhib-
iting the exercises of a great but eccentric intellect, under
the awakening power of divine truth.
Mr. Milnor's connection with Mr. Meade, commenced at
a period when his religious character, and new purj)Oses
of life, were receiving their form and direction. At
such a crisis, it was a gracious providence which brought
him, though only occasionally, under such spiritual teach-
ing as was rare in those days ; and into association with a
minister whose intelligent zeal, and godly life, were well
calculated to guide and and animate him, in the pursuit of
truth and duty. How largely he was indebted to his sal-
utary association for those clear views, which determined
him to relinquish a profession which had secured to him
honor and wealth, and to devote the rest of his life to the
ministry of the Gospel, is one of those disclosures reserved
for the last day
Another brief notice will complete the history of the
new and eventful acquaintances which Mr. Meade records
as formed at this time. " It was during my short stay in
Alexandria, that the Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer, assumed the
charge of St. Paul's congregation ; and at the close of my
ministry there, that the Rev. Oliver Norris, took charge
of Christ Church. These beloved brothers, coming from
Maryland with those views of the Gospel which the evan-
gelical clergy and laity of England, were then so zealous-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 65
ly and successfully propagating there, contributed most
effectually to the promotion of the same in Virginia, as is
well known to all of their day." (O C, p. 34.)
These devoted men, with their brother who has thus
borne his affectionate testimony' to their faith and effi-
ciency, formed the clerical trio, honored of God as His in-
struments in resuscitating a Church, which many regarded
as hopelessly dead. Mr. Norris was the first of the three
to "finish his course with jo}"," having made full proof of
his ministry in the parish which he served, and in aiding
to diffuse through the Diocese those views of evangelical
truth and order, which have been so signally successful in
its revival. Early in its increasing light, he was called to
rest from his labors, but its dawn had rejoiced his heart,
and he closed his eyes in blessed hope.
The Rev. Wm. H. Wilmer survived Mr. Norris but two
years. By his happy influence from the pulpit and through
the press, and in the councils of the Church, he contribut-
ed to its growth and symmetry The Journals of the
Diocese and of the General Convention testify to the honor
with which he was regarded whilst living, and the sense
of bereavement caused by his lamented death.
This recital of the measures successfully adopted and
of the friendships formed by Mr. Meade, whilst Rector of
Christ Church, shows that his short sojourn in Alexandria
was not a mistaken and fruitless experiment, but an im-
portant episode in his life, distinctly marked by activities
and alliances, profitable and pleasant at the time, and
suited to promote his usefulness in the future. It must
not be unnoticed, that here also originated the movements
which led to the resuscitation of the Church in Virginia.
For seven years, from 1805 to 1812, there had been no
Convention in Virginia. The few zealous ministers la-
bored faithfully in and around their respective cures, but
they labored apart, without the benefit of conference and
co-oj)eration. The Bishop was, perhaps unavoidably, de-
ee
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
voted, to a great extent, to the interest of the College over
which he presided with distinguished ability, and from
which he derived his support. Here and there an isolated
congregation, favored with a faithful pastor, gave signs of
life; but the Diocese at large had sunk into a lamentable
lethargy. In the spring of 1812, Bishop Madison died,
and the parishes were thus deprived of even the imperfect
supervision and infrequent services which his connection
with " William and Mary" permitted him to render.
The first voice that was raised to rouse and rally the
supine and dissociate members of the Church, and animate
to such action as was demanded for its preservation from
total extinction, was heard from the lips of the young
deacon who ministered in Christ Church, Alexandria. The
Rev. W. H. Wilmer concurring with him as to the course
proper to be pursued, they addressed a letter to the Rev .
Dr. Buchanon, who was Secretary of the Convention of
1805, "requesting him to call a special Convention in May.
In compliance with this notice, the meeting was held at
the time designated (May 13), and in the city of Richmond.
From the Journal of that year (1812), it appears that
fourteen of the clergy and twelve of the laity were present.
The election of a Bishop was the important business of the
meeting, and after discussing it and fully determining it
to be expedient, the Rev. Dr. Bracken, a Professor in Wil-
liam and Mary College, was nominated. The election ap-
pears to have been by joint ballot. Twenty-three of the
twenty-four votes cast, were found to be for Dr. Bracken,
who was accordingly declared to be duly elected Bishop
of the Protestant Episcoj^al Church. When the testimo-
nial, recommending him for consecration, was being sub-
scribed by the members of the Convention, Mr. Meade,
who had endeavored to effect the postponement of the
election, declined signing the document. Edward Mc-
Gruire, the lay delegate from Christ Church, Alexandria,
also declined, as did the Rev. W. H. Wilmer, and his lay
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 67
delegate from St. Paul's, Alexandria, who " having been
detained on their journey, and coming in* during the act
of signing the testimonial ; placing their refusal on the
ground of not having been present at the election, and
perhaps of not being acquainted with the individual."
(Autobiography.) Mr. Meade's refusal was not because
of anything incidental to the proceedings, or from mere pre-
ference for some other person, but from the honest con-
viction of the "un worthiness" of the Bishop elect.
His conscience was not satisfied by simply withholding
his sanction, and leaving the responsibility entirely upon
those whose votes determined the election, He did not
deem his duty discharged without using every lawful
means to prevent the consummation of a proceeding which
He believed would prejudice the cause of religion, and se-
riously interfere with the prosj^erity of the Episcopal
Church. With that moral courage for which he was dis-
tinguished through life, "he declared his intention to make
further opposition " before others whose consent would be
necessary to the proposed consecration. This painful duty,
however, he was spared. For reasons not recorded, those
appointed to arrange for the consecration did nothing.
The Journal for 1813 contains the entry : " The Eev. Dr.
Bracken, who was elected Bishop of this State by the last
Convention, gave in his resignation, which was accepted."
Here the matter ended. The discernment and resolution
of a young deacon arrested and nullified the almost unan-
imous action of the Convention, and saved the Diocese an
infliction, greater perhaps than it could have well borne.
The occurrence is of no further importance here, than as
it furnished occasion for the manifestation of that noble-
ness of spirit which regards right, rather than popularity,
and of that intrepidity which prefers standing alone by
duty, to companionship with the multitude in doing evil ;
and which is not unfrequently honored with a triumph
unattainable by faint-hearted and compromising policy.
68 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
Of the Convention of 1813, and of its impression on him-
self, Mr. Meade has left us an affecting description : " It
was attended by a mere handful." " Our deliberations
were conducted in one of the Committee rooms of the Cap-
itol, sitting around a table. There was nothing to en-
courage us to meet again. When I left it, it was under the
impression that it would be our last." " I well remember
that, having just read Scott's 'Lay of the Last Minstrel,'
as I took my solitary way homeward,! found myself con-
tinually saying in relation to the Church in Yirginia, in
the words of the elfish page, Host! lost! lost!' and never
expected to cross the mountains again on such an er-
rand."
In the gracious purpose of Divine Providence, which
had better things in reserve for the Church in Yirginia
than recent events would indicate, the very failure which
had so dispiriting an influence, only left the way open for
a movement which was already in preparation. The hour
was indeed of great darkness, but the dawn was nigh.
"What to man's vision was hopeless extremity, proved to
be Grod's opportunity. Before another Convention met,
the auspicious measure was in progress. The Rev. Mr.
Dashiel, of St. Peter's Church, Baltimore, had, at a recent
G-eneral Convention, become acquainted with the Rev. Dr.
Moore, then Rector of St. Stephen's Church, New York.
He had heard him preach the gospel with zeal and power,
in several large Churches, and also eloquently advocate the
introduction of more hymns into the Prayer Book. Mr.
Dashiel was so favorably impressed by the ability and
spirit of these performances, that he wrote of him to the
Rev. Messrs. W. H. Wilmer and Oliver ISTorris, as the man
to raise up the Church in Yirginia. These gentlemen im-
mediately communicated with Mr. Meade on the subject,
and he and Mr. Wilmer entered into a correspondence with
Dr. Moore, which led to his election at the next Conven-
tion. The whole proceeding, when once commenced, was
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 69
perfected with singular dispatch. Frora the Journal of
1814, it appears that on the 5th of May, "the Kev. Kich-
ard Channing Moore was declared to be duly elected to
the Episcopate of the Diocese of Virginia." The General
Convention met the same year and month in the city of
Philadelphia, and on the 18th of May, not a fortnight after
his election, Dr. Moore was consecrated in St. James'
Church, Bishop White presiding.
Mr. Meade, who had been so active in securing the ser-
vices of Dr. Moore, expresses himself as in some respects
disappointed at the commencement of his administration.
" I was not so well pleased with him at first as I expected.
He brought with him more of New York, than was to my
taste, or the taste of many others. But his good sense, his
amiable disposition, and sincere piety, gradually accomoda-
ted him to the clergy and people of Virginia ; and we all lov-
ed him more and more to his life's end, and he became more
and more one of us every year." With his entrance upon
the duties of his Episcopate, '' a favorable change com-
menced. Hope sprang up in the bosoms of many hitherto
desponding. Bishop Moore had some fine qualifications
for the work of revival. His venerable form, his melo-
dious voice, his popular preaching, his evangelical doc-
trine, his amiable disposition, his fund of anecdote in pri-
vate, and his love for the Church, all contributed to make
him popular and successful, so far as he was able to visit
and put forth effort."
The Monumental Church in the City of Eichraond,
having been completed, and the congregation organized,
a memorial from the vestry, was presented to the Conven-
tion of 1814, "praying the right of representation." It
was granted. Among the proceedings of the second day,
the following entry is found :
^^Resolved, That the JRev. William Meade, be reques-
ted to deliver a discourse in the Monumental Church, in
this City, at the hour of eleven, A. M., on the next Sab-
70 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
bath day, appropriate to the occasion of admitting that
Church into the General Church of this Diocese."
It is surprising that the only reporter of the services on
that solemn occasion, was neither of the Convention, nor
a resident of the city. Mr. Eandolph happened to be a
sojourner in Bichmond, and extracts from two of his fa-
miliar letters to his friend Key, written at the time, are
more satisfactory than many formal notices.
Richmond, May--, 1814.
"Meade is expected here daily. There is a general wish that he should
preach the first sermon in the Monumental Church. "What an occasion for
a man who would not sink under it 1 He might do a great deal of good,
were he to yield to the desire of the congregation, and establish himself
among them ; but where is the field in which he would not do good?"
Richmond, May, T, 1814i
My Dear Friend:
Mr. Meade tells me that he expects to see you in a few days, and I can-
not let him depart without some token of remembrance. He goes away
early on Monday morning, so that to guard against failure, I write to-day.
He has made an engagement to preach in Hanover, thirty-five miles off, on
Monday evening. No man can respect or admire bis zeal, more than I do;
but I fear he will wear himself out, and that the sum of his usefulness,
will, on the whole, be diminished, unless he will consent to spare himself.
I must refer you to him for what occurs here, except the eagerness of all
classes and ranks of people to hear him. No man can be more generally
revered than he is.
Mr. Meade will preach to-morrow in the new Church. He is anxious on
account of a silly piece which was stuck into his paper. He has had no
time for preparation on so useful a subject, and is uneasy that public ex-
pectation has been led to it. Indeed, who could treat it as it deserves?
Certainly no man whom I have ever heard.
I left the letter open that I might say a word about my friend's discourse.
He explained, in a few satisfactory and appropriate words, why he should
not touch upon a subject, which many of his hearers had been led to ex-
pect he would treat, (the burning of the theatre, on whose site the new
Church was erected), and then gave us a most excellent sermon, on the
pleasure of a true Christian life. A prayer which he introduced into his
discourse, that the heart, even if it were hut one, of the unconverted, might
be touched, was most affecting. He preaches this afternoon at the Capi-
tol, on the subject of the Bible Societies.
Sunday, 2 o'clock, P. M.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 71
When Mr. Meade resigned the Church in Alexandria
and returned to his charge in Frederick county, he was
still only in Deacons' orders. The precise time of his or-
dination to the Priesthood is not known. It occurred,
however, before, and but a short time before, the conse-
cration of Dr. Moore. The Episcopate of Virginia being
yet vacant. Bishop Claggett, of Maryland, was invited to
officiate, and admitted him to Priests' orders in Alexandria,
"about two years-after" his resignation of Christ Church.
The sermon was preached by the Eev. Simon Wilmer, a
presbyter of the Diocese of Maryland — " a faithful brother"
— warm-hearted, and active in his ministry, who, in the
parishes with which he was connected, and in "journey-
ings often," carried the light of the gospel to many who
sat in darkness. It would be no mistake to number him
with those whose labors helped to improve the tone of
preaching, and the state of religion in his day. Of Bishop
Claggett, and the examination, Mr. Meade writes : " So
far as I know and believe, he entertained sound views of
the gospel, and was a truly pious man. There was much
of the Englishman about him, I presume, from his wear-
ing the mitre, and his mode of examining me — that con-
forming so much to the character of the English Univer-
sity examinations. Besides a number of hard questions in
the metaphysics of Divinity, which I was by no means
well prepared to answer, but which he kindly answered for
me, he requested that I would, in compliance with an old
English canon, which had been I think somewhere incor-
porated into our requisitions, give him an account of my
faith in the Latin tongue. Although I was pretty well
versed in the Latin language, yet, being unused to speak
it, I begged him to excuse me. He then said I could take
pen and paper and write it down in his presence ; but he
was kind enough to excuse me from that also, and determ-
ined to ordain me with all my deficiencies, very much as
some other Bishops do in this day."
72 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
Mr. Meade's relinquishment of Christ Church, Alexan-
dria, and his return to his " earthly paradise" in the Yal-
ley of Virginia, have been noticed. He is now to be viewed
as the minister of a country parish, occupying his own
house, which his own hands had helped to build, cultivat-
ing the small but fertile farm, from which the support of
his family was derived, and ministering with diligence and
success to a people whom he delighted to serve in the
gospel, and by whom he was revered and loved.
The building occupied' by himself and family, was of "very
moderate dimensions, and in conformity with the princi-
ples of its proprietor, perfectly plain in its finish and fur-
niture— more so, than at a later period, and with more
ample means, would have been required by his conscience,
or agreeable to his taste. It was situated in a rich and
beautiful country, and afforded an extensive prospect of
the Blue Eidge, which, no doubt suggested its name, " Moun-
tain View." Here he sought and found his chief earthly
happiness ; not in aimless intercourse and profitless indul-
gence, but in pleasing and salutary social occupation, endea-
voring "from time to time to sanctify his own life, and those
of his family, and to fashion them after the Bule and Doc-
trine of Christ — that they might be wholesome and god-
ly examples and patterns for the people to follow."
Mr. Meade would be cousidered a strict disciplinarian,
but with so much good sense, and affection, that his con-
trol commended itself to those whom it influenced, and
gained both their judgment and love. Alluding to his
" domestic habits," he writes, " I was devoted to my most
excellent wife and three children." The touching memo-
rial of the former which he prepared, discloses a heart
alive to the most tender affection which that relationship
involves, and experienced in the happiness which its purest
exercise imparts. His fondness for children was remarka-
ble ; one was rarely in his company without being dandled
on his knee, if not mounted on his shoulder and borne
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 73
sportively ronnd the room. In his short rides on horse-
back over his farm, he was often seen with one behind him,
or if too young to be trusted there, placed on the pummel
and supported by his arm. It was not unusual when he
was writing, for the youngest to be sleeping on the floor
at his feet, another seated on his knee, and a third close by,
freely amusing himself with his playthings. His house
had not apartments enough to afford, what would seem to
be the indispensable accommodation of a separate study.
" For the first twenty years of my ministry," he writes, " I
had no study, most of my sermons were written in the
chamber or dining room, and in the midst of children and
servants," and no doubt he might truly have added, whilst
engaged in the nursery service, which the judicious Hook-
er dignified by his example.
He was now indeed less favorably circumstanced for
regular reading or composition, than during the period of
his candidateship. To reconcile the many and diversified
demands of the parish, with the time and labor indispensa-
ble to the management of the farm, was no easy undertak-
ing. There were times, when his conscience was dis-
turbed by the apprehension, that he might not be giving
himself sufficiently to those studies, which were requisite
to the efficiency of his ministry. But when moved by this
suspicion, he endeavored to apply himself, more assiduously
to his books, he was soon compelled to relax his efforts,
by the painful consciousness of a physical infirmity to
which he was subject through life, and which at times,
seriously interfered with his professional pursuits, and pro-
duced the conviction, that it was useless for him to aim at
extensive and profound professional learning. " I often
ask myself," he writes, " when much occupied by my farm
and giving little time to study, am I not guilty of viola-
ting my ordination vows? I would then, for a time devote
myself to more study, but soon my eyes began to fail, and
my h«ad was affected with vertigo, and I became satisfied
4
74 MEMOIR or BISHOP MEADE.
it was not the will of God that I should study to be a great
divine or eloquent preacher. Had I not been a farmer,
my health must soon have failed. A minister to a town
congregation, for any length of time, I could not have
been, during the first twenty-five years of my ministry, or
indeed at any subsequent period, though I have been ena-
bled to study and write more for the last ten years."
His conclusion that it was not intended that he should
become an eloquent preacher, was no doubt very honest,
but certainly very erroneous. Unless his cotemporaries
were incompetent judges, or false witnesses, he rarely
preached without producing a decided impression. His
written sermons were simple in structure and style, and
scriptural in their substance and spirit, and were delivered
with a solemn earnestness, which rendered them both in-
teresting and eifective. His extemporaneous discourses
and addresses were often highly felicitous, and of great
power and pathos. After one of his happiest efforts, a
clerical brother observed to him, ''you preach so much
more eloquently without your manuscript, why do you
not always extemporize ? He replied, " I cannot rely on
it, for I can never tell whether I shall succeed or fail.
With me, such eloquence is too accidental,^' Perhaps not
so accidental as he allowed himself to thiflk. Without
proper preparation the product of the pen is as uncertain,
or immature and insipid, as the fruit of the lips ; and other
things being equal, the latter will, in the glow occasioned
by the light and warmth of an intellectual and congenial
assembly, ripen as surely, and with more beautiful tint
and more agreeable fragrance and flavor, than the uniform
temperature of a study can produce.
Whether Mr. Meade became " a great divine,^' it would
be premature to attempt to determine at this period. It
will be more opportune when the record of his professional
acquirements and labors, afford adequate means for form-
ing an intelligent decision. In the manner of his life and
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 75
his habits of study, as noted by himself, there is nothing
to render improbable the humble conclusion, which he so
frankly expressed.
An incident, illustrative of his habits, occurred about
this time. His friend Mr. Key, accompanied by Eev. Mr.
Horrell, of Maryland, paid a visit to Mountain View. Mr.
H. had never seen Mr. Meade. He was not in the house
when the visitors arrived, and they seated themselves at
the door, awaiting his return. It was not long before a
person approached, dressed in home-sjiun, with a powder-
horn and shot bag around him, a gun on his shoulder, and
the tail of a fox stuck in the front of his hat Mr. Key
introduced the stranger as the Eev. Mr. Meade, and was
not a little amused by the astonishment of Mr. Horrell, at
the appearance and accoutrements of his friend, who soon
explained the marvel. It was his habit, he said, to study
a little, and farm a little, by turns. When his weak eyes
warned him to delist from reading and writing, he was
accustomed to walk about his farm to inspect and assist
in its operations. Within the last few days, the premises
had been visited by a fox, which had committed serious dep-
redations on the flock and poultry. Hoping to encounter
the marauder in his walk, he had taken his gun with him.
He was not mistaken in his expectation, or his aim. A
single shot sufficed to prostrate the spoiler, and he had
brought the brush home, to amuse the children.
It would be great injustice to Mr. Meade, to suppose
that with him, his agricultural interests had the ascenden-
cy. His parochial work, so far from being slighted as of
secondary consideration, was regarded as paramount, and
was pel formed with a punctuality, devotion and energy,
worthy of imitation by those who are freed from his cares.
In addition to the stated services at the Stone Chapel, and
in Winchester, he frequently officiated elsewhere, both in
Frederick, and in the adjacent counties. By such mission-
ary labors the Church was established at several impor-
76 MEMOIR or BISHOP MEADE.
tant points in that section of the Diocese. Alhiding to
these ministrations and their fruits, he writes, " When I
first began to preach at the Chapel in Frederick, there
was not a Church except that in Winchester, within twen-
ty miles around. From a distance of twelve miles around,
I would often see worshippers there. There are now no
less than ten excellent Churches, where there were only
two indifferent ones."
There was a class in the community, whose claims to
ministerial attention Mr. Meade felt very deeply, and from
the first, endeavored to perform faithfully, those duties
which his relation to them involved. Although there were
not as many slaves in the Yalley, as in the Tide-water
counties, yet -even there, they were sufficiently numerous
to require special religious services. For these he made
the best provision which the nature of the case allowed —
officiating for them himself, both in season and out of
season — engaging others to do the same, and also to as-
sist by preparing short sermons, catechisms, and tracts,
suited to their capacity, to be used in families in the way
of oral instruction. In reference to some of these labors'
he writes, " When preaching at the Chapel, I used often to
minister to the servants there in the afternoon, and some-
times in the morning at some of the quarters, on my way
to Church, in the summer season. One day in the week
was devoted to them on the plantations, being at one farm
about breakfast time, and another at dinner time. There
were about fifteen plantations thus visited, so that the in-
tervals were long, especially when visits to the neighbor-
ing counties, took me from home, as was often the case,
there being such a demand for my services in the vacant
parishes. The overseers too, would often defraud me of
many of my hearers, by having some particular business
for some of the hands."
After the erection of a new Church at Millwood, the
Stone Chaj)el was apj)ropriated to the servants. The ex-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 77
ample of furnishrig a separate place of worship for them,
was followed in different parts of the Diocese. Along the
course of James Elver, several of the owners of large plan-
tations, provided suitable Chapels for the accommodation
of their servants, where at the convenience of the minister
of the parish, they could be assembled.
Although from motives of expediency, Mr. Meade did
liberate some of his servants to emigrate to another State,
yet at no time had he any scruples as to the lawfulness of
slavery. At a later period of his life, his experience and
observation led to a change in his views as to, even, the ex-
pediency of emancipation. When he was consulted on the
subject by a clerical brother who thought of following his
example, he advised, as the most humane course, that if
he could not retain his servants himself, he should provide
them with good masters.
For the abundant and useful services rendered by Mr.
Meade, he, for at least the first five years of his ministry,
received no pecuniary compensation, but depended on
the yield of his farm, for the support of his family. "When
at last, his congregation did contribute, the amount was
not appropriated to his own use, but by an arrangement
suggested b}'' himself, distributed to aid several of the ap-
proved measures of Christian benevolence. His disinter-
ested course in this respect, seems to have been misrepre-
sented, and unfavorably construed by some, or there could
have been no occasion for the following certificate pre-
served among his parochial papers.
"Before Mr. Meade was regularly settled as a minister in this parish, he
thought it right to refuse any compensation for his services; but after he
was so fixed, and officiated regularly, he consented to receive a subscription,
declaring at the same time, that no part of the money resulting therefrom
should be appropriated to his own private purposes, but to those of public
utility."
Winchester, 7 July, 1816. " Alexander Balmatne."
(Senior Minister of Frederick Parish )
78 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
This arrangement was strictly adhered to, for at least
five of the five and twenty years of his ministry in Fred-
erick county, and if he subsequently received any salary,
its amount was too inconsiderable for record — not a moiet}^
of what he expended annually for benevolent purposes.
It is evident that Mr. Meade had no mis2:ivino:s as to
the jDropriety of the usual mode of clerical support. He
knew it to be an ordinance of G-od, that " they who preach
the gospel, should live of the gospel." And though from
considerations peculiar to his own position, and others
arising from the circumstances of the Church in Virginia,
he long expressly declined any remuneration for his own
labors, yet in due time he did not shrink from the delicate
task of expounding to his people, the Scriptural right of
the ministry, to adequate compensation for their services,
and the corresponding obligation of the laity, to make suit-
able provision for their maintenance. His explanation of
his own course is brought out in connection with his views
of the eifect of the sale of the glebes. Had they been
continued beyond " the lives of the incumbents, I am well
persuaded the effect would have been to perpetuate, in a
great degree, the same kind of ministers, and seriously to
interfere with the real prosperity of the Church in Yir-
ginia. It has been well for the Church in Virginia that
the old order of ministers should pass away altogether, and
that a new set of young men, of other views and character,
imbued with the love of souls, and not seeking for sordid
lucre, should engage in the work of resuscitation. Nothing
could have been more unfavorable to success than the least
plausibility to the charge of seeking the priest's office for
a piece of bread. Such dishonor had been brought on our
Church, by this disposition of her old orders of ministers,
that I felt it a solemn duty to avoid even the least appear-
ance of it, and therefore j^i'eferred to give myself, in a
great measure, to manual labor, and to the strictest econo-
my, rather than press for a support. During the twenty-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 79
five years of my ministry in my little congregation in
Frederick parish, my salary did not average more than
$250 or $300. I have been blamed for permitting this, and
thereby encouraging a criminal neglect ; but, in justice to
myself, I must record that while I did not press my own
claims — my farm yielding a support to my family — I ever
distinctly told my little congregation, that I should expect
them to do more for other objects. And they have always
done so. According to my calculation, from about twenty-
five or thirty families, composing the congregation, there
has been annually, for the twenty-five years, at the end of
which I gave up the charge, not less, on an average, than
one thousand dollars sent out of the parish. Kot only this,
but since the congregation was called on to support a min-
ister who needed a larger salary, it has contributed in
money, and otherwise, not less than one thousand dollars
per annum, a larger amount than any country parish in
the Diocese."
That " one thousand dollars sent out of the parish," is
made to perform a double part. In its first intention, it is
the salary of the minister, which he distinctly declined
applying to his own use, and then, at his suggestion, it is
sent abroad as the contribution of the parish to benevolent
purposes — though in reality the contribution of their min-
ister. It operated in a way to produce a pleasant mental
illusion in the people, as if they were both complying with
their obligation to provide a salary for their minister, and
also giving liberally to extra parochial charities. Mr.
Meade expresses himself satisfied with the result of this
arrangement. Some of his successors in the Rectorship
have not been so well pleased with its fruits.
In a discourse which he delivered in the Stone Chapel,
on the duty of contributing to the support of religion and
its ministers, he expressed himself very decidedly, main-
taining that the " high and interesting relation " between
pastor and people, " was instituted by Christ himself," and
80 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
that the laborer is entitled to his wages, by a divine ordi-
nance, which every Christian should esteem it a privilege
and a pleasure to obey. He referred to the origin of the
prejudice against this arrangement, which had been so ex-
tensively prevalent in Yirginia, and to the injury to religion
which must ensue, unless the error was corrected.
" There was formerly an establishment here. When, at
the Eevolution, this was broken up, there arose various
sects — in each of these, there were some, with more zeal
than prudence, and more bigotry than either zeal or pru-
dence, with whom it became the fashion to revile every-
thing belonging to the old establishment. The clergy were
called jpaid preachers, hirelings, &c. Then others wanted
nothing but the honor and pleasure of being laborers in
God's vineyard ; till at length the people have generally
been persuaded that it is wrong to pay the ministers of re-
ligion, and the consequence is, and ever will be, that re-
ligion has suffered, and will suffer, except this be altered.
Its ministers are forced to resort to every shift and craft
and trade to support themselves, and are then abused as
being greedy of filthy lucre. This is generally felt and ac-
knowledged among all sects. Except there be a decent
support for the clergy, the ministry will inevitably fall into
the hands of very illiterate persons, and others, who will
be obliged to connect it with every kind of trade, with the
exception of some disinterested persons, who will step for-
ward with a proper zeal to uphold the cause."
" I have spoken thus to contribute my part toward the
diffusion of proper sentiments about this duty."
He proceeds to assign other reasons for addressing his
congregation upon this subject. "I owe it to the religious
character of this society to state to them their duty. I
have been often asked whether I did not receive anything,
and how much, for my labors in this neighborhood. Here-
tofore, I have been unable to answer in any other manner
than in the negative, but at the same time, have stated the
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 81
reason why it had been thus, with a belief that it would
not be so in future. It is evident that the character of
this society would suifer injury, from such neglect, espe-
cially now, that a more liberal spirit is showing itself in
many of the old congregations."
"But I must yet, before I conclude, make known my
will and determination with regard to any contributions
that may be made. As to the propriety of this I have
had my doubts, and notwithstanding I shall do it, — expect
more censure than praise, both here and abroad, where it
may be mentioned." "As it ever was my intention from
the first dedication of myself to the ministry, to require
and accept compensation for my services, s© it never was
my intention to appl}^ such to private uses, while my pa-
ternal estate was sufficient for those. I have never yet
seen cause to repent and change such a resolution, and do
not think I adhere to it through obstinacy, or vain glory
— at least I have prayed, and endeavored to think right
on the subject. After the most mature deliberation, I
have determined to make known this on the present occa-
sion. I will state one or two reasons for this":
"In the first place, by declining any private appropria-
tion, and devoting it to religious or charitable uses, I can-
not be chargeable with more ostentation, or be suspected
of more vain glory, than I have been guilty of for the last
five years, during which time I have received nothing and
have had the credit from some, and the censure from oth-
ers, of laboring gratuitously."
"My duty to you, religion, and mankind makes me re-
ceive it, and my wish is thus to spend it."
" In the next place, what would be the construction put
upon it without such avowal ? Why, that heretofore, from
some motive or other, I have not wished it, but that now,
from the difficulty of the times, I was constrained to fall on
this mode of subsistence. Were I in real want, I should
then feel it to be my bounden duty to myself and family
• 4*
82 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
to receive it for such purposes. This being not the case,
I have no wish, so to receive and use it."
" When I compare my situation with that of my breth-
ren in the ministry general!}^, with those who labor much
more, and have a bare subsistence — out of fraternal sym-
pathy with them, I am strengthened in my resolution to
grow no richer, and live no better by means of the minis-
try."
The benovolent purposes, to which he proposed to ap-
propriate the contributions placed at his disposal, were,
"the education of poor and pious young men for the min-
istry"— "the publication and dissemination of good books
to help the labors of the preachers " — "the distribution of
the Bible among the destitute "t— "and to carry the knowl-
edge of the Lord to the heathen world." For these ob-
jects, with the exception of "the distribution of the Bible,"
there were no societies then existing in the Protestant Epis-
copal Church, in America. He was in these respects in ad-
vance of his times, and destined to lead, in forming and
conducting the associations subsequently organized for the
important purposes, which he commended to the patronage
of his people.
Mr. Meade did not expect to escape censure for this ad-
dress, or to secure unanimity in the action which he advo-
cated.
" I well know that this, and all such things, will be con-
demned by a nice sensibility, and critical refinement, but
I well know that this same sensibility and refinement and
fearfulness of censure, prevent many things from being
done that ought to be done. If a man expects to be useful
in this world, he must expect to be suspected and misrep-
resented. If he set his light on a hill, the winds will blow
it — most prefer to hide it under a bushel. There are times
which call for extraordinary exertion and sacrifice. Ex-
amples must be set, before the}^ can be followed. We must
neither seek the praise, nor fear the censure of men. We
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 83
must not do our good works to be seen of men, nor omit to
do them in the most effectual manner, through fear of being
seen. But what am I saying? good works! Alas, all our
works are mixed up with sin. AYe have need to beg par-
don for them all."
These extracts from his discourse, defined his position,-
and explained his motives in a manner perfectly in keep-
ing with that manly independence, and self-den^'ing gen-
erosity, which the fitting occasion never failed to manifest.
Persuaded as Mr. Meade was, that the Doctrine, Sacra-
ments and Discipline of Christ, as held by the Protestant
Episcopal Church were according to the commandments
of God, and having solemnly engaged to give faithful dili-
gence to administer the same ; he made it his study to
teach the people committed to his care, so to receive and
keep them.
"With regard to doctrine, being well assured that all that
is necessary to eternal salvation, is contained in the Holy
Scriptures, it was his prayerful purpose, and effort, to de-
rive from that sacred source, the truths on which he relied
for ministerial usefulness ; and whilst he was faithful to
declare the whole counsel of God, he was careful to teach
nothing as necessary to salvation, but that which might be
concluded and proved by the same infallible authority. His
sermons were decidedly evangelical in their character and
free from the sharpness and rigidity which result from strict
adherence to theological system. With the analogy of faith
and the law of proportion as his map and metre, he was se-
cure against serious deviation from the way of life, and in no
danger of misleading those whom he was ordained to guide.
In presenting doctrines and duties which were unpopular,
and unpalatable, he was not dictatorial or denunciatory,
but parental and persuasive — -in meekness instructing
those who opposed themselves — and "by manifestation of
the truth, commending himself to every man's conscience
in the sight of God,"
84 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
The irregularity in the administration of baptism, and
the carelessness as to the character of persons received as
sponsors, which then generally obtained, were noticed in
connection with his Eectorship of Christ Church, Alexan-
dria. The same evils prevailed in the parish of Frederick
county. Here also, and with like success, he addressed
himself to their correction.
But there were other practices very popular among pro-
fessing Christians, and sustained by a kind of prescription,
which increased the difficulty of their abatement. Such
were the fashionable amusements of horse racing, card
playing, theatrical performances, and balls. It is not sur-
prising that communicants should partake of these demor-
alizing amusements, when it is recollected that under the
Colonial establishment, many of the clergy, not only " did
such things, but had pleasure in those who did them." In
these practices the Church and the world were generally
so identified, that with rare exceptions, it was only by the
parish register, or at the communion table, that professors
of religion could be discerned. The ways of Zion mourned,
not only because so few comparatively came to the solemn
feasts, but because, of the few w^ho came, so large a pro-
portion "worshipped the Lord, but served their own
gods."
The change which had taken place in the character of
the clergy, and in the teachings of the pulpit, were prepar-
atory to an improvement in the deportment and spirit of
their parishioners. The " new order of ministers " who
came preaching the Kingdom of God with plainness and
power, were the precursors of a salutary reform in the sen-
timents and practice of those who professed and called
themselves Christians. In furthering this movement, Mr.
Meade was behind no one of his brethren. Of the manner
and result of his efforts, he has left a brief notice :
" At an early period of my ministry, I took my stand,
and never departed from it, and found it the easiest and
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 85
best. Some of my young communicants were going from
place to place, from ball to ball, even as the veriest devotees
of j^leasure. I affectionately warned them of their fault,
but without effect. After due time and deliberation, I wrote
to them again, stating the only terms on which I could
receive them to the table of the. Lord. It seemed strange
to them, their parents, and friends, that I, so young — that
I, who had been with them at the dancing-school — their
companion from childhood — their relation — should take
such a step. But I stood firm and would not retrace it.
At length, one after another yielded, and I had no more
trouble of this kind during my ministry. The same thing
occurred in relation to a wedding, soon after I entered the
ministry. At a place where I exj^ccted, and had a right to
expect, more respect, the fiddle and dances were introduced
into the room where I was sitting, without any warning,
and my retreat for a time intercepted. As soon as I could,
I escaped, and ordering my horse, (the night was dark and
* I intended to have remained) went several miles to a neigh-
bor's house. My conduct was well understood, as I wished
it to be, and I have never since been thus treated. A little
decision will save a minister much trouble!" "I see no
cause to change my opinion and practice on such subjects."
The course thus indicated, was not the action of a mor-
bid temperament, or of that adventitious austerity which
is often produced by the life of a recluse, whose habits dis-
affect towards all social pleasures, and dispose him to sus-
pect evils where none exist — or the effect of the prejudice
of an earnest mind occasioned by insufficient knowledge.
Mr. Meade was naturally of a genial sjm-it — very com-
panionable— in youth fond of its active sports, and specially
devoted to the dance, as is evident from his college letters,
and with so little suspicion of any impropriety in the
amusement, that, in one of those letters, he playfully pro-
poses that his venerable mother should take a few lessons,
to benefit her health. Now, how changed in his views and
86 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
practice! To what is tliis complete revolution to be as-
cribed? He had become a new creature in Christ Jesus.
Old things had passed away — all things had become new.
The letter which he addressed to his young communi-
cants, has been preserved, and it furnishes an expression
of his renovated taste and judgment, which leaves nothing
more to be desired :
My Young Friends and Parishioners :
I trust that the good Spirit of God, has moved
ms to address you in the following friendly admonitions : I pray it may
guide me throughout, both in manner and matter, and also incline your
hearts to receive the same and profit thereby. I should be utterly unworthy
indeed of the high trust reposed in me by Almighty God, I should be crim-
inally wanting in that duty I owe to the Church of Christ, and to you and
your parents, as professed members of the same, if I were to see and know
that any of you were about to take a step, or were living in a manner in-
jurious to your own souls, and dishonorable to the character of religion,
and I, not to endeavor in the most atFectionate manner, to warn you of the
evil and persuade you to avoid it. Silence in such a case, would not only^
be a neglect of duty but actual criminality. I cannot suffer such a sin to
rest upon my soul.
If I am rightly informed, some of you who are regular members of that
Church in which T minister, are about to enter on a scene of gaiety and
revelry, 'utterly inconsistent with those solemn vows you are in the habit
of making around the table of your crucified Lord. By that act and those
vows, you do most solemnly separate yourselves from the world, renounce
its pomps and vanities, devote yourselves to Christ, to lead a new life
in His service, and outwardly incorporate yourselves with His Church,
which He declares is not of this world. By thus joining the Church, you
impose much upon yourselves, and God and man require of you, more than
of others. What might be wrong in others, becomes doubly so in you,
who, by this act make much higher professions, calling yourselves Chris-
tians. As a minister of the Church, I also am more particularly bound in
duty to you, and should leave no means untried to persuade you to do all
that is right. Hence this letter.
The painful feelings with which I enter on the task of reproof, are only
mitigated by the hope of success, and the consciousness of duty. If those
to whom it is addressed will only read it with the same desire of being im-
proved, as I feel, that it may render service, I shall not despair. To some
of those who intend being of this party of worldly pleasure, it was my full
purpose to have arl dressed a letter, the same in substance as the present,
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 87
immediately after their visit to Winchester. I have much lamented, and
now more than ever, that unavoidable circumstances prevented the execu-
tion of my design — since it would have been more likely to have produced
effect, than at the present, I felt much mortified and distressed at that
event, which all serious and reflecting persons must condemn, which
brought dishonor on the Church of which they were members, filled their
parents' hearts with sorrow, and exposed themselves to much censure and
even ridicule. I had hoped and believed that their own mortified feelings
and painful reflections in consequence of that strange and unjustifiable
step, would have been a sufficient punishment and corrective of their error,
but their present disposition to renew a course of conduct so unbecoming
the character of serious Christians and communicants, forbids such a hope
or belief.
I cannot therefore suffer another occasion to pass by without the per-
formance of m}'^ duty, and begging them to take into serious consideration
the propriety of their conduct. I do not ask you to take my opinion, or
that of any human being, but to carry this matter before your God and
Saviour; and with a sincerity and earnestness becoming poor weak crea-
tures, who ought to "fear always," and "tremble at any temptation;"
ask Him if you can go on in the course of life you are leading, and yet be
safe. Consult the spirit of our holy religion, and see whether it allows such
a' mixture with the world, and such an enjoyment of its vain and giddy
pleasures.
It were impossible, in the short comfjass of a letter, and written in the
very limited period allotted to the writing of it to answer the many pleas
which the world offers in behalf of such enjoyments, and to enforce the
many powerful reasons which should make Christians renounce all these false
ways of happiness, and avoid all such alluring temptations of Satan In
humble dependence upon the Divine blessing, without 'which, the most
convincing arguments and powerful representations would fail of their ef-
fect, I shall, with great brevity and true affection, mention a few reasons
why you do wrong to profess and call yourselves Christians, and yet join
yourself to the world in its unhallowed, expensive and dangerous dissipa-
tions.
In the first place, let me beg you ever to keep in mind and solemnly to
feel, that you are professors of religion, and of a religion which requires
much of its disciples. The author of it, the blessed Saviour, whose obedi-
ent servants we ought to be, declares that he came to save us from this
present evil world, and purify to Himself a peculiar people. He declares
that His disciples "are not of this world " — they are not "conformed to
the world," but are "renewed in the spirit of their minds," and " not as
the world give I unto you," said this same Saviour ; but we ask if the gay
assemblies of the children of fashion, the dressing, feasting, idle conversa-
ion and bodily gestures performed for the pleasure and admiration of men,
88 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
is of this world or of God ? Are they suitable to the character of serious
Christians? Do they agree with those feelings of penitence, that confession
of guilt, those renunciations of the pomps and vanities of the world, those '
self-dedicaiions of themselves, their souls and bodies, which they make on
every reception of the Holy Sacrament? Is religion a mere name or pro-
fession ? or is it a reality, a new life? Is it allowable to make such vows
and professions with our lips and contradict them openly in our lives ?
Should we not fear lest God should apply and address to us the words of
the Psalmist, "What hast thou to do with me, that thou shouldest take
my covenant within thy mouth?" Be assured, my young friends, religion
is a serious business ; it should not be trifled with. We may have the form
of godliness, and be destitute of the power thereof; we may have a name
to live, and yet be dead in trespasses and sins ; may think we are rich and
well off, and yet be blind and naked and poor and miserable in the sight
of God. Such I cannot but fear is your case, when I perceive you so anx-
iously set upon the vain pleasures of the world, unmindful of the high vo-
cation wherewith you are called, and neglectful of those superior pleasures,
which God is ready to bestow on all who sincerely seek after His favor.
The inconsistency of such things with your character and profession as
Christians, ought of itself to prevent the step you are about to take. This
is one of those places and affairs in which it is better to err on one side than
the other. All must acknowledge that in every age there have been vast
numbers of the best of Christians who have thought such places and amuse-
ments improper and dangerous, and therefore to be avoided ; but none
have ever considered it a duty to go to them or a crime to stay away ; they
have never recommended them as a good school for virtue and true piety ;
the furthest they have ventured to go, has been to allow them to young
people as being not sinful ; saying and hoping, that as they grew up and
became more serious, they would leave them of themselves, out of a prefer-
ence for the more solid and noble enjoyments of religion.
Now it should be the rule with all Christians to avoid doubtful places
and things. The salvation of our immortal souls and the favor of our God
are things of such unspeakable importance, that we ought not to expose
them to the slightest hazard. We should rather throw away all such
pleasures, which none will contend are absolutely necessary to our exist-
ence or comfort, than run the least risk about our souls Indeed, we are
such weak creatures, so easily overcome by temptation, and allured by
pleasure into excess, that we should fear to trust ourselves in doubtful
places. "Lord, lead us not into temptation," is our daily prayer. How
can we use it, and then rush into the snare ? We should recollect that the
Scripture says, "He that doubteth is damned," that is, he who doubteth
whether anything is sinful or not, and yet does the same, is condemned
and does wrong We should recollect that the Apostle, both by example
and preaching, enjoins Christians to attend, not only to what is lawful, but
what is expedient.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 89
Moreover, my young friends, what a poor opinion must such conduct in
professors give to the world, of the joys and excellencies of religion, when
they perceive any of us come hegging for some of their vain pleasures.
Well may they say, "What! is your religion so poor and barren that it
will not support you ? Must you come over to us to partake of our short-
lived pleasures?" They will either undervalue the pleasures and excellen-
cies of religion, or doubt the sincerity of those who profess it, and yet seek
their happiness elsewhere than in its lawful and pleasant enclosures. The
latter conclusion will be more frequently adopted by those with whom you
would associate on such occasions. Yes, be assured, young ladies, you
not only lose the favor of God, incur the censure of the more pious, and
destroy the peace of your souls, by driving the Spirit of God far away
from you, but you actually sink in the esteem of the world, when you pro-
fess to be Christians, and yet live like worldlings. Whatever you may
think of the guilt or innocency of these things, the men of the world who
are wise in their generation and good judges of consistency of conduct, see
a manifest contradiction between religion and worldliness, and they often
express their astonishment at those who thus y t ; the more evil disposed
triumph when they can get a professor of religion among them, because
they know that thereby, religion, the object of their hatred, is disgraced;
they tauntingly exclaim, "Where is the superiority of religious people over
us? they are as fond of worldly pleasures as we are, nay, some of them go
beyond us in their excessive fondness of pleasure." "Oh ! shame, where
is thy blush?"
My friends, the world marks our conduct. It sees you when weeping
around the table of the Saviour, and hears you in your solemn vows and
renunciations of the world, and sees you again in the vain dress and
fashion of the world, and in the undignified dance ; it hears you speak in
the light and vain language of mammon, it notes down the same, and repeats
it, till it becomes the common talk, and all this is set down as the defect
of religion — religion is indeed wounded, cruelly wounded in the house of
her friends. It is not an enemy that hath injured her, but her own familiar
friend in whom she trusted. While on this subject, I cannot forbear men-
tioning to some of those to whom this letter is addressed, how they have
been the frequent theme of such censure and laughter — their fondness for
pleasure and dress and fashion, and its inconsistenc}- with their religious
profession is the common talk of the country', far and near. " These are
they, it is said, who come from the bosom of a society reputed to be the
most religious and domestic in the State ; these are they, who are educated
by the most religious of parents, and here they are traversing the county
in quest of worldly pleasure." My young friends, these things ought not
so to be. Very few indeed are there, evcn.iu our own Church, who think
of frequenting such places, and the Holy Sacrament at the same time.
I feel, I acknowledge that I am personally much mortified at this. With
90 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
what unfeigned pleasure have I instanced the young ladies of this neigh-
borhood as proof that such pleasures are not necessary to happiness. For
a long time they seemed to have lost all relish for them, and I had ho ped
that they had formed a strong and durable relish for the pleasures of piety.
How disappointed am I now to see so many of them, turning out again in
defiance of every argument to the contrary, and seeking their pleasure in
the vain resorts of dissipation ! But I will not despair of being yet able
to offer them as examples to others, and of seeing them amomg that com-
pany of amiable and respectable young women who have voluntarily given
up the world, and chosen that good part which shall never be taken away
from them, and those noble pleasures which will ever increase in brightness
and glory.
There are two arguments usually adduced by such as wish these things
to be innocent, to which I would make a brief answer. It is said many
good and pious people have indulged in these things and thought them in-
nocent. With more propriety it might be said, some than many. It is
conceded that there have been some of zeal and piety who have occasion-
ally lent themselves to tilse places and amusements, and not considered
them sinful. But is this conclusive proof that they are right? A greater
number of pious people have thought otherwise, and would it not be safe
to take the opinion and follow the example of the majority? Besides, are
there not some peculiar seasons and circumstances which may account for
the opinion of the few pious people who have gone before us ? May we not
make allowance for a dark and corrupt age in which they lived ? for a
lukewarm and worldly clergy, who were themselves to be often found at
the ball-room, the theatre, the horse-race and card-table ? Was it to be
wondered at, that the private members occasion illy visited such places
with such sanction? I make no doubt that many of those who are now
quoted in favor of these things, would, if alive, unite with Christians in
condemning them ; and when upon earth, and in the occasional practice
of such things, they were not devoted to them, their hearts were not given
to them — they rather complied with such things as the custom of the day,
than sought after them as their happiness. If truly pious, their hearts were
fixed where alone true joys are to be found. Now suffer me to ask you
plainly, and you should answer the question candidly to yourselves, "Is
this your case? Are these pleasures only secondary and indifferent to
you ? Is religion your chief concern and highest happiness ? Are your
hearts set upon righteousness ? Is peace and joy shed abroad in your souls
by the Holy Ghost?" Oh ! my young friends, I fear you cannot answer
these questions satisfactorily to yourself or to God I
But there is another argument by which the young encourage themselves
in such indulgences, and whic#from peculiar circumstances of delicacy, it
is more painful to answer. It is the permission an 1 sometimes the wish
of parents. Far be it from me to lessen that reverential feeling due from
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 91
the child to the parent. But I canaot think that I dishonor my revered
parents, because I may think God and the Scriptures think and speak dif-
ferently on one particular subject from themselves. Our parents are liable
to err as are others, and perhaps under ditferent circumstances they also
might have thought otherwise. We should examine the sacred Scriptures
and endeavor to find out the will of God from them on all subjects. But
"what is the present case? Will any of you say that your parents urge you
against your will, judgment and conscience to go ? Do they not merely
permit, fearing lest a refusal might be more injurious than that permission?
Were any of you to say, ■ ' My parents, I fear to go — it is a place of pleas-
ure and temptation — my happiness is elsewhere — it is contrary to my
profession as a Christian." What parent would urge it one moment longer ?
Lay aside these false excuses, I beseech you, for God will not accept them,
and your own hearts must condemn them. View the naked truth that you
are "lovers of pleasure, more than lovers of God." I tremble for your
situation. You are going on in a course of life which I fear will end in
everlasting ruin. You are loving that world which is at enmity with God,
and I wish to persuade you to turn to true religion for happiness. It is
the want of its true enjoyment, which makes you seek after the pleasures
of the world. "Were all men happy, revellings would cease." "These
are the sad opiates for inquietude within." Oh! then, seek to be truly
happy — begin at once to enjoy yourselves — devote the youth and prime
and vigor of your days to the God and Saviour who love you — leave the
world and its poor fugitive enjoyments. "Lean not on earth; it is a
broken reed at best, and oft a spear ; and on its sharp point peace bleeds
and hope expires." Lay not up material for repentance; be not among
those wretched disappointed creatures who cry out upon the world ,7hen it is
too late, ' ' Oh ! had I weighed it in my fond embrace, what darts of agony had
missed my heart." How would I rejoice to see you turning from the world
to your Saviour, and with your whole heart seeking the peace of religion.
Then would you say that you never knew happiness before — then will
you rejoice with a godly mirth, and the world and its pleasures will lose
all their beauty.
"As by the light of opening day
The stars are all concealed.
So earthly pleasures fade away,
When Jesus is revealed."
Let me remind you, young ladies, that you are only pilgrims and so-
journers upon earth — you must soon die, and appear before God and
Christ to account for the manner in which you have spent your time and
talents upon earth. And what will all these pleasures avail you in that
day ? Oh ! how will one hour spent in the service of God outweigh thous-
ands of such unsubstantial pleasures ! You may be very soon called away
from these things ; how soon, God only knows — some one of you perhaps
92 • MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
before the period of this revelry shall arrive. Are you ready to die ? Live
then in such a manner now as you will wish you had done when you come
to die. Thinking as I do, how could 1 have said less to you than I have
said, or less plainl}^ ? I know I shall have your approbation at one time
or other. I wish it may be soon, lest it should be too late.
Before I conclude, I must once more refer to a point already touched
upon. You are communicants, To take the sacrament of the Lord's
Supper is a serious thing, ought to be done seriously and only by serious
people — to such only can it be consoling and serviceable. So far from
doing good, it must do injury to any not rightly disposed in their hearts,
and correct in their lives — to those who eat it unworthily it is condemna-
tion. The manner of life you live, the amusements in which you delight,
I must ever think entirely incompatible with a worthy receiving of the
sacrament. While you continue to partake of it in your present state of
heart, you only encourage yourself in a false belief of your safety, and
suppose that by uniting with Christians on such occasions you will be
saved. You also set an injurious example to others, and bring reproach
upon the character of the Church of which you are members. Let me
therefore, as your friend, relation and minister, advise you to relinquish
the one or the other. '*Ye cannot serve God and mammon." And
though I may not feel myself justified in refusing the sacrament to such
of you as frequent such places, and love such things, but are in other re-
spects observers of the forms of piety, yet I must say that I shall never
administer it to you without the most painful feelings, without the deepest
regret, and the most perfect conviction that you are eating and drinking
unworthily and unprofitably to yourselves and most injuriously to the
church.,
I wish you to take this matter into serious consideration, and before
God, and by the help of the Scriptures, examine whether your hearts are
right, and whether you ought to receive the Holy Communion under such
circumstances.
Let me observe to you that there are how very few indeed even in our
church, who ever think of connecting these things together, and the
young ladies, before they come to the communion, bid adieu to all such
scenes of gaiety and dissipation.
And now, I commit this labor of love and trial of my ministry to the
blessing of my God, and pray Him to impress it on your hearts and make
it to bring forth in you the fruit of good living. Say not, my yo'ung
friends, that it is now too late to recede. It is never too late to do what
is right. Take courage, call on God to help you, and dare to do what
religion and conscience directs. Let not the fear of man bring you into a
snare : break off boldly now, and the task is done. You will no more be
solicited. Separate yourself from the world — walk worthy of the high
vocation wherewith you are called — live as dignified immortal beings
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 93
ought to live — be not satisfied with the lower gratifications of sense, when
you may enjoy the noble pleasures of the soul.
I have thus plainly stated to you my advice and opinion. I hope you
will receive it with proper feelings. Let me beg you to relinquish your •
present plan ; let me urge you to substitute some other pursuit in its room.
Instead of preparing for this ball, let me persuade you to undertake the
serious work of self-examination. Let me persuade ycu to try the pleas-
ures of religion, and when the day and hour of the entertainment arrives,
spend that time in contemplating the pleasures of } iety on earth and its
glorious rewards hereafter. I think you will never repent it, but on the
contrary, ever rejoice at it.
And now, whatever may be the course you shall take, my affection and
anxiety for your souls shall be the same, and if I shall suffer the mortifi-
cation of seeing you persist, I shall lament your conduct, shall pray for
your forgiveness and conversion, and live in the hope of seeing you yet
penitent. Should you relinquish it, then will I go before my God with a
glad heart and offer my thanksgivings, and pray that this act of self-denial
may be the first step to your thorough establishment in true religion.
I remain, your sincere and affectionate friend,
William Meade.
P. S. — I cannot but express my desire that each of you would take a
copy of this letter, not because of any peculiar merit of style or senti-
ment, but as a memorial of my friendship to your souls, and desire for
their welfare. Though it might fail of its complete object now, the time
may come when you may read it with other eyes and other hearts ; or
should God think proper to call me hence before you, it would remain as
a remembrance of my good desires toward you.
Some few seem to have been unmoved by this tender ap-
peal, but it so commended itself to the consciences of his
parishioners, that the changed tone of sentiment, together
with his own judicious firmness, soon relieved his cure from
the reproach of such inconsistency.
A few loose leaves of manuscript found among his papers,
endorsed " Card Playing," contain his testimony against
this pernicious practice. Although the record is fragmen-
tary and incomplete, as if merely made to aid his memory,
when he deemed it proper to express his sentiments in pub-
lic, it needs no interpreter, and is the more valuable be-
cause the last paragraph was penned near the close of a
long life, and is the deliberate annexation of his testimony
94 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE,
and seal to the uniform teaching of his extended ministry:
NOTES ON CARD PLAYING.
" "When we enter any society we are bound by honor,
not only to obey its rules according to promise, but to pro-
mote its welfare, and have reference to the wishes and
ojnnions of its members.
Every man entering a society, civil or religious, gives up
a portion of his individual liberty for the public welfare.
Without this, all is confusion and anarchy. The worst
days of Israel were, when ' every man did that which was
right in his own eyes.'
Besides the special regulation of the different branches
of the Church of Christ, there are some gre^t principles
and laws of God for the whole Church.
Whatever we do, we must do all to the glory of God. We
must in love and , gratitude do all the good in our power —
love our neighbour as ourselves, and not tempt him by
evil example. We must deny ourselves — be not of the
world, though in the world — denying all ungodliness and
worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously and godly, avoid-
ing things inexpedient. Some things may be lawful which
are not expedient. ' If my brother be offended, I will eat
no flesh while the world standeth," said the Apostle. Avoid
the appearance of evil, and let not your good be evil
spoken of.
We should join with the minister in winning souls to
Christ. With David we should say, if the Lord forgive,
' then will I teach transgressors Thy way, and sinners
shall be converted unto Thee.' What an honor ! What a
privilege !
But to be more particular : What is it to renounce the
devil and all his works? that evil being who rebelled
against God, and instigates to all evil ? the world, with all
its pomp and vanities ? the flesh, with all its sinful lusts ?
What are these pomps and vanities? Legion is their name
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 95
— vain dressing — theatrical exhibitions and games of
chance — wasting time and money — giddy dances, unbe-
coming the seriousness and penitence of an humble sinner.
Our baptismal vows are not intelligible, except thus
construed.
I would especially emphasise that of wasting time in
games of chance, a most fascinating employment to the
idle.
Games of chance in every age have been condemned as
a perversion of God's institution — the lot — a sacred ordi-
nance for the decision of certain questions by the Lord
Himself ' The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole dis-
posal thereof is of the Lord."
If the history of its perversion could be written, if only
of one year's operation throughout the world, or in our
land, what a volume of sin and misery would it be ? What
waste of time and property and talents ? beggary and
wretchedness of wives and children ? Is it fit for the sons
and daughters of the Lord — the redeemed — the sanctified
thus to associate with them ? The testimony of more than
one ruined gambler has been published in his autobiogra-
phy of late years — that his first card was cast in the com-
pany of professing Christians, who taught him its use in a
game for amusement. What a thought, that the first les-
son was learned from a member of the Christian Church —
perhaps a parent, a sister, a wife. Oh ! how many have
bitterly bewailed the consequences of their own example !
Much injury is thus done even by the pious — the greatest
injury by them. 'It was not an open enemy that has done
me this wrong, but mine own familiar friend, in whom I
trusted.' ' Wounded in the house of my friends ' !
It is said, 'we play only for amusement, ho stake, or only
a barley corn.' Alas ! how mistaken ! How different the
actual result ! It may be a stake infinitely more than the
thousands of the desperate gamester — reputation as a
Christian professor. Certainly nothing can be gained —
96 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
how surely something lost, even in the estimation of the
worldly and pleasure-loving. And may not something
more be lost in injury to others ? '■ We must have some-
thing to kill time.' To kill ! to murder time, the great gift
of God, in which to gain an eternity of glory. ' Oh ! time,
time!' said a dying man, when the clock struck one; 'it
is fit thou shouldst strike thy murderer to the heart!'
Is there nothing which can give life to time, to fill it
with blessedness ? Where is the Bible, with its interesting
varieties of style, and narrative and doctrine ? Where are
the good books, of which the world is full ? Where are the
works of charity, which the hand of a Dorcas was wont to
do ? Where are those domestic duties which the virtuous
woman of Solomon delighted in, and by which she excelled
above all favor and beauty ?
Misery, poverty, shame, and ruin, have first entered some
happy family, in the shape of a pack of cards. Little did
father and mother know, that they were dealing out death
to their children — training them up in the way of death,
instead of life. Oh ! the bitter tears which have been shed
by some wretched wife, some broken-hearted mother, some
father, whose gray hairs have gone down in sorrow to the
grave; some promising young Christian, who, at his con-
firmation, spread joy through the bosoms of minister,
bishop and friends — perhaps, shall I say it? angels rejoic-
ed over him for a time — but as angels have fallen, so have
such.
The case of some one recently mentioned in our public
papers — twenty-seven years an ornament to the Church,
a blessing to society, his house the abode of bishop, clergy
and other friends — but the fatal bottle and the cards — the
first, doubtless, tasted only in small quantities — the last,
only for amusement, perhaps in the company of Christians,
were his ruin — reputation, property, lost ! He was seen
on the street, all mangled and dead, having been cast out
of some gamblers' den — hell, let it be called.
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 97
' He that despiseth little things.' Time is a very little
thing compared with eternity, and yet this little thing mis-
spent, is an eternity of misery. One small spark, one small
leak in a vessel, is a very little thing, but, oh ! the confla-
gration ! Oh ! the shipwreck !
Is it any sin for children to play with fire ? Ought
parents to do it, and thus lead their children to destruc-
tion ?
There is something fascinating and overcoming in it,
(card playing) as in taking stimulating drinks. Danger
is, it (private play) stimulates and prepares for public use
and this, for something else. Ought wives to do it, seeing
so many have been made wretched by their husbands?
Ought members of the Church, seeing what evil report,
what disgrace in times past, it has brought upon religion
by its ministers and members ? How many gamblers de-
clare that their first game was played in a private house,
with some professor of religion, and for mere amusement.
A notorious one, in his memoirs, says this of himself Is
it not probable that many such, have done the same ? The
first game has been for mere amusement. It very easily
glides into gaming for some slight stake, to make it inter-
esting. Then it increases as the love of ardent spirits,
until we are unhappy without the excitement. The first
cast of the dice, may be the first step to the gambler's
grave. Touch not — handle not the dangerous instrument.
Beware of edged tools — trifle not with fire. A Christian
professor, who engages in this, will soon find himself in
evil company.
All professors should be longing to do good to others —
to win over the irreligious to Christ, and not to see how
much worldliness they may indulge, without forfeiting their
place at the table of the Lord. Hinderers of religion are a
very injurious class in the world — lovers of pleasure — the
lukewarm — the servants of mammon. " Little children,
keep yourselves from idols " — most true of all engrossing
5
98 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
pleasures. Borderers — how often, dangerous, unworthy
characters — unhappy — unsafe — always liable to be en-
trapped and drawn over the line.
In ladies, especially young ladies, how evil in its effects.
If they go thus far, use them in their chambers, will not
the young men use them in taverns, and gambling-houses,
those dens of iniquity ? If they play for amusement, will
not their brothers play for a stake ? "
Septuagenarius, the author of this, was travelling through
a certain part of Virginia, once the seat of gaiety, refine-
ment, and dissipation, where the card table was the daily
and nightly amusement-of most families. He passed by
house after house, farm after farm, and enquiring for the
families, found that those who had formerly inhabited,
were only remembe'red, as those who had been. The older
ones had gone away or died — the young men had gambled
away the property and died the death of drunkards, and
the whole society was changed. The card table, surround-
ed by some at first for amusement, had become a snare.
In forty years the whole society was changed.
A few resolute Christians can make a great change."
The following letter, written at a later period, to a par-
ishioner on the subject of horse racing, completes his tes-
timony against the fashionable amusements of that day.
Though the practice reprehended is now comparatively
rare among those who profess and call themselves Chris-
tians, yet the letter affords so admirable an example of
pastoral fidelity and affectionate interest and judicious ad-
dress, that its insertion is important as a manifestation of
ministerial character :
My Dear Sir : Trusting that the following communication will be re-
ceived in that spirit of atfection which dictates it, I take up my pen to ad-
dress you a short letter, on the subject which for a few moments engaged
our attention, just as we parted, on the morning that I was last at your
house I was not a little surprised, and yet more distressed, to find that
you advocated the practice of racing under any circumstances or to any
extent, for I had supposed the contrary. Since that time I have suffered
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 99
what I will not attempt to describe, from learning that you are largely
embarked in furnishing the instruments for this (as I must deem it) most
demoralizing occupation, and that it is even said, that the regular training
is not dispensed with on God's holy Sabbath. In regard to this latter
circumstance, I cannot but hope and believe that it is founded in mistake.
I have accordingly so expressed myself. The subject has not been out of
my mind for many minutes together, since our conversation, and I am sure
you will excuse a minister of religion, and one who sincerely desires your
welfare, and that of your family, for unburthening himself, and spreading
his grief before you.
I should be unworthy of the high trust reposed.in me, were I not to seek,
by all proper means, to avert evil from those over whom I have the slight-
est spiritual superintendence. Let me then address to you a few words of
remonstrance, as one holding an office in the Church of God — as a father
of many children — and as an immortal being, who must soon bid adieu
to this earthly scene, and appear before the tribunal of Omnipotence.
And first let me say, that among the circumstances which encouraged
me when undertaking the erection of that building, which I hoped would
prove a great blessing to and the country around, the pleasure
you expressed and the interest you took in it, held a conspicuous place. T,
in common with many others, rejoiced in the hope that a better day was at
hand — that order, sobriety, morality and religion, were about to re-
ceive an effectual help from our efforts. The officers of the Church
were multiplied, and spread over a large surface, in order the better to
watch over its interests, and promote the cause of religion. Yourself was
requested to accept the place of vestryman, and consented to the same.
Now I pray you, my dear sir, to consider what influence the countenance
you give to this practice, is calculated to have on the cause of reagion, and
on the interests of that Church which you are specially bound to promote.
The Episcopal Church has for a long time laboured under many and great
disadvantages, and its ministers especially, have felt the heavy pressure of
them. Those who are unfriendly to it, are ever ready to hold up to public
view anything in the conduct of its members or officers, which is calculated
to bring reproach upon it. The vestrymen of the Church will be regarded
as the representatives of its principles and character, and by their conduct,
will be judged. On this account as well as many others, I confess, I feel
deeply concerned, in common with many others, the best friends of reli-
gion and the Church, in this parish. And what considerations are there
of profit or pleasure, which can for a moment compare with an injury in-
flicted on religion? Let me entreat you to examine this whole subject, and
see how far your example may prove pernicious to the whole neighborhood
around, injurious to the best of causes, and detrimental to your own repu-
tation. I confess my hopes of reformation in the vicinity of the three
churches, which Providence has planted in this part of His vineyard, are
100 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
sadly fallen by the prospect of the regular establishment of this species of
demoralizing amusement, which is so universally condemned by the sober
and serious part of the community.
But I must address you in another and most affecting relation of life.
You are a father of many dear children. In your presence, and with your
consent and approbation at the altar of God, their mother, in their name,
renounced all the pomps and vanities of this wicked world — all the sinful
lusts of the flesh, and all the works of the devil. With much pleasure, and
in the spirit of prayer, did I perform this act. Let me beseech you as a
father to consider whether you are acting in conformity with that solemn
dedication — whether you are consulting the best temporal as well as eter-
nal interests of your children. On the contrary, are you not lending the
influence of your example, to that which has proved the ruin of thousands
of the youth of our land. One need only travel over the State of Virginia,
and enquire for the descendants of those families which were once devoted
to this practice, to be convinced that the judgments of God are visited
upon it, to many generations.
My dear sir, I feel a lively interest in your family. I desire the eternal
welfare of your children. I know you love them and wish their happiness.
You would have them to be industrious, sober, moral, and 1 hope, religious.
You would wish them to associate with the best society, with the most ex-
cellent of the earth — but let me ask if fiimiliarity with the practice in
question and fondness for horse racing is likely to benefit your cliildren,
and make them all that you would have them to be ? Oh I how many pa-
rents have been brought down in sorrow to the grave, by the misconduct
of children, who have been led into the society of the wicked, by an early
attachment to this, and other species of gaming ! With a view therefore
to the immortal beings, whom God has given into your charge, let me
pray you to give this subject a serious consideration.
And for your own sake, my dear sir, for the sake of that never-dying
soul which is within you, I entreat you to enquire, whether this is not a
mode of increasing an estate, which a bountiful God has already made
abundant, calculated to injure your everlasting peace. "What shall it
profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" I have
thus, my dear sir, very hastily, in the midst of much duty, preFented to
you some of the thoughts, which have lately agitated and distressed my
mind As a minister and friend, I could not be at peace, without at least
the effort at remonstrance. I hope and believe you will justly appreciate
my motive, and regard this as an evidence of fidelity to the high trust re-
posed in me. Such remonstrances have sometimes been happily successful,
and great good has resulted from them. My prayer to God is, that the
present effort may not be in vain.
You have it in your power, by your example, to do much good or evil,
in your family and in the neighbourhood around, and, holding an office
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 101
in the Church of Christ, to promote, or injure the reputation of religion.
Think upon the evil which may, and must result from the continuance of
this practice, and then think on the good which might follow the trivial
sacrifice, of that whi h the good and pious of every age have condemned.
Of this t' ing I am sure, that by the encouragement of racing, you can do
no good to your family and SQciety, and may do much harm. Whereas
by the contrary course, you will secure the approbation of the best mem-
bers of society, and will remove any occasion of censure from the Church,
which is alread}^ the subject of conversation, and must be more and more
so, as it becomes generally known.
Let me request that you will preserve this as a memorial of the interest
I feel in your welfare. With whatever feelings it may now be received,
perhaps the hour may come, when more solemn views of eternity present
themselves, and when the heart is made tender by affliction, and then, if
not now, you will feel, that this letter was the best evidence of my pasto-
ral solicitude, and that its entreaty ought not to be disregarded. At any
rate, I am sure we are all hasting to a time, and place, where there will be
no difference of sentiment on the subject. There, you and I, and your
children, and servants and neighbours, will meet before the great Head
of the Church. God grant it may be a happy meeting. May none of
your children, servants, and neighbours, have cause to lament, that they
have been injured by the practice, to which you now lend your counte-
nance.
I will only say in conclusion, that my prayer shall be ofifered unto God,
that he will convince you of the evil which must result from that in which
you are engaged, and that you may rejoice many hearts by the decided
and utter condemnation of what now grieves and distresses them.
I remain your sincere friend and affectionate pastor,
May 2, 1831. William Meade.
In reference to the fashionable amusements of that day,
the views of Mr. Meade, and his clerical friends, the Eev.
Dr. Wilmer and the Eev. Mr. l^orris, of Alexandria, en-
tirely accorded, and no doubt had a decided influence upon
the sentiment and legislation of the Diocese on Lay Disci-
pline. This will be noticed in its proper place.
(^Associations.') — It has been stated that, at the commence-
ment of Mr. Meade's labors in the Valley of Virginia, that
section of the Diocese was almost destitute of the services
of the Protestant Episcopal Church. His endeavors, by
occasional itinerations as a voluntary missionary, to sup-
ply in some measure this lamentable deficiency, resulted
102 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE,
in the restoration of some parishes, and in the formation
of new ones. As these succeeded^in procuring their own
ministers, he found himself sustained by ^.T, band of zealous
brethren, ready to co-operate with him in the good work,
in which he had been the solitary but successful pioneer.
Still, the number was very inadequate to the extent of
territory, and its dispersed population. To provide for
this lack of regular service, the clergy of that district
agreed to meet from time to time in their several parishes,
and at points of missionary interest, to engage in a series
of religious services, and thus, an expedient commended
by a Convention during the E})iscopate of Bishop Madison,
was, for the first time, attempted in practice.
One of Mr. Meade's co-workers in this expedient was
the Eev. Benjamin Allen, afterwards rector of St. Paul's,
Philadelphia. He was singularly suited for the services
which this measure involved. His intellectual powers and
attainments were not extraordinary, but his zeal was irre-
pressible and his activity untiring. He preached often,
and wrote much, though his preparation for the ministry
had been hurried, and his way of studying was always
desultory. He was wont to say of himself, that he could
not endure confinement — a few hours, and he was "like
a wilted cabbage-leaf" On his horse, however, he was at
home. The saddle was his study, and he was much in it.
He read, aaid meditated, and made notes, and composed
sermons, as he rode, and was ready for preaching when-
ever he reached any of the many places where he was ac-
customed to officiate ; and there were few neighborhoods
in the counties of Berkeley and Jefferson which he did
not thus frequent. To him, the recurrence of the period
for the meeting of the brethren was a festival, and by his
bright spirit and animated services, he contributed his full
proportion to the profit and pleasure which they afforded.
The Eev. John Thompson Brooke is mentioned by Mr.
Meade as, at a later period, another and a junior member
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 103
of their clerical association. He was born in Maryland,
of JRomish parents. He was educated in their Church,
and, when a bo}-, had sometimes acted as attache of a priest
in the pantomimic evolutions of their ceremonial. When
he had attained the proper age, he was entered as a stu-
dent (of law) in the office of the late Chief-Justice of the
Supreme Court of the United States, who at that time re-
sided in Fredericktown, Md., and was at the head of the
profession, which he adorned by his personal excellencies,
not less than by his eminent forensic ability.
When young Brooke was admitted to the Bar. he be-
came a candidate for practice in his native county, and
was so successful that he soon found the income from his
business sufficient for his support. Though of a languid
bodily temperament, he was of a verj^ jovial spirit. With
a keen perception of the ludicrous, and uncommon powers
of humorous imitation and song, his company was solicit-
ed wherever conviviality was proposed. Both his profes-
sional success and his soul's salvation were imperilled by
that dangerous faculty of administering to the mirth of
others, which often proves suicidal to thp light-hearted
contributor. But in his case, God, who is "rich in mercy"
and often leads by a way which we know not, was pleased
to order it otherwise. In His gracious providence 3'oung
Brooke was prompted by mere feelings of companionship
to attend service in a Protestant church. There, unknown
by any of the congregation, the AYord preached was sent
with awakening power to his heart. The next morning,
he was alone with the pastor in his study, earnestly en-
quiring, ''AVhat must I do to be saved?" A mind thus
wrought upon by the Holy Ghost is not usually slow to
perceive the suitableness and sufficiency of the provision
set forth in the Gospel, or to appropriate it when known ;
and one of the earliest desires connected with this experi-
ence is to bring others to Christ. This desire soon and
powerfully possessed the soul of the new convert to the
104 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
faith of the Gospel. His oi^portunity as a layman did not
satisfy his longing spirit. Believing that he could be more
efficient in the ministry, he relinquished the Law and be-
came a student of Theology, in the Alexandria Seminary,
where he completed the prescribed course, and Avas admit-
ted to Holy Orders.
From the hour of Mr. Brooke's conversion, the reality
was strikingly indicated by the outward and visible change
in his manner of life.' Never afterwards did he, even in
private intercourse with his familiar friends, indulge those
powers which had previously rendered him so attractive
in worldly society. The transition, however, was not from
gaiety to gloom, but to an habitual sobriety, perfectly
compatible with cheerfulness, and with the exercise and
enjoyment of all the pure charities of the social relations.
Thus chastened and refined by grace, he consecrated his
gifts and acquirements to the ministry of reconciliation,
and became an able and faithful preacher of the Gospel,
sound in his teaching and of exemplary walk and conver-
sation. His mode of preparing his sermons was peculiar.
His custom was to think them out carefully, even to the
very language, and memorize them accurately as thus com-
posed, and then he was able, without having committed
them to writing, to deliver them with as much precision
as if he read from a manuscript, and with all the freedom
and impressiveness of extempore address. His first par-
ish included the churches at Martinsburg and Hedgesville.
Both there and in other more extended spheres, to which he
was subsequently called, his labors were blessed with much
usefulness, till he fulfilled his ministry and entered upon
his reward. This sketch is due to the memory of one who
is named by Mr. Meade as a member of their Association,
and who rendered valuable aid in the revival and exten-
sion of the Church in the Yalley.
Mr. Meade has left on record his brief but decided tes-
timony in favor of Associations. " We assembled gener-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 105
ally in each other's parishes — having meetings among
ourselves, and at private houses, for special praj^er — tak-
ing up collection^ for missionaries in the Western part of
Yirginia. The first two who went to Virginia beyond the
AUeo-hanies — the Rev. Charles Pag-e and the Rev. William
Lee, were sent out by our Society. These Associations
were attended by much good, and no evil, so far as I know,
and believe. I have ever encouraged them since entering
the Episcopate. Bishop Moore did the same, before and
after that time, as being important auxiliaries to Bishops,
especially in large dioceses. I regard it as an evil omen
when ministers favorably situated, are averse to such
meansof their own, and their people's improvement, though
I do not mean to say, that there are not some good and
pious men, who regard them in a different light." (Old C,
M. and F., vol. I, p. 42.)
A country clergyman with two or three, and sometimes
four churches under his care, and officiating in them in
rotation on Sunday on]3\ necessarily labors to great disad-
vantage. If the weather or any other cause, interferes
with his appointment, then an interval of four, six, or eight
weeks, passes without service in that congregation. When
ministrations are so rare, the instructions from the pulpit
must be very limited. If on any occasion, its stirring ap-
peals to the heart and conscience, prove awakening, the
impression is apt to disappear, before another opportunity,
or, in the absence of the teacher preferred, the anxious in-
quirer seeks counsel of others, and is liable to be led off,
and lost to the Church in which he was roused to consid-
eration. The quarterly association secured to each parish,
in addition to its stated services, a series of ministrations,
conducted daily and for several da3'S in succession, and
thus provided in some measure, precisely what was needed.
The interest manifested by the clergy extended to the
people. Large congregations assembled. Persons not
often seen in religious meetings, were attracted to these,
5*
106 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
and SO brought under the influence of the Grospel, both
during the public administrations and during the intervals
of service, in personal intercourse with ministers and other
Christians. Their minds were thus, under very favorable
circumstances, and for an unusual length of time, kept in
contact Avith divine truth, and any religious concern pro-
duced, instead of being dissipated at the close of the single
service, was often, by the succession of services, cherished
and matured into abiding piety. Wherever these meet-
ings were held, salutary results were witnessed. The
"association," which is still conducted under the more
Church-like name of " Convocation," became the popular
usage of the Diocese, and not a few of the members of the
Church in Yir^-inia trace their first decided relis^ious im-
pressions to these meetings, and testify to their instru-
mentality in forming and advancing their Christian char-
acter. JSTor were'the people the only gainers. The clergy
in attendance derived profit and pleasure from these asso-
ciations. Confined to their regular parishes, and isolated
from their brethren except during the few days of their
annual Convention, there is danger of losing that exjoan-
sion of spirit and activity, which the Great Commission
enjoins, and of becoming contracted into parochial, if not
personal selfishness. The generous esprit du corps degene-
rates into religious egoism. Shut out from that profes-
sional companionship which promotes individual improve-
ment by the opportunity it afi'ords to take knowledge of
those whose example shows a more excellent way by an-
imating to increased endeavor for higher attainments in
the divine life, and more devoted and efficient zeal in the
Master's service, the parish minister is liable to acquiesce
with satisfaction in his own measure, and plod on in the
routine of his official services, in unsuspecting, though de-
teriorating self-complacency. " The association " by aff'ord-
ing the clerical brethren frequent opportunities for bene-
fitting by each other's services in the desk and the pulpit
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 107
— for comparing experience in reference to the difficulties,
and the helps in their parochial duties — for consultation
as to the means of increasing their usefulness, and for the
extension of the Gospel — for prayer with, and for each
other, and for their people — provided a happy counter-
active to the evils described, and an excellent expedient
for promoting personal piety, and professional efficacy —
for strengthening the blessed bond of clerical brotherhood,
and kindling to greater zeal the spirit of evangelization.
Such has been the uniform testimony of those who have
availed themselves of its advantages. It is to be hoped
that a usage, which has almost become an institution of
the Church in Virginia, will be perpetuated, and under the
Divine favor, perpetuate and extend the rich blessings of
which it has, been productive.
{Death of hi s Mother.)- The mother of Mr. Meade was
still living, when he resumed his connection with his par-
ish in Frederick county. She was spared to see, in his
piety, influence, and growing usefulness, a most satisfac-
tory answer to her unceasing prayers, and to receive a rich
reward for the excellent example, judicious counsel, and
firm but loving discipline, by which, under God's blessing,
he had become a son worthy of such a mother. His filial
affection and reverence were unsurpassed, and the event
of her death, which occurred on the 16th of June, 1813, in
her sixtieth year, pierced his manly breast Avith such sor-
row, as he had never felt before. There was indeed every-
thing, of Avhich the nature of the bereavement admits, to
sustain and solace him in his affliction. But it was deep
and abiding. The loss of a beloved mother sunders a liga-
ment of such exquisite delicacy and tenderness, that though
the wound may cease to bleed, its sensibility remains through
life, and the suffering is often renewed under the pressure
of memories, which, though they re-produce the sorrow,
are too sacred and salutary to be resisted.
A manuscript was found among Mrs. Meade's papers,
108 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
containing two prayers which she composed and used pri-
vately for years, also a letter of advice to her children, de-
signed for their benefit after her decease. These papers
are given as intimately connected with the biography of
her son, and as a pattern for pions mothers, who desire to
be found faithful in the performance of parental duty :
1. {Prayer for Herself.) — " Thou art my Creator, Oh, my
God ! and Protector. Thou are the ultimate end of my
being and supreme perfection of my nature. Under the
shadow of Thy wings is perpetual repose, and from the
light of Thy countenance flow eternal joy and felicity.
Grant me. Oh ! blessed Judge of angels and men, this feli-
city, and not only me, but the whole of the human race.
I beseech Thee to look upon my infirmities and i)ity my
weakness, and give me those things, which ^hj wisdom
sees proper for me.^ Give me such a portion of Thy grace
as may influence my heart to an humble imitation of my
divine Redeemer and Advocate. Let the perfections of my
mind be my first and great concern, but after I have ex-
erted my best, though feeble endeavors, let me rel}^ only
on Thy mercy. Let this divine attribute, so necessary
for man,, be ever present with me, and make me as ready
to forgive, as to ask forgiveness. Grant me to make every
duty my delight, and to be afilicted only with my crimes.
Make me to fulfil the duties of wife, mother, friend and
mistress, most faithfully. Let Thy wisdom direct my in-
tentions, and Thy blessing be upon all my actions. Ee
my God forever and ever, my guide even unto death. I
ask it through the merits of my crucified Redeemer, in
whose incomparable words I pray to be further heard.
Our Father," &c,
2. {A Frayerfor Grace to perform her Duty to her Children.)
— " Give me wisdom, Oh ! great Creator, to discharge my
duty as a parent most faithfully. Teach me to form the
minds of my children to virtue — to train them up in the
love of infinite wisdom and mercy. Grant them docility of
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 109
temper which may make the instructions of a fond parent
their delight.- Teach me to arrange instruction and amuse-
ment in such due order, as may produce a succession, both
pleasing and beneficial. May they have engraven on
their hearts, every virtue — truth, justice, mercy, humility
and charity, in thought, word and deed. Make them wise
as serpents, and harmless as doves.. If Thy wisdom sees
proper, blees the endeavours of their affectionate parents,
to make such provision for them, as, with their own care
and attention, may enable them to pass through life with
comfort to themselves and the happiness of assisting pas-
sengers less fortunate. If Thou seest contrary. Oh ! great
Creator, Thy will be done. I will with the assistance of
Thy divine power, endeavour to make it mine."
Amen. Amen. Mary Meade.
3. (Advice to her Children.) — "From your earliest infancy,
my dear children, I have endeavored to train you up in the
paths of virtue, to make you sensible of your dependence on
your Creator, Protector, and continual Benefactor, under
the shadow of whose wings, is perpetual repose, and from
the light of whose countenance flows eternal joy and felicity.
May truth, justice, mercy, humility and charity, in thought,
word, and deed, to the whole race of mankind, be practiced
by you with delight. Think not either, or all of these de-
sirable virtues difficult to attain. Applj' but to the foun-
tain of all wisdom and goodness, with a sincere and deter-
mined resolution to exert your utmost endeavors to obtain
them, and all will be easy. Your tender affection and love
for each other, I have often remarked with tears of delight.
Continue this happy union, my beloved children, and let the
loss of an affectionate parent, bind you more firmly to each
other. You are young and frail, and consequently an un-
interrupted state of harmony is not expected to subsist
between you, but endeavour to come as near it as possible.
Strive, each succeeding day, to make progress in conquer-
ing a propensity to dispute with each other. The eldest,
110 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
I hope, will set the example. Never glory in getting the
victory in a dispute. It is false glory, for disputes gener-
ally arise from the most trivial causes. Glory rather in
getting the command of j-our passion. This, is product-
ive of every good — it ensures the approbation of infinite
wisdom, of your own mind, and of the virtuous part of
mankind. Think for a moment, before your passions get
to an unjustifiable height, and impose on j^ourself the task
of silence. This done, reflection will follow, and I hope
there are none of you, but are blessed with such disposi-
tions, as will feel more joy in forgiving an injury than in
triumphing over an adversary. This victory obtained, I
must caution you against an error which may be the conse-
quence of it. The result of a virtuous action must be
self-approbation, but let not this degenerate into vanity —
an error common to mortals, and which oui>:ht therefore
carefully to be guarded against, for it is not only contrary
to the precept and example of our blessed Saviour, but
disij-ustino; to man — the bri<>:htest virtues are tarnished
by it, and lose considerably their lustre. "Pride was not
made for man " — therefore, my children, if you are happy
enough to place your whole aim and ambition in virtue,
and are conscious that you possess it, in some points, su-
perior to your fellow mortals, let it not cause you to look
on others with contempt. God, w4jo only knows the
heart of man, may see in them virtues which your pene-
tration cannot discover, and though they may be wanting
in what you excel in, they may possess qualities of a higher
dignity, particu'arly if adorned with humility. Should it
be your fate to be separated, let it not diminish your affec-
tion for each other. Let a constant correspondence subsist
between you, in wiiich you must communicate in the ten-
derest terms, the defects you may hear ascribed to each
other. This is a nice and delicate point, but certainly one
of the first proofs of friendshijD. To them alone, let the
subject be mentioned, nor ever deceive yourselves or oth-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. Ill
ers by supposing you participate in the injustice done a
friend or fellow mortal, by calumny or detraction, while
you with ease or indifference, make it the subject of com-
mon conversation. Ere I say adieu, let me once more en-
treat 3'ou to be kind and affectionate to your fond father,
and other kind benefactors, and be united in the strictest
bonds of harmony as brothers and sisters. Let those to
whom Heaven has been most bountiful, bear with the
weakness of the younger or inferior. How delightful the
reflection to have reformed perhaps a fro ward brother or
sister, by lenity, praj'er and rectitude of conduct. A few
more lines, and then farewell. They relate to your beha-
viour to domestics. From your earliest infancy, my dear
children, I have taught you to treat them with compla-
cency, kindness and humanity. This I must forever just-
ify, but positively forbid familiarity with them. Never
will you be respected by them, if you make companions
of them. Adieu, my children, and let the following lines
be a rule for your conduct. Never think a thought, speak
a word, or do a deed, but what you may be safe in setting
about, with these words : ' Oh ! G-od, my Maker and Judge,
I do not forget that Thou art witness to w^hat I am doing."
Heaven preserve and direct you to His divine presence,
most fervently prays your affectionate mother,
Mary Meade."
Such were the prayers during life, and such the posthu-
mous address of the sainted mother, to whose hallowed in-
fluence on her son, the Church is indebted for blessings,
the extent of which will be fully known, only in another
world.
The removal of both parents devolved on Mr. Meade a
responsibility which he truly recognized, and he promptly
addressed himself to the conscientious discharge of the
offices which it involved. The generosity which he
evinced in connection with the voluntary arrangement he
had made, in changing the distribution of the paternal es-
112 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
tate, for the accommodation of a brother, marked all his
transactions with the other members of his family, and in-
deed was only one, in a series of deeds of liberality, which,
as occasion offered, adorned his life, and benefitted and
bound to him, in gratitude and admiration, those who
were capable of appreciating his unselfish and beneficent
course.
His sisters now especially needed a friendly counsellor,
both in reference to their temporal interests and their re-
ligious obligations. His prompt and judicious fraternal
guardianship appears in the following letter, which, im-
mediately after their mother's death, he addressed to them
jointly. It was evidently designed for their perusal only,
and was composed without any studied reference to its
style. Yet it so well illustrates the spirit, principles and
practice of the writer, and is so admirably calculated to
be of use to others in similar circumstances, that it would
be culpable not to give it permanent publicity:
"To My Three Younger Sisters."
My Dearest Sisters: —
Will you listen to the kindly admonitions of a brother who loves you
dearly, and would see you happy eternally, and would persuade you so to
live on earth that when you die, you may be exalted to Heaven ? The re-
moval of our dear mother from the scene of sickness and sorrow to one of
bliss and perfection, has made a great alteration in our family. The course
and order of things which has subsisted for the last thirty years, must now
be changed. "Old things must pass away, and all things become new."
Our mother, our guide, our counsellor, our example, our head, our centre
around whom we moved, and who kept us in our orbits, is now taken from
among us, and we no longer hear the sweet accent of her voice, no longer
behold the angelic smile of her countenance, and are no longer guided by
her rule and immediate counsel. She has left us separately to follow by
ourselves those good principles, which, under Heaven, she taught us and
practiced before us, while living. " By them, she, though dead, yetspeak-
eth."
"We are all affected, much affected by this change, but none so much so
as my three single sisters. They are thrown into anew course of life —
they are thrown out of their eld employments — the tender nursing and
watching over the best, the kindest of mothers. Hitherto they have been
MEMOIR OF BISUOP MEADE. 113
dutifnllj and continually engaged in all those filial atteniions which her
weakness called for, and in relieving her from those family cares which
she could not sustain. These are no longer required. Praised be Godl
our mother has now no troubles, no pains, no sickness. She is a minister-
ing angel, brightly hovering about the mercy-seat of God, chanting His
praises, and going on errands of love — perhaps (exstatic thought) often
despatched with gocd thoughts, kind monitions and sweet consolation to
the hearts of her children. Yes, yes, "there is no pain among the bless-
ed," sorrow and sighing flee away from them, God with His own hand
wipes away all tears from their eyes. And our mother is among them —
certainly, most certainly.
But my sisters are almost without employ — they feel a vacuum within
— something is wanting and something must be found as a subsiitule, or
they may fall into a state of idleness and listlessness, than which nothing
is more to be feared, since it exposes us to every temptation and leads the
way to a vain, worldly, and irreligious life. It is also the state of all oth-
ers, in which Satan, our great enemy, delights to find us, for then is his
time to get us into his employ.
I fear, I tremble for my sisters, my two younger sisters ]\raryand Lucy,
especially. My sister Susan is, I trust and believe, too firmly fixed in
right principles, and too long habituated to good actions, ever to depart
from them (the grace of God preventing her.) J say I fear, I tremble for
you, my dear Mary and Lucy, for alihough at present you show good dis-
positions, and have ever been kind and dutiful and submissive to mamma,
and from her have received the knowledge of what is right ; and though
in our elder sister you have more than many mothers are to their children,
yet still I fear your age is so critical, the world so seductive, pleasure so en-
chanting, the tempter so wily, and by nature we so prone to supineness,
so ready to follow the common custom of others, so averse to taking up
the cross, and leading a holy, useful, heavenly life, careless of ridicule,
unmindful of opposition, and mainly intent upon doing that which is
right.
These things make rte to fear for you. I feel a godly jealousy over you.
My heart's desire and prayer for you is, that you may be saved, not only from
misery hereafter, but from this present evil world, in the first place, as neces-
sary to the former. You have now no mother to watch over you, to urge you
continually to that which is right, and to restrain you from that which is
wrong. You have no mother on whom to expend your love and thoughts,
on whom to bestow your aifections. You must then find out something,
my sisters, about which to engage yourselves, if you would be either hap-
py or religious, if you would please God or that sainted mother, who now
looks down from Heaven upon her children.
I have determined to write down some thoughts for my sisters on the
114 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
right way of appropriating their time and property, so as to derive that
benefit from them which God intends, so as to make them blessings in-
stead of curses. I would affectionately warn them against some things
which I may think will injure them. I have (I trust) devoted myself to
the service of mankind. My duty is publicly and privately to administer
advice wherever it is needful or proper. My first duty is to my own fam-
ily. Oh! that we may all unite in the blessed work of doing good and
living righteously. May we be a band of brothers and sis ers firmly uni-
ted. Oh ! may we be just such as our dear mother, and Heavenly Father,
would have us to be. May we live together "blessing and being blessed,"
and, though separated time after time by death, as now from our dear
mother, may we be reunited in Heaven, and form a happy family above I
There are two things on which I would ground the following advices :
The first is that my sisters have much time at their disposal, the right use
of which will be required of them by God who gave it. The second is
that by the providence of God they are possessed of a property, the annual
interest of which will be far more than they should wish to exnend in their
present state. I would beseech you, my dear sisters, so to expend these
gifts and talents of God, that they may bring you in an eternal interest
and treasure. I hop& that you will spend your time and property like
Christians. They are given you to use, not abuse, to use for the benefit
of others, as well as yourself; this is not only your duty but your happi-
ness. Those who receive time and property both from Heaven, have much
to answer for, and have much wherewith to mike themselves and others
happy. The property affords employment- for the time, and the time ena-
bles them to spend their property usefully and joyfully.
"A capacity to do good, not only gives the title to it, but makes the do-
ing of it a duty," said a great man, to which we may add the neglect of it
a crime. I would beseech my sisters, out of love to their souls, to begin
at once to live on this principle — to redeem their time, to spend as much
as possible of it in a useful way, to themselves and others. We have but
a little while to live in this world, and in that little to prepare for an
endless eternity. It becomes us then to spend it in the best manner.
Perhaps there are no persons more exposed to the temptation of spend-
ing their time in idleness, in dress, in visiting, and in trivial, worldly
conversation, than females at the age of my sisters, without a mother
to employ or restrain them, and without families of their own to engage
their thoughts and attention. Sorry, sorry should I be, to see my sis-
ters fall into the manners and habits too common to the young women
of our day — grieved to the soul should I be to see them delight in the
vanity of dress, in visiting, in trivial reading and conversation. They
will say perhaps that I do them wrong — that I fear badly of them —
they cannot possibly fall into these habits — they cannot so injure the
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 115
spirit, so disobey the precepts of their beloved mother. I hope not, T pray
not, but alas! thefrailry of poor mortals, how apt to turn aside ! how prone
to forget the best precepts and examples, when the mother who gave them
is no more ! How gently, how gradually do we fall into the ways of
the vain and idle world. My dear sisters, prayer, holy reading and
employment, are the only things which can keep you from going astray,
from depending on the vanities of the world for your haj)piness. Hith-
erto 3'ou have been close to the side of the best of mothers ; she has
been your sweet and interesting companion. You will now form oth-
ers, but beware, lest you form such as will lead you into an intimacy
"with the world, whenever you go out into company (which should be
as seldom as possible.) Be on your guard against anything you see
or hear, lest you be gradually accustomed to what may be wrong. You
should pity, but beware of those votaries of fashion who rove from one
pleasure to another, who delight in revellings, whose continual conver-
sation is about dress, and visiting and balls, and novels. These persons
are ill employed, they are unhappy withi.^ — they know not the joys
of true religion — instead of going to God, they go to the world for hap-
piness, and this sooner or later must turn to anguish.
If you will begin now at once to live religiously and usefully, it will be-
come easier every day. You will become more and more pleased with
your choice, as you grow up. You will become independent of the world.
You will establish an intercourse between God and your soul, which will
continually enlarge itself, and aflford you increasing happiness, and should
yoif hereafter become the mothers and mistresses of families, you will be
prepared for performing a Christian part in these relations. Oh ! my sis-
ters, you little know how much depends on your present choice, o n your
first entrance into life. On it perhaps the whole character of your future
life depends. "Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation."
If you now turn into the wrong course, how hardly will you get back into
the right one. It is ten times easier to set out right and go forward, than,
having set out wrong, to turn back and get into the right way. Our dear
mother has been heretofore leading you in the right way. She has lot go
your hands ; she has gone up to Heaven, but she still beckons you onward.
You will not return. You will not turn aside into the paths of folly and
vanity. You will not love idle company, and trifling books and dress and
pleasure, when she taught you to love good books as your companions, to
think of your souls rather than your bodies, to do good rather than to seek
pleasure in idleness and frivolity. I trust not — Oh ! God, I pray not.
Oh ! God, take my sisters under Thy care. Be Thou more than a mother
to them. Teach them the true happiness and the best way of speudiug
their time. Do Thou "guide them by Thy counsel" while on earth, and
" afterwards receive them into glory."
116 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
I would now saj something to my sisters about the duty of rightly
spending incomes. I say it is more than sufficient to support them in a
decent Christian manner. I hope they do not wish to live in any olher
way. I hope they will never make their happiness to consist in dress.
Now this is all the expense they will be at about themselves. 'I'hey will
always, while single, live with one of their brothers, or with our dear sis-
ter or cousin. My sisters cannot certainly wish to expend all of their in-
come on themselves. I hope, and will not believe, that they would desire to
lay by and amass more than they have. Here then, my sisters, is a fund
given you by Heaven, and that parent who is in Heaven, to do good with,
to relieve the poor and distressed, to enlighten the ignorant, to comfort
those who mourn. Resolve then, now at once, that you will spend only
so much on yourselves as Christians should do. (I do not wish you to
dress meanly, or too singularly, but plainly and modestly, ) and give the
rest to pious and charitable uses. That is the true way of enjoying your
estate — that is the way whereby you will please Him from whom
you hold your property and all other things in this world, and that which
is to come.
I would not have my sisters to be ostentatious of their charity — far
from it; the very reverse — scarcely to let their right hand know what
their left hand doeth. I would have them be as secret as possible. I will
associate myself with them and throw in all that I can give from my family.
I will look out the proper objects of charity, and the best modes of useful-
ness. Many will present themselves. God will direct us how to dispose
our charities. He will second our disposition by guiding it into the noipst
useful action. There are a thousand ways of doing good which will pre-
sent themselves to such as seek them. One only would I mention — assist-
ing to publish good books and disseminating them. I wish to be engaged
in this. I wish annually to publish a selection from the writings of some
eminent Christian. My sisters might here assist me in two ways ; first in
copying out the selection, and then in the publication, with their money,
if necessary. If only one soul be improved and comforted by such a book,
what a feast to a Christian heart ! We might employ some pious man to
travel about through our State, and sell at a cheap rate, some good books
which we might get published, and when it was necessary, give them away.
How many poor families are deprived of much pleasure and instruction, by
want of good books to read. While we are feasting our own minds with
such a variety of good books, we should feel for others. We might greatly
assist to mend the morals of our State by disseminating small tracts to the
poor as well as sick — hymns and catechisms for children, &c. We might
begin on a small scale and enlarge — others would join in the work, and
we might give away and sell at a cheap rate, many hundreds annually.
This is one way, nor does this require much money to put it in execution.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 117
Many others "Will present themselves to vou. There are many poor fami-
lies in different places, who would be much relieved by a little assistance;
some poor children might be educated, some poor orphan be supported.
Ah ! how much better will it be, thus to spend whatever is not absolutely
necessary for comfort and decency, than in dress or vanity or pleasure, or
in increasing a principal already fully sufficient. We ought to look upon
it as an honor of the highest grade, to be allowed to do good — it is the
highest pleasure — it is a holy luxury to a humane heart. We should
seize on any opportunity to do good, with rapture and delight. Doing
good is the reward, the pleasure of Christians while on earth. There is
no greater happiness on this side of Heaven. It was a high compliment
once paid to a great man, " that as to the wealth of this world, he knew
no good in it, but the doing good with it." We are nothing the better
for anything we possess, merely for the propriety's sake — it is the appli-
cation only which gives it its real value. Let me say to my sisters as a cer-
tain person once did to his friend on his accession to an estate : " Much
good may it do you, — that is, much good may you do with it." But
again, I would caution my sisters against ostentatiouj or thinking highly
of themselves for anj-thing they may do, or propose to do.
One of the holy fathers has well said, that, "it is truly excellent to do
great things, and yet esteem ourselves as nothing." Nothing makes us so
agreeable in the sight of Heaven, as to rise high by our good actions, and
yet sink low by our humility. I hope and pray that this may be the case
with my dearest sisters. By thus acting they will enjoy the truest happi-
ness in this life — they will escape the vanity of the world — they will live
above the world — others may see their good example and take pattern
after it — they will thus enjoy a Heaven below, as far as petmitted to mor-
tals, and they will prepare themselves for Heaven hereafter — and they
will be received into it with these rejoicing words of our Saviour, "Come
ye blessed children of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you
from the foundation of the world."
(^Colonization Society.) — In the year 1817, the American.
Colonization Society was organized in the City of Wash-
ington, Its object was to procure by purchase, sufficient
territory in some suitable locality on the Western Coast of
Africa, and to provide for the removal to such place, of
those free persons of color who were willing to emigrate
to the land of their forefathers. It was neither sectional or
sectarian in its origin. Some of the most eminent men
from each of the great divisions of the country, aided in its
establishment and were numbered among its patrons. Its
118 MEMOIR or BISHOP MEADE.
list of members exhibited the names of persons belonging
to different religious denominations, and its funds were
furnished mainly by contributions from the several
Churches of the land. Disconnected from the Grovern-
ment, which cautiously abstained from any official associa-
tion with the enterprize, it afforded no encouragement to
party spirit, and no occasion for party interference. It
was truly and simply a great scheme of Christian and pa-
triotic benevolence to benefit the country and ameliorate
the condition of the class of persons to be colonized, and
through their instrumentality, gradually introduce the
blessings of civilization and religion among the savage and
imbruted hordes of Africa. It was sanctioned by the delib-
erate opinion of the most distinguished statesmen. Mr.
Jefferson, in a letter, dated January 11, 1811, writes : "You
have asked m}- opinion of the proposition, to take measures
for the procuring on the Coast of Africa, an establishment to
which the people of color of these United States, might,
from time to time, be colonized, under the auspices of dif-
ferent Governments. Having long ago made up my mind
on this subject, I have no hesitation in saying that it is
the most desirable measure which could he adopted for gradu-
ally drawing off this part of our population." And again :
"It may perhaps be doubted whether many of this people
would voluntarily consent to such an exchange of situa-
tion, and but few of those advanced to a certain age in
habits of slavery, would be caj)able of governing them-
selves ; this should not, however, discourage the experiment,
nor the early trial of it, and propositions should be made
with all the prudent caution and attention, required to re-
concile it to the interest, the safety and prejudice of all
parties^
Mr. Clay's opinion was thus expressed: "I would not,
I could not believe that man, in the pursuit of the vilest
cupidity, in the prosecution of purposes of the most cruel
injustice, which had constantly marked the African slave-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 119
trade, conld accomplish more than might he attained in a
cause, which was recommended by so many high, honora-
ble, and manly considerations. Such is the cause in which
this Society is engaged."
In December, 1816, the following resolution was passed
by the Legislature of Virginia :
Resolved, That the Executive be requested to correspond
with the President of the United States, for the purpose
of obtaining a territory on the Coast of Africa, or at some
other place, not within the States or territorial governments
of the United States, to serve as an asylum for such per-
sons of color as are now free, and may desire the same, and
for those who may hereafter be emancipated.
Eesolutions to the same effect w^ere passed by the Leg-
islatures of Maryland and Tennessee. The Convention of
the Diocese of Virginia, habitually careful to avoid all extra
ecclesiastical legislation, adopted the following resolutions
on this subject : " On motion of Mr. Needham L Washing-
ton, Resolved unanimously, That this Convention express
their approbation of the object of the Colonization Society,
and offer up their hearty prayers for its success." " On
motion of Eev. William H. Wilmer, Resolved, That a com-
mittee be appointed to address the Board of Managers of
the Colonization Society, and to express the approbation
and good wishes of this House."
In conformity with these resolutions, a strongly com-
mendatory address, prepared by Dr. Wilmer, as chairman
of the Committee, was approved by the Convention and
entered on the Journal. (Journal of 1819.)
It was not to be expected that a measure of this kind
could progress without being suspected and opposed. The
Quakers and other abolitionists regarded it asan artful de-
vice of Southern planters to get rid of free persons of color,
that they might hold the slaves in greater subjection and
security ; whilst certain extremists in the South, mis-
trusted it as an incipient move in the line of emancipation.
120 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
It was openly resisted by both parties until those in the
South, surprised at the strange alliance in which they found
themselves, were led to a more careful consideration of the
subject, and with few exceptions exhibited their character-
istic magnanimity, by becoming its friends. This was a
subject iij)on which Mr. Meade, like Mr. Jefferson, " had
long ago made up his mind." He had not to wait, and
watch the direction of public opinion — he was ready and
able to lead it. Both his judgment and his heart were in
favor of the noble enterprize, and from the first he stood
forth as its advocate and supporter. Not only with his
funds which he liberally ajopropriated, but, as far as com-
patible with his parochial engagements, b}^ his personal
services, and frequent correspondence, he zealously con-
tributed to the formation of the Society. It is to be re-
gretted that none of his letters are available. A few from
others show the, importance attached to his influences and
services, and his earnest activity in the cause.
At a meeting of the Board of Managers, held in Wash-
ington, D. C, April 7th, 1819, at which the Hon. William
H. Crawford, one of the Vice-Presidents, presided, resolu-
tions were adopted which led to the appointment of Mr.
Mea]?e as the Society's Commissioner to negotiate with
the Governor of Georgia for the purchase of a number of
captured African slaves, who, having been brought there
contrary to the laws of the State and of the United States,
became the property of the State, and were advertised to
be sold publicly on the 4th of May, in the town of Milledge-
ville. Mr. Meade accepted the appointment, and with this
commission connected an agency to explain and advocate
the objects of the Society, as opportunity might occur. In
a few days he left his home on this embassy, and was
absent for several weeks, during which he visited some
of the principal Southern cities, diligently engaged in pub-
lic and in private, both by speaking and the circulation of
appropriate publications, in setting forth and commending
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 121
the colonization .cause. His instructions contained in the
letter addressed to him, by the Secretary of the Society,
will more fully explain his special mission :
" To the Rev. "Willi Awf Meade, Agent of the American Society for Colonizing
the free People of Color of the United Sates :
The Board of Managers of the American Colonization Society request
that you will proceed to Milledgeville, in Georgia, to request His Excel-
lency, the Governor of Georgia, to deliver to you the Africans mentioned
in the accompanying advertisement and resolution of the Board, agreeably
to the law of Georgia, passed the I9th of Dec, 1819. You are authorized
to make such arrangements with the Governor, in behalf of the Society,
as may be deemed necessary to comply with the stipulation of said law.
Upon receiving said Africans, you will please have them sent to Smith's
Island, at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, where they will be provided
for at the expense of the United States, till the proper season arrives for
their being sent to Africa, unless you find that they can be more advantage-
ously taken care of for the present, in Georgia.
The manner of executing this duty will be left to your discretion, with
such advice as you may think proper to take in Georgia.
You are authorized to draw on David English, Cashier of the Union
Bank of Georgetown, Treasurer of the Society, for the necessary funds for
the objects of your mission. We anticipate, however, from the benevolent
and liberal spirit of the people of Georgia, that you will receive sufficient
supplies for that purpose in Georgia. From the character we have heard
of his Excellency, the Governor, we have no doubt you will receive from
him, all the aid in his power in promoting the benevolent object of your
mission. As the Managers have been obliged, from the circumstances of
this case, to act without havirig particular information as to the amount
of expenses, and many other circumstances, it is not intended to preclude
you from exercising your discretion after your arrival in Georgia, as to
the extent you may consider it advisable to act,, under the Resolution of
the Board. Your knowledge of the views and resources of the Society,
will enable you to act according to these views, so far as they come within
the resources of the Society, after you have acquired the necessary informa-
tion in Georgia.
If it would facilitate your operations to have your drafts on the Treas-
urer payable in Philadelphia or New York, arrangements can be made to
pay them there, upon giving time. It will be advisable for that purpose,
to make your drafts payable thirty days after sight.
By order of the Board, B. B. Caldwell, Secretary.
Washington, April 15, 1819.
True copy from the Minutes, John Underwood, Rec'dg Sec'ty.
6
122 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
On his return, he wrote from Charleston, S. C, to his
friend, Dr. John Brockenbrough, of Eiehmond. The object
of his letter, as is apparent from the reply, was to inquire
if it would be advisable for him, on his route home, to make
an effort in behalf of the Society in the city of Richmond.
Richmond, 8th June, 1819.
My Dear Sir :
I have postponed replying to your letter from Charleston as long as pos-
sible, with the hope of giving you some information on the subject you
have so much at heart, that could be consolatory, but you will find this
letter barren, or worse than barren. Mr. Rice has been absent almost ever
since you left us, and Mr. Mercer only reached the place a fcAV days ago.
Those were the only persons from whom I expected any intelligence. Mr.
Mercer, after making an address to the people of Fredericksburg, formed a
Society there very respectable in its number and character. Here he has
had no encouragement, and 1 believe will attempt nothing. His address
at Fredericksburg has caused a good deal of excitement on the p vi of those
unfavorable to the ^cheme, aud we are all so excessively harassed here
about our debts, and pecuniary concerns, that lam confident it would not
only be unavailing, but injurious, to make any efforts to form a Society,
either publicly or by individual applications.
You can form no idea of our worldly sufferings. Our citizens are
gloomy, dispirited and irritable. All their golden visions are vanished, and
they are left languid and restless. In truth, almost jvery man seems
astonished at his own folly and infatuation, and I, amongst the number.
Mr. Mercer, I presume, wrote to you, and would more fully explain his
motives and plans. I have nothing more to add than assurances of our
affectionate regards.
Yours, most truly,
John Brockenbrough..
The Committee of Arrangement appointed by the So-
ciety, were earnestly engaged in endeavoring to secure the
favorable action of President Monroe, in facilitating, by all
proper means, the negotiation for the contemplated African
territory, and for the transportation of the captured slaves
purchased from the State of Georgia. The difficulties and
the delays experienced were disheartening, and but for the
zeal and determination of those to whom the business was
intrusted, it must have utterly failed.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 123
Whilst this application was being ably and perseveringly
pressed at Washington, Mr. Meade was induced to" visit
the IS'orthern States, and present the claims of the Society
to the people of that section of the country. That his
mission was well received, may be gathered from a kind
and encouraging letter to Mr. Meade, by the Hon. Timo-
thy Pickering :
Salem, Sept. 12th, 1819.
Dear. Sir :
My son informs me that von expect to remain at Newburyport till to-
morrow morning. I therefore address you to say that, after consulting
with Mr. Pickman (whom you saw) and my son, (and I have not time to
advise with others) it has seemed to us expedient that you should pursue
your original plan of visiting Portland as well as Portsmouth, and not
hasten your return for the sake of attending a meeting of gentlemen in
Salem ; which we think had better follow a meeting in Boston, our metro-
polis, where there is much wealth, much humane and Christian feeling, and
great liberality.
Such men are not exempt, however, from the feelings of human nature,
and will probably think that the occasion should be offered to them of
taking the lead in Massachusetts in this important business. A noble dis-
play of liberality there, cannot fail to have a salutary influence on other
commercial towns ; and it is from the fruits of commerce alone, (by per-
sonal acquisition or inheritance), that contributions can be raised in New
England. We have no rich farmers.
Portsmouth is the commercial capital of New Hampshire, as Portland is
of Maine, which may now be considered as an independent State, and where
therefore the objection applied to Salem may be viewed as superseded.
The subject also is a new one, and has barely been heard of by a small
number of our citizens. It may be expedient to introduce it into our news-
papers, to excite public attention, and prepare the minds of the intelligent
and humane to enter upon it with adequate zeal.
I visit Salem at least weekly, often coming hither on Saturday afternoon,
and returning home the next Monday forenoon. Should you be here a
week hence, you may hear of me at my son's.
AVith aftection and esteem, I am, dear Sir,
Your friend and servant,
Timothy Pickering.
The Rev. William Meade. "
On Mr. Meade's return from the ISTorth, he received, in
Philadelphia, a letter from his friend, Mr. Key, informing
124 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
him that President Monroe still held the application of the
Committee under advisement; expressing some anxiety as
to the result, and urging Mr. Meade to come on to Wash-
ington :
Georgetown, 8/1819.
My Dear Friend:
Mr. Crawford's fears are reafized. The President has forgotten his
promises, and what simple courtiers were we, to suppose' it would be
otherwise.
We have it all to go over again. But never fear. We shall bring him
back to the point we had gained. He is gone, and we must write to him, and
get him to give his orders at once, in black and white.
Mr. Crawford had a talk with him and the Attorney General, and I have
seen them both. All the difficulties that we had before removed about the
vagueness of the law, and the difficulty of its execution, re-appeared. Mr.
Crawford tried to remove them ; econtra the Attorney General. The Presi-
dent thought that he could not purchase land, therefore could make no
settlement, nor any provision for receiving the captured negroes in Africa.
He desired the Atterney General to take the law and examine it, and give
him his opinion. Tiie Attorney General .said, that without further exam-
ining it, he would at once advise him to do nothing, that Congress would
soon meet, and pass another law, in which they might say plainly what
they wanted done. Mr. Crawford said the law was just what it ought to
be, and presented neither doubt nor diflSculty.
Thus they broke up. Nothing was done. Caldwell has seen Mr. Craw-
ford and the Attorney General also, and we have not met to compare notes
since. , I went to see him, but he was gone to Alexandria. I spent several
hours with Mr. Wirt. He acknowledged that he was uninformed about
the business ; thought our plan impracticablcj but concurred in all our
wishes. I found him reading our report, and he says he will read isvery-
thing about it and consider it. I think he will be a friend, at any rate,
not an enemy. He seems to fear the danger of some excitement among the
slaves, in consequence of our proceedings, and made some observations on
the subject that deserve to be considered. He said the President would
certainly appoint Bacon the agent, and that we ought to write to him and
remind him of what had passed between us ; as to which, he. had no doubt,
he would do what he had promised, and intimated that he would not op-
pose us. He added that he would write to the President to-day upon the
subject,
We must, therefore, immediately prepare to carry on a correspondence
with the President, and 1 will prepare a letter for our Committee to sign
and forward, as soon as Gen. Mason (who is one of us, and the only one
who has any weight) returns, which I hear, will be to-morrow.
MEMOIR OF BISUOP MEADE. 125
We shall all, that is Caldwell and myself, be, in consequence of this state
of things, a good deal wanted here. Nevertheless, if you think it more
important that we should meet you in Philadelphia, we will do so, at least
I will, if possible. My idea is that the President will appoint an agent,
two, if we can find another, (which, by the bye, we must do, and I wish
you to look about for another), that he will send a ship of war to the
coast, and probably a transport with the colored men from this country, as
laborers, and some agricultural implements, and that he will authorize him
to settle in our territory and make preparations for receiving the captured
negroes, and I think this will do.
I wish you to bring on a dozen of the sermons you sent me, the ' Plea
for Africa.' I have promised one to Mr. Wirt, The one I had, I lent, and
cannot get again. I think it calculated to help us greatly.
If we have no meeting in Philadelphia, I think you had better bring on
Bacon with you, and the sooner you are both here, the better, unless you
are doing something material, of which you will be the best judge.
May God bless you.
Ever your friend,
F. S. Key.
Caldwell, I presume, has written, and given you an account of our dip-
lomatic adventures.
When the Society obtained position and facilities for
action, enabling it to pursue successfully the benevolent
purposes for which it was formed, the officers at Washing-
ton were fully able to conduct its ordinary work. The
presence and services of others were neither solicited or
needed, except in connection with the annual meetings,
which increased in attraction as the operations of the So-
ciety extended. In these Mr. Meade was ever much in-
terested, but as his personal agency was no longer needed,
and other objects more intimately pertaining to the minis-
try claimed his consideration and influence, — to these his
time and powers were now almost exclusively devoted.
{Education /Soaef 2/.)— Education was a subject which
early and earnestly and through life, engaged the thoughts
and energy of Mr. M^ade. At the close of his college
course, it was the theme whicji he chose for his valedicto-
ry address. His private resources were Hberally used to
126 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
aid deserving youth in pursuing those studies which would
fit them for usefulness in the various dejmrtments of life.
To his sisters, on coming into possession of the property
which they inherited, he specified this as an important
mode of doing good with the means at their disposal.
When, in 1818. certain ministers and laymen assembled in
the District of Columbia, at the laying of the corner-stone
of a church, proposed the formation of a Society to assist
pious, but indigent students in preparing for the ministry,
he was with them in their consultations, to animate and
further the scheme, by his zeal, wisdom and liberality. It
was well conceived and has been efiiciently executed. To
relieve the delicacy of the beneficiary, the aid rendered,
was to be regarded as a conditional loan, to be returned
only, if, at any time, the recipient should be in circum-
stances to do so without any embarrassment. In many
instances this has been done, and thus, the same sum has
been available for the support of several students in suc-
cession. At first they were not required to connect them-
selves with any one academy or college, but were author-
ized to pursue their studies in any respectable institution
most convenient for themselves. The disadvantage of this
soon .became apparent, and. in connection with other
weighty considerations, suggested the expediency of the
less expensive and happier arrangement subsequently
adopted.
This society, which Was occasioned by the interest felt
for one who was known to be pressed by pecuniary diffi-
culties in supporting himself, whilst engaged in his prepar-
atory course, and, in its incipient action, was quite limit-
ed, expanded as the necessity for such patronage was dis-
closed, and soon proved a most important auxiliary in the
cause of theological education, not only by directly aid-
ing beneficiaries themselves, but by contributing to the
support of professors engaged in their instruction. In his
"History of the trotestant Episcopal Church in Yirginia,"
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. . 127
Dr. Hawks states, "It has steadily pursued its course of
usefulness, and commended itself to the affectionate inter-
ests and cordial support of its friends, both in Virginia
and elsewhere. In proof of this, it is only necessary to
relate what it has done. Nearly one-tenth of the clergy
of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States,
have, in whole or in part, been assisted .by this Society.
One-sixth of the present clergy of Ohio, one-eighth of
those of Pennsylvania, one-fifth of those of Maryland, and
a large proportion of those of Virginia, have derived aid
from' its funds, while it is now affording assistance to about
one-seventh of all the students in the several Theological
schools of the Church in the United States." (Vol. I., p.
211.) Mr. xMeade's interest in the prosperity of this So-
ciety never declined. He availed himself frequently of
the press and the pulpit, to testify to its great usefulness
and commend it to the constant and generous support of
the Church.
(^Theological Seminary.) — With the revival of the Church
in Virginia, there was a great demand for ministers to of-
ficiate in the resuscitated parishes, to take charge of new
congregations, and to visit missionary districts. In one
of his addresses to the Convention, Bishop Moore states :
"In every section of the State which I have visited (and
these visits have been Tery general), I have observed the
most sincere and ardent attachment to the Church. From
the temper of the people, I draw the most pleasing con-
clusions, and my mind is perfectly convinced, that, were
it possible to procure a greater number of faithful minis-
ters, those ministers would be received with joy by the
vacant parishes, and provision madt for their support."
As a provisional arrangement, lay readers were appointed,
and often with good effect. Still the cry continued, and
extended, for educated men, apt and meet for the entire
service of the ministr}', and who could give themselves
wholly to the work. It is not surprising that both clergy
128 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
and laity felt the importance of proitipt measures for meet-
ing this encouraging requirement, and of the necessity of
providing for the competent instruction of such as were
moved of God to devote themselves to the ministry. But
the great expense which any suitable arrangement would
involve, and the apparent impossibility of procuring capa-
ble instructors, without depriving some influentiaV congre-
gations of theii' esteemed rectors, were formidable difficul-
ties in the wa}^ of any plan which promised success. The
providence of God was preparing a way.
" Eishop Moore laid before the Convention of 1815, a let-
ter from Dr. John Augustine Smith, President of William
and Mary College, projwsing that the Episcopal Church
should establish a Theological Professorship in that Insti-
tution. The overture was referred to a committee. . They
reported favorably, and recommended "that the Eishop
and Standing Committee be authorized to adopt measures
for the promotion of an object of so great magnitude, and
which may under the blessing of God be productive of the
most beneficial consequences.'^ This was adopted. The
subject was resumed in the Conventions of 1820 and 1821,
when resolutions were passed recommending the establish-
ment .of a Theological School in Williamsburg. A Eoard
of Trustees was appointed, with instructions to adopt the
most efficient measures for accomj^lishing it, by raising
funds, selecting professors, &c., and to correspond with the
Standing Committees of Maryland and North Carolina, to
ascertain whether the members of the Church in those
States were disposed to co-oj)erate in the important meas-
ure. Maryland was heard from through her Eishop, the
Bight Pev. James Kemp, D. D., who declined the proposal
for reasons not complimentary to the Christianity of Wil-
liamsburg, or the Church manship of Virginia. North
Carolina was silent. The Trustees, however, proceeded to
establish the School. The Eev. Peuel Keith, D. J)., whom
they chose as the professor, became also the minister to
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 129
the congregation in Williamsburg, and was prepared to in-
struct any candidates" who might be sent there. During
two years, only one presented himself. The experiment
was a failure, but that this was in no respect to be imput-
ed to Dr. Keith, is evident from the signal success and dis-
tinguished reputation which he soon attained in a differ-
ent location. On various accounts Williamsburg was found
to be an unsuitable place. The attempt Avas abandoned,
and Dr. Keith resigned the parish, and withdrew.
The circumstances which led to a renewal of the exper-
iment elsewhere, are not furnished by any official record,
but may be gathered from a letter preserved among the
papers of Mr. Meade. It is from the pen of Mrs. S. H.
Smith, daughter of Dr. Thomas Henderson, of George-
town, D. C, and wifeof G-en. F. H. Smith, Principal of the
Virginia Military Institute.. It bears the date of March
10, 1860. Uxtract^ ''Aho[it the time that Dr. Keith
left Williamsburg, it Avas my father's desire to establish
such a school in Georgetown as would be the foundation
of a Protestant College, to be located in the District. In
prosecution of this purpose, he followed him as fur as
Philadelphia, in hope of meeting him at the General Con-
vention, then in session, i^ot finding. him there, he re-
turned home, and wrote to him to come and take charge
of this academy, which in a very short time, brought Dr.
Keith again to Georgetown. Mr. Frank Key met the
Rev. Messrs. Hawley, Wilmer and yourself at my father's
house. At his house, after repeated interviews, these meet-
ings resulted in a determination to open a school for the
prophets in Alexandria. My father was directed to pre-
pare the address. At my request he gave me these facts
in writing, many years ago:" From this statement it
would seem, as if all the action of the Convention was re-
garded as terminated in the failure at Williamsburg, though
the Board of Trustees still existed, and upwards of $10,000
had been secured for the object. The probabiUty is, that
6*
l:*)0 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
the result of the consultations at G-eorgetown were commu-
rjicated to the members of the Board, who, influenced by
the considerations in favor of Alexandria, especially by
fjhe prospect of obtaining the services of Dr. Wiliner and
the Rev. Mr. Norris, in^ connection with the course of in-
struction, adopted the plan to which the subsequent sanc-
tion of the Convention was accorded. Those contrib-
utors, who had subscribed with the understanding that
the location of the school was to be in Williamsburg, con-
sented to the change of the place. So, the important en-
terprise, which seemed in danger of being abandoned, was
renewed under promivsing auspices in Alexandria.
Deeply interested as Mr. Meade was in the effort to
provide for the education of students ef Theology, and co-
operating, as he did, in the measures adopted by the Con-
vention, it is doubtful whether the Williamsburg arrange-
ment had the aj^proval of his judgment. The change pre-
sented the important undertaking under a more promising
aspect, and he devoted himself to its accomplishment with
full purpose of heart. In the Conventions of 1824-'5-'6,
he was the medium of communication between the Board
of Trustees and the Convention, and in the reports which
he laid before that body, his views and expectations with
regard to an Institution, which, under Grod, was mainly
indebted to his judicious and persevering exertion for its
establisli.ment and growth, are embodied.
"At the last meeting of the Trustees, the Rev. Reuel
Keith was engaged as Professor in the Institution, and re-
quested to hold himself in readiness- whenever it should
go into operation. He accordingly settled in Alexandria,
in October last, and has had under his charge, since that
time, from twelve to fourteen students, thirteen of whom
are candidates for orders. There are at present under his
care, eleven young men, pursuing theis studies with fair
prospect of their future respectability and usefulness, and
it is expected that not less than twenty will wish to enter
IpEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 131
at the ensuing session." "Ttie more advanced class has
recited to the Kev. W. H. Wilmer, who has had charge of
the Department of Systematic Theology."
"The Trustees take great pleasure in contemplating the
present state and encouraging prospects of the School, and
in bearing testimony, as far as they know and believe, to
the zeal, fidelity and ability, with which the professors
have discharged the duties of their professorships. The
whole course of studies has been entirely conformed to
the canons of the. Church."
"Williamsburg is too remote and inaccessible to justify
the hope that students can be obtained for a Theological
Institution at that place. The experiment was tried there
for one year without success, and no hope of success seemed
to present itself in time to come. No sooner was the trial
made in Alexandria, than the number of students and the
means of supporting the indigent among them, increased
beyond the most sanguine anticipations."
"AH that is wanting to complete success under the bless-
ing of God, is the liberal co-operation of the friends of the
Church." "We cannot hope for a full and permanent sup-
ply of ministers from any other source than the Institu-
tion we commend to the liberal patronage of our mem-
bers." "The number of pious young men desirous to de-
vote their lives to this sacred cause, is continually increas-
ing, and the disposition to aid the more needy of them to
procure a suitable education, is increasing in an equal de-
gree ; and to us do both the pious youth and their benev-
olent patrons look for an Institution which shall furnish
them with that instruction, by means of suitable instruct-
ors." (Journal of 1825).
Mr. Meade's expectations with regard to the effect of
the change of place, were soon realized, and the Conven-
tion confirmed the action of the Trustees by a resolution,
" that the Theological School of Yirginia be located for
the present, in the town of Alexandria."
132 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADa
{Journal of 1826.) — " From the present prospects of the
School, the Board entertain the hope that it will be pre-
pared to take a respectable rank among the similar insti-
tutions established by the Church. The G-eneral Seminary
of JSTew York has been for some time in successful progress :
a Diocesan School in Ohio, is about to commence its opera-
tions also, with encouraging prospects of success. Experi-
ence has J) roved that there is ample room and demand for
the Theological School of Yirginia. By its local conveni-
ence, and by its accommodation to the habits and manners
of our Southern country, it attracts, without conflicting
with the interests of the General Seminary, a patronage
and support, which otherwise, would be lost to the cause
of the Church. Many of the students now attached to it,
would have attended no Seminary, and probably would
have been alienated from the Church."
" Although the Diocese of Virginia was the first to move
in this enterprise^ and after action had been commenced
by the General Convention, was very explicit in disavow-
ing opposition to the General Seminary established in New
York, yet there was a party in the Church, who insisted
that, that ' Seminary was 'not only General, but exclusive
of all others, and who deitounced the Yirginia School as
schismatic.' Most threatening letters came to Bishop
Moore, calling upon him as a Bishoj^ of the general Church,
bound to guard its unity, to interpose and prevent the es-
tablishment of the Seminary at Alexandria. Every assur-
ance within the limits of self-respect was given to quiet
this morbid sensitiveness, and allay this uncharitable sus-
picion, but the churchmen of Virginia were too much
accustomed to such as23ersions to be swerved from their
purpose. The fulminations wore impotent to arrest the
good work on which they had entered. In a little- while,
the controversy occasioned by the removal of the General
Seminary to Connecticut and in connection with the
Kohn legacy, led to a more thorough investigation of
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 133
Diocesan rights, and settled the question by a formal
recognition of the lawfulness of Diocesan Seminaries, and
other Dioceses have followed the example of Yirginia with-
out let or hindrance.
When the subject was first agitated. Bishop Moore, whose
mind had not been particularly directed to it, was not clear
as to the judiciousness of the proceeding in Virginia, aiid
his gentle spirit was troubled for a time by the audacious
attempts to intimidate him. In one of his addresses to his
Convention, he thus alludes to his difficulty : ' When the
attempt was first made in the Diocese, my mind w^as im-
2:)ressed with considerable doubt, as to the utility of the
measure, from an apprehension that it might interfere with
the General Seminary at the North, but after the most se-
rious reflection, the doubts I have entertained have been
removed, and my mind is now satisfied with a full conviction
of the necessity of the undertaking. The Church in Yirginia
is now favored with the labors of several of her native sons,
who have been educated in her own school, and others are
presenting themselves under similar circumstances, who,. I
trust, will prove equally successful.' In his affecting ad-
dress at the close of the Convention, to the clergy and
laity assembled at the Chancel, he said: 'Seven young
men, six of whom are alumni of that Institution — from
which we have received so much benefit and advantage,'
and 'from which we have reason, to expect still greater
results' — have this day been admitted to holy orders.
Men, from whose labors parishes which have been destitute
for many years will be supplied, and the Word of Life com-
municated to those who have looked to us for spiritual
help. Yes! the walls of some of our Churches, in which
the voice of the Gospel has not been heard for twenty
years, will again resound with the good tidings of salva-
tion, and wake the prayers and praises of our people.' 'My
heart vibrates with joy at the glowing prospect presented
134 MEMOIR or BISHOP MEADE.
to our view, and my soul rejoices in the prosperity of our
Zion.' " (Journal, 1818.) .
In noticing and commending the purpose of the Trus-
tees "to apply to that Convention for their continuance
and support in the further prosecution of their design,"
Eishop Moore observed, " The individual through whose in-
strumentality the School was first set in motion, has consented,
should the Convention countenance the undertaking, to
engage with all his energies in the work, and to go in
person through this State, to raise a fund for the permanent
establishment of a Theological School in the Diocese of
Yirginia."
Mr. Meade was truly the father of- this Seminary. Its
prosperity became his business, his study, and his delight.
He visited it, often watched and prayed over it with pa-
rental supervision — labored for it ''in season and out of
season," by his pen — in the pulpit, and through the press
— absenting himself for months from his loved home, in
itinerating through the Diocese, and occasionally else-
where, to solicit funds for its permanent endowment — al-
ways ready with that sound sense and practical wisdom
for which he was distinguished, to aid in its management,
and finally consenting to add to his other weighty resj^on-
sibilities, the service of Professor of Pastoral Theology,
preparing and publishing at his own expense, a volume of
lectures, which became the text book in that department.
That he was often harassed and burdened by the difficul-
ties inseparable from such an Institution, no one need be
informed j but he was abundantly compensated by ita sig-
nal success and great and growing usefulness. If his mon-
ument should bear no other inscription than " The father
of the Theological Seminary of Yirginia," it would identify
the Testing-place of the mortal remains of one, to whose
instrumentality in founding and cherishing that Institution
the Church at large, and especially the Church in Yirginia,
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 135
owe a debt of gratitude which no epitaph can adequately
express.
It might be supposed that those extra parochial services
would seriously interfere with the claims of his own special
cure, and that his congregation would unavoidably suffer,
by his devotion to Institutions of Diocesan, and even more
general character. But this was far from being the case.
Very satisfactory information on this subject may be de-
rived from the parochial reports made annually to the
Convention and entered on the Journal. From this source
it appears that the number of communicants in Frederick
parish, at the commencement of his ministry, was fifty.
In a few years, Winchester, and Wickliffe became inde-
pendent congregations, and Mr. Meade's charge was con-
fined to the Stone Chapel. From the last report, just be-
fore he was placed in a new relation to the Diocese, it
appears, that the communicants at the Chapel alone, ex-
ceeded the original number in the whole of w^hat was then
Frederick parish :
"Frederick Parish, Frederick County."
'^ During the past year, the minister has occasionally extended his labors
to a distant part of the county, and feels grateful to the great Head of the
Ghurch, that those labors have not been altogether in vain. Nine new
communicants have been added to the Church during the past year. Fif-
teen children have been baptized, four of whom were colored, A Sunday
School has lately been re-organized in the parish, with some prospects of
usefulness. The attendance of the congregation on public worship is punc-
tual, and the observance of the forms of the Church regular and devout :
and what is still more gratifying to the minister, there is the encouraging
hope, that a goodly number belong to the invisible Church of thrist, and
will be found among the Redeemed, in the great day,"
"William Meade.
In an earlier report he mentions, and for reasons which
he states, some of the measures which he had found useful
in the Churches to which he then ministered, and which
6ho%y his thoughtful diligence, in laboring for their im-
provement. "The state of the congregation is considered
136 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
good. The atteD dance on divine worship, with a few ex-
cerptions, is very regular. The nnmber of communicants
has been increased by the addition of eight, during the
past year. The number of baptisms is twelve, one of which
is an adult. The Societies of females, formed in the two
congregations for the purpose of promoting domestic and
foreign missions, and the education of pious young men,
promises very effectual and permanent support to these
important objects. In the Chapel congregation, very
handsome collections have been made for these purposes,
for some years past ; in the congregation at Winchester,
the efforts have but just commenced, though with very
flattering prospects of success." " The minister of the
parish, encouraged by the success with which it has pleas-
ed Heaven to crown his endeavors in this cause, jbegs leave
to state to the Church, the method which, by experience,
he has found most effectual, in the hope of inducing his
brethren to make' trial of the same. Believing that the.
great duty and need of raising up, and properly educating
pious young men for the ministry, and of supplying the
destitute parts of our own land, as well as the nations of
the heathen world with the ministrations of the Gospel,
only requires to be fully and frequently placed before the
hearts of Christians, as we do the other duties and doc-
trines of religion, in order to induce them to. take a lively
and active interest in tiie same — -he has for some years
past, been pursuing the following plan : He has suj)plied
himself with a number of the best religious magazines of
the day, which give a full view of all the spiritual wants,
as well as religious exertions and charities of the whole
Christian world ; from these, he has always been able to
collect a great variety of most -interesting and edifying
pieces on all those subjects, which are most dear to every
Christian heart, and which, fi*om time to time, he reads to
the congregation. In the country congregation, he has
for some years been in the habit of having meetings for
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. " 137
this purpose at private houses, on ecme dayof the week,
where a number of the families most convenient, assemble
together. A few hours are spent in prayer, singing suita-
ble hymns, and reading the above mentioned selections.
Sometimes the ladies are engaged in some work, which is
disposed of for the benefit of the cause; and the younger
members of the family are brought in also, and encouraged
to take an interest in what is passing. The minister can
truly testify for himself, and those of his charge, that these
meetings are unusually interesting, and have the effect of
drawing the hearts of those present towards the important
objects laid before them."
As evidence of which, he states that for some years past,
he has, by means of these meetings in the Chapel congre-
gation, "collected about one hundred dollars annually,
which for the last two years, had been sent to the General
Missionary Society of the Church. At the same time, the
communicants of this congregation have been contributing
between fifty and an hundred dollars annually to the Edu-
cation Society of the District of Columbia, besides liberal
subscriptions to the Theological Seminary of Yirginia. In
the Church at Winchester, a female Society for promoting
the education of pious young men, and for missionary pur-
poses, has been formed within a few months, and promises
to do well. In order to give proper information to the
minds of the members, and also to impress proper feelings
on their hearts, in regard to these subjects, the minister
has occasionally substituted, on Sunday afternoon, the
above mentioned extracts in place of the sermon, and has
reason to believe that this plan is not only pleasing, but
will be improving and profitable." "The minister of 'the
parish has been thus particular, because he thinks the time
has arrived, when it behooves every minister to make full
trial of his minisrry in this respect, and because, he be-
lieves, that there is not a congregation in the Church, from
which something may not be obtained from willing hearts,
138 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
if the subject be properly and frequently presented to them.
He is firmly persuaded, that no other plan will produce
half the eifect, or will long continue in operation; and
therefore urges his brethren, to adopt that, which his own
experience for many years, has proved to be successful."
(Journal 1824.)
Neither now, nor at a later period, when his responsi-
bilities were still more extended and laborious, had he any
cause to say, " They made me the keeper of the vineyards,
but mine own vineyard have I not kept." It was indeed
diligently and judiciously cultivated, and, blessed of the
Lord, it brought forth its pleasant fruit in due season.
In 1826, the venerable Bishop TVhite made known to the
Convention of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, his desire for
an assistant in the Episcopate. For this purpose, a special
Convention was called to meet in Philadelphia, the 25th of
October.
Both the clergy and the laity were divided in their pre-
ference, one part of each order being in favor of the Rev.
Byrd Wilsor., D.D., who had retired from his distinguished
position in the judiciary of the State, to give himself to the
work of the Christian ministry, and whose purity of char-
acter, and intellectual cultivation, had reflected honor on
the profession from which he withdrew, and fitted him for
the sacred services of the holy calling to which he was now
devoted. Another part of each order had united on the
Eev. William Meade, as their choice. This fact was com-
municated to him in a letter from the Rev. Gregory T.
Bedell, D.D., of St. Andrew's Church, Philadelphia:
Philadelphia, Sept. Tth, 1826.
Reverend and Dear Brother :
You have no doubt heard, before this, of the sudden and. great change
in the mind of our Bishop, in respect to an assistant, and the call of a
special Convention, for the purpose of electing such an' officer, if it be
deemed expedient. It must have gladdened your heart to have noticed for
some time past, that the cause of evangelical religion is making rapid pro-
gress in this Diocese, and this cause would gain every thing by the delay
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 139
of this appoiatment. Of this fact, those of our Brethren, who do not view
the subject in the same light in which we do, seem to be perfectly aware,
and this will account, in a great measure, for the present unexpected eflfort
to hurry us in the election. By many of the Brethren, Clergy as well as
Laity, friendly to the cause of evangelical religion, it was deemed advisa-
ble to have a meeting as soon as practicable among themselves, and to consult
about the business. This meeting has taken place, and all who could con-
veniently be assembled, were present, when, after solemn prayer to God
for His especial direction, the following resolutions were unanimously
adopted. Let it be borne in mind, that the meeting was composed of a
majority of those, in our view, favorable to vital piety, and also of those
Laymen, whom .ve believe truly converted unto God. It was resolved,
First, That we will feel ourselves called upon in conscience, to give our
votes for that Brother, of whose soundness in the faith we are all persuad-
ed, and who shall have the largest number of votes, at a meeting to be
held by our friends on the day previous to the assembling of the Con-
vention.
Second, It is expedient that one of the Brethren now present, visit those
of our Brethren in the country who could not be present at this meeting,
and confer with them, and that brother Boyd he requested to perform
this duty. .
Third, That this meeting cordially unite in favor of our Rev. Brother
William Meade, of Virginia, and are fully persuade 1 that he is the person
most likely to command the largest number of suflfrages for the important
office to be filled.
Fourth, That Brothers Allen and Bedell be requested to visit Brother
Meade and to confer with him on the business now before this meeting. .
Fifth, That the friends of religion generally in the < hurch, be earnestly
requested to pray for this portion of the Lord's vineyard, at the present
critical junctu^, and that at 6 o'clock on the morning of every Lord's day,
private prayer be oflfered for Divine. direction and assistance, and social
prayer at such times as shall be most convenient."
It will gtartle you, no doubt, to hear that upon you has the choice of the
Brethren here been fixed; our unhesitating unanimity convinced us that
the hand of the lord was in this thing, and we were constrained to fall
down before Him in devout thanksgiving for vouchsafing to us, one heart
in this business. We were strengthened and took courage. Our hopes
now. Brother, under God, rest upon you — on no other can we, or shall '
we be so perfectly united. Can you add to the weight upon our hearts,
the heavy burden of a refusal to be named? We ask you not for an ap-
proval. We ask you only to be willing to leave the matter in the hands
of the Master you have served. We ask you only not to forbid us to give
you the warm support of more than twenty who are now praying for the
140 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
prosperity of Zion. We wish you but to be still, and see what the will of .
the Lord is. We have reason to apprehend that some who think not with
us, will seek to gain a refusal from you, and then use it to the injury of our
cause. We wish you not to arm our opposers with a weapon against us.
Further, we ask nothing. We wait upon God for Bis direction. My in-
disposition has prevented the contemplated visit, but in the name of the
Committee and of the Brethren generally, who see eye to eye with us,
I sign myself,
Your friend and brother in the Lord,
G. T. Bedell;
What reply, if any, was returned to this communica-
tion, is not known.
A letter of a different character, in relation to the same
subject, was received from the Eev. James Montgomery,
D. D.:
Philadelphla., Oct. 12, 1826.
Rev. and Dear Sir :
It has been my intention for some time past to write to you, but have post-
poned the execution of it until I could feel fully persuaded that it was my du-
ty to express to you candidly and explicitly my views in relation to the im-
portant subject which is to occupy the approaching Special Convention of
this Diocese, and the motives which influence me in opposing the strenuous
efforts in your behalf. Ever since it was understood that you were to be the
candidate of one side, I have thought it but right to communicate to you
the grounds of the stand which I feel myself bound to make against you.
To this I feel prompted by candour, and by the deep interest I have long
felt and expressed in your character. Be assured, there is no one for whom
I cherish a higher regard, and for whose Christian sincerity and singleness
of heart, I feel a more profound respect. I speak to you tile genuine feel-
ings of my heart, feelings which I have not withheld whenever your char-
acter has been the subject of discussion. But, in reference to the Episco-
pate, I must say that I consider your partial and inadequate views of the
nature and obligations of the episcopal constitution of the ministry a dis-
qualification. You will remember that we had some conversation on the
subject at my house, when you frankly acknowledged that you had not
paid much attention to it, and had not read some of the standard writers
upon it. I could not but consider you then as very inadequately informed
upon points, which in my conscience, 1 hold to be indispensably important
— so much so, that I will never give my vote to Any one, in whose senti-
ments on those points, I have not the most implicit confidence. It is upon
such grounds that I shall feel it my solemn duty to oppose your nomina-
tion, and I want you to be assured that I shall do it without any diminu-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEABE. 141
tion of the high sense I entertain of your excellence, or of the affection-
ate regards which I have felt towards you, and with which you will ever
be remembered by
Your friend and brother,
James Montgomery.
To this letter Mr. Meade replied :
Rev. and Dear Brother :
I have just received yours of the 12th inst., and have only one complaint
against it, and that is, its too. flattering style, which, acting upon the van-
ity of poor human nature, may do harm. The friendly spirit I truly ap-
preciate, and in the same spirit I now reply. Your communication was
by no means unexpected. Such an one, either verbal or epistolary, 1 cal-
culated upon, in consequence of what had passed between us. When the
first intimation reached me that it was proposed to support me for the con-
templated appointment, the first thought that rose in my mind was, that
yourself was the author of the scheme, and this opinion was expressed to
those friends with whom I conversed on the subject, and at the same time
my reasons for the supposition were stated. It is because of such an opin-
ion expressed, and reasons given, that I feel it a duty to make this com-
munication, lest some misunderstanding arise.
When we were last together, and in the unreserved interchange of friend-
ly thoughts and feelings, our conversation more than once turned on my
views of ecclesiastical polity and church matters generally, when you em-
phatically declared your conviction, that with my general sentiments on
religion, and my mode of reasoning on its doctrines (particularly referring
to a sermon I preached for you), I would certainly be brought to wTiat
you considered orthodox views of the Church. You further stated that
you had a design- upon me, and from the manner in which you spoke, the
thought was raised within me that you looked forward to the event now in
agitation, for you expressed a conviction that such an appointment would
infallibly set me right on all points. Such remarks were well calculated
to make impression on such a frail being as myself, and that impression
was occasionally conveyed to others, though not in a serious way.
You perceive, then, the reason of this letter — lest perchance these things
should be remembered and brought against you in the way of reproach for
inconsistency, and lest you might -suppose they came from myself, in the
way of complaint. They were stated by me before I knew of your oppo-
sition (for indeed T did not certainly hear of it till your letter came,) and
I hope they have not been thought of, or, if thought of, will never be spo-
ken of by any to whom I may have spoken.
But, my good friend, even if you had said the above in the utmost seri-
ousness, and intended them to be understood in themanner they were, I
142 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
can now give jou an honorable acquittal, by stating that though since we
were together, I have read more extensively on the aforesaid subject, and
though I am, upon every examination into the history of our Church, and
of its character, more attracted to it, more convinced of its accordance
with Scripture, and its tendency to promote true religion, and banish er-
ror from the Christian world, still I cannot ex animo, subscribe to some in-
ferences which you and others draw from the doctrines and constitution of
the Church, and in which indeed I cannot but think you go both beyond
Scripture and the Church Although, therefore, I think you place an un-
due emphasis on certain points, yet you act consistently and conscien-
tiously in withholding your vote from one thinking differently, especially
when another is proposed whom you think more correct, in your estimate.
I will only add that I sincerely pray that all who are engaged in this trans-
action may be endued with the wisdom which is from above, pure and
peaceable, that a spirit of moderation may pervade the whole proceeding,
and that God himself may preside in the midst, directing their delibera-
tions to His glory and the welfare of His people. The adversary will be
also there, I am sure, to set on fire the tongues and hearts of disputants,
from hell, and his agents upon earth will then be ready to exclaim, " Tan-
tcene animos coelesiihus iroe.'' And even if soft words should be the or-
der of the day, let all beware lest an enemy should say,
• .
" 3fel in ore, verba laciis,
Fel in cordc, fraus infactis."
I have only to add that my wife sends her love to you, and sincerely
thanks you for your honest zeal in her cause. My own will be reserved
until we meet, and will then be proportioned to your merits and my feel-
ings.
Yours sincerely and aflfectionately,
William Meade.
Those on each side were active in their endeavors to
secure the election of their favorite. The press, corres-
pondence, and personal influence, were plied to the limit
of Christian propriety. The excitement pervaded the
Diocese. The Church generally participated in the inter-
est, and awaited the result with great solicitude.
When the Convention had assembled, and the clerical
vote was taken, it appeared that of the ballots cast, there
was a majority of one, in favor of the Rev. Mr. Meade. —
But as there was one of the clergy (the Eev. Byrd Wil-
son) who, though in attendance at the Convention, neither
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 143
voted nor was present when the ballots were deposited, it
was contended that though the Eev. Mr. Meade had re-
ceived a majority of the clerical votes cast, yet not having
received the votes of a majority of the clergy in attendance,
no nomination had been made. Such was the decision of
the Chair, and divided as the Convention was, that deci-
sion could not be reversed. For the same reason it was
useless to make anoth"er attempt to nominate. From the
demonstration made, it miejht have been safelv concluded
that the vote was stereotyped, or if not, so slight a change
on either side would be decisive, that both deemed it pru-
dent to avoid the experiment, each hoping to gain strength
by delay. So, the Convention adjourned, without having
accomplished the object for which it had assembled.
Whether the decision of the Chair was parliamentary
or not — whether the candidate whose course gave occa-
sion for the decision comtemplated such a possibility, and
whether, when the hindrance which he caused, became
apparent, he ought not to have obviated it by decisive ac-
tion of his own — are questions not necessary for discus-
sion here. Mr. Meade would no doubt have proved a
blessing to that or an}' other Diocese over which he might
be placed. But for himself — who can estimate the trials
to which he must have been subjected if the efforts of his
friends had succeeded in effecting his election, and secur-
ing his acceptance ? God, in His good providence reserved
him for more congenial associations, and for a sphere of
usefulness for which he was pre-eminently adapted.
AVith Bishop White himself, and many of those who
favored the election of the Eev. Dr. Wilson, Mr. Meade
had always been in most friendly intercourse, and he now
felt it to be his duty to attempt to heal the dissensions
with which he had been innocently connected, or at least
to separate himself entirely from the strife. With this
view he visited Philadelphia in November, and after an
interview with Bishop White, in which he communicated
144 MEMOIR OF, BISHOP MEADE.
to him his design, and received his approval, a meeting
was arranged, in which each of the opposite sides was to
be represented by three of its prominent supporters, to
whom the proposal of Mr. Meade was to be submitted.
This meeting was held in Bishop White's ^udy, both he
and Mr. Meade being present. The arrangement pro-
posed by Mr. Meade was unanimously accepted. The ac-
tion to which it led, and the result of the effort will ap-
pear from the following documents and correspondence :
(circular.)
Philadelphia, Nov. 24, 1826.
Sir:
At an interview which took place on the 18th inst., (in the presence of
the Rt. Rev. Bishop White, and the Rev. Mr. Meade, of Virginia) the
Rev. Messrs. Kemper, Boyd, Bedell and DeLancey, and Messrs. Binney and
Samuel J. Robbins concurred in the expediency of putting the annexed
question to the clergy and principal laymen of the Churches, and of meet-
ing on Monday the jL8th of December, 1826, at the house of the Bishop,
at 7 o'clock, P. M., to Communicate their opinions.
The undersigned are prepared to answer the question in the affirmative ;
and it is understood that those who so answer it, pledge themselves to
act in conformity.
You are respectfully requested to transmit your opinion, written under
the question, to the Rev. Jackson Kemper, so that it may be received by
him on or before the .15th day of December next.
We are, Sir, very respectfully.
Your obedient servants,
Jackson Kemper,
George Weller,
John C. Lowber,
Charles Wheeler,
James Montgomery,
HoR. Binney. J. R. Ingersoll.
QUESTION.
Is it expedient not to propose the choice of an assistant
Bishop at the next State Convention, nor at any future
time, during the life of the present Bishop, without at
least six months' previous notice to the clergy and Church-
es, by the Bishop ?
memoir of bishop meade. 145
(circular.)
Hev. and Dear Sir :
Since the adjournment of the late Special Convention, the subject which
then interested us so much, and in relation to which we were so happilj
united, has assumed a new aspect, under which it becomes our duty to
view it, and to decide upon the course hereafter to be pursued. Hitherto,
we trust, we have acted according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and
with a pure intention to seek and promote His glory. Let us still keep
our eye single, continue instant in prayer, and watch the leadings of His
providence, nothing doubting that He will favorably regard our sincere
endeavors. The change which has taken place ought not to diminish
our hopes, or prevent us from using all suitable means for the accom-
plishment of our ardent wishes. The Church is under the care of its ever-
living Head. Its interests are never lost sight of, and its purity will
eventually be secured. For a time it may mourn in captivity ; the world
may lay waste her fair palaces, and trample under foot her sacred enclo-
sures ; but the time to favor Zion, yea, the set time will come, when the
servants of the Lord will take pleasure in in her stones, and favor the dust
thereof.
The Rev. Mr. Meade, while attending the late General Conven tion, after
the most serious consideration, and having referred the matter to the Lord,
made known to some of his friends that he had come to the conclusion,
not to accept the office of an Assistant Bishop in this Diocese, under ex-
isting circumstances, if it should be oflFered to him. His reasons for this
determination he did not state. It is supposed however, that the present
divided state of the Church, and the opposition of the present Bishop,
were among the chief.
Under these circumstances, Mr. Mkade considered it a matter of no little
importance to the peace and prosperity of the Church, that the choice of a
Bishop in this Diocese, should not take place during the lifetime of the
present Diocesan ; provided that a pledge could be obtained from those on
both sides of this interesting question, that the matter should not be
brought forward except by mutual consent, and after a sufficient notice.
To deliberate upon this subject, Mr. Meadb requested a few persons oir
both sides, to meet at the hou§e of Bishop White, on Thursday, 16th inst.,
when it was agreed by all present, to propose the following inquiry, in
order that the opinions of the brethren throughout the State might be
ascertained.
PROPOSED INQUIRY.
Whether it is expedient not to propose the choice of an Assistant Bishop
at the next State Convention, nor at any time during the lifetime of the
7
146 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
present Bishop, "without at least six months' previous notice to the clergy
and churches by the Bishop?
Messrs. Kemper, Bedell, DeLancey, Binney, Bobbins and Boyd con-
curred in the expediency of putting this question to the clergymen and
principal laymen of the churches, and of meeting on Monday, the 18th of
December next, at the house of the Bishop, at 1 o'clock, P. M., to com-
municate their opinions.
It was understood at the meeting that every person answering to the
above inquiry in the affirmative, should consider himself pledged not to
bring forward the subject himself — to oppose its being brought forward
by any other person, and in the event of its being proposed, to refuse to
act in reference thereto.
. We deem it.proper to state the reasons which have operated upon the
undersigned to consent to the above inquiry, and to think favorably of the
proposed stipulations.
First. We thereby retain the Rev. Mr. Meade as our candidate, trusting
in God that at some future time he may be elected without opposition.'
Secondly. We thereby consult the peace of the Church, which could not
fail to be interrupted by pressing the matter at the approaching Convention.
Thirdly. An example of forbearance is thereby furnished, which cannot
fail to recommend the cause we 'serve.
Fourthly. An opportunity is afforded to all persons concerned, to be-
come better acquainted with the character of Mr. Meade, who must be
beloved wherever he is known.
Lastly. The election of an Assistant Bishop will thereby be put off,
until it may be had, without inferfering witn the wishes of the present
Diocesan.
George Boyd,
G. T. Bedell,
Samuel J. Robbins.
Philadelphia, Nov. 26, 1826.
Philadelphia, Dec. 16, 1826.
To Rev. Mr. Meade,
Rev. and Dear Brother :
' It has been stated here, and seems to be the impression of some of those
who are most deeply interested in the matter, that at the meeting alluded
to in the enclosed circular, ypti made a statement to the following effect:
" If the election of an Assistant Bishop for the Diocese of Pennsylvania be
agitated by those who voted for we, at the late Special Convention, during
the life of the present Diocesan, Iioill not accept the offer, should I he chosen
but should the subject be brought forward by the other'party, I am wil-
lino- to be taken up as a candidate." Will the fact that I am a member of
this Diocese be a sufficient apology for my asking you, whether or not you
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 147
did make such a declaration ? If you did not, will it be agreeabje to you
to state (as far as you may deem it proper), what you did say, on that oc-
casion? My best respects to Mrs. M. and to Mr. Nelson's family.
.Yours very respectfully,
J. W. RiDGELY.
P. S. If you think proper to favor me with a reply, I should be glad to
receive it as soon as practicable.
Dec. 23, 1826.
Dear Brother :
Yours of the 18th inst., has just come to hand, and I make not a mo-
ment's delay in answering it. You say, "It has been stated here, and
seems to be the impression of those most deeply interested in the matter,
that at the meeting alluded to in the enclosed circular (that is, a meeting
at Bishop White's, on the IGth of November) you made a statement to the
following et^'ect, — " if the election of an Assistant Bishop for the Diocese
of Pennsylvania, be agitated by those who voted for me at the Special
Convention, during the life of the present Diocesan ; I will not accept the
office should I be chosen. But should the subject be brought forward by
the other party, I am willing to be taken up as a candidate." You wish
to know if any such statement was made by me, and if not, what was
said. Certainly no such statement was made at that meeting. Those who
suppose so, must have confounded what I said to several individuals at
other times and places to the same effect, with what passed on the occasion
alluded to. After having spent some days in Philadelphia, and earnestly
endeavored to ascertain the path of (^iity, it seemed to me, very clear,
that, under existing circumstances, the agitation of the subject of an As-
sistant Bishop any longer, until the state of things had greatly changed,
would be very wrong indeed, and that it was incumbent upon me to exert
what little influence I might have to prevent it. It seemed to me also,
that the proper course to be pursued, was to say to both parties, "Let me
advise and entreat you to desist from what must be injurious to religion
and the Church." "To my supporters I say, if you will not follow this
counsel, then you must choose some other candidate, since I absolutely re-
fuse." To those who were opposed to my election I say, " if you persist
in the agitation of the subject — things may be as thc}^ were, — I return to
that perfect silence hitherto observed, and if any choose to vote for me and
succeed, the subject will then be fairly before me for consideration." Such
was the languge I used in speaking to brothers Boyd, Bedell, DeLancey,
and Montgomery, as well as I remember, some days before the meeting at
Bishop White's. I was pleased to discern a disposition in them and others,
to adopt the method I recommended, and When we came together at Bishop
White's, such an agreement ajjpearcd as to the*pacific course to be pur-
sued, that uo such sentiurent or expression as that ascribed to me, was
148 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
called for. I said but little ; nor was much needed— that little was in op-
position generally to the office of Assistant Bishop, and especially under
existing circumstances, in Pennsylvania. By the expression of the senti-
ment and resolution above mentioned, to the individuals also specified, and
to some few others, I meant to go as far as I could, in condemning either
party which should adopt so improper a course. It becomes me, however,
in candor to say, that the more I reflected upon the subject, the more un-
willing I felt to be at all engaged in it, and the less probability appeared
of my being induced under any circumstances to accept the office. So
that, if on the evening alluded to, I had been called on to renew the senti-
ment and declaration, I should have declined from a consciousness that it
would bo. wrong to suffer myself to be a candidate for an office, which
nothing could induce me to accept under the circumstances contemplated.
It becomes me also, here to allude to a few words which passed between
brother Boyd and myself at St. Paul's Church the evening befor.e I left
Philadelphia. He said they all agreed as to the propriety of postponing
all further proceedings in relation to the election, until a different state of
things should arrive, but still wished to look forward to myself, at some
future period as the person to fill the office of Bishop. I replied to him
that it was a matter for themselves to determine whom they should keep
before them, as the object of their wishes and hopes, and that T could not
tell what might appear to me the path of duty, at some future day, and
under a change of circumstances, — but that I ^ could not encourage that
hope, when I saw no probability that I could ever be induced to remove
from my present situation, where Providence seemed to have planted me.
After all that passed between myself and those friends, who honored me
with their suffrages for an office, to which I am too unequal, I feel sur-
prised and sorry to perceive in the printed circular you have sent me, that
terms are used, which are calculated to make the impression on those who
read it, that I consent to be held up as a candidate, in "the hope of more
union, and by so consenting, give reason to believe, that I may and will
accept the same under more favorable c rcumstances. I feel it my duty
to say, that however pleasing the thought of promoting peace (which was
the first that presented itself to my mind) and however powerful the ap-
peal would be to my feelings, should agreement take place in behalf of
myself, yet even that does not appear to me to have any thing like the
weight of those considerations which oppose your wishes in this behalf
and constrain me to spend and be spent in the much humbler sphere which
Providence has assigned me. Such being the result of all my prayers and
reflections and consultations, and being more and more confirmed every
day, I feel it my duty to communicate the same through you to our com-
mon friends, with the desire that they will henceforth turn their attention
to some one, more worthy of and suitable to the important and difficult
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 149
station to be filled. If with sincere prayers for direction, and a single eye
to the glory of God, you seek th« path of duty, it will be made plain be-
fore you, and God Himself will send you the Bishop of His own heart.
Let me beg you to remember me afifectionately to all the brethren. My
wife desires to be remembered kindly to you. May you be useful and
happy in the gospel ministry, is the prayer of
Your sincere friend and brother,
"W, Meade.
Philadelphia, Dec. 27, 1826.
To Rev. W. Meade, »
Rev. and -Dear Brother : •
It has fallen to my lot to address you again on the same subject which
constituted the interestof a preceding communication. The plan proposed
has resulted in no such termination as you desired, as ihere was an almost
universal disinclination among our friends to bind themselves by a pledge,
inasmuch as by so doing, they might be constrained to go counter to the
evident leadings of God's good providence. We deeply regret that any
such course has been pursued, as it has had no small tendency to give dis-
satisfaction to some of our warmest friends, and has given our opponents
much causfe of boasting, as if they had overcome us by some master-stroke
of policy. As matters now stand, there is every probability that this most
important question will be agitated at the next Convention, and we only
desire to act as God may evidently appear to direct. If you withdraw
from us, we may be defeated, as there is no other individual upon whom
there can be so unhesitating an union, and if our counsels are divided, the
prospect of having a Bishop such as we desire, will almost be totally pre-
cluded. In this case would it be right — would it be consistent with your
duty to God and to His Church, to deny us the privilege of placing on you
this ofiBce? I know your objections, but are they to stand, when the in-
terests of religion are so deeply concerned ? What has been gained by the
concifiatory course you have so generously desired to pursue? It has been
said that your course was dictated by the certainty that opposition would
be made to your consecration, and that you did not choose to meet the issue
of this question. Can your friends suffer you to rest under this imputa-
tion ? But, my dear brother, there are still more serious matters weigh-
ing on our minds. Since the tremendous annunciation of Bishop Hobart
under the signature of J. H. H., in the Recorder, we have been led to ex-
amine the whole matter with most painful anxiety, and we have conclu-
ded that should Bishop Griswold and Bishop Chase be removed by death,
that we might now be able to succeed in the consecration of one who
viewed the matters of serious religion in the same aspect with ourselves.
It is incumbent on us, if possible, to add to the House of Bishops. You
cannot but have noticed the hostile attitude of Bishop Hobart, and permit
150 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
me to ask if you are not willing to help us, as Ave must fight this battle, or else
be held for ages in the same bondage uncter which the Church has already
too much groaned? Will you desert us in this extremity? We put it to
your conscience in the sight of God. Would it be possible for you to con-
template the blasted prospects of the Church in this Diocese, while the con-
viction must ever press upon your mind, that you might have prevented it ?
Bishop White would be personally opposed to ^^ou — so he would be to
.any one we should elect — but it must be known to you, that he would
be less opposed to yofl than to any other individual we could name, and
the very fact of your election would soon entirely dissipate all his unpleas-
ant feeling^ But as a servSftt of Him who counted ijo sacrifices dear, so
that the salvation of perishing sinners was accomplished, are you not will-
ing to encounter a Short, temporar}^ inconvenience ? We, who have desired
that you should be set over us in the Lord, have not stirred in this business
without commending it to the Lord; and the train of providences has been
so wonderful, that we cannot but see that our steps have been directed.
With the same reliance on our Master, and the same sense of our great re-
sponsibility, and with the same confidence in you, our brother, we desire
that we may not be disappointed in our hope. Agreeabiy to the wishes
of a large meeting of Clergy and Laity, I have written this letter, and
have expressed my feeHngs strongly, because I do feel most deeply how
much the welfare of our Zion is connected with this application. We ask
of you, my brother, that you will return one simple answer, and we point
you for that answer to the 11th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, and
the 1*7 th verse, last clause.
We think. that we have acted in strict accordance with the will of God.
We have no wish apart from His good pleasure. If, in a far different
sense from that expressed by our present Diocesan, we are compelled to see
the death of the child, we shall mourn in sackcloth, until God sees fit to
remember Zion in His mercy.
I remain, my dear brother, »
Yours, in the Lord,
G. T. Bedell.
A speedy answer, if you please.
Millwood, Jan. 4, 182
Rev. and Dear Brother :
Yesterday's mail brought me your letter of the 27th ult,, and I seat my-
self to comply with your request of a speedy answer. The "subject of which
it treats, important as it is, having now been so long before my mind, and
the occasion of so much prayer, reflection and consultation, I do not re-
quire more time for deliberation. The conviction that it is my duty posi-
tively to decline the high honor and sacred office you and your friends
would put upon me, only- gains strength from time and reflection. In
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 151
your first communication on this subject, your only request was that I
would not absolutely refuse to be put in nomination for the contemplated
office, but allow my friends to proceed as Providence seemed to direct, and
defer any decision on my part until all the circumstances could be placed
before me, and the will of God made more evident. Unexpected, unwished
for, nay, opposed to all my strongest and dearest ties upon earth as this re-
quest was, yet did it appear to myself, and those friends with whom I had
an opportunity of consulting, as one which a man solemnly devoted to God
could not with propriety refuse, at any rate without much and serious con-
sideration. Under this persuasion, I silently assented to the request, not
knowing what might be the will of God, and determined sincerely to seek
after it. The more I reflected on the subject, the more wera my feelings
and judgment opposed to the proposition, yet, so short was the space of
time allotted for the decision, so distant the scene of contest, and so igno-
rant was I of the circumstances transpiring, that I felt it my duty to per-
severe in the silent course I had adopted, and permit my friends to proceed
in the measures they had commenced. It is a matter of great consolation
to me that in so doing, I intended to do right, and if I erred, God will
bring good out of evil. To show the progressive state of my mind with
regard to this interesting subject, it becomes me to mention that as the pe-
riod of the decision approached, (although I did not feel myself permitted
to forbid ray nomination after all that had occurred), I became so persua-
ded in my own mind, that it would not be proper for me to accept the of-
fice, if ofiered to me, that I declared to many of my friends, that unless
stronger and more numerous arguments than I had either heard or thought.,
.of, were offered to me (and I felt sure none could), I should certainlj^ re-
fuse. Providence happily relieved me from the painful task of contradict-
ing the wishes, and disappointing the zealous efforts of so many known and
unknown friends. I felt happy in the belief that I had done what appear-
ed to be duty, and that good would be' the permanent result.
It seemed that my duty, however, would not be complete without an at-
tempt to postpone, and by postponing, at least to mitigate an evil which
threatened so much mischief to religion and the Church. In this, you in-
form me I have failed. If I have erred in judgment, as doubtless many i
suppose, I pray God to avert the evil likely to ensue.
If those who think differently err (as I fear they do), may God cither
correct their error before it is too late, or bring good out of it to Ilis
Church, which not even the gates of Hell, much less the errors of its friends
shall destroy. As to the motivas to which you say my conduct is ascribed
(in withdrawing from this contest), I hope I have learned ere this, to take
comfort in the Apostolic words, " It is a small thing for me to be judged
of man's judgment. He that judgeth is the Lord." But ought we to be
either troubled or surprised at such things, when we are conscious of so
152 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
much corruption "working "within, of so many selfish motives ever operat-
ing upon us, of so much sin mixing itself "with our very best deeds? Let
it rather lend us to scrutinize and purify our motives, and endeavour that
our actions be singly directed to the glory of God. Let it also produce
another most desirable effect, in making us more charitable in our con-
structions upon the conduct of others. When "we are conscious of being
influenced by the best motives of which human nature, aided by Divine
grace, is capable, and yet men ascribe our conduct to selfishness and cow-
ardice, let us resolve that we will not follow their example, but will banish
all unworthy suspicions from our bosoms, and cherish that charity which
"hopeth all things," unless indeed the contrary be too evident, and the
cause of sacred truth demanl5s the exposure of hypocritical design.
I have thus, nay dear brother, through you, opened my heart to those
friends who have hitherto endeavored to elevate me to a station for which
I think Providence never designed me. In sending this refusal to co-ope-
rate with them, I also send my most earnest prayers for Heaven's direction
and blessing to them, in the very important work in which they are en-
gaged. May God grant to your prayers, one, who from the best of mo-
tives desireth the office of a Bishop, and in the best of ways, shall perform
every duty of the office. And may the God of peace be with you, prays
Your sincere friend and brother,
William Meade.
Rev. G. T. Bedell.
Philadelphia, Jan. 5, 1827.
Rev. William Meade.
Rev. and Dear Sir:
The interest you took when last in this city, in promoting an under-
standing between the Clergy and Laymen who were on opposite sides upon
the question of an Assistant Bishop, entitles you to know the result of the
measures then adopted on your advice. I therefore take the liberty of en-
closing you a printed circular, which, after the meeting at the house of
Bishop White, was signed by the Rev Mr. Kemper, a few other gentlemen
, and myself (Mr. De Lancey having been absent from the city), and ad-
dressed to the Clergy and Laymen in the Diocese, whose opinions at the
late Convention had coincided with our own. On the evening of the 18th
of December last Mr. Kemper, Mr. DeLancey and myself attended at the
Bishop's study, agreeably to appointment. The Rev. Mr. Boyd and Mr.
Robbins were also present. The Rev. Mr. Bedell was, it was said, unable
to attend by reason of an engagement. It was stated by myself, I believe,
that we were prepared to express the sentiments of our friends upon the
proposition which had been drawn up at the previous meeting ; and it was
asked whether Mr. Boyd and Mr. Robbins were ready to do the same. The
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 153
replj given by one of those gentlemen was, that they were not ; that they
had received but few answers from those to whom they had addressed a
circular upon the subject, but that judging from communications made by
five out of eight gentlemen from whom an answer had been received, and
from conversations with the Clergy and Laymen in the city, it was not be-
lieved that the proposition would be assented to, at all events Mr. Boyd
and Mr. Robbins were then unable to express any such assent.
It was asked on our part, whether a further meeting was desired, to give
another opportunity for collecting the opinions of gentlemen who had
omitted to answer the circular. Mr. Boyd replied that he was willing to
attend such a meeting if others wished it, but that he would not say he
desired it, and finally, upon both Mr. Boyd and Mr. Robbins saying that
they did not believe there would be an assent to the proposition, the meet-
ing was adjourned, with an understanding that if they should perceive any
good in another meeting, before the first of the next year, they were to
give us notice, and we would again ask the Bishop to receive us in his
study. The time has now expired without any such notice.
This, Reverend Sir, is, I believe, an accurate but concise statement of the
occurrences at the Bishop's house on the 18th of December.
The circular is sent to you, that you may know in what spirit we com-
municated with our friends. They promptly answered us in the same
spirit; so that we were authorized to express the assent of 21 clergymen
and 41 laymen of the Diocese to the proposition which had your approba-
tion, and ultimately that of all the gentlemen convened at the house of
Bishop White on the 18th November. What is to be the result of the dis-
sent which I think may be inferred from the last conference, I cannot pre-
dict. That we are again to witness a scene, at the recollection of which
the friends of the Church ought to weep, I hope is not possible ; but as
the interview at which the proposition in question was stated and adopted,
was, I think, at your suggestion — and as certainly my own part in it was
exclusively induced by your declaration, that if this course should not be
acceded to by those who professed to be your friends, you would not per-
mit them to use your name in the controversy, I have thought it my duty
to make the communication to you. I beg to assure you that no part or
vote which I may have taken or given in this matter, is otherwise than per-
fectly consistent with the sincere personal respect of
Reverend and dear sir.
Your friend and servant,
liOR : BiNNEY.
Horace BiNNEY, Esq., Jan 11,1827.
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 5th inst., has just come to hand, and I feel it my
duty to acknowledge the same, not merely in courtesy, but to assure you
7*
154 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
of the continuance of those views and sentiments which influenced my
conduct while in Philadelphia, touching the subject of your letter.
It was not without much and serious deliberation, nor without previous
conversation with individuals on both sides of the question, that they
might consider it well, and not be hastily led into any measure, that I ob-
tained my own consent to be the author of the proposition submitted.
Still thinking that it is the measure most likely to conduce to the peace
and prosperity of the Church, I regret that it does not prove more uni-
versally acceptable. If I have erred and recommended an injudicious
course, I pray God to defend His Church against the injurious effects of it.
Most sincerely do I hope that all the objections which presented themselves
to my mind against the first agitation or renewal of this subject, may
prove groundless, and not only the actors in it be justified before God and
man, in all that they have done, or shall do, hut that the result may be
for the glory of God and the good of His Church. The path of duty now
appears plain before me. In accordance with a resoultion taken and de-
clared while in Philadelphia, I must now absolutely and entirely withdraw
from all future participation in this controversy. In so doing, I only act
in compliance with what appears to be my duty from various other con-
siderations. As one solemnly devoted to the service of Almighty God in
any station he might assign me, I did not feel myself permitted in the
first instance to refuse any consideration of so important, and so unex-
pected a proposal, lest I might be disregarding the voice of God. I there-
fore silently consented to be voted for, resolving honestly to seek, and
steadily pursue the path of duty. All the reflections of my own mind and
all the advice of my best and most judicious friends have conspired to form
and fix a resolution, not to accept the office, even if offered under the
most flattering circumstances.
Some clays before the receipt of j-our letter, I had communicated this
determination to those friends who had honored me with their support for
the important office to-be filled. In so doing, I have= the pleasing con-
sciousness of having endeavored to make my whole conduct proceed from
the best motives, of which my corrupt nature is capable, and now commit
the event to that Providence who maketh all things work together for
good.
In conclusion, allow me to hope that the next Convention in Pennsylva-
nia may be as different from your apprehension, as the last General Con-
vention was from mine, and that the result of both may be most favorable
to the cause of true ])iety throughout our Church.
Accept for yourself, my dear Sir, the assurances of my high esteem and
the best wishes for your temporal and eternal welfiire.
Your friend and servant,
W.«Mead:e.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 155
(^Ante Communion service). — During the deep depression of
the Church in Yirginia, when her extinction was predicted
by some, and assumed by others, the rubrical directions
connected wj^h the prescribed forms of public service, and
various offices set apart in the Book of Common Prayer,
were very imperfectly observed. The Church itself had
almost disappeared, and it could scarcely be expected that
her peculiarities would be maintained in full and sym-
metrical order. Public services were rare — prayer-books
scarce — the liturgy when attempted, of necessity con-
ducted in a fragmentary and feeble way. "With the reviv-
al of the Church, and the increasing opportunities and
facilities for religious services, there was a readiness on
the part of ministers and people, to renew the sus-
pended privileges of the Sanctuary by conforming to the
order for prayers, as incucated by the rubrics. This was
not, at once, equally practicable in all places, but it was
generally and honestly essayed. Mr. Meade relates, that
'' when in 1811, 1 took charge of the congregation in Alex-
andria, so unaccustomed were the people to join in the
service, that I tried in vain to introduce the practice, un-
til I fell on the expedient of making the children, who, in
large numbers, came weekly to my house to be catechised,
go over certain parts of the service and psalms with me,
and after having thus trained them, on a certain Sabbath,
directed them to respond heartily and loudly in the midst
of the grown people. They did their part well, and com-
plete success soon attended the plan."
"The practice of those who engaged in the resuscitation
of the Church in Virginia, was, to use the morning service
and litany, and to omit the Ante-Communion service ex-
cept on Communion' days. This was introduced among
us by the brethren who came from Maryland — the Eev.
Dr. Wilmer, Norris, and Lemmon, who doubtless believed
that it was according to the design of those who arranged
the American Book of Common Prayer. They quoted as
15'6 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
authority the declaration and practice of the Eev. Dr.
Smith, who, as insij be seen in the Journals of our earliest
General Conventions, took a leading j)art in the changes
of the Prajer-Book. Dr. Smith, after leaving Philadel-
phia, settlned in Chestertown, Maryland, where it was de-
clared he never used the Ante-Communion service. Dr.
Wilmer was one of his successors, and said that it was
affirmed also, that Dr. Smith avowed himself to have been
the author of one or more of the rubrics, on the meaning
and design of which, rested the question of obligation to
use the Ante-Communion service every Sabbath, and that
he had in view the permission to leave it optional with the
minister. I am aware that Bishop White expressed a diff-
erent opinion, and that his practice was otherwise. Nor
do I purpose to discuss the question, or to take sides, but
only to state the authority on wliich the Virginia custom
was advocated."
" From the first every minister has been allowed the free
exercise of his conscience and judgment in regard to it.
For a time Bishop Moore, who had been accustomed to the
fuller service in the city of New York, was disposed to
urge the same on the clergy of Virginia, but, after some
observation and experience, became satisfied that it was
best to leave it to the discretion of each minister, and
though in his own parish, he always used it, never required
the same in his visits to others."
This diversity of practice was by no means peculiar to
the clergy of Maryland and Virginia. This was intimated
to Bishop Hobart, by Mr. Meade, in a conversation which
occurred during the session of the General Convention, in
1823. To the statement^ that some of his own clergy,
chiefly in Western New York, indulged in this practice, he
was unwilling to assent. But, at the opening of the Gen-
eral Convention of 1826, he took Mr. Meade aside, and
said, that on inquiry he had found that Mr. Meade was
correct, and that he " meant to propose something, which,
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 157
he thought, would satisfy all parties, and produce a happy
uniformity throughout the Church."
This 2:)lan was soon introduced into the House of Bish-
ops, where it was passed unanimously, and sent to the
House of Clerical and Lay Deputies. Here also, with
some slight modification, it was adopted and transmitted
to the several Dioceses for consideration, preparatoiy to
final action by the next General Convention. The pream-
ble declares, that " the House of Bishojis, solicitous to
preserve unimpaired the liturgy of the Church, and yet
desirous to remove the reasons alleged from the suj^posed
length of the service, for the omission of some of its parts,
and particularly for the omission of that part of the Com-
munion office which is commonly called the Ante-Com-
munion, do unanimously propose to the House of Clerical
and Lay Deputies the following resolutions" :
Resolution 1, provides that the minister shall not be
confined to the Psalter as divided, or the selections, but
may substitute any other Psalm or Psalms, ext?ept on those
days on which '' proper Psalms are appointed."
Resolution 2, provides that the minister might read only a
portion of the lessons, not less than fifteen verses ; and on
other than Sundays and holy days, when morning and
evening daily prayer is used, that he might substitute
other portions of the Old and New Testament for the pre-
scribed lessons.
Resolution 3, provides an alternate for the preface to the
Confirmation service — the Bishops finding the existing
one, is frequently not well suited to the age and charac-
ter of those who are presented for this holy ordinance.
Resolution 4. To provide against the injurious misappre-
hension of certain terms in the first collect in the office of
Confirmation, proposed to insert the words " in baptism"
between "hast vouchsafed" and to "regenerate " — thus
identifying baptism and regeneration, and declaring
them convertible terms. And then to guard against the
158 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
error of supposing that the regeneration in baptism, is
"the renewing of the Holy Ghost" — it is declared to be a
titular kind of regeneration or investment promissory,
actual possession to be secured with the terms of the
covenant.
Resolution 5, provided for rendering the use of the Ante-
Comniunion service obligatory on all Sundays and other
holy days."
At this same Convention, a canon was introduced, de-
signed to render the use of the Ante-Oommunion as pro-
posed, immediately obligatory. As this, if passed, would
secure the fifth resolution at once, as a law of the Church,
and leave the other parts of the plan to the uncertainty^ of
Diotjcsan action, and of confirmation by the next General
Convention — the movement looked suspicious and awak-
ened painful apprehension in the minds of some — lewt it
might be a plan under the influence of the whole in pros-
pect, to enact a |)art forthwith, and then abandon in the
future, those provisions of the plan which rendered this
particular part passable.
Sometime after the adjournment of the General Con-
vention, the existence of these unpleasant impressions
was made kn^wn to Bishop Hobart. He promptly ad-
dressed the following letter to Francis S. Key, Esq., with
a request that he would communicate its contents to Mr.
Meade, adding as a reason for not writing to him, that he
did not know his post-ofiice.
New York, Jan. 30, 182*7.
Fkancis S. Key, Esq. :
Dear Sir :
•My friend, Judge Emott, intimated to me some short time since,
tliat bethought you and Mr. Meade were unpleasantly impressed with the
circumstance that the original propositions from the House of Bishops
were connected with a canon enforcing the Ante-Communion office ; inas-
much as the former propositions would not be definitely acted upon until
three years hence, and the latter would go into immediate operation. I
ought to mention to you that this camon was not brought forward by me,
MEMOIR OF BISHOP :MEADE. J59
and though in favor of it, yet as soon as I discovered that it was not re-
garded as quite fair, bj those who omitted it (the ante-communion service),
to enjoin its use before they were allowed to abbreviate in other respects,
the service, I proposed to the Bishops, that this subject should assume the
shape in which it now comes forward. I do assure you, that my object
was, to settle the discropaucies which prevail in the use of the liturgy, in
a manner suiting all parties ; and I was highly gratified by the frank and
Cordial support which this attempt received from yourself, Mr. Meade, Mr.
Henshaw, and others. If successful, I flattered myself that one principal
cause of crimination among us, would be removed, and that the conten-
tions thence resulting, might be settled and prevented. I have been very
much surprised, that this matter has not been received in the same spirit
which dictated it, and that propositions which do not leave out any o:ae
part of the liturgy, but enforcing all, merely give license to shorten two,
should be represented as attacks upon the liturgy, which endanger it, when
the very object is "to preserve it unimpaired." The license, too, as to
lessons in theyyeek, I consider most necessary. Having prayers on Wednes-
days and Fridays and Saints' days, I have been forcibly struck then, as well
as at Confirmations, with the unsuitablen'ess of the prescribed lessons. So,
in the Confirmation offiee, the present preface has always struck me as
insufficient and rather tame, and the expressions in the prayer are lia-
ble to be misunderstood, and create serious objections, (I have found, on
the part of many,) to receiving the ordinance. The object of the proposed
prayer, was not to relinquish the expression of regeneration as applied to
baptism, but to guard against the misconstruction that would make this,
synonymous with renovation, sanctification, conversion, or any other
terms, by which the renewing of the Holy Ghost might be denoted. I can
account for those who are satisfied with a state of things in which they
think they have sufficient plea for shortening the service as they please,
being opposed to propositions which aim at producing uniformity. But I
cannot account for the opposition of those who contend for this uni-
formity. They M-ould prefer, as it seems rigidly enforcing the "vvhole of
the service as it now stands (as in the Charleston Gospel Messenger, p. 23)
by the authority of the Church. But this is not so easy, nor I think so
desirable a mode as that which, by a "little legal liberty" seeks peaceably
to prevent "license without bounds."
You must not blame the Publishing Committee in New York, with the
delay in publishing the Hymns. They were ready for publication in a
few weeks after the meeting of the Convention, but the copyright commit-
tee in Philadelphia have not yet decided who shall have the copyright.
Both these matters should have been entrusted to the same committee. I
was much pleased with the unanimity, with which, in the committee, we
got through that matter, and think we shall have a very good set of
160 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
Hymns. J have been erroneously supposed to be opposed to Hymns. On
the contrary, 1 was in favor of the Hymns set forth in Baltimore in 1808.
The only apprehension has been the exclusion of Psalms. The Hymns set
forth, exhibit as I conceive, the exercises of the penitent, believing and
devout soul.
May I ask you to give to Mr. Meade the explanations on the first page
of this letter, as to the Canon, &c., and to convey to him my best regards.
I do not know his |30st-ofiice, or I would write to him.
I am, Dear Sir,
Very sincerely Yours,
J. H. HOBART.
Mr. Key forwarded this letter to Mr. Meade, to which
he replied :
Millwood, Frederick Co., Virginia,
Feb. 10, 1827.
Right Rev. and Dear Sir :
I received last evening a letter from my friend, Mr. Key, enclosing one
from yourself, designed for myself as well as him. I should be wanting in
common courtesy as well as Christian feeling, not to reply to the message
sent to me therein, especially as it was connected with a remark that you
would have communicated the same by letter, had you known my direction.
It is indeed true, as stated by your friend Judge Emott, that a very pain-
ful impression was made upon me by the manner in which the canon relat-
ing to the Ante-Communion service, was introduced. It was the more
painful, because so unexpected from what had passed between us, and
because it fell upon a heart softened by the blessed assurance, that a spirit
of conciliation was to be the ruling spirit of the Convention. I was pre-
viously prepared to rejoice in the proposition from the House of Bishops,
because the subject had for the last six months occupied my thoughts and
engaged my prayers at a throne of grace. I earnestly desired that some
method might be devised which might puta stop to dispute, which I have long
considered as disgraceful to the Church, and injurious to religion. I had
almost come to a conclusion to introduce the subject myself, if no one else
would. At any rate, I had determined (as I mentioned to you in New
York) to speak of it to Bishop White, as well knowing his sentiments on
the subject, and urge him to do this last act of kindness to the Church.
The transactions of the Pennsylvania Convention, and some intimations
thrown out (as I understood) and indeed Bishop White's addresses would,
however, have prevented my taking any steps in such a manner, for rea-
sons sufficiently obvious. It was, however, with equal surprise and
pleasure that I found from yourself and Bishop Cross, that other heads
and hearts had been engaged in the same cause, and must we not believe
, under the influence of one Spirit?
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 161
This pleasure was indeed for a time suspended, or rather turned into
chagrin and disappointment by the canon above mentioned. The readi-
ness with which the House of Bishops consented to make the desired alter-
ations, at once restored me to mj first pleasing assurance. It gives me ad-
ditional pleasure to learn from your letter, that yourself was the author of
the proposition. At the very time of receiving your letter, I was engaged
in looking over the Psalter and the Lessons (which I had been long intend-
ing to do), in order to come to a conclusion in my own mind as to the ex-
pediency of the proposed change. The result of my examination as to the
Psalms is, a full conviction that the plan of leaving the selection of a Psalm
or Psalms to the minister, as Bishop White advocated in the first Conven-
tions of the Church, is the best, and indeed the only good one. I am sur-
prised that I was never struck before with the imperfection of the present
mode. Let any one read over the Psalter, and strike out those which are
peculiar to David's state of mind under his troubles, and which contain
certain passages which, in their present translation, at least are objectiona-
ble as a part of public worship ; those also which are peculiar to the Jew-
ish nation and to ancient times, and which, by comparison at least, are un-
suitable to Christian worship, and he will find the nunrber of Psalms likely
to interest and edify a Christian assembly, very much reduced. According
to the present plan of division, many of the best Psalms are never read at
all. For instance, in perhaps four-fifths of our churches there is no after-
noon or night service, and thus one-half of the Psalms are left out as to
them, as they only use the morning division. Again, there are some of the
divisions which contain the damnatory Psalms, which we dislike to hear,
or read in public, and therefore turn to the selections, although there are
some of the finest Psalms in the same division, which are of course, lost to
the service. This plan also brings the selections, especially one or two of
the shorter ones, into too frequent use, to the neglect of other Psalms.
Again, two-fifths of the Psalms are read over two or three times each year,
and it often happens that these are the most indifferent. Now, surely, any
minister might do better than this for himself, and regularly present to the
congregation the most interesting and edifying Psalms. Many of them
are long enough to answer one at a time, and sometimes two short ones are
together, which may be conveniently read. The plan proposed, I there-
fore think, far to be preferred.
As to the lessons for Sundays, although many of them are sufficiently
short, and others could not with propriety be curtailed, yet there are many
others which might, not only innocently but usefully, be abbreviated.
Witness the chapters in St. John, and I would particularly refer to the 25th
of St. Matthew, all of which is appointed to be read at one lesson, but
which consists of three distinct parables. The first of these is only thir-
teen verses, the second and third are about twenty, and are most impressive
162 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
lessons, whose eflfect, in my opinion, would be greater when read separate-
ly, than when all three are read together. The lessons then would be more
like the Epistles and Gospels at present, and I believe more useful and im-
pressive.
So far as they go, I am therefore pleased with the alterations, and can see
no harm, but much good from them, but, though I would have been op-
posed to the general omission of the Litany, as proposed to be allowed ini
the first instance, yet I should be glad to see such permission granted on
Communion days, when the service is so much lengthened, and other ex-
cellent prayers added. This is particularly desirable in the country, where
all the congregation must stay in, during the administration, or be improp-
erly engaged without the house, waiting for those who commune. I hope
such alterations will yet be made, or at least silently be permitted. Upon
the whole, I am more and more deeply impressed with the conviction that
if some arrangement suitable to the state of the Church, and according
with the general sentiment as to the inexpedient length of it, be not made,.
a heavy guilt will rest upon us. Nothing can prevent it but pride, ob-
stinacy, prejudice and uncharitableness, and if we will bite an^ devour
one another, we shall be consumed one of another, and become a laugh-
ing-stock to our enemies that malign us." I have seen the objections in
the Recorder and the Gospel llessenger, and should like to see the defence
in the Christian Journal. If you can procure a copy of the number which
has it, you will confer a favor by sending it to me.
I have said nothing as to the proposed change in the Confirmation
service, not having examined the subject as I wish, and intend to do.
It seems to be good so far as it goes, but why could not another prayer
on the same plan be introduced into the baptismal service, and allowed
to be used in place of the one which we must now use, but which I
never do without pain, because its plain literal meaning contradicts my
belief? I have thus, my dear sir, freely laid open my sentiments to you
in relation to the subjects now agitating the Church. I sincerely ho pe
the measure proposed may secure the integrity and* uniform observance
of the service, and thus remove one fruitful source of much uncharitable
feeling amongst us. Although I cannot be a High Churchman, according
to your view of the subject, yet I trust *my conviction of the excellency
and spiritual character of the Episcopal Church, and my attachment to
her doctrine, discipline and worship, will ever make me desirous to know
and do what will promote her best interests.
Sincerely hoping that you may succeed in infusing a spirit of concilia-
tion into those who usually think and act with you, but now differ from
3^ou, and that you may enjoy the satisfaction of seeing much good arise
from your exertions, I remain, with the best wishes and prayers,
Yours respectfully and affectionately,
WJLLIA.M Meade.
MEMOIR OF -BISHOP MEADE. 163
Sickness detained Bishop Moore from the General Con-
vention which adopted the resohitions prepared by Bishop
Hobart, and transmitted them to "the several State Con-
ventions, to be acted upon at the next General Convention,
according to the 8th article of the Constitution." When
a copy reached him, the whole proposal met with his de-
cided condemnation, and in his address to his Convention
he fully expressed the fears which he experienced — ^stat-
ing that the Church had prospered in the use of the Lit-
urgy handed down to us by our fathers — that the pro-
posed alterations would destroy uniformity of worship —
that it would render the public worship of God as various
as the minds of the Clergy — that the old members of the
Church would be grieved — that the guards to uniformity
being removed, innovations would be multiplied — the peo-
ple lose their reverence for the services, and the Church
receive the most vital injury. The high estimation of the
Liturgy expressed by distinguished divines of other de-
nominations was adverted to, and the hope and prayer ut-
tered, that "the Church in Virginia will never be induced
to depart from her prescribed forms, but will defend the
Liturgy in all its integrity, at^^d prove to the Christian
world that we reverence the opinions of our fathers, and
are satisfied with that system of doctrine which they ven-
erated, and which they so highly valued."
After this earnest address, the proposed alterations were
referred to a select committee. In their report, made the
next day, they recommended a series of resolutions, de-
claring each of the changes to be "uncalled for and inex-
pedient," and that "the delegation to the next General
Convention be instructed to use their exertions to prevent
their adoption." This report was then laid upon the table.
At the Convention of 1829, it was called up and carefully
examined, and discussed in Committee of the "Whole. The
result was, the recommendation of the follov^'ing preamble
and resolutions, which were adopted by the Convention :
J 64 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
J' The Convention of this Diocese having had under long
and serious consideration, the proposed alterations in the
rubric, relative to the order of our service, and also to the
proposed additions to the Confirmation service, is con-
strained to express its dissent from the proposed changes,'
believing that they are not likely to effect that most desi-
rable end contemplated by the advocates of the same ;
therefore.
Resolved, That, zealously attached to the Book of Com-
mon Prayer and other offices of our Church, this Conven-
tion is desirous that no alterations should take place in the
same, at this time."
On these proceedings, and the manner in which the
whole plan was disposed of, Mr. Meade observes: "But
for this appeal (Bishop Moore's to the Virginia Conven-
tion of 1826), and a tender regard to the feelings of the
Bishop, I believe that the Church in Virginia would, by
its silence at least, have consented to the action of the
General Convention, although none of us were satisfied
with some things in it. I took occasion at another Con-
vention (1829), when the delegates to the General Conven-
tion were directed to vote against the proposed change, to
declare my continued conviction, that the action of the
General Convention had been, on the Avhole, calculated to
do good — though I meant not to oppose what had been
determined on in the Convention of Virginia. The adop-
tion of the changes would have effected much of what now
seems to be desired. Had the change proposed, whereby
the meaning of baptismal regeneration was fixed at the
lowest point, been adopted, there would have been, by an-
ticipation, a protest of the whole Church against all that
flood of error, in relation to the effects of baptism of in-
fants, which has since been brought in by the Tractarian
heresy. I would not, however,' be understood as endorsing
Bishop Hobart's mode of explaining our baptismal serv-
ice, as I believe another is more consistent with the whole
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 165
tenor of our service, of which, the hypothetical theory, or
the judgment of charity is the way for their true under-
standing. The lead which Virginia took in opposition to
the measure, was followed by some other Conventions;
and as it failed to give general satisfaction, Bishop Hobart
proposed its withdrawment, and it was accordingly with-
drawn, and the obligation to use the Ante-Communion ser-
vice on every Sabbath, was left to rest on its former doubt-
ful foundation. The Bishops had indeed expressed their
opinion that it was obligatory, but, it was, of course, only
an opinion, wanting the force of law, as the General Con-
vention had never adopted it, nor did the Bishops claim
more for it."
The whole measure seems to have been an ingeniously
devised plan of the Bishop of ^N'ew York, to effect two ob-
jects which he had much at heart — uniformity in the use
of the Ante-Communion service, and of faith in the mat-
ter of baptismal regeneration. The first was to be accom-
plished by legislative action, rendering that unquestionably
binding, which, the proposal itself, recognized as being by
some, considered of doubtful obligation. The second was
to be effected by an authoritative interpolation of the first
Collect of the ofiice of Confirmation, so as to confine re-
generation to the administration of Baptism, as then, and
therein, surely conferred — also defining it as solely ^'■titu-
lar,'' and " guarding it against the misconstruction which
would make this synonymous with renovation, sanctifica-
tion, conversion, or any other words by which the agency
of the Holv Ghost mio-ht be denoted."
The practical objection to the use of the Ante-Commu-
nion service on all Sundays and holy days, was, that except
when there was communion, it unnecessarily extended the
service, which, on ordinary occasions, was said to be long
enough without this addition. To conciliate those who
took this ground, it was proposed to give to ministers lib-
erty to curtail the Lessons to fifteen verses each, and the
166 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
Psalter for the daj-to a single Psalm, to be selected at will
— thus saving time by the abridgment in the Lessons and
Psalms, to allow the Ante-Communion to be read, without
making the whole service longer than the simple Morning
Prayer, as now prescribed. The object, clearly, was not
to effect greater uniformity in general, but to secure the
use of the Ante-Communion on all Sundays and other
holy days; and the policy was to legalize great diversity
in the use of the Lessons and Psalter, in consideration of
enjoining the us.e of the Ante-Communion, as proposed.
It would not be easy to explain this ijartiality^ or to justify
the cost at. which it was tq be gratified*.
The' proposal to limit and settle by authoritative decla-
ration, the thieological import of the term regeneration^ and
bind it to the administration of Baptism, was liable to more
serious objection, especially if there be "a more consistent
explanation." The one proposed might indeed have prov-
ed "a protest, by anticipation, of the whole Church against
that flood of error in relation to the effects of infaiit bap-
tism, which has been since brought in by Tractarian here-.
sy" — but this, on the supposition, would only have been
the protest of legal iz.ed error against that which was not
— an antagonism in which the truth has no interest, and
could receive no benefit except in their mutual extermina-
tion.
The Church may be satisfied that a measure wdiich
strangely numbered among its supporters those who were
generally found in opposition to each other, should have
been defeated by as extraordinary a concurrence of others,
who rarely harmonized in Conventional action.
The Church had not yet attained the state necessary to
effect what had been honestly purposed, but happily failed
in the form in which it was essayed. Perhaps the only
plan which could have succeeded, would have been to leave
existing formularies untouched, and as Mr. Meade else-
where suggests — to act according to precedent in other
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 1G7
cases — prepare an alternate collect to be used after Bap-
tism, consisting of such expressions only as would not be
unacceptable to the advocate of either theor}^ on the sub-
ject. Where this course has been pursued, it has ha^ the
happiest effect in abating dissension, and obviating diffi-
culties experienced by honest minds. Beyond such provis-
ion nothing can be judiciously done, till it please God, all
see eye to eye, and 'can conscientiously and intelligently
concur in the definite expression of positive truth.
(^Assistant . Bishop.) — In his address to the Convention
of 1828, Bishop Moore expressed his earnest desire for the
appointment of an assistant in .the performance of the
duties of the Episcopate.
" Before I conclude, there is one more point to which I
think it my duty to call the attention of the Convention,
and as a year must necessarily elapse before a final deter-
mination of the question can take place, w^e shall have
full time allowed us for reflection and deliberation."
" Although my labors during the past year have been
equal to the labors of any preceding twelve months, still
from my advanced age, it is impossible for me .to calculate
on a long continuance of such effort and exertion. 'It is
my wish, provided the Convention think proper, so to alter
the Constitution of the Church, as to admit of the conse-
cration of a suffragan or an assistant Bishop in this Dio-
cese. It was proposed several years ago, in consequence
of the great extent of the Diocese, to divide it into two
parts, in order that the ^^arishes might receive episcopal
visi1?ations more frequently, than is prescribed by the
canons. As this purpose can be secured by the appoint-
ment of a suffragan, or an Assistant Bishop, I would recom-
mend to the Convention, — so to alter the Constitution as
to secure the contem2:>lated measure. It is my sincere
desire that a Bishop should be appointed during my life,^
and as such an appointment can now be made with perfect
unanimity, it is expedient that it should be done. It will
168 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
give me pleasure to unite in labor with the man of your
choice. It will render me happy in the hour of my depar-
ture, to know the individual to whom I am to resign the
arduous duties of, the Episcopate — to whose cdre this
peaceful, quiet Diocese shall be committed. May the Al-
mighty direct us in all our doings with His most gracious
favor, and further us with His continual help."
To this earnest appeal, so reasonable in itself, and most
affectionately expressed, the Convention promptly acceded.
The committee on the state of the Church, responded to
it, in language of filial respect and sympathy, and, to pre-
pare the way for effecting the measure, proposed by their
Eight Eev. Father in G-od, recommended " that notice be
transmitted to the several vestries of the parishes of this
Diocese, that it is proposed to annul and abolish the first
sentence of the sixth article of the Constitution, which
declares, "there shall be but one Bishop," "to manage its
concerns." This resolution was then adopted, and in the
ensuing Convention, the constitutional impediment was
removed — the. votes standing — ayes, 45 ; noes, 17. '
The way having been thus oj^ened for further action,
Mr. Hugh Nelson offered the following resolution: "that
this Convention deem it expedient, considering the age
and bodily infirmity of our beloved Bishop, to proceed to
the election of an assistant Bishop,- who is not to be con-
sidered entitled to the succession, but that it shall be the
duty and right of the Convention of Yirginia, on the
demise of our venerable Bishop, to proceed to the election
of a principal bishop as a successor to the' deceased
bishop.'" When the question was taken on this resolu-
tion, it was carried — the vote being — ayes, 50; noes, 13.
As there was no division of the question, it is more than
probable from the names of those in the negative, that
-their opposition was not to the measure, but to the restric-
tion upon the succession, and it may be charitably pre-
sumed, that not a few of those in the afl^rmative, so cast
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 169
their votes, to secure the measure, intending, as was after-
wards done, to instruct the delegates to the next G-eneral
Convention to bring the subject of the election of Assis-
tant Bishops before that Body, to obtain such legislation
as would regulate the number of bishops each Diocese
may elect — prescribing the circumstances under which
a suffragan, assistant, or co-adjutor, may be chosen, and
also the duties of such bishops" — expecting that the wis-
dom of that Body would some how remedy the unac-
countable error into which the Convention of Virginia had
fallen. Be this as it may. the remedy was in due time
provided, and the serious evils otherwise inseparable from
the restriction, were thus prevented.
After the adoption of Mr. J^elson's resolution, the Con-
vention having engaged " in secret prayer, to God," pro-
ceeded to the election of an assistant bishop. " On count-
ing the ballots, there were found twenty-five votes in favor
of the Eev. William Meade, D.D., and two blank ballots,
so that the Eev. William Meade, D. D., was declared to
be duly nominated and appointed by the Clergy, and then
the said appointment was presented to the order of the
lay delegates, and upon a ballot being taken by them,
there were found in favor of the Eev. William Meade, D.
D., thirty-six votes, being the whole number of votes given
in — and thereupon the Eev. William Meade, D. D., was
declared duly elected."
To the testimonial of the Diocesan Convention, to be
transmitted to the General Convention which w^as soon to
assemble, the names of all the members present were
affixed, except two of the clergy, probably the two, who,
at the election, had cast in blank votes. One of these, the
Eev. Adam Empie, D. D., a most estimable and prominent
Presbyter of the Diocese, and at the time President of
William and Mary College, was influenced in withholding
his vote and signature by conscientious doubt as to the
entire fitness of Dr. Meade for the responsible office of a
8
170 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
bishop. As a minister, Dr. Empie was warm hearted and
evangelical, but perhaps somewhat ultra in his opinions on
certain points of external order and i-itual observance.
Under the influence of these opinions, he felt it incumbent
on him to insist upon tests of meetness for the Episcopate,
which the standards of the Church do not recognize, — and
which, those in authorit}^, have, in no instance avowed,
in considering and deciding on the right of a bishop elect,
to be consecrated. Dr. Empie had not been long in the
Diocese. He knew, however, that Dr. Meade was the
only person spoken or thought of, as assistant bishop, and
that when Bishop Moore had recommended the measure,
and urged it because then, " such an appointment could be
made with perfect unanimity" — the illusion needed no
interpretation. But Dr. Empie had heard, (he does not
say from whom,) rumors relative to the Church principles
and unrubrical practices of Dr. Meade, which, if true,
would bring hiin under the ban of the tests, which Dr.
Empie had allowed himself to superadd to those prescribed
by the Church. To satisfy his OAvn mind, he addressed to
Dr. Me ade the following letter of exposition and interro-
gation :
Williamsburg, March 23, 1829.
Rev. "V^iLLiAM Meade,
Rev. and Dear Sir :
My thoughts have lately been turned to the subject of our next Conven-
tion, and the election of an Assistant Bishop. The choice of a Bishop, al-
vrays important, is peculiarly so in the present divided stateof our Church.
If, under God, anything can save her from divisions and schism, it is the
House of Bishops. But that House cannot possibly effect this unless they
are unanimous in their councils and their measures, and the only possible
•way of completely securing this, is by unanimity of sentiment upon all the
important points on v^hich Churchmen are unfortunately divided. As the
members of the Church, therefore, value her unity, her peace and her pros-
perity, they are bound to elevate to the Episcopate those only who will
harmonize with the existing Bishops in their leading sentiments and meas-
ures.
As to myself, I hold that the primary, essential and indispensable quali-
fications of a Bishop are deep piety, fervent zeal, a good fund of theologi-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 171
cal knowledge, much religious experience, and a deeply evangelical spirit,
connected with evangelical views and principles, not in the Party, but in
the Scripture sense of these terms. And in the next place, though of sec-
ondary importance, yet I hold it to be an essential prerequisite in a candi-
date for the mitre, that he should harmonize with our present Bishops on
all those important points in which diversity of sentiment might endanger
the peace, the union and 'the prosperity of the Church, — and this I hold
to be essential, not merely as a matter of prudence, but on the ground of
revealed obligation.
I am not a Party man, neither am I ultra. I believe myself to be, in
the fullest sense of the term, strictly evangelical, and at the same time I
call myself a High Churchman, and I hesitate not both to approve, and to
condemn some things, both in the high and low church party. But I can-
not, with a clear conscience, vote for or recommend to that sacred and re-
sponsible office, any man who does not cordially hold to, and who will not
faithfully maintain all the distinguishing peculiarities of our Church. For
this would be, to surrender the sacred deposite into the hands of one, whose
principles would naturally lead him to betray it. I am not so rigid as to
allow no latitude of interpretation, and no diversity of sentiment, upon
difficult and disputed points — but we cannot be called Churchmen unless
we agree in the following particulars : A ministry of three orders is of Di-
vine, or at least of Apostolic appointment ; none but Bishops have author-
ity to ordain, and therefore Lay and Presbyterial ordination cannot be
Scriptural or valid, though God, no doubt, will always accept the reli-
gious services of all who serve Him in the best manner they know how.
"Whether forms of prayer be, or be not of Divine appointment, as they are
established and required by the Church, we are in duty bound to use them
according to her requirements, nor can we go contrary to the express pro-
visions of Rubrics or Canons, without incurring the guilt of breaking
our ordination vows and violating laws both divine and human. Necessi-
ty, of course, will justify a departure from rubrical or canonical require-
ments, but mere motives of expediency afford not the slightest justifica-
tion, and that conscience must be morbidly diseased^ which sees no moral
obligation in every part of our ordination vows. The only possible justi-
fication for rubrical and canonical irregularities is, in the case of those
who, at the time of their ordination vow, did not think these irregulari-
ties excluded by that vow, and who, through the inadvertence of the or-
daining Bishop, were suffered to promise conformity and obedience in their
own sense. From what our laws require, there is no exemption, except
through the medium of our general ecclesiastical legislature. Though we
are at liberty to use our influence to alter existing laws and usages by leg-
islative enactments, yet we are not at liberty to destroy the peace of the
Church, or to carry our point by means of disunion and schism. What
we cannot effect short of a dissolution of our ecclesiastical union, we must
172 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
be contented not to effect at all. Besides, a Bishop ought not to stand
pledged to any Party, or be ready to go any lengths that their unbridled zeal
may carry him, but be determined resolutely to use all the means in his
power, either to prevent or punish all irregularities or infractions of the
laws. Lastly, though some Churchmen may persuade themselves that it is
not necessary to use the Ante-Communion service every Lord's day, yet I
think it necessary for various reasons, that every Bishop should use it, and
require all whom he ordains to use it regularly, and I think further, that
he should be strenuous for the integrity of the Church, and the House of
Bishops, and faithfully oppose everything that might lead to schism. For
any one prepared to go full lengths with the leaders of the Low Church
Party, I cannot support, and I think no true friend of the Church can, or
ought to support. As to other disputed points not involved in the above
remarks, inasmuch as they do not necessarily compromise any of the es-
sential principles of our Church, nor put in jeopardy the integrity of our
American Zion, I leave them to the conscience of every individual.
Thus, my dear sir, I have freely stated to you my vievvs, and told you
what qualifications I require in the individual to whom I give my suffrage
for the Episcopate. In these views, this decision and this communication,
I am governed purely by a sense of duty to God and the Church. You
are held up as a candidate for the Bishopric. I wish to vote for you, if my
conscience can be satisfied upon the preceding points, and I thus uncere-
moniously ask the expression of your present views and future intentions,
because the subject is all important, and because 1 hear it said from vari-
ous quarters, "Mr. M. is lowest of the Low Church — he observes neither
rubrics nor canons — he believes Presbyterial ordination as valid and Scrip-
tural as Episcopal — he is a Party man, and pledged directly or indirectly
to the support of Party principles and measures."
May thCrGreat Head of the ( hurch direct, overrule and prosper us in
all things, to the glOry of His name and the welfare of His Church and
people.
Respectfully and affectionately.
Your friend and brother,
A. Empie.
To Rev. Dr. Empie,
Reverend and Dear Sir :
Your letter of the 23rd ultimo, has been duly received, and seriously
considered. High and holy indeed is the office of Bishop in the Church
of Christ. Solemn and fearful should be every step taken by those who
would conduct any one to that office. Modest, silent, delicate, backward,
and scrupulous in the whole transaction, should be that man whom his
brethren and friends would appoint to such a station. Every thing hav-
ing the least appearance of promoting himself, such as courting the favor
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 173
of others, boasting a great zeal for the Church, is odious, and should be
carefully avoided. If the general tenor of his life, and his vrell known
and established sentiments, are not sufficient to recommend him, no pro-
fession or promise made for the occasion, ought to avail. Neither should
any one throw a temptation in the way of such person, to recommend
himself by a favorable exposition of his opinions, and by fair promises of
what he is to do. In this view of the subject, my dear sir, I feel a very
serious objection to your letter, and a reluctance to make answer to it.
The more modest and virtuous among our citizens, deeply lament the
course pursued by our candidates for civil offices, who, presenting them-
selves before the people for public favor, subject themselves to be ques-
tioned and examined, and are tempted to commend their principles and
character, by vain boasting and all the arts of acquiring popularity. I
trust, however, that the sacred office of Bishop will never be thus secular-
ized, or degraded, but that the wishes and entreaties of friends, grounded
on personal acquaintance and authentic information, and not the ambitious
desires of aspiring individuals, will bring them forward for this most holy
office. Reflect for a moment on the mode you have adopted, and read over
your letter, and then say if it be not objectionable. You say that I am
held up as a candidate for this office, and that you wish to vote for me,
if you can do it conscientiously, and declare that you will not, unless I
hold certain principles which you lay down, and will pursue a certain
course which you point out. What a temptation here is to commend my-
self, to make professions and promises, and thus to gain your vote, which
is hung up as a lure before me. Only set down and frame an answer to
your letter, which shall be satisfactory to yourself, and see if it would not
look very like one soliciting your vote, one, which, at least in this sus-
picious and uncharitable world, would be charged with such intentions.
If there were no other method of ascertaining the sentiments and habits
of the proposed candidate, if he were one of a close and reserved charac-
ter, or but lately come among us, or lived at a distance, some excuse might
be found in such circumstances, for drawing forth his real sentiments in
the way you have adopted. But surely none of these circumstances occur
in the present case. The person proposed was born, baptized, educated,
confirmed, and ordained in the State of Virginia and in the Episcopal
Church. This has been the scene of his ministerial labors for more than
eighteen years — the State is filled with his friends, acquaintances, rela-
tions and brethren, with whom he is on terms of unreserved communica-
tion. Moreover the Bishop of the State, under whose government he has
lived for fifteen or sixteen years, is well known to you. From all these
sources it were surely practicable to collect evidences, to enable you to
form your opinion and determination. Upon reflection, I am sure you
will perceive the greater propriety of such a method, however honest and
upright your intentions, while adopting the one you have chosen.
174 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
I had thought indeed of making no other reply to your letter than the
above objections, and a reference to the sources mentioned, but upon fur-
ther reflection, there are some points in your letter, which can be answered,
without subjecting me to the temptation and imputation alluded to. You
lay down certain principles or rules which must be embraced and obeyed
by him who shall be deemed worthy to receive your vote and be elevated
to the Episcopate. Now if there be any of those principles or rules, which
I do not assent to, it becomes me in candor to declare them, so that my
silence may not leave you in any doubt, as to the proper course of action.
Now some of the indispensable requisites you mention, I have not-;
1st. You lay it down as a principle that the only way of preserving the
peace and promoting the prosperity of the Church, is by maintaining
unanimity of sentiment among the Bishops on all the important points on
which Churchmen are unfortunately divided. You hold it to be an essen-
tial prerequisite in a candidate for the mitre, that he harmonize with the
Bishops on these points. Peace and unity are indeed most desirable things
among all Christians, especially among ministers and Bishops, but, as ex-
perience proves, very difficult to be obtained, and sad have been the effects
of adopting wrong methods for ensuring them. The Romish Church la-
bored long and hard at this, endeavoring according to the doctrine of
its own infallibility, to bring the minds and conduct of men to the one
faith and practice. As ^o its success I need not tell you. The Church of
England, from which we derive ours, nobly protested against the doctrine
of infallibility, asserted freedom of thought and inquiry, and erected the
Scripture as the standard of truth, and not the Pope, his Cardinals and
councils. Our fathers, of enlightened minds and enlarged hearts, laid a
broad foundation on which private Christians, Ministers and Bishops, dif-
fering on points which had divided the Church, might stand together,
stand upright and fearless, nor should any attempt to force others from
the stand because in certain points they differed. This is one of those fea-
tures in the Church of England and America which has ever recommended
it most strongly to the minds of the most judicious, moderate and humble.
In this it surpasses all others. If it had required that unanimity of senti
ment which you demand for the House of Bishops, I appeal to your can-
dour, exercising itself upon the knowledge you possess of ecclesiastical
history, would she, in all human probabili ty, have been the blessing to
mankind she has been ? Would she have conciliated so many enemies,
and been such an example of unity and peace? "Warmed by true charity
and guided by discretion, she opened her arms to receive Calvinists
and Arminians, High Churchmen and Low Churchmen, and bid them bury
and forget their differences in her peaceful bosom. Accordingly we find
in every period of the Church some of her most burning and shining
lights, laymen, deacons, priests and bishops have ranked under these dif-
ferent parties or denominations. But you would alter this long-established
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 175
character, and admit none to the order of Bishops at least, who were not
of the same way of thinking on all these points which divide Churchmen,
with the present House of Bishops. Think, I pray you, my dear brother,
upon this doctrine, and see how it at once closes the door against any im-
provements, no matter how much needed. The House of Bishops, not be-
ing infallible, may err in some of their views and councils. If none must
be admitted but those who think with them, error may thus be perpetuated.
As well let them fill up their own vacancies, and choose more whenever
wanted, if none be admitted who differ from them in points deemed im-
portant. This is really interfering too much with the right of all men to
draw their opinions from the Word of God. A whole Diocese may ditfer
in some points deemed important in your opinion, from ihe majorit}^ of
the House of Bishops, and may choose a man to be their Bishop who thinks
with them — and shall they be denied their choice because he does not ac-
cord in sentiment with the House of Bishops in disputed points? Our
general constitution not onh' does not sanction this doctrine, but has pro-
vided against it, by requiring the consent of only three of the Bishops to
the consecration of a Bishop,
Unquestionably, the trial of a man proposed to the office of Bishop
should be his conformity in life and doctrine, first, to the Word of God,
and next, to the articles and regulations of the Church, not to the opin-
ions of the existing Bishops. So far from this being absolutely necessary
to the peace of the Church, that every effort must be directed for its accom-
plishment, I am firmly convinced, and declared the same in the last Gene-
ral Convention, that the greatest danger to which the peace of the Church
in these United States is liable, arises from the over-anxious desire of some
to bring our ministers into one way of thinking and acting, and the at-
tempt to do it by measures which cannot be justified by the mild and tol-
erant spirit of our Church. I will still lift up my warning voice to our
High Church brethren, and say to them, "beware."
You next proceed in your letter to lay down certain principles, of which
you say, "We cannot be called Churchmen except we agree in the follow-
ing principles." The first of them is, " that the three orders are of divine,
or at least apostolical appointment — none but Bishops have a right to or-
dain, and therefore Lay and Presbyterial ordination cannot be scriptural
or valid." Now, as to this first principle, the Bishops are not all agreed.
Bishop White, for instance, the Presiding Bishop, refuses to go thus tar,
and maintains that the Church has nowhere asserted the invalidity of other
ordinations, that she "contents herself with asserting the apostolic origin
of our own, without undertaking to condemn others." I believe there
are one or more who will not go all lengths with you — are these disorga-
nizers? I have, on several occasions read over the argument in favor of
Episcopacy, and ever concluded with entire satisfaction in the words of the
consecration service, that " to those diligently reading the Scriptures and
J 76 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
the Holy Fathers, it evidently appears that from the Apostles' times there
have been these three orders of ministers." More than this, our Church
requires not even its Bishops to believe, and he who would demand more
may be conscientious, may be scriptural, but he has gone beyond the
Church, he has departed from the spirit of the Episcopal Church of England
and America. He is adding to the demands she makes of her ministers.
Look through our ordination and consecration services, and our Articles,
and see if you can find such. W hether God did positively ordain this form
of church government as essential to the existence of a Church — what de-
viations from it would render ordination invalid — are points about which
the most wise, learned, pious and devoted Bishops and other ministers have
certainly differed, and I think it venturing very far to say that none must
any longer differ, all must consent to be High Churchmen on this point,
0 r be no Churchmen at all. I woul d that all embraced what I believe to
have been the Apostolic form. With none other would I be satisfied my-
self, but I dare not say God hath ever in this point rejected those
whom H(?hath accepted and so highly blessed in others. This is as far as
1 can go, which leaves me far behind the goal you have erected. I have,
however, the consolation of knowing that I herein agree with a noble
company of Bishops and other ministers, whose labors in the Gospel, and
whose zealous attachment to the Church, has never been questioned, and
whom I could only hope to follow at a great distance behind.
Another demand jot make is, that he who receives your vote should not
only use the Ante-Communion service himself, but require it of all whom
he ordains, to do the same. As this subject is now before the Church, and
will probably be determined in some way at the next General Convention,
I might very easily dispose of it by saying, that whatever the Church or-
dains will be binding upon me — but, as I set out with the determination
to refose my assent to any demands which you do not make in accordance
with my views, I should say that were I now a Bishop, and called on to
ordain, I would not feel bound to insist upon the observance of this rule,
more than of some others which are neglected — as, for instance, the rubric
as to public baptism — nor indeed so much, because the obligation of this
is, I believe, sincerely questioned by some — that of the other, by none.
And now, my dear sir, as to all the other parts of your letter which
seem to be written as concerning some lawless person who feared not God,
nor regarded man, who was fit "for treasons, stratagems and spoils," who
was indifferent to the peculiarities of the Church, who disregarded rubrics
and canons, set at nought ordination vows, was pledged to a party, and
ready to go all lengths with it, I must refer you to some other source for
the confirmation or fabrication of the reports which come to you from va-
rious quarters. As to my love of peace, and my independence, and all
those things which 'tis so easy to boast of, but not so easy to practice, you
■will excuse any professions or promises. Perhaps, however we may both
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 177
be spared any trouble on the subject, as the Church has not yet decided on
having an Assistant, and many circumstances may arise to save it from
the calamity of a Low Church Bishop.
I beg you will believe me when T say, that however much I may have
dissented from your opinions and condemned your rules, I am A-ery far
from being offended at the plainness with which they have been declared,
and hope that you will receive this answer in the same spirit of brotherly
kindness in which, I can assure you, it is written. With best wishes and
prayers, I remain
Your friend and brother in the Lord,
April 3, 1829. W. Meadk.
Williamsburg, April.
To Rev. William Meade,
Rev. and Dear Sir :
Your favor postmarked 5th inst., has just come to hand, and though I
wrote with a view to information, not controversy, I feel it due to myself
to make a few remarks in replv, while I sincerely thank you for the can-
dor with which you have expi-essed your sentiments. I was indeed desir-
ous of knowing those sentiments, but rest assured, my letter never would
have been penned if I had not thought it probable, from conversations
with you last Spri: g, that your sentiments coincided very nearly with my
own. And so strong did this probability appear to me, that I refused to
credit several things said of you, and expected soon, by means of your
reply to my letter, to have it in my power to refute them in your own lan-
guage. This, in connection with what I said in my letter, gives you fully
my reasons for writing to you.
Had I known, or had I possessed the means of knowing, what I now
do, I should not have troubled you with my inquiries, or subjected you to
the "temptation" of which you complain. Those with whom I commu-
nicated, either barely expressed their opinions, instead of their convictions,
or alleged what I would not credit, or stated that they did not certainly
know your present sentiments, inasmuch as they believed your opinions
had undergone some change I am a stranger here, my dear sir, nor can
I be presumed to know, what may be very well known to the members of
the Diocese at large, nor can you expect me as a Christian, to govern my
decisions or my conduct in so important an affair as that of the Episcopate,
by the mere opinions or contradictory assertions of others. This was the
difficulty, and these the reasons, that led me to address you, and but for
these reasons, as stated in the preceding section, the insignificancy of my
solitary vote would have bound me to silence. For my vote and influence
are, in this Diocese, too insignificant to deserve your attention.
Here, however, I must remark, that I do not agree with you in your views
upon this point. You object to my inquiries as involving a ^^iemplation^'
8*
178 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
and a ^^ihreat,'^ and as calculated to ensnare the virtue of the candidate
for civil and ecclesiastical offices. I hold it to be the duty of such candi-
dates to make their sentiments fully known. I hold it to be not only the
privilege, but the duiy, of their supporters to demand an explicit avowal
of those sentiments in all vital points, and I hold that no one can answer
it to his conscience or his God, if he elevates to an important office, an in-
dividual of whose views and principles he is not well assured. Unless it
can be proved that constituents are at liberty to act the part of traitors to
their own duties, and interests and consciences, the right of instructing
those whom they employ as their agents, is unquestionable.
As to my "indispensable requisites" for the EpiscopatCj you misunder-
stand me. I did not say that the candidate for the mitre must harmonize
with the House of Bishops on all the important points on which Church-
men are divided, but "all those on which diversity of sentiments might
endanger the peace, the union and the prosperity of the Church" (see sec-
ond section of my letter). My reason, too, for making them indispensa-
ble, is not, as you state, because it is necessary to think as the Bishops do,
but because Scripture requires it. I i^lace it on the ground of "revealed
obligation." Nor hastily do I, as your letter supposes, place among my
indispensable requisites, all the points in contest between High and Low
Church. I propose not to exclude from the Episcopate either Calvinists or
Armenians, High or Eow Churchmen. I leave to the conscience of every
individual, every disputed point except those I specify ; and those I insist on,
because required by Scripture or by the Church, and essential to her pros-
perity and her integrit3^ These, too, T aver the Church has never compro-
mised. These she has alwaj's made indispensable, nor can she possibly do
otherwise without betraying her trust, and I therefore neither exalt the
Bishops, nor abridge the right of private judgment farther than Scripture
and the Church, absolutely require. All that the Church has left indiffei'-
ent, open or undecided, I still leave so. This is my answer to your second
argument.
You say farther, in support of your views, that our constitution requires
for a consecration the consent of only three Bishops. By looking to the
6th Canon of 1820, you will find this to be a mistake, and though there is
danger from rigorouslj' exacting uniformity in minor points, there is still
greater danger from compromising the essential principles of our Church.
To mj' position, " none but Bishops have a right to ordain — all other
ordination, therefore, is invalid," you object the opinion of Bishop White
— that the Church has not asserted the invalidity of other ordinations, and
t hat she requires us only to believe that our ministry is Apostolical. I have
no wish to enter into controversy, and therefore brieflj^ observe in passing,
that bj- the House of Bishops I mean a majority of its members, not the
opinion of one or two ; that, if my memory serves me, you mistake the
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 179
opinion of Bishop White. He does not admit the validity of Presbyterial
ordination in genera!, but only in case of emergency, where no other could
be had. About this we need not dispute, for it is irrelevant to the subject,
and necessity knows no law. That, if the Church does not by her words,
she does by her actions, assert the invalidity of Presbyterial ordination, for
she always re-ordains those who come from churches that have not Episco-
pal ordination ; and that, in requiring us to believe our ministry Apostoli-
cal, she makes that ministry, to the exclusion of all others, binding upon
our consciences, just as much as the Christian Sabbath, Infant Baptism,
and the New Testament Canon, all of which stand on Apostolic authority.
You argue further, that because some learned and pious men have held
different views on the subject of Episcopacy from those which 1 expressed
therefore mine are untenable. Answer : I support it as the doctrine of
Scripture, of primitive Christianity, of the Church, and of a large major-
ity of her standard writers. The fact of a few having dissented from this
doctrine, is no proof that it is not true, for exceptions only prove the gen-
eral rule. If a few learned and pious dissentients are sufficient to disprove
a doctrine, then no doctrine of our religion, however vital, is safe. As I
should deny him to be a Christian who did not believe the Divinity of
Christ, so, my dear brother (and you will, I trust, pardon this honest
avowal of my opinion), I cannot in conscience admit him to be a Church-
man who does not hold to the exclusive validity of Episcopal ordination,
for '^ Ecclesia in Episcopo^' is almost an article of primitive faith.
As to those parts of my letter which you say "seem to be written to
some lawless person," you do me injustice in ascribing them to me as my
sentiments, for I mentioned them merely as reports, and as a reason why I
asked from you a statement of your views. Though I had not believed
one syllable of them, I conceive they would still have justified me in the
course I have taken. For no honest man is, or ought to be, afraid of
avowing his. sentiments.
''The calamity of a Low Church Bishop " — Low and High Church, my
dear sir, are words used with much latitude. There are some Low Church-
men to whose views I have no objection, and there are both Low and High
Churchmen whose elevation to the Episcopate I should regard as a " calam-
ity."
In conclusion, permit me to remark that you will do me an act of injus-
tice, if you ascribe this correspondence to the importance I attach to my
own vote or opinions. I am conscious of no motive but a sense of duty
to the Church, and its Divine Head. I knew very well before I wrote,
that should I even withhold my vote, I should stand almost, or quite
alone, in the opposition.
With every sentiment of respect and affection, I am, Rev. and Dear Sir,
Your friend and brother in Christ,
A. Empie.
180 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
April 20, 1829.
Eev. Adam Empib,
Rev. and Dear Brother :
In your last, which has just come to hand, there is one sentence which,
in justice to myself, I must object to. It is in these words : ''You argue
further that because some learned and pious men have held different views
on the subject of Episcopacy from those which I have expressed, tb.erefore
mine is untenable." Surely, my dear brother, you cannot find such false
reasoning as this, in my letter, wherein I object so decidedly to raising up
any human tribunal, as the infallible standard and judge of truth. I
would not dare to pronounce any one certainly and undoubtedly wrong in
a matter of this kind, merely because the great majority of the wise and
pious were against him, much less if only some, or a few as you suppose
were against him. So iar as it is permitted to resort to human testimony
and opinion, I should acknowledge the duty of bowing to the £enlin;cnts
of the greater number of the wise and pious, supposing them, and those
differing from them, to be equal as to the qualifications for deciding wisely
and candidly. If you will reperuse my letter, you will discover no such
reasoning as that contained in the above quotation. My argument is this :
that because some of the most wise and pious of the Bishop^ Priests, and
Deacons of the Church of England and America, holding sentinienis dif-
fering from yours, have, under the liberal constitution of that Church,
been freely admitted to their several offices, and because there is nothing
in Articles, or Ordination, or Consecration services, which demand such sen-
timents of candidates, therefore you are wrong in establishing a new rule
of admission, and are not justified in stigmatizing as no Churchmen, those
who conscientiously believe, and zealously support, what the Church
plainly requires, but are unable to go beyond this. In this opinion I am
more and more confirmed. The practice of the Church has ever been ac-
cording to this, and she could never have otherwise designed Her reordi-
nation of ministers coming from other churches, is, on many accounts,
proper and consistent, but does not, in my opinion, require of us a positive
belief that their previous ordination was certainly invalid. Such a reordi-
nation is proper, because many of our churches believe that their former
ordination was unsound, because others believe that it was doubtful, others
that it is at any rate safest and better to adhere to the primitive plan, and
because the peculiarities of our Church require a solemn promise of con-
formity thereto. On these accounts it was proper to reordain, but still it
does not follow that we must all necessarily believe the previous ordination
to be null and void in the sight of God, in order to be sincere Episcopal-
ians. Bishop Hoadly, as quoted by Bishop White, denies that such a con-
struction should be put upon the act of reordination. It appears to me
that our Church very wisely forbears either to assert or deny the validity
of other ordinations, but contents herself with asserting that ours is Apos-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 181
tolic, and requires us to love and support it as such. Bishop White asserts
this, and quotes Bishop Iloadlj in answer to l^r. Calamy. The letter ob-
jects to the Church that in its ordinal it maintained the divine appointment
of the three orders, and urged this as a reason for non-conformity. The
Bishop rei)lies that the service pronounces no such thing. " There is some
difference," he saj-s, '• between these two sentences, 'Bishops, Priests and
Deacons are three distinct orders in the Church by divine appointment;'
and 'from the Apostolic times there have been Bishops, Priests and Dea-
cons.' " "It aj)pears to me our Church wisely stops here, and leaves it to
her members to draw their own conclusions from the fact, thus affirmed.
Accordingly, some have conscientiously inferred that God must have ap-
pointed Episcopacy, as the Jewish Priesthood, to be invariably and forever
received, so that deviation from it, is separation from the true Church of
Christ. Others, not finding the same positive institution or command, dare
not place it on the same high ground, and exclude those who adopt a dif-
ferent form ; at the same time from its analogy to the Jewish Priesthood,
and the general resemblance between the. two systems, from the example of
the Apostles and the practice of the primitive Church, and the many excel-
lencies of the mode, feel bound to adhere to it, and would have all others
to adopt the same.
Such are evidently Bishop White's sentiments, and in his pamphlet he
declares his belief that they were the sentiments of the great body of Epis-
copalians in America, in which respect, he adds " they have in their favor
unquestionably, the sense of the Church of Ei>gland," and as he believes,
" the opinions of the most distinguished prelates for piety, virtue and abil-
ities." But I must desist, or we shall certainly get into controversy, which
I believe, neither of us have any wish to do. It was merely to correct your
great error, in imputing such false reasoning as I stated in the beginning
of my letter, that I took up my pen. What has followed seemed un-
avoidably to grow out of that conviction. In conclusion, allow me to as-
sure you that the thought "of your writing under sense of great self-im-
poi-tance," never entered my mind, and let me beg you on the other hand,
not to suppose that I have regarded you as being so insignificant as you
represent yourself to be. I doubt not that you have acted under a sense of
duty. I will only add, that should I ever be called to that high station,
for which you think my principles unfit me, I shall feel thankful to any
brother who would convince me of such unfitness, and, except ray errors
can be corrected, will most certainly decline an office, of which on many
other accounts I feel myself most unworthy.
William and Mary College, May 2, 1829.
To Rev. William Meade, D. D.
My dear brother Meade, I do not write from "the vain desire of having
the last word, for say what you will in answer to this, I shall not reply.
182 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
I on] J resume my pen to communicate a few additional remarks, for which
mv former letter left no room ; and while 1 am writing, I may as well say
a word or two on yours of the 20th ult,, just received.
I have said that two of the prerequisite qualifications of a Bishop are,
that he should believe the exclusive validity of Episcopal ordination, or if
you please, the invalidity of Lay and Presbyterial ordination, and tliat
he should feel it his duty to require the use of the Ante-Comnuuiion ser-
vice—you say " the Church does not require" these qualifications, and
that I am establishing " a new rule of admission," to the Episcopate —
and the proof you bring is, that some learned and pious men have been
made Bishoi;s though the}^ were destitute of these qualifications. Now, my
dear sir, I am disposed to call this in question. Can you prove it to be a
ftict? Name the men in England, or in this country, who have been made
Bishops, while those who elected and consecrated them, knew them to be
at that time, destitute of the above named requisites. It has, indeed, after-
wards appeared, that some were destitute of one or the other of these
requisites, but so also has it afterwards appeared that some were Uni-
tarians. Can we therefore, from their sentiments, argue with certainty
the sentiments of the Church ? Does it follow that they were deliberately
admitted, knowing them to entertain these o[>inions?
Bishop White's "Care of the Episcopal Churches," was written at a
time of great and difficult emergency. I do not think it safe to apply his
arguments and facts to ordinary cases. As to myself, I cannot admit
either all his arguments or positions. He seems at that time to have im-
bibed much of the spirit and principles of Bishop Hoadly and Stillingfleets
Ireaicum ; and I take the liberty, therefore, of referring you for what I think
the views of the Church on these points, to Laws' three letters to the Bishop
of Bangor.
In your last letter, you seemed to me to make Episcopal ordination
necessary in our Church, only because it is the established usage and re-
quired by our Church. This likewise savors of Bishop Hoadly's notions.
But I hold it to be utterly subversive of Episcopacy. It partakes of the
nature of Erastianism. It makes Episcopacy binding on the ground of ex-
pediency, not of duty. It refers it to the authority of usage of the Church
or of the State, instead of fixing it on its only proper base, the authority
of God. It must either stand on revelation, or on expediency — on the will
of God or the will of man. If on the will of God, it is always and ex-
clusively binding, if on expediency, Lay ordination among Independents
and Presbyterial ordination in Scotland are as binding and sufficient, as
Episcopal ordination is in England. This converts the ministry into a
nose of wax.
The argument founded upon the opinions and conduct of some, in the
troublous times of the English Church, I do not think fair or conclusive,
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 183
any more than that founded upon Bishop White's Essay. They were forced
by the emergency of the times into opinions, concessions, and measures,
some of which, under difterent circumstances, they tlieiuselves would not
justify and which, at all events we cannot approve as consistent, and
scriptural .
May the Great Head of the Church direct, overrule and bless us in
all we say and do, in such a manner as will best promote the glory of His
name, and the welfare of His Church and people.
I am, reverend and dear sir, with sentiments of sincere esteem and
affection,
Your friend and brother,
A. Empib.
Dr. Empie's scruples were not removed by this corres-
pondence. It produced, however, not the slightest alien-
ation, but rather a better understanding and increased
mutual esteem.
The restriction as to the succession was a surprise to
many members of the Convention. It was certainly so to
Dr. ]\Ieade, and, though he accepted the appointment, ho
became more and more sensible of the embarrassing na-
ture of the condition annexed, and was strongly tempted
to recall his acceptance, and so escape the evils which he
apprehended. Under these circumstances he addressed
two letters to Bishop Moore, only one of which is extant :
July 1, 1829.
Right Rev. and Dear Sir :
I earnestly pray, and entreat you, and all my brethren to do the same,
that neither you, they, nor the Church may have cause to lament that act,
on which your letter congratulates me. Sure I am that the grace of God
alone can enable me to fulfil any expectations, however humble, which may
be entertained concerning me. I thank you for the pleasure you express
at the event, and the prospect of its complete fulfilment. Should Provi-
dence see fit to consummate it, then will it be done — if otherwise, let us
acquiesce with becoming humility. You beg that I will write to you, and
if practicable, accompany you on your journey to the North. The latter
is impracticable, by reason of previous engagements — the former, I have
thought of doing for sometime past, as soon as I could ascertain that you
had returned to Richmond. I made several efforts to see you soon after
Convention arose, but failed in each. Providence preventing. I wished
184 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
ireely to converse with you on the subject of that condition annexed to the
appointment, which was so contrary to every expectation excited by your
address, and the resolution of the Petersburg Convention, and which, I sup-
posed, was against your own wishes and principles. I was not aware that
such a condition was contemplated, until the moment it was done, being
absent from the house during the discussion — and a very few moments
after, it was submitted to my decision, and an immediate answer requested,
as the business of the Convention was closing, and the testimonials to be
prepared. In this state of confusion of thought and feeling, I gave a
verbal assent to a verbal communication, without ever seeing the resolution
of the Convention, or knowing anything of what had passed in the
House. A few moments' reflection satisfied me that I had been precipitate,
and ought to have insisted on time for deliberation. It was however, too
late, I thought, to recall my acceptance, and I shrank from seeming to de-
mand more honor than the Convention had thought proper to bestow, or
from doing anything which might disturb the peace and harmony of its
deliberation. I endeavored indeed to reconcile those who were dissatisfied
with the proceedings, and to induce them to hope that it was for the best
— at the same time resolving to take the matter into full and impartial
consideration, and either continue to accept, or resolve to decline, as my
conscience and judgment should decide. It was to aid me in forming this
decision, that I was anxious to see you, for the more I thought upon it, the
more objectionable it appeared to me, and the nearer did I come to the
determination to decline making any use of the testimonials furnished,
and to state in a circular addressed to the members of the Convention, my
reasons for so doing.* Resolving however to do nothing again in haste, or
without the best advice, and expecting that the subject would undergo
public discussion, and learning also that you were satisfied and pleased
with the nieasure, and being urged by some friends who were opposed to
it, to continue my acceptance, I determined to give it farther consideration,
and not be guilty of a " repentance which might need to be repented of."
My own reflections at home, unaided by any advice from friends abroad,
or by any public discussion of the merit of the question, have not changed
my first impressions as to the evil tendency of the measure. Some of my
brethren with whom I have conversed, have said, that they are also op-
posed to the principle, but consented to thus act, in order to secure the
most perfect unanimity, and under the full persuasion that in this instance
no evil would arise, as the succession was perfectly secure. It would
indeed be presumption in me to suppose that my merits were such, as to
tnake this sure, and thus save the Church from the evils of a contested
election ; but even were this perfectly certified, would it be right to con-
sent to a principle which appears to be mischievous in its general operation ?
I confess it appears to me that in a Church constituted as our's, and in a
MEMOIR OF BISnOP MEADE. 185
country such as our's, where the election is by the people, or their repre-
sentatives ; and where, as experience shows, such painful circumstances
attend Episcopal elections, it is dangerous to multiply those elections more
than needful, and thus hold out temptation to ambition, party spirit, and
all the evils attendant thereon. The man who is thus conditionally elected,
or who expects the succession, should he secure the good will of the
Church, is ever tempted to adopt the acts of popularity, or if he should be
above this, is still ever liable to be charged with it, when he is yielding to
the dictates of his own heart and conscience, and by kindness and love
securing the affection of his brethren and the Church. In the performance
of his duty, he may sometimes give offence, and then the offended may
rouse a party against him, and threaten him with the disappointment of
his expectations, and thus produce strife between him, and them, and in the
whole Diocese. Should there be rival candidates for the office of assistant
Bishop, as in all probability there generally will be the party defeated,
instead of yielding up their opposition, and uniting for the good of the
Church, will still retain their favorite candidate, and endeavor to
strengthen their forces against the death of the principal Bishop, hoping
to triumph over him, who had succeeded in the first election — and what
heart-burning, and jealousies, and suspicions must arise during such a con-
test as this ? Even should one person be decidedly the choice of the great
body of the Church when elected assistant, in the course of a few years
some other might arise who would perhaps be preferred by a portion of
the Church, and then again, jealousy and suspicion would be expected, be-
tween the aspirant to oflice and his friends, and the assistant Bishop and
his friends, and who shall say what evil may ensue? I have only heard
of two arguments in favor of this restriction — the one is, that the Con-
vention has no right to appoin,t a successor who is to be the Bishop of
those who are to come after us, and who alone have the right to choose
their own rulers. But might not this argument be used against electing
any Bishop for life ? Half of that generation over which you were chosen
to preside, has passed away, and another half has taken their place, and
had we no right to appoint you as Bishop to our children? We must
introduce the doctrine of frequent elections, and make the ofiBce of Bishop
to expire periodically, in order to do away this objection. The only
justifiable ground for having an assistant Bishop, is, the inability to per-
form the duties of his office, either through his infirmity, or the great ex-
tent of his Diocese, and when this necessity arises, then is there as much
right and propriety in appointing an assistant to be the Bishop of those
who are to come after him, as there was in the first instance, to appoint a
Bishop in the Diocese during life, and who should be the Bishop to those
yet unborn. Such appears to me, to be the state of the case. The other
argument in favor of the condition is, that it affords a salutary check to
186 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
the assistant by putting him on trial, and making him feel that his promo-
tion depends on his conduct during this trial. But is not this reversing
the order of things ? Should not a man be sufficiently tried before he is
made Bishop at all, and ought not this very distrust to be a reason against
appointment, and also a reason why he should not accept it, seeing that
such doubts and fears are entertained of him ? Might not this also be an
argument in favor of electing every Bishop for a term of years on trial,
in order to see whether he will appear worthy ? If it is feared that he will
invade the rights of the principal Bishop, and usurp undue authority, I
cannot see that this condition would serve as an antidote — for
if the assistant is disposed to this, and has only the majority of the
Church on his side; if he should prove the more popular of the
two, in his ministrations, calculating on this, supported by the Church,
he may encroach upon the rights of the superior, and not fear to
lose his election at the death of the superior. It appears to me that the
only effectual antidote to this evil, is, the adoption of a principle expressed
in a resolution of the House of Bishops at the time of Bishop Moore's
election, viz., that while the assistant Bishop is competent to any of the
duties of a Bishop, the extent to which that power shall be exercised, shall
be regulated by the Convention, with the consent of the Bishop. Such a
principle as that, I think highly important to preserve the peace of the
Church. The assistant'Bishop should be allowed to exercise no power, and
perform no acts, except under the direction of the Convention, and with the
consent of the Bishop. Should he trangress these rules, he then is liable
to be tried, and degraded from his office altogether ; but any other method
of degradation, such as that contemplated in this conditional election,
would, it seems to me, be attended by the most unhappy consequences to
the Church. Another difficult}^ attends the present case. The resolution
does not say what is to become of the assistant Bishop, should the election
fall on some other person. Is he to be the assistant still, or does his office
expire ? Those with whom I have conversed, differ on the subject. Some
say, he is the assistant to Bishop Moore, and at his death his oflEice ends.
Others say he is assistant Bishop of Virginia, and will continue as such,
if not promoted. Many perhaps thought nothing about it, and the reso-
lution does not settle the point. The Diocese might not choose to have him
as an assistant, and it is not very likely that he would wish to be assistant
to some other who might be put over him. But does not all this render
the office of Bishop more uncertain, short lived, and less respectable,
than we are accustomed to consider it, and ought to consider it? Low
Churchman as I am, I feel opposed to a measure which seems to me to
derogate from the dignity which God and His Church have given to the
ofifice, and which also appears likely to make it promotive of discord, rather
than of peace.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 187
I should be truly glad to hear your sentiments on the subject. You
have seen, heard, read and thought much more than I have, and are quali-
fied to correct any errors into which I have fallen. As the Convention has
done it, I really wish it to ])e rif^it, and should be glad to hear anything
which can be said in its behalf. It would be a great relief to my mind to
have its expediency made apparent. I should feel much more satisfaction
in presenting myself for consecration, could I have some arguments to
oppose those which weigh on my mind against the measure.
Although I see nothing unlawful or unconstitutional in the act, yet, as
the principle is fraught with evil, I do not think that I can, with a clear
conscience, ask for consecration, unless other views are presented to my
mind.
* vjt * * -:& -;S
BISHOP MOORE'S reply.
Richmond, July 8, 1829.
Rev. and Dear Sir:
I perceive from your communication of May 24th, and the 2d inst., that
your mind has been disturbed by the restriction connected with your elec-
tion to the Episcopate. As you have desired me to express to you what
may be said in favor of the measure, it will be necessary to take a view of
both sides of the question, and by a comparison of the eftects of one mode
with the other, we shall be able to ascertain from which principle the great-
est difficulty may arise.
I must observe to you, prior to my observations on the subject, that I
have been informed by a prominent member of the Convention, and that
member your ardent friend, that the measure was reflectingly adopted ; —
not that the principle should bear upon you in particular, but as a principle
by which all our institutions, both civil and religious, should be regulated.
When the election of an Assistant Bishop took place in my native State,
and it was determined that the person elected should, in case of survivor-
ship, succeed Bishop B. Moore, I strongly disapproved of the measure, and
for the following reasons :
First: I took it for granted that provided the succession to the charge
of the Diocese should be made to depend on a future election, the then
candidate would consider himself obliged to promote the cause of peace
and good-will with his brethren ; be more courteous in his intercourse with
the clergy, and less disposed to act oppressively in the administration of
the canoHS of the Church.
Secondly : I concluded that as the Bishop of New York had been elected
by ourselves, it was but reasonable that those who might be alive at his
death, should enjoy the privilege of choosing such a person as would be
most agreeable to them.
188 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
Thirdly : That if we, (at the period alluded to) possessed the right to
choose an assistant Bishop, and to say that such assistant ' Bishop should
succeed to the Diocesan, we had an equal right to choose two assistants, as
ihe Diocese was large ! and with equal ^opriety to say that the succession
should belong to them in turn ; and by that means prevent future Conven-
tions, to the third generation, from the choice of a Diocesan.
Fourthly : Tt was my opinion that a second election would prevent a man
of tyrannical temper from exercising a disposition of cruelty ; and by con-
forming to principles of generous moderation for a time, a habit of kind-
ness would be produced, a habit productive of comfort to himself, and of
benefit and advantage to the Church — a habit from which he would never
be disposed to depart.
On the other hand, when a man of sound principles, affectionate disposi-
tion, good sense and ardent piety, presents himself as the candidate, I
should think there would be no danger, in placing him beyond the reach of
disappointment. But would not the qualifications above enumerated ren-
der him certain of obtaining the ofifice of Diocesan at a future day ? Would
any man think of opposing an individual thus fitted for the appointment?
an individual, who, by the conscientious discharge of his duty, must ne-
cessarily attach the great body of the clergy and laity to his interests ?
In your case, there does not appear to me to be any difiiculty. The vote
in your favor was un§,nimous. The clergy and laity love you ; you are
the man of my choice, and the Church in Virginia looks up to you as a
nursing father.
Should the condition of your election to the Episcopate be brought for-
ward as an objection to your consecration, I should be obliged to receive it
with great allowance. I should conclude that the objection would be more
to the man, than to the condition ; and that the presumption of a deficiency
in High'Church principles would constitute the chief impediment. I can-
not believe that the Bishops, or the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies will
oppose your consecration. The measure would be of a character too high-
handed, and might produce effects which all moderate men would deplore.
I call myself a High Churchman, but as I have seen some acts performed
by men of that denomination which have made me shudder, I think it high
time to take into counsel those who are moderate in their views, and, by
preserving a balance of power, preserve the present unity of the Church.
The Convention of Virginia cannot be charged with a disposition to call
in question the proceedings of other portions of the Church, who have acted
differently from themselves, in the choice of an assistant Bishop. They
have passed resolutions, calling on their delegates, to entreat the General
Convention to enact a law on the subject whereby all future misunderstand-
ings may be obviated, and in which the duties^ and the number, of assistant
Bishops shall be clearly defined.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 189
You ask me, provided I have anj^ doubts as to your fitness for office, to
say so. So far from having any doubts, you are the man of my choice.
You have the best claim to the ajjpointment, having taken the Church by
the hand when her case was hopeless, and having largely contributed to
that prosperity with which the Almighty has so signally blessed us.
With love to Mrs. Meade and all friends, believe me, most sincerely and
affectionately, •
Your friend and servant,
Richard Channing Moore.
P. S. — I shall leave this as soon after the 25th of this month as possi-
ble, and will endeavor to be prepared to preach, should it be required.
As the General Convention was to meet in less than six
months from the election of Dr. Meade, the canons re-
quired that "all matters relating to the consecration,"
should "be deferred until the said meeting." In the month
of August, the Greneral Convention assembled in Philadel-
phia. Before the House of Bishops could take order for
the consecration of Dr. Meade, it was necessary that the
House of Clerical and Lay Deputies should transmit to
them their "approbation of his testimonials," "their assent
to his consecration," and a prescribed "testimony" in his
favor, "signed by a constitutional majority of their o^vn
body." When this was proposed, it met with very decided
opposition. l!»J^othing was alleged affecting his moral char-
acter, or intellectual qualifications, or soundness in the
faith. These were all amply certified. Nor was any ex-
ception taken to his churchmanship. No doubt there were
persons present to whom his well-known moderate views
were very unaccejDtable, and who were disposed to avail
themselves of any reasonable objection for withholding
their consent. But in the earnest and able discussion
which lasted for several days, no one was heard to main-
tain that Dr. Meade's unwillingness to deny the validity of
all orders not Episcopally conferred^ was good and sufiieient
reason for refusing assent to the consecration. This im-
portant and delicate case, as before the General Conven-
190 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
tion, and in its determination, is thus stated by Dr.
Hawks in his "History of the Church in Yirginia," page
275-8 :
"ISTo speaker expressed himself in any terms but those
of the utmost respect toward the bishop elect. His worth
and fitness were not questioned, but a mMter of princi]3le
was supposed to be involved in the restriction put upon
the right of succession.
The argument against the consecration turned chiefly
upon constitutional objections. It was, in substance, that
the constitution did not contemplate the possibility of a
Eishop without a Diocese ; and that, according to the spir-
it of that instrument, it was at variance with the system
of Episcopacy (as received by the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the United States, associated under that consti-
tution) not to guard against the possibility of such an
event in the Church as that of a Bishop at large. It was
said that Yirginia had not the right to impose any such
restriction ; and on this head an argument was deduced
from the state of the Church under the several colonial
governments, when, notwithstanding the distinct rule ex-
ercised over the several colonies, the Church was one, and
but one, united under its only Diocesan, the Bishop of
London, That, consequently, after the revolution, it con-
tinued to be one, and was not made up of many independ-
ent churches then coming into union for the first time, and
reserving certain rights while they surrendered others.
Certain it is, that the Church in Yirginia (whatever may
be the proper theory on the subject) always was, in her
practice, independent, and deemed herself at liberty to act
accordingly, up to the period when she gave her assent to
the great charter of imion. In fact (as was correctly re-
marked in the course of the discussion), our ecclesiastical
legislature was here perplexed with the same delicate and
intricate question which has been so much agitated in the
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 191
halls of civil legislation : State -sovereignty and the powers
of the general government came into collision.*
It was also contended, that to impose the restrictions
nnder discussion, was a deviation from the general course
pursued relative to coadjutors, or assistant Eishops. In-
stances might indeed be adduced to the contrary, and some
too in very early times; hut these are to be deemed excep-
tions to the rule.
On grounds of policy also, it was argued that a restric-
tion upon the succession was to be deprecated. Factious
and ambitious presbyters would be tempted to raise par-
ties for themselves in opposition to those possessed of an
Episcopate, the exercise of which was to cease upon the
death of the Diocesan; and laymen of influence, it was
said, (if such reduction was countenanced) might be led
to impose it for the purpose of keeping a temporary Bishop
in subjection to their control, and thereby destroying his
independence.
The result of the deliberations and discussions in the
House of Clerical and Lay deputies was, that the testimo-
nials of Dr. Meade were signed by a majority of the mem-
bers, and sent up to the House of Bishops. Before, how-
ever, that body proceeded to the consecration, it sent down
to the lower House a declaration, as follows : " The Bishops
"cannot proceed to this important measure, without de-
" daring their disapprobation of the provision in the elec-
"tion of Dr. Meade, which prevents immediate succession
"to the Episcopacy, on the decease of the present Bishop
" of the Diocese. Nevertheless, this being a new case in
'^ questions of consecration in the Church in this country,
"the Bishops, entertaining no doubt of Dr. Meade's suc-
"ceeding to the Diocesan Episcopacy, in the event of his
* In the Committee, tlie Rev. Dr. C. E. Gadsden, deputy from South
Carolina, remarked, that "if the rights of Virginia were disregarded,
he believed that neither his own, nor any Southern Diocese, would be
again represented in the General Convention." — J. J.
192 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
"surviving the present Bishop, have not permitted the pre-
" ceding consideration to be a bar to his consecration. But
"they cannot proceed to it without declaring unanimously
" their determination, nor without recommending to the
"future members of this House, now that the peculiarities
"of this case will have ceased, not to give such further
"countenance to the innovation, as might be construed to
"bind it on the Church to her lasting injury." And with
this protestando, the Bishops proceeded to the consecra-
tion, w^iich took place in Philadelphia, on the nineteenth
of August, 1829."
It is painful, but due to truth, to state, that, pending the
deliberation in the House of Bishops, Bishop Eavenscroft
declared his unwillingness to concur in the consecration
of Dr. Meade, unless he was satisfied as to the soundness
of his church principles. In justification of his demur, he
alluded to a correspondence on the subject between Dr.
Empie and Dr. Meade, in which the latter had evaded cer-
tain test questions which had been submitted to him. The
difiiculty was confined to the speaker. It certainly had
no influence upon the action of the House of Bishops,
though they may have indulged him with an oj^portunity
for settling his own mind on a subject in reference to which
it is unaccountable that he should have experienced any
uncertainty. Dr. Meade and himself were natives of Vir-
ginia, and for six years had been fellow presbyters in the
same Diocese, throughout the length and breadth of which,
Dr. Meade's moderate views in Church policy, were as no-
torious, as his own violent ultraism. A personal confer-
ence which Bishop Eavenscroft proposed, and which Dr.
Meade promptly declined, was useless, so far as any addi-
tional information was concerned, and, under the existing
circumstances, inadmissible, because indecorous. Bishop
Eavenscroft ought to have known Dr. Meade well enough
to be assured that if such an inquisition, at this juncture,
was a necessary preliminary to his elevation to the Epis-
copate, he would remain a presbytfer.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 39.*^
Bishop Moore had informed Dr. Meade of the represent-
ation made by Bishop Eavenscroft in the Hoitee of Bish-
ops, as to the evasive character of his replies to Dr. Em-
pie's interrogatories, and Dr. Meade authorized Bishop
Moore to say, that if desired, he would immediately pub-
lish the correspondence for the use of the Convention.
This was stated by Bishop Moore in the House of Bishops
in the presence of Bishop Eavenscroft. There was no call
for the correspondence. The House took order for the
consecration of the Bishop elect on Wednesday, the 19th
of August.
Soon after Bishop Meade's return to Virginia he wrote
to Dr. Empie in reference to the representations made by
Bishop Eavenscroft :
Sept. 1, 1829.
Rev. and Dear Sir :
Very unexpectedly, and contrary to my wishes, I am led to refer to the
correspondence which took place between us during the last winter. At
our late Convention, in Philadelphii, I was informed that Bishop Ravens-
croft, on his way to that place, spoke of that correspondence in terms not
very creditable to myself. He declared that I had returned evasive answers
to every question proposed. The same statement, as Bishop Moore in-
formed me, was made by him to the House of Bishops. Thinking it possi-
ble that some rumor of this correspondence might have gotten abroad,
with the usual misrepresentations attending such things, I had put the let-
ters in my trunk. On being informed that Bishop Eavenscroft had thus
spoken, 1 requested Bishop Moore to inform the Bishops that the corres-
pondence was at hand, and ready for their inspection; moreover, that if
the members of the other House required them, they should be put to press
without delay. Bishop Moore made this communication to the House of
Bishops, in the presence of Bishop Eavenscroft. Nothing more, however,
was said about the letters, and I brought them home, without having occa-
sion to use them for any one.
I do not write, my dear sir, to complain of any use you may choose to
make of our correspondence (though others censure you for it), as there
was not a word which I could wish to conceal from any human being, but,
injustice to yourself, I wish to know whether you represented me as be-
ing guilty of disingenuous evasions, or whether Bishop Eavenscroft was
put in possession of the whole correspondence, and made that charge
9 •
194 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
against me of his own accord. I ha"ve not admitted into my own mind
the thought, that you could have made a statement so contrary to truth,
and so inconsistent with your own acknowledgments, which give me
credit for the greatest candor, and I have uniformly declared my convic-
tion that you had never expressed such a sentiment.
Nevertheless, it would be gratifying to me to have your own author-
ity for the denial, which I hope you will afford me ere long. I will
only add that the difference which subsists between us on subjects which
I am still convinced, are left by our Church to individual opinion, will,
I trust, on neither part, interfere with our zealous co-operation in every
measure calculated to promote the cause of our Eede.emer. I pray that
God may abundantly bless you in the station in which His Providence has
placed you, and make you an instrument of much good to the cause of
literature, as well as of religion, in our State.
May a gracious Providence watch over you, and your dear family, during
the season of sickness, and preserve you in health and safety, for increasing
usefulness during your future life. With best regards to all friends in
Williamsburg, I remain
Your friend and brother in the Gospel of Christ,
William Meade.
William and Mary College, Sept. 11, 1829.
Rt. Rev. and Dear Sir:
The contents of your letter have been a source of surprise and regret, as
I had thought our correspondence buried in oblivion, or flattered myself,
that I had discharged my duty in such a way, as to give no possible cause
of offence. But, without further preliminaries, I hasten to make such re-
marks as, the matter of your communication seems to demand.
As I knew Bishop Ravenscroft was intimately acquainted with your
opinions, character and ministerial practice, I wrote to him to learn what
he thought on the subject of your election to the Episcopate, and I at the
same time expressly stated that I wished everything that came from me on
this subject should be regarded as confidential. Bishop R., with his usual
frankness, was kindly pleased to give me his views, and his reasons for not
thinking you a proper candidate. I told him I thought he was laboring
under some mistake on the subject; that I was told you had altered both
in sentiments and in practice, and that I was determined therefore frankly
to address you personally for information. This led to our correspond-
ence, after which I informed Bishop R. that I had been mistaken in my
opinion of your sentiments, that you had answered some of my questions,
but that you had declined answering others, and that I could not in con-
science support your election.
This, as far as I recollect, is the substance of what I wrote to Bishop R.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 195
I kept no duplicate, and do not remember the precise terms which I used.
Instead of saying "declined answering," I may have said you "evaded
my other questions." For in my communication to Bishop R., I went not
into detail, nor has he any other knowledge of our correspondence than
that above noticed, as he has neither seen me, or our letters. The idea of
your having been guilty of "disingenuous evasions" never entered my
head, was not designed to be conveyed by my letter, and if my language
admitted such a construction, I am truly sorry for it ; for, the purity of your
motives, I never had the remotest idea of questioning or impeaching. And
that Bishop R. should have expressed himself to this effect, and that indeed
he should have uttered a single syllable as to our correspondence, on his way
or in the Convention, I deeply regret. He probably forgot that I had
written expressly in confidence, and if I used the term "evade," he inter-
preted it differently from my intention, for we may evade an answer from
a sufficient and worthy, as well as from an insufficient and unworthy
motive.
Permit me, however, in frankness to remark, that when I thanked you
for the candor with which you expressed your sentiments, I could not mean
to say that you gave a candid answer to all my inquiries. You gave a
direct, or implied answer on three points. At all the others you seemed
displeased, and waived them, by referring me to other sources for informa-
tion. But, considering that you are, on principle, opposed to this ques-
tioning and answering, in the case of candidates for office, I thought you
were very candid and kind to me in communicating your sentiments as
freely and as extensively as you did. For this I expressed my gratitude.
You say that many condemn me for acquainting Bishop R. with our
correspondence. The preceding account, I trust, shows that they are hasty
in their censures. At all events, my own conscience acquits me of all of-
fence towards God and man. After all that had passed between Bishop R.
and myself, I could not in propriety do otherwise than acquaint him with
the result of my letter to you ; and should similar circumstances again oc-
cur, I should feel myself in duty bound to pursue substantially the same
course. Experience would teach me only to use greater circumspection.
I may be permitted to hope that, as an act of justice and of brotherly
kindness, when you see or write to those who censure me in this matter,
you will briefly state the whole truth, as now exhibited.
For your kind prayers and good wishes. Right Reverend and dear sir,
accept my hearty thanks. God's Providence has now made you my Bishop,
and rest assured, nothing shall occur on ray part to disturb our harmony,
or impede our usefulness.
May the great Head of the Church multiply grace, mercy and peace upon
you and yours.
Sincerely and affectionately. Your Brother in Christ,
A. Empie.
196 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
Bishop Meade continued for some years to officiate as
the rector of Frederick Parish, and now to the charge of
this congregation, which, as the reports to the Convention
indicate, still prospered under his ministry ; he superadded
the care of all the churches of the Diocese.
His first Episcopal service was the consecration of the
new church in Winchester. " Seven brethren from Marj^-
"land and Virginia were present. The season was solemn
"and interesting. On the two following days and nights
"religious services were continued. Sacrament on Sun-
^'day."
For some weeks he was engaged visiting the churches
in Frederick, and the neighboring counties. On the 1st of
December, he commenced a tour which occupied him eight
weeks, during which he visited the counties of Augusta,
Kockbridge, Eoanoke, Bedford, Campbell, Pittsylvania,
Halifax, Mecklenburg, Amherst, IsTelson, Cumberland, Al-
bemarle, Orange, Culpeper, and Fauquier. On this visi-
tation he preached fifty-four times, held two ordinations,
administered baptism nine times, and confirmed one hun-
dred and sixty-eight persons. His private record of these
Episcopal services commenced with this preface :
"It having pleased Almighty God to call me in the thir-
ty-ninth year of my life, and the eighteenth of my minis-
try, to the high and holy office of Bishop in His Church,
it is meet that I should keep a record of those acts which
I shall perform in this new character, and therefore I have
obtained this book, and on this 19th of September, 1829,
I write on this first page my humble hope and earnest
prayer that I may never record anything which my own
heart, or God, who is greater than m.j own heart, may
condemn."
He closes the record of this visitation with these lines :
"Eeached home last night after eight weeks' absence, in
some measure, I trust, sensible of the great honor confer-
red on me by God, in permitting me to labor in His serv-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 197
ice and perform such holy duties — and thankful to Him
for preserving me in health and safety — giving me such
favorable weather, and restoring me again to my beloved
family and friends and people."
This journal, which is merely a memorandum of official
services, from which he made his annual report to the Con-
vention, was discontinued in 1831, with the note, "Kept
elsewhere until the death of Bishop Moore in 1841."
{General 3Iissionary Society.) — A general revival of pure
and undefiled religion invariably produces a desire, that its
privileges may be extended to others, and this desire, in
its efforts to accomplish its object, recognizes no geograph-
ical lines, and is limited only by known destitution, and
ability, and opportunity to render relief. A missionary
spirit existed in the Protestant Episcopal Church, some
time previous to any organization to provide for its effi-
cient action in the foreign field. The contribution of its
members in this direction were appropriated through the
agency of other denominations, to whose periodicals, chief-
ly, they were indebted for the missionary intelligence by
which their interest was sustained and increased. The first
concerted movement in the Protestant Episcopal Church
in America was made, not in the General, or any Dio-
cesan Convention, but by an understanding amongst such
persons, as, on this subject, were very naturally brought
into communication, by being of one mind and one heart.
A voluntary Association was formed, comprising clergy
and laity of different dioceses. In this Society Mr. Meade
took a lively interest, and both before, and after his conse-
cration, was active in its support and management. "With
the exception of the vast missionary district embracing
the dominion of the Sultan, and having its beginning in
Constantinople, all the foreign stations of the Society were
supplied with laborers from the Virginia Seminary. This
was early pervaded by a missionary spirit, which was in
every way encouraged by the professors and bishops.
198 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
Never was there a special call from the foreign field that
did not find a ready response from this favored school,
which furnished the laborers in Greece, Africa and China,
several of whom continued their canonical connection with
the diocese of Yirginia. When the Church at the two
stations last named had so increased as to require the su-
pervision of a bishop, in each case, the worthy brother ap-
pointed, was an Alumnus of the Alexandria Seminary.
These facts, apart from other considerations, account for
Bishop Meade's intimate connection, and warm sympathy
with the operations of the Society. Its voluntary char-
acter continued until 1835, when some of the most active
friends, desirous to enlarge the number of its supporters
and extend its influence, and supposing that their object
would be effected by its organic connection with the G-en-
eral Convention, exerted themselves to bring about this
result. Some persons who had hitherto stood aloof on the
ground of its irresponsibility, expressed a willingness to
sustain it if it were made a Church institution. The pro-
posal met with general favor. The arrangements for ac-
complishing the change which, when the General Conven-
tion met in Philadelphia in 1835, had for some time been
in progress, were then completed. By a majority of the
voluntary Society it was transferred to the General Con-
vention, and the transfer received by that body, which
formally resolved the Church it represented into a grand
missionary society, of which all baptized persons were de-
clared to be members. At the same time, the field was de-
fined to be "the world." The distinction between for-
eign and domestic was to be abolished, and the terms used
only to facilitate division of labor, and secure systematic
and accurate operation. The Board of Directors was to
be elected triennially by the General Convention, and by
two committees, a foreign and domestic, to manage the
business of the Society and report to the General Conven-
tion. Provision was made for the designation of mission-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 199
ary districts, and the election of missionary bishops, by
the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies, on nomination
by the House of Bishops.
This arrangement, effected by many who were generally
on opposite sides in Church matters, was hailed as very
significant of a happy unity of spirit, and as giving prom-
ise of growing agreement in faith and practice. Bishop
Meade thus alludes to it : "I was not at the opening of
this G-eneral Convention, being detained several days in
Yirginia. All things were agreed upon before my arrival,
between some of those who, from their location and other
circumstances, took a more active part in the conduct of
the Society. On reaching Philadelphia, a number of breth-
ren whose lead I was always ready to follow in regard to
such matters, and some of whom are yet alive, informed
me, that a most happy agreement had taken place among
the active friends of missions, that all party distinctions
were to be done away, and that, in proof of the liberal
feeling toward those of our way of thinking, one Bishop
should be chosen for China, and two for the domestic field
— one of the latter, together with the former, should be
such as we would designate. Of course this was very ac-
ceptable to one who had never professed to be indifferent
to the distinctions which prevailed in the Church. It
seemed to promise well. On conversing with that wise
and good man. Bishop Griswold, I found that he was not
at all carried away with the new plan; that he would ra-
ther it would assume more, than less, of the voluntary
system, referring to the two successful Societies in England
— the Church Missionary Society, and the Society for
propagating the Gospel — which had always acted on the
voluntary principle. When the proposed change came
before the whole Society for discussion, there was, I
thought, a disposition on the part of some to underrate
the character and success of the old organization, and I
took the liberty to object to such strictures, and to refer
200 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
to what it had done, and especially to the great increase
of its funds for the last j-ear or two, at the same time de-
claring my intention, to act with those who understood
the operation of the Society better than myself All things
were settled on the new platform, and some of us contin.
Tied until the last night of the Convention under the pleas-
ing expectation of having two missionary Bishops of our
own choice; but it so haj)pened that two of the other side
were chosen for the domestic field, and the election of one
for the foreign field was indefinitely postponed. This,
among other things, may help to account for the fact that
some of us are rather fearful of what are called compro-
mises." (Old Church of Virginia, p. 379).
If this breach of good faith — for on the statement of
Bishop Meade it was nothing else — had determined those
who had been overreached to withdraw at once, and on
this ground, from the Society, and to reorganize the late
Association, which,' from mistaken views of exj^ediency,
had been dissolved, no one could have justly censured the
manly move. It now needs no great discernment to per-
ceive that the cause of missions would not have suffered
by an early retrogradation. They concluded, however, as
the alliance had been formed, to submit to the wrong, and
not to allow their disappointment and mortification to in-
terfere with their honest support of the Church institution.
''In many addresses throughout Virginia," says Bishop
Meade, "I advocated it, even as though it had commend-
ed itself entirely to my choice and judgment." And such
was generally the generous policy of those whose confi-
dence had been abused by the first act of the new Society.
That it accomplished good, though its machinery was in
several respects objectionable, and its workmen not always
of the stamp that "need not to be ashamed," is not to be
questioned. But both departments, and more especially
the domestic, failed to give satisfaction to the Church at
large. The diminished contributions indicated, not abat-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 201
ing zeal in the cause, but declining confidence in its man-
agement. Various expedients were resorted to, but with
only temporary effect. The result was, that after a fair
experiment, and no prospect of permanent improvement,
"an Episcopal Missionary Society for the West was estab-
lished in Philadelphia, which afforded a channel for the
conveyance of funds to those missionaries, and those only,
who are believed by the donors to disseminate the true
doctrines of the Gospel and the Church." This Associa-
tion established a connection with the Church Institution,
but was really independent in its means and measures.
Subsequently to this, a movement was made to form a
general Society on the voluntary plan, which was counte-
nanced and sustained by some of all orders of the Church.
Bishop Meade describes his own course in reference to
each of the three organizations: "At first, and for some
time, I gave my annual contributions to domestic missions
(i. e.: directly through the General Society), but such were
the accounts received in various ways, and such the most
unsatisfactory reports of the missionaries, that I could not
continue them with a good conscience." He therefore
availed himself of the agency of the Philadelphia Associa-
tion, and gladly contributed to its support. In the for-
eign oj^erations of the Church Society he continued to be
much interested, and though not always concurring in the
policy of that committee, his influence and his means were
generously bestowed to advance its great object. With
the new independent enterprise he 5id not see his way
clear to connect himself On this subject he writes: —
"Though hoping that the time would soon come, when,,
under favorable auspices, some voluntary society might
by general consent be formed, I have hitherto discouraged
all suggestions or proposals, either public or private, which
looked toward a new society antagonistic to that already
established." He was, from the first, unfavorable to its
connection with the General Convention. There was, as
9*
^02 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
has been related, enough in the action of that body, during
the session at which the union was consummated, to in-
crease this feeling of aversion to the ill-judged connection.
Of one of the provisions he decidedly disapproved — that
which devolved upon the House of Bishops the nomina-
tion, and on the other House the election, of the mission-
ary bishops. He regarded this as wrong in itself — inas-
much as the election of a bishop should be by the clergy
and laity over whom he is to be placed, and should be de-
ferred until the Church, in that particular district, is capa-
ble of choosing for itself — and very disturbing in its influ-
ence on the Convention, as it furnished occasion for most
exciting contention, and with it, very questionable man-
agement, and, as an unavoidable consequence, unchristian
feelings — all of which are discreditable anywhere, but es-
pecially in an ecclesiastical assembly. A faithful history
of the elections which have taken place under this ill-
judged provision would be sufficient for its condemnation.
But there is slender hope of its abandonment by any ma-
jority whose ascendancy it serves to perpetuate. The
Bishop's views on this subject are embodied in a document
relating to matters of more recent date, which will be
found in its proper place.
(Bible Society). — At an early period of his ministry,
Bishop Meade was very sensible of the importance of the
press, as an auxiliary, in the diffusion of religious knowl-
edge, and before the existence of any formal organization
for this purpose in "the American Church, he diligently
availed himself of this instrumentality, and engaged the
co-operation of others, in publishing original works, and
in reproducing such treatises as he found to be useful.
"When the American and Foreign Bible Society was formed,
he became at once one of its most efficient supporters.
Though he never appeared on its platform, or attended its
anniversary meetings, he contributed systematically and
liberally to its support, and often and earnestly commend-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 203
ed it to the generous patronage of the people of Yirginia.
On his death-bed his heart was with the enterprise, then
in progress, to organize a similar institution in the Con-
federate States, He directed a telegram to be sent to the
delegates assembled at Augusta, Georgia, requesting to be
enrolled as a life-member, and expressed the hope that it
would receive the cordial support of the Bishops, and other
clergy and laity, of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
The American Tract Society, formed by an union of the
different evangelical denominations, to print and circulate
tracts on those great doctrines and duties in reference to
which they were all agreed, he regarded with like interest
and sustained with similar zeal. Many doubt the feasibil-
ity of such a plan. He did not. For many years, its ad-
mirable management and great usefulness signally sus-
tained his judgment, and compensated his confidence. After
long and harmonious action, however, an attempt was
made to introduce the leaven of ISTew England fanaticism,
in the form of tracts, not touching the lawfulness of slavery
— any such intention was disavowed — but setting forth
the duty, and mode of imparting religious instruction to
persons held in bondage. The proposal was resisted by
the Board of Managers, as in violation of the constitution
of the Society, and sure to alienate from it all its friends
in the South, among whom were many of its most influen-
tial and active patrons. At last the pressure became so
strong, and the threat of secession became so loud, that
the Board deemed it expedient to convene the Society, and
submit the matter to their determination. On this call a
meeting was held in the city of IN^ew York. . Delegates
were there from every State in the Union. The assem-
blage was said to be the most imposing of the kind ever
convened in that city. The Bishop of Yirginia, though in-
tensely concerned, was not able to be present, but he com-
municated fully by letter with those who were, and though
absent in person, his wise counsel was heard, and his salu-
204 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
tary influence felt in that grave and momentous discussion.
The result was, the triumph of conservatism, and a new
guarantee that the constitution should be maintained.
Christians and patriots, throughout the length and breadth
of the land, were cheered by the announcement that the
mischievous measure proposed was rejected by a vote of
two-thirds. The action was regarded as happily signifi-
cant of the decisive judgment of the rehgious community,
that the institution of slavery was to be left entirely to
the wisdom and conscience of those among whom it ex-
isted, and who, it might be presumed, best understood its
relation and their duties. 0 si sic semper ubique et ah om-
nibus !
(Episcopal Sunday School Union). — The issues of the
American Tract Society were, from the nature of the
Union, confined to doctrines, and duties, in reference to
which the different denominations of which it was com-
posed, were agreed. But each denomination is distin-
guished by certain peculiarities, which, though not essen-
tial to salvation, are, by those who hold them, considered
as important in their bearing on the integrity and efiicien-
cy of the Church, and on their influence in promoting the
personal piety of those who profess, and call themselves
Christian's. To neglect their timely and distinct exhibi-
tion, with the reasons for their adoption and practice,
would be a culpable delinquency in the cause of truth, and
a want of charity to our fellow men. In publications of
this description, none could be expected to co-operate, but
those of the same communion. Many of the clergy and
laity of the Church were desirous to form a Society for
this purpose, and the meeting of the General Convention
in 1826, was selected as the occasion most favorable for its
accomplishment. The movement, however, was embar-
rassed by serious difficulties. Some projoosed that the So-
ciety should be created by the General Convention, and
managed by a Board elected by that body, and responsi-
MEMOIR OF BISUOP MEADE. 205
ble to it for all their publications. But it was objected
that this would be to give to them the imprimatur of the
Church, and thus, by placing them on a level with the
Book of Common Prayer, to add to the standards of the
Church, in violation of its constitution. If such a Society
were formed, it must therefore, from the object it proposed,
be a voluntary association.
Again : On several points of doctrine, discipline and
worship, the standards of the Church were so framed, as
to allow within certain limits, a diversity of opinion and
practice, and it was well known that under this wise allow-
ance, her clergy, though differing in some of their views
and policy, could, and did minister together in unity of
spirit, and the bond of peace. It would not be easy to
frame the Society's publications so as not to trench upon
this latitude, and by thus interfering with the liberty sanc-
tioned by the Church, to offend those brethren whose
views were disapproved. The whole subject was beset by
practical and serious difficulties, but candor and concilia-
tion were in the ascendant, and the conference resulted in
the formation of a voluntary Society, -styled the Protestant
Episcopal Sunday School and Tract Society, and with a
distinct understanding that it should be conducted with a
full regard to the diversity of sentiment known to exist
among the clergy. But it was easier to promise with
honest purpose to perform, than to execute accordingly.
The only effectual security— a j^rovision that the different
parties should be represented in the Board, or Executive
Committee, and unanimous consent required to authorize
any publication, was neglected. What was commenced
with so much expectation was not long in losing the con-
fidence, and with it the support, of a large portion of the
Church. Its history is best furnished in the language of
Bishop Meade, who soon found it necessary to remonstrate
with those by whom it was conducted, and ultimately to
expose its errors, and withdraw his recommendation. :
206 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
"The Episcopal Sunday School Union was established
at the General Convention of 1826. Nothing of its form-
ation appears on the journal, for it was not even proposed
to the House. It was the wish of some, to make it an in-
stitution of the Convention, and such a proposition was
talked of; but the whole history of the action of the Gen-
eral Convention was against it. On more than one occa-
sion, individuals had applied to the Convention, or to the
House of Bishops, to adopt or recommend certain Church-
books, but were refused on the ground that the General
Convention was formed for other purposes, and that the
precedent would be bad. In that very year, 1826, the Eev.
Mr. Barlow brouo-ht forward a scheme for a Church book-
establishment, and was permitted to occupy many hours
in the explanation, and advocacy of it. The following
resolution was adopted in regard to it :
"Besolved, As the opinion of this House, that, without
entering at all inta the merits of the plan noticed in the
report of the committee, it is inexpedient to legislate on
the subject."
"On another occasion an effort was made to forma Gen-
eral Education Society under the patronage of the General
Convention. This, also, after being considered for some
time, was postponed, and never resumed. In truth, the
only institutions which have been brought under the Gen-
eral Convention are, the General Seminary, and the Mis-
sionary Society; and whether they give any encourage-
ment for the trial of others, all may judge for themselves.
The Episcopal Sunday School Union was therefore, as has
since been publicly and formally admitted by itself, a vol-
untary institution. Several attempts were made at differ-
ent General Conventions to have it enrolled, and recog-
nized, among the general institutions of the Church ; but
they failed — the Convention being reminded that it was
only a voluntary Society. The determination of the
Church not to embarrass itself, and produce discord, by
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 207
adopting any such institution, was further manifested by
the failure of an effort made in 1847 by Bishop Henshaw,
who proposed to have a committee of both Houses to pre-
pare a few catechetical books for the children of the Church,
with a view to uniformity and harmony. It was opposed
by Bishops Delancey, Whittingham, Hopkins and myself.
After a discussion during a part of several days, the ques-
tion being taken, the mover of the resolution was the only
one who voted for it.
" There was, however, from the time of its formation a
general disposition to encourage the Episcopal Sunday
School Union as a voluntary society. The American Sun-
day School Union, and the American Tract Society, were
noble institutions, and furnished many excellent and suit-
able works for individuals, families and Sunday Schools ;
but they could not supply certain books setting forth the
peculiarities of the different denominations, in connection
with the Gospel. It was therefore desirable that Episco-
palians, as well as others, should have some organization
for supplying such. It was distinctly understood at the
establishment of ours in 1826, that it should assume no
party character, but be conducted on liberal, comprehen-
sive principles, setting forth only those common truths
about which Episcopalians are agreed — which platform has
been repeatedly declared since then. Accordingly, the
Diocese of Virginia, at the first Convention after its-organ-
ization, earnestly recommended it to the patronage of the
Episcopalians of the State. A few months only, however,
had elapsed, when some of its publications contained sen-
timents very different from what was expected, and which
were calculated to dissatisfy many of us. I immediately
wrote to the chief manager of it, the present Bishop of
Maryland, making complaints. In reply, I was assured
that the greatest pains should be taken in the future to
avoid giving offence ; that the book most objected to should
be withdrawn from circulation ; and that henceforth books
208 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
favoring both parties in tlie Church should be published.
I did not question the sincerity of the promise, and the
intention, but saw the impracticability of the plan pro-
posed. Thus disappointed, I did not take any particular
concern in the operations of the Society after that. I
only saw that from time to time some things came out
which were criticized, and which I could not approve,
though there were many good little books published for
children, chiefly from the pens of pious writers in En-
gland." (Old Churches, pp. 375-6.)
Such of the letters alluded to in the preceding state-
ment as are extant and available are here inserted as illus-
trative of the liberality, vigilance and fidelity of their au-
thor. The first is a fragment, without date, endorsed,
"Extract from a letter to the Secretary of the Episcopal
Sunday School Union Society":
" It would be uncandid in me, when writing concerning
the afi'airs of this institution, not to express my fears aris-
ing from the adoption of one or two books which I per-
ceive to be contained in the syptem of instruction, that it
may not produce the desired effect of a general union
through the Church. The books alluded to are the Balti-
more edition of Mrs. Sherwood's Stories, and Bishop Ho-
bart's Catechism. You are well aware of the controversy
which has taken place in relation to the former, and how
impracticable it will be to get those who are opposed to
the altered edition to adopt it. Was it expedient, there-
fore, to introduce this into a system which, it was hoped,
would unite the Church in the greatest possible degree of
harmony? Excellent as the work is, would it not have
been better to omit it altogether, than to have produced
collision at the very outset ? I have never seen the altered
edition, but if I understand the changes aright, they make
the work express sentiments on the subject of baptism,
different from those of a large and respectable portion of
the Episcopal clergy of England and America. I, for one,
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 209
therefore, could not adopt or recommend it, especially
when the author's own unaltered work is to be had. As
to the other, Bishop Hobart's Catechism, I cannot speak
so certainly, but I think I saw it once, and that one of the
answers put into the mouth of the child was a passage of
Ignatius or Jerome — "He that does anything without the
privity of the Bishop, serves the devil." However prop-
erly such a sentiment might be used in an argument con-
cerning the testimony of the Fathers, I cannot think it
suitable for a child's constant use. If books of this de-
scription must be used in the schools belonging to the
Union, if the children must be trained in what are called
High Church principles, do you not perceive at once how
you separate from your Society all those who cannot agree
with you on such points? Unanimous as we were in the
Yirginia Convention in recommending this institution, I
feel confident that we should have been almost as unani-
mous in rejecting the proposition, if it had been understood,
that we were thereby to bind ourselves to teach our chil-
dren principles which we disapproved. I feel confident
that distrust is at once created, and that many are now
crying, "We know not what is yet to come ! " The insti-
tution cannot be generally received unless it be conducted
in that mild catholic spirit which has ever breathed through
the Church, and made it avoid as much as possible dictat-
ing on points wherein the members difi'ered. If those who
have the management of the institution cannot conscien-
tiously conduct it otherwise, then there is no help; but
they cannot expect the cordial co-operation of those who
differ from them."
In his reply, the Secretary of the Protestant Episcopal
Sunday School Society courteously expresses the " great
pleasure" afforded "him by the spirit of candor and for-
bearance which pervades" the communication, and in a
letter which covers six and a-half pages, endeavors in a
very respectful manner to remove the objections urged :
210 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
1. Bishop Kemp's edition of Mrs. Sherwood's book is
not contained in any part of the vSystem of Instruction.
It is merely on a blank page of the printed copy of the
System, in a list of books recommended for ^^premium library
books." "It is merely a recommendation which every one
is at liberty to receive, or reject, without interfering in the
least with his adherence to our other recommendations."
2. The alterations, in a vast majority of instances, im-
prove the work by substituting plain English words for
Indian terms, which need the use of a glossary to render
them intelligible."
3. In a number of instances Mrs. Sherwood has very
strong expressions respecting the corruption of human na-
ture ; for which, in every instance. Bishop Kemp substi-
tutes the language of the Articles, or Liturgy of our Church
itself
4. Eespecting baptism, the alterations (with one excep-
tion) are not (in th'e opinion of the Secretary) "improve-
ments," but he sees not "how they can be objected to, by
any person who conscientiously uses the catechism of our
Church."
5. What purports to be "the entire difference" between
Mrs. Sherwood's book, and the edition as altered by Bishop
Kemp, on the subject of baptism, is exhibited in parallel
columns.
6. A correction of misapprehension with regard to the
testimony of St. Ignatius, as quoted in Bishop Hobart's
Catechism — with the statement of a precedent for the in-
troduction of "patristical testimony in a catechism design-
ed for the higher classes in our schools," furnished in a
Brief Explanation of the Church Catechism, by the Eev.
Basil Wood, "an English clergyman, who is deservedly in
high estimation among those of our brethren who would
be most disposed to object to Bishop Hobart's Catechism."
The reply closes with an earnest disavowal of any wish
or intention, "either to force or entice others to dereliction
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 211
of any of their principles, or even prejudices" — a distinct
assurance that the Society shall be managed so that nei-
ther "set of opinions" "can have reason to complain" —
an expression of hearty thankg "for the candor with
which" the Secretary had been made acquainted with the
objections alleged; thereby affording "an opportunity of
removing them, or taking warning from them, as the case
may be" — and a solicitation of a portion "of his corres-
pondent's influence in favor of the infant and important
institution."
Both the reply, and the communication which called it
forth, are eminently characterized by Christian frankness
and courtesy. And the same excellent spirit, worthy of
all imitation, pervades the rest of the correspondence.
The Secretary states in his reply, that in the edition of
Mrs. Sherwood's book recommended by the system, the
verbal changes amounted to the rejection "of nearly two
thousand barbarous and unintelligible words from the text
of a work designed for children," and this he regards as
quite justifying these, and other alterations. Yet, even if
this were a benefit, it has nothing to do with the question
as to the morality of the liberty taken in making the
changes. Besides, the author may with design, and good
reason, have retained what others have assumed to displace.
Sh-e may have justly concluded, that the words which the
Secretary repudiates as "barbarous and unintelligible," are
not capable of being substituted by English words convey-
ing the same idea, and could only be translated by a peri-
phrasis, which would hinder the narrative and mar the
effect, and which had better appear (if at all), in the ap-
proved form of a glossary. She may further have suppos-
ed, that those very oriental words would invite the reader
to such inquiry, as would lead to useful information rela-
tive to the peculiar customs of the country.
Any person with less reverence than the Secretary for
the English version of the Bible might, with his views,
212 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
pronounce many of its words barbarous and unintelligible,
and publish a new edition in which they were displaced by
vernacular terms, supposed to be of like import. The wise
and learned translators adopted a different course, and the
general Church has ever since approved their policy. The
same judgment has been rendered in favor of the diction
of Mrs. Sherwood's stories.
It will be recollected that Bishop Meade, in alluding to
Bishop Hobart's Catechism, had written, "I cannot speak
so certainly, but I think I saw it once, and that one of the
answers put in the mouth of a child, was a passage of Ig-
natius or Jerome, 'He that does anything without "the
privity of the Bishop, serves the Devil.' " He adds, " How-
ever j)roperly such a passage might be used in an argu-
ment concerning the testimony of the fathers, I cannot
think it suitable for a child's constant use."
To this the Secretary replied: ''I trust, sir, it will be
long before the G. P. E. S. convey their instructions to the
rising generation with so little discrimination. Bishop
Hobart's Catechism (New York ed., 1826, p. 68; our own
being not quite through the press, I cannot quote the page)
says, ' St. Ignatius, the disciple of St. John, and all the suc-
ceeding 'fathers, bear decided testimony to the superior
power of Bisho]3S. Qiies. State the testimony of Ignatius.
Ans. Ignatius says. Let no man do anything, of what be-
longs to the Church, without the Bishop.' This is all the
patristic^l testimony given in that Catechism. I do not
believe that you will entertain any objection to its being
contained in a catechism designed for the higher classes in
our schools."
The Bishop replies : " It is equally a pleasure, and a duty,
to acknowledge the mistake under which I labored in rela-
tion to a passage in Bishop Hobart's Catechism. I had
confounded the substance of Ignatius' testimony, with the
offensive words in which it was expressed. It has been
fifteen years since I saw it, as well as I can recollect. I
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 213
will endeavor to examine it without prejudice when I see
it again."
If the Bishop ever examined it, he found both express-
ions within a few lines of each other in the Epistle of Ig-
natius to the Smyrneans. The first, as translated by Arch-
bishop Wake, reads:
"Let no man do anything of what belongs to the Church,
without the Bishop." (§8.)
The second occurs in the next section :
*'But he that does anything without his (the Bishop's)
knowledge, ministers unto the devil."
The first, it is presumed, furnished the quotation in
Bishop Hobart's Catechism, and was, after not being seen
for fifteen years, confounded in Bishop Meade's recollec-
tion with its offensive counterpart.
Bishop Meade related his impressions as a matter about
which he was not "certain," and it was not very remarka-
ble that he should, after so long an interval, have mistaken
a sentence which, in its unqualified form, is very extrava-
gant, for another of like import, in more offensive words.
Millwood, Sept. 20, 1827.
Eev. and Dear Sir :
I take the first moment of leisure from more indispensable duties
to acknowledge the receipt of your last communication, and make a
few remarks upon some parts of it. It is equally a pleasure, and a
duty, to acknowledge the mistake under which I have labored in rela-
tion to a passage in Bishop Hobart's Catechism. I had confounded
the substance of Ignatius' testimony, with the offensive words in which
it was expressed. It has been fifteen years since I saw it, as
well as I can recollect. I will endeavor to examine it without preju-
dice when I see it again. When I have an opportunity, I will, in
like manner, endeavor to estimate the comparative merit of the Bal-
timore edition of Mrs. Sherwood's stories. I fear, however, that no-
thing can alter my opinion as to the inexpediency of recommending
that edition of the work.
In the conclusion of your letter, you say in very strong terms, that
it is the fixed determination of all concerned with the management of
the institution, to conduct it on the most catholic, and comprehensive
214 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
principles, that you wish neither to force, or entice any persons into
a dereliction of their peculiar views or principles, that, "though you
may sometimes sanction works which all the brethren may not cor-
dially approve," yet if you "do this in favor of one set of opinions,
it will also be done in favor of another, so that both can be supplied
and suited, and neither have reason to complain."
Now, my dear sir, I cannot but think the committee have lost the
first and fairest opportunity of exhibiting this determination before
the public, when they chose the altered edition of Mrs. Sherwood's
stories, as the one to be exclusively recommended. This book, in
its original, expressed one set of opinions — in its altered state ano-
ther set of opinions, each of which are adopted by different members
and ministers of the Church. Had nothing been said about any edi-
tion, or had it been positively declared that either might be used at
the discretion of the members, it would have assumed a very differ-
ent aspect. As it is, and considering the angry controversy which
had existed in regard to this work, the recommendation of the one
edition was well calculated to provoke the jealousy of all who were
opposed to it, and induce them to regard the measure, as a full proof
of a determination to permit but one view of the disputed points to
be seen by the rising generation. From the representation you give
of the alterations, it appears that the most material relate to the
much disputed subject of human depravity, that the expressions of
Mrs. Sherwood are only moderated, and made to resemble the expres-
sions of the Book of Common Prayer. I am well aware that there
have beeri, and still are, philosophers and divines, and many private
individuals, whose writings and opinions on this subject are foolish
and wicked, and most dishonorable to God and man. I am aware
of the impossibility of fixing with mathematical, philosophical or
theological accuracy the exact degree of man's depravity; we can-
not measure the height from which, or the abyss into which, he has
fallen; but then, when I consider the language of God's Word on
this subject, the many and strong expressions which abound in Scrip-
ture, concerning the sinfulness of man ; when I consider how reluc-
tant we are to admit the extent of our corruption, how prone we are
to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think, I confess
that I feel bound to regard with the utmost jealousy, any softenings
or modifications on this point. "If any man speak, let him speak
as the oracles of God." The only question with me is, " Does Mrs.
Sherwood use stronger expressions than the inspired writers ?" If
not, I would not alter them to suit the views of any persons, or
Churches, in Christendom.
MJEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 215
I see not, however, that they could be altered so as to speak a
moderated language, if certain expressions of our Prayer Book were
substituted : ior instance, " there is no health in us." We are very
far gone from original righteousness, as explained by the words
*' quam longessime,^^ which shows that our forefathers were anxious
to exhaust the strength of language in the cause, and indeed, which
even Calvinists, except such as are lostjto reason, must understand
with some limitation ; for none but such, would maintain that man
might not be more depraved than he is, although so deeply, and uni-
versally stained with sin. I know not what the alterations are on
this point; but any, however slight, would be received with the most
fearful suspicion, aiid therefore should not be presented to the
Church for universal acceptance. It is true, as you say, they are
only recommended, we may adopt the recommendation or not at
pleasure, but, if these are to be the only books in the depositories,
there is no choice, and the institution cannot suit those who differ in
sentiment. Moreover, the whole institution will be opposed, as hav-
ing the effect of disseminating principles believed to be at variance
with the Word of God. Dissatisfied as I still am with this step, I
will still, with all the candor I can bring to the examination, care-
fully consider the different books which compose the system, as soon
as you shall send them.
I must beg you to excuse this unworthy scrawl in consideration of
the haste in which it is necessarily written. With best wishes and
prayers, I remain
Your friend and brother in the Gospel,
W Meade.
Some six months later, the Secretary resumed the cor-
respondence, as follows :
New York, April 2, 1828.
Eev. and Dear Sir :
Not wishing to trouble you, or to trespass upon your valuable time,
I have hitherto refrained from answering your reply to my commu-
nication of J uly, 1827. But the receipt of a communication from the
Rev. Mr. Smith, of Middleburg, Vt., containing remarks of a nature
very similar to those by yourself in your first letter, reminds me, that
I ought to make acknowledgment for your frank, and liberal advice.
The Executive Committee have taken no formal measures as to
Mrs. Sherwood's Stories in Bishop Kemp's edition, but the book
has been left out of all their printed lists published since the recep-
216 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
tion of your communication, and no further measures have been tak-
en for its circulation. For my own part, I am free to confess that
after a careful examination of both editions, I cannot think any of
Bishop Kemp's alterations liable to serious objection from any mem-
bers of our Church, and very many, I am sure, (those which substi-
tute intelligible expressions for Mrs. Sherwood's numerous Indian
words) materially improve the book, and will render it much more
useful. But, far be it from me (and I believe the sentiment to be
that of every individual in the Executive Committee) to force upon
the acceptance, or even the notice of others, what they may deem se-
riously objectionable, however different may be my own opinion. I
think I may safely pledge myself that you will hear no more of
"Sherwood's Stories on the Catechism" from the Sunday School
Union. With the sentiments you express concerning the depravity
of tuman nature, as limited by yourself, I entirely agree, and it will,
I trust, be the study of my life to present these, and the other funda-
mental doctrines of the scheme of redemption, in all their strength
and importance, to the notice of my fellow sinners. I think you
will have discerned that they are recognized in the publications of the
Union in all their ej^tent, and with the prominence which is so abso-
lutely necessary. To request your opinion on such of our books as
have been forwarded to you (those now publishing will be sent, as
soon as out) is the object of my writing now. I cannot help think-
ing that they have met with your approbation, and it is in the pleas-
ing hope that I shall receive an expression of it, from yourself, and
that it will induce you to lend us your aid in our important (for our
sphere of usefulness is daily extending far and near) work, that I
remain Yours, with the profoundest respect,
W. K. Whittingham.
Eev. Dr. Meade.
To this the following answer was sent :
Millwood, April 18, 1828.
Bev. and Dear Sir :
Yours of the 2d inst. came to hand in due course of mail. The
Sunday School books of which you asked my opinion had been re-
ceived not very long before, having been delayed on the road. Since the
arrival of your letter I have given some time and attention to those
which seemed to require it. Scougal's Life of God in the Soul of
Man needed no examination. It was one of the first religious books
I read after religion became a principal consideration with me, and
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 217
I rejoice much that it is set forth by a Society of our Church. A
more accurate, and at the same time warm exhibition of the religion
of the heart, is not to be found. A glance at all the other books ex-
cept the Catechisms, was sufficient to assure me that they must be
good. The Catechisms alone were the subjects of more careful peru-
sal. On these I would offer a few criticisms.
As I am about to make some objections to them, I feel it but just-
ice to the authors and promoters of them to make some remarks on
the difficulty of such compositions. It was said by an admirer of
Dr. Watts that, much as he esteemed all his writings, there \vas none
he wondered at so much as his " Divine Songs for Children," on ac-
count of the great difficulty of writing for children. I have been all
my life reading everything of the kind that I could meet with, and
have felt very sensibly the truth of the above remark. "When Mrs.
Sherwood's Stories appeared, I pronounced them worth all the other
explanatory catechisms in the world beside Children require to be
interested. They are interested by the Bible because of the affecting
narratives, striking parables, beautiful poetry, and impassioned elo-
quence contained in it. These charms cannot be introduced into cat-
echisms. They must ever be comparatively dull, and a mere exercise
of memory. The experience of parents, pastors and teachers, I am
sure, will testify to this. I have long since come to the conclusion
that much will never be done toward the pious education of youth by
catechisms, especially long ones, which weary and disgust. Hymns
and well-chosen Scriptures, and interesting illustrations of piety, are
the great instruments for turning the thoughts and feelings of the
young into a religious channel, and leading their souls to God. The
remark which I have always made on the catechisms which have
come under my notice, is, I think, true of those which have been
issued from the Episcopal Society. I think they attempt to explai i
things which need no explanation, or which one remark from the
teacher would do, so as not to require anything further. I wish you
would read over the 2nd Catechism, or only the first two or three
pages, and see if the explanations are anything more than the Cate-
chism itself, and therefore a mere burthen on the memory.
As to all the Catechisms, it appears to me that they attempt and in-
culcate some things comparatively unimportant, and not likely to in-
terest. The larger catechism is swollen to a formidable size in this
way. and will, I fear, be a terror to those young minds which we
would lead into the "ways of pleasantness" and "paths of peace."
Upon the whole, there appears to me to be an inherent difficulty in the
10
216 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
tion of your communication, and no further measures have been tak-
en for its circulation. For my own part, I am free to confess that
after a careful examination of both editions, I cannot think any of
Bishop Kemp's alterations liable to serious objection from any mem-
bers of our Church, and very many, I am sure, (those which substi-
tute intelligible expressions for Mrs. Sherwood's numerous Indian
words) materially improve the book, and will render it much more
useful. But, far be it from me (and I believe the sentiment to be
that of every individual in the Executive Committee) to force upon
the acceptance, or even the notice of others, what they may deem se-
riously objectionable, however different may be my own opinion. I
think I may safely pledge myself that you will hear no more of
"Sherwood's Stories on the Catechism" from the Sunday School
Union. With the sentiments you express concerning the depravity
of human nature, as limited by yourself, I entirely agree, and it will,
I trust, be the study of my life to present these, and the other funda-
mental doctrines of the scheme of redemption, in all their strength
and importance, to the notice of my fellow sinners. I think you
will have discerned that they are recognized in the publications of the
Union in all their extent, and with the prominence which is so abso-
lutely necessary. To request your opinion on such of our books as
have been forwarded to you (those now publishing will be sent, as
soon as out) is the object of my writing now. I cannot help think-
ing that they have met with your approbation, and it is in the pleas-
ing hope that I shall receive an expression of it, from yourself, and
that it will induce you to lend us your aid in our important (for our
sphere of usefulness is daily extending far and near) work, that I
remain Yours, with the profoundest respect,
W. K. Whittingham.
Rev. Dr. Meade.
To this the following answer was sent :
Millwood, April 18, 1828.
Rev. and Dear Sir :
Yours of the 2d inst. came to hand in due course of mail. The
Sunday School books of which you asked my opinion had been re-
ceived not very long before, having been delayed on the road. Since the
arrival of your letter I have given some time and attention to those
which seemed to require it. Scougal's Life of God in the Soul of
Man needed no examination. It was one of the first religious books
I read after religion became a principal consideration with me, and
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 217
I rejoice much that it is set forth by a Society of our Church. A
more accurate, and at the same time warm exhibition of the religion
of the heart, is not to be found. A glance at all the other books ex-
cept the Catechisms, was sufficient to assure me that they must be
good. The Catechisms alone were the subjects of more careful peru-
sal. On these I would offer a few criticisms.
As I am about to make some objections to them, I feel it but just-
ice to the authors and promoters of them to make some remarks on
the difficulty of such compositions. It was said by an admirer of
Dr. Watts that, much as he esteemed all his writings, there was none
he wondered at so much as his " Divine Songs for Children," on ac-
count of the great difficulty of writing for children. I have been all
my life reading everything of the kind that I could meet with, and
have felt very sensibly the truth of the above remark. When Mrs.
Sherwood's Stories appeared, I pronounced them worth all the other
explanatory catechisms in the world beside Children require to be
interested. They are interested by the Bible because of the affecting
narratives, striking parables^ beautiful poetry, and impassioned elo-
quence contained in it. These charms cannot be introduced into cat-
echisms. They must ever be comparatively dull, and a mere exercise
of memory. The experience of parents, pastors and teachers, I am
sure, will testify to this. I have long since come to the conclusion
that much will never be done toward the pious education of youth by
catechisms, especially long ones, which weary and disgust. Hymns
and well-chosen Scriptures, and interesting illustrations of piety, are
the great instruments for turning the thoughts and feelings of the
young into a religious channel, and leading their souls to God. The
remark which I have always made on the catechisms which have
come under my notice, is, I think, true of those which have been
issued from the Episcopal Society. I think they attempt to explai i
things which need no explanation, or which one remark from the
teacher would do, so as not to require anything further. I wish you
would read over the 2nd Catechism, or only the first two or three
pages, and see if the explanations are anything more than the Cate-
chism itself, and therefore a mere burthen on the memory.
As to all the Catechisms, it appears to me that they attempt and in-
culcate some things comparatively unimportant, and not likely to in-
terest. The larger catechism is swollen to a formidable size in this
way. and will, I fear, be a terror to those young minds which we
would lead into the ''ways of pleasantness" and "paths of peace."
Upon the whole, there appears to me to be an inherent difficulty in the
10
220 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE,
miscliief spoken of. It is somewhat remarkable, and not a little to
the credit of the Church, that persons differing on all these points,
yet agree in their approbation of what the Prayer-Book teaches, just
in the same way as all the contending parties in Christendom agree
in approving of the Bible. But where is there any commentary or
explanation of the Bible that suits them all ? As soon as explana-
tions begin, they must be multiplied far beyond the number of sects
in order to satisfy all. So it is with our Catechism and Prayer-Book,
at least with some parts of them. All agree to take them as they
are, and think that the passages which contain the disputed points,
either favor their own views, or admit of a double signification ; but
the moment it is attempted to explain them, so as to favor one view
rather than another, dissension arises, and we split into parties.
I do not therefore see any other plan of proceeding, than to let the
Catechism remain as it is, and serve as a text for each individual
minister to expatiate upon before his little flock. As to the difficult
and disputed points, he must say what he believes, or nothing at all
As to the other parts, if he takes the pains which he should, he can
make them plainer and more interesting than any catechism, because
he can enlarge upori them, and illustrate them by anecdotes and Scrip-
ture quotations. This was plainly the design of the Catechism, as
the Canons in the English Church and in our own Church show, for
they direct the minister to instruct the children in it before the con-
gregation — a plan which I have pursued for many years, endeavoring
to interest both parents and children, either by explanations of my
own, or by reading some affecting pieces from the publications of the
day, which enforce the doctrines and duties taught in the Catechism.
If I am told that this view of the subject narrows the ground of any
Episcopal Society, by excluding things which are peculiar to our
Church, I reply that there is ground enough left for genius and piety
to exercisp itself upon, for the benefit of the Church. Interesting
tracts or stories, it seems to me, might be written on the subject of
baptism, confirmation, the Lord's fcupper, on the excellency and
apostolic origin of the three orders in the Church, on the daily serv-
ice of the Church, and even on the catechism, without agitating their
inflammable materials, which are deep hidden in a great measure from
view. It appears to me, there never was a time when more, and im-
portant considerations required us to let these matters alone, and at-
tend to things which make for peace among ourselves, and are neces-
sary to recommend our Church, to the esteem of the more wise, and
pious, of our own and other communions. If we continue to bite and
devour one another, we may expect to be consumed one of another.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 221
I am not much given to nice speculations in doctrines whicli have
always been discussed in the Christian world, having neither heart
nor head for them, but in one thing I am immoveably fixed, to do my
utmost to resist, and hold up to public odium, anything like intoler-
ance towards opinions and practices (although I may neither hold the
one nor observe the other,) which pious and sensible men have be-
lieved to be promotive of true religion. From such a spirit as this, I
think our Church, is in more danger than from anything else which is
supposed to threaten her peace and unity. I doubt not, that there are
in both of the parties which now divide the Church, a number of pious
and discreet men, lovers of peace, both clergy and laity, who feel and
think alike on this subject, and whose influence, if felt as it deserves,
will yet make us to dwell together in unity.
I have thus freely, my dear sir, expressed to you, as you requested,
my opinions as to the merits of the compositions which the agent
was so good as to send for my examination. So far as I can consci-
entiously promote the circulation of any books issued from a society
of our Church, I hold it a duty, and shall feel it a pleasure, so to do.
But I am constrained to say, that no society can receive general sup-
port, which ventures upon these topics, which are so disputed among
us. If I have taken any wrong views of the books in question, I
shall be glad to have them corrected, and will candidly acknowledge
my error. I thank you for the promise contained in your letter, of
transmitting the other publications as soon as they are issued. In
rather more than two weeks from this time, I shall set out for our
State Convention, and do not expect to return home before the
month of August, as I have undertaken to spend some months in
making collections for our Seminary, in the lower part of Virginia.
A letter, written immediately, will reach me before my departure, or,
at a later period, might be addressed to me at Petersburg, where I
shall be from the 15th to the 20th of May.
With best wishes and prayers for your usefulness and happiness
I remain your friend and brother,
W. Meade.
P. S. — On the 20th page of the second Catechism, I find an expla-
nation of the term "generally necessary to salvation" different
from that which I have been accustomed in my own mind to attach
to it. I have always supposed that "generally" was a qualifying
phrase, in opposition to the doctrine that bapti-<m was absolutely es-
sential to salvation. As the explanation now stands in this Cate-
chism, it appears to me that the Church is made to speak a language
222 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
and declare a doctrine, which, I think, must be disowned by all its
members and ministers. I should like to have some explanation of
this.
Thus terminated a correspondence conducted in the best
spirit, and with a result, which authorized the hope that
the Society would be carefully managed, in accordance with
the impartial policy to which it was pledged. Its direction,
however, passed into other hands, and, with the introduc-
tion of the novelties which began seriously to disturb the
Church, it was charged with favoring views which were
regarded by many as essentially Romish. The dissatisfac-
tion became so extensive and decided, that, in 1846, when
a number of Bishops were assembled in New York at a
meeting of the General Missionary Society, a meeting of the
Executive Committee of the Sunday School Union was call-
ed by special request. The complaints alluded to were fully
stated, and an order was passed, that a set of all the books of
the society, should be sent to each Bishop for examination.
In those sent to Bishop Meade he found so much to object to
that, as he says, "I felt it my duty to spread the same be-
fore the Church. This was done in an octavo pamphlet of
more than sixty pages. For so doing, I received much se-
vere censure from the press, and elsewhere. My charges
were pronounced to be false. The books were declared to
be worthy of all praise, and to have no unsound doctrine
in them. The Church was solemnly and repeatedly called
on to sustain it just as it was." To repel those assaults,
correct the misrepresentations by which they were accom-
panied, and vindicate his course, he addressed the follow-
ing letter to the Board of Managers and Executive Com-
mittee of the Sunday School Union :
Millwood, Sept. 11, 1851.
Brethren :
I have received, and this day read, the last report of the institution under
your care, and which is especially directed to be sent to each Bishop, Stand-
ing Committee, and Diocesan Convention, in order to receive their early
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 223
and favorable attention. In that report I find myself not only alluded to
in a way not to be misunderstood, but twice mentioned by name in connec-
tion with quotations from letter or letters, written in the year 1827, on the
subject of the union. The object of adducing those passages in which, at
that early period, I approve the object of the Society, must be manifest to
those who are aware of the position I have taken in regard to it, of late
years, viz. : to fix the imputation of inconsistency, or contradiction upon
me. As not merely the Executive Committee, but those of ray brethren in
the Episcopate who were present, united in approving and sending forth
this report, I must beg leave to offer a brief history of my conduct in rela-
tion to the institution.
Although I took no part in its formation, yet, when adopted, I deter-
mined to give it a fair trial, and therefore, at the approaching Diocesan Con-
vention of Virginia, united with the Rev. Dr. "Wilmer in supporting it in
opposition to the doubts and fears of some of its members, which were ex-
pressed on the occasion. It was at this time I wrote the favorable senti-
ment quoted in the Report. I must, however, add that my own fears were
soon awakened, by the appearance of some book, in which the author's
views of regeneration were either suppressed or changed, so as to dissatisfy
myself, and others in the Church with whom I agreed. I at once wrote to
the person having then the chief management of the Society, complaining
that its declared principle had been violated. A most friendly answer was
received, assuring me that such was not intended, and that great care
should be taken to avoid it in future. From that time forward I paid little
attention to the operation of the Union, neither opposing or promoting it,
until my attention was called, some few years since, by one or two of my
brother Bishops, at a meeting in New York, to some of its publications
which seemed to savor of the false doctrines and practices, which Tractari-
ans, in England, and America, were seeking to introduce into our Church.
A meeting of some of the Bishops, with members of the Executive Commit-
tee was held on the subject, and the result was, that a copy of all the pub-
lications of the Society was ordered to be sent to each Bishop, to be exam-
ined by him. I at once entered upon such examination, and soon discov-
ered not only that there were many and serious errors in them, but that a
gradual change had been for some years taking place in the character of
the books, and that up to that time, they were becoming more and more
assimilated, in language and doctrine, to the writings of the Tractarians.
So numerous were those objectionable passages, so serious the errors, so
widely circulated were the books through the Church, and, above all, so
little had they been noticed, that I felt myself bound, not to deliver a cau-
tion to the Executive Committee in a private letter, but to address the
whole Church in two printed ones, warning it of the danger to which it was
exposed. That a private letter would have been of no avail, is evident
224 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
from the fact, that the managers of the Society have repeatedly published
to the \vorld, a denial of any deviation from the principles of its organiza-
tion and of the Church, and challenged proof of the reverse. I refer my
brethren to my two printed letters for the decision of that question.
I have written the above, in order briefly to exhibit the consistency of my
course, from the first establishment of the Sunday School Union, to the pres-
ent time. As a minister and Bishop of the Church, 1 have desired to pro-
mote, as far as my judgment and conscience would allow, an institution
which, though not under the patronage of the General Convention (for
that was pointedly objected to at the time of its formation), was yet agreed
upon, by some of the Bishops and clergy, as an experiment for supplying
the Church with a great desideratum. I will only add one remark in re-
lation to the support sought to be obtained in behalf of the Society from
the names of White, Hobart, Griswold, and Moore. That they did assent
to the Society at its formation, and wish it well afterwards, is doubtless
true, but that this can be adduced as favoring the changes which took
place in the progress of the Society, is untrue. Their writings on many
points bear testimony to the contrary. Most of them had gone to their
rest before the objectionable features were introduced into the Societj^'s pub-
lications. It is perfectly fair to adduce their names as consenting to the
establishment of the. Society, and even to add my humble one to the same,
but unfair, to use any of them so as to countenance errors which they did
not hold. That one or two things which I have criticised in my letters,
may have been held by one or two of those above mentioned, may be true,
but that they can be adduced as sustaining the Society as to the others, is
untrue.
(Signature omitted).
On' the subject matter of the correspondence it may be
remarked: First: In placing the altered edition of Mrs.
Sherwood's Stories on the list of premium books, and ig-
noring altogether the genuine book, the Society certainly
did all in their power to secure the circulation and use of the
mutilated edition, with its vast changes, as the Secretary
styles them. True, it was only a recommendation, but what
THOTQ could they do ? It certainly gave the spurious edition
all the advantage possessed even by their own original j^ub-
lications, for these they do but commend, not force upon the
Church. The only force supposable in the case is the force
of circumstances, and if these were not determined by the
Society so as to favor the exclusive currency of the obnox-
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 225
ious volnme (which had ah*eady been the occasion of sharp
controversy in the Diocese of Maryland), it would be dif-
ficult to suggest anything, within the limits of their au-
thority, which would be more eflScient for the purpose. To
have merely named the book, without specifying any edi-
tion, would have been to act imj^artially, and this is pre-
cisely what Bishop Meade suggests in his next letter.
. Secondly : To alter the work of an author without his
knowledge and approval, even though the changes be in-
considerable, and really contribute to its improvement, is a
liberty which, it is to be hoped, few Avould justify. The
Secretary of the Executive Committee very properly pur-
sued a different course. Alluding in his letter to "Bishop
Hobart's Catechism," he writes: "AYe have chosen it,
slightly altered, at our request, by the Right Rev. author."
Their own action in this case, where the change desired
was slight, is a reliable exponent of their conviction of
right, and commits their judgment in condemnation of the
liberty taken with Mrs. Sherwood's Stories. And yet,
when they adopted and recommended, exclusively too, the
work seriously changed, without any reference to the au-
thor, they became virtually implicated in an offence, which
their own recorded conduct, in a similar, but very much
lighter case, decidedly disallowed.
(Evangelical Knowledge Society). — The hopeless perver-
sion of the Sunday School Union to party purposes was
now apparent. The only alternative left to the friends of
evangelical truth and primitive order were, to leave the
Church to be flooded by publications of strong Romish
tendency, or, to counteract these, by providing and circu-
lating others, in harmony with the teachings of the Reform-
ers, and the doctrine of the Articles and Homilies The
election was soon decidedly made. The important move-
ment, in its origin and successful progress, is thus recorded
by Bishop Meade, who was chosen its President:
"Seeing there was no promise or hope of amendment, a
10*
226 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
number of those who believed that better books and tracts
might be procured, determined to form another voluntary
Society, in which those who agreed in sentiment, might,
with more harmony and efficiency, benefit the Church by
the press, and resist that torrent of evil which was pour-
ing itself over our own, and mother Church. Wherefore a
number of Bishops, clergy and laity, who met together at
the Convention of 1847 in New York, united in forming
what is called the "Evangelical Knowledge Society." For
so doing they have been stigmatized by many of the friends
of the other Society as the promoters of division, schism
and discord, and as slandering that Society, whose publica-
tions are still defended as sound and useful. God has nev-
ertheless been pleased to bless our efforts, and to extend
the sphere of our oj^erations beyond our first hopes. Un-
der these circumstances, at the last General Convention, a
most unexpected and extraordinary call was made upon us
to cease from our work, and unite with the elder Society
under a somewhat new organization, which disavowed all
former claims by its friends of being other than a volun-
tary society, and made fresh pledges of the avoidance of
all which could offend any serious and pious Episcopalian.
Had the regular officers and members of the Society, after
due consideration, formally proposed to those of the Evan-
gelical Knowledge Society, a conference for the purpose of
enquiring whether there might not be a union of effort
on some liberal basis, and, having agreed on the same,
called upon the Church generally to sustain such a union,
there would have been something worthy the name of com-
promise, though I do not believe such union practicable or
likely to satisfy long. Or, had the managers of the elder
Society been content to discard such of their books as were
at length found to be unworthy, and made, even on the
ground of expediency, certain changes in others, and re-
solved on the most comprehensive and conciliatory mode
of action for the future, and left the other society to do
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 227
its own work in its own viiiy, there would have been noth-
ing to complain of. All must have desired to see the work
of reformation go on. But, instead of this, as though it
were the only society having a right to exist, having re-
solved on certain changes and certain promises, and forget-
ful of 2)ast failures, it calls upon all the clergy and congre-
gations of the Church to rally round its banner, and it on-
ly, under pain of being regarded as wanting in true attach-
ment to the Church, and devoid of Christian charity. If
such is not the j^osition which the old society (under an
altered name) has assumed toward the Evangelical Know-
ledge Society, consisting of a large number of the Bishops,
clergy and laity of the Church, I have mistaken its move-
ment. So have I understood the language of its mana-
gers, its committees, and its active friends, as spoken
throughout the land. As to the probability of success in
making it answer all the wants of the whole Church, it is
not in place to discuss the question. It is sufficient to say
that the Evangelical Knowledge Society has seen no cause
to relinquish its work. That work is not the division of
the Church (as has been falsely charged upon it), either as
designed, or as the natural or probable consequence. On
the contrary, the best method of preventing division, is to
allow a reasonable liberty of thought and action. By at-
tempting hermetically to seal the minds and lips of men,
there may be a swelling and an explosion. In our mother
Church, different societies, having the same great object in
view, but using somewhat different means, are not consid-
ered as interfering with the unity and welfare of the Church.
Many there are, both among clergy and laity, who actively
co-operate with different societies. I sincerely hope that
both of our societies may be worthy of such general pa-
tronage." (Old Chs., p. 377-8).
Error is generally more restless under contradiction than
truth. It could not have been expected that the Evan-
gelical Knowledge Society would be permitted to take its
228 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
defined position, and attempt the accomplishment of its
avowed purpose, without encountering decided opposition.
By some of the devotees of the Sunday School Union, it
was rudely and magisterially assailed, as an invasion of a
field which belonged exclusivel}^ to that institution. The
only attack which moved Bishop Meade, w^as made by an
unanticipated antagonist, and even this' disturbed him, not
by its real formidableness, but because of its author, with
whom his personal relations were always most friendly ;
and on account of the offensiveness of the language em-
ployed. Bishop Otey, in his annual address to the Con-
vention of Mississippi, then under his provisional charge,
had deemed it his duty to warn the Diocese against the
Evangelical Knowledge Society, as having been formed
with an avoidance of those modes of publication which are
usual in such cases, and therefore justly liable to the stig-
ma of being concocted in suspicious concealment — adding
his testimony against it, as not only unnecessary and in-
expedient, but an a'ction inevitably detrimental to the peace
and unity of the Church. This official denunciation im-
pelled Bishop Meade, who was the President of the Evan-
gelical Knowledge Society, to address the following letter
to its Episcopal assailant:
Millwood, July 22, 1848.
My Bear Brother :
On my recent visitation a "Banner of the Cross" was presented to me,
containing an extract from your address to the Mississippi Convention,
which surprised and grieved me not a little. I need not say it was that
which referred to the Evangelical Knowledge Society. My determination
was immediately taken to address you a brotherly letter, such as our past
relations not only justify, but call for; but sore eyes, and a disordered
head, utterly untitted me for the task until the present moment. When I
read at the same time that your health was very bad, I could not but re-
member, how, on a former occasion, a diseased body had made you to take
gloomy views of your own state "with God, and to hope that the same
cause had influenced your judgment, your feelings, and your language, in
regard to the conduct of some of your brethren, in the matter alluded to.
Whatever be the cause, you cannot be surprised that myself and others
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 229
feel that you must think very differently of us, and our conduct, from what
we had a right to suppose you \yould do, from all our past intercourse,
especially that of the last few years. It is true you give me credit for in-
telligence and piety, but it must be rather of a doubtful character, when it
not only could not prevent us from deliberately engaging in so evil a work,
but did not even forbid our seeking concealment from yourself, and doing
the work in secret ; whereas, we should, in an open and manly way, have
proposed it in general convention.
Such, my dear brother, is the construction put upon your language by
those of both sides of this question. None of those agreeing with you,
having gone so for as yourself, in the charge of cowardly concealed action,
though indulging in very abusive language as to the motives and designs
of the Society, supposing that you must labor under some mistake on
the subject of concealment, or you surely could not have permitted such
language to escape you, in a public document, I will mention that not
only was the proposition to form such a society the subject of discussion
in the papers beforehand, but that we had four or five meetings during
the Convention, at which from thirty to one hundred were present, with
open doors ; so that I never doubted but that it was universally known,
and I did know that it was freely spoken of, being approved by some and
condemned by others, according to their different religious views. You
may perhaps ask why I myself did not invite you to unite with us in a
special manner, over and above the general invitation to all the Bishops,
given in our articles of association. I will tell you, candidly, why I did
not. I believed that for certain reasons you would not wish to be for-
ward in the organization of such a society, though you would be well
pleased to see one formed, and if it were conducted in such a way as to
meet your approbation, would promote its welfare. The same impression
I formed as to Bishop Cobb, who had by letter expressed to me his thanks for
my reviews of the books of the Episcopal Sunday School Union, of New
York. I therefore said nothing to either of you, thinking it best to wait
your own decision, after the subject was determined on. It never, how-
ever, entered into my mind that either of you were ignorant of what I
supposed was so generally known, and so much talked of. That any
Bishop in the Church should condemn the principle on which the Society
Wiis based, and the lawfulness of it, except Bishop Henshaw, I could not
suppose, after the full discussion which tO' k place on Bishop H's proposi-
tion, against which you and all of us voted. This is the reason I did not
converse with you ; why other Bishops who were present at our meetings
did not, I am not competent to say.
And now, as to your strong denunciation of our Society, let me remind
you of what I once heard you say, and what I have heard others say of
you, viz : that you had never read one of the 0.\ford Tracts, and of course,
could express no opinion about them. If such has been the case in rela-
230 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
tion to the numerous works, which, together with them, and of the same
spirit and tendency, have been been issued from the press in this country ;
or, if you have not given a full examination to those books, whether from
our Sunday School Union, New York Tract Society, or individuals have
published, and which have been charged with false doctrine, let me ask, are
you justified in pronouncing such a judgment on your brethren who have
read them, and feel bound to adopt some measure to prevent the full in-
fluence thereof? Surely, my dear brother, you are not prepared to say that
many of those sentiments, and views, and practices which have of late
been advocated and introduced amongst us, are mere differences of opinion,
which must not be opposed ? If so, I have greatly mistaken your theolog-
ical sentiments, and we are wide asunder on some important points.
But, even supposing that the differences of opinion be not so great, are
you prepared to say, that those on the one side shall have all liberty granted
them to organize and publish them, and the other be denied it? Shall
some in New York be allowed to have a Sunday School society, and elect
nominal managers from other dioceses, keeping the executive of it in their
own hands, and impose itself on the public as a general Church institu-
tion, and set forth the views of one party, and those differing from them
be forbidden to organize in the same way, to present their views ? Or, if
those called Evangelical or Low Church had happened to form the first
one, would he have denounced the other for forming another? You must
certainly remember that some years since, some of the Bishops — the Bishops
of New Jersey and New York, (I certainly remember, were concerned,)
formed an union for publishing tracts of a certain kind, to set forth the
views of the Church, calling it the C liurchmari' s Library^ and endeavoring
to circulate it through the Church. How long it lasted, and how far suc-
ceeded, I do not know.
And now let me point you to the organization of similar institutions in
our mother Church of England. The Christian Knowledge Society was
formed for the same purpose, by those agreeing in sentiment ; the Church
Missionary Society was formed by persons holding the same views as to
Missions — both of them voluntary institutions, always opposed by some,
and sustained by others, and yet doing immense good, and never produc-
ing schism in the Church, as you apprehend from ours. So far, indeed,
from such institutions producing schism, I believe the effort to repress
them, and denounce them, is far more likely to lead to separations in our
Church. Let each freely set forth their opinions, by books and tracts, with-
in the bounds of that liberty so freely granted by our Church, and we shall
be much more likely to promote truth and love, than by an}' attempts to
establish unity in the way some are so desirous to try.
I have thus written, my dear brother, because I really think that when
some eight or nine Bishops were ever present or approved — that some of
them have publicly recommended Diocesan auxiliaries— -that one, Bishop
MEMOIR OF BISnOP MEADE. 231
Elliot, contributed one hundred dollars annually, and m3'self am President
of the society, and mean to do all in my power to promote it — that your
public denunciation of it is not marked by that brotherly kindness, which
we had a right to expect at your hands. As such are the thoughts of my
mind, I considered that the relation which has ever existed between us,
calls for such an expression of my regret and dissatisfaction at the manner
in which you have denounced our proceedings.
(In his handwriting, but without signature).
Bishop Otey's reply, closely written, covers sixteen pa-
ges of letter-paper. To Bishop Meade personally it is
most respectful and affectionate. Thus he writes: "I do,
and shall always, love you very dearly, and I hope through
God's great mercy, in Christ, to occupy a place with you
in Heaven, though I am sure it will be far below the
height on which I expect to see you standing in that
world of glory."
The general tone of the letter is one of sadness and dis-
satisfaction. Of his address to the Alississippi Convention
he says, "It was penned under the pressure of incessant
occupation, and during the intervals, very short, afforded
for writing during a hurried visitation." His "mental
state" at this time, he describes as "one of deep and abas-
ing humiliation before God, under a sense of recent and
overwhelming afflictions, aud of deep sorroAV for the course
which you (Bishop Meade) and others had pursued." He
adverts to his deep mortification on finding that he was
not included in the invitation to attend the meetings pre-
liminary to the formation of the Evangelical Knowledge
Society, regarding what he considered, designed neglect as
a want of that appreciation and confidence to which, from
previous intimate intercourse, he felt himself entitled.
"Every man," he writes, " is surely at liberty to choose his
own associates, and select the objects of his benevolence,
and determine the sphere which shall bound his virtuous
efforts. And if we sometimes imagine that we have a place
in the hearts and affections of our brethren, and rest upon
it as a sort of staff, or stay under the burden of this weary
232 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
world's calamities and afflictions, and find to our sorrow
that our hopes have misled us, it may best remind us of
the Psalmist's bitter experience: ' It is better to trust in
the Lord, than to put any confidence in man. It is better
to trust in the Lord, than to put any confidence in prin-
ces.' "
That there was no designed slight in the omission of
which he complains, but rather a studious regard for what
was supposed would be most agreeable to himself, and that
the same reticence was considerately observed in reference
to another esteemed brother, whilst the hope was cherish-
ed that "if the Society were conducted in a way to meet
their approval, they would both promote its welfare," is
expressly declared in the letter Qf Bishop Meade.
For concealment, there was no conceivable motive, and
if there had been, it would have been impossible in a move-
ment which had been publicly discussed in the papers, and
freely talked of hy those sj)ecially interested in its accom-
plishment.
How far the mortification which Bishop Otey experi-
enced from the fancied slight may have influenced his
views, and suggested his language in relation to the Evan-
gelical Knowledge Society, no one can decide. It did not,
however, prevent his prompt disavowal of any intention
of giving offence, and the declaration, "I am heartily sorry
for having used language in my address which you (Bishop
Meade) deem uncharitable, and ask your forgiveness.
This I am willing to say to 3^ou, and to all others who may
feel as you do, and to say it as publicly as may be desired,
to heal the wounds which I have undesignedly inflicted "
— nothing could be more manly and Christian. Yet, on
the fifth page, the influence of his unhappy prepossessions
is again in the ascendancy, and without perceiving that he
was virtually repeating the offence for which he had so
becomingly apologized, he writes: "The word C07iceal may
then be stricken from my address, and the manner and
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 233
objects of the organization be described by any terms
which will convey a just and truthful impression of the
transaction, and I shall be perfectly satisfied. But I am
greatly deceived, if the common judgment of mankind do
not pronounce of the action in the meeting, so far as action
can speak, that it entered not into wishes or contempla-
tion to have the time, place, or purposes, of their assem-
blaire known to the ministers and members of the Church
then in Xew York." This assumption as to the verdict of
mankind is, after all, only the repetition of his own offen-
sive judgment, with a vain attempt to give it the sanction
of universal concurrence. The whole reply shows that the
communication of Bishop Meade had effected no change
in his impressions as to the character of the preliminary
meetings, or his convictions with regard to the Society it-
self He still considered the one censurably clandes-
tine, and the other schismatic in its spirit, and "fraught
with mischief and danger to the peace and welfare of the
Church, to an extent which can scarcely be overestimated."
This is the burden of his letter, and he labors to sustain it
by a skillful and earnest exhibition of arguments and ob-
jections, which have been so often published in various
forms, as to render their reproduction here as unnecessary,
as it would now be useless. The experiment has been
made for seventeen years. Both Societies are in active
operation, and the Church, at the expiration of that time,
was undivided, and less disturbed, and more prosperous,
than before the denounced institution was organized. The
result fairly proved that not the Bishop of Tennessee,'but
the Bishop of Yirginia was the true prophet.
The views of Bishop Otey, as recorded near the close of
his reply, will be gratifying to many who cherish his mem-
ory with warm affection. Bishop Meade had written : —
"And now, as to your strong denunciation of our society,
let me remind you of what I once heard you say, 'that you
had never read one of the Oxford tracts, and of course
234 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
could express no opinion about them.' If such has been
the case in relation to the numerous works which, too-eth-
er with them, and of the same tendency, have been issued
from the press in this country, or, if you have not given a
full examination to those books from our Sunday School
Union, New York Tract Society, or which individuals have
published, and which have been charged with false doc-
trine, let me ask, are you justified in pronouncing such a
judgment on your brethren who have read them, and feel
bound to adopt some measure to prevent the full influence
thereof?"
Bishop Otey answers: "You refer to my acquaintance
with the Oxford tracts, and kindred publications. I never
read but one of them — 'IS^o. 90.' I happened to be in New
York when that tract came out. I read it, and immedi-
ately wrote to Dr. Seabury, expressing my unqualified dis-
approbation of its views and princij^les. This is all I
have had to do with Tractarianism. It is true that I have
three volumes of the Oxford tracts in my library, but I
have never had time and opportunity to peruse them." " I
never expect to read them, as I look forward to no time
of leisure, or rest, in this world."
"You would know whether I regard the views, senti-
ments and practices lately introduced amongst us, as mere
differences of opinion. I wish you had been more specific,
for I do not know with sufficient precision to what you al-
lude, to enable me to answer. If you refer to the practi-
ces, so variant in different places, about wearing the sur-
plicie or the gown, about lectures and pulpits, communion
tables on two or four legs, and desks, and crosses, in our
churches, &c., &c , I hold them as matters of indifference,
except that neither the one practice, or the other, should
be insisted on, to the destruction of charitj^. We have
never had any trouble about any of these things." (His
trouble in this line, however, did come, and he met it man-
fully.) "The clergy preach in the surplice or gown, as
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 235
convenience, or necessity, may require ; only we strive, as
the Apostle directs, that 'all things be done decently and
in order.' We keep as near to the rubrics, in all cases, as
we can. But we sometimes have to officiate without any
clerical vestments, and I have even converted my hat into
a desk, from which to read prayers and preach. I do think
that it is an abominable shame, that questions giving rise
to unprofitable strife and debate about such things, should
be introduced among Christian people, or those professing
godliness."
"If your remarks have reference to another, and, as I
consider, a far more important topic, I can speak with def-
initeness and precision. If you mean, in short, to ask
whether I regard those views which have sometimes been
presented among us, upon the great and vital doctrine of
justification by faith, going to deprive the Saviour of the
glory of His work, and the poor sinner of his only ground
of hope, I reply unhesitatingly, that I utterly, and wholly
reject and repudiate them. I do not regard them as mat-
ters of indifference. I hold, without qualification, limita-
tion, subtraction or addition, the doctrine set forth in our
thirty-first Article, and distinctly recognized in the Com-
munion office. I entirely condemn the notion, and every
approach to the notion, or idea, that any work of man
whatever, however done, can add one iota, jot or tittle to
the perfect and alone meritorious righteousness of the Lord
Jesus Christ, by which, and which alone, the sinner is just-
ified— that there is not one particle of inherent or in-
wrought righteousness in the sinner, which he can plead
for justification. I hold that justification is the act of God
— that faith, the only instrument of justification, is the
gift of God, and applies the merits of Christ to the sin-sick
and condemned soul for pardon — that the sinner is justi-
fied by faith only — that baptism, the Lord's Supper — in
short, all other means of grace, when properly used, add no-
thing whatever towards procuring the sinner's justifica-
236 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
tion, which proceeds from the free mercy of God in Christ
— that they are chamiels for grace, given for the sanctifi-
cation of the believer in soul, body and spirit, to fit and
qualify him for Heaven. These are the things which I
constantly affirm and teach — these are the things in which
I find comfort and hope to my own poor afflicted soul, and
in faithful adherence to these, I trust to live and die." A
full and feeling exposition of Luther's " Articulus stantis
vel cadentis ecdesice'^ — the very life-blood of the whole
Evangelical system, which it pervades to its very extrem-
ities, imparting vitality and nutriment to every member,
and securing the power, and symmetry of the bod}^, in its
completeness. Can it for a moment be supposed that one
who so clearly and cordially embraced this blessed faith,
could willingly be indifferent to the diffusion of errors
tending to adulterate and neutralize it? If the good
Bishop of Tennessee had taken time to examine, as did
his brother of Yirginia, they would not only have been
one in heart, but have stood shoulder to shoulder in con-
flict, in resisting the unscriptural teachings of the Oxford
Tracts, and kindred publications.
The correspondence produced no change in the affection-
ate relations of the parties. Some six months afterwards,
in a letter on another subject, Bishoj) Otey writes: "I am
sure, it is not in my heart, to add one single care or anxiety
to the many that opj^ress you under the increasing infirmi-
ties of age, the pains of sickness, and the weight of offi-
cial duty." "I shall never forget your counsel, your ad-
vice, your prayers, and your many acts of friendly regard.
I never fail to remember you in my prayers every Sunday
morning, according to a mutual agreement of nearly six-
teen years' standing. I shall never cease to revere and
love you, and should esteem it the highest consummation
of any earthly ambition I might properly cherish, to reach
the measure of your labors, influence and zeal in the cause
of Christ."
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 237
The "mutual agreement" alluded to in this extract, was
formed in Cincinnati in 1838, where several of the Bishops
were convened, to consecrate the Eev. Leonidas Polk as
Bishop of the Diocese of Louisiana. Among the private
devotional exercises of Bishop Meade, the following prayer
and superscription are found in his own handwriting :
"The following is the joint composition of Bishop Otey
and myself, the result of an agreement between Bishops
Mcllvaine, Otey, Polk and myself, to pray specially for
each other every Sabbath morning:
"O Grod, who art pleased not merely to receive the in-
tercessions of thy son- Jesus Christ in behalf of Thy poor
sinful creatures, but dost command them to pray one for
another, and promise that the effectual fervent prayer of
the righteous shall much avail, favorably regard the prayers
of Thy servants for themselves and each other, which we
desire to offer up, trusting that our great Advocate will
intercede mightily for us with Thee.
"And oh, that the Holy Spirit may intercede within us,
with groanings not to be uttered, making us all deeply to
feel our corruptions and weaknesses, and earnestly to de-
sire what we pray for, assured that none but God can help
us. O that we may come unto God with strong faith, ver-
ily believing, that He will reward those who diligently seek
Him through His Son, asking his best spiritual gifts.
"O God! who knowest our needs, Thou knowest that
ours is no common office, but the highest in Thy glorious
Church on earth, and that the honor of Thy Son, and the
salvation of immortal souls are connected with it. O why
didst Thou put such a trust into such unworthy and feeble
hands, and expose such great interests to such imminent
hazard. Were it not enough that we have to answer for
our own souls, and run the fearful risk of their eternal
perdition ? Must we in some degree be accountable for
others also, and for such numbers too ? And oh ! awful
thought, must we be responsible to Heaven not merely for
238 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
our little flock given us to tend, but, in a measure, for all
those numerous ones scattered over the hills and valleys
which we are appointed to survey, and not merely for our
ministry, but for the ministers of those over whom Thou
hast placed us, giving us the oversight thereof Great
Grod! who is sufficient for this ? Which of us can be sav-
ed? O God ! Thou must have great compassion ou us, and
deal very gently with us, and remember the infirmities
whereof we are made — that we are only earthen vessels
— weak things, and foolish things which Thou hast chosen
to magnify, that in them Thou mightest show to the world
that the work is Thine, and Thine the glory.
"But still, O Lord, we cannot but tremble at the thought
of the work we have undertaken, and sometimes greatly
to fear, that though we have solemnly declared that we be-
lieved Thy Spirit called us to it, it was our own foolish
vanity which led us to do it. But it is now too late to
draw back, for that would be to our own perdition. The
most solemn vows are upon us to do all that in us lieth, to
fulfil the great duties of our office, and to whom shall we
go but to Thee for strength to perform them? O God! if
there be any upon this earth who need a double portion to
enlighten, to sanctify, to strengthen and to comfort them,
are not we the very persons? And hast Thou not prom-
ised grace according to our day, and that Thou wilt not
put on man more than Thou wilt make him able to bear?
O, then, unto us be the spirit of Thy servant Moses, ruler
over the Jews, yet meek above all men — the spirit of
Joshua, fearless of man, and trusting in the Lord — the
spirit of David, man after Thine own heart, full of holy
zeal and deep contrition — the spirit of Abraham, interced-
ing for the cities of the plain — the spirit of Aj^ostles, and
Prophets, and Martyrs, and holy men of God in every age.
Above all, oh ! for the heart, the tender heart of the holy
Jesus weeping over the city of God, and making r^ady to
die for sinful man !"
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 239
So far, Bishop Meade-; the following is Bishop Otey's:
"Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully hear and
graciously answer the prayers which Thy servants have
covenanted to offer for each other at this time, through the
intercession of Thy dear Son. Grant, oh Lord, that we
may never lose sight of the weighty responsibility resting
upon us. May we ever realize an abiding and deep sense
of the value of souls, and never relax our exertions to win
them to Christ. May we always have such views of the
dreadful nature and danger of sin, and be so affected with
the love of Christ in dying for sinners, that we may esteem
no toil too great, no hardship too severe to endure, in warn-
ing the ungodly, in reclaiming the erring, that they may
be saved through Christ Jesus. Be with us in all ourjour-
neyings, protect us in all our dangers, assist us in all our
difficulties, support us under all our trials ; enlighten our
understandings with heavenly wisdom, establish our hearts
with grace, and so replenish us with the truth of Thy doc-
trine, and adorn us with innocency of life, that, by word
and deed, we may faithfully serve before Thee, to the glory
of Thy name, and to the edifying and well governing of
Thy Church and people.
"Bless us in all our labors this day, and grant that we
may rejoice in every opportunity of spreading abroad the
truth of Thy gospel, and proclaiming the glad tidings of re-
conciliation with Thee. Bless Thy ministers and people
everywhere, and grant that 'Thy ways may be known
upon earth, and Thy saving health among all nations.'
"Hear us in these our prayers, answer us as shall be
most expedient for us, and grant us all needful blessings,
according to Thy will in Christ Jesus our Saviour, to whom,
with Thee, O Father, and Thee, O Holy Ghost, be glory
everlasting. Amen."
In the reply of Bishop Otey to Bishop Meade, allusion
is made to the use of gown and surplice. The views of the
Bishop of Virginia on the subject are expressed under the
240 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
headinir, "Of the use of clerical vestments," in the first
volume of " Old Churches of Virginia," pp. 47, 48, 49 :
"It is well known that the controversy in our mother
Church concerning the use of the surplice, was a long and
bitter, and most injurious one ; was, indeed, considered by
some of her ablest Bishops and clergy as that which was
the main point which caused the final secession ; that if
the obligation to use it had been removed, the Church
would, for at least a much longer period, have been undi-
vided. Various attempts were made to abolish the canon
or rubric enforcing it, but it was thought improper to hu-
mor the dissenters by so doing, and alleged that if this
were done, other demands would be made. At the revis-
ion of the Prayer Book by our American fathers, this and
other changes, which had long been desired by many in
England, and still are, were at once made, and the dress
of the clergy Jeft to their own good-sense, it being only
required that it should be decent. 1 believe it has never
been attempted but once, to renew" the law" enforcing cleri-
cal habits. Soon after I entered the House of Bishops,
some one in the other House proj^osed such a canon. A
warm but short discussion ensued, which ended in the
withdrawal of what found but little favor. During the dis-
cussion the subject was mentioned among the Bishops, who
seemed all opposed to it, and one of whom, more disposed,
perhaps, to such things than any other, cried out, 'De
minimis non curat lex.'
"The Clergy of Virginia, from the first efforts at resusci-
tating the Church, have been charged by some with being
too indifferent to clerical garments; nor have they been
very careful to repel the charge, thinking it better to err
in this way, than in the opposite. Bishop Hobart once
taunted me with this, though at the same time he ac-
knowledged that there were times and places when it
would be folly to think of using the clerical garments, say-
ing that in his visitations, especially" to Western New
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 241
York, he sometimes dispensed not only with the Episco-
pal robes, but even with the black gown. The Bishops of
Virginia have sometimes been condemned for not requir-
ing the candidates to be dressed in surplices at the time of
their admission to deacons' orders, although there is no
canon or rubric loolving to such a thing. They are at least
as good Churchmen, in this respect, as the English Bish-
ops. When in England, some years since, I witnessed the
ordination of fifty deacons by the present Archbishop of
Canterbury, in Durham Cathedral, not one of whom was
surpliced ; some of them, as well as I remember, having on
their college gowns, answering to our black gowns, and
others only their common garments. There is, I think,
less disposition to form and parade there than is sometimes
seen in our own country. I onl}^ add that Bishop Moore,
in his visitations, always took his seat in the chancel in
his ordinary dress, except when about to perform some offi-
cial act, and thus addressed the congregation after the ser-
mon. I have seen no cause to depart from his example."
In 1841 the subject of clerical vestments was agitated in
Western Virginia, and a memorial, praying that their use
might be rendered obligatory, was prepared and forwarded
to Bishop Meade, to be laid before the General Conven-
tion, then sitting in ISTew York. To this communication
he replied in the following letter:
New York, Oct. 11, 1841.
To the Ministers, and Vestry of the Episcopal Church at Wheeling.
Dear Brethren : — Your letter touching the difference of sentiment pre-
vailing in the congregation, concerning the use of the surplice, was duly
received, and has been the subject of consideration. Not willing to trust
to ray own judgment, I referred the letter to Bishop Moore, whose age, ex-
perience, and authority in the Church, demanded this reference. On con-
sulting together, we have agreed that it would be better not to present the
memorial to the General Convention, but to address this letter to you from
ourselves. We are sure that you will consider it as a sufficient reason for
not complying with your request, that at the last general Convention a
proposition was made merely to recommend the use of the surplice in all
11
242 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
the churches, but so great was the opposition made to it, that the resolution
was withdrawn. The objection to any act of the General Convention on
this subject is, that the circumstances of many of the churches through our
widely extended country are so different, that it would not be expedient to
attempt to enforce any general rule as to the dress of the ministers, but
rather to leave it to the discretion of each minister to decide what is most
proper. Had the memorial been presented, it would probably, through the
pressure of more important business, have been laid on the table, or else
been the subject of an unpleasant discussion, of which we do not think
you would wish to have been the occasion .
While we thus decline presenting the petition, we cannot forbear adding
our decided opinion that this is one of those questions which ought to be
left to the decision of each minister of the Church, and that every congre-
gation should be willing to acquiesce in the judgment of their minister.
We would therefore most aflfectionately recommend it to the congregation
of Wheeling, to allow their minister to determine what is most expedient
to be done, and that those who may differ from him, would, in a spirit of
Christian love, yield up their own private desires for the welfare of the
whole.
The matter of ecclesiastical vestments incidentally intro-
duced in connexion with the language of Eishop Otey's
letter, being disposed of, the notice of the Sunday School
Union and Evangelical Knowledge Society may be conclu-
ded by mentioning an attempt which was made, in 1855, to
have a depository of the Sunday School Union established
at the Theological Seminary near Alexandria. The over-
ture was made, not to the Professors, but to the students,
and was accompanied by the assurance that, through its
agency, they would be furnished with facilities in procuring
professional books. Before acting on the proposal, the stu-
dents very properly applied to Bishop Meade, the Presi-
dent of the Institution, for advice. The following letter
is his reply :
Millwood, March 9, 1855.
To Mr. Joseph Jones,
My Young Friend'.
Yours of the Tth reached me last evening. I know not how I can pre-
sent my views of the subject of which it treats, so well, as by a brief state-
ment of my connection with the Society of which you speak, and of my
separation from it. "
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 243
I was a member of the General Convention of 1826, at which it was
formed. It was purely a voluntary Society. Some wished to have it un-
der the auspices of the Gen-jral Convention, but that was objected to. Some
of the Bishops took part in it ; others did not. The founders of it chose
to make all the Bishops members and officers of it, as they have done ever
since, without their consent, in order to give it the aspect of a general in-
stitution. The strongest assurances were given that it should in nowise be
a party institution. I was pleased with the prospect, and took a leading
part in causing it to be recommended, the following Spring, by the Con-
vention of Virginia.
A few months only elapsed, before I discovered that the pledge was vio-
lated, in the most palpable way, by some of its issues. I immediately re-
monstrated with the Secretary and prime agent, the present Bishop of Ma-
ryland He replied that one obnoxious work should not be republished or
recommended any more, and that as an oflfset to others, some of an oppo-
site character should be put forth. The first part may have been fulfilled,
the latter never has. The present Bishop of Kentucky made a similar re-
monstrance.
Since thas time, and more especially as Tractarianism progressed, its is-
sues have been more objectionable, although assurances have been given to
the public in their annual Reports, that only such books were, and should
be issued as ^'presented in their integrity those, and only those great truths,
which are plainly recognized in all the authorized standards of the Church.
Dissatisfaction, however, still increased, and in the year 1846, a number
of Bishops being in New York, convened the Executive officers of the So-
ciety, made known their complaints, and directed a set of all their publica-
tions to be sent to each of the Bishops for examination. Some of the Bish-
ops did receive them. I carefully examined those sent to me, and in two
letters made known to my brother Bishops, and sovue others, my objections.
A reply was made to this by the Secretary, Rev, Mr. Tenbroeck, and, it is
believed, with the approbation of those acting with him, in which my crit-
icisms, which were couched in respectful language, were treated with scorn
and derision, and charged with falsehood. I then republished my letter,
with notes and an appendix, in a pamphlet of sixty octavo pages, and gave
it more extensive circulation. For this I received the thanks of the Church
in Virginia, which rescinded its former vote of approbation. The pamph-
let has ever since been assailed in certain Church papers, one or more of
which published in full Mr. Tenbroeck's reply. It has also been repeatedly
declared in reference to the objection made in it, by the Reports of the so-
ciety, and by its defenders, that the chai-ges were false, and that the socie-
ty's publications were sound. As the Tractarian tendency advanced.
Bishop Chase, their senior and presiding Bishop, wrote a public letter of
remonstrance to its present Secretary, which Wiis as publicly answered in a
most disrespectful tone, and the charge denied.
244 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
Seeing that there was no prospect of obtaining what we desired, in the
year 1847 a number of the Bishops and clergy, after much deliberation,
formed the Evangelical Knowledge Society, which has continued to increase
in public favor, though violently assailed by the friends of the other, who
for a time claimed for it the character of an institution of the General Con-
vention, though that has been entirely abandoned.
At the last General Convention a great change took place in the policy
of its friends, who, though they would not acknowledge that there was
unsoundness in the books, determined as a matter of expediency, that there
should be a revision and expurgation. A committee was appointed for the
purpose, which sent forth a statement and appeal, declaring their determi-
nation to make such changes as would remove all objection, and ought to
satisfy and receive the patronage of all the true members of the Church.
Had the committee and others been satisfied to make these changes in a
spirit of moderation, all would have rejoiced ; but they have, in a manner
too plain to be misunderstood, made an assault upon the Evangelical Know-
ledge Society, and called upon all to abandon that, and unite with them
in the only society which the friends of unity ought to support. Our de-
struction is their evident object.
Their statement and appeal has been sent to all the bishops and clergy
of the Church, and to I know not how many of the laity, calling for pe-
cuniary aid and other patronage. This was sent to me with a request that
I would patronize its object, one part of which was, to break down the
society of which I am president. This, of course, I declined to do. More
recently I have been called upon to express my opinion as to the merits of
a doubtful tract, " The Sacrament of Responsibility." To this I replied,
that 1 did not purpose to take any part in the affairs of that society. I am
now called on to approve the establishment of a society auxiliary to it, and
of a depository for its books in the bosom of a Seminary of which I am
president and professor, and all of whose professors are of the same mind
with me on the subject.
I am confident that I might safely leave the decision of the question to
thosewho have proposed it, only asking them, in view of the above state-
ment, to place themselves in my circumstances and situation.
Although the foregoing statement should be a sufficient reason for my
course, yet, as you have mentioned certain considerations in favor of the
plan proposed, it is due to yourself and those agreeing with you, that I
should briefly notice them.
First : The great change promised, and begun in the character of the
books of the society. But it is a* fact that they have never dared to con-
demn any of them, but merely on the ground of expediency to discontinue
some and make slight alterations in others, if the Provisional Bishop of
New York agree. Expediency is a very changeable thing. It may, in
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 245
time, become expedient to change back again. In proof of the uncertain-
t}^ resting upon the whole matter, I mention their recent action in the case
of the tract on Baptism — "Sacrament of Responsibilitr," as it is called.
In it, some very high views of baptismal regeneration are set forth. The
committee being divided as to its rejection, it was left to the decision of the
Bishops. It appears from the Church Journal that nearly all the Bishops
advised its rejection, though only upon the ground of expediency, it being
much objected to by some persons. The Journal states that the high doc-
trine of baptismal regeneration is thus most triumphantly established by
the Bishops, and that the same doctrine is found in other books of the so-
ciety, which have not been complained of. It is only inexpedient to pub-
lish it in this tract. On what is our confidence to be placed ?
Secondly : Yen speak of the advantages to be derived through this society,
from the venerable Christian Knowledge Society of Enarland. That socie-
ty, once venerable, has for some time past lost the confidence of a most re-
spectable portion of the Church. It has fallen into the hands of High
Churchmen and Tractarians, and has issued books different from those of
an earlier period, and even mutilated some of its first issues, making them
teach a different doctrine. I wish to have nothing to do with it.
Thirdly : You speak of the advantage of being able to get such works
as those of Hooker, etc., through this connection. But, Hooker's works
are in all the large book stores of the land, and can be gotten by any one
who wants them. And, as to all the publications of the society in New
York, they can be readily gotten, and I think it probable for asking, by
any who desire to examine them, without the establishment of a depot at
the Seminary. Depots are for large cities and booksellers, and the publica-
tions of the Society have been freely sent to various cities and booksellers
in Virginia, some to Alexandria, I think which is so near at hand. 1 hey
have no room in the Seminary for a depot, and if there was, the trustees
would not be disposed to open it for the reception of the books of the so-
ciety in question.*
It is clear, then, that whatever consideration may have been presented to
your minds in favor of this measure, that it cannot otherwise than wear
the aspect of a mere party movement in some quarter, in order to effect
gomething of a triumph for the managers and champions of a society which
ought to be put on trial for a longer period, after the unfaithfulness of
twenty-eight years, during which period it has so often been complained
of, and as often promised better things from the seat of its establishment,
without performing them.
At my approaching visit, I can, if necessary, be yet more full and par-
ticular, if it be desired. I am sorry that I have not a copy of my pamph-
* This sentence was in a note in the original.
246 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
let, and of Mr. Tenbroeck's reply, to send you. Perhaps you can get one
from some of the professors. I refer you also to a defence of the Evan-
gelical Knowledge Society, more recently put forth by the Rev. Mr. An-
drews.
Commending you, and all our young friends, to the guidance of the
great Bishop of souls, I remain
Very truly yours in Christ,
William Meade.
P. S. — I add that, besides the society's own publications, it has a set of
approved books, which amounted to three hundred when I wrote my
pamphlet. I siw a very few of them, but found some most objectionable
things, of which I wrote in my pamphlet."
When this reply was received, the students, at a meeting
called for the purpose, passed the following resolutions,
which, with the note from the secretary, were transmitted
by him to the Bishop.
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE STUDENTS.
Thursday Night, March 15, 1855.
On motion, Resolved, That we cheerfully acquiesce in the
wishes of the Et. Eev. the Eishop of the Diocese, and at
once abandon all idea of founding a Seminary auxiliary
of the Gqen. Prot. Epis. S. S. Union, and Church Book So-
ciety.
Resolved, That we tender the Et. Eev. the Bishop of the
Diocese, our hearty thanks, for his kind and paternal treat-
ment of our letter of inquiry, and that we heartily concur
in the arguments expressed in his answer.
Resolved, That the secretary of this meeting be request-
ed to acquaint the Et. Eev. the Bishop of the Diocese, and
the Eev. Dr. May, with the resolutions of this meeting.
Theo. Seminary, March 16, 1855.
My Dear Bishop :
Enclosed, with the copy of the letter which you were so kind as to write
me, are these resolutions, unanimously passed at a meeting of some of the
brethren, who originally were in favor of the object proposed. I am cer-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 247
taia that there is not one who does not heartily acquiesce in the couree you
recommend. I myself, indeed all, were ignorant of many of the state-
ments in your letter. Had it been otherwise, I for one, would not have
thought of troubling you on the subject. Praying earnestly that your val-
uable life may yet long be spared to preside over us and the Church to
which we belong, I remain.
Your son in the faith,
Joseph Jones, Sect.
The violent abuse, and gross insults experienced by
Bishop Meade, and his co-laborers, for their vigilance and
fidelity in the cause of evangelical truth, harmed their hot-
spirited authors, but hindered not the movement which
they so fiercely opposed. The society became a power in
the Church, productive of positive good in difi'using sound
scriptural views of truth, and also, if the statement be
allowable, exercising a salutary influence in the interests
and usefulness of the institution of which it was denounced
as the rival.
The only question of any especial interest which brought
out a difference of opinion, related to the propriety of pub-
lishing works of fiction. The question was concisely and
clearly stated by the Eev. C. "W. Andrews, D. D., to whose
indefatigable activity, and intelligent zeal, the society is,
under God's blessing, largely indebted for its reputation
and usefulness. " Is it lawful to use fiction as a vehicle of
religious truth ?*' and he argued in favor of the negative
with earnestness and ability. The majority, however,
did not adopt his view, and the course which had been
commenced, though more carefully regulated, was not dis-
continued. Pending the discussion, some one wrote to the
president to obtain the benefit of his judgment in the case.
His reply, a copy of which he retained, does not contain
the name of the person to whom it was sent.
Western Virginia, Nov., 1854.
Reverend and Dear Sir :
Your letter asking my opinion about the admission of any fictitious
works into our Society's publications, has overtaken me in the woods of
248 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
Western Virginia. My reply must be just such as I can make in the midst
of duty, and on the wing. I have thought seriously of it before, and my
mind is made up. I should be very sorry to have our hands bound up, so
that we could not publish any little books, interesting and useful to child-
ren and young persons, because they are not actual history, biography,
or purely didactic. I think we should thereby, give other societies the ad-
vantage over us in that respect. At the same time, I should be sorry to
see our Society going as far in the way of fiction as the American Sunday
School Union, and the Episcopal Sunday School Union once did. As to
larger works of fiction, for older persons, designed to recommend sound
doctrines and expose false ones, I would rather let the booksellers fulfil
that department,
I would say a few words on the subject of fiction in general.
1st. I think it is sanctioned by the figurative language of Scripture, by
the parables, by the book of Job, etc., which, though having truth for
their basis, are yet not the plain manner of stating facts and truths.
2nd I think that our Lord and His apostles sanctioned it when they
held up a perfect pattern and standard of duty which no man ever reached.
Our Lord says, "Be ye perfect, even as God is perfect" Perfection in
holiness is ever enjoined. God could not require less without sanctioning
sin. A well written stOry, holding up a lovely pattern of piety, though
not affirming that the character is perfect, is only a picture of the perfect
law of God, or an example of it, which we are called on to imitate and
get as near to as possible, just as we are called on to obey the law of God
as nearly as possible. Our Lord as man, was a perfect pattern which we
are called on to follow. We are also called on to follow the example of
others of the highest sort. Why not discribe some high example ? It is
said that they are beyond the truth — beyond reality of life, but still, they
are not beyond the requirements of the divine law.
Blair, I think it is, who says that novels are good for elevating the
minds and characters of men, by placing the noble deeds, and high viriues,
of the heroes and heroines before the reader, thus exalting the reader.
This may be true of some few heroes and heroines of novels, but, for the
most part, mere human virtues are exalted, not the graces of the Spirit.
It is not the gospel hero, but the mere moral man of the earth, and all the
scenes are extravagant, and the tendency of the books to lead away from
religion ; religion is either absent or caricatured, and weaknesses are
ridiculed. Such is eminently the character of Walter Scott's novels and
poems. Now religious novels are written as antidotes to these, to commend
piety, to present the Christian graces of humility, meekness, forgiveness,
love, zeal, etc., and sometimes do it most effectually That they sometimes
go beyond what we see, even among the pious, though not beyond the re-
quirements of God's perfect law, may be true, but then they are intended
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 249
to set forth what we should all seek to attain, and to stimulate us to the
same. I believe that some biographies are as much in fault by overstating
the character of their subjects, as some of those fictions, because the latter
are put forth as fiction, though representing truth in the most favorable
form.
I think, on the whole, that religious novels have done good by prejudic-
ing the minds of many readers in favor of sound doctrine. But they
have been too numerous, especially for the young, in comparison with
other kinds of reading, or books to be studied. Let this error of excess
be corrected, bfit let not the good be rejected. Such is my hastily written
but well considered opinion.
Yours truly,
William Meade.
The history of Bishop Meade's connection with the
societies of his day will be completed by a statement of
his relation to the organized efforts to promote the cause
of temperance. These, under <the original pledge, which
was restricted to abstinence from alcoholic liquor as a
beverage, had his cordial approbation, and received his
zealous support. But when the pledge was so enlarged
as to prohibit wine, thoiigh he had long abstained from
its habitual use, he felt that the authority of Scripture,
and other considerations, forbade his advocating the new
measure.
His views are expressed in his reply to a letter addressed
to him by the Rev. Alonzo Potter, D. T>.* now Bishop of
Pennsylvania, an early and able advocate of the temper-
ance cause:
Norfolk, March 3, 1835.
Reverend and Dear Brother :
Your esteemed favor of the Hth ultimo came to hand yesterday, and
though you do not ask a reply, I take up my pen to give you a brief,
though free exposition of my sentiments on the subject. I am sorry that
I should seem to any of the worthy laborers in the cause of temperance to
entertain any sentiments which oppose the most complete success thereof.
I am aware, however, that such is the case, and that some regret that I
cannot go with them to the full extent of their condemnation of wine, and
* Written in 1864.
11*
250 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
all fermented drinks. I feel assured, however, from the tenor of your
letter that you and 1 differ very little, if at all, and sc you will perceive
when I shall state my sentiments and practice on the subject.
And first, that you may be sure my practice does not biasmy judgment,
let me state that though I have been a housekeeper for four and twenty
years, and have had many friends to visit me during that period, I have
never even had a wine-glass in my house, (except for the purpose of meas-
uring medicine, ) and of course have never invited my friends to sit around
the wine table. I have, however, generally had a little currant wine
made at home without a drop of ardent spirits, which, mingled with water
1 have sometimes offered to the older guests, in the place of something
stronger, to which they had been accustomed. As to my own habits when
dining where wine is used and offered, I sometimes decline altogether, and
sometimes take a glass, or half a glass, not because I love it, but because I
have never yet seen the propriety of passing such a total condemnation upon
it, as 1 think distilled spirits most justly deserve. I never, however, invite
any one to drink with me. As to other fermented liquors, although I
should think it wrong to attempt .to bring them within the temperance
pledge, yet I never have them in my house. Such being my practice, long
since adopted, and wjiich I have never seen cause to change, of course I
could wish that my Christian friends regarded the matter in the same light,
and would go at least as far as I do. More especially do I wish, for their
sakes, and for the sake of the holy calling, that all my dear brethren in
the gospel ministry accorded in such sentiment and practice, I am sure
that the habit of using wine as a common drink at table, of inviting and
being invited to drink according to the custom, at dinner, which tempts to
the freer use of it ; and the practice of tarrrying at wine after dinner, can-
not be necessary or good for health, but is often injurious to it, can never
raise a minister of God in the esteem of any, but often lowers him, some-
times leads to sad consequences, and is surely not the best way in which
he can spread his own or his neighbor's time and money. Wine, even in
its purest state, cannot, I think, be used as freely and as constantly as
some do who are considered temperate men, without injury; but the
wicked and most dishonest method of adulterating and poisoning it with
alcohol and drugs, renders it far more necessary to observe the strictest
caution in regard to it. So great is the adulteration indeed, that I am not
surprised at the perplexity which it has occasioned among the friends of
temperance, as to the proper course to be pursued in regard to it in some
places. I undertake not to dictate as to the best method of correcting this
evil, but am afraid that some are disposed to adopt rash measures. I feel
confidenL that the attempt to embrace wine, even when adulterated, within
the temperance pledge m our Southern country, would be injurious to the
eause. The fact is, wine and all fermented liquors are but little used
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 251
among us, at any rate, far less than with you. Whiskey, brandy, and rum,
are the great authors of mischief. My impression is, that if all the drunk-
enness, and the evils thereof, in Virginia, were divided into an hundred
parts, not more than one of those parts would be found to proceed from
wine, and other fermented liquors. Is there, then, a sufficient reason ior
waging an equal and indiscriminate warfare against things so unequal in
their effects? Would it be well to array against the cause, or at any rate
to neutralize the influence of many worthy persons who would heartily
unite against ardent spirits as a common and dreadful foe, but who cannot
regard wine in the same light, because they consider it as having the sanc-
tion of God's word and the Saviour's example. We have quite enough
on our hands, I think, without undertaking this vexed question. When
we shall have grappled with the monster in his own native form, and,
under his own acknowledged name, and slain him, or driven him to some
other device of mischief, it will be time enough to vary our attack, and
endeavor to strip him of his disguise and slay him.
I am not, I assure you, for avoiding a contest with the real author of
evil, in whatever shape he may present himself. Though Satan come to
deceive in the garb of an angel of light, I would assail him, and endeavor
to trample him under foot. This I would endeavor to do without show-
ing any disrespect, however, to the order of angels. If ardent spirits
should come in the garb and color of wine, I would not be deceived there-
by, but endeavor to expose it, without confounding it with t-he substance
into which it has insinuated himself, and whose form and appearance it
has assumed.
Let us in this delicate, difficult and most important work, combine all
the wisdom of the serpent with the harralessness of the dove. We should
beware, lest, either by word or deed, we seem to cast a censure on the prac-
tice or institution of our Lord and Master. We may do much harm to the
best of causes by taking improper liberty with the word of God, and try-
ing to draw from it a condemnation of that, whose temperate use was
plainly allowed. We may teach the enemies of religion and temperance
an evil lesson, when they perceive us torturing the word of God in order
to find out something which will support our peculiar views. I have oc-
casionally been surprised and grieved at meeting with essays on this sub-
ject, whose spirit was not kind, and whose arguments from Scripture were
far from being sound. Let us not injure so good a cause by any indis-
cretion.
My own view of the subject is this : That the use of wine, in great mod-
eration, of course, is generally allowed in Scripture, but by no means com-
manded as a duty. All may abstain. Some, in all ages, have abstained,
even from the purest wine, as John the Baptist, Samson, the Nazarites,
the Rechabites, the priests when officiating in their order. Some of these
252 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
were enjoined so to do, others did it voluntarily, and all must be com-
mended for doing what was either enjoined, or for other reasons seemed
right to them. Occasions may now arise, and, causes occur, which may
make such abstinence expedient. The very discovery of ardent spirits
may make the use of wine less proper, if it shall lead us into the jaws of
this devourer. The great adulteration of wine may be another reason, why
that which is called wine, ought to be more carefully avoided. Certain
descriptions of persons, as young men, and the ministers of religion, ought
to use it very carefully, if at all. Children, and those who have once
been enslaved by any kind of strong drink, ought never to touch, taste,
or handle it. Thus far I am willing to go. But let us beware how in
word or deed, we put it on a level with that fell poison which is extracted
by a most labored process from the best fruits of the earth, and whose
pernicious effects on the souls and bodies of men, I am inclined to believe,
have been during the last fifty years, an hundred fold greater than those of
wine, in any past age of the world. Let us also be very careful, not to
pass too severe a condemnation on those who differ from us, either in
opinion or practice, lest we be found to go beyond the word of God. By
a steady example of self-denial, and by appeals to the good sense and good
feelings of our fellow men, we shall effect far more than by denunciation
or forced interpretation of God's word. We have already seen much
success attending our endeavors in the present plan, and I trust shall see
much more.
Your very affectionate friend and brother,
W. MfiADF!.
(^Oxford Tracts). — These remarkable publications were
issued by clergymen of the Church of England, most of
them connected with the University of Oxford, who asso-
ciated, avowedly, for the purpose of strengthening the es-
tablishment against the violent assaults of dissenters, by
exhibiting its claim to divine right, and its standards in
their proper construction. The real object, however, after-
wards admitted, was to unprotestanize the Church, by so
explaining away the distinctive doctrines of the Reforma-
tion as to assimilate them as nearly as possible, to the teach-
ings of the Council of Trent. The plot was skilfully ar-
ranged, and conducted with great caution, and with no lit-
tle display of patristical and other learning. On some
points, its authors were, at first, unmeasured in their de-
V
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 253
niinciations of the papacy and a certain class of its cor-
ruptions, so providing against the suspicion of any Eoraish
proclivity. Under the confidence thus conciliated, with
proclamation of unbounded deference to episcopal author-
ity, which their subsequent practice did not warrant, and
many pretensions of clerical power and prerogative for
the other orders of the ministry, something of architect-
ure, and vestments, and posture, to please the exquisite
and the pietist, they so operated by their tracts, and other
publications on the Articles of the Church, as to leave lit-
tle, save the supremacy of the Pope, to determine a choice
between them and the Tridentine doctrines. As the na-
ture and design of the movement were perceived, faithful
prelates, and other good men and true, sounded the alarm,
and came to the rescue of the great truths so insidiously
assailed. In the controversy which ensued, some of the
leading Tractarians, unable to sustain themselves in the
position they had assumed, apostatized to Rome, and car-
ried with them not a few of the misguided laity. The
agitation in England can scarcely be said to have entirely
subsided. Its lamentable effects will, it is to be feared, be
slow in disappearing.
Such are the relation and intercourse of the churches of
England and America, that it is not surj)rising that the
Oxford tracts found sympathizers and abettors in this
country. Their endeavors were promptly and firmly met
by some of the ablest bishops and presbyters of the Church,
who, from the pulpit, through the press, by their own writ-
ings, and by republishing the most approved works of En-
glish divines connected with the controvers}^, exerted them-
selves diligently to banish and drive away from the Church
the erroneous and strange doctrines, contrary to God's
Word, which so seriously threatened her peace and purity.
The venerable presiding Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Alex. Y.
Griswold, was fully aware of the importance, and deeply
254 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
interested in the result, of the controversy. In a letter
addressed to Bishop Meade, he writes :
"Yours of April 29th is, on my return from a journey,
"received, as also the pamphlet, which I hope will have a
"good effect in the Church. I think it well adapted to the
"present gloomy times, and return jon my thanks for the
"favor. Had I not become too advanced in age; were my
"other duties less arduous, and my health not too precari-
"ous to engage in controver>y, I should write something
"in opposition to the Popish corruptions which so many
"of our Church are introducing among us. What will be
"the end, the Lord only knows."
This introduction is necessary to prepare the way for
noticing the action upon the subject in the Diocese of Vir-
ginia, and the course pursued by Bishop Meade. He was
at this time the Assistant Bishop. He had a very delicate
perception of the proprieties of official relation, and was
most studious to avoid everything which might have even
the appearance of interfering with what pertained to the
Diocesan. In his annual address to the Convention, he
confined himself strictly to the statement of those services
with which he was formerly entrusted.
During the life of Bishop Moore they contain no allusion
to the great controversy by which the general Church was
agitated. The natural temperament and lovely Christian
spirit of Bishop Moore inclined him to maintain and set
forward quietness, peace and love among all Christian peo-
ple, and especially among them that were committed to
his charge. But, there were crises, when even his gentle
spirit could not refrain from that official and public testi-
mony against error, which charity itself demanded; and
when he did speak, it was with earnestness and power,
which were increased by the habitual reluctance which
had to be overcome. Such precisely was the case in May,
1839, when he delivered to the Convention, which met in
Norfolk, the annual address, from which an extract is here
given :
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 255
"Having heard much said on the subject of a late publi-
cation in England, distinguished by the name of the Oxford
Tracts, it would be improper for me to pass over them in
silence, especially as one of the English bishops, and seve-
ral of the most eminent clergymen of that Church, have
expressed in most decided manner, their disapprobation of
some of the principles and views they contain. The Bishop
of Chester, alive to the consideration of those dangers re-
sulting from the tracts in question, has thus addressed the
clergy of his diocese : 'Many subjects present themselves,
towards which I might be tempted to direct your thoughts.
One more especially concerns the Church at present, be-
cause it is daily assuming a more serious and alarming as-
pect, and threatens a revival of the worst evils of the Ro-
mish system. Under the specious pretext of deference for
antiquity, and respect for primitive models, the foundations
of our Protestant Church are undermined by men who
dwell within her walls, and those who sit in the Reformers'
seats are traducing the Reformers.' ' It is again,' continues
the Bishop, 'becoming matter of question whether the Bi-
ble is sufficient to make man wise unto salvation. The
main article of our national confession, Justification by
Faith, is both openly and covertly assailed, and the stew-
ards of God are instructed to reserve the truths which they
have been ordained to dispense, and to hide under a bushel
those doctrines which the Apostles were commanded to
preach to every creature.'
" To be reserved, my brethren, when discoursing on the
atonement made by the Lord Jesus Christ, would be a de-
parture from duty, of the most unpardonable character,
and would subject any clergyman who should attempt it,
to the charge of a denial of that Being who has bought
us with the price of His most precious blood. It was the
object of St. Paul to bring forward the Redeemer, in bold
relief, to the view of all Christians to whom his epistles are
directed; for, 'God forbid,' said that venerable Apostle,
256 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
'that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus
Christ/ jN^ay, so deeply was his mind impressed with the
importance of that principle, that he again declares, 'I am
determined to know nothing among you, save Jesus Christ
and Him crucified.'
"The tracts are also charged with erroneous views on
the subject of the justification of penitent man in the sight
of Grod. Our Church declares in language the most expli-
cit, that ' we are counted righteous before God, only for the
merits of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, by faith, and
not for our own works or ddservings;' and the Apostle de-
clares that our 'justification is not of works, lest any man
should boast.'
"The clergy of this diocese, I have always considered,
and do now consider them, decidedly pure and correct on
the subject of the atonement made on the cross for the sin
of the world, and also in their views of the justification of
the returning ofi'ender in the sight of God; and I trust,
my beloved brethren, while we live, and are permitted to
exercise our oflicial duties, we shall keep in view the cross
of the Lord Jesus Christ, and proclaim to penitent sinners
that 'by, grace they are saved through faith.'
"It is under the banner of the Eedeemer that we have
enlisted. It is under this banner that we have succeeded
in our ministry, and our labors have been blessed. It is
by preaching the doctrine of the cross, that the Church in
Virginia has been resuscitated, and that it now holds a
conspicuous place in our communion ; but should the awful
period ever arrive, when we should be reserved on the doc-
trine of the atonement, or teach poor fallen man to trust
his own merits for salvation, the blessing of Almighty God
would be withdrawn from us, Ichabod would be written on
the doors of our sacred temples, and we should be left to
grope our way in midnight darkness. Let me entreat you,
then, my clerical brethren, to hold fast to the faith once
delivered to the saints, and so fully expressed in the Arti-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. . 257
cles and Liturgy of our holy and apostolic Church. It was
on the cross that the covenant of peace and reconciliation
with God was made — it was on the cross that the fountain
for sin and uncleanness was opened — and it is on that sac-
rifice once made on Calvary, that we are to depend for our
present and eternal happiness. To withhold from the view
of the believer the principle of the atonement, would be,
to remove from beneath his feet the foundation upon which
he has erected the superstructure of all his hopes — his
support in every difficulty — the rock of his dependence in
death — his only ark of safety when the heavens shall be
rolled up like a scroll, and the elements melt with fervent
heat. Be steadfast then, my beloved brethren, I beseech
you, in the discharge of your duties — suffer not your
minds to be influenced by any novel doctrines which may
be presented to your view by restless and speculative men
— be immovable — always abounding in the work of the
Lord — forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in
vain in the Lord." (Con. Journal, 1839).
The Committee on the State of the Church, to which
this address was referred, and of which the Eev. Adam
Empie was chairman, reported:
" In reference to the excellent address of our Diocesan,
referred to us, we remark, that we deem well-timed the ef-
fort made therein to place the members of our Church on
their guard against the influence of error. To resist the
first beginning of evil — to espy temptations at a distance,
in order the better to guard against them — and to give
warning of approaching danger, are common duties of
God's ministers and people. And he knows little of the
weakness and depravity of our nature, who thinks, either
that the orthodoxy of all the members of our Church is a
proof against heresy, or that the holy wisdom of our peo-
ple is superior to a'l the wiles of the arch-adversary. As
to those who publish such works in our country, without
most amply exposing the poison, and placing the antidote
258 . MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
close by its side, they are engaged in a work of very ques-
tionable morality and expediency. And those whom Grod
has placed upon the watch-towers of Zion cannot, without
guilt, see the enemy coming, and neglect to give the warn-
ing. Should the press introduce and facilitate the pro-
gress of this enemy over the country, may the providence,
the spirit, and the people of Grod, lift up their standards
against him. All of which is respectfully submitted.
A. Empie, Ghairmany
The Convention of 1840 passed without any reference to
the existing controversy, but in the Convention of 18il
(the last one over which Bishop Moore presided), though
neither of the Episcopal addresses contained an allusion to
the Oxford publications, the subject was again noticed by
the Committee on the State of the Church:
"Lastly, that 'in the midst of judgment, God remembers
mercy,' your committee think sufficiently evinced by the
fact, that, though as a punishment for her religious declen-
sion, and a warning to 'repent and do her first works,'
He has seen fit to permit the spirit of error and popery,
under the guise of suitable 'tracts for the times,' to array
itself against the Church, yet He has been graciously
pleased to save the Church of Virginia from the infection
of this plague. For, though a few may have been in doubt
as to the dangerous tendency of Oxford! sm, it has now, by
the good providence of Grod, been so fully developed, that
the ignorant and unguarded are no longer in much danger
■ of being caught in the enemy's snare.
"In this we cannot but see the hand of Heaven, and the
distinguishing goodness of God to our Zion ; and this calls
upon us for gratitude, while it warns us to exercise in-
creased vigilance against the wiles of the adversary. And,
as some around us may look for our 'halting,' and stand
ready to reproach us with secret leanings towards popery,
and with having departed from the genuine principles of
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 259
the Protestant faith, your committee think it proper, in
self-defence, and due to the cause of Protestant truth, and
real godliness, to say, distinctly, that the Church in Yir-
ginia disclaims all sympathy with the Oxford Tract sys-
tem, and denounces it as containing some of the worst
doctrinal errors of Popery. We are obviously called up-
on, too, with increased fidelity and zeal, to rally round our
standards to study more thoroughly the principles of the
glorious Reformation, to exercise redoubled vigilance
against the prevailing errors of the age, and to make our-
selves more fully acquainted with the hydra heresies, su-
perstitions and abominations of that corrupt Church from
which we have been happily delivered, and with whose
worse than 'beggarly elements,' some who call themselves
Protestants have recently become so much enamored."
The report having been read, and a motion being made
and seconded, that the same be adopted, a discussion en-
sued which continued till 3 P. M., when a motion for a re-
cess prevailed, and the Convention adjourned until half
past 4 o'clock.
The Convention reassembled agreeably to adjournment,
Eight Rev. Assistant Bishop presiding.
The report from the committee on the State of the
Church being under consideration, it was moved and
seconded, to recommit said report, with instructions to
strike out so much thereof as relates to the Oxford Tracts.
This motion produced an animated discussion, which lasted
until near night, when the question to recommit was
taken, and determined in the negative by a very large ma-
jority. The question on the adoption was then put, and
carried by a corresponding vote. — [^Convention Journal,
1841.]
From those who were present, and who participated in
the discussion, it is ascertained that the objection to the
report was based on the assumption, that the members of
the Convention had not examined the Tracts with such
260 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
care as to be competent to sit in judgment upon them.
And again, that they contained good things, whereas the
condemnation proposed was unqualified. To the first it
might be said in homely sort, that to ascertain that venison
is tainted, does not require one to masticate the whole
haunch. Besides, tastes would difi'er, after all. Epicures
prefer it when it is " high.''
To the second it would be sufficieut to say, that if valid,
it would protect the Church of Eome, for " Satan's mas-
terpiece," as Cecil styles it, is not so unwarily contrived
as to be all and only evil.
In the Convention of 1842, Bishop Meade presided as
the Diocesan, and under a deep sense of his responsibility,
now, for the first time in his address, expresses his opinion
of the Oxford Tracts.
After alluding to the general revival of religion in the
Church of England, during the latter part of the last cen-
tury, he proceeds :
" Such has been the acknowledgment of the candid and
pious of every name in England; and the traveller from
our land, however prejudiced by birth and education, has
been forced to admit its truth. It is, however, to be la-
mented, that within the last few years some have sprung
up within the bosom of the Church, who, w^hile ac-
knowledging the glorious improvement in her character
by means of the faithful and zealous exhibition of truths
hitherto neglected, have nevertheless sought, by a very
serious change in the manner of preaching, and by giving
undue prominence to things of less importance to bring about
something like another reformation, professing itself to be
more allied to the Church in primitive times. It is deeply
to be lamented that while God has so signally blessed the
ministry and preaching of the last fifty years, under which
the Church of England and America have been so won-
derfully improving, any of our ministers, not content with
pursuing more and more zealously the same, should strike
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 261
out into some other path, venturing on an experiment
which, so far as it had been hitherto tried, had proved
fatal to true piety. The result thus far has been truly
unhappy, though we trust the kind providence of God
will bring good even out of this evil. The tendency of
the system to which I allude, in some of its doctrines and
usages is evidently toward some things in the Church of
Rome, which our reformers most clearly renounced. The
enemies of our Church have always delighted to ascribe
such a tendency to her. Many j)ious persons of other de-
nominations, not examining its truth for themselves, were
induced to believe that such was actually the case. This,
which has ever been an obstacle to the conversion and re-
turn of numbers to our Church, has been gradually pass-
ing away from the minds of the candid, and an acknowl-
edgment becoming general, that our reformers established
between the Church of England and of Eome a line so
broad and deep that fellowship was impossible ; a line
stained with the blood of thousands of martyrs, who died
the most cruel deaths rather than for a moment assent to
doctrines and practices of the Church of Eome, which some
would now have us believe differ little from our own. It
is one of the evils of this new movement that it has again
revived fears and prejudices in the minds of many truly
sincere and pious persons, as to the affinity between the
Church of Eome and our own, emboldening those who
ought to know and speak otherwise, to use it in a spirit of
party, against our Church. We may, however, now as of
old, boldly affirm that no Church in Protestant Christen-
dom more fearlessly contended for the faith once delivered
to the saints, and more thoroughly renounced all the un-
christian doctrines and practices of Eome, and it becomes
both our ministers and people, more carefully to review
the bloody contest, and know for what our forefathers
fought, seeing, there are those within our own communion
who are disposed to make light of some of the causes of
262 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
the reformation, and even to regret some of the changes
effected thereby ; and seeing alt-o, that Home herself, as if
waking up from sleep, is now in our own and mother
country, putting forth more vigorous efforts to recover
what she had lost.
I cannot, while on. this subject, but commend to the
notice of my brethren some short and well written essays
now in the course of publication in some of our religious
papers, by our venerable Presiding Eishop, ( Bishop Grris-
wold ), and which I hope will be republished in some form
better calculated to perpetuate them. In these numbers,
while the differences between our Church and that of
Eo«ie, in many important particulars, are very truly and
forcibly set forth, the peculiar opinions and practices of
the tractarians receive their merited condemnation. I
dismiss this painful subject with only one other remark.
It is the most frequent and plausible praise bestowed upon
the leaders of th'is party, and used even as an excuse for
their errors by those who cannot but condemn much of
their doctrine, that the state of things in the Church of
England called for some new and stronger exhibition of
certain peculiarities in her polity, which distinguished her
from the Christian churches ; that those who for the last
fifty years had been the instruments of reviving true piety
within her pale, by insisting upon the true doctrines of
the gospel, and the holy observance of its precepts, had
been too negligent of those external arrangements of
Christ's kingdom, which, though of minor importance by
comparison with the great doctrines of life, are, neverthe-
less, of great importance, by reason of their use in the
preservation of order and unity, and their value in many
other respects.
It has, moreover, been affirmed, that by reason of their
agreement with pious dissenters in the leading doctrines
of revelation, and in the promotion of various pious and
benevolent works, that there .was danger of greater ne-
MEMOIR OF BISUOP MEADE. 263
gleet of the distinctive in-inciples of the Church. That
such was in some measure the case with some of the mem-
bers and ministers of the establishment, is not to be de-
nied, but the evil was undergoing correction without the
help of that extravagance into which the leaders of this
new school were hurried, even in their views as to church
polity and sacerdotal authority, to say nothing of their
heretical opinion and Eomanistic tendencies. The Protes-
tant dissenters in England, with the exception of the fol-
lowers of Mr. Wesley, have, for many years, been more
and more clearly uniting, together with the Eomanists,
Eadicals and Infidels, in a steady and organized opposition
against the established Church, so as to make the most
truly catholic and charitable of her communion, feel the ne-
cessity of guarding themselves, and her, most effectually
against assault. This, with many other causes, was oper-
ating so as effectually to prevent the evil apprehended,
and it was surely unnecessary to bring in another and
worse error, other and more injurious extreme, to correct
what was only apprehended. Still less were such writings,
and their extravagant doctrines, needed in our own country
and church, where so many circumstances had, from the
first, combined to place the defence of our principles on
the ground of Scripture and primitive practice, rather than
any human establishment, and where works containing
such arguments in its behalf, have ever been so freely
used. And as to the danger of too much intercommunion
with our Christian brethren of other denominations, un-
fortunately, too many circumstances attending the efforts
to build up our churches, not only serve as an effectual
antidote to that, but strongly tempt oi\r frail nature to
the indulgence of feelings which we would fain suppress,
as contrary to that charity, which should ever rejoice to
hope all things.
I trust this notice of one of those " erroneous and strange
doctrines, which, from time to time, in all ages, have assailed
264 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEABE.
the peace of the Christian church, and which the Bishops
are solemnly sworn to " banish and drive away," as far as
they can, while seeking to promote love and peace among
all Christian people, will not appear improper for one, who
has endeavored to give the subject a full and impartial
examination, and has been since we parted, in the country
where it originated, and in circumstances enabling him to
form a more correct judgment of its merits. Let us pray
the great Head of the Church may bring good out of this
evil also, and by the examination into which it has led,
only ground us the more deeply in the faith once deliver-
ed to the Saints, and again revived by wise and pious re-
formers of our branch thereof." — [_Convention Journal of
1842.]
But his conscience was not satisfied with this testimony
against a system " fraught with evil to the Church, which
could not be over-estimated." He was a member of the
House of Bishops, and had a duty to perform in his official
relation to the General Convention, and the Church of
which he was the representative. In anticipation of the
meeting of that body, he prepared a paper and a series of
resolutions which exhibit his well matured views of the
obligation which devolved on it, and of the action proper
to be taken, and though they may not have been offered
for adoption, they are both presented as they have been
preserved in his own handwriting :
" SOME THOUGHTS AS TO THE DUTY OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
IN AMERICA, IN ONE OR BOTH BRANCHES OF THE GENERAL
CONVENTION, IN RELATION TO TRACTARIAN ERRORS.
Firstlj/. There is a general impression both within and
without our Church, at home and abroad, that the ap-
2)roaching G-en ral Convention will, in some form or other,
take up this subject, and that the result will show the
general sentiment. Even silence will be regarded as very
expressive. It becomes those composing that body to feel
the heavy responsibility resting upon them, considering
* ISMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 265
well the effects which may be produced by the course
pursued.
Secondly. It has ever been the wise policy of the General
Convention to confine its legislation to great points of doc-
trine, discipline and order, avoiding smaller and more
doubtful things. It will be an evil day for the Church
when this principle shall be abandoned, and legislation, or
action, be conducted by the majority, without due reference
to the condition of all parts of our country, and a proper
regard to what should be left to the different dioceses.
Thirdly. There are, however, some things proper to
be considered and determined by general councils, and
though the management of them may be painful and diflS.-
cult, the duty should be faithfully performed in the fear
of Grod. From the time of the blessed apostles, when cer-
tain matters in dispute were considered in council, and de-
crees made, or advice given, there ever have been councils
of the Church, before which certain points of doctrine or
discipline have been brought for establishment or correc-
tion.
Although much of human infirmity has doubtless at-
tended them, and false decisions have been sometimes
made, yet their continuance to the present, and their use
in all j)aTts of the Christian Church, show that they are
necessary.
Fourthly. Although they are fallible, and our great reli-
ance for the promotion of true religion must be on the
truth of Grod's Word, faithfully, fearlessly and diligently
set forth from the pulpit and press, yet there is weight and
efficacy in the deliberate decision of a body of wise and
holy men, assembled in the fear and love of God, which
ought to be used for the condemnation of error.
Individual bishops, and other ministers, are sometimes
restrained, by various considerations, from expressing them-
selves as fully and strongly in the condemnation of error,
as it deserves. Sometimes bishops may not feel the ne-
12
266 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
cessitj or expediency of special addresses to their own di-
oceses. And yet, all these, when met together, might feel
it a duty to the general cause of religion, to unite in a re-
monstrance against what are believed to be pernicious er-
rors.
Fifthly, Doubtless all the bishops and clergy have not on-
ly formed, but in some way expressed an opinion on the mat-
ters now in dispute ; but there w^ould seem to be a propri-
ety in answ^er to the general call now made upon them, to
do it publicly and in concert, so that no doubt may exist
in regard to their sentiments. A refusal must subject them
either to the charge of approving or lightly regarding, or
even, under favor of the Church's silence, wishing to prop-
agate the opinions, or introduce the practices complained
of.
The English bishops and clergy cannot do it in concert,
there being now, no convocations in their Church, but with
every inducement to forbearance, and after having post-
poned to the latest hour, hoping there might be no neces-
sity for it, they have, nearly all of them, been compelled to
come out with the most solemn protest against the pecu-
liar opinions and practices of this school. Surely none are
more- competent than they to judge of the true character
and effects of the same, and none less tempted to magnify
their errors, than the English bishops, for every eifort has
been made by the Tractarians to secure their favor ; all
their peculiar views being calculated to magnify the Epis-
copal office.
Sixthly. The very important nature of the subject s in dis-
pute call for action. Though some, in a spirit of charity,
try to think and argue that it is more a verbal than actual
differen'je, and though in all disputes between large bodies
of men, there be those, who, on some points, do not widely
differ, yet it is vain to hope that there is not a wide divis-
ion here, and it would be dangerous to the truth to act on
such a supposition. The wisest and best men on both
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 267
sides, after many years of examination and free discussion,
declare that the difference is great ; and it is throwing
contempt on the understandings of the first men on both
sides, to say that it is only a war of words.
If it be only a verbal controversy, who introduced it ?
and how great must be the guilt of those who have thrown
this firebrand amongst us, who, for the sake of introducing
only new terms, have thus disturbed the peace of our Zion,
and exposed us to the derision of the world. It cannot be
that the great body of the English bishoj^s, with every in-
ducement to the contrary, should have come forth in such
ondemning and warning words, if it were only an idle lo-
gomachy. It is confessedly a movement, weighty and
widespread, by which the Church of England is agitated
to its centre. Since the Eeformation, no such has been
felt, as to degree and intensity, though there may have
been as to kind.
Seventhly. A proposition to protest against the supposed
errors, is not bringing those who prefer silence into such a
position that they must needs declare themselves by say-
ing yea or nay. The bishops and other ministers are in such
a dilemma already. If the matters complained of be wrong,
or so esteemed by us, we must either say so, or assign
reasons for not doing so. Shall we give as a reason, that
we fear to offend those who hold and practice them ? This
would be not only an acknowledgment that they are
wrong, but that they prevail to such an extent, that we
fear to assail them; or else, 2:>erhaps, that the persons hold-
ing and practising them, are those who will not bear to be
censured by the Church.
Eighthly. But what is to be feared ? The persons sup-
posed to be in error, are those who claim for themselves,
and their system, the most profound reverence for the de-
cisions of the Church. If their claim be just, then they
would most readily acquiesce in the same. An e;^prcssion
of disajDprobation would surely not drive them out of the
268 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
Church, or diminish their zeal for it. They would be in-
dignant at such a suspicion. On the other hand, as it re-
gards those who are sometimes charged with being less at-
tached to the Church, such a course might serve to increase
their attachment, by inspiring greater confidence, while
members of the community at large would be relieved
from some serious doubts as to our soundness, and the
mouths of some enemies be in a great measure stopped.
If it be said, that alienation of the brethren would be the
result, we reply that it is not likely this would be increas-
ed. If an expression of condemnation would be regarded
as a triumph by one party, silence would be regarded by
all as a triumph of the other. It would be so used before
the whole world, and boasted of Those who hold to cer-
tain views, and incline to certain practices, would feel em-
boldened to proclaim the one, and pursue the other more
openly and activ-ely, and the disputes of those within our
pale, and the railings of those without, only increase more
and more.
JVinthly. What is the fairest and most proper method of
proceeding in relation to matters of such general notorie-
ty, interest, and acknowledged importance ? If the ma-
jority-of the bishops, clergy and laity do, in their hearts,
lament and condemn certain extreme opinions which have
been introduced, and some new or obsolete usages which
seem to assimilate us to the Church of Rome, and wish
that certain books had never come among us, why not
permit them, in answer to the general demand, to say so,
in proper language, to the whole world ? If all the bish-
ops, clergy and laity present, were to be called on solemnly
to say what they believe to be the sentiments of those
whom they leave behind — that is, the great body of min-
isters and members — we entertain not the shadow of a
doubt, that they would declare that the general sentiment
was one of regret, and condemnation. Let the members
of the Convention therefore, consider well what is due to
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 269
the general sentiment of the Church, and how its charac-
ter will be affected by those into whose hands have been
confided its most important interests.
Tenthly. That a great majority of the bishops and clergy
disapprove of many things of which some are suspected,
and with which others are positively charged, it is firmly
believed, and they owe it to themselves and the Church to
express themselves plainly, and those who hold other views
ought not to wish them to keep silence. The most suita-
ble vehicle for such expressions is the pastoral letter which
is prepared by the Bishops, read to the other House, and
ordered to be printed and distributed through the Church.
Unless the pastoral letters treat of some subjects about
which different sentiments prevail, they must soon be giv-
en up, or else be so general as to have neither interest or
effect. G-reater latitude may be allowed to the Bishops in
a pastoral address than to the General Convention in their
legislation; the one being only advisory, without the force
and penalty of law, the other under certain pains and pen-
alties, being obligatory in practice.
Eleventhly. The course proposed is in accordance with the
practice of the Church in all ages, and particularly so
with that of the bishops of the Episcopal Church in this
country in their pastoral letters. Whoever will examine
the canons and decrees of the different Churches during
the earlier ages, will find them frequently re-enacting laws
and creeds previously adopted, but which, having been ei-
ther neglected or disputed, required to be re-affirmed and
pressed on the attention and observance of the ministers
and people.
The same may be said of the English Church, in the
course of whose history we find that it was deemed proper
at different times, and under certain circumstances, to en-
join a strict adherence to the doctrines established at the
Reformation, and not by any evasion, do away or depart
from them. So, also, as to certain matters of outward ob-
270 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
servance laid aside at the Eefonnation, as favoring the su-
perstitions or false doctrines of Eome ; when a disposition
was sometimes shown to restore them, it was not thought
sufficient that they were once abolished, but they were
again forbidden.
But what bears especially on the present question is, the
uniform practice of our bishops in using their triennial ad-
dresses for the purpose not merely of enforcing things
about which we are agreed, but also warning against sup-
posed errors in opinion or practice which were coming, or
had come into the Church, notwithstanding some differ-
ence of opinion, not only among the people, but among
the Bishoj)S themselves. Some instances of this are here
presented :
In the pastoral letters of 1808, 1811, 1820, we find the
Bishojos speaking in very strong language of condemnation
concerning some who were disposed in any degree to vary
from the prescribed service of the Church. In each of
these they call on the laity to unite with them in opposing
any such deviations of their pastors, thus endangering the
array of the laity against the clergy.
Again, in the year when the question of the obligation
to use a certain part of the service was much discussed,
and the practice was various, the House of Bishops, in
their pastoral, expressed a very decided opinion on the
subject, condemning those who differed from them.
" In the letter of 1814 we find the bishops expressing no
doubtful opinion on the subject of revivals, about which
diversity of sentiment and practice has ever prevailed
among the Bishops, ministers and members of the Church.
In the same letter we find the Bishops expressing them-
selves in the strongest terms of approbation of the British
and Foreign Bible Society, and the concurrence of Ameri-
cans in it. In another, it is believed the American Bible
Society is commended.
In the pastoral of 1820, we find them, at the request of
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 271
the other house, expressing their opinion on the rubric en-
joining public baptism, and on the qualifications of spon-
sors; on which subjects no little diversity of sentiment
and practice existed, and does exist. Their sentiments
"were by no means acceptable to all.
In the pastoral of 1823 we find them engaged on the
then exciting topic of Theological Seminaries, and, though
the right of single dioceses to such Seminaries was fully
declared by the General Convention, and such were, by
many, much preferred, the Bishops decidedly argue in favor
of the General Seminary, giving it the weight of their in-
fluence over others, although there were Bishops present
having diocesan institutions.
In the letter of 1832 the Bishops felt it to be their duty
to warn the Church against any combinations of Chris-
tians, which should undertake to interfere with political
elections, by means of societies for the promotion of morals
and religion. There must have been here a reference to
those temperance societies which refused to vote for such
persons as were politically opposed to them. In the same
letter, there is a warning against any institutions which,
like the American Sunday School Union and Tract Society
(which were doubtless alluded to), proposed to promote
religion by avoiding all the peculiarities of denomination,
and confining their operation to books and works in which
all might agree.
In various letters, we find them speaking of other de-
nominations in terms different from those which some
would have preferred.
Our attention should be particularly directed to the pas-
toral of 1835. It was the last from the pen of Bishop
\yhite, and much of it would answer well our present
need. It was written when the Tractarian movement had
but just begun, and yet, probably, after it had displayed
enough of its character to excite his apprehensions, and*
lead him to the selection of a subject, whose sober exhibi-
272 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
tion by his pen forms such a contrast to the extravagance
of the Oxford divines. The topic is, the right use of the
Fathers, as made by the Episcopal Church, in which there
are set forth the benefits which have been derived from a
proper estimate of their authority, with a decided protest
ao-ainst that over-valuation of them, which has led to the
elevation of tradition to a co-ordinate rank with Scripture,
as a rule of faith — to the invocation of saints — to the
doctrine of purgatory — the power of pardon vested in the
Gospel ministry, and, finally, to transubstantiation.
Against all these doctrines, the pastoral of 1835 enters
its protest, as if to meet them on their first entrance into
our Church with a solemn condemnation. By a reference
to all the pastoral letters, some of which are not at hand,
other instances might doubtless be found. The above are
sufficient to show what has been the j^ractice of the bish-
ops in time past. On some of the topics introduced, very
different sentiments and practices prevailed among some
of the truest ministers and members of the Church. The
censure was, however, submitted to by those on whom it
was cast, and no rebellion or alienation took place. Many,
no doubt, continued to think and act as before on some
subjects, on which they had a right to think and act for
themselves — the Bishops not assuming the right to con-
trol, but only to warn and advise. But if they had a right
to warn and advise on all these topics, some of whicli were
comparatively unimportant, how much more ought they
to speak in a decided, though calm and temperate manner,
as to principles and practices renounced at the Eeforma-
tion, bat now sought to be re-introduced to the injury of
the Protestant faith. It is to be urged that each Bishop,
in his own diocese, may deliver his opinion, and thus the
mind of the majority be ascertained. It is replied that
the same might have been done as to all of the above-
mentioned subjects, and may in the future, as to all others
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 273
that shall arise, and so the pastoral letters be altogether
superseded.
If it is to be questioned whether the majority do con-
demn, as has been supposed, then let it be so declared, and
the honest truth be made known to the world, and all of
us will better understand our duty.
Twelftlily. If it be asked, against what the censure is to
be directed, it is answered, surelj^ there can be no hesita-
tion, after the manner of the English bishops, to condemn
any language that sj)eak8 slightingly of our glorious Re-
formation— any lamentations over changes then made —
any desire to restore things then renounced, or any dispo-
sition to change our title or character as a Protestant
Church. Surely, there can be none to re-affirm the Arti-
cles of our Church, in their plain meaning, as established
by the Reformers, and to protest against any interpreta-
tion of them, such as is seen in one of the tracts, which
identifies them with the decrees of the Council of Trent.
As to the corruption of the doctrine of justification,
and the extreme views of tradition, and of the sacraments
as seen in some of their writings, can there be hesitation
about censuring them, and referring for the sense of the
Church to the Articles, Homilies, and Liturgy, of the
Church? Could any otherwise than approve a warning
against all changes in dress, postures, furniture, pulpit ar-
rangements, which may even seem to favor the once re-
nounced doctrines of the Church of Rome?
As to the invocation of saints, prayers for the dead,
purgatory, and such like things, it would indeed seem most
useless to refer to them, had not even these found apolo-
gists, and were not the Church reproached for either hold-
ing, or allowing them.
Finally. Can any object, in this time of renewed con-
test with the Church of Rome, and when some of the min-
isters of the mother Church have actually been seduced
into her ranks, others found pleading her cause, and some
12*
274 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
in our own Church are charged with making light of our
difference with Kome, — to a solemn, expressed determina-
tion on the part of her Bishops, to be most faithful in re-
quiring of all candidates for the ministry, that they be not
only well informed as to the points in dispute, but most
decided in their adoption of Protestant doctrines, and re-
solved to maintain them? To this, let there be added a
solemn injunction to all who are concerned in the prepara-
tion and examination of candidates, that they do likewise ;
and then, if any shall charge the Church with favoring
these false doctrines, now so freely imputed, the pastoral
letter will stand as a public testimony to the contrary.
Eesolutions or Opinions of the House of Bishops con-
cerning CERTAIN Controversies now agitating the
Church.
The Bishops of the American branch of the Episcopal
Church, mindful of the solemn vows resting upon them,
to endeavor as much as in them lies to banish and drive
away from it all erroneous and strange doctrines, feel
called on at this time, to declare their united sentiments
concerning some differences of opinion, and practice, which
have .in some measure interrupted the harmony of our
Church.
They have perceived with deep regret how their mother
Church has, of late years, been agitated by certain publi-
cations issuing chiefly from Oxford, containing some things
contrary to the doctrines of our Eeformed Church, and
liable to the charge of assimilating us again to the Church
of Rome, in some points of doctrine, and practice, which
had been renounced.
They have seen, with pain, not only that such things
were imputed, but that the effect of these writings had
been to lead back some of her ministers and people to the
communion of Rome, whereby great reproach has been
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 275
cast upon her. As might be expected, these publications
have found their way into our country, and some of them
been reprinted, and freely circulated. We undertake not
to judge, or say how far their errors may have found
favor in the minds of any of our ministers or people, but
certain it is, that the charge of entertaining them is freely
made against many in our Church, so that it becomes our
duty to declare our sentiments on the subject. We deep-
ly regret that such books or tracts should ever have been
issued, and such opinions entertained, though we may hope,
that in the good providence of God, some good may be
brought even out of this evil.
We feel it our duty to declare our entire disapprobation
of any parts of such writings, which speak slightingly of
our glorious reformation ; which lament any change there-
.by made in doctrine, discipline, or worship ; which favor
the restoration of any terms, forms, or usages, abolished
at that time. More especially do we here solemnly re-af-
firm the articles of religion then set forth, to be under-
stood in their plain meaning as intended by their framers,
and those enjoining them ; and we do protest against that
interpretation which would make them differ but little
from the decrees of the council of Trent. We do espe-
cially protest against any view of the doctrine of justifi-
cation, which shall remove it from the ground on which it
is placed in our articles on that subject — against the ele-
vation of tradition to an equality with Scripture, either as
a joint rule of faith — as an interpreter of Scripture, or as
a teacher of the truth, coming down in a stream separate
from Scripture, from our Lord, and the Apostles.
We warn against certain extravagant views of the sa-
craments, and of the succession of apostolic grace through
the ministry, which are found in some of their writings,
and refer you for the doctrines of the Church on these
subjects, to the articles and ofiices thereof, understood as
276 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
the Scriptures themselves are, by a faithful comparison of
their different parts.
We would also warn you, as most inexpedient at this
time especially, against all changes in dress, postures, fur-
niture, the places of preaching, or performing the different
services which have been, or may now seem to be, promo-
tive of doctrines once renounced. Even some things not
forbidden, but which have become obsolete, and thus vir-
tually renounced, should be cautiously introduced, and not
without general agreement, lest evil should result. We
hope it is unnecessary to enter our protest against such
Eomish corruptions as the veneration of relics, the invo-
cation of saints, prayers for the dead and purgatoiy, which
have of late found some apologists among the descendants
of those who died in their condemnation.
We will only add, that while it is our duty as far as can-
didates for the ministry come under our instructions and
examination, to sfee that they be well acquainted with
those points which separate us from the Eomish commu-
nion, and that they do most unhesitatingly adopt the Pro-
testant views of them ; we also enjoin it on all professors
in our Seminaries, and others having any part in their
preparation and examination, to be faithful in this respect,
that neither Romanists on the one hand may have cause
to boast ; nor any Protestant on the other, to suspect that
we have in the slightest degree departed from the sj)irit
and principles of the Eeformation."
These documents leave nothing to be added to render per-
fectly obvious his mind and position in reference to a
movement which had agitated the Church in England and
America, more unhappily than either the thunders of Rome,
or the violence of sectarianism.
Bishop Meade published but little in connection with this
controversy. He was satisfied with securing the reprint
of such English treatises on the subject as particularly re-
commended themselves to his judgment. To his zeal and
MEMOIR OF BISUOP MEADE. 277
liberality the Church is indebted for American editions of
the invaluable works of his learned friend, the very Rev.
Dr. Goode, Dean of Eipon ; works which have not been,
and never will be, ansiuered.
{Discipline). — Government is a Divine ordinance, found-
ed'on the instincts and necessities of our nature. With-
out it, the social relations and individual rights of men
cannot be maintained. Its earliest action is in the domes-
tic circle, and, when duly exercised there, it is a salutary
schooling for its support and efficiency in the more en-
larged relations of civil and ecclesiastical life. Without
authoritive rules of action, enforced by penalty in case of
violation, government is a mere name, not a reality.
However admirable the polity and excellent the laws, all
are nugatory, unless sustained by wholesome discipline.
Bishop Meade was born when discipline was something
more than theory. Like the father of his country, he
learned from the lips of an intelligent and devoted mother
the moral precepts by which he was to be controlled, and
when occasion called for it, received from her gentle but
firm hand, the correction which his own improvement and
the order of the household required. In these days of
laxity and self-indulgence, when parental authority is al-
most antiquated, and filial subordination deemed scarcely
compatible with youthful independence, such control would
find few advocates among young, or old. Many are the
plausible arguments to prove that its eifect is to alienate
children from parents — to break the spirit, and prevent
the formation of manliness of character. It may be ne-
cessary to notice such arguments, when adifferent ])o\icj
produces more devoted sons, and nobler patriots than
George Washington, and William Meade, and when the
dreams of doating parents are more reliable than the in-
spiration of God.
The mature convictions of Bishop Meade's own mind
were in accordance with the teaching and the training of
278 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
his childhood, and gave direction and character to his course
in the various positions in which he was placed. It was part
of his creed, that discipline constituted one of the marks of
a true Church, and is essential to its purity. As a parish
minister he was diligent to minister the discipline of
Christ, as he believed the Lord had commanded, and as
the Church hath received the same. The record of his
proceedings in this respect in the congregations committed
to his charge has been already made^ and need not here be
repeated. It sufficiently evinces his vigilance and fidelity
in reference to those evils to which some of his communi-
cants were liable — the judgment and gentleness with
which he interposed his official authority, and the happy
result in the imjDrovement of their consistency, the ele-
vated tone of their piety, and the many hopeful additions
to the churches which he served. But his sense of respon-
sibility was not satisfied by seeking the amendment of his
own immediate cure. As a Presbyter of Yirginia, he felt
it his duty to unite with others in correcting abuses which
then lamentably prevailed, and by which the reputation of
the Church was seriously suffering. His own account of
the measures adopted is as follows :
" In the Spring of 1815, the first Convention under his
(Bishop Moore's) Ej^iscopate, assembled in Eichmond. It
must be evident to all, from the accounts given of the past
history of the Church in Yirginia, that much prejudice
must have existed against it, and that the reputation of
both clergy and people for true piety, must have been low ;
and that it was most proper to take some early occasion
of setting forth the principles on which it was proposed to
attempt its resuscitation. The last Convention, which
was held under Bishop Madison, and which was followed
by an intermission of seven years, had prepared the way
for this by declaring the necessity of a reform in the man-
ners of both clergy and laity, and by establishing rules for
the trial of both. Wherefore, among the first things which
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 279
engaged the consideralion of the Convention of 1815, was
the establishing a code of discipline. The Diocese of
Maryland, from which two of our brethren, the Eev.
Messrs. "Wilmer and Xorris, came, had already been en-
gaged in the same work, and we did little else than copy
the regulations there adopted. But although they were
only the grosser vices of gaming, extortion, etcetera,
which it was proposed to condemn, yet great opposition
was made. The hue and cry of priestly usurpation and
oppression was raised. It was said that the clergy only
wanted the power, and fire and fagot would soon be used
again — that we were establishing a Methodist Church,
and that the new Church needed reformation already.
The opposition, indeed, was such at this and the ensuing
Convention, that we had to content ourselves with renew-
ing the general resolution of the Convention of 1805,
under Bishop Madison. In two years after this, however,
in the Convention held in Winchester, when the number
of the clergy and the piety of the laymen had increased,
the subject was again brought up, and the condemnation
of those things which brought reproach on the Church
was extended to theatres, horse racing, and public balls,
by an overwhelming majority. The same has been re-
newed and enforced at a more recent one." — \_Old ChurcheSy
vol. 1, 2)' 39.]
To complete the history of this canon, it must be added,
that in the Convention of 1847, when a revision of the
canons was ordered, the chairman of the Committee ap-
pointed for that purpose, had introduced into his draft and
submitted for the approval of the Committee, a canon on
lay discipline, in substance, as it now stands, though with
less detail. This, however, was objected to by the other
members, and therefore laid aside, when the report was pre-
sented to the Convention of 1848. The canon as it now
stands, was proposed by the Eev. Dr. Norwood of St.
Paul's Church, Richmond, and pressed with much earnest-
280 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
ness and ability. Though some questioned the propriety
of attempting to be more specific than the language of the
rubric prefixed to the order for the administration of the
Lord's supper, and denied the right of the Convention to
include among offences justifying repulsion from the com-
munion, any not forbidden in express terms by the word
of G-od, yet no one, it is believed, advocated any one of
the practices which the proposed canon was designed to
declare unlawful. The discussion was continued in the
Conventions of 1849 and 1850. At the close of the de-
bate. Bishop Meade delivered his views, with great clear-
ness and force, in favor of the canon. On taking the vote
by orders, it was adopted by a large majority, especially in
the lay vote, and yet stands unaltered as the law of Vir-
ginia concerning " Lay Discipline."
Among the Bishop's papers there are two manuscripts,
one in his own hand — the other an exact copy by an
amanuensis, designed to state accurately certain treatment
which he experienced from one of the opponents of the
canon. It was evidently his wish that the memorandum
should be preserved :
" When the canon on ' Lay Discipline ' came up, Mr.
B. B. Minor took the floor, and spoke for nearly three
hours against it. Holding in his hand my charge on Ec-
clesiastical Law and Discipline, he criticised it during his
speech, saying several times that he had intended to digest
his objections to it more systematically before he came to
the Convention, but was hindered by other business.
On opening his speech, he adverted to the fact that had
embarrassed him, that unlike judges in civil courts, to
whom lawyers addressed themselves, the judges in this
case were committed, and against him. His remarks
seemed so personal to the Bishops, especially myself, that
he was called to order. During his speech he made great
use of Bingham's Antiquities, and quoted him as aflirming,
that the Primitive Church condemned theatres and such
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 281
places, only on account of the idolatiy of them, in direct
opposition to the affirmation and quotation of my charge.
I interrupted him for a moment to correct this statement.
In arguing from the fact that the General Convention de-
clined legislating on such subjects, he drew the conckision
that it was opposed to any legislation on the part of the
Dioceses, and then, in opposition to the view^s of Bishop
Johns and myself, adduced the conduct and opinion of
Bishop Otey, of whose character he spoke in high terms,
thoup-h not stronoier than it deserved. He said that
Bishoy Otey opposed legislation on such subjects when the
General Convention proposed so to do, and therefore was
opposed to all legislation. I rose, and said, that I felt it a
duty to my esteemed brother, Bishop Otey, to correct an
erroneous statement, which might make a false impression
as to his opinion of the subject in question — that in the
first place, he was not even in the ministry until some
years after the canon was proposed in the general Con-
vention, and that, so far from being oj^posed to my views
as set forth in the charge, and which were criticised and
condemned by the speaker, I had only a few days before
received a letter from him, thanking me for it, and ex-
pressing his unreserved approbation of its contents, and
that he was entirely opposed to all those fashionable
amusements mentioned in the canon and the charge.
At the close of Mr. B. B. Minor's remarks, he alluded
to myself as being the main speaker on the side of the
question to which he was opposed. I rose, and said, that
such was a very improper remark, and that the Chair had
been the party assailed throughout the speech: that I had,
however, no objection to the sentiments of the charge be-
ing duly considered, and opposed.
William Meade.
P. S. — I also mentioned, either in Convention, or after-
wards in private, to Mr. Minor, that on the subject of
282 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
Special legislation on the part of dioceses, against which
he spoke, that Bishop Otey was not opposed : that I was
present as visiting Bishop at the introduction of a code of
laws into the Tennessee. Convention, when special legisla-
tion as to some matters in dispute was proposed, and that
Bishop Otey, then a Presbyter, was in favor of it. I al-
luded either to some canon about lay delegates or commu-
nicants, which was opposed and prevented, I believe."
The letter alluded to in the manuscript is a reply to one
from Bishop Meade, enclosing a donation to the Diocesan
Male School, of Tennessee, and dated April 16, 1850. In
it Bishop Otey writes : " As to the condition which you
make, that your contribution shall not go to any estab-
lishment which gives encouragement to dancing, &c., I say
amen! heartily. I join with you, heart and soul, in the
condemnation of all that class of worldly amusements,
which arc the opprobrium of many calling themselves
Christians, and an abomination of this age. I resisted
this thing firmly when our Tennessee school was founded."
Again, "I have read your charge with great interest, and
while there is a great deal to which I give my cordial ap-
proval, there is nothing, which I now remember, as excep-
tionab'le."
Certainly Bishop Meade had good authority to pro-
nounce the statement of the speaker to be erroneous. It
appears that Mr. Minor thought proper to appeal to
Bishop Otey on the subject, from whom he received a
letter, the substance of which he embodied in one address-
ed to Bishop Meade, dated July 1st, 1850 The purport
of both may be sufficiently learned from the- ample quo-
tations furnished in Bishop Meade's reply :
Millwood, July 15, 1850.
Dear Sir :
Yours of the 1st inst. came to hand while I was engaged in the engross-
ing duties of my office at the close of the Seminary and High School. My
first employment, after reaching home, is to reply to its contents. I have
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 283
not only carefully read it, but revised Bishop Otey's letter to which it re-
fers, and so far from being convinced of any misstatement on my part,
find that the language of his letter is stronger than as represented by me
from memory in the Convention. If any misunderstanding of his views
has taken place, it is not to be ascribed to myself, but to the strong and
unqualified language of his letter, and the introduction of his authority
and sentiments by yourself. No one can read his letter without being im-
pressed with the conviction that he had examined the whole of the charge
carefully, and endorsed it thoroughly.
You quote a passage from his letter to you, which says that he had read
only to the 4Ist page, and that he wrote to me tha the approved it, as far
as he had read it. Of this there is nothing in his letter to me. Now the
first 41 pages contain only a third of the matter of the charge, and yet, the
Bishop, besides uniting with me in the condemnation of all the fashionable
amusements reprobated in the charge, says, '' / have read your charge with
great inter est ^ and while there is a great deal to which I give my cordial ap-
proval^ there is nothing, which I now renumber, as exceptionable J ^ Who could
otherwise than suppose that the whole, and not merely a third part, had
been read, and approved ? Moreover, the very spirit and object of the
charge was to show the propriety of special legislation, and of including
fashionable amusements in that legislation. This runs through the whole
— through the first 41 pages as well as the remainder. Was I not justified,
then, in supposing, nay constrained to suppose, that Bishop Otey approved
the main design of the charge in regard to legislation and discipline, as
well as my condemnation of certain amusements ?
And now in relation to the part you took in the matter. . You say, "you
will recollect that I only alluded to Bishop Otey because he had recently
put forth a very decided letter against worldly amusements, and yet was
opposed to diocesan enactments." To this I reply that your allusion to
Bishop Otey (his name was not mentioned) was of such a kind that no one
could mistake, and his authority was adduced in opposition to that of
Bishop Johns and myself. As to the reason for your introducing him, viz.,
that he had recently put forth a pastoral against worldly amusements, I
certainly have no recollection whatever, nor indeed, till your letter, have I
ever heard of such pastoral, although he always sends me his publications.
So far from my recollecting that you adduced this as a reason for introdu-
cing him, I stated to the Convention that I feared my brother of Tennessee
would be misunderstood on this subject, and that I had received a letter
expressive of entire condemnation of them, which I should not have done,
bad you prefaced your remarks by referring to some recent pastoral " of as
strong and lofty tone as my own," to use your own language. You were
arguing from the fact that the General Convention refused to legislate on
the subject, and therefore, that our Convention ought not, and then stated
284 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
that a Bishop with whom you were connected, and on whom you bestowed
high praise, was amongst those who opposed it in the General Convention.
It was then I corrected your error. If Bishop Otey is dissatisfied with the
introduction of his name, I am not to blame. If the letter made a false
impression, that must not be laid to my charge; for, as I have said, it was
stronger than my statement. I never thought of introducing his name and
letter, till forced to do so in self-defence, and in defence of himself, who I
saw would be misunderstood. Not to have done it, would have deserved
censure from him for being silent when I had just received such a letter. I
think it proper to state that without such a statement on my part, Bishop
Otey would have been identified with you yet more, as to the general strain
of your speech. You labored hard to prove that the Primitive Church only
condemned theatres because of the idolatry set forth in them, and it was
understood that, though not attending the theatre in Virginia, you had
done so out of the State since you were a communicant, and at no remote
period, and that you had even encouraged by your presence, though under
the plea of visiting them as statuary, those shameless persons of both sexes
who in a state of nudity, have been going through our land, tempting the
citizens to a lewd exhibition, — who had been excluded from some of the
towns, and against whom even the gates of New Orleans were closed.
Having thus noticed the manner of the introduction of Bishop Otey's
opinion into the discussion, and the reason of my referring to his letter, I
shall notice briefly what you quote from his letter to you, as to the propri-
ety of the legislation of the General Convention, and the impropriety of
diocesan legislation.
You quote thus from his letter : ''It has been attempted at several Gen-
eral Conventions when I was present, to pass canons making judicial pro-
ceedings uniform throughout the Union ;" and you add, "I believe from
his letter, that he would be in favor of some further legislation hy the Gen-
eral Convention^ on the subject of worldly amusements,"
Being one of the three bishops who for a number of years have been on
the Committee of Canons, in conjunction with clergy and laity from the
other house, I can speak understandingly on the subject. One of our
Bishops, whom I have always understood to be alone in his views on the
subject of a uniform code of laws for all the dioceses, and who has, once
or twice, I think, expressed himself in favor of it, though without propos-
ing anything to the Bishops, did at length offer to our committee, at the
last General Convention, something on the subject, but it was disapproved
of by every other member present, and so roughly handled by one or two,
that the said Bishop withdrew from the committee, and could with difficul-
ty be persuaded by myself to let his name continue on the committee. There
is not the least probability of the General Convention's going one step fur-
ther in the way of specifying offences for which a layman is to be tried, or
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 285
providing any uniform mode of trial. The probability of this is less and
less every year. If any advance is made, it must be by the diocesan "con-
ventions, not in contradiction to what has been done in the General Con-
vention, but in the same direction.
You quote Bishop Otey as saying, "If Virginia may pass a canon de-
claratory and explanatory of rubrics, making certain things specific offen-
ces, calling for discipline, there can be no question, I apprehend, that Ma-
ryland or any other diocese, in the exercise of equal rights and powers,
may pass a canon declaring that precisely the same things are not matters
of discipline." And let us suppose that some such discrepancies should
actually occur, of which there is no probability, would it not be better that
some dioceses should condemn certain evils, though others refuse so to do,
than that all by their silence should consent to them, as is much the case
now, for silence is pleaded as consent, and acted on.
In some of our civil codes, certain things are forbidden by law, and pun-
ished, as lotteries, faro bank, etc.; in others they are not. In some of
them these things are legalized. There may be reasons, in such a widely-
extended country, for legislation in one State or diocese which do not exist
in another, so that general legislation would not answer for all. That
such has ever been the view of Churchmen in America as to many subjects
of legislation, is to be seen from the course of many of the dioceses, espe-
cially the older ones. I have carefully examined some of them, and found
that ever since the confederation, they have legislated on special subjects
without contradicting the constitution and canons of the General Conven-
tion. Virginia has done so since the very first convention after the con-
federation, for the present canon is only an enlargement of one then adopt-
ed. Forty years since, at least, Maryland passed a canon just like the
one Virginia has adopted, specifying offences, and enjoining it positively
on ministers to exercise discipline. A few years since she revised her code,
and renewed this same canon. I have never heard an objection raised
against it, as interfering with the General Convention.
You also quote Bishop Otey as saying, that "Another objection is, that
specific legislation is an endless thing, and generally, if not inevitably,
leads to the assumption of unauthorized power, to say nothing of the evils
of excessive legislation," To this I reply, that special legislation has al-
ways been resorted to for the purpose of preventing the assumption of un-
authorized power. Laws are made to guide rulers and judges, so that they
may not be left to their own arbitrary will, and unaided judgment, to de-
termine what are sins, and how they should be punished. Neither Bish-
ops, or clergy, should wish to have it entirely in their hands to determine
what is evil living. Canons should, as far as practicable, do this. The
Church of God in all its branches, and civil governments in every age,
have done so.
286 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
You also quote him as saying, " The things aimed at by the Virginia
Convention have been pointedly reprobated by the Bishops in their pastoral
letters to the whole Church. Now, it does seem to me that a minister, in
exercising discipline, requires no higher authority to sustain him than the
clearly-expressed opinion of the House of Bishops. The superior authority
of the House of Bishops (I speak of moral power) can scarcely gain any
strength from the act of a diocesan convention," To this I reply : More
than thirty years ago, the Bishops did in one pastoral letter, and one only,
censure some of the things reprobated in the Virginia canon, and called
upon the ministers merely to warn the people of their cures against them,
but expressed no opinion as to the exercise of discipline. The House of
Bishops has ever protested against the doctrine that the expression of their
opinion should have the force of law. The opinion of the Bishops, and
a canon of either General or State Conventions, are very different. The
former is designed to influence by moral suasion ; the latter to justify dis-
cipline. I have thus briefly expressed my dissent from Bishop Otey's ob-
jection to the Canon.
In conclusion, I have only to say that if you have used Bishop Otey's
letter in order to contradict my statement at the Convention, you will do
me the justice to use this in order to the true understanding of the case.
I particularly request' this to be done in regard to Mr. Macfarland, who
heard my statement, and to Dr. Empie, with whom you have doubtless con-
ferred. I shall send a copy of this to Bishop Otey.
Sincerely praying that God would enlighten our minds with a know-
ledge of His truth, on these and all other subjects pertaining to the honor
and purity of His kingdom, and lead us in the right way, I remain
Your friend and servant,
W. Meade.
P. S. — The concluding sentence of your letter demands a brief reply.
You complain that "freedom of opinion, and in the expression of that
opinion," was " in a measure denied you." To this I reply, that you were
allowed to speak for nearly three hours, while those who followed were re-
stricted to twenty minutes ; that you occupied more time, I believe, than
all who followed you put together, though they were not less than ten in
number. You had, therefore, full time for any explanation which you de-
sired to make then, and also on the following day, when you asked leave
to explain, and were allowed to do so. The Convention and the audience,
I am sure, believed that full latitude was allowed you. Your insinuations
that the Convention wanted the independence that you possessed, and which
you repeated to me the next day in a very offensive manner, was such as I
have never before heard made against the clergy and laity of Virginia, as-
sembled in convention.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 287
What you say also as to my reading you only a part of Bishop Otey's
remarks on the subject (the Avhole of which was sent you by letter from
Charlottesville), is a mistake. My own recollections are most distinct,
viz., that after carefully examining the letter, I read you every word which
was transmitted to yourself and Bishop Otey.
{Lay Deputies). — Another very important reform in
which Bishop Meade Avas deeply interested and took an
active part, finds its proper place in this connection. He
relates it thus: "We now refer to the method adopted,
after a considerable time had elapsed, for the purification
of our conventions from unworthy lay delegates, by re-
quiring that they be in full communion w4th the Church,
and not merely baptized members, or professed friends,
whether baptized or not. No law, either of the General
or State Conventions, forbade an infidel or the most im-
moral man from being the deputy from a parish in a dio-
cesan convention, although questions might come before
them touching the creed and articles and worship of the
Church, or the trial of bishops, clergy, and laymen. The
strange anomaly of persons legislating for others, and not
being themselves subject to such legislation, was allowed
in the Church, when it would have been resisted in any
and every other society. The consequence resulted, that,
although there was a great improvement in the general
character of the Church, and the respectability of the lay
delegation to our conventions, we were still distressed and
mortified at the occasional appearance of one or more un-
worthy members, who were a scandal to the Church, the
scandal being the greater because of the number of the
attendants. The frequenters of the race-ground, and the
card-table, and the lovers of the intoxicating cup, some-
times found their way through this unguarded door into
the legislative hall. It was proposed to close it, but stren-
uous opposition Avas made by some, as to a measure assail-
ing individual and congregational rights. It was discussed
for three successive years, and though a considerable ma-
288 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
jority was always ready to pass the proposed canon, that
majority yielded so far to the minority as to allow of delay
and further consideration, which only resulted in the final
passage of it by increased and overwhelming numbers. An
incident occurred, during one of the discussions, showing
how the consciences of even those who are not in full com-
munion with the Church approve of wholesome legislation
and discipline. A worthy clergyman who was opposing
the canon, referred to his own lay delegate as a proof of
what excellent men might be sent to the Convention, who
were, nevertheless, not communicants. When he was seat-
ed, the lay delegate, a very humble and good man, who
had never spoken before in convention, rose and expressed
his entire dissent from his minister, and, as it was proposed
to postpone the question until the next day, begged that
there might be no delay, as he should sleep more quietly
that night after having given his vote in favor of so neces-
sary a regulation. He lived to appear in our body once
more, in full communion with the Church. We have nev-
er, since the adoption of this rule, had cause to repent of
our legislation, or to blush for the scandal cast upon us by
unworthy members. — lOld Churches, vol. 1, pp. 44-5.]
{Clerical Disciplirie). — The character of the Colonial
clergy has been candidly exhibited by Bishop Meade in
his " History of the Old Churches, &c., of Yirginia," and
adverted to in the previous part of this memoir. He
further remarks, " That the ministers then in the colony
were men of zeal, can scarce be supposed ; as a law was re-
quired enjoining it upon them to preach every Sabbath,
and administer the sacrament at least twice every year."
"As to the unworthy and hireling clergy of the colony,
there was no ecclesiastical discipline to correct and punish
their irregularities and vices. The authority of a commis-
sary was a very insufficient substitute for the superintend-
ence of a faithful Bishop. The better part of the clergy,
and some of the laity, long and earnestly petitioned for a
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 289
faithful resident bishop, as the Bishop of London was, of
necessity, only the nominal bishop. For about two hun-
dred years did the Episcopal Church of Virginia try the
experiment of a system whose constitution required such
a head, but was actually without it. No such officer was
there to watch over the conduct and punish the vices of
the clergy. It must be evident that the Episcopal Church
without such an officer, is more likely to suffer from the
want of godly discipline than any other society of Chris-
tians, because all others have some substitute, whereas our
Church makes this office indispensable to some important
j)arts of ecclesiastical government and discipline."
The first Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church
which met in Eichmond, May 16, 1785, addressed itself at
once to remedy these evils. Eules were adopted as to the
offences for which a clergyman might be tried ; the consti-
tution of the court, and the manner in which the trial
should be conducted. From time to time, as experience
suggested, these rules have been revised. After the revi-
val of the Church consequent on the election of Bishop
Moore to the Episcopate, they were systematized and re-
vised with still greater care, and now, with no material
change, are found among the canons of the diocese. In
giving them their present form, which differs in no impor-
tant particulars from that of other dioceses, Bishop Meade
and the early associates whom he names, were prominent.
His general views on "Clerical Discipline" are recorded in
a manuscript with that superscription, prepared for some
one who had asked for information on the subject :
"Being asked what was the practice of the Primitive
Church in relation to clerical discipline, that is, who exer-
cised the same, I have looked over several books in my
possession, such as the abridgement of Bingham, the book
of Apostolic canons, so-called, and Lord Eing's treatise.
The following is the result of such brief examination.
The government of all the clergy, and the exercise of
13
290 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
discipline both over the clergy and laity, seems to have
been in the bishops. They usually commissioned the pres-
byters to aid them in the exercise of discipline over the
laity, and sometimes, probably, took the voice of all the
congregation on certain cases.
As to the trial and punishment of the higher clergy, it
does not appear, I think, that any court of presbyters was
required for the trial of a clergyman, but, as the presby-
ters were considered as the senate and counsellors of the
bishop, he consulted with them on this and all important
cases. As the dioceses were very small, the bishops nu-
merous, and near to each other, any bishop having cause
of complaint against a presbyter or deacon, would call up-
on some of the adjoining bishops to aid him in the trial
and punishment of such person, forming something like
the ecclesiastical court of presbyters in our Church at this
time. But it is evident from the canons and history of the
earlier ages, that an appeal might be taken, and often was
taken, to a synod or council, by one who thought himself
oppressed.
The experience of those ages, and the history of denom-
inations more modern, who have adopted that mode of ap-
peal, having shown how vexatious and injurious in many
ways it is, our Church has j)rovided none such, except it
be the privilege of a new trial, if it shall be asked, and
shall seem reasonable. Such being the case, and bishops
being liable to err through rashness or mistake, it is the
more important, since there is no appeal, that the bishop
should have the best counsel beforehand, lest he should do
injustice.
It is also desirable that too heavy a responsibility should
not rest upon the episcopal oflSce in this painful depart-
ment of duty, lest some bishops should neglect discipline
altogether, or reduce the penalty too low for the oifence.
I have therefore always preferred that the court should
not merely examine the facts, and report the offence, but
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 291
also express their opinion as to the proper penalty, leaving
it to the bishop to inflict a lesser.
W. Meade."
To the credit of the clergy of Yirginia, it is proper to
state that clerical trials have been almost unknown in the
diocese. The paternal supervision, and, when occasion re-
quired, the "private remonstrance," of Bishops Moore and
Meade, obviated the necessity and avoided the scandal of
public prosecution, only two instances of which, it is be-
lieved, have occurred within the last fifty years. The more
recent of these deserves notice, not as of any general in-
terest, but simply as involving a question concerning epis-
copal power, and illustrating the spirit of the bishop by
whom it was directed.
A young man who had been a student of theology in a
Presbyterian seminary, applied to be received as a candi-
date in the diocese of Yirginia. His testimonials were
from most respectable persons, and exceeded the requivsi-
tions of the canons. After the usual probation, he was ad-
mitted to the diaconate by Bishop Meade, who, in the ex-
ercise of that discretion with which the ordination service
recognized the bishop as invested, licensed him to preach
the Gospel, and also sent him to minister in one of the va-
cant parishes. He had not been there long before his con-
duct gave such offence, that an appeal was made to the
Bishop and Standing Committee to have him removed.
The Standing Committee regarded the offences alleged as
of so grave a character, that they formally advised the
Bishop to remove him at once, and withdraw his license to
preach. Bishop Meade doubted his right to withdraw the
license. "Whether authority to grant, necessarily involved
authority to revoke ; whether, having given the license, he
had not fulfilled all the agency contemplated by the language
of the ordinal ; whether, as the revocation would be a
public censure seriously affecting the character of the dea-
Si
292 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
con, it ou2:lit to be left to the discretion of one man. The
course recommended would have been a short and easy
mode of disposing of the case. But the exercise of doubt-
ful power found no favor with Bishop Meade. He there-
fore suspended action, and, as was his custom, sought such
counsel as might aid him to a just determination. The
opinion of the Assistant Bishop of Virginia was adverse
to the recommendation of the Standing Committee, and in
favor of allowing the accused the benefit of a trial. The
views of other bishops were solicited. The following re-
plies were received and preserved :
Hartford, May 6, 1860.
Rt. Rev. and Dear Sir :
Being somewhat indisposed when your letter came to hand, T took the
liberty of sending it to Bishop Williams, asking his opinion, and that of
the Rev. Dr. Coit (who I knew to be with him), in the case to which your
communication refers.
Entirely concurring with them in their statements and reasoning in re-
gard to the points at issue, I beg leave to forward their letter for your con-
sideration.
Very truly, your friend and brother,
T. C. Brownell.
Et. Rev. Bishop Meade.
MiDDLETOWN, May 3, 1860.
My Dear Bishop :
Dr. Coit and I are quite agreed as to the question asked by Bishop
Meade, and I send you the conclusion, hoping it may meet with your ap-
proval.
1. The right to preach, in the case of a deacon, is not communicated
to him by the mere act of ordination, i. e., laying on hands. It forms the
single exception to the list of powers ''appertaining to the oflBce," men-
tioned in the fifth question in the ordinal.
2. Not inhering in the ordination itself, it is a power in the will of the
bishop to grant or not, as he may choose.
3. A power thus granted can, of course, be revoked by the grantor; since
it is, in this case, his individual act.
4. But cause should undoubtedly be alleged and shown ; and it should
be either ' ' error in religion or viciousness of life, ' ' the two things, either
of which would disqualify the deacon for a letter dimissory.
How practical a result this may be for Bishop Meade's particular cases
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 293
and purposes, I suppose we need not inquire. It leaves, after all, the re-
sponsibility on his shoulders.
Coit joins me in most affectionate remembrances ; and I am, dear Bishop,
Your affect, son and servant,
Jno. Williams.
Philadelphia, April 25, 1860.
My Dear Bishop :
Canon 6 of Title I. seems to place deacons entirely under the bishop's
regulation (see Sec. 1) ; permits him to officiate in no case without the as-
sent of the bishop (see Sec. 2) ; and by saying that when he officiates in a
parish or congregation, he shall be entirely subject to the direction of the
rector in all his ministrations (Sec. 3), implies nothing less of his subjec-
tion to the bishop.
I should suppose that the provision of the canon, added to what is said
in the ordinal, places the deacon's preaching or not, at the discretion of
the bishop.
Still, withdrawing a license might, under some circumstances, be an act
of discipline, or might be so regarded, and, in that case, would be of more
doubtful expediency.
I have generally protected myself, in doubtful cases, by giving a quali-
fied or limited license.
Yours, feiithfuUy,
Alonzo Potter.
Wilmington, April 26, 1860.
My Dear Bishop :
You are more likely to know than myself what has been the practice in
regard to the withdrawal of a deacon's license to preach. It would seem
from the ordinal that it was revocable. But if it has not been done, I do
not think a bishop could safely venture upon it without precedent. The
jealousy of mere prerogative is very great, and would probably excite a
great deal of clamor against such an attempt. Even in England, we have
lately seen the Bishop of London severely assailed, and, I believe, prose-
cuted, for withdrawing Mr. Poole's license as curate ; an act which I sup-
pose to be of a parallel nature.
Whatever, therefore, might be the abstract right of the bishop, or the
original theory of the diaconate, I should not think it expedient to exercise
it. If there were sufficient ground for a trial, you might give the deacon
himself the option as to which course you should practice ; which would,
of course, preclude any subsequent complaint on his part.
Hoping that you continue as well as when we last met, I remain,
Affectionately, your brother in Christ,
Bishop Meade. Alfred Lee.
294 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
It will be observed that Bishop Williams expressed the
opinion, in which Bishop Brownell concurs, that "the
license may be revoked by the grantor," for cause, which
should be either "error in religion or viciousness of life."
Thus adding to his opinion as to the power ^ a caution as to
the only occasions for its just use.
The reply of Bishop A. Potter is very non-committal.
He uses the canon which places deacons entirely under
the Bishop's regulation, to interpret the language of the
ordinal, and "supposes" that the two "place the Deacon's
preaching or not preaching at the discretion of the bishop."
The canon to which he alludes authorizes the Bishop " to
re^wZafe the Deacon" — ^^ to direct th.Q places" in which he
shall officiate,^^ which imply the continued exercise of his
proper functions, and have no reference to their revocation.
If the withdrawal of the license be regarded as an " act
of discipline," (Bi-shops Brownell and Williams held it
must be so), then according to Bishop A. Potter, it would
be of more doubtful expediency." To protect himself in
licensing a person who has not his full confidence, his cus-
tom is " to give a qualified or limited license, an expedient
which neither the ordinal or canon contemplated, and neces-
sarily invidious in practice — a protection to the Bishop it
may be, but an indignity to the Deacon, in which proper
self-respect would determine him not to acquiesce, but
rather to wait till he could secure the usual unqualified
license to preach the gospel. It has the appearance of
taking a liberty with the ordinal at the Deacon's expense,
to save the Bishop the painful duty of declining to license
doubtful cases, or the necessity of an act of discipline,
when confidence has been abused.
To Bishop Lee, of Delaware, the ordinal seemed to re-
cognize the power in question, but as there is no prece-
dent for its exercise, he thought it could not be ventured
in safety, by reason of the great jealousy with which mere
prerogative is regarded, and advised, if there is sufficient
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 295
ground for a trial, that it should be left to the deacon to
choose which course should be pursued.
Bishop Whittingham, misled by a rumor that Bishop
Meade was consulting with some other members of the
Episcopate about the practicability of deposing a deacon
without form of trial, and by other erroneous impressions,
at last gave utterance to his indignant censure in a letter
to Bishop Meade, which will presently be in place.
The correspondence with his Episcopal brethren afforded
no relief to the Bishop's mind. In a letter of a subse-
quent date he says : " I wrote to several of the bishops on
the subject. My doubts are confirmed by reflection. All
the bishops generally think otherwise. In the case before
me I determined not .to act on the suggestion of the
standing committee." Under these circumstances, judicial
proceeding was unavoidable. The court canonically con-
stituted for the purpose so far sustained the charges as to
deem suspension for one year the proper penalty for the
offense proven, and so informed the Bishop. AYhat his
opinion was as to the proceedings and judgment of the
court, need not be stated. It is plain, however, that he
considered the award disproportionate to the offences of
which the accused was found guilty, for, in the exercise of
his official authority, to " mitigate" a sentence, " if he see
cause,'' he immediately reduced the suspension from twelve
to six months.
The able counsel of the accused, in a letter to him after
the trial, expressed his " profound respect for the intelli-
gence, candor, and firmness " of the court, adding, " You
are more indebted under God, to the high character in
every respect of the gentlemen who tried you, than to my
poor abilities, for the result. And again: he declares his
" unmixed admiration for the firmness and impartiality of
those gentlemen who disregarded all influence from with-
out, as much as men could do, and tried your case with an
eye single, as I believe, to justice and truth. May they,
298 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
The letter is a plain narrative of the case, showing clear-
ly that all the hypotheses of his correspondent were ut-
terly vain and contrary to fact, both in relation to the
course of Bishop Meade and the conduct of the court. It
did not change entirely the views of Bishop Whittingham,
but it occasioned a prompt apology for the offensive insin-
uations, and a very modified tone in the reply.
Baltimore, Sept. 11, 1861.
Et. Rev. and Bear Sir :
I beg leave to tender mj sincere and respectful acknowledgment of the
condescension with which you have labored to put me in possession of your
view of the case of the Rev. .
"While, unhappily, I find myself still unable to agree in that view, it is
with much gratification that I learn from your statement the untruth of
one of the suppositions that had most force to move me to the expression
of my opinion in the case. I learn with great pleasure that you did not
consult with some other members of the Episcopate concerning the power
of inflicting deposition, 'but only concerning the very different question,
whether license to preach might be withdrawn. The very proposition of
which question was a proof of moderation, rather than the contrary.
When I last wrote, I had not heard Mr. 's statement of his case, or
seen the charges against him. I am still as far as ever from justifying his
conduct, or endeavoring to secure him from the charge of grave error in
that conduct ; but the more I hear concerning the course pursued with
him, the more painfully I am impressed with the conviction that he has not
been wisely or justly dealt with, to say nothing of charity or mercy.
Of course, my opinion on the subject is of no legal consequence. It
may be worth very little, or of no weight at all, with those whom it af-
fects. Certainly it is not expressed as having any claim on their respect,
beyond that due to the honest judgment of any Christian man. It would
not have been expressed at all, but for the peculiar relations with Mr. ,
and the ecclesiastical authority to which he is amenable, into which I have
been brought by no seeking of my own.
Very respectfully and iruly.
Your friend and brother,
William Rollinson Whittingham.
Rt. Rev. William Meade, D. D., Bishop of Virginia.
The persistent convictions which the Bishop of Mary-
land thus frankly stated, are in decided contrast with the
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE; 299
"inexpressible thanks" of the condemned party, and the
"unmingled admiration" of his able counsel. The con-
demned man respects the motives of the jurors who pro-
nounced him guilty and awarded the penalty he is suffer-
ing. His counsel rises superior to the prejudices almost
inseparable from his professional stand-point, and honors
and eulogizes the court which has withstood his earnest
pleadings, and convicted his client; but in an intelligent
bystander, who has no responsibility or personal interest
in the case, the strong impulses of compassion prevent the
conviction that the condemned has been "wisely or justly
dealt with, to say nothing of charity or mercy."
The most painful cases of clerical discipline with which
Bishop Meade was connected, were those which affected
some of his brethren in the Episcopate. It is not intend-
ed to introduce into this memoir a record of the several
proceedings, so distressing and humiliating in their nature
and results. Every friend of pure and undefiled religion
would desire their early and absolute oblivion, especially
as those involved have long since" finished their ministry
on earth, and passed into His presence who, without re-
spect of persons, judgeth every man's work. Unhapj^ily,
however, the course which Bishop Meade felt it incum-
bent on him to pursue in reference to the alleged offend-
ers, and the motives by which he was influenced, have
been scandalously misrepresented, and his character vio-
lently assailed, not only in the columns of some of the
Church papers, but also in several anonymous pamphlets.
One of these, signed by "A Member of the Church," and
known to be the product of Horace Binney, Esq., of Phil-
adelphia, is marked by the distinguished professional skill
of its author, which is only surpassed by the bitterness
and malignity of the assaults in which it abounds, and the
inexcusable errors as to facts which the obviously extraor-
dinary prepossessions of the writer determined him to
298 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
The letter is a plain narrative of the case, showing clear-
ly that all the hypotheses of his correspondent were ut-
terly vain and contrary to fact, both in relation to the
course of Bishop Meade and the conduct of the court. It
did not change entirely the views of Bishop Whittingham,
but it occasioned a prompt apology for the offensive insin-
uations, and a very modified tone in the reply.
Baltimore, Sept. 11, 1861.
Ht. Rev. and Dear Sir :
I beg leave to tender my sincere and respectful acknowledgment of the
condescension with which you have labored to put me in possession of your
view of the case of the Rev. .
While, unhappily, I find myself still unable to agree in that view, it is
with much gratification that I learn from your statement the untruth of
one of the suppositions that had most force to move me to the expression
of my opinion in the case. I learn with great pleasure that you did not
consult with some other members of the Episcopate concerning the power
of inflicting deposition, but only concerning the very different question,
whether license to preach might be withdrawn. The very proposition of
which question was a proof of moderation, rather than the contrary.
When I last wrote, I had not heard Mr. 's statement of his case, or
seen the charges against him. I am still as far as ever from justifying his
conduct, or endeavoring to secure him from the charge of grave error in
that conduct ; but the more I hear concerning the course pursued with
him, the more painfully I am impressed with the conviction that he has not
been wisely or justly dealt with, to say nothing of charity or mercy.
Of course, my opinion on the subject is of no legal consequence. It
may be worth very little, or of no weight at all, with those whom it af-
fects. Certainly it is not expressed as having any claim on their respect,
beyond that due to the honest judgment of any Christian man. It would
not have been expressed at all, but for the peculiar relations with Mr. ,
and the ecclesiastical authority to which he is amenable, into which I have
been brought by no seeking of my own.
Very respectfully and truly,
Your friend and brother,
William Rollinson Whittingham.
Rt. Rev. William Meade, D. D., Bishop of Virginia.
The persistent convictions which the Bishop of Mary-
land thus frankly stated, are in decided contrast with the
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE; 299
"inexpressible thanks" of the condemned party, and the
"unmingled admiration" of his able counsel. The con-
demned man respects the motives of the jurors who pro-
nounced him guilty and awarded the penalty he is suffer-
ing. His counsel rises superior to the prejudices almost
inseparable from his professional stand-point, and honors
and eulogizes the court which has withstood his earnest
pleadings, and convicted his client; but in an intelligent
bystander, who has no responsibility or personal interest
in the case, the strong impulses of compassion prevent the
conviction that the condemned has been "wisely or justly
dealt with, to say nothing of charity or mercy."
The most painful cases of clerical discipline with which
Bishop Meade was connected, were those which affected
some of his brethren in the Episcopate. It is not intend-
ed to introduce into this memoir a record of the several
proceedings, so distressing and humiliating in their nature
and results. Every friend of ])UYe and undefiled religion
would desire their early and absolute oblivion, especially
as those involved have long since* finished their ministry
on earth, and passed into His presence who, without re-
8])Qct of persons, judgeth every man's work. Unhappily,
however, the course which Eishop Meade felt it incum-
bent on him to pursue in reference to the alleged offend-
ers, and the motives by which he was influenced, have
been scandalously misrepresented, and his character vio-
lently assailed, not only in the columns of some of the
Church papers, but also in several anonymous pamphlets.
One of these, signed by "A Member of the Church," and
known to be the product of Horace Binney, Esq., of Phil-
adelphia, is marked by the distinguished professional skill
of its author, which is_ only surpassed by the bitterness
and malignity of the assaults in which it abounds, and the
inexcusable errors as to facts which the obviously extraor-
dinary prepossessions of the writer determined him to
300 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
publish * These harsh and reproachful accusations may
be reproduced at a future day, when the facilities for ex-
posing their injustice and falsehood might not be availa-
ble. It is due to the memory of Bishop Meade that they
should be considered and corrected here, and that his true
mind and action in those lamentable cases should be satis-
factorily ascertained. If, in accomplishing this, there
shall be found any statement unfavorable to others, it is
hoped that their introduction will not be imputed to the
odious purpose of clouding their character, but to the ob-
ligation which truth and justice impose, to vindicate the
course of the subject of this memoir.
1. With the case of Bishop Henry TJ. Onderdonk, of
Pennsylvania, Bishop Meade had nothing to do till it was
before the House of Bishops for final adjudication. This
will appear from his own printed statements, from which
the following representation is derived :
"In the year 1844, the Bishops were grieved to find
from the public papers, that the rumors which had been
afloat for some years, had assumed so serious a character
as to have led the clergy of the Diocese (Pennsylvania),
to the number of sixty-eight, at the annual Convention, to
confer with their bishop on the subject; and that in con-
sequence of it, he had tendered the resignation of his dio-
cese. After the resignation had been accepted by the
Convention, leave was asked to withdraw it. This was
refused by a vote of fifty-one of the clergy and fifty- five
of the laity in the negative, and thirteen of the clergy and
five of the laity in the affirmative. The Bishops read with
pain his account and excuse for a habit which had occa-
sioned so much unhappiness and scandal. They read also
his endeavor to withdraw the proffered resignation. In a
* Extract of a letter from Bishop Meade to Dr. Anthon, dated "Mill-
wood, Dec. 12, 1854" : '/Mr. Binney is out again in a huge pamphlet, of his
usual acerbity. I shall not reply to the part devoted to myself, especially
as he intimates that he will not notice me further."
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 301
short time they came together in General Convention dis-
tressed and perplexed. There was no canon for the trial
of a bishop, except one or two short sections, hastily
drawn up at the last General Convention, and which could
only be regarded as setting forth the main principles on
which one should be hereafter framed. Neither three
Bishops nor any Diocesan Convention could think of mak-
ing a presentation under such a canon, destitute, as it was,
of any directions or provisions for carrying it into execu-
tion. It was, however, soon understood that Bishop On-
derdonk would not only resign his Diocese, but submit
himself to such sentence as the Bishops should think fit to
inflict. Two or more of the Bishops had friendly confer-
ence with him of their own accord, and not by any direc-
tion from the rest. After some time, three letters were
agreed on between them, and were presented to the House
of Bishops. In the first of them, dated October 4th, he
declares that the Convention of his Diocese having failed
to investigate or present under the canon then existing,
though invited so to do on a certain contingency, he was
free, and that, in honor and morals, no others could pre-
sent— evidently denying that three bishops could, after
that, present him for trial; and, in the close of his letter,
he calls for an investigation of the question whether he
had resigned or not. In the second letter, dated 4th of
October, he makes a certain acknowledgment, and sub-
mits himself to the judgment of the Bishops. In the
third, of October 19th, he resigns his diocese. The Bish-
ops were pleased to think that a mode of action was thus
proposed to them which might answer the end of disci-
pline without trial, viz., by accepting the resignation of his
Diocese, and inflicting such penalty as should seem proj)er
to them."
On the journal of the House of Bishops (1844, October
19th) the following record is found :
" Bishop Ives presented to the House certain communi-
302 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
cations from the Bishop of Pennsylvania;" whereupon, on
motion of Bishop DeLancey,
^^Eesolved, That the said communications be referred to
Bishops Chase, Brownell, Meade, Ives and Hopkins." In
the Journal of the 21st, the report of the committee is
recorded.
" The committee appointed upon the resignation of the
Eight Eev. H. U. Onderdonk, D. D., Bishop of the Diocese
of Pennsylvania, recommend the adoption of the following
resolutions:
Whereas, the Eight Eev. Henry Ustick Onderdonk, D.
D., Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, has made
known in writing to the House of Bishops his desire to
resign his jurisdiction of the said Diocese, with the reasons
moving him thereto, and has tendered to this House his
resignation of the said Diocese ; and whereas, the House
of Bishops having^made investigation of the said reasons,
and of the facts and circumstances of the case, deem it
expedient to accept the said resignation ; therefore.
Resolved, That the House of Bishops accept the resigna-
tion of the Episcopal Jurisdiction of the Diocese of Penn-
sylvania, made by the Eight Eev. Henry Ustick Onder-
donk, D: D., and hereby declare that from and after this
21st day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and fortj^-four, he is no longer Bishop of
said Diocese. And further
Resolved, That the, foregoing resolutions be duly record-
ed on the journal of this House, and that information of
the same be communicated to the House of Clerical and
Lay Deputies."
The documents connected with the case of the Eight
Eev. Henry Ustick Onderdonk, D. D., having been called
up, the following preamble and resolutions were proposed,
considered and adopted :
Whereas, This House has heard with pain and sorrow of
heart, the communication addressed to it by the Eight
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 303
Eeverend Henry Ustick Onderdonk, D. D., in which he
acknowledges the habitual use of spiritous liquor as a
remedy for disease, to a degree which has been the occa-
sion of unfavorable imputations upon the Church, and
brought upon him an evil report among men.
And whereas, This House, as well by the tenor of the
communications of the said Eight Eev. Henry Ustick On-
derdonk, D. D., as by the investigation of the facts and
circumstances of his case, which have now been made, is
well assured that the usefulness of the said Eight Eev.
Henry Ustick Onderdonk, D. D., in the office and work of
the ministry has ceased, and that the reproach and injury
which he has been the means of bringing upon the Church
of Christ require the administration of discipline in the
premises ;
And whereas, The said Eight Eev. Henry Ustick On-
derdonk, D. D., has requested of this House such an act
of discipline as, in the judgment of the said House, is
proper ; therefore,
Resolved, That the Eight Eeverend Henry Ustick On-
derdonk, D. D., having made to this House a written ac-
knowledgment of his unworthiness, this House does now
determine that he be suspended from his office, and that
the Presiding Bishop, in the presence of this House, shall
pronounce the following sentence, viz. :
Sentence : The Eight Eeverend Henry Ustick Onder-
donk, Doctor in Divinity, having acknowledged himself
the cause of reproach and injury to the Church, and hav-
ing submitted himself to the judgment of the House of
Bishops, in General Convention assembled, the said House
does hereby adjudge that the said Henry Ustick Onder-
donk, Doctor in Divinity, be suspended from all public ex-
ercise of the offices and functions of the sacred ministry,
and in particular from all exercise whatever of the office
and work of a Bishop in the Church of God ; and does ac-
cordingly so suspend the said Henry Ustick Onderdonk,
304 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
Doctor in Divinity, and declare him suspended from and
after this twenty-first day of October, in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty -four, from all
public exercise of the office and functions of the sacred
ministry, and from all exercise whatsoever of the ofiice
and work of a Bishop in the Church of God ; in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,
Amen.
The Presiding Eishop then, in the presence of the
Bishojps, pronounced the above sentence.
On motion of Bishop DeLancey, seconded by Bishop
"Whittingham,
Hesolved, That the documents connected with the case
of the Eight Eev. Henry Ustick Onderdonk, D. D., be
placed on file." — Journal General Convention, 1844.
Among the documents in the case there is one in the
keeping of the I^egistrar of the Church, and which, in a
letter on the subject to Bishop Meade, he designates "No.
4, A communication from several clergymen to the House
of Bishops, 19th October, 1844, enclosing a printed state-
ment." The following is the communication from several
clergymen :
" To the Eight Rev. Bishop Chase, Presiding Bishop.
October 19, 1844.
Rt. Rev. Sir :
. We, tlie undersigned, a committee of the clergy of the Diocese of Penn-
sylvania, beg leave to transmit to the House of Bishops, through you, the
document enclosed, with the respectful request that it be laid before them
forthwith, and read at such time as they may think proper. Its authenti-
city rests upon the responsibility of our names.
Most respectfully and affectionately.
Your sons in the Gospel,
J. Bowman,
J. C. Clay,
h. w. ducachet,
John Coleman.
The " printed statement " sets forth the offences with
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 305
wliich the Bishop was charged, consisting not only of those
which came under the head of intemperate use of spirit-
ous liquors, but also of others of a different character, and
causing even greater scandal ; and further, that evidence
to sustain the charges was ready to be furnished if wanted.
At the date of the letter from the clergy, great anxiety
and painful suspense existed in the minds of some as to
the issue of the negotiations which were going on. It
was apprehended that the Bishop might, after all, decline
tendering his resignation to the House of Bishops, and, as
the Church's consent was necessary to its consummation, he
would still be the Bishop of Pennsylvania. For such exi-
gency the printed statement was intended to provide, by
furnishing information which would leave no alternative
but presentment and trial. A copy of the statement was
* sent for each Bishop. None seems to have been received
except that which was transmitted to the Presiding
Bishop, and this not until the proceedings in the case had
advanced so far as to render it inexpedient to have it read.
It was simply consigned with the other documents to the
keeping of the registrar. Had it reached the Bishops, as
was designed, it must have determined their action differ-
ently, by showing the necessity of a thorough judicial in-
vestigation.
Such is a brief representation of Bishop Meade's agency
in the case of the Bishop of Pennsylvania. In one of his
pamphlets, after mentioning a conversation on the subject
with Bishops G-riswold, Ives and Whittingham, in Ptich-
moad, at the consecration of Bishop Johns, October, 1842,
he writes : "I am confident, also, that from that time until
the whole matter was ^proclaimed to the world by the
action of the Bishop and Convention of Penns3''lvania, I
never made any communication to, or received any com-
munication from any Bishop in the Church. During all
that time — eighteen months — I continued silent and in-
active, when, perhaps, I ought not to have been. Nor
306 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE,
when the General Convention met, did I become a leader
in the work. On the contrary, I was rather a silent and
passive spectator, the whole matter being taken in hand
and managed by those whom Bishop O. regarded as his
friends, and who, from time to time, communicated with
him. At the close of the negotiations, I was put on a
committee with Bishops Brownell, Chase, Ives and Hop-
kins, to which was afterwards added Bishop Whittingham,
for the purpose of considering the documents and bringing
in resolutions and a sentence in proper form." — Bishop
Meade's 2nd Pamphlet, jp. 9, 10.
These statements are important in connection with cer-
tain proceedings at subsequent Conventions, and for the
vindication of Bishop Meade against the violent assault
to be hereafter noticed.
2. The Eight Eev. B. T. Onderdonk, D. D.
Oifences similar to those imputed to the Bishop of Penn-
sylvania, by the clergy of his Diocese, were, by common
fame ascribed to the Bishop of New York. Such rumors
had been in circulation for several years. At the Greneral
Convention of 1844, they had become so definite and loud
that the purity of the Church would not permit any fur-
ther delay of their formal investigation. This unaccepta-
ble service was undertaken by Bishops Otey, Elliott, and a
third, whose place Bishop Meade was afterwards induced
to take, for a reason which will be duly noticed. JSTot sat-
isfied to rely on the information communicated to them by
persons attending the G-eneral Convention, they went,
after its adjournment, to New York, and spent much time
in carefully tracing the reports to those with whom they
originated, ascertaining precisely what they were prepared
to testify, and in satisfying themselves as to the charac-
ter of the witnesses. This investigation determined them
to present " to 'their brother Bishops the Eight Eev. Ben-
jamin T. Onderdonk, D. D., as guilty of immorality and
impurity," and solemnly to demand a trial of the said
''^ MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 307
Benjamin T. Onderdonk, pursuant to the provision of the
canons of the General Convention of the said Church, in
such case made and provided."
Porthe concise and inadequate canon of 1841, "of the
trial of a Bishop," the General Convention of 1844 had
adopted a substitute, making suitable provision for the ac-
complishment of its object, and indicating, with reasonable
clearness, the manner in which the prosecution should be
conducted.
The Court was organized in St. John's Church, in the
city of New York. It continued its sessions from day to
day for about three weeks, laboriously engaged in the
painful process of examining the witnesses — deciding
such points as were submitted by the prosecution or defence,
listening to the arguments of counsel, and finally, in giving
form and effect to the judgment of the majority of the
Court, on the charges contained in the presentment.
By that judgment the accused was declared " guilty ^^
and the penalty of " suspension" was awarded.
The suspended Bishop was very naturally exceedingly
dissatisfied with the course which had been pursued by the
presenters. He was not prepared to submit silently to
the wrongs which he conceived they had inflicted upon an
unoffending brother, with whom their relations had always
been those of Christian courtesy. He could not forbear
giving loud utterance to his complaints through the press,
in a pamphlet purporting to be " a statement of facts and
circumstances connected with his trial." In this pam-
phlet he assailed his prosecutors in terms of strong reproba-
tion. As Bishop Meade came in for a large share of the
odious charges and indignant censure, upon him devolved
the vindication of his brethren and himself. This he man-
aged with his habitual moderation, relying upon a calm
recital of what they had actually 4one, as all sufiicient to
expose the mistakes, and counteract the criminations of
the excited complainant. The reply contains such copious
308 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
quotations from the statement, particularly in reference to
the grievances charged to Bishop Meade, that nothing
more can be needed to form a correct judgment.
In the first part of his statement, Bishop Onderdonk
thus writes of my participation in the steps leading to his
presentment. " Some six or seven days after the opening
of the Convention, (the late General Convention in Phila-
delphia), when the House of Bishops was about coming to
order. Bishop Meade approached me, and suggested that
I had better leave the house. I expressed my surprise,
and asked why he made the suggestion. He said he could
not explain the reasons, but again urged me to absent my-
self. On my repeating my surprise at a proposition so
dark and suspicious, and so little comporting with the
courtesy of a gentleman, the duty of a friend and brother,
and the proprieties of a Christian, he said that if I con-
tinued in the House, my feelings might be hurt. This in-
creased my surprise, and I demanded of him his reasons
for so strange a procedure. He hesitated about giving
any explanation. I warmly expostulated with him on the
injustice and wickedness of the course he was pursuing.
At length, as if reluctantly compelled, he said that there
were reports unfavorable to my character, respecting
which he wished to take counsel of the Bishops. I felt
what I trust was just indignation, and expressed myself
to this effect : ' ISTow my course is clear. I will not shrink.
I will remain at my post. If any man has aught against
me, let him look me in the face and say what it is.' I
also spoke strongly of his unworthy design of inducing
me to withdraw, that he might, in my absence, make my
character and conduct the subject of discussion in the
House of Bishops. He replied, not in the House of Bish-
ops, but before the Bishops, informally. This unholy eva-
sion was the subject of severe remarks, but not more severe
than they deserved. I asked what were the charges
against me. He said he was not at liberty to tell. There
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 309
our conversation ended. This was all I ever heard from
the brother of his having aught against me, until he was
about to become one of my Presenters for trial. Yet I
have good evidence that Bishop Meade had, for years,
been speaking against me, and contributing towards ^^ub-
lic rumor to my prejudice. After some time. Bishop
Meade came to me again, and said in substance, you
were right. I will have nothing more to do with the
matter. They must attend to their own business. These
last words satisfied me that he had been acting in concert
with others. And when we consider the darkness and
secrecy with which he acted his part, how can an honora-
ble and Christian man think otherwise, than that he was
connected with a conspiracy against me."
To the same effect, in his letters to the Presenters, he
says: " I assume that a clear case of malicious motive may
be made out ; that other views than regard for the purity of
the Church may be shown as lying at the foundation of
this movement; and that a well defined conspiracy, not,
it is to be feared, falling short of our own House, (the House
of Bishops), in its comprehensiveness may be made mani-
fest." In the same letter he also writes: "Of Bishop
Meade, I was asked two or three days since whether I
considered him my friend. The question was put by one
who had been in Yirginia, and who said that his doubts
on the subject were the result of what he had there heard,
I think from the Bishop himself. I cannot but connect
this with his present position, and particularly with his
effort at the late General Convention, to get rid of me,
that he might, in my absence, make my character the sub-
ject of remark among my brethren."
"Having made these extracts from the statement of
Bishop Onderdonk, no apology is needed for the following
narrative in explanation of the part I have taken in this
unhappy transaction. The reader must judge how far I
am justly liable to the charges made against me."
310 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
" It is, I think, about four or five years ago, last August,
since a worthy Presbyter of our Church mentioned to me
that the Bishop of New York brought great reproach
upon religion, by the intemperate use of intoxicating
drink ; that on two' occasions, at the meeting of a Mission-
ary Committee, he had greatly distressed the same by
coming thither in a state of inebriety. Shortly after this,
in passing through Philadelphia, another Presbyter asked
me how it was that our House of Bishops was so secret
as to their admonition of Bishop Onderdonk for his in-
temperance, adding, that at their last meeting it was un-
derstood such admonition was administered. I replied,
that " no such thing had occurred, so far as I knew ;" for
I had never heard of the transgression until a few weeks
before, nor did I mention to the Presbyter having heard it
then. A year or two after that, perhaps, I heard some-
thing, though not very particularly, about his misconduct
to Mrs. B. On my return from England, three years
since, to the General Convention in 'New York, I heard
two of the Bishops, one of whom was very intimate with
Bishop Onderdonk, and much attached to him, and the
other on the most friendly terms, say, that " the Bishop of
New York was slumbering over a volcano, which might
break forth at any moment." I did not ask the cause.
The next fall, at the consecration of Bishop Johns, in the
city of Bichmond, I met with Bishop Griswold, Bishop
Ives, and Bishop Whittingham. By this time the intem-
perance of the Bishop of Pennsylvania had become the
subject of much conversation, and I mentioned it to Bish-
op Ives as a matter which ought to be inquired into, re-
questing him to confer with Bishop Whittingham. I also
mentioned it to Bishop Grriswold, who said that he would
make it his duty to attend to it ; but he died soon after.
Bishop Ives has since mentioned to me, that he did inquire
into the aggravated case that was stated, but found that it
was unsustained.
MEMOIR OF BISUOP MEADE. 311
I also alluded to the case of the Bishop of l^ew York,
and stated that I had heard as to his intemiDerance, and
the question asked me as to the admonition of the Bishops.
Bishop Ives informed me that it was true. He had been
guilty in that respect, and that several of the Bishops had
spoken to him on the subject, that he had promised
amendment, and, as he believed, fulfilled the promise. I
asked him if I was at liberty to mention the fact of the
admonition, and the belief that amendment had taken
place. He told me that he wished me so to do. We also
spoke of the other evil report, and Bishop Ives assured
me, that though he believed he had been imprudent, yet
he was satisfied there was no evil design ; that one of the
other Bishops had made inquiry concerning reports in
Western New York, and found that there had been great
exaggerations. This statement of Bishop Ives, I have re-
peatedly made, when the subject has been mentioned. In
the month of July last, I met with Bishop Whittingham,
in Alexandria, at which time, while conversing with him
about the unhapi^y course of the Bishop of Pennsylvania,
I asked him how it was now with the Bishop of New
York. He replied, " All right now." Knowing that he
was intimate with him, and well acquainted in New York,
and taking his opinion in connection with that of Bishop
Ives, I was satisfied that whatever may have been the
transgression of this brother six or seven years ago, when
the charges were first made, that there was no ground
now for them. This I repeatedly said, on the authority
of the brethren above mentioned.
I remember stating this my conviction to a Presbyter of
Maryland, on my way to Philadelphia, last fall. Not only
then, but for some days after leaving Philadelphia, such
continued to be my conviction as to both of the faults im-
puted to the Bishop, and such was declared to others when
the first rumors of an inquiry were brought to my ears.
It was not, until from day to day, I heard it asserted most
312 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
positively that one of these evil habits, at least, had con-
tinued to a much later period than I had supposed, and
might not then be abandoned ; that proof could be ad-
duced of the fact ; and that the members of the Conven-
tion, from various and even distant parts of the land, had
brought with them this evil report ; that I began to think
I might be mistaken. I heard rumors that an impeach-
ment was threatened by some visitors of the General Sem-
inary. On one occasion I met a clergyman in the street,
who proposed to communicate something in confidence,
and left him rather abruj^tly, as he will remember. At
length I became satisfied that something ought to be done.
On the night preceding the day on which I attempted to
bring the matter before the Bishops, I seriously considered
what was my duty, not, I trust, without sincere prayer to
Grod for direction. The result was, a determination on the
ensuing morning, ^without conference with any human be-
ing, wishing to implicate no one in the act, to seek an oc-
casion of proj^osing to the Bishops, not as a House of Bish-
ops, but as individuals, informally, to confer together as to
the course of duty. And now, before I proceed to state
my mode of proceeding, and what occurred, I must beg
of the reader just to look over again that part of Bishop
Onderdonk's statement which refers to it, and which is at
the head of this paper, in order that he may the better see
wherein we differ, and also what additional matter I pre-
sent. It was. as he has said, just before the opening of the
House, that I proposed to him that he should retire. I
had previously asked one of the Bishops to do it, but he de-
clined. I did not state my particular object to that Bish-
op, I believe. Most of the bishops were in the room, and
some of them near us. In an undertone of voice I asked
Bishop O. to retire for a short time, as I had a communi-
cation to make, at which he might not wish to be present.
He immediately asked whether it related to himself or his
brother, whose case was expected daily to come before
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 313
the House. Of course, I replied that it related to himself.
He asked what it was. I replied, I did not wish to state
it then, but that he would know in due time. On being
again requested to inform him, I said it related to some
evil reports concerning himself, about which I wished to
consult the Bishops. He then replied that he would not
leave the House, adding that he knew more about this
subject than I did ; alluding, I suppose, to charges and
threatsin his own Diocese at a previous period, or to what
was then going on. He then remonstrated against the
method I proposed for the first consideration of the case
as improper and uncanonical, saying that if any persons
had charges against him, let them be brought forward,
duly proved and presented as the canon provides. All this
was said, according to my recollection and firm conviction,
not in the style of severe and indignant condemnation of
myself, as an artful and wicked consj)irator, but in a re-
spectful manner, as toward one who he believed was doing
what he conceived to be. his duty, but was about to adopt
an improper mode of effecting his object. He seemed as
one expecting something of this kind, and ready to meet
it in the way most likely to prevent its prosecution. Such
was the impression made on my mind at the time,
and immediately conveyed to some of my brethren. On
his refusal to leave the House, and his remonstrance against
the proposed method of bringing the subject before the
Bishops, I desisted, and im'mediately communicated to
Bishop Whittingham, whom I took into the church-yard,
what had occurred. He united with Bishop Onderdonk
in his objections to the proposed method of proceeding. I
assented to the force of the objections, so far as to resolve
not to proceed any further at that time, and in that way.
Immediately on closing the conference with Bishop
Whittingham, I saw at a little distance in the church-yard
a clergyman who had spoken to me in strong terms on the
subject a day or two before, expressing his firm belief of
14
314 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
the Bishop's guilt. I went to him and told him that I had
communicated to the Bishop these evil reports against
him ; that his reply was, let those who make them come
forward with the same duly proved in the canonical form.
I then said to the clergyman, "there has been much on
this subject in the way of evil report ; it is time that the
matter be settled. The Bishop should either be proved to
be guilty, or else the persons speaking of him be silenced,
and regarded as false witnesses." The clergyman's answer
was : " A regular memorial is now preparing, or has been
prepared, to be signed by a number of respectable minis-
ters and laymen, and sent to the House of Bishops, re-
questing them to inquire into the case." I forthwith left
him, and communicated to Bishop Whittingham what had
passed. I afterwards spoke to Bishop Onderdonk, saying
that I believed I was in error as to the proposed method
of introducing this subject ; that I had stated what had
occurred between us to a gentleman who was acquainted
with what was going on, requesting him to say to those
who were making complaints, that they must make them
in a regular canonical way ; that I had endeavored to do
my duty, and should proceed no further in the way I had
intended to adopt.
Thus my action ceased until a day or two afterwards,
when the memorial of five gentlemen was sent in to the
House of Bishops. During the discussion whether this
memorial should be even read, which was earnestly and
effectually opposed by the Bishop's most particular friends
as an uncanonical procedure, although a precedent was in
its favor, I rose and stated to the House what I had at-
tempted to do a day or two before, my reasons for the at-
tempt, and also for relinquishing it. My statement was
briefly this : that in consequence of the numerous and
scandalous reports in circulation among the members of
the Convention, in the private and public houses of the
city, and in the country at large, I had, during many
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 315
sleepless hours of the night, many of which had of late
years fallen to my lot, and which admonished me that my
life was more uncertain than that of perhaps any of them,
seriously inquired as to my duty in this instance ; that I
had come to the conclusion, that it was proper to take
counsel of the Bishops on the subject, but without confer-
ring in the first instance with any of them ; that, being
aware how the canon provided that three Bishops might
present a brother Bishop for trial, I knew that the Bish-
ops as a House were not the proper body for originating
the trial ; but yet, as they were all assembled together,
there might be a peculiar propriety in conferring in an in-
formal manner as to the duty and expediency of having
an investigation, that each one might state what he knew
or had heard on the subject, and thus all the information
which could be obtained would be before us, and there
would be less liability to mistake as to the responsible step
of making a presentment. I stated the possibility of three
Bishops being led to make a presentment of an innocent
person, not only through some misrepresentation, but, in
some measure, through prejudice ; but that where all were
convened together, as at that time, it seemed the safest
and most proper course for them as brethren to communi-
cate the knowledge of the facts of the case, and their
opinion as to the propriety of an investigation grounded
either on the probability of the guilt, or the extent and
nature of the evil report requiring correction. I further
stated, that in conversing with Bishop Onderdonk and
Bishop Whittingham, I had been so far satisfied as to the
impropriety of an individual bringing it forward, as I pro-
posed to do, that I had desisted from my purpose. Seve-
ral of the bishops, the warmest friends of Bishop O., most
solemnly remonstrated against any such preliminary con-
ference, saying that it would be a previous trial ; that the
matter must be commenced by three Bishojjs acting on
their own responsibility, aifd I was called on most earnest-
316 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
ly to take part in it, if I thought there was sufficient rea-
son.
Such is the simple narrative of what I have heard said
aad proposed in relation to the case of Bishop O., up to
the period of its agitation in the House of Bishops. So
far from being engaged in a secret conspiracy with those
who have been charged with such a mode of action in this
case, it may not be amiss to state that I saw Mr. Trapier
but once, I think, during the Convention, and then, after
the memorial was presented, and for a few moments only,
at the church door ; that I was not even introduced to Mr.
Gallagher until the memorial was sent in ; that I was in-
troduced to Mr. Memminger only the day before the me-
morial was handed to me by himself, and had no conversa-
tion with him on the subject ; that at the time he gave me
the memorial, our meeting was accidental, in the church-
yard, as I was going into the street ; that with Dr. Dubois
I had not the slightest acquaintance until some time after
the memorial was sent, and then, only an introduction in
company ; that with Mr. Morris I had a brief conversa-
tion on the subject of Bishop O., along the street one Sun-
day morning, as we fell in together on our way to church,
whether l)efore or after the presentment I do not recollect.
With Dr. Hawks, who has been considered by some as a
chief mover in the business, I spoke a few passing words
on two occasions, once in the church-yard, and again along
the street, on subjects entirely foreign to this matter. Not
a word did I exchange with him on the subject while in
Philadelphia. While thus contradicting the charge of act-
ing in concert with these or any other persons in bringing
on the trial of Bishop Onderdonk, I beg not to be under-
stood as casting any censure on those worthy persons who
did confer together for the purpose of investigating the
truth of reports so injurious to religion, and of bringing
the supposed guilty person to trial. It is impossible to
exercise godly discipline on the Bishops of the Church
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 317
without such conference, and the Bishops are the last per-
sons who should attempt to load with obloquy those who
are faithful to their duty in this respect, lest they subject
themselves to the suspicion of preventing discipline in
their case.
My only object in the foregoing is to state the real facts
of the case, and that, neither directly or indirectly, by
word or epistle, did I have any intercourse with these or
any other persons in the incipient steps leading to the
trial. My action, or effort at action, was entirely inde-
pendent, as stated above, and without conference with any
being on this earth."
To the next complaint of their (the presenters') want
of honor and generosity in not showing him all the affida-
vits, and having a personal brotherly interview with him
before the presentment, thus affording an opportunity to
make explanations which might have prevented the trial,
Bishop Meade replies :
"As no new affidavits on which the presentment was
formed, had been obtained in New York, and the former
ones had been read to three of the Bishop's friends, with a
request that they would state the contents to him, which
contents were of such a character as could not easily be
forgotten, and might readily be stated ; we had, therefore,
nothing new to communicate. In requesting to hear from
the Bishop the next morning, we did not positively limit
him to that time, but I must say that we did not think he
would desire more, as we believed he had nothing to offer
in delay or hindrance of the presentment. When, how-
ever, on the following day, more time was asked by his
friends, we at once postponed it for twenty-four hours
longer, at the end of which time we were informed that
though there was dissatisfaction at the manner of our pro-
ceedings, yet no further delay was asked. In relation to
the complaint that we did not personally appear before
the Bishop, and receive his explanations and rebutting
318 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
statements, it is sufficient to say that the charges were
such as to admit of no explanation that would satisfy. So
did they appear to the court and counsel on both sides.
They must be either true or false. They came to us sworn
to by most respectable members and ministers of the
Church. Bishop Onderdonk could only deny them — as
he has done since. We wished to avoid the painfal refu-
sal to admit his denial against the oaths of so many excel-
lent persons, to which we might have subjected ourselves
by a brotherly visit, such as was indeed spoken of amongst
us."
To the complaint "of our delay of the presentment for
two weeks, perhaps, after the G-eneral Convention, as af-
fording opportunity and encouragement to his enemies, to
injure him by false reports,^' Bishop Meade remarks :
"Having undertaken so painful and responsible a task as
that of inquiring whether a presentment should be made,
and if so, of doing it in the most unexceptionable way, it
became our duty to proceed in the most cautious and de-
liberate manner, and to be sure that the charges made
should be properly sustained. "We felt, indeed, from the
peculiar najture of the case, and the difficulty of obtaining
information as to all the rumors afloat, and the complaints
made, that months rather than weeks were required to do
ample justice to the subject. The fact that more than
three weeks were required for the trial, on the compara-
tively few cases adduced, is one proof of this." "Another
and most sufficient reason did we have for delay. Besides
the cases on which affidavits were given, we heard while
in Philadelphia, and ITew York, of numerous other instan-
ces of similar misconduct imputed to the Bishop, and
measures were in operation for ascertaining their truth,
and the practicability of obtaining evidence of the same
for the trial ; on which account it was proper to keep the
presentment open. There was reason to believe that in
several most important ones, witnesses might be induced
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 319
to furnish affidavits. This expectation, however, was dis-
appointed. And I must here remark, that if the Bishop
and his friends had reason to complain of certain disad-
vantages from the lapse of time and the nature of the
charges, much more had the presenters to complain of the
difficulty of obtaining testimony, from the nature of the
crime charged, and from the obstacles thrown in the way
of either affidavits, or an appearance of the insulted fe-
males before the court. Efforts most likely to succeed,
were made to dissuade even those whose affidavits had
been given, and who had consented to appear, to relin-
quish their purpose. Letters anonymous, and letters with
the signature of friends, were written to them, entreating
and warning them not to appear.* The terrors of exam-
ination before a court were set forth. Euin to the reputa-
tion of young females thus coming before the public, was
declared to be inevitable, however true their testimony.
A young minister of the gospel was told that he might as
well give up his ministry at once, as appear against the
Bishop on trial. Although these failed, yet the opposition
of friends in other instances prevailed to prevent the at-
tendance of witnesses. And when we consider the shrink-
ing modesty of the sex, and think upon the severity of
examination to which the witnesses were subjected, our
wonder now is, that so many were induced to come for-
ward. In the fact of their coming, we see the hand of an
overruling Providence, and in the manner in which they
were enabled to bear their testimony, we see the power
of truth to sustain the most timid of the sex, under cir-
cumstances most overwhelming. In this great difficulty
of obtaining witnesses to facts which came to our ears in
* Attempts were made to intimidate the Presenters. The following, ad-
dressed to Bishop Meade, may serve as a specimen ; "Sir, one who hates
you has his eye on you. You are pursuing to the death one who has done
no wrong. Charges are now in preparation against you in a quarter of
which you little think. Your hateful race is nearly run."
320 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
such a manner as greatly to increase our conviction of the
certainty and frequency of the Bishop's misconduct, we
surely had a very sufficient reason for the delay complain-
ed of. To this may be added a consideration which had
weight with us, in desiring to obtain an additional number
of cases well substantiated, viz;, that it would make the
trial less difficult, and perhaps supersede it altogether by
a confession of guilt."
In reference to the last complaint in "the statement,"
Bishop Meade remarks : " It is that which states that be-
sides the foregoing specified cases, there were sundry
others, which, for want of power to compel the attendance
of witnesses, the presenters were unable to state as par-
ticularly as the others, but that the names of the persons
who could testify, and who had been summoned, were
placed in the hands of the accused. In the statement
made of the difficulty and failure in obtaining affidavits,
and promise of attendance in different cases reported to
us, may be found one reason and our justification for this
article. There were some cases which we still hoped
might be witnessed to, when the court should meet, but
whose particulars as to time, place, and circumstances, we
had not been able to ascertain, through the unwillingness
of the persons concerned. There -were others, which we
hoped the authority of the court might enable us to ob-
tain. We designed to say to the court, and to the accused,
if it is wished to have the fullest investigation of the
whole matter, we ask leave to enlarge the number of cases,
and to introduce others which have contributed no little
to the evil report against the accused. Lest he should
complain of being taken by surprise, we had, at the time
of the presentment, furnished him with the names of the
additional witnesses, and if more time were required to
adduce rebutting testimony, the court would grant what
was asked. Such was our motive and object in this last
article of the presentment. The Bishop and his friends
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 321
being entirely opposed to this, although there were those
of the court who thought it would conduce to the most
satisfactory examination of the case, it was stricken out ;
nor did the presenters object. They always meant to
leave it to the Bishop himself The court, however, did
not dismiss .it without orderino- that the names of those
who, being summoned, had refused to testify, whether
clergy or laity, should be reported to the Bishop, or eccle-
siastical authority of the Diocese to which they belong."
Rarely have men, for the conscientious discharge of a
painful duty, been more abundantly and abominably abused
than these three faithful and fearless presenters. Their
compensation was found in a full and firm persuasion, that
they had done only what was right and requisite^ in which
comfortable consciousness they were confirmed by the nu-
merous communications which they received from various
quarters, thanking them for the good service they had
done to the cause of pure and undefiled religion, and the
credit of the Church, by the abatement of the scandal
from which both were seriously sufi'ering. Of these ex-
tracts, a letter from the rector of St. Stephen's Church,
Philadelphia, must suffice as a specimen :
Philadelphia, Feb. 22, 1845.
My Dear Bishop:
I feel that the Church, and every individual member of it, owes you a
large debt of gratitude for the moral courage you have manifested in bring-
ing a most unworthy man to justice. For one, I feel that I ought to ac-
knowledge the obligation. I cannot but regret that the unhappy Diocese
of New York is left in so perplexing a situation, but hope that Providence
will open a way for speedy relief. The Bishop's friends, or at least some of
them — Bishop Ives, Bishop Doane, Bishop Kemper, Prof. Moore, and Mr.
Ogden, his counsel, have advised him to resign. Had he done so at once,
how much trouble and pain would have been saved. But he holds on in
' the vain hope that the sentence may be rescinded, or at least declared void
by his Diocese. So long as he remains, we shall have trouble. Already
have there been about a dozen pamphlets published, besides daily news-
paper paragraphs, and the end is not yet." I understand that the al-
most universal feeling is now against him in New York. The " trial " has
14*
322 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
changed everybody. So much so, that a meeting that was to have been
held to raise an annuity of $3000 for him, that he might retire comforta-
bly,/ai'Zet? entirely after its publication. And the Trustees of the Episco-
pal Fund have refused to pay his salary, being advised by counsel, that
his claim upon it is so doubtful, that they pay, (if they do pay,) on their
personal liability. It is a most unfortunate business, but I really con-
sider the most injurious circumstance in the whole affaif, to be the fact
that six bishops should have been found to declare him "not guilty."
That is doing more harm than anything else, and that in many ways, and
it gives him and his "friends" boldness to resist and fight it out, some-
what longer.
We now see what loud professions about "the Church," "ecclesiastical
authority," "submission," etcetera, are worth. What a difference there
is sometimes between ^Hweedle dum and tweedle dee /" But a certain dynas-
ty is now at an end, and I thank God for the downfall. I regret that it
should have been accomplished in that way, but I trust it is gone forever.
It has done the Church great, very great harm. But I am prosing, and
must check the freedom of my pen. Renewing the assurances of my cordial
admiration of your noble conduct, and my thanks for the good service you
have done the Churchy by your resolute integrity, I am, Right Rev. Sir,
most affectionately,
Your friend and son in the gospel,
Henry W. Ducachet.
3. Bight Rev. George W. Doane, D. D. — In the Conven-
tion of the Diocese of 'New Jersey, which met in St. •
Mary's* Church, Burlington, May, 1849, at half past six
o'clock, P. M., of the last day's session, the following res-
olution was offered by Wm. Halstead Esq., of Trenton :
Whereas, A Bishop should be blameless, and should
have a good report of those who are without, lest he fall
into reproach ; and whereas, public rumor as well as news-
paper publications, have made serious charges against our
Bishop, impeaching his moral character, tending to impair
his usefulness, and to bring the Church of which he is a
Bishop into disrepute ; therefore,
Besolved, That a committee be appointed, consisting of
three clergymen and three laymen, who, or a majority of
them, shall make such inquiries as shall satisfy them of
the innocency of the accused, or of the sufficiency of
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 323
ground for presentment and trial, and that they do make
report to this Convention at the present session, or at such
other time as this Convention shall designate."
Charles H. King, Esq., (President of Columbia College,)
then a deputy in that Convention, reported so much of its
proceedings as related to the charges against the Bishop.
From this report, which was published on a fly-leaf of the
Journal of the Convention, the following extracts are
made :
" Previous to presenting the resolution, Mr. H. said that,
inasmuch as the proposition he was about to submit near-
ly concerned the character of the presiding officer, he de-
sired the courtesy to that distinguished gentleman, to give
him an opportunity of vacating the chair, by going into
committee of the whole."
*' This being quite an unusual course in the Convention,
and the Bishop indicating no wish to shrink from any duty
as presiding officer, the motion was not " pressed, and the
resolution was presented."
" Mr. Halstead prefaced the resolution with a few re-
marks, in calm and measured language, disclaiming any
unkind feeling towards the Bishop, or any purpose other
than one of enabling him to place formally and officially
before the diocese, such explanation as he might be dis-
posed to give of the charges, which, in the shape of rumors,
newspaper publications, and placards in our chief cities,
were calculated so injuriously to affect his reputation."
An earnest debate ensued on this resolution. It was
opposed by Mr. A. G-ifford, Judge Dayton Ogden, Charles
King, the Eev. Mr. Phillips, and the Eev. Mr. Ogilby, and
supported by the mover, Mr. Halstead.
" By the first two gentlemen it was shown that the Con-
vention could not lawfully pass the resolution presented to
them • that it was wholly uncanonical, and unconstitution-
al J but those gentlemen, and all others who spoke in op-
position to the resolution, unreservedly declared, that if
324 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
charges specifying, with reasonable precision, the offences
imputed by rumor, or any offence cognizable by the Con-
vention, should be presented, they would oppose no obsta-
cle to the receiving, referring, and investigation of such
charges ; but that in no other way could the Convention
lawfully reach or touch the subject.*
At about nine o'clock, the Bishop rose to put the ques-
tion on the passage of the resolution. " When, after a
few brief, touching, steadily-uttered sentences upon the
extraordinary and trying position in which he stood, the
Eishop said, ' All who are in favor of this resolution will
say aye.' A silence deep as death fell upon the assembly;
the beating of each heart was audible, but not a word was
*The ground assumed was, that no inquiry could be instituted unless
founded on specific charges, presented to the Convention. Inquiry seems
to have been mistaken for trial. Specific charges must precede a trial^ but
inquiry va\x?,i precede specific charges. The Convention is not a court, and
cannot hold a trial. By the law of the Church, the Convention is an in-
quest, a body specially authorized to inquire into the conduct of her Bish-
op, and if it seems fit, to make and present to a court of Bishops specific
charges against him. No person is especially appointed to present specific
charges to the Convention, and no person can reasonably be expected to
volunteer the performance of a task so odious, and so likely to excite the
wrath of the Bishop and his friends. So far from being unlawful in the
Convention to inquire into the truth of rumors adverse to the character of
their Bishop, such inquiry is their special function, to be exercised with a
sound discretion. It is for the Convention to judge whether the rumor, in
its source and character, merits notice, and, if it does, then it is not only
the right, but the duty of the Convention, to inquire into its truth.
The pretence that a Convention can only acton specific charges, virtually
deprives it of the power of an inquest. A Bishop may be guilty of various
crimes, and the proof of his guilt at hand, but the Convention cannot
move, till some accuser comes before them, and then their powers of in-
quiry are limited to the particular charges which this accuser may adduce.
No rumors, however rife, however all-pervading they may be, however
crushing in their influence on the character and usefulness of the Bishop,
and the good name of the Church, can attract the notice of the Conven-
vention. On this subject, that body is to be both blind and deaf, till some
person shall volunteer to unstop their ears, and open their eyes, and, even
then, they are to hear and see only just so much as this volunteer accuser
may, in his discretion, deem expedient. Now if any thing more be need-
ed to show the utter nonsense of the ground assumed, that it is wicked
and unlawful to inquire into a rumor, it may be found in the 37th canon
of 1838, which makes it the duty of a Bishop, if a minister ^^be accused
by public rumor, of crimes and off'etices," to see that inquiry be instituted as
to the truth of such public rumors.
X.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 325
spoken. No solitary aye broke through this awful silence.
The mover of the resolution himself was voiceless. After
a due pause, the Bishop again spake : 'All opposed to this
resolution will say no.' Then went up as with one breath
and from one heart, such a negative as no one could mis-
take the import of. Its tone, its fervor, its sincerity were
significant, even more than its unanimity. The work was
done, and after finishing some formal business, the Con-
vention adjourned." This report, prepared by one of the
earnest speakers against the resolution, was at once ex-
tensively circulated in the New York Courier and Enquirer^
and in many other papers, and, as already noted, was
inserted by authority of some one, on a fly leaf of the
Journal.
It was said that the decided vote was rather a nem-
ine conti'adicetite, than unanimous. Certainly the mover,
though he refrained from voting, for a reason which will
be assigned, was unchanged in his conviction, and what-
ever may have been the "fervor and sincerity" of the
many within the walls of St. Mary's, there was a large
and increasing number without, who concurred with the
mover of the resolution, that the serious charges so pub-
licly and extensively circulated demanded formal inquiry.
The undismayed, though unsupported author of the mo-
tion for such inquiry, is entitled to be heard in reference
to the circumstances and considerations which determined
him to offer a resolution which, (according to Mr. King's
report,) was rejected by "such a negative as no one could
mistake the import of." Who was Mr. Halstead, and how
came he to commit himself to a course so unpopular, and
apparently impolitic ?
About two years later, he had occasion to answer these
inquiries in a communication to certain Bishops, whose
action he and others invoked in furtherance of an inves-
tigation which they deemed more than ever imperative,
and which they believed the majority of the Convention
326 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
of Xew Jersey were determined to evade. From that let-
ter, the following extracts will furnish the appropriate in-
formation, and help forward the necessary narrative.
" It is due to you as well as to myself, that I should
state fully and frankly the manner in which I have been
brought into the attitude of an accuser of the Bishop of
this Diocese. I reside in Trenton, in a county contigu-
ous to that in which the Bishop resides. I practice law
in that and the adjacent counties. ^Lj central position,
my professional business, as well as the public offices I
have held for some years in this State, have given me an
extensive acquaintance throughout New Jersey. When,
in the Fall of 1848, and the Spring of 1849, rumors deroga-
tory to the character of Bishop Doane became rife through
the counties in which I practiced law, I could not fail to
hear them. As a member of the Episcopal Church, I
could not but feel deep regret and mortification. I was
asked if it was possible these rumors could be true. I
could not deny them, for many of them came from sources
entitled to credit. They became topics of public and
newspaper discussion. They were used to cast odium
upon the Church, and to oj)erate injuriously to her inter-
ests. I asked myself what ought to be done, and I rea-
soned thus : ' These rumors and charges against the
Bishop are true, or false. If true, then he is unworthy to
preside over a Christian Church ; if false, then it is due to
the Church, to religion, to the person unjustly accused,
that their falsity should be exposed, and the public mind
disabused.' Soon after my mind had reached this conclu-
sion, I was on my way to attend the Convention at Bur-
lington, in May, 1849, in company with two clerical and
two or three lay delegates, when the subject of these ru-
mors again became the topic of conversation, and it ap-
peared to be the unanimous opinion of those present, that
the Convention would or should take some action in re-
lation to them, and I then remarked, that if nobody else
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 327
would introduce a resolution in regard to them, that I
would do it myself. It was not a great while after I ar-
rived at Burlinnrton, before I was unexpectedly approach-
ed by a friend, (with whom I had never previously ex-
changed a word on the subject,) who said he had been in-
formed that I intended to offer to the Convention a reso-
lution in regard to the rumors against Bishop Doane. I
replied that I had said, that I thought such a resolution
should be offered, and that if nobody else would do it, T
would do it myself He then entered into a course of
reasoning to dissuade me from it, the substance of which
was, that an inquiry into the conduct of the Bishop would
have a tendency to injure the schools and college, to di-
minish the revenues to be derived therefrom, and render
the Bishop less able to pay his debts. These arguments
were not satisfactory to my mind. While I regretted the
position in which the schools and college might be placed,
I could not think it right that they should flourish at the
expense of the Church, or that religion should languish in
order that learning might increase. I waited patiently,
therefore, all the first day of the Convention, and until
near the close of the second day, to see if nobody else
would introduce any resolution on the subject, and while
waiting, I cast my eyes round the Convention to see if
there was any one there, upon whom this disagreeable
duty could more appropriately devolve than myself. But
though I found many members older than myself, (with
the exception of two lawyers,) they had not been accus-
tomed to public speaking. The lawyers older than myself
in the Convention, were both infirm in health, (both have
since departed this life). They were, besides, members
and {ittendants upon the Bishop's Church, in Burlington,
and their social relations were such, with the Bishop and
his family, that I felt I had no right to ask either of these
gentlemen to assume the performance of an unpleasant
duty, to relieve myself from it. I therefore offered a res-
328 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
oliition of inquiry into the Bishop's conduct. That reso-
lution, and the action, or rather want of action upon it,
will be found in the Journal of the Convention for that
year. I will not go into the argument by which I sup-
ported my resolution, nor the argument by which it was
answered. The gentleman to whom had previously been
committed the task of answering my argument, in reply-
ing to it, stated, and stated truly, that what I had said in
support of my resolution, was said in the " most guarded
and measured terms." I was unwilling to go one step be-
yond what I conceived to be my duty, and I did not in-
tend to fall one step behind it. I had no hostility to grat-
ify; I had no private interest to subserve. I felt that I
was acting under a solemn responsibility to Christian
character, and I desired not to overstep the bounds of
Christian charity. When the vote was taken on the reso-
lution, I confess I w&,s mortified to find not a single voice
in its favor, and as I thought it might look more like
bravado than Christian humility to give a solitary vote
for my own resolution, I remained silent."
After the emphatic repudiation of Mr. Halstead's reso-
lution, and before the adjournment of the Convention, the
treasurer's accounts were under consideration, and the
Episcopal Fund became a matter of inquiry. Mr. Hal-
stead writes : " Then, for the first time, it was disclosed
that the treasurer had, without the knowledge or consent
of the Convention, sold out the stocks and mortgages in
which that fund had been invested, and loaned the pro-
ceeds thereof to the Bishop, without taking any security
therefor, other than the Bishop's individual notes. The
Bishop then said that he intended to secure the amount
borrowed of the Episcopal Fund ' very soon,' or words to
that effect. I rose and said I was glad he had made the
statement, and that I hoped the security would be speedi-
ly given."
Those who had complained against the Bishop were led
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 329
by the stand taken by Mr. Halstead, to communicate to
him the grounds of their dissatisfaction. " These/' he says,
" came to me from such sources and in such forms, as
would not allow me to doubt that there was too much
foundation for many of them." The recollection of the
complete failure of the effort for inquiry at the last Con-
vention, indisposed him to renew the attempt, and the
pressure of his professional business reconciled his con-
science to leaving further interference to others. The
state of the Episcopal Fund, however, gave him much
concern, and he attended the Convention in May, 1850,
chiefly to see that matter promptly adjusted. It had been
given to a committee the day before he reached Newark.
His account of the proceedings in the case is, that "when,
subsequently, the committee made their report, I called
for the reading of the report, but I was told that the re-
port was not in writing, but verbal, and that I was out of
order. I said, "I desired to know what the securities
were, which had been accepted by the committee." Of
this very reasonable request, no notice was taken at the
time.
Soon after this, some remarks of the Eev. Mr. Sher-
man, upon the finances of the Church, preliminary to a
resolution which he proposed to offer, brought the Bishop
to his feet, when, as Mr. Halstead represents, " he went
out of his way to refer to me as Mr. Sherman's counsel-
lor, and to say that he had understood the gentleman from
Trenton, (meaning me,) had said he intended to come to
the Convention to see that the Episcopal Fund was made
secure. This was said in what I considered, a sneering:,
uncourteous, undignified, and unparliamentary manner.
I rose and replied that it was true — that I had said so —
and that I meant to have it secured."
The avowed determination of the " gentleman from
Trenton," was not without its effect. " Shortly after this,
one of the friends of the Bishop came to me and said,
330 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
that if I wished to see the securities, they were in the
hands of Mr. Eyall, the chairman of the committee, and I
could examine them. I then left my seat, and went to
the other side of the Church to look for Mr. Ryall, but be-
fore I could find him, the Bishop gave out a hymn, which
was sung, a prayer immediately followed, and before I
could examine the securities, the Convention adjourned.
I did, however, examine them, and found them entirely
insufficient."
The treatment of Mr. Halstead was, to say the least,
impolitic. To persons of a suspicious disposition it would
have the appearance of a manoeuvre to keep them in ig-
norance of the character of the securities, till too late to
object to them in Convention, and yet to put him in pos-
session of them a few minutes before adjournment, so as
to escape the charge of unwillingness to have them in-
spected.
ISTo doubt this was the construction given by Mr. Hal-
stead and his friends, and perhaps by many beyond the
Convention, whom the unhappy failure of the Bishop, and
consequent assignment of his property, had predisposed
to unfavorable conclusions.
And now follows a recital of the special occurence which
determined Mr. Halstead and others to appeal to certain
Bishops to enter upon an inquiry which they were canon-
ically competent to institute, and which the petitioners
deemed indispensable to the vindication of the Church.
An inquiry which the Convention of JSTew Jersey had been
urged to institute, and had only declined because, as they
alleged, it was not duly presented for their action, but
which the petitioners were persuaded that Convention had
evaded.
Thus matters remained until a few days previous to the
Convention which was held in Burlington, in May last,
(1851,) when Michael Hays, one of the creditors of Bishop
Doane, called upon me to consult me professionally in re-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 331
gard to the recovery of his debt, and then stated to me
the transactions he had had with the Bishop, and also that
he had called upon the Bishop a few days previous, and
told him that if he did not comply with his promise to him,
that he should present a memorial to the Convention, and
that the Bishop replied, " if he did, he should put himself
on his defense, and that he (Hays) should get nothing."
Hays then made up his mind to present a memorial of his
grievances to the Convention, stating the Bishop's con-
duct towards him ; and he actually drew up such a memo-
rial, and handed it to me, and desired me to present it
to the Convention. I consulted with several members of
the Convention upon the propriety of presenting the me-
morial, and gave it to a gentleman who designed present-
ing it, and it was determined that I should speak on the
presentation of the memorial. I, with the other gentle-
man, attended the Convention on the first day of its sit-
ting, and as it had always been the practice of the Con-
vention to sit two days, and as, by the canon of the Con-
vention, the treasurer's accounts could not be presented
on the first day of the Convention, and as it had been
given out in the morning that there would be divine ser-
vice in the evening, it was fully believed that no business
of importance would be done that evening. I therefore
left Burlington in company with several other members of
the Convention, and returned home, supposing there would
be ample time next day to have the memorial presented.
When, however, I returned to Burlington the next morn-
ing, I learned to my surprise, that the Convention had dis-
pensed with the evening service, had hurried through bus-
ness, and without waiting to receive, or act on the treas-
urer's accounts, had adjourned.
I have not the least doubt that this sudden adjournment
of the Convenlion was brought about by the Bishop and
his friends, for the purpose of preventing the memorial of
Mr. Hays from being presented to the Convention. It
332 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
would extend this already too long epistle beyond reason-
able bounds to give my reasons for such belief. ItissufS.-
eient to say that the same opinion is entertained by other
members of the Convention. This unworthy trick, perpe-
trated for the purpose of avoiding investigation into the
conduct of a minister of the gospel, ought not, in my
opinion, to be allowed to attain its object, and I have felt
that the proper way to counteract it was to present the
memorial which has been transmitted to you."
The memorial was signed by William Halstead, Caleb
Perkins, Peter Y. Coppuck, and Bennington Gill, and was
addressed to the Eight Eev. William Meade, D.D., Bishop
of the Diocese of Yirginia ; Eight Eev. Manton East-
burn, D. D., Bishop of Maine. It stated the considerations
which determined the subscribers to make this appeal ;
sets forth nineteen formal charges, with specifications of
fraud and falsehood, against the Bishop of New Jersey,
which, the subscribers add, " we believe can be sustained
by proof, and we therefore present them to you, that you
may take such measures, in accordance with the canons of
the Church, as your ofScial duty and your well known de-
votion, to the welfare of the Church may seem to you to
require.'^
Annexed to the charges and specifications is an affidavit
of Michael Hays, in reference to the false pretences by
which, as he alleged. Bishop Doane had obtained from
him large sums of money — the rough treatment he had
experienced, when insisting on payment, and the manner
in which the memorial he had prepared to be presented
to the Convention had been frustrated by its extraordin-
arily early and sudden adjournment.
The consideration to which the document from the four
gentlemen of New Jersey was entitled, depended on their
character and position. On these points, the Bishops ap-
plied to would need satisfactory information, before com-
mitting themselves to a procedure of so much delicacy, and
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 333
difficulty. A certificate from the Eev. Mr. Sherman, and
the Rev. Mr. Starr, furnished the requisite assurance.
New Jersey, Aug. 18, 1851.
Rt. Rev. and Dear Sir :
The undersigned, Presbyters of the Diocese of New Jersey, herewith
transmit to you a document signed by sundry persons, strangers to your-
self; and to the intent that our evidence may be accorded them in the pre-
mises, take this method of vouching to you for their respectable position as
communicants in the Church, and we would hereby assure you, that from
our personal knowledge of those gentlemen, their statements are entitled to
the fullest confidence. It may be well also to state in this connection, that
they are all resident in the immediate vicinity of Burlington, and that each
of them is a member of the vestry in their several parishes, to wit : Hon.
Wm. Halstead, Trenton ; Mr. Perkins, Beverly ; Mr. Coppuck, Mt. Holly ;
and Mr. Gill, Allantown. As it is desirable, on several accounts, that at
this stage of the business our names should not appear as acting in the
premises, we beg that you will consider this as confidential, and merely as
your voucher for a favorable consideration of the individuals of whom we
have testified. "We are, Rt. Rev. Sir,
Your obedient servants,
Henry B. Sherman,
Rector of Christ Church, Belleville.
Samuel Starr,
Rector of St. Michael's Church, Trenton.
At an early period, some of the complainants in Il^ew
Jersey solicited the views of Bishop Meade as to the pro-
per mode of proceeding. They are clearly expressed in
the following reply :
"It is not, as many suppose, the duty of the Bishops to
forward and take the first steps in a presentment. It is
evidently the province of the Diocesan Convention to en-
quire into any evil reports of a Bishop, and present him
for trial, should there be cause. In the event of neglect
on the part of the Convention, then, any individual or in-
dividuals, believing that there is sufficient cause, are bound
to present to three bishops whom they may select, and
such bishops, without sufficient excuse, are bound in duty
to act, if there appear to be justifiable grounds for a pre-
sentment."
334 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
When he was informed by a letter from a clergyman in
'New Jersey that he would be applied to as one of three
Bishops to take canonical action in the case of Bishop Doane,
his answer was just what those who knew him would
have predicted — the expression of strong aversion, and
earnest desire to be excused from the painful service pro-
posed, enforced by a reference to his recent laborious and
distressing duties in connection with a similar case, and
yet no decision to avoid by a positive refusal what he knew
must prove a toilsome, sorrowful and invidious undertak-
ing. If the offences alleged were of a character calling
for such inquiry, and were properly brought to his notice,
his conscience would not permit him to withhold himself
from the office proposed.
Millwood, Feb. 18, 1851.
Eev. and Dear Sir:
Yours of the 12th reached me by the last mail, and I have, I hope, in
the fear of God and with a desire to do my duty, considered its contents.
You intimate that I will be called on as one of three Bishops, to confer as
to the propriety of presenting Bishop Doane. If there be any of the Bish-
ops who, on account of past action and sacrifice of time and means in such
a painful duty, ought to be excused, and who, for various reasons, might
wish to be excused, it is surely myself, and I hope the gentlemen about to
move in this business will find enough without me who are better qualified
for it. Nevertheless, when I consider the great distance of many of the
Bishops from your Diocese, the youth of others, and the relations of some
of them to Bishop Doane, and the difficulty of inducing any to engage in
so painful a work, I do not feel at liberty positively to refuse. If, there-
fore, respectable persons, as in the case of Bishop Onderdonk of New York,
call on myself and others to examine into such charges as those mentioned
in your published defence, and such as have been set forth in the public
papers, and otherwise, concerning business transactions, and shall promise
them aid in the investigation, in such manner as shall be necessary to its
proper execution, I shall feel bound to meet with such of my brother Bish-
ops as shall be selected, at Philadelphia, New York, or such place in New
Jersey, as may seem best, and inquire into the matter which shall be pre-
sented to us. The probability of getting Bishops to act will doubtless de-
pend much on the matter contained in the letter which shall be addressed
to them.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 335
Praying that God may guide all who are engaged in this most distress-
ing business, into the most proper way of doing it, I remain,
Yours in Christ,
W. Meade,
The bishops who at first agreed to act in the application
were Bishops Meade, Eastburn and Burgess. Their dis-
tance from each other made it necessary to confer chiefly
by correspondence. The first conclusion to which they
came is indicated by the following extracts :
Bishop Easthurn to Bishop Meade.
(Boston, Sept. 4, 1851.) — "You will hear from Bishop Burgess the re-
sult of our conference here on Tuesday last in relation to the dreadful
business laid before us." '' What would you think of a communication
addressed by us to Doane, urging upon him to ask from his Convention a
committee of investigation ? What are the objections which strike you ?
Would it not, if unregarded, place us in a favorable attitude before the
Church and the community ? and if attended to, what more could be de-
sired?"
From Bishop Burgess to Bishop Meade.
(Gardner, Sept. 9, 1851.) — "I went up to Boston on purpose to see
Bishop Eastburn, and we made the subject one of very anxious conference,
and consulted two laymen of the highest Christian character ; one a mer-
cantile man, the other a lawyer. The result of our reflections, so far as we
arrived at any, was favorable to the course of communicating with Bishop
Doane, and calling on him to present the charges to his own Diocese for a
fair investigation. I am clearly in favor of this course, after having
studied the question of my duty with most earnest attention and continued
prayer." * * "Should he refuse to seek or permit a full and fair
investigation, the matter would still be in our power ; and we should then
stand before the public free from all obloquy, and compelled either to pro-
nounce the charges inadequately sustained, or to act. In such a matter I
should wish to act only under compulsion of one kind or another.
' ' Should this course be satisfactory to you, much trouble will be spared
us, and I suppose that it would be sufficient for you to communicate with
Mr. Halstead, and then to prepare a document addressed to Bishop Doane,
which we all might sign. But I should wish, in such a document, very
clearly to express our sense of the conduct imputed by these charges, and
even of that part which has long been made public and not denied, and to
show that no general vote of a Convention, without an ample and hon® t
336 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
inquiry, would be viewed by us as withdrawing the subject from our
hands."
Concurring with the views of Bishops Eastburn and
Burgess, Bishop Meade prepared a letter in conformity to
their suggestions, signed it and forwarded it for their sig-
natures, and then to be sent to Bishop Doane.
In a letter to Bishop Meade from Bishop Burgess (Bath,
Sept. 17, 1851), he writes:
"The letter strikes me as admirably worded, and in the yery tone which
I would have desired, and which is best adapted to its purpose. That it
will lead Bishop Doane to ask the investigation, I am by no means confi-
dent. But, whatever be the result, this course is satisfactory to my eon-
science, as one, which, while it is faithful to the discipline of the Church,
is the kindest towards him, and it approves itself to my judgment as adapt-
ed to take away all cause of resentment on the part of his Diocese, and to
show to all the Church, that, if compelled to institute inquiry, we did it
not from any motive of theological or ecclesiastical opposition, but only
from the plainest compulsion of duty, and after every other resource had
been exhausted.
Would to God that our brother would, first in his own secret chamber,
and then before his Diocese, offer that full and humble acknowledgment
of all which has been wrong, as much, be it more or less, must have been,
which might bring peace to him, and them, and all of us, through our
Lord and Saviour ! I am, with great respect and affection.
Your brother in the Lord,
George Burgess."
The next letter from Bishop Eastburn simply signified
his resolve to take no part in the proceeding :
Boston, Sept. 29, 1851.
Rt. Rev. and Dear Sir :
Your communications have all been received safely. I write this, how-
ever, to let you know that I have determined, after the most careful re-
flection, to take no steps in the matter of the charges against Bishop Doane,
sent to us from New Jersey.
I have also written this day to Bishop Burgess, communicating to him
the above. I am.
Your faithful brother,
Manton Eastburn.
The Rt. Rev. Wm. Meade, D. D.
. MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 337
This sudden abandonment of the Bishop of Massachu-
setts necessarily occasioned embarrassment and delay. At
length, however, the vacancy was supplied by the acces-
sion of the Bishop of Ohio, who, after much hesitation
arising from personal considerations, concluded to co-ope-
rate with the Bishops of Yirginia and Maine, and affixed
his name to the letter bearing the date, September 22,
1851, the day on which it was signed by Bishop Burgess.
This letter was delivered by a special messenger at Bishop
Doane's house, to one of his domestics (who said the Bish-
op was at dinner), on the 2d instant :
Sept. 22, 1851.
To the Rt. Rev. George Washington Doane.
Rt. Rev. ami, Dear Sir :
We, the undersigned, your brethren in the Episcopate, have recently re-
ceived from certain lay members of our Church in the Diocese of New Jer-
sey, a communication* calling upon us to perform the painful duty of
making inquiry into the truth of reports in relation to yourself, which have
been in circulation for some years past. This we are requested to do, in
order that we may determine whether it may not be proper to institute a
trial according to the Canon of the General Convention provided for that
purpose. Such is the character, and so great is the number of the charges
specified in that document, that we do not feel ourselves at liberty to decline
the call thus made upon us, unless the object thereof can be attained in
some other way, which shall satisfy the reasonable demands of complainants
in your Diocese, and in the Church at large.
In order to relieve ourselves from a most distressing duty, we have de-
termined to appeal to you, in the hope that you will take prompt and ef-
fectual measures for carrying into operation what must have been the
expectation of the Church in her canon for the trial of a Bishop, viz : That
action shall first take place in Diocesan Conventions.
It appears to us, that it is only when a Diocesan Convention refuses to
institute inquiry, or neglects to do it for too long a period, or performs the
duty unfaithfully, that the Bishops can be reasonably expected to interfere.
It is true, that in the present case, as the above mentioned document sets
forth, and as has been otherwise made known to us, it has been wished and
attempted to induce the Convention of New Jersey to take this subject into
consideration, and that the effort has been resisted and prevented ; never-
* The communication of Mr. Halstead and others, including charges
and specifications, accompanied the above letter.
15
338 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
theless, so reluctant are we to engage in a task so painful as that set before
us, that we have resolved to advise and urge you to have, without delay,
a Special Convention for the purpose of a full investigation of all that has
been, or may be, laid to your charge, whether in the document we trans-
mit to you, or otherwise. It is also our duty, as your brethren, and as
Bishops of the Church, most earnestly to impress it on your mind, that
such is the nature of the charges made against you in that document, and
of the same and similar reports, which for years have been in circulation,
to the great grief of many, and the injury of religion, that nothing else can
satisfy others, and relieve yourself from the suspicion of great guilt, but
the appointment by the Convention of an impartial and intelligent com-
mittee, in whom great confidence will be reposed — with instructions to
make the fullest investigation of .the evil reports which are. and have been
assailing your character and conduct. We feel bound to say, that no mere
report of a committee, or vote of a Convention, declaring a belief of jouv
innocency, and that an inquiry is unnecessary, will suffice for your reputa-
tion or give satisfaction to the j^blic. We are persuaded that nothing but
such an investigation as that which we have described and recommended,
can either satisfy those whom you may deem unfriendly to you, or relieve
the minds of many anxious and distressed friends. Should such a course
as we have pointed out be pursued by you, and either a presentment made,
or sufficient reason be assigned why it is not merited — we, your brethren,
who have been sought out for the purpose, and have most reluctantly con-
sented to take any part in it, will be rejoiced to be relieved from the most
trying duty which could possibly be laid upon us.
Sincerel}' praying that you may be able to disprove, or satisfactorily to
explain, the things laid to your charge, or else have grace from God to
acknowledge whatever has been done amiss — we remain your friends and
brethren in the ministry of Christ,
William Meade,
Bishop of the P. E. C. of Va.
George Burgess,
Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church in Maine.
Chas. p. McIlvaine,
Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church in Ohio."
The private response to this letter was significant, though
short: —
" Bishop Doane sends his ' determination ' to Bishop Meade by the mail,
which bears this note.
"Riverside, 16 Feb., 1852."
MEMOIR or BISHOP MEADE. 339
The " determination " of Bishop Doane appears in a
pamphlet of fifty-two pages, entitled " Bishoj) Doane's Pro-
test, Appeal and Eeply." It contains, 1st. The letter of
the three Bishops transmitting the charges and specifica-
tions as furnished by the four gentlemen of ISTew Jersey,
and counseling the Bishop to adopt the only course which,
in their opinion, would satisfactorily dispose of the com-
plaints.
2nd. A document with a superscription to the three
Bishojjs by name, and signed simply — " G. W. Doane,
Bishoj) of New Jersey." This document speaks of, but not
to the three Bishops, and seems really not to be addressed
to them, but to others whom it may concern. It complains
of their taking "action against a Bishop on the shewing of
four persons." They were credibly informed that many
others could easily be procured, but the four, from their
personal character and position, were deemed sufficient to
justify inquiry. It complains of their presuming to dictate
to him under the menace of a presentment, the calling of a
special meeting of the Convention — "its object" — "how
it shall be sought " — " the character of the committee," &c.
Although the Bishop mistakes what was meant merely
as fraternal counsel, to present a deeply-to-be-deprecated,
but otherwise unavoidable alternative, for dictation and
menace, which w^ould have been both sinful and silly, yet,
it must be admitted, the minuteness of detail "with which
the advice was given might be viewed as not very com-
plimentary to the perception and principles of the Bishop
and his Convention. One cannot suppress the wish that
the particularity of suggestion, which was liable to be
misapprehended, and w^hen misapprehended, to irritate a
mind already disquieted, could have been avoided. But, no
doubt, the particularity was deemed necessary, in conse-
quence of the previous proceedings of the Convention, the
members of which had so decidedly expressed their opinion
of the entire innocence of their Bishop, that it was fair to
340 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
conclude, they would not, if left to themselves, regard
farther action in the case, either requisite or proper. They
had, moreover, by the vote which " no one could mistake
the import of," committed themselves to the position taken
by Mr. A. Gifford, Judge Ogden, and the Eev. Mr. Ogilby,
that for the Convention to attempt to touch or reach the
subject by any action of its own, without specific and pre-
cise charges presented by some responsible accuser, would
be "wholly uncanonical, unconstitutional and iniquitous."
It was therefore deemed necessary by the three Bishops
to be both particular and emphatic in advising the agency
of the Convention in making inquiry, as the only inquest
by which they could be relieved from the painful duty —
and also, as the confidence of the Convention in the inno-
cency of their Bishoj) had been loudly declared, that the
committee of inquiry should be carefully so constituted as
to avoid the possibility of being suspected of personal par-
tiality, or of any improper bias, if their finding should be
favorable.
The Bishop reviles them as the triumviral papacy of
Virginia, Maine, and Ohio — treats their advice as insult-
ing, and their professions as insincere, more than insinuat-
ing that, all the while, the real secret of their earnestness
to have the presentment made by the Convention, might
be their anxiety "to save their votes for use upon the
trial." The closing paragraph proclaims — "the three
Bishops have mistaken their man. The undersigned has
not asked their advice, and will not submit to their urgency.
Least of all will he listen to their advice or endure their
urgency under the enforcement of a threat. 'No such
special Convention will be called by him," &c.
Bishop Doane must have strangely " mistaken his men,"
if he allowed himself to suppose that either of them would
be deterred from the alternative which they had indicated,
by the utterances of "surprise, heated to indignation" —
or by scornful defiance.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 341
The second document in the pamphlet, which is as re-
markable as the first, is his "Protest," as aggrieved by the
three Bishops. To this is annexed his "Appeal" to the
Diocesan and Missionary Bishops of the Protestant Epis-
copal Church in the United States, each one being named
with his title, and also to all and singular, the Bishops of
the "Eeformed Catholic Church in all the world."
The " Protest " is against " the procedure in regard to
him, as heretofore set forth in the document bearing their
signatures" — which procedure he denounces as uncanoni-
cal, unchristian^ and inhuman.
1st. Uncanonical being an unauthorized intrusion into
his Diocese, contrary to the canons of the ancient Church,
and the constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in the United States, which ordain that every Bishop of
the Church shall confine the exercise of his Episcopal
office to his proper Diocese, and further, being an in- ■
vasion of the rights of the Convention of New Jersey, to
whom primarily it pertained, to proceed against their
Bishop, and who, having declined such proceeding as
unnecessary, precluded all action on the part of any three
Bishops.
It is preposterous to represent the action of the three
Bishops as an uncanonical intrusion^ when the canon " of
the Trial of a Bishop," expressly provides that a "present-
ment maybe made by "three Bishops," which certainly in-
volves the right to take such preliminary steps as may be
requisite to enable them to judge if a presentment be ne-
cessary. And where can such inquiry be so properly made
as in the Diocese and in the localities where the offences
are said to have been committed, and the reputed wit-
nesses are to be found. Unless authorized to make such
investigation, no three Bishops would ever presume to
venture on making a presentment for crime and immor-
ality.
As to the prior right of the Convention, it is unrecog-
342 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
nized by the canon, which simply provides " Said present-
ment may be made by the Convention of the Diocese^'' and it
may also be made by " any three Bishops of this Churchy
They are concurrent inquests, each authorized to make a
presentment ; of course, if not already made by the other.
I^ot, if not already considered — or considered and deemed
necessary by the other, but if not made. Nothing short of
positive action by one inquest can be a bar to the action
of the other, or, it would be in the power of a Convention,
by a hasty resolution, that " no presentment was necessa-
ry," to pi'eclude all action by " any three Bishops," and so
shelter a Bishop from trial, and defeat the very purpose of
the provision of an alternate presenting power. The Con-
vention of New Jersey had made no presentment — had
declined originating inquiry — had prejudged the case, by
pronouncing their Bishop innocent, and three years had
so elapsed, when, on the complaint of the four gentlemen
from New Jersey, the three Bishops concluded that an in-
quiry was indispensable, and resolved that if the Conven-
tion, by whom it could be most advantageously conducted,
could not be induced so to proceed — they must perform
the painful duty themselves. Only a vision so disturbed
as to see things which are not, could, in such action, see
anything to be denounced as uncanonical.
2nd. But the Bishop further protests that the action of
the three Bishops was unchristian, being contrary to our
Lord's injunction — "If thy brother shall trespass against
thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone,
and if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
But if he will not hear thee, take with thee one iDr two
more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every
word may be established. And if he neglect to hear them,
tell it unto the Church." Yet, though some of the reports
had been in circulation several years, " no one of the three
Bishops ever told him his fault alone, or came with two
or three to tell him" — "or uttered a word or addressed
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 343
a line to him of admonition or expostulation, or even of
inquiry."
The misapplication of our Lord's injunction is palpable.
The offences charged were not personal wrongs to each of
the three Bishops, and of which each was cognizant. They
professed to know of these offences only by public rumor,
and the representations of persons entitled to considera-
tion. They were not 2:)repared to say that they believed
those representations, for they had not yet heard the tes-
timony on which they were said to rest. They could not
go to the Bishop to " tell him of his fault." There is no
parallel between the case contemplated by our Lord, and
the one now in view. But the true spirit of the injunction
was regarded. Though they did not go to him alone, they
did what, under the circumstances, was more judicious, and
calculated, as most would suppose, to be more agreeable.
They wrote to him a private letter, " between them and
him alone," and which, but for his own action, might have
remained unknown except to the parties themselves.
When he allowed himself to misapprehend the intent and
spirit of the communication, and forthwith published it to
the world, denouncing them as a " triumviral papacy," it
is not difficult to determine where the charge of unchristian
action justly belongs.
3rd. The action of the three Bishops is protested against
as inhurnan, because they chose for it a time when they
knew he was suffering from pecuniary embarrassment and
severe domestic bereavement. But, very evidently, the
three Bishops were not responsible for determining the
time. They could not act till complaint was made to them
by the four gentlemen of New Jersey, and, when thus for-
mally addressed, they acted with as much promptness as
the nature of the case, and the delay occasioned by their
distance from each other, permitted. In the baseless im-
putation to them of a delrberate design to strike him in his
sorrow, that the stroke might be more severe, there is as
344 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
little humanity as there would have been in the cruel
course ascribed to the three Bishops.
Such were the points of the Protest, which, " as in the
immediate presence of the judgment," Bishop Doane "de-
liberately subscribed " on the 5th of February, 1852.
In his Appeal, he speaks as one " in whom the sacred
order of Bishops had been insulted, and the first principles
of our Diocesan Episcopacy, as handed down to us by Jesus
Christ, have been disregarded, the sovereignty of Dioceses
invaded, and the independence of Diocesan Conventions
laid under dictation." In this appeal to his '' brethren in
the Episcopate," he professes to ask nothing for himself —
it is for the " House of God, and the officers thereof." If
the action against him is warranted, "What Bishop can be
safe, what Diocese secure ?" He " would rouse his breth-
ren all" to the alarming inroad which is now attempted on
the peace, the freedom, and the order of the Church,"
through a "triumvirate of tyrants." He "could never rest
on his pillow, nor go in hope to his grave, nor look for
micrcy at that day, did he not call on his brethren in the
Episcopate, to see to it, on the peril of their consecration
vows, that this high-handed undertaking be frowned down."
In closing, he declares, "as under the immediate eye of
God," "his entire and perfect integrity and innocence, as
to all and singular, the charges made against him."
But for the preceding narrative, no reader would be pre-
pared to admit that the Protest and Appeal, and all the hot
blasts with which they abound, could have been occasioned
by a professedly fraternal letter from three of his brethren
in the Episcopate, informing him that charges with speci-
fications had been laid before them by four respectable
gentlemen of his Diocese, that they might inquire concern-
ing them, and take such canonical action as they might
think necessary, and further, that the three Bishops ad-
vised him to relieve them from the painful process, by
having the inquiry properly made by his own Convention.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 345
The reply to what are styled " the false, calumnious and
malignant charges of William Halstead, Caleb Perkins,
Peter Y. Coppuck and Bennington Gill/' occupies thirty-
two of the fifty-two pages of the pamphlet. In the intro-
ductory paragraph, the four laymen are defamed as having
desperately plunged into the depth and darkness of a flood
of falsehood, calumny and malignity," and "the writer"
is lauded as occupying " the ground of perfect honesty of
purpose, and unreserved and ruinous self-sacrifice," from
which he " might challenge the world."
"The writer" then gives a history of his Episcopate,
with its fruits, and of his enterprises for Christian educa-
tion, with the trials and ultimate failure in which they in-
volved him, and which furnished occasion for many of the
grave charges which the four laymen had brought before
the three Bishops for canonical inquiry. These charges
and specifications are noticed in order, with such answers
as the Bishop thought proper to make, but without docu-
mentary or other proof of the correctness of his expla-
nations.
The last page of the answer is devoted to the four lay-
nden and the three Bishops. The parting words for the
laymen are : " They have distilled in secret the poison
of their hearts, and they now commend the chalice to
his lips with the astounding declaration, ' We are actu-
ated by no motives of personal hostility against the
Bishop.' "
Of the three Bishops, for relying on the authority of the
four laymen, he says : " Fearful indeed the reckoning they
will have to meet." " For interfering with him in his va-
rious duties, disturbing the peace and quiet of the Church,
for their aggression in the Diocese of New Jersey " — " for
the whole amount and all the shapes, and every incident
and consequence of this enormous wrong, the undersigned
holds as responsible the Bishops of Virginia, Maine, and
Ohio, accuses them before Christendom, and summons
15*
346 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
them, in all solemnity and sorrow, before the judgment-
seat of God."
George W. Doane,
Bishop of New Jersey.
Riverside, 9 February, 1852.
The Bishop of Hew Jersey, alluding to the advice of the
three Bishops in reference to calling a special Convention
to investigate the charges which they had transmitted to
him, had declared very emphatically, " No such special
Convention shall Ir^ called by him." A special Conven-
tion, however, he did forthwith call, to be held in St. Mary's
Church, Burlington, on the 17th of March, not indeed to
examine into the ni'^eteen charges with specifications, but
*' to consider and express their judgment on the official
conduct of the Bi-jnops of Yirginia, Ohio, and Maine, as
touching the rights of the Bishops and the Diocese in dic-
tating a course of action to be pursued by them. *
The special Convention met at the time and place desig-
nated. Diocesan Id dependence and its invasion by the
three Bishops formed the burden of the Bishop's address.
To this the Convention responded by resolving that
they approved the refusal of the Bishop to call a special
Convention to examine the charges against him; "that
the official action of those Eight Eeverend Bishops (the
three), is, in the judgment of this* body, unwarranted by
any canon law or usage of the Church ; " " that in refer-
ence to the subject matter of the alleged charges against
our Bishop, this Convention has entire confidence in the
uprightness of character and purity of intention, which
have actuated him during his Episcopate ;" " that whilst
the Bishop has eve^ avowed his willingness," "and the Con-
vention ever been ready for an "investigation of any charges
duly made and presented," yet the best interests of the di-
ocese, and of th: <Jhurch at large, require no such pro-
ceedings.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 347
When it is recollected that this Convention had on its
table nineteen charges, with twenty-nine specifications,
preferred by four communicants of the Church, with the
declaration of their belief that these charges could be sus-
tained by proof, and, when it is recollected that these had
been forwarded by three Bishops, with their urgent advice
that they should be fully investigated, then the resolutions
of the Convention would seem to justify any measure of
surprise and regret.
The Bishop and Convention, willing and ready to inves-
tigate any charges duly made and presented, and yet, with
nineteen charges, and twenty-nine specifications, formally
offered for this purpose, no action had, and no notice of
them taken ! If a canon of the diocese restricted the ac-
tion of the special Convention to the object for which it
was called, " to consider and express their judgment on the
conduct" of the three Bishops, then why, without any
investigation of the charges, introduce the resolution con-
cerning their entire confidence in the integrity and purity
of intention of the Bishop of the Diocese ? If they could
resolve that he and they were willing and ready to inves-
tigate any charges duly presented, why noi? at least notice
the grave charges actually on their table ? And above
all, why the inconsistency of proclaiming their readiness
to do what they solemnly declare " neither the interest of
the Diocese nor the Church at large require."
Whatever the confidence of the Churqh at large in the
integrity of the Bishop, it certainly could not have been
much increased by this extraordinary proceeding of the
special Convention, nor were they entitled to claim for
themselves, after such action, that confidence in their
judgment which would give weight to their resolutions.
It was quite a stroke of policy in the Bishop to endeav-
or to change the positions of the parties, becoming him-
self the accuser of those connected with the charges, and
to divert attention from the complaints against the Bish-
348 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
op of New Jersey by the hue and cry to be raised against
the Bishops of Virginia, Maine, and Ohio ! But they were
not the men to be disconcerted by manoeuvre, or dis-
mayed by the indignant repulse and clamorous invective
which resulted from their fraternal overture.
ISTothing now remained for the three Bishops but to
prosecute the inquiry so as to determine whether a pre-
sentment was necessary. This required time, labor, and
care, and these were conscientiously bestowed on the
painful undertaking. They placed themselves in commu-
nication with those said to be cognizant of the facts al-
leged; examined them — in several instances obtaining
affidavits, and also other pertinent documentary testimony.
The conclusion to which they were thus led was, that the
character of the accused and the honor of the Church de-
manded a trial. In this conclusion they were unanimous.
They drew up a presentment in twenty-seven specifica-
tions containing charges of crime and immorality, signed
it on the thirtieth of March, 1852, (this was addressed to
" the Bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
United States,") and forwarded it to the Eight Eev. Phi-
lander Chase, D. D., who was the presiding Bishop, who
sent copies of the same to the several Bishops, and caused
a copy to be served on the accused. At the same time,
notice was given to all concerned, appointing the 24th of
June as the time, and Camden, JSTew Jersey, as the place,
for the bishops to assemble and constitute a court for the
trial.
On the 17th of May, 1852, the Presiding Bishop gave
notice to the several Bishops as follows : " By request of a
number of Bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
the United States, and also of the counsel of the Eight
Eev. Gr. W. Doane, I hereby postpone the trial of the said
Bishop from the 24th of June until the 7th of October,
1852, the place not being changed."
The request was conveyed to the Presiding Bishop by
.d
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 349
Bishop McCoskry, one of two selected by certain Eishops
who had met in ISTew York, to send, informally, a deputa-
tion to be present at the Church jubilee, soon to be observed
in England, and this they could not attend without be-
ing absent from the court, unless the latter was postponed.
" Without the knowledge and against the wishes" of the
three presenting Bishops, the request was granted, and,
unfortunately, the preceeding notice given. Unfortunate-
ly^ because the Presiding Bishop had no such authority.
The proceeding was uncanonical, and void. Whilst the
effect would be to prevent the Bishops from assembling
under the authority of the notice for the 24th of June, it
could communicate none to meet on the 7th of October,
so that when the first named day actually passed without
a court being constituted for trying the Bishop of New
Jersey under the presentment of March 30th, there was
no legal authority for the Bishops to convene for that
purpose at any other time. The irregularity vitiated the
proceeding, so that unless the presentment should be aban-
doned, it must be recommenced. Of this necessity, the
counsel of the Presenters apprised them, with instructions
how to proceed. They prepared another presentment,
dated July 22, including all the contents of the first, with
some additional specifications, which had been omitted
either accidentally, or from doubts of the availability of
the evidence. Without formally withdrawing the first,
this was forwarded to the Presiding Bishop, who sent it
to the several Bishops and the accused, summoning the
court for its trial on the 7th of October, the day to which
he had assumed the right of previously adjourning the
former court.
On the 26th of May, the Convention of New Jersey
held its regular session. They were informed by the
Bishop, that since the special meeting on the 17th of
March, he had been served with a formal presentment,
(dated March 30th,) made by three Bishops, and had been
350 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
summoned to appear and answer before the Court of Bish-
ops, to be held at Camden, on the 24th of June. In his
address he said : " I have perfect confidence that the Dio-
cese whose representatives at the special Convention filled
the hearts of Christendom with grateful admiration, will
look well to its own rights and responsibilities."
It has been a wonder to many, how, between the 17th
of March and the 26fch of May, intelligence of the action
of the New Jersey Convention could have spread over
Christendom, and tidings of the "grateful admiration" it
caused have been conveyed from all j^arts to Eiverside !
The encouraging report was not lost on the Convention.
It animated them to re-enact, with variations suggested
by a change of circumstances, the proceedings which had
gained them world-wide applause.
The Convention resolved that the presentment by the
three Bishops, "furnishes the first and only occasion in
which any Convention of New Jersey has had an oppor-
tunity of exercising its solemn duty and clear right, under
the canon, for the trial of Bishops, to investigate on the
first instance, accusations against the Bishop." "Why such
an opportunity was. not afforded by the nineteen charges,
and twenty-nine specifications, endorsed by the four New
Jersey gentlemen, and forwarded by the three Bishops,
with the earnest request that they might be investigated
by the Convention, would, perhaps, puzzle parts of Chris-
tendom to explain.
Before availing themselves of the first opportunity now,
at last, furnished, they respectfully re-afiirm their " entire
confidence in the purity and integrity of the Bishop,'' and
with this significant preface to their service as an ofiicial
inquest, appoint a committee to make full investigation,
and adjourn to the 14th of July, to receive their report.
The question very naturally suggests itself, what can
have occurred since the special meeting in March to have
revolutionized so completely the views of the Convention?
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 351
Then, they resolved that " the best interests of the Dio-
cese, and of the Church at large, require no such proceed-
ings" as investigation would involve. ]S"ow, they appoint
a committee for the express purpose. They had not then,
it is true, the presentment of March 30th before them, but
they had almost its equivalent in the charges of the four
gentlemen of New Jersey, presented and pressed for in-
vestigation by the three Bishops. In moral force, and in
particularity of specification, the difference between the
two documents is scarcely worth estimating. But there
is a difference, and a very striking one, between the two
documents. The first is not official in its bearing; it is no
part of a judicial proceeding. The other is both. The
one is not certainly connected with investigation, but may
be balked by a bold blast, and its object frustrated. The
other makes its next move into court, and insists upon
trial. The one may be hazarded yet longer ; the other
must be headed off at once, or, who can predict conse-
quences ? At the special Convention in March, this for-
midable arraignment was not known ; now, it is on their
table, and to prevent the trial to which it might otherwise
lead, the Convention must change its course, must itself
proceed to investigate those very charges, and try to oust
the three Bishops from the investigation, on the plea of
23rior right, and so retain the inquiry and its results entire-
ly in their own hands. . In this explanation there can be no
want of charity, because this is precisely what the Con-
vention now commenced to do, under the quickening
power of the presentment. They aj^pointed a committee
to make a " full investigation " of the charges in the pre-
sentment, and adjourned till the 14th of July, to receive
the report.
It was not necessary for this committee to notify the
Presenters. It was fair to presume that they would not
in any way participate in that investigation. It might,
however, have been well to have applied to them for a list
352 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
of the witnesses on whose testimony they relied to sustain
the charges, though if such list had been obtained, it
would, as the sequel showed, have been to no purpose.
The time and place for the meeting of the committee were
fixed. Notice was given to the four New Jersey laymen, '
out of whose hands the matter had now passed, for the
Convention had always ignored their charges, and now
acted entirely in reference to the presentment. Notice
was given to every one named in the presentment.* The
Bishop was also invited to attend. The presence of an ac-
cused person at his trial, to confront his accusers, is right,
but at a preliminary inquiry it is obviously inexpedient
and inadmissible.
Neither of the four laymen attended the investigation.
One of them furnished the committee with the names of
thirty-eight persons, and specified charges to which they
could testify. These were all notified, and requested to
attend. Only five complied, and their testimony was im-
perfect, and just as much as they thought proper to ex-
press, for the committee had no power to compel witnesses
to attend, or to say more than they chose. Those who
had anything to communicate favorable to the Bishop
could have no difiiculty in appearing, and imparting what
they knew, whilst adverse witnesses would not care to be
connected with an inquiry ordered by a Convention which
had, in advance, resolved that the accused was innocent,
or to be examined by a committee, each of whom had, by
his vote, sustained the resolutions.
On the 14th of July, the Convention met according to
adjournment, to receive the report of the committee,
which, with the testimony taken, occupied 146 pages.
The following resolution was adopted : " That the result
of this investigation, and the evidence now laid before the
* Named, not necessarily as witnesses, but merely as persons connected
with the transactions referred to. In many of the charges, no individuals
were named.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 353
Convention, renew and strengthen the confidence hereto-
fore expressed, in the integrity of the Eight Reverend, the
Bishop of this Diocese, and in our opinion, fully exculpate
him from any charge of crime or immorality made against
him." The Convention appointed a committee to appear
before the Court of Bishops to urge them " to consider
whether it will be wise, just, or for the peace of God's
Church to proceed further on the charges laid before
them."
Of the proceedings of the Bishops who assembled at
Camden, New Jersey, on the 7th of October, 1852,
for the trial of Bishop Doane, the following manuscript,
written by Bishop Meade at the time, furnishes as particu-
lar an account as can now be procured.
" Fourteen Bishops, besides the Presenters and Respon-
dents, met on the day and at the place. A dispute at once
arose, originating with Bishop Whittingham, whether the
Bishops present were at once ipso facto a Court, or
House of Bishops. He maintained that they were not a
Court until organized into one by some previous steps,
viz : The election of President, Secretary, etcetera, and
that this could only be done by electing a President, pro
tern., and proceeding to choose a permanent one by ballot.
This was done, and Bishop Hopkins called to the Chair.
Bishops Hopkins and Kemper were put in nomination.
Bishop Hopkins was elected. Bishop Hopkins then offer-
ed the resignation of his seat as Judge, in consequence of
some difference between himself and the accused, many
years since, when associate ministers in Boston. Resig-
nation not accepted ; the Respondent said he did not ob-
ject to his sitting. Bishop Delancey offered a resolution,
that in the opinion of this Court, no one who had ever
been, as a parish minister, or Bishop, at variance with an
accused Bishop, and no 'Bishop who was an assistant to a
presenting Bishop, ought to have place among the Judges,
thus meaning to reflect on Bishop Hopkins and Bishop
354 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
Johns. Bishop Johns made some strong remarks in reply,
as to the un worthiness of such an indirect way of reach-
ing his object, and said that it should also be added, that
no one who had already committed himself in favor of the
Eespondent, should sit in the Court.* This settled the mat-
ter, it being capable of proof, that some had declared pos-
itively in favor of the accused. Bishop Whittingham,
afterwards, in the Court, declared himself perfectly satis-
fied of his innocence, and that it was a malicious proceed-
ing, issuing from the foul hearts of usurers."
Bishop Delancey's j)i'oposition was either not passed to
a vote or negatived. Dr. Wainwright was then proposed
as Secretary. He was chosen. On coming in he nomi-
nated the son of Bishop Hopkins as assistant Secretary."
''It was now proposed to remove the court to Burling-
ton. Bishop Doane urged in favor of it that it was impos-
sible to get some of his witnesses anywhere else ; that the
expenses of others lie had not the means of defraying, and
that domestic affliction required him to be at home ; that
the heart might have too much put upon it, and might
break. This proposition was opposed by the presenters
on the ground that there was so much excitement at Bur-
lington that it would be wrong to place the Judges under
its influence ; that judges in civil courts always avoided
the houses of persons interested. Bishop Burgess referred
to the scandal brought on the Church by the fact that one
of the Bishops staid at Bishop Onderdonk's house during
his trial, and hoped it would never be so again. Bishop
Doane, in reply, said he presumed that Bishop Burgess was
*■ Bishop Johns remarked further, that though he would not regard any
such unbecoming expression of opinion as that proposed by the Bishop of
New York, yet, that if the respondent supposed that Bishop Johns' official
relations as assistant to one of the Presenters ought to prevent him from
acting as a Judge in the case, he would prorfiptly ask his brethren to excuse
him from a service in which he had no desire to participate. Bishop
Doane immediately said, *'that he had no such thought, and hoped the
Assistant Bishop of Virginia would retain his seat."
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 355
not aware that he himself was the bishop who staid at
Bishop Onderdonk's house during his trial, or he would
not have spoken thus. Bishop Burgess replied that he did
know it. Bishop Doane said, "then I have done with the
Bishop of Maine." Quite a speech has been put in the
mouth of Bishop Doane by some one, in the papers, which
he never made. He did, however, say that it had never
entered into his mind that there was the least impropriety
in his staying at Bishop Onderdonk's, or that any one
would so consider it. Credat Judceus apella.^'
"On Bishop Doane's solemn declaration that he could
not get his witnesses at Camden, and therefore that just-
ice could not be done him there, the Court agreed to ad-
journ to Burlington. It was publicly declared by him in
the Court that accommodation would be provided for the
Bishops in Burlington, and immediately after the Court
rose, written invitations were delivered to all the Bishops
except the Presenters. The Judges had all been assigned
suitable places in the families devoted to Bishop Doane
and his cause. But few of them, however, did more than
dine with them. They went to Philadelphia each even-
ing."
"On Friday morning we met at Burlington. The Court
received a letter handed in by Bishop McCoskry, who said
he knew nothing of its contents, or where it came from ;
that some one put it into his hands. Bishop Hopkins
opened it, and said it was from a committee of the Xew
Jersey Convention, asking to be heard by the Court. A
debate then arose as to the propriety of receiving any such
communication. It was maintained that such a course
was unheard of in courts of justice ; that those gentlemen
might come in as witnesses on the trial ; that on the strength
of their memorial offered as testimony, it might be moved
to quash the presentment after it was read and the trial
commenced. On the other hand, it was contended that the
inherent undefined power of Bishops prior to and inde-
356 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
pendent of all canons, and laws and courts of justice, just-
ified their receiving the memorial. After a long debate it
was decided by a majority of one (Bishop G-reene being
absent, having missed the boat), that the committee from
New Jersey be admitted to a hearing after the present-
ment had been read.
" On Saturday morning, before the presentment was read,
various objections were raised. Bishops Delancey, Chase
and Whittingham, and perhaps others, spoke of their hav-
ing received two presentments, and did not know which
was the one, and whether they did not destroy each other.
Bishop Whittingham said that he had never received the
last ; that he found its envelope at his house, but no en-
closed document. It was determined, however, to let the
presentment proceed. We then began to read a few ex-
planatory remarks as to the two presentments, stating the
reasons for the same, and some circumstances occasioning
the delay of the last, and that the first was never with-
drawn, though the last included all the first, with some-
thing additional. We were not permitted to read them.
"Having read the second presentment and taken a recess
for dinner, the New Jersey committee were admitted, and
read their memorial which had been previously printed.*
* The purport of the memorial might be anticipated from the resolu-
tions of the Convention which it represented. It claimed for the Conven-
tion the leading, controlling, presenting power, stating that having ever
been ready to investigate whenever any responsible persons would affix their
names to written charges involving criminality, and having actually done
so as soon as the presentment of March 10th by the three Bishops was be-
fore them — ''having pronounced a verdict of acquittal in reference to
those charges — the Convention now stands before you to plead that ver-
dict in all its canonical force and moral weight." It contended that the
refusal of the Convention to present the Bishop after this open and fair inves-
tigation into the truth of these charges, is equivalent to a dismissal of a
presentment by a lawful court. As for the few new charges in the second
presentment, they were part of the same case which the Diocese had alrea-
dy taken in hand, and which the Diocese alone should complete. After a
pledge that the Churchmen of New Jersey would address themselves to the
discharge of their duty, the Court is invoked in the name of the Diocese,
"to forbear."
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 357
This read, the presenting Bishops asked leave to be heard
in reply, and were allowed until Monday morning. On
that evening (Saturday), they with their counsel met in
Philadeli^hia, and determined generally on the facts and
arguments to be introduced.
" To Bishop Mellvaine was committed the introductory
statement covering the first six pages of the printed pre-
sentment, and to Mr. Davis the legal argument, occupying
the remaining twenty pages. On Monday morning we
met at an early hour and revised it, and at twelve o'clock
were ready to deliver it. We introduced into it a refer-
ence to Bishop McCoskry's proposition made immediately
after the New Jersey memorial on Saturday, viz., that the
case should be dismissed, among other reasons, because of
the postponement which vitiated the presentment. We
referred to the part Bishop McCoskry took in procuring
the postponement, and to the impropriety of his taking
advantage of it. This led to a defense of himself. He de-
clared that he had no part in procuring the postponement ;
that he only carried a letter to himself from Mr. Wharton,
Bishop Doane's counsel, expressing a wish that a postpone-
ment might take place, and saying that he was author-
ized to promise that Bishop Doane would take no advan-
tage of it ; that he (Bishop McCoskry) told Bishop Chase
that he would express no opinion about it; moreover,
that he told Bishop Chase that the Bishops who met in
Xew York declined asking a postponement on the ground
of its illegality, but that Bishop Chase said he did not care
a snap of his finger for their oj)inion, and should, therefore,
postpone it. (It is diflScult to reconcile all this with Bishop
Chase's circular postponing the trial, wherein he says it
was done at the desire of one of Bishop Doane's counsel
and of several Bishops.) Bishop McCoskry and others ob-
jected to this part of our reply, and Bishop McCoskry with-
drew his proposition, saying it would be misunderstood,
and he be charged with first procuring the postponement,
358 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
and then making it a plea for dismissing the presentment.
His resolutions being withdrawn, our notice of them was
also withdrawn.
"BishojD Whittingham, after the reading of the present-
ment, moved that the Secretary furnish to the presenting
Eishops and to the respondent a copy of an order passed
at his motion, to the effect that in the opinion of the Court
it would be wrong that either the memorial from New
Jersey or the reply of the presenting Bishops should be
published without the other should be furnished to the
presenting Bishops and the respondent. This first brought
to the presenting Bishops the knowledge of the fact of
such a resolution by the Court. Two at least, if not all of
them, were absent at the time it was passed. If one were
present, he did not hear it on account of the feebleness of
Bishop Whittingham's voice, and the great difficulty of
hearing any one in the room where we met. Immediately,
when it was known, the presenting Bishops made them-
selves heard, and remonstrated against so unfair a proceed-
ing. The New Jersey memorial had already been printed
and circulated; a large portion of it had already appeared
in one circular paper, and it was impossible to say for how
many other papers, secular and religious, it was now in
type, and yet the presenters were to be prevented from
giving publicity to their's, unless they first republished the
other. So monstrous a proposition was only adhered to
by Bishop Whittingham himself.
"Bishop XJpfold now took Bishop McCoskry's place and
renewed those resolutions, which were finally adopted.
The discussion was continued from this time, (Monday
afternoon,) till Friday morning. On Thursday afternoon
all were ready for the question, but Bishop Greene, who
said that he had not been able to make up his mind, and
asked that it might be postponed until the next day. This
was agreed to. On the next morning he read an opinion
in favor of dismissing the case. The written opinions of
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 359
Bishops Hopkins, Potter and Eastburn were also read on
Friday morning. Others had been read the day before.
They will appear on the minutes of the Court.
" Bishop Doane was allowed, as the representative of the
committee, or Diocese, or both, to reply to the argument
of the presenters. He said, as he had often done before,
that he appeared in two characters, as Bishop Doane and
as the defender of the rights of his Diocese ; that as Bishop
Doane he said nothing to prevent the trial, but as the de-
fender of the rights of his Diocese, as speaking for God and
His Church, he would say and do everything to prevent
the trial; that he would insist upon every technicality
which might upset the presentment, (and he acted accord-
ingly) ; that the Court had no right whatever to try him.
and once, in thundering tones, he commanded the Bishops
to go home, and leave the matter where it properly belong-
ed. He condemned the canon ; said he wished to make the
trial of a Bishop hard, instead of easy ; appealed to the
Church of England and of Eome in favor of this, and de-
clared and repeated it when charged with the same; that
he would rather be guilty of all the offences charged
against him in the presentment, than not to defend to the
uttermost the position taken by his Diocese ; for the latter
he said, would be treachery to the spouse of Christ — as if
the crimes and immoralities alleged in the presentment
were not the greatest treachery to the spouse of Christ.
He said the same thing with regard to the crimes for which
Bishop Onderdonk was condemned, that they were noth-
ing compared with the evils of his condemnation. (Such
is the language of many others who seem to have lost sight
of the importance of godly discipline.)"
"In reply to that part of our argument wherein we say
that out of fifty-nine parishes having a right to represen-
tation in the Convention of New Jersey, less than half
were there b}^ delegates, and only nineteen voted for the
360 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
appointment of a Committee ; * be replied that a number
of tbem were only nominal parisbes, baving no vitality in
tbem, baving neitber priest nor people. Hitberto be bad
ever been boasting of tbe number of parisbes wbicb bad
sprung up under his Episcopal labor, never lessening their
number, never speaking of any as dead ones; but now,
when it suits him, he finds that a number of them have
only a name and are dead. Still be wound up his last speech
by an enumeration of all bis labors and great successes as a
parish minister, as Bishop, as President of St. Mary's Hall
and College; of his universal popularity throughout the
land; not of this land only, but as he said, "In Europe, also,
where I am well known, there I am esteemed; yes, at their
largest meetings, when my name is mentioned, the loudest
acclamations were heard uttered uj)on tbe same." This
finished, he bade the Bishops dismiss the presentment and
^' go home, go home.'^
" When the presenting Bishops beard such declarations
concerning the charges in the presentment against Bishop
Doane, and those against Bishop O., making so light
of them, they determined to call tbe attention of the
Court to the nature of tbe offences charged upon the res-
pondent. Bishop Burgess spoke, recapitulating tbe chief
things in tbe presentment, and referring to the fact that
some of them were indictable off'ences by the civil law.
In reply to this, Bishop Doane said it was an atrocious
libel. Hitberto be bad said, and not without effect, that
be believed the presenters were misled by some two or
three evil persons — his enemies. This was calculated to
*The Canon of "the Trial of a Bishop," whilst it authorizes a Diocese
to present its Bishop, provides that "two-thirds of each order present con-
cur, and that two-thirds of the clergy entitled to seats in the Convention be
present, and that two-thirds of the parishes canonically in union with said
Convention, be represented therein." The presenters maintained that the
Convention of New Jersey from which this memorial emanated, was not
thus canonically constituted, as the journal shows, and therefore had no
right to make a presentment, or a preliminary investigation.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 361
impress the Court in his favor, inducing the belief that we
had not examined with proper lights the things charged in
our presentment."
" When the presentment, which was read, had been dis-
posed of, the senior presenter, in the name of the others,
rose and stated that previous to the offering of it, we had
wished to read some explanatory statements as to the two
presentments, but were not allowed; that we should then
have stated that by advice of counsel, we had never with-
drawn the first presentment, and had cautioned Bishop
Chase not to do so, which caution he had observed in his
circular; that we had purposed to leave them both with
the Court, as is done in civil courts, when two present-
ments or indictments are made, the latter containing some
additional matter. In such case the Court may use both
of them, or only the latter. We said that as in the course
of the discussion several of the Bishops had objected to the
last presentment, saying that they came to try the first ;
we now offered the first presentment, and were ready to
go into the trial on that, although it did not contain sev-
eral of the charges made in the other.
"A great clamor was immediately made against this,
though no argument used, till it was alleged that the Court
was summoned to receive a presentment on the 7th of Oc-
tober, and this old presentment was not offered until the
15th. This seemed quite conclusive to some. But little
was said, and the proposition was negatived. It should be
added, that, whereas Bishop Doane sometimes declared
that he himself wished for a trial and considered it a mis-
fortune that it could not take place, so that in our reply
to the memorial from New" Jersey, we speak of his expres-
sed wish for it ; yet, at the close, when Bishops Johns and
Hopkins introduced the same into their written opmions,
he publicly declared that they had mistaken him — that
he never had expressed such a desire, so that they have
either stricken the same out of their opinions, or corrected
16
362 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
them in a note. That he did repeatedly speak as desiring
a trial, is as certain as that he spoke at all. At the last he
said that he only contemplated or expected a trial. Surely
his most partial friends cannot vindicate him from such
contradiction and falsehood."
[here the "notitia" ends.]
The preamble and resolutions offered by Bishop Upfold
were as follows :
" Whereas, Previous to the making the presentment now
before this Court, the Convention of IS^ew Jersey had in-
vestigated most of the matters contained therein, and had
determined that there was no ground for presentment,
therefore,
Resolved, That, as to the matters thus acted upon by
said Convention, this Court is not called upon to proceed
further."
" Whereas, The, Diocese of New Jersey stands pledged to
investigate any charges against its Bishop that may be
presented from any responsible source, and, whereas, a
special Convention has been called, shortly to meet in re-
ference to the new matters contained in the presentment
now before this Court, therefore,
Resolved, That this Court, relying on said pledge, do
not now proceed to any further action in the premises."
On the eighth day of its session, the Court came to a
decision. Eight Bishops gave their opinions in favor of
the resolution to dismiss the presentment, and six against
it. The opinions in its favor were those of Bishops Kem-
per, McCoskry, DeLancey, Whittingham, Chase of New
Hampshire, Upfold, Green, and Eutledge.
Against it were those of Bishops Hopkins, Smith, Lee,
Johns, Eastburn, and Potter.
The presenters, in their brief notice of the proceedings,
say : " The result is, therefore, that when the charges,
made in strict accordance with the canons, have been dis-
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 363
missed, it has been without the slightest consideration of
their merits.
"They have not been refuted; they have not been tried;
and they are not retracted.
" The undersigned, having discharged their duty fully,
without fear or favor, and to the utmost of tteir ability,
rely with confidence on the moral feeling and correct judg-
ment of the Church for the approval of their conduct.
The remaining responsibility rests on their brethren."
Thus the scheme of the New Jersey Convention proved
a success. On the plea of prior right, their committee were
permitted to interpose themselves between the presenters
and the Court, and on the assurance that the Convention had
investigated most of the charges against their Bishop, as
set forth in the presentment, and found him innocent, and
pledged themselves fully to investigate the remainder — a
majority of the Court determined that in reference to the
charges said to have been investigated, " it is not called
upon to proceed further," and that in reference to the "new
matters contained in the presentment, relying on said
pledge, it do not now proceed to any further action in the
premises."
" ISTot called upon to proceed ;" and yet they were liter-
ally and loudly called upon by the presenters who had
firmly resisted the claim of the New Jersey Convention,
and the admittance of their committee to a hearing — as
not being a party in the case — and who now distinctly
declared that they were full-handed with proof of the allega-
tions of the presentment^ and ready to produce it. But, un-
affected by this earnest declaration, and not regarding the
course of proceeding indicated by the canon, under which
the Court was constituted, the majority refused to move
except to put the presentment in the pocket of the Com-
mittee to be conveyed to the Convention, with an expres-
sive nod of approval of their past conduct, and a significant
hint to do likewise with the new matters of the present-
364 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
ment. And so the Court became a competitor with the
Convention for "the grateful admiration of Christendom !"
The Bishop of New Jersey had already called a special
Convention with a reference to what " purports to be a
new presentment of the Bishop of the Diocese." Meeting
on this call at Newark on the 27th of October, they were
soon ready for action. The Bishop in his address assured
them of his " sincere conviction " that the decision of the
Court was " attained under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
whose presence in the Court had been invoked at a thous-
and altars, and by ten thousand firesides."
The questions before the Convention were, the reception
of the report of the Committee appointed to appear before
the Court to urge them not to proceed to trial — and, the
reference of the new matters in the second presentment
to the same Committee that had passed upon the other
charges it contained.
The debates were stormy. Mr. Halstead was no longer
solitary in openly resisting the policy of the Convention.
Walter Eutherford, Esq., Mr. Cortland Parker, Hon. Jas.
Parkis, Mr. Archer Gifford, the Rev. Mr. Sherman, and
Eev. Mr, Lowell spoke in the opposition. Walter Euther-
ford, Esq., offered a resolution, stating that, as it appears
from a report of the investigating committee, that only a
portion of the witnesses had been examined before them,
and scarcely any on whose evidence the presentment
rested, and, as the presenters had declared that they stood
"full-handed with the proof" of their charges — that the
Bishop be earnestly solicited to demand from his peers a
trial of these charges, that public opinion may be satisfied,
and his character sustained in the Church.
This resolution the Bishop refused to put, and, as to his
demanding a trial of his peers, he said : " I shall do no
such thing. It is too absurd to talk about."
Mr. C. Parker moved that in " the opinion of this Con-
vention the fair fame of the Bishop cannot be efl'ectually
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 365
rescued from the accusations against it by any ex 'parte in-
quiry, however thorough, nor without a canonical trial."
This the Bishop pronounced to be worse than the other,
adding, " I'll put no such resolution," &c.
Mr. Archer Gifford, who in the Convention of 1849 op-
posed Mr. Halstead's resolution for a committee of inves-
tigation " as wholly uncanonical and unconstitutional,"
in his speech in this Convention thus expressed himself:
" The committee have embodied a matter in their report,
which they were not charged with by the Convention ;
and, however I may feel bound to accept the report of the
committee, I cannot agree to accept it with that part in-
cluded which relates to the pledge further to investigate.
Neither can I believe that the House of Bishops have been
constituted with any power to recommend to this Conven-
tion such a course. Their business was and is, to try. This
Convention can only present. These last charges are be-
fore the House of Bishops on a presentment made by three
of the Bishops, according to the canon. And what power
can they have to recommend to us to do what it is their
peculiar duty to perform, as directed by the Canon ?
"As to the appointment of the same committee, there
would appear to be some indelicacy in Cuj^uiitting another
and distinct set of charges to them for investigation, eg^
pecially if they are to proceed as they have done with the
first charges. They have acted the part of a jury to try,
and (to use their own language) ^ found a verdict.' For
this they had no commission. And now, as it were, with-
out going out of the jury-box, they are to proceed upon an
unauthorized recommendation of the Bishoj)S — one for
which no precedent or direction can be found — and, as it
were, afraid to select any other men with whom to trust
our Bishop's character. Whatever respect we may enter-
tain for these gentlemen of the Committee, it may be looked
on with suspicion. The public have to be satisfied. This
is the great ordeal at last ] and we must act with proper
deference to it."
366 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
The Conyention re-appointed the Committee by whom
the previous investigation was made, and adjourned.
Dec. 21st. — The Convention met again and received from
the investigating Committee their report that " the evi-
dence in this case has produced on their minds no diminu-
tion in their confidence in the integrity and purity of your
Bishop ; on the contrary, increased love and respect for
him; but has presented to them and the world, drawn
from their modest hiding-places, habitual and beautiful ex-
amples in him of that virtue greater than all other —
charity. [The testimony which led to this special com-
mendation was given by Dr. Joseph Parrish, the Bishop's
physician, who said, ' When I was first employed at the
Schools, I was told by Bishop Doane to consider his wines
and liquors always under my command for the use of such
persons at the School and for all needy persons, in town
and country. I have always acted upon this permission,
and have made large drafts upon it.' "]
After hearing the report of the Committee, the Conven-
tion passed the following resolution :
Resolved, That the evidence now laid before the Conven-
tion renews and strengthens the confidence heretofore ex-
pressed in tho integrity of the Et. Eev., the Bishop of this
Diocese; and, in our opinion fully exculpates him from any
charge of crime or immorality made against him.''
The policy of the New Jersey Convention had prevailed,
and they might congratulate each other on having avoided
making a presentment themselves, and on arresting the
action of the Court on the presentment of the Bishops of
Yirginia, Ohio, and Maine. But, the end was not yet.
Great dissatisfaction existed in the Diocese. This was
formerly expressed by two memorials addressed to the
Bishops of Yirginia, Ohio, and Maine. The first in
November, 1852, with more than a hundred signatures,
after a preamble referring to what had been done, pro-
ceeds : " We, the undersigned, laymen of the Protestant
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 367
Episcopal Church in ISTew Jersey, do most respectfully en-
treat the Bishops of Virginia, Ohio, and Maine to take
such further action as will give the Bishop of New Jersey
an opportunity to refute the charges, in order that he may
be blameless and have a good report of them which are
without."
The second, dated Dec, 1852, and with nineteen signa-
tures, is as follows :
" The undersigned laymen of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the Diocese of New Jersey, believing that the
reputation of the Bishop can only be sufficiently vindicated,
and the peace and welfare of the Church maintained and
preserved by a judicial investigation of the charges which
have been preferred against him, are desirous that such
further action should be taken in the premises, as may
bring the matter to a final adjudication."
Yery evidently the resolutions of the Court of Bishops
did not acquit the accused or entirely dispose of the pre-
sentment. Though uncanouically placed in other hands,
it could be remanded for final consideration.
But the presenters having seen enough of the disposition
of certain members of the Court to raise technical difficul-
ties, determined to avoid, as far as possible, all occasion for
such objection. With this view they notified the presid-
ing Bishop that they withdrew the former presentments,
and then made another embracing the same charges,
which they asked that the Bishops should be summoned
to try.
The Court assembled at Camden, New Jersey, Sept. 1st,
1853.
On an application from Bishop Doane, earnestly claim-
ing the immediate adjournment of the Court to Burling-
ton, "no action was taken." The Court continued at
Camden.
The presentment was read.
On the second day, the Bishop Eespondent read a letter
368 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
from a committee of the New Jersey Convention, asking
to be heard before any action was taken on the present-
ment.
The Bishop Eespondent offered, with preambles, two
orders for adoption by the Court. Ist. That this Court
will now hear the statement which the Committee of the
New Jersey Convention desired to make. 2nd. That the
Court will not proceed to any further action in reference
to the presentment, and that the same be dismissed.
The Bishop llespondent, and the Presenting Bishops
were respectfully heard on the first order, and the ayes
and noes being called, it was rejected by the follow-
ing vote : Ayes, Bishops of Wisconsin, Michigao, W.
New York, Maryland, New Hampshire, Indiana, Missis-
sippi, Florida, and Provisional Bishop of New York — 9.
Noes, the Bishops of Connecticut, Vermont, Kentucky,
Tennessee, Louisiana, Georgia, Delaware, Assistant Bishop
of Yirginia, Massachusetts, Missionary Bishop for the
South West, Pennsylvania, and Assistant Bishop of Con-
necticut— 12.
The Court expressed its willingness to hear, through the
Bishop Eespondent, the results of the proceeding of his
Convention, that he might have all the advantage which
he could derive thereby, at the same time '' distinctly de-
claring that by this action it does not recognize any right
of the Diocese of New Jersey to appear as a party before
the Court." From this declaration the Bishops of Wiscon-
sin, Michigan, Western New York, and Mississipj^i dis-
sented. Thus the Court embraced the opportunity, both
by deed and declaration, to manifest its disapproval of that
act of the previous Court which prepared the way for the
other irregularities by which the proceedings were em-
barrassed.
On the second order proposed by the Bishop Eespondent,
both the Eespondent and the Presenting Bishops addressed
the Court.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 369
On the eleventh day the Bishop of Pennsylvania moved
that the seven Bishops present, who were not on the last
Court, be a Committee to take legal advice as to the effect
which the action of the former Court should have, in de-
termining the decisions of the present Court, and to confer
with the presenters and the respondent to ascertain
whether they cannot come to some understanding mutu-
ally satisfactory, and fully subserving the purposes of
justice.
This order was unanimously adopted. In the discharge
of their duty, the Committee had conferences with the
presenters, pressing upon them a first, and then a second
and stronger admission which the accused was prepared
to make, and, as these were not accepted by the present-
ers, inquiring of them what kind of an acknowledgment
would be satisfactory.
Bishop Meade has left a manuscript account of the in-
tervention so far as the presenters were concerned.
[This was drawn up by Bishop Meade and approved by
the other Presenting Bishops, and read to seven or eight
of the other Bishops who wished them to enter into a
compromise.]
"(Proposed Compromise.) — On Friday, the 19th of Sep-
tember, I was asked by one of the Bishops in the Court
(Bishop Greene,) if the case of Bishop Doane could not be
settled without a trial, or further proceedings. He 2)1*0-
posed and urged a plan, which, he said, he and some other
Bishops were considering. I rej^lied, that there appeared
to me insuperable difficulties in the way of it. On the fol-
lowing day the subject was renewed, when he urged the
same by various considerations, viz: — that we, the presen-
ters, were suffering far and wide, both among our own and
other denominations, from the impression that we were
actuated by malice in renewing the presentment ; that the
Bishop of New Jersey was not only backed by his Diocese,
but had an able counsel who might probably defeat hia
16*
370 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
conviction, and that the motives of the presenters should
be fully asserted in the compromise. I do not remember
what else was said by way of inducement, which induce-
ments, it will be seen, were addressed to our fears of cen-
sure and of failure, and to our desire of being exculpated
from any improper motives in what we had done. My re-
ply was still the same — that there appeared to the pre-
senters insuperable objections to any plan of compromise,
that another had been proposed some days before, which
we at once rejected. The proposition alluded to is, that
the Bishop should draw up an acknowledgment, or con-
fession of a certain degree of guilt, or of great imprudences
on the part of Bishop Doane, on the signing of which the
presenters should withdraw their charges, and the whole
subject be terminated. To this, the following objections
are made.
1st. This confession is to be the only penalty; a princi-
ple, it will at onCe be seen, subversive of all discipline, since,
no matter how many or grievous the charges made, all may
be set aside and discipline escaped, by a confession when
brought to trial.
2nd. What if a Presbyter were arraigned on similar
charges, or less aggravated ones, and when the time of
trial came, he should, at the instance of friends, sign some
paper confessing a small measure of guilt, or great impru-
dences, and this were accepted as satisfactory, and he re-
turned to his charge — or a communicant be thus dealt
with; what has become of the godly discipline of the
Church, which we promised to enforce ?
3rd. It becomes us to look to the past for precedents,
and to the future for consequences. When Bishop Onder-
donk of Pennsylvania addressed a letter to the Bishops,
containing a very dubious confession of intemperance, and
submitted himself to their decision, they at once suspended
him from ofl&ce, and received his resignation of jurisdic-
tion. Just before the presentment of Bishop Onderdonk
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 371
of New York, two deputations came to the Presenting
Bishops, asking them in the one case to relinquish their
design and leave the work to the Diocese, and in the other
to relinquish it in consequence of what he had already
suffered, and because he was doubtless sorry for the past,
and would offend thus no more. Each of these petitions
was declined, and the public has approved the course
which was pursued. After the examination of witnesses
in the case of the Bishop of New York, in answer to the
question, what he had to say why sentence should not be
passed, in a very subdued reply he acknowledged error,
but not to the extent charged upon him. This, however,
did not arrest or modify the sentence.
If Bishop Doane, on such a slight confession as it is at
all probable that he will make, is to be dismissed without
trial, it will be difficult to see how a petition for the re-
storation of the two suspended Bishops can be rejected,
should they make some imperfect acknowledgment of
guilt, connected with their acknowledged reformation.
4th. In order to see what kind of confession Bishop
Doane could assent to, without acknowledging that he has
been uttering palpable falsehoods for the last ten years,
and that his Diocese and friends have been endorsing the
same, all of his and their declarations of his entire innocence,
up to the present time, must be examined. To be unfor-
tunately too sanguine, or even imprudent, is not the guilt
to be confessed. But to come to him with any other con-
fession, ought to be indignantly repelled by him and his
friends, if he be innocent.
5th. On the other hand, to see what kind of confession
could be accepted by us, even if the honor of the Church
could be sustained without a trial, those who proposed a
compromise should read over the charges made in the
presentment, and in our reply of last Fall, and then frame
a confession consistent therewith, and see whether Bishop
Doane could sign it.
6th. There should be carefully considered the difference
372 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
between the case in hand and those where pecuniary and
personal disputes are the subjects. In them, compromises
may take place, and often do without sacrifice of truth and
principle. Not so in this.
7th. Let it be remembered that the Eespondent and his
Diocese have for two years been spreading before the pub-
lic his own statements, and ex jparte examinations — that
these remain, and will remain on record, though only par-
tial exhibitions of the case, while the Presenters, repre-
senting the honor and purity of the Church, have no such
documents except their arguments in reply to the Com-
mittee of the Diocese of New Jersey. If the compromise
is made, they are precluded from any such advantage in
defence of the Church and themselves. Silence must then
in honor be bound upon all, though it is feared that it will
often be broken, and peace not ensue.
8th. The Presenters are placed in a most responsible
situation. It is difficult to conceive one more so. To them
and to them alone the whole Church and country now
look for the proper disposal of this case, until it is in the
hands of the Court, and on trial. All the evils resulting
from neglect, must be laid at their door, and be chargeable
on their unfaithfulness. To ask them to compromise, es-
pecially *at this late hour, and, while the Judges are on the
bench, to come forward and withdraw the charges and
dismiss the trial without any change of conviction on their
part, is a most unreasonable proposition. Their rejection
of this and a former proposition may be used by their op-
ponents as grounds for the charge of a spirit opposed to
the peace of the Church ; but, by the grace of Grod, they
will bear it, and do what seems to them their solemn duty.
They believe that nothing but a trial can reveal the truth
and lead to justice. But even an acquittal, no matter how
deep the guilt of the accused, resulting from want of evi-
dence or other like cause, would be less dishonorable to
the Church than any compromise proposed by the Judges,
and assented to by the Presenters and Respondent."
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 373
The following statement by Bishop Meade was intended
to be presented to the Court, if the request of the Pre-
senters to be heard on the morning of the last day had not
been objected to :
" I beg leave to offer a few remarks before the Court
shall take the final step, which we are told it is likely to
take, in dismissing this presentment on the ground of a
confession or acknowledgment to be made by the ac-
cused.
" I say nothing of the legal question which has been so
ably argued by my brother of Ohio in behalf of the Pre-
senters. My objections are altogether of a moral char-
acter.
"1st. I object to the acceptance of any confession as the
only penalty, because it opens a wide door for the escape
of any offender, whether of the clergy or of the laity,
who, when he sees no other mode of escape, will resort
to this.
" 2nd. Because both of the now suspended Bishops did
make some confession before their sentence ; and because
if Bishop Doane be dismissed without trial or penalt}^ I
see not how a petition for the restoration of the same can
be refused, on such acknowledgment as they will probably
be disposed to make, especially since their reformation is
confidently believed.
'• 3rd. I cannot consent to take any part in the sin of
holding out a temptation to a fellow-being in the circum-
stances in which Bishop Doane now is, to add to his other
transgressions that of making a confession which is at va-
riance with his repeated asseverations during the last two
years, in order to escape a trial ; and I do not see how the
Bishops can consent to any participation therein.
" 4th. I cannot see how either the Presenters or the Court
can for one moment think of dismissing the accused, when,
though one of the charges in the presentment is that of
his excessive use of intoxicating drinks, the accused has
presented himself before the Court, at an early, as well as
374 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE,
later hour of the day, in such a condition as indicated by
his countenance, his breath, and otherwise, that the charge
was too true, so as to lead one of the Court to say that 'he
was not himself on a certain day,' and another, that he
was ' a ruined man,' and others, to complain of the offen-
siveness of his breath.
" With this protest, which I beg to be placed on the Re-
cord, I leave the responsibility with the Court."
"William Meade."
The result of the Committee's compromise with the ac-
cused appears in their report which was presented on the
12th day— Sept. 15th:
" The Committee appointed to confer with the Present-
ing Bishops and Respondent, to ascertain whether they
cannot come to some understanding which shall be mutu-
ally satisfactory, and also fully answer the purpose of jus-
tice, beg leave to i^eport, that upon consultation with the
Presenting Bishops, they found that no understanding
could be come to, of the sort contemplated by the Court,
the Presenting Bishops feeling themselves unable to with-
draw their presentment under any such acknowledgment
of error as the Respondent would be willing to make. The
Committee then conferred with the Respondent, who ex-
pressed himself quite ready to acknowledge, as he had al-
. ready done, to some extent, in open Court, such errors as
his conscience accused him of; the result of which confer-
ence was, the paper embodied in the preamble and orders
now submitted as the basis of a settlement of this vexed
and painful question.
" T. C. Brownwell,
" Jas, H. Otey,
" Leonidas Polk,
" Stephen Elliott, Jr.,
" GrEO. W. Freeman,
" Jno. Williams,
" JoNA M. Wainwright.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 375
" WTiereas, Yery serious embarrassments have been
thrown in the way of the action of this Court, first, by the
postponement of the trial of the original presentment, and
afterwards, by the decree and orders of the Court of Bish-
ops which assembled at Camden in October, 1852, and
continued its session by adjournment at Burlington, to
wit : —
" Whereupon it was decreed, that,
" Whereas, Previous to the making of the presentment
now before this Court, the Convention of I^ew Jersey had
investigated most of the matters contained therein, and had
determined that there was no ground for presentment,
therefore,
'• Ordered, That, as to the matters thus acted upon by
said Convention, this Court is not called upon to proceed
further.
" Whereas, The Diocese of ]N"ew Jersey stands pledged
to investigate any charges against its Bishop that may be
presented from any responsible source ; a7id whereas, a
Special Convention has been called, shortly to meet, in re-
ference to the new matters contained in the presentment
now before this Court, therefore,
'' Ordered, That this Court, relying upon the said pledge,
do not now proceed to any further action in the premises."
Which decree and orders have been pleaded in bar to
the trial of the presentment.
And, whereas. The Convention of the Diocese of New
Jersey has, through a Committee of its most influential
and honorable laymen, satisfied itself, that whatever may
have been the imprudences in word and act of the Re-
spondent, there was no intention of crime or immorality
on his part.
And, whereas. The said Convention stands pledged to
investigate any further charges which may be brought at
any future time, from any quarter, against said Respon-
dent, with fairness and impartiality.
376 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
And, whereas, The Diocese of the Eespondent is now en-
gaged in raising the sum of one hundred and thirty-five
thousand dollars, for the release from, all embarrassment
of St. Mary's Hall, Burlington College and Eiverside, the
surplus income of such property, when thus released, is to
be annually applied to the liquidation of the remaining
debts of the Eespondent.
A7id, whereas. The Eespondent comes into Court and
says :
" The undersigned in prosecuting his plans of Christian
education in connection with St. Mary's Hall and Burling-
ton College, found that the expenses of the enterprise
greatly exceeded his calculations, while the assistance on
which he confidently relied, perhaps too sanguinely, fell
altogether short of what he deemed his reasonable expec-
tations. In this condition of things, being entirely left
alone, and without advice, every step which he advanced
involved him more' and more deeply in pecuniary embar-
rassments. In endeavoring to extricate himself from these
embarrassments, he admits that he made representations,
which, at the time, he believed to be correct, but many of
which turned out in the event to be erroneous. He was
also led by his too confident reliance on anticipated aid, to
make promises which he fully expected to perform, but
which experience has taught were far too strongly ex-
pressed. He was also induced, for the sake of obtaining
money to meet his necessities, to resort to methods, by the
payment of exorbitant interest on loans, which he did not
suppose were in contravention of the law, and which com-
mon usage seemed to him to justify. He also, in entire
confidence in his ability to replace them, made use of cer-
tain trust funds in a way which he deeply regrets ; and,
although they have long been perfectly secured, does not
now justify.
" The embarrassments here referred to were followed by
a long, and well nigh fatal illness, which, withdrawing
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 377
him entirely from the business which he had carried on
alone, was mainly instrumental in the entire failure in his
pecuniary affairs. The perplexity arising from this failure,
with the protracted infirmity which followed his sickness,
made him liable to many errors and mistakes which might
easily bear the appearance of intentional misrepresenta-
tions. In connection with the assignment of his property,
he set his name, under oath, to an inventory of his goods,
and also, to a list of his debts, which he believed to be cor-
rect ; an act which, he grieves to find, has given rise to an
impression in the minds of some that he exhibited an insen-
sibility to the awful sanctions of the oath of a Christian
man. But, while he laments the impression, he declares
that this act was only done under legal advice, and in the
firm conviction of its correctness.
"Some time after his recovery from the illness above al-
luded to, but while he was still in the midst of his perplexi-
ties, smarting under his heavy disappointments, and
wounded by the imputations to which, in some quarters,
he was subjected, the letter of the three Bishops came to
him. He has no disposition to ascribe to them any other
than just and proper motives in thus addressing him.
But, at the time when he received the communication, he
viewed it otherwise ; and, under the strong excitement of
the moment, penned a pamphlet, parts of which he does
not now justify ; and expressions in which, in regard to
those brethren, he deeply regrets.
"In reference to his indebtedness, he now renews the de-
claration of intention which he has constantly made, and
acted on, to the utmost of his ability, thus far, to devote
his means, efforts, and influence, in dependence on God's
blessing, to the payment, principal and interest, of every
just demand against him — an expectation which there is
reasonable hope of having fulfilled, since a committee of
the trustees and friends of Burlington College, by whom
both institutions are now carried on, have undertaken an
378 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
enterprise which is nearly accomplished, to discharge the
whole mortgage debt; and thus secure the property at
Eiverside and St. Mary's Hall, with that of Burlington
College, to the Church forever, for the purposes of Chris-
tian education. And, this done, the trustees have further
agreed to appropriate, during his life, the surplus income
of both institutions to the liquidation of all his other debts
incurred by him in carrying on said institutions.
" That in the course of all these transactions human in-
firmity may have led him into many errors, he deeply
feels. He does not wish to justify or excuse them. If
scandal to the Church, or injury to the cause of Christ,
have arisen from them, they are occasions to him of mor-
tification and regret. For these things, in all humanity
and sorrow, before God and man, he has always felt him-
self liable to, and willing to receive, the friendly reproofs
of his brethren in Christ Jesus, and especially of the Bish-
ops of this Church.
'' G. W. DOANE,
" Bishop of New Jersey."
Ordered, Therefore, That the presentment before this
Court be dismissed, and the Ees]3ondent be dischkrged
without day.
The Committee likewise recommended the adoption of
the following orders :
1. That no order or decree of the Court in October, 1852,
or this Court, shall be taken to admit the right of any
Diocese to come between a Court of Bishops and the Ee-
sponding Bishop, after canonical presentment first made
by three Bishops.
2. That this Court believes the Presenters to have acted
in good faith, and in the desire and determination to carry
out the law of this Church in such case made and pro-
vided, in the painful duty which they have felt themselves
called upon to perform.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 379
The following communication was received from the
Presenters, and ordered to be entered on the Minutes :
To the Court of Bishops :
The Presenting Bishops, having been informed by a Com-
mittee of the Court, that a proposal is now under consid-
eration to dismiss the presentment upon several grounds
stated in a report of the said Committee, the chief of which
is a certain acknowledgment on the part of the Respon-
dent, do represent to the Court, that the exclusive right
of withdrawing the presentment, is with the presenters ;
that the only legal mode of disposing of these charges, by
the Court, is to try them by the evidence ; that the Pre-
senters stand ready with their evidence to enter on the
trial which they have contended for; and they feel them-
selves bound to ask that the Court will call on the Re-
spondent to plead guilty, or not guilty, to the presentment.
With this statement of the legal position of the Presenters
as representing the executive of the Church in this case,
the undersigned are prepared to abide by such action as
the Court may take in the premises.
Wm. Meade,
Chas. p. McIlvaine,
George Burgess.
Camden, Sept. 15, 1859.
'* The question being taken upon the acceptance of the
report of the Committee, and the adoption of the preamble
and orders annexed, the report was accepted, and the pre-
amble and orders adopted by the unanimous vote of the
Court, all the members being present and voting."
"Record of the Proceedings."
In reviewing, at the distance of twelve years, this de-
termination of the New Jersey case, it does appear most
unprecedented, uncanonical, inconsistent, unaccountable.
1st. That a Court constituted to try for crime, should
380 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
permit itself to tamper with the accusers and the accused,
and so unavoidably unfit itself for further proceeding if
the intervention should fail, is, in our judiciary, something
novel.
2nd. That a Court, acting under a statute, should as-
sume an office unrecognized by it, and counteractive of its
end, is uncanonical.
3rd. That a Court should pronounce the order of a pre-
vious Court illegal, and yet profess itself embarrassed to
decide how far it ought to be influenced and controlled in its
decisions, by such illegal order, is inconsistent.
4th. To permit a person indicted for crime to excuse
himself on the plea that the action was error of judgment,
and without criminal intent, is to mistake an explanatory
vindication for confession. And to accept such admission
as sufficient for discij)line, is — unaccountable !
A Court may receive a confession of guilt from the ac-
cused, but then it must be a confession of guilt in the of-
fenses charged, and not merely an acknowledgment of
well-meaning infirmity. The charges in this case were
crime and immorality. The Bishop makes no such admis-
sion. His promises he intended to perform. His loans he
hoped to return. Whatever he did, he did at the time
in good faith, though afterwards he discovered that, in
some instances, he had been too sanguine, and trustful.
Such errors he " deeply feels." There is no confession of
the offences charged in the presentment. The Bishop had
no idea of making it such. The Committee did not pre-
tend so to name it. One of the counsel for the Presenters
styled it " a confession of innocence," and it cannot be
more aptly described. That it was felt by the Court to be
no more, is apparent from the fact that it ordered that
" The presentment be dismissed, and the Eespondent be
discharged without day." No punishment — not even a
word of gentle admonition ! And all this with the remon-
strance of the Presenters — theii* declaration that they
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 381
were ready with their evidence to enter upon trial — and
their earnest petition that the Eespondent be required to
plead guilty or not guilty to the presentment now in the
hands of the Court.
The grave earnestness and steadfast purpose of the three
Bishops left no room to doubt the honesty of their convic-
tions, or the conscientiousness of their course. Neither
the gross insults heaped upon them on one hand, nor the
disappointment which they experienced on the other, pro-
voked them to resent the affronts, or to abandon the pro-
secution in disgust. The manly manner and Christian
spirit in which, to the last, they stood up to the painful
duty which they felt themselves called upon to perform,
rendered the order of the Court, declaring the belief that
the " Presenters had acted in good faith and in the desire
and determination to carry out the law of this Church!"
mere surplusage. How far the Presenters could' recipro-
cate the compliment, they were not afforded the opportu-
nity to affirm.
It is but justice to the Bishop Eespondent to record that
his bearing was bold — often defiant. His management of
the case was very able, and in close keeping with his
avowed purpose to maintain " the rights of his Diocese,"
and to protect his order, by " making the trial of a Bishop
hard." Notwithstanding the violence into which, under
the exciting matters involved he was too often betrayed,
even those who did not sympathize with his aim and policy,
saw much to admire in his address, and to strengthen
their wish that he would face his accusers, and clear
himself of the charges in the presentment. His firmness
never even seemed to falter, till he was meddled with by
the compromising Committee. The character of the mo-
tives which they vainly tried upon the Presenters, is dis-
closed in the paper prepared and read to them by Bishop
Meade. What inducements they offered to influence the
Bishop Respondent no one has revealed. A second and a
382 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
third application were requisite, before he conceded the
minimum which would be available as a pretext for dis-
missing the presentment — a concession which, though in
fact it scarcely stirs him from the spot on which he stood
and "challenged the world," yet, under the circumstances,
might be regarded by some, as a slight yielding to pres-
sure, that the Court might be able to let the presentment
pass away smoothly without discredit to themselves or
detriment to the Eespondent.
Throughout this sketch, the conduct of the Bishop of
New Jersey in resisting investigation by his Convention,
and in his action in reference to the proceedings of the
three Bishops has been freely censured; but, in regard to
the rumors and charges not a line or a sj^llable has been
penned expressive of a belief that all, or any of them, were
true. The Presenters held them all to be true ; but the
proof on which their convictions were founded never
passed from their possession, and even if it had, it might
have failed to convince others. Less, should not be said ;
more, could not be asked.
With regard to the Court, it was irreproachable, until,
perverted by a plausible spirit of compromise, it descended
from the bench to negotiate between the accusers and the
accused, and brought its business to a close by a determi-
nation more creditable to its sympathies than conducive
to its judicial reputation. Of this censure the writer appro-
priates to himself his full share.
The Presenters came out of the embroilment un-
swayed and untarnished ; and carried with them the com-
fortable consciousness that, though foiled by the delin-
quency of the Court, they had done their duty, their
whole duty, and nothing but their duty.
On subsequent occasions, the Bishop of Yirginia was
placed in official positions which required him to ignore
his honest convictions in connection with the New Jersey
case, or else, to do what could not but be painful to him-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 383
self, and offensive to Bishop Doane, and those by whom,
he was sustained. Under such circumstances he did not
allow himself to hesitate, or to compromise. He often
said to others " Stick to truth — it may get you into difii-
culty at first, but it will surely aud safely bring you out."
His action on one of these occasions and the considerations
by which he was governed, are stated in a manuscript
which he wrote fifteen days after the event.
"Notice of an occurrence at a Missionary Meeting in
Baltimore on the evening of the 13th of October, 1858,
written in Lunenburg Co., Virginia, Oct. 28, being the first
opportunity as to time after leaving Baltimore.
"At a late meeting of the General Missionary Society of
our Church in Baltimore on the 13th of October, 1858,
being the senior Bishop present and presiding, having ap-
pointed the committees that were called for, and, as usual
on such occasions, having omitted the name of Bishop
Doane on any of them, a brother Bishop arose, and after
speaking of his worthiness to be placed on some commit-
tee on account of past services, moved that he be added to
that on the Eeport of the Managers of the Domestic De-
partment. I immediately arose, and expressed my regret
that such motion had been made, as it imposed upon me
the necessity of saying something in self-defence for the
course I had pursued for some years in relation to this
subject — that I must under the circumstances of the case,
regard the motion as conveying a decided, though indirect
censure on myself, and that I was prepared to enter as
fully as might be required, upon a statement of the reasons
for the course I had pursued. The Bishop making the
motion rose, and declared that he had no design to cast
any censure on me. I replied that after all that had trans-
pired in relation to this matter, and which was well known
to those present, it must bear that asj^ect, and, if carried,
must have that effect.
" At this moment a lay member rose, and after some re-
384 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
marks called me to order, denying my right to do anything
but put the question. I replied that I had for a great
many years of my life been presiding over public meetings,
and thought I knew something of the privileges of the
Chair — and that I had never before heard the right of a
Chairman to make some remarks before putting a motion,
called in question ; and as this had a bearing on myself,
I should assert that right. The laymen then proposed to
the mover to withdraw it, which was acceded to, and the
Society immediately adjourned.
" The following is a brief history of my past action in this
matter, and statement of my reasons for the same :
" The attempted trial of Bishop Doane for the second time,
and the dismissal of the case, on the ground of some par-
tial confession, took place just before the G-eneral Conven-
tion of 1853. It was hoped that after so humiliating a
confession as he was obliged to make in order to escape a
trial, and all that was injurious to the Church in what had
occurred, and what had been published to the world, that
he would not attend that Convention. The Presenters
were told, in order to induce their acquiescence in the dis-
missal of the case, that he was humble and penitent, and
would henceforth bear himself meekly and modestly, and
retire from public notice. He did, however, attend that
Convention, where not only the Bishops, clergy and laity
of our Church were assembled in great numbers from all
parts of our land, but to which Bishops and clergy of our
mother Church from England and Canada had come on
matters of deep concernment, and there was deep mortifi-
cation felt that he should be present and prominent on
some public occasions. In the absence of Bishop Brown-
well from these meetings held on the evenings of certain
days for missionary and other purposes, it fell to my lot
to preside and appoint the committees that were required.
I felt that to appoint Bishop Doane on any of them would
be most offensive and distressing to the feelings of num-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 385
bers of the best friends of religion and the Church, as there
were so many other Bishops present worthy to fill the
places to be supplied. I appointed them to the same in
the exercise of that discretion which belongs to every pre-
siding officer. For not appointing Bishop Doane, I was
censured by some, and Bishop Doane himself, in open as-
sembly, complained that I did not put him as Chairman
of the Committee on Foreign Missions, as he had hereto-
fore been. But, receiving the thanks of many whose judg-
ment and character I highly esteem, and having no reason
to believe that any change in the character of the Bishop
required a change on my part, I have continued to act in
the same manner in all those public meetings of the Gen-
eral Missionary Society which annually occur, and over
which I have presided, there having always been Bishops
enough present whom I deem more worthy to be on the
committees, and whom I had a perfect right to select.
" I do not deny the right of any body over which I pre-
side to adopt their own method of appointing commit-
tees, whether by ballot, by nomination, or by the Chair;
nor, when the nomination is by the Chair, do I question
the right of the body to add to the committee, or the pro-
priety of so doing, when the committee stand in need of
aid from one especially competent to render it ; but when
such addition is proposed under circumstances calculated
to call in question the right discharge of duty by the pre-
siding officer, and of course to reflect upon him as in the
present instance, I affirm the right of defence on his part,
in some explanatory remarks before putting the question.
I also remark, that when an individual thus rises and nom-
inates one to be added to a committee, he actually becomes
the chairman ; for such nomination is certainly an election ;
for it is so painful a thing to reject, that it will scarce ever
be done, no matter how niuch opposed to the nomination
the majority of the body may be. It is also well known
that some take advantage of this unwillingness to object,
17
386 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
in order to elevate some favorite, or effect some special
object.
" If I am asked whether I do not by this conduct in the
Chair cast some censure on my brother Bishops, who on
a certain confession of Bishop Doane dismissed the charges,
and left him in the position of a pardoned person, or of one
who has suffered the penalty assigned by his judges, and
has a right to all the privileges before possessed ? — I reply,
that such persons are not necessarily restored to all the
honors and privileges formerly possessed. We may refuse
to one whose previous guilt or present unworthiness we
suspect or believe, our society or confidence and respect,
though there be certain rights which belong to him. In
like manner, one in ofiice may use his discretionjn the se-
lection of such. The chairman of any body has no law
but his own judgment and conscience to regulate his selec-
tion of committees, though he will doubtless pay a due re-
gard to the opinions of others. I should be truly sorry,
even to seem to cast censure on my brother Bishops, but
I should incur the condemnation of my own heart, and of
One infinitely greater, were I to act contrary to the con-
victions of my own mind, in order to avoid seeming to dis-
approve their course. In dismissing the charges against
Bishop Doane, I have always considered and said, that
they were worried and almost forced into a measure which
was most painful to most of them at the time, and which
some of them have deeply regretted since, and, though the
Presenters objected to it to the last, they have never been
disposed to severity in their complaints.
" Being subject to evil reports and having opposed and
thwarted all attempts to investigate scandalous charges,
instead of following the examples of high-minded and hon-
orable men, who call for the strictest investigation into their
characters, I cannot feel that I am bound to confer an ofiice
on him, which for the time being is in my gift, although
in the performance of public services, I am bound to ad-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 387
minister the Lord's Supper to him, and in some other
respects to act towards him as to the other Bishops.
"In conclusion, I add, that in the course pursued under
the circumstances in which Providence has placed me, and
the responsibility resting on me as a presiding officer, I
have acted as one bound to remove, as much as in me lay,
some share of that heavy weight of odium which the in-
dividual in question has brought upon the Church, by
withholding such honor from him, as I lawfully could, in
the discharge of such office as has fallen to my lot — that
it might not be said, that the Church in her highest as-
semblies and most important meetings, had lavished her
choicest favors upon him."
MOVEMENTS FOR THE REMISSION OF THE SENTENCES OF
SUSPENSION.
From the first there appears to have been a settled pur-
pose on the part of certain Bishops in the minority to use
every effort to procure the restoration of the suspended
Bishops. This was to have been expected from their, no
doubt, honest persuasion that in each case the penalty
was either unlawfully imposed or unduly severe, or per-
haps both. The Bishop of Maryland had announced that
he "did not mean to cease his efforts until both the brothers
are replaced in the positions in which they once were."
(Letter from Eev. Paul Trapier to Bishop Meade.)
A memorial from the Eight Kev. B. T. Onderdonk, D. D.,
was addressed to the General Convention which met in
New York in 1847. The Committee to whom it was re-
ferred, in their report, which furnished a brief reply to the
considerations urged by the memorial, closes thus : " But
Avhile your committee sustain the proposition that the re-
mission of that sentence is a possible event in contempla-
tion of law, they deem it but justice to the memorialist,
and to the Diocese of New York to add, that they consider
388 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
the possibility of its occurrence so slender and remote, as
scarcely to afford a reasonable basis for future action.
"In conclusion, your committee respectfully recommend
the adoption of the following resolution :
'■'"Resolved, That the memorialist have leave to withdraw
his letter and memorial.
" All which is respectfully submitted.
"T. C. Brownell,
"John H. Hopkins,
"I. P. E. Henshaw,
"GrEO. W. Freeman."
Bishop McCoskry signed " as concurring in the resolu-
tions without taking part in the argument of the Com-
mittee."
When the question was put, sixteen Bishops voted in
the affirmative, six in the negative. The Bishop of New
Hampshire did not vote.
"With regard to the effort to effect the restoration of the
other brother, a manuscript of Bishop Meade furnishes
the following account :
" General Convention of 1847.
" Immediately on the meeting of the Bishops, after the
opening services in the Church were over, the first* me-
morial from Bishop Onderdonk of New York was read.
That laid on the table, Bishop Whittingham proposed the
restoration of Bishop Onderdonk of Pennsylvania, having
prepared a regular sentence for the purpose. Bishop De-
Lancey seconded it, saying that he had intended to do it
himself Bishop DeLancey urged its immediate passage
before we adjourned, saying that every moment's delay
was injustice to Bishop Onderdonk.
" I rose and expressed my astonishment at this whole
* It was a letter to the Bishops. The memorial was not presented till
the sixth day's session.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 389
proceeding, especially the haste which was urged, express-
ed my fear that this was one of those mercies which might
prove cruel to the object of its exercise and to the whole
Church, that no evidence of confession or penitence was
produced, and moved to lay the resolution on the table.
" On the following morning. Bishop Whittingham called
up his resolution, stated that he had made it his business
to go to Philadelphia to inquire into the case — that there
could be no question of his repentance and reformation,
that there was but one sentiment in the Church of Penn-
sylvania, and that was strongly in favor of his restoration.
" Bishops DeLancey, Kemper, Ives, and McCoskry fol-
lowed, each declaring that they had visited Philadelphia
and made special inquiry, and found that there was an
universal desire for his restoration — the latter saying that
the members of other denominations would, in the streets,
express their astonishment that such a man was still kept
under suspension. Bishop Brownell expressed his willing-
ness, under such a representation, to restore him to the
office of Presbyter. Bishop Whittingham expressed his
readiness to accept this. In opposition to all this, I rose
and still expressed my incredulity as to the main fact
stated, viz. : the universal wish for his restoration — that
I had seen two or three of the clergy of Pennsylvania,
since our adjournment, who expressed their utter astonish-
ment at the proposition, declared that it would come as a
surprise on the whole Diocese, and give great dissatisfac-
tion— that they scarcely knew of any who would not
grieve at it. I moreover stated that I was informed some-
time since, that in May last, various attempts were made
by^ome few persons to get up a memorial in his behalf,
but that it was an utter failure.
" Bishop Whittingham here interrupted me, saying that
he knew much more of that meeting than I did — that
there would have been an unanimous vote in favor of a
memorial, but for the fear in the minds of some, that an
390 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
act of justice to one brother might lead to an act of merCy
to the other. I replied that it was most strange indeed
that the Bishop's friends, met to ask an act of justice for
him, should be driven from that, and desert him, lest it
should lead to an act of mercy to another — that his friends
at that meeting would indignantly have repelled such an
imputation from themselves. I proceeded then to state
that the Bishop of Pennsylvania had scarcely made any
confession three years since, on which to ground a sen-
tence. Moreover, that if all the information which ought
to have been laid before the Bishops, in regard to his guilt,
had been so done, he would have been tried and degraded,
and not permitted to hope for restoration — that copies of
a printed statement of charges, signed by other clergy of
Pennsylvania, were put into the hands of one of the Bish-
ops to be given to all the rest, and other documents were
in readiness when called for — that such printed document
was never seen by a humber of the Bishops, and that in
order to judge of the propriety of his restoration these
documents should now be examined, in order that we
might know the extent of the evil report against him, and
reproach brought on the Church and religion. I therefore
moved that a committee be appointed to examine into the
propriety of his restoration, with power to call for docu-
ments, and summon witnesses as to the evidences of his
repentance and reformation, and as to the general desire
for his restoration.
" The motion was adopted, and Bishops Brownell, Ives
and myself were appointed the committee.
" Other business and various causes prevented the meet-
ing of the committee. Bishop Whittingham called for. the
report several times, and said he was prepared to meet
any objections I could urge, and to rebut any documents
which could be brought, and that he had not the least
doubt as to the result. At length Bishop Brownell and
Bishop Ives called me, one day, to a corner of the room and
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 391
told me they had determined on the report which he held
in his hand, which was in favor of his restoration to full
Episcopal powers, and they read a sentence to this effect.
I expressed to them my surprise at their mode of proceed-
ing— that at my instance a committee of examination
should have been appointed, myself being one of them, and
that two of that committee should without calling me to
a conference, agree on a report, and merely show it to me
before its presentment, was altogether improper. They
replied that of course they expected me to offer a minority
report. I told them that was not enough, that the object
of appointing a committee was, that we meet and examine
documents and witnesses, and reason the matter, and see
if we could not come to gome agreement ; but, since they
did not choose that mode, I should draw up my own opin-
ion and sustain it. I accordingly drew up a report against
his restoration, stating six or seven objections at some
length, to be sustained by documents and arguments. I
presented this to them, and requested them to show it to
Bishop Whittingham.
" On the morning when the report was to be presented,
Bishop Brownell spoke to me, saying that Bishop Ives and
himself had agreed that if I would unite with them we
would report unanimously that ' it is inexpedient at this
time to restore Bishop Onderdonk.' I replied that I ob-
jected to that, because it seemed to say that it might be
expedient some time hence ; whereas, I believed it never
would be expedient. But, on being urged, I consented
for the sake of peace, and to avoid unpleasant argument.
" Accordingly the report was thus presented, but it did
not prevent discussion. Bishoj) Gadsden read a long writ-
ten argument in favor of his restoration. Bishop DeLancey
followed at some length. When he closed, I remarked that
it was my hope that only my silent vote would be required,
that I liad been led to believe that b}' assenting to the re-
port, all discussion would be avoided, and the whole matter
392 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
dismissed — that I was opposed to the report first drawn
up, and had drawn up a minority report, and that the com-
mittee had agreed to the present, on the supposition that
it would pass without debate ; but, as it was otherwise, I
should now proceed to deliver my opinion, and as a basis
would read my minority report. This being done, I pro-
ceeded to sustain it by documents in my hand, consisting
of letters from different clergy in Pennsylvania, protesting
against restoration as a measure unthought of, and unasked
for, and, as they believed, contrary to the wishes of the
great body of the clergy and laity; and also, by the printed
document referred to above, and signed by sixty-eight of
the clergy of Pennsylvania. I began with the latter, but
no sooner had I taken it in hand, when Eishop Whitting-
ham objected to its being read, as out of order, because re-
ferring to things occurring before his suspension. Bishop
McCoskry said nobody knew that it was genuine — it might
have been raked vup from the streets. I maintained that
it was in order, and the Chair decided that it was.
" Bishop Whittingham appealed to the House. I pro-
ceeded to show that it was in order, but before I had
stated my reasons, a conference took place between Bish-
ops Whittingham, Ives, and DeLancey, and the whole pro-
position to restore was withdrawn by the mover, Bishop
Whittingham. Not, however, without his declaring that
the treatment of Bishop Onderdonk was ' ungodly, unmer-
ciful and unjust.' For this he was called to order ; when
he made some explanation, which, however, was to my
mind, and to others also, I am sure, entirely unsatisfactory.
He also moved that the whole matter be stricken from the
Journal, which was agreed to."
MINORITY REPORT OF BISHOP MEADE, REFERRED TO IN THE
PRECEDING STATEMENT.
" Report of the minority of the Committee on the pro-
position to restore the late Bishop of PennsylTania."
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 393
'' The undersigned is constrained to differ from the ma-
jority, and begs leave to state some of his reasons for so
doing, and also to request that the same may be inserted
on the Journal. ^
"He is opposed to the restoration —
" First. Because he has no evidence that, either at the time
of the sentence, or since, Bishop Henry U. Onderdonk has
ever made a proper confession of guilt, and been truly
humbled on account of it.
" Secondly. Because he believes that Bishop Onderdonk
was guilty in other respects besides that for which he was
suspended, the proofs of which were not in the possession of
the Bishops, as was designed by those who obtained them,
and which, had they been known, would probably have
led to his presentment and degradation.
"Thirdly. Because such scandal as had been resting on
the Church for so many years on account of his intemper-
ance, and his unbecoming conduct to ladies, cannot be re-
moved by a suspension of three j^ears. On the contrary, it
is believed that such vices as those imputed to him, and of
which, to a certain extent, he acknowledged himself guilty,
are of such a nature as to debar the guilty person from the
resumption of Episcopal or ministerial office.
" Fourthly. Because at the time of a meeting of the Con-
vention of Pennsylvania, sixty-eight of the clergy thereof
united in a printed statement of the great scandal produced
throughout the Diocese by his misconduct, causing the
same to be published, and* because fifty-one of the clergy
and fifty-five of the congregations of the Diocese, did, by
their vote in Convention accepting his resignation, (al-
though he endeavored to withdraw it,) show their full con-
viction of his guilt in the matters laid to his charge ; thir-
teen clergymen and five parishes only being willing to
allow him to withdraw it; and because there is no evidence
that any change has taken place in their opinions and
feelings which should induce us to believe that they would
17*
394 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE, ^
wish his restoration. On the contrary, from all the inqui-
ries the undersigned has been able to make, and from let-
ters in his possession, he believes that Bishop Onderdonk's
restoration would not only occasion great surprise, but
very general dissatisfaction among them.
" Fifthly. Because it would place the Bishop and clergy
of Pennsylvania, or any other Diocese to which Bishop
Onderdonk might remove, in a very embarrassing and
painful situation, and might lead to very unhappy discord
among the clergy and congregations, some of whom
might feel bound by respect to the action of the Bishops
in restoring him to admit him to their pulpits, while others
would be restrained by conscience from so doing. And
also, because in case of a vacancy in the Diocese of Penn-
sylvania, or the need of an assistant to the present Bishop,
the undersigned is confident that the Diocese of Pennsyl-
vania would not be willing to re-elect the restored Bishop
as their Diocesan or assistant Bishop.
"And, Lastly. Because, without the fullest proof of a
candid acknowledgment of guilt in the matters laid to his
charge, and an expression of heartfelt penitence, and an
humble petition from himself for restoration, the whole
community would condemn the House of Bishops for such
restoration, even if it could be brought to believe that re-
storation were proper, under any circumstances, after such
continued and disgraceful deportment.
" For these and other reasons, the undersigned must dis-
sent from the Keport of the Majority."
In the General Convention which met in Cincinnati in
1850, the eiforts for the restoration of the Eight Eev. H. U.
Onderdonk were renewed, and by the same parties and with
unabated earnestness. They were again successfully re-
sisted by Bishop Meade, for the following, among other
reasons :
" Because, 1. After such offences as led to the suspension.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 395
restoration would, under any circumstances, be of very
questionable propriety.
2. It would certainly be inadmissible, without satisfac-
tory evidence of repentance and reformation. No such
assurance had been received from the suspended Bishop,
and some who advocated his restoration stated none such
would be given by him.
3. Even if he should — if he were to appear before his
brethren and in the posture and with the language of a
penitent pray for restoration -j- though all had confidence
in his profession, and freely mingled their tears of joy
with his tears of godly sorrow — this alone would not be
sufficient to justify the termination of the sentence."
Discipline has other purposes besides the reformation of
the offender. It must be so administered as to express the
Church's abhorrence of the offence and her determination
not to permit it to pass unpunished — that so her own purity
may be vindicated — her members be deterred from evil
living, and her sacred offices be conducted by an irreproach-
able ministry.
That these ends had been already answered by this case
of discipline, there was no proof. The Diocese which had
requested his resignation, and from which the pressure came
for his suspension, neither originated nor countenanced
the effort for his restoration. There was no mistaking
this significant silence. To terminate the sentence against
this virtual protest would be to trifle with discipline.
The efforts which signally failed in 1847 and in 1850,
were successful in the Convention of 1853, which met in
Philadelphia ; for, though the Convention of the Diocese
expressed no wish for the restoration, it was now zealously
pressed by the Bishop of the Diocese and other residents
of the city, whose opinions were certainly entitled to much
consideration. A majority in favor of the j^roposal was
secured. After a suspension of nine years the sentence
396 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
was remitted, and the Eight Eev. H. XJ. Onderdonk was
restored to the exercise of the office and work of a Bishop
in the Church of Grod. The minority, among whom was
Bishop Meade, would be greatly misunderstood if it were
suj^posed they did not sympathize in the grateful relief af-
forded to a suffering brother, though effected by the act of
others, in which they could not conscientiously concur.
In the General Convention at Eichmond in 1859, the
restoration of Bishop B. T. Onderdonk was proposed, but
found little favor except with the Bishops who formed
the minority of the Court by which the sentence was im-
posed.
The preceding pages are designed to set forth, with as
much brevity as the nature of the case would admit, the
part taken by Bishop Meade in connection with the pro-
ceedings which have been narrated. For that agency, he
was, as has been stated, violently assailed, not only by
some of the Church papers of the time, but in a pamphlet
signed "A member of the Church," written by Horace
Binney, Esq., of Philadelphia. It is a very magisterial con-
demnation of the action of the Bishops in the suspension of
Bishop H. U. Onderdonk, as unjust, uncanonical and illegal
— a very bitter censure of the Bishops who declined granting
the application for a remission of the sentence in 1847, and
a specially sarcastic assault on Bishop Meade as the eccle-
siastical Jeffries of his day. To this " statement of the
case of Bishop H. U. Onderdonk," Bishop Meade published
a counter-statement in which, with his habitual modera-
tion, he corrects the offensive errors of his trained assail-
ant by an unpretending recital of the facts of which he was
personally cognizant, leaving the distinguished jurist and
his legal arguments to be attended to by Bishop Hop-
kins, who it was understood was preparing a reply.
Of Bishop Meade's " Counter-statement," Mr. Binney
published a " Eeview," which certainly did not excel his
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 397
" Statement," either in accuracy or amiableness. He re-
fuses to admit the Bishop's declaration that his personal
relations with Bishop Onderdonk had always been of the
most friendly character — asserts that the sole import of
the declaration was "to enhance the justice of his reluc-
tant severity," sneers at what he calls the Bishop's high-
toned and sublimated notions upon the subject of disci-
pline, of which he has given decisive evidence by being
the foremost man in every instance of judicial discipline,
either consummated or attemj^ted in this quarter of the
Church.
How utterly false this assertion is, the narrative renders
perfectly palpable. There were altogether but three in-
stances of judicial discipline consummated or attempted in
" this quarter of the Church." 1st. Bishop H. XJ. Ondcr-
donk's, with which Bishop Meade had nothing to do, till
placed on the committee to whom the matter was referred
in the House of Bishops ; and there is no evidence of his
action on the committee, further than to concur in the re-
port and resolution as submitted to the House.
2nd. Bishop B. T. Onderdonk's, in which, of the three
presenting Bishops, Bishop Meade was the last who agreed
to engage in the inquiry which led to the trial. His name
precedes the other two, simply because he Avas their
senior.
3rd. Bishop Doane's, in which, as the correspondence
shows, Bishop Meade was neither foremost in the pro-
ceedings, nor did he yield to the canonical requisition made
upon him, until he had endeavored, as far as allowable, to
excuse himself from the disagreeable duty. A very little
inquiry would have saved Mr. Binney from a misrepresent-
ation as unworthy of himself, as it was calculated to prove
injurious to the character of Bishop Meade.
But the temper of the Reviewer will be better appre-
hended by the annexed quotation from the same para-
graph :
398 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
" The psychological fact has been too often illustrated
to admit of any doubt, that such minds have very little
difficulty in driving the currents of the heart back to their
fountains, or in drying them up by the heat of conscien-
tious zeal, in a service which they deem to be their highest
duty, and rightly," if they understood it rightly. But
herein is the difficulty, that when the streams of mind and
heart become disunited, which our beneficent Creator
meant to run together to temper our feelings with wisdom
and our judgment with gentleness and mercy, then our
sharp and steel-edged minds, left to their own sway, with-
out the tempering influence of their better companion, cut
their way even to the bloodiest conclusions without re-
morse ; for remorse is in general but the biting back of
the heart's current into that untempered torrent that had
swept on to the end alone. There is no necessity of re-
ferring to Calvin and Servetus. Calvin was both a great
and good man. ' Luther, Knox, Cranmer had the same
sharp dividing mind, and at times drove it up to the head
in the bowels of humanity, with the same unrelenting
stroke. It was in a great degree the fault of their age. It
may be a personal fault in any age."
This extraordinary passage is cited, not because of any
peculiar* psychological truth or profundity which it ex-
hibits. The fact so elaborately treated, may be conceded
without adopting the philosophy by which it is cumbered.
Neither is it commended by its rhetorical refinement, for
from beginning to end it presents a tissue of mixed meta-
phor attributable to " the streams " of judgment and imag-
ination becoming disunited, and so leaving " the untem-
pered torrent " of the latter, " to sweep on to its end
alone." But these are irrelevant and minor matters in
comparison with the sad proof and illustration which the
paragraph affords of the very theory which its author ex-
pounds. It is better dismissed, with the single remark
that, its spirit is clear to impartial readers as the sun at
MEMOIR pP BISHOP MEADE. 399
noonday, obviating the necessity of a detailed notice of
the harsh charges and tart reflections with which the Ee-
view abounds. The corrective of the mis-statements is
amply provided in the brief history of the cases furnished
with this view ; and the arguments of the astute assailant
of the Bishops will be found satisfactorily disposed of in
'' a Letter " addressed by Bishop Hopkins of Yermont, " to
the clergy and laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
the United States," and entitled '^ the True Church Princi-
ples of Restoration to the Episcopal Office." .This remark-
able letter appears to have settled the legal questions in-
volved. Ko reply was attempted. It ends with an ap-
propriate testimony to the character and course of Bishop
Meade, which will afford a pleasing close to the painful
subject of ecclesiastical discipline.
" And now I close my humble labor in defence of the
House of Bishops. Much might be added, if I were in-
clined £o notice the many sharp thrusts of our adversary,
and especially his severe attack on Bishop Meade, my
worthy and widely reverenced brother of Virginia. But on
this field of remark, I shall not enter. My object is to
vindicate principles rather than men, and men only as far
as they maintain those principles which constitute the
praise and glory of the Church throughout the world.
" Bishop Meade stands in no need of defence from me.
His life is his defence, and I would to Grod that we could
all appeal to the same evidence with equal safety."
" Our learned antagonist, however, seems to think it
matter of reproach, that this eminent man has been the
leader in all the presentments against Bishops. But who
has a right to impeach the honesty of his motives, or the
utility of his labors, in this most thankless, and yet most
important part of his official duty ? Assuredly there are
thousands in our land who have cordially approved it —
while yet there might not be one amongst them all who
would have undergone the odium, toil, and trouble, of the
400 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
task. As to myself, I lay no claim to the Christian bold-
ness and fearlessness which it required. But yet, I should
esteem it an honor, far beyond any in my reach, if my
epitaph could say, ' Here lies the body of a Bishop, who
was distinguished beyond all his brethren for his zealous,
sincere, and consistent support of pure Church disci-
pline.' " (pp. 38-9.)
DOUBLE DUTIES, AS RECTOR AND BISHOP.
The duties which devolved upon Bishop Meade in the
double relationship which he sustained as Rector and Dio-
cesan were arduous, and not unfrequently so conflicting in
their claims as to render it questionable whether they
could both be satisfactorily discharged by one and the
same incumbent. If it could be accomplished by any one.
Bishop Meade, with his iron constitution, active habits,
and indefatigable energy, must have succeeded. His heart
was in both ministrations, and he was alike apt and meet
to perform either to the honor of God, and the edifying of
His Church. In one of the smaller Dioceses he would have
had no difficulty, but with a territory of 61,352 square
miles, and, at this period, few of the facilities for travel-
ing which present internal improvements afford, even his
herculean 'Strength and unsurpassed diligence were inade-
quate to the combined services. With the increasing de-
mands of the Diocese, the relinquishment of that office
which could be resigned^ was only a question of time, and
in due season it became matter of fact. This may seem an
inconsiderable change to be so seriously noted, and yet, if
the testimony of those who have experienced it be listened
to, it is just here that the most painful sacrifice is made
by the minister of a congregation who loves the work
which he leaves, to assume the responsibilities and devote
himself exclusively to the peculiar functions of the Epis-
copate. Outside the divinely -instituted family- circle,
there is no relation as sacred, refined, tender, and eventful
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 401
as that which is formed and fostered by the parochial
office and its various ministrations. The "good work" of
a Bishop has strong attractions to one who rightly appre-
ciates its high and holy services, of which none perhaps is
more alluring than the privilege of proclaiming the pre-
cious gospel to the crowds who congregate at the different
points of an Episcopal visitation, and under circumstances
which open a great and effectual door to the ambassador
of Christ. But even these special opportunities lack the
lively and affecting interest which attends the parochial
dispensation of the Word. If a Bishop preaches to the
many, he is to most of them personally a stranger. He
preaches, and passes on, ignorant of the reception given
to his message. If any have been impressed, he must
leave it to others to hear their anxious inquiries, and, with
frequent prayer and faithful instruction, disperse their
doubts, encourage their desires, and bring them to Jesus —
a process of deep and delightful interest, and productive of
a bond of most affectionate and enduring friendship.
These hallowed ties are constantly forming between the
faithful parish minister and his people ; but if he becomes
exclusively a Diocesan, he is unavoidably withdrawn from
the sphere where they originate, and from the intercourse
by which they are commenced and cherished. So, also, in
reference to the pleasing and profitable services of the
chancel — at the font, in connection with baptism, and the
catechetical exercises for the young, preparatory for the
renewal of their vows in confirmation ; at the communion
table, and in all the intimate and solemn converse which
precedes, especially the first approach — and then, in the
household visits to the sick, and the afflicted, and the dying
— even more salutary to the pastor than to those to whom
he ministers — all these blessed associations and services
by which he becomes identified with the most sacred in-
terests of his people, "rejoicing with those who rejoice,
and weeping with those who weep" — he must, if he gives
402 me]n:oir of bishop meade.
himself wholly to the Episcoj^ate, for the future forego,
and in doing so he sacrifices sources of religious and social
improvement and happiness, not easily over-estimated, and
to which, if he does not sometimes look back with trouble-
some desire, he must be better or worse than Bishops in
general.
Twice during his Episcopate, occasions arose which ren-
dered it expedient for the Bishop to resume the parochial
relation. In each instance the arrangement was prompted
solely by a desire to unite an important congregation, the
members of which could not concur in the choice of any
one else, but were unanimous in soliciting him to become
their Eector. And in each instance he continued in charge
until conflicting preferences were yielded, and the congre-
gation united in inviting a minister whom he commended
to their consideration.
Christ Church, Norfolk, and St. Paul's Church, Peters-
burg, were those favored with his faithful and very accept-
able ministrations for a season, and relinquished only when
the purpose for which he had accepted the rectorship was
satisfactorily accomplished.
During his connection with Christ Church, Norfolk, the
congregation was remarkably blessed — many became
deeply interested on the subject of religion, and large
numbers were at different times added to the Church.
The tone of religious feeling was decidedly improved, and
the standard of religious character elevated. .The churches
in Norfolk, and the Diocese at large, long rejoiced in the
happy fruits of that genuine revival, and the Christian zeal
and activity which it produced are still benefitting even
some of the distant missions of our communion.
On his way to his new field of labor, he addressed a let-
ter to Mrs. Meade, whose delicate health, and the inclem-
ency of the season, made it necessary for her to remain
for the present in Clarke County.
f
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 403
Steamboat Relief, Thursday, 14, 1835,
Dear Wife :
We left Baltimore this morniug, and are now under way for Annapolis,
where the Columbus is ready to convey us to Norfolk. This boat is called
the Ice-Breaker, and plies between Baltimore and Annapolis during such
a season as we now have. We hope to reach Norfolk some time to-mor-
row. I wrote to you from Washington, and this will go back in the boat
to Baltimore, and thence, I hope, speedily to you. We are all well,
and have met with no accidents. I cannot help wishing sometimes that
you were along, since we get on so safely and comfortably. Last evening
we spent our time agreeably in a private parlor at Barnum's great hotel,
having Mr. Henshaw and Johns aod Dale with us, for two hours after tea.
****** J hope my dear wife prays for me more ardently than
ever, now that I am about to engage in new and more arduous duties. My
mind is still the same as it regards the propriety of the step I am taking,
though I feel very deeply the pain of such a charge. I hope I am enabled
to say "the will of God be done."
Yours, most tenderly,
W. Meadb.
In his annual address to the Convention of 1835, having
reported his laborious visitation of the western part of the
Diocese, and some of the parishes in the vicinity of his
residence, he introduces a notice of his removal. " After
this I remained at home in the discharge of parochial
duties until the middle of January, when, in obedience to
what appeared to my mind a call from Providence, I felt it
to be my duty to accept the invitation of the large and in-
teresting congregation of Christ Church, Norfolk, to be-
come its pastor. .In so doing I distinctly stated to the
same, that I could not for a moment think of neglecting
any previous or higher obligation to the Diocese, and that
time and trial only could decide whether it be practicable
to perform my duties to the Diocese and to that congrega-
tion, so as to satisfy the reasonable expectation of both.
As to my prospects of usefulness in this new charge, I must
refer you to my parochial report. As one evidence, how-
ever, that I am not a little encouraged to believe that the
gracious smiles of our Emmanuel arc vouchsafed to the
04 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
people of this charge, let me mention that on Easter Sun-
day twenty-four persons were added to the communion,
and on the second Monday in this month ten others were
confirmed, with a view to the communion, when it shall
next be administered.'^ (Journal 1836, pp. 13-14.)
The same Journal contains his first report as Eector of
Christ Church, Norfolk.
" The Eector entered upon his charge the middle of Jan-
uary last, and was soon encouraged to hope that an un-
usual seriousness was taking possession of the minds of a
considerable number of his hearers. This was greatly in-
creased, and in many instances brought to a happy conclu-
sion, by some deeply interesting services, which were per-
formed during five or six successive days, in the latter part
of March. At that time the Be v. Mr. Mann, accompanied
by two esteemed brethren from Baltimore, the Beverend
Messrs. Henshaw and Johns, paid a visit to Norfolk with
a view of making collections for our Theological Seminary
at Alexandria. The Bector availed himself of the oppor-
tunity to have frequent religious services, with a view to
the spiritual interests of his congregation. In this he was
cordially supported by the Bev. Mr. Boy den, minister of
St. Paul's Church, and the Bev. Mr. Wingfield, of Ports-
mouth, whose congregations shared in the services.'^
'' Bishop Moore also came down from Bichmond, and lent
us much affectionate aid. Our services were continued for
six successive days, and were divided among the three con-
gregations. At an early hour of the morning, a goodly
number met together with the ministers, in one of the
churches, and by suitable services were prepared for the
large assemblies at the hour of eleven and at night. At
these meetings, besides the prayers and hymns, several
short addresses were delivered, well calculated to make
them interesting and profitable. The sermons, also, in the
after part of the day, were usually followed by short and
touching exhortations. An interest proportioned to the
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 405
zeal and sound judgment which was put forth on the oc-
casion, was soon awakened, and continued to increase to
the conclusion of the services. All who were present at
those exercises expressed themselves well pleased, and
hoped for the frequent return of them. The fruits thereof
have been such as to gratify the hearts of all the friends
of the Church. Concerning thirty persons who have since
made a public profession of religion, the minister, after
much intercourse with most of them, entertains the pleas-
ing hope that they have passed from death unto life. They
appear determined to answer the description of God's peo-
ple ; that is, to be " a peculiar people, zealous of good works."
The most happy effect seems also to have been produced
upon the old professors of religion. They have been stir-
red up to more zeal, and been made to remember the time
of their first love, and to do their first works."
" One evidence of an awakened interest in behalf of the
kingdom of Christ was furnished before the close of our
services, in the liberal subscriptions of four thousand dollars
to our Seminary. The Eector has seen other evidences, in
the readiness manifested by the congregation to engage in
every good work recommended by him.^'
To all his other cares there was now added the painful
solicitude on account of the declining health of Mrs. Meade,
by which he had been delayed in his attendance at the
General Convention, and prevented from making certain
visitations which he had purposed.
In the Journal of 1836, after detailing the official services
performed, he adds: "These labors being ended, it was
now time for me to return to the duties of that pastoral
relation which I had iindertaken toward the congregation
in Norfolk."
" On the first Sunday in November I entered anew on
the discharge of parochial duties in Christ Church. During
the winter and spring he was able to officiate several times
406 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
in Portsmouth and at " Old Point Comfort/' In reference
to other visits which he should have made to " the neigh-
boring congregations," he "states, "but it pleased Provi-
dence to forbid it by the continued and increasing indispo-
sition of my wife, whom I could not leave for the last few
months, without a sacrifice of feeling ^hich, I am sure, my
brethren would not ask at my hands. My time, however,
was fully occupied by the claims of the large congregation
which has been cast on my care, and also by some servi-
ces to the congregation of St. Paul's in Norfolk, whose
hopes and zeal I have endeavored to cherish, until they
can get some one to take the oversight of them."
To his impending domestic affliction he now alludes with
most delicate tenderness and submissive faith. "In the
midst of painful uncertainty as to the issue of that on
which so much of my earthly happiness depends, I have
been cheered not only by the unsurpassed kindness of
the people of Norfolk, but by the hope that my labors
among them have not been unblest. Since I have been
there, between forty and fifty have been united to the
Church, and, I trust, to the Lord ; eighteen were confirmed
on Easter Monday, all of whom then partook, and some
of them had before partaken of, the Lord's Supper. I hope
ere long to have the aid of a brother, who will shortly, if
the Lord permit, be clothed after the forms of our Church
with authority to minister among us.
"And now my brethren, as to the services which are to
be expected of me during the season upon which we have
entered, and which I have sacredly consecrated to Episco-
pal visitation, I am unabl'e to say more, than that I am in
the hands of God, to do with as He pleases. Perhaps, if
we are permitted to meet together again, I may have very
little to tell you of Episcopal duties performed during the
present summer. There are claims of a private nature
which may sometimes be permitted to take the place of
more public duties. Such claims are now pressing heavily
MEMOIR OF BISUOP MEADE. ,407
upon me, and I beg an interest in the prayers of all the
brethren and friends here assembled, that I may be ena-
bled, now and always, to do and suffer the will of God, in
the spirit of our once suffering and now exalted Saviour."
His parochial report of the same year, records the happy
effects of the recent revival. "During the past year a
regular Missionary Society has been established, whose
contributions are made four times a year. It is composed
according to the recommendation of the General Conven-
tion, of all the baptized members of the Church, whether
children (Jr adults. There are between two and three hun-
dred subscribers on this plan, and more than three hun-
dred dollars have been the fruit of this happy arrange-
ment. Nearly three hundred dollars have been collected
by the agent of the Episcopal Sunday School Union, for
the benefit of that institution. The Education Society and
Theological Seminary still share the generosity of the
members of the congregation. More than two hundred
dollars are annually given to the former — and those who
united in the subscription of nearly four thousand dollars
last year to the Seminary, payable in annual instalments,
have not, I am sure, repented of their engagement, but
will, from year to year, cheerfully discharge their obliga-
tions."
" During the last spring a pious member of our commu-
nion, Miss Susan Boudoin, who departed this life in the
triumphs of faith, bequeathed the sum of five hundred
dollars to the Education Society, and the same sum to the
Bible Society of Virginia, both of which bequests have
been faithfully and cheerfully paid by the executor and
heir, to the proper authorities. During the present spring,
a generous donation of a lot suitable for a lecture and Sun-
day School room has been made to the Church, by a female
member of the same. The value is estimated at three
thousand dollars. The sum of six hundred dollars has
already been raised for the purpose of its enlargement.
408 ' ^ MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
The Eector of this congregation has reason to hope that
a better evidence than any above mention^ed of the preva-
lence of a good spirit of piety in the members of the Church
is to be found in their punctual attendance, their correct
conduct, their love and harmony, their disposition to every
good work, especially their zeal in behalf of the poor, and
the children of the poor. For all this he desires to praise
Grod, and give all the glory to Him." (Journal 1836, pp.
27-8.)
In about two months after the Convention of 1836, the
prayers which he earnestly solicited in the close of the
Address of that year, were especially needed. Mrs. Meade
died on the 26th of July, at Edgewood, Hanover county,
and the heart of her devoted husband, so full of sympathy
in all the afflictions of his brethren, was again pierced by
its own sorrows. To this he appropriately refers in the
commencement of his Convention Address of the ensuing
year. " In presenting you with a statement of such labors
in the Lord's vineyard as I have been permitted and ena-
bled to perform during the past year, I may be allowed,
without improperly intruding domestic afflictions on your
notice, to allude to an event which has deprived me of my
best earthly friend, and the Church of one who was alive
to everything which affected her welfare. But few among
you are able to estimate the loss which I have sustained.
But if through God's abounding grace the bereavement
shall minister to my spiritual imj)rovement, and to the in-
crease of my labors for the advancement of His kingdom,
I shall then be enabled the mOre truly to say, " God's will
and not mine be done." That such may be the happy
result of my affliction, let me ask an interest in all your
prayers." (Journal 1837, pp. 6-7.)
The same Journal contains a record of the satisfactory
issue of his temporary connection with Christ Church,
Norfolk, — of the effect upon his own mind of the experiment
he there made, and of purposed policy for the future. " On
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 409
my arrival in [N'orfolk, I soon became happily confirmed in
the hope and belief which I had cherished for some time,
that in the Eev. Mr. Parks, who had for some time been
acting as my assistant, I had found a brother into whose
hands I could safely confide the charge of a congregation
which had been greatly endeared to my heart during a
pastoral connection of the last two years. I had been be-
coming more and more convinced each year, that it was
impossible for me, with comfort to my own mind, or satis-
faction to others, to discharge those Episcopal duties
which Bishop Moore and the Diocese wished at my hands,
in connection with any pastoral charge, especially with
one so large and responsible, as that of Christ Church,
Norfolk. I therefore determined to avail myself of the
present favorable opportunity and resign my rectorship,
and henceforth give myself entirely to the Diocese at large.
My resignation was immediately followed by the unani-
mous election of Mr. Parks, and subsequently by the choice
of Mr. Atkinson as his assistant." ***** <c j^
becomes me in drawing this communication to a close, to
make some allusion to my future plans for the more effec-
tual discharge of the duty of Assistant Bishop.
"On communicating to Bishop Moore my intention to de-
cline any parochial charge in future, and requesting his
advice as to the best disposal of my time, he expressed a
wish that I would hereafter consider the whole Diocese as
the field of my labors, leaving it to himself, of course, to
re-visit, as he might think proper, any of those parts most
convenient to him.
"On examining this extensive field by such lights as my
previous experience afforded, I found that to visit each
congregation in the Diocese and perform the Episcopal
duties required, will occupy about twelve months of unin-
terrupted traveling and preaching. Of course, to visit one
half of the Diocese each year will occupy six months, be-
sides those occasional visits which particular cases may
18
410 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
call for, and whicli may require two months more, leaving
only four months for those private studies which are in-
dispensable to prepare the mind for the right discharge of
the very high and responsible duties of the Episcopate.
"It is my purpose, by God's blessing, to adopt this course
for the future, and the congregations may henceforward
expect an Episcopal visit every other year, while God shall
give me ability to perform the service."
During the Bishop's sojourn in [N'orfolk the pressure
upon mind and body must have been prodigious. But
neither the magnitude nor the multiplicity of official ser-
vices made him unmindful of the unobtrusive charities of
private life, and the quiet offices of domestic and Christian
relationship. It is most interesting to observe, that when
the cares of the churches of the Diocese, and especially of
one of the largest congregations, were claiming his atten-
tion, he had the heart, and made the time, to consider and
discharge his duty as god-father, to children from whom
he was separated by several hundred miles. The following
letter, which may incite others to the performance of a
much neglected duty, was addressed to children living in
Frederick County :
Norfolk, February 4, 1835.
To my dear god-children, Archy and Roberta Page :
Although I am now a great way off, yet I do not forget those I have left
behind me in Frederick, not even the little children, particularly my god-
children— whom I am bound to think of more than others. I send each of
you a little book, which, though I have not read it myself, I am sure must
be good. If God should spare my life, and permit me to see you again
next Summer, I hope to hear you read in them. Now, my dear children, is
the very time for you to learn everything that is good.
"'Tis easier far if we begin
To serve the Lord betimes,
For sinners who grow old in sin,
Are hardened in their crimes."
By trying to be good and praying to God every day to assist you, you
will make your parents happy, and God Himself will love you, and take
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE, 411
care of jou, God has given you parents who care for your souls, and wish
you to be happy forever in Heaven. Many poor children have no such
parents to watch over them and keep them from sin. I hope that you will
both be great comforts to your parents, by becoming better and better
every year that you live. You must remember me and your cousin
Thomasia very affectionately to your papa and mamma, and kiss my lit-
tle namesake for me. Tell your papa I got my box safe and sound, and
am much obliged to him for all the care and trouble he took about it. And
now, as I have a great deal to do in this large congregation, I must finish
my letter. And may God, our good Father in Heaven, be very gracious
to you, my dear children, prays
Your affectionate god-father,
William Meade.
The same affectionate consideration for the young, with
faithful vigilance in warning them of the perils to which
they may be exposed, appears in a letter addressed to one
who had just matriculated in the University of Virginia.
It well deserves the serious attention of the college
student. Though of later date than the letter to his god-
children, it is in the same excellent spirit and finds its ap-
propriate place in this connection.
Millwood.
Dear T. :
By a letter from your mother I learn that you are a student in the Uni-
versity. I trust that you will prove yourself in all respects worthy of the
benefit afforded. I never think of a young person in whom I am
interested making his first entrance upon college life, without remem-
bering my own feelings at such a time, and the peculiar dangers to
which I was exposed, which, however, I was enabled to escape by
reason of the blessing of God on a good education. As each of my sons
went to college, I addressed them from my own experience, warning them
against the evils of a college life, and seeking to improve the advantages
thereof. A college life is either the making, or the ruining of youth ;
much oftener the latter, than the former. If he is idle, if his companions
are irreligious and dissipated, he had far better be at the plough or the
anvil. Instead of fitting himself for some useful and honorable profession,
he is unfitting himself for any respectable position in society ou earth, and
preparing himself, soul and body, to be banished with dishonor from the
presence of God and His angels hereafter.
Very much of the final and permanent result of a college life depends on
the first few weeks or months of the same. If we idle at the start, we shall
412 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
scarce ever begin to be diligent. On the same principle Similis-simili
gaudet, the idle will gather around us, and idlers are never as corrupting
as at colleges. Elsewhere, they may be comparatively harmless, but in col-
lege they must be wicked and mischievous, and more or less successful in
corrupting others. Youth is too full of life, and energy, not to be doing
something either good or ill. Hence, those who will not study books, are
apt to study cards, and be given to wine or strong drink. I hope I need
not warn you against ever looking at cards, or tasting anything intoxica-
ting. ''Touch not, taste not, handle not," is, I hope, your motto as to all
sujh things.
But you are not safe by only avoiding such things ; you must be active
in pursuing the contrary. Some young men are beset with the weakness
of wishing to magnify their talents, by studying as little as possible, or
seeming so to do. Such never rise to any distinction in life. God blesses
the diligent in all the departments of life, and never the idle. It is by the
sweat of our brow that God makes us to earn our bread. It must be with
us as with the painter, Nulla dies sine linece, as with him who runs in the
race, nee mora, nee requies. Sie itur ad astra. I could fill many sheets with
the testimonies of the wise and experienced on this subject. I hope you
will ever act on this principle. During your scholastic year, when a kind
of necessity was laid upon you to study, you have conducted yourself with
credit, and I hope will continue so to do, when the necessity is removed,
and you are at more liberty. Many who have done well at school under
much restraint, have dishonored themselves at college, by neglecting their
studies, and abusing the advantages bestowed on them by parents and
friends, or some public institution.
I hope, dear T,, that you will never by such neglect, or by any mis-
conduct, reflect discredit on your father's memory, or give pain to your
mother's heart. Above all, as you would secure the favor of that God
whose favor is life itself, I hope you will be faithful to your Bible, to private
prayer, to public worship, and to any duty which religion requires of us.
I hope you often see my son Richard, as your pastor and as your father's
friend, who will, I am sure, take pleasure in rendering you any service in
his power.
Very affectionately.
Your own and your father's and mother's friend,
William Meade.
DOMESTIC AFFLICTIONS.
It might safely be presumed, that one so eminent for
personal piety, and distinguished for ministerial ability, was
not a stranger to the divinely-instituted school where such
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 413
attainments are made, or to the sharp but salutary disci-
pline, by which they are nurtured. Shortly after one of
his severest afflictions, he transcribed into a small blank-
book which he had purchased for the loved one whose re-
moval he mourned, but which her rapid decline had pre-
vented her from using, those comforting lines from Cowper :
"The path of sorrow — and that path alone —
Leads to the Land where sorrow is unknown."
"With that path he became painfully familiar. He had en-
tered upon it early in life, and had been conversant with
many of its trials. He had buried father, mother, brothers,
sisters, and, though he was never bereaved of a child (his
three sons survived him) yet he heavily mourned the loss of
their beloved mother ; and then, after the lapse of nineteen
years of diversified experience, his heart was again lacer-
ated by the death of that excellent lady, who had become
a mother indeed to his boys, and to himself a devoted wife.
The sacredness of this sorrow, and the delicacy of the re-
lation with which it is connected, would retire them from
general observation, and impose a limit to biographical
notice. But in this instance, the afflicted has himself, from
high considerations of usefulness to others, as well as to
his own family, recorded his " Eecollections of two Be-
loved Wives," and, in doing so, has unavoidably disclosed
his own heart and bearing as a husband, and his experience
under the pressure of his affliction. A notice of this pecu-
liar narrative cannot, with propriety, be omitted in this
Memoir of its author. Though printed, it was not for
publication, but simply with a view to its being more con-
veniently distributed among relations, and those friends to
whom it might prove profitable. The circulation was in-
tentionally limited. The preface discloses the purpose of
the writer in recording the recollections, and the consider-
ations which, contrary to his original design, led him first
to introduce into his will a permission to print what he
414 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
had penned, and, subsequently, to have it printed during
his own life. The preface is itself so characteristic, and of
SO much interest, that no apology for its insertion here
will be required.
"When the following 'Eecollections' were committed to
paper — some of them more than thirty-seven years ago,
the others more than twenty-one — the thought of their
being seen by any eyes than those which followed the pen
that traced them, and those of a few near relatives, never
entered the mind of their author. During all the inter-
vening years they have lain in my drawer unaltered, and
just as they now appear, both as to language and sentiment,
except that in transcribing, some passages have been omit-
ted of too personal, too private and delicate a nature to be
exposed to public view. Perhaps some may think that
more of that character ought to have been erased ; and I
will not complain, if blamed for such an error. It has
been some years since the thought arose in my mind, that
not only my children, and children's children, but some
others, might be gratified and benefitted by their publica-
tion, when I shall be quiet in the grave, and beyond the
reach of criticism and censure. It was in an hour of sick-
ness, and when life seemed most uncertain of continuance,
that I introduced a clause into my will, leaving it optional
with my children to publish them when I should be no
more.
" But Grod has continued my life far beyond former ex-
pectation, and I hope has also made me somewhat less
sensitive as to either the praises or censures of men, and
more desirous of doing some good in such ways as are still
open to me, since others have been closed. I am more and
more satisfied of the obligations resting upon Christians to
do good by the use of their property and every other tal-
ent, during life, instead of postponing it until after death,
and leaving the uncertain execution of it to others. Some,
who might be benefitted by the examples set forth in the
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 415
following pages, may be beyond their reach by the time of
my death. I therefore, in humble dependence upon God,
determine to do at once what I find upon my hands ready
to be done. I here present to the mothers and daughters
of Virginia, two specimens of Christian character well
known to some who are yet alive. I am especially moved
to do it at this time from the apprehension that in too
many instances it is much needed — that with the great
increase of the female professors of religion, there has not
been an increase of true piety ; that on the contrary, there
has been a manifest falling off from the pattern set by a
number of those who, in the time of the first love of our
reviving Church, were bright examples of a strict, zealous,
and self-denying religion. I know that there are still many,
among the young and the old, who are found faithful ; but
are there not many, also, who cause grief by their mani-
fest disposition to be as much conformed to the world as
may be tolerated in connection with the profession of re-
ligion ? It is matter of lamentation that the love of dress,
of fashionable parties, of light reading, and idle conversa-
tion, has increased among those who have professed to re-
nounce all the pomp^ and vanities of this wicked world ;
and that there are so few who dare to be singular in rela-
tion to such things, and to be examples of a consistent and
devoted piety. Female education is now cultivated, in all
its branches at an expense unknown in former times ; and
yet, how few are the mothers who give to their children
the benefit of what they have acquired at such great cost !
I fear, also, that domestic economy and industry are not
on the increase, though I acknowledge with pleasure, that
after marriage, and becoming mothers and mistresses, many
of the young and pleasure-loving exhibit a marked im-
provement.
" In this connection, let me acknowledge that, in the
printing of these pages for private circulation, I have had
my brethren of the clergy partly in view. I would point
416 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
them to the deep experience of sin, and active practical
piety as evinced in both of those whose characters have
been sketched. I would ask whether we dwell sufiiciently,
in our public preaching and private intercourse, on the
necessity of a deep sense of sin ; whether we do not some-
times speak peace and encourage hope too soon, and thus
draw the only half-convicted sinner into an open profession
of religion too soon to show how superficial the work has
been ? Let me say to my brethren, on the authority of
not only these two cases, but of many others, during a
ministry of more than forty-six years, that our surest con-
fidence of perseverance and consistency must rest on a
deep, heart-felt conviction of sin, which may sometimes
continue for a considerable time and be a heavy burden,
before the Saviour is joy and peace to the soul j and yet I
do not hold that the experience of all on this subject must
be the same as to intensity and duration ; nor do I con-
found these convictions of sin with those nervous affections
with which some are afiicted, in connection with their re-
ligious exercises.
" If the following ' Eecollections' of two beloved friends,
whom I hope to meet in Heaven, shall rightly affect any
of those to whom they are presented, I am willing for the
sake of that good, to seem, in the eyes of some, to have
improperly obtruded myself, my private joys and sorrows,
upon the notice of the reader.
"W. M."
The early marriage of "William Meade to Mary, daugh-
ter of Philip ]^elson and Sarah his wife, has been already
noted. It was a marriage which gave great satisfaction
to all their friends, and, though both were younger than
is usual in parties to so solemn a contract, yet their then
bright hopes were not disappointed. " Few persons," he
states in his "Recollections," "eujoyed more of this world's
happiness than we did. It was indeed too much for us ;
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 417
at least it was for me. I thought so then and have known
so since."
Of Mrs. Meade's personal appearance he sa^^s, "She was
not beautiful in the worldly acceptation of that term, but
then she had a sweet and sensible and modest and loving
countenance." Her intellectual character and acquirements
were superior. "Her husband was never ashamed of her
in any place or company, or to hear her speak on any
subject lest she should betray ignorance or folly, as too
many do."
" She had, while young, been very attentive to the im-
provement of her mind, under the direction of her parents
and uncle ; nor did she, after marriage, cease to add some-
thing to her stock of knowledge. Her historical and geo-
graphical information was very considerable. Her taste
for the classics and poets was just and exquisite. Ah ! how
many happy moments have we spent together in reading
and admiring good poetry, true eloquence, and fine com-
position, when these were exercised upon worthy themes.
She was well acquainted with the French language, and at
the time of our marriage (herself at the age of eighteen)
she had advanced as far in Latin as most scholars do in
the academies, being better acquainted with it, indeed,
than the generality of those who are said to have learned
it. An amiable motive first induced her to undertake the
study of that language. Her father, being then in straight-
ened circumstances, was unable to send her brother to
school, and being much engaged on the farm, could not
himself do justice to him at home, and Mary determined,
by such assistance as her father and uncle could lend, to
try and learn each lesson before him, so as to be able to
instruct him in what she had first learned. Her genius
and industry soon enabled her to progress rapidl}" in the
study, and when we were married, she had begun Yirgil,
which we afterwards completed together, and read parts
of Grotius, Horace and Buchanon. Such a knowledge of
18*
418 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
languages, and of almost all the branches of polite litera-
ture, was a great temptation to her. The wicked one
sought to insinuate vanity into her mind, and sorely trou-
bled her. She complained against herself before God, and
her friends on earth, that she had been seeking that know-
ledge, not for the good of her soul, or the glory of her God,
but from earthly-mindedness. She was deeply humbled
under a sense of this, when she became enlightened by the
Spirit of God to see the deceitfulness and wickedness of
her heart. All this she learned to consider as loss, com-
pared with the excellencies of the knowledge of Christ
Jesus." * * * *
"And yet, my children, suppose not that your mother
was vain, or pedantic, in her manners or conversation.
None, I will venture to affirm, ever heard her quote a
Latin sentence (though she could have done it so often and
so well) except her husband. To but a few was it for a
lono: time known that she had learned it. It was accident
that discovered it to your father, a considerable time after
his engagement to her."
" Nor let it be supposed that she was wholly taken up
with literature. She was, from a child, trained up in the
knowledge of the Scriptures. I never yet met with one so
well versed in the Psalms and New Testament as she was.
What a help was she to her husband in the composition of
his sermons! I was scarcely ever at a loss for the chapter
of any verse, but she could supply me with it immediately.
The Psalms she could repeat throughout, for she had -read
them daily, almost from childhood. She was also the most
humble and affectionate child and sister in the world. I
remember, even after we were married, to have seen her
take her station, as she was wont to do, at the head of her
brothers and sisters, to repeat the catechism on the Sab-
bath morning to her father. Thus early, and thus con-
stantly, was she instructed in the blessed truths of our holy
religion."
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 419
Her exemj^laiy devotion to her children, and her judi-
cious and gentle manners with their servants are interest-
ingly described.
Her experience as a Christian, as a member of the
Church of God, to which the Bishop designed to give prom-
inence in the narrative, is thus related :
" Shall I speak of her as a Christian, as a member of the
Church of God ? I have said she was trained in the know-
ledge of God by the reading of the Scriptures, and in the
worship of God, by the use of prayers. From my first ac-
quaintance with her, or rather from the time of our mar-
riage, I knew she was regular and conscientious in the
observance of these means. Yet had I often to lament
that she did not have views sufficiently deep, and feelings
sufficiently strong in regard to the jDCCuliar doctrines of
the Gospel. I feared she had not known the desperate
wickedness of the human heart, and the necessity of a
greater change than she had experienced, to prepare her
for heaven. Each year, however, and each good book
which we read together, and each successive bereavement
which afflicted herself and family, seemed to deepen her
impressions, and to increase her endeavors after holiness.
In her vigorous effort after the one thing needful, it pleased
the Almighty to let darkness and wretchedness, and al-
most despair for a time rest on her soul. She underwent
one of those dark dispensations, one of those severe tribu-
lations, which God, in His wisdom, no doubt, sometimes
sends to prepare and purify the sinful soul for heaven.
She prayed always, and yet said she had no pleasure in
prayer. She read, but found no comfort in the Word. Her
soul was preyed upon by wicked thoughts. She would
not as formerly, approach the sacramental table. She took
no pleasure in the society of her husband, children, or
friends. She ate and drank but little, and wasted away
very much. On one thing only was she intent. Her hus-
band reasoned with her out of the Scriptures, and from
420 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE,
the experiences of those who had gone through similar ex-
ercises ; her friends agreed to unite in prayer for her, but
all seemed unavailing. My faith sometimes almost failed
jRQ. I feared, impiously feared, that the bruised reed would
be broken, and the smoking flax be quenched. I watched
over her with a fearful soul. I listened to her prayers and
complainings when she knew not I was at hand. I have
even taken her in my arms at the midnight hour, when
she was prostrate on her knees, and borne her to her need-
ful rest. J^othing but miracle could have supported her
feeble frame under such exercises, for she never complained,
and indeed was never sick. At length, that God who
by degrees brought her to rej)entance, in like manner
gradually soothed and comforted her soul. She returned
to her duties as mother, mistress and wife, which had been
in a measure neglected, and, to the last moment of her life
was the humble, faithful, self-denying disciple of the cruci-
fied Jesus. She never had that perfect assurance, that
rapturous foretaste of Heaven, which are granted to some,
but she had a good hope, and a faith which overcame the
world, and worked by love. The world was crucified to
her, and she to the world. Its pomps and vanities had no
charms for her. Higher objects were in her view. Duty
was her happiness. She was humbled to the dust. She
became more and more dear to him who witnessed all her
sorrows, and who has thus recorded them."
Of their domestic recreation, a j)leasing glimpse is given
in the following passage :
" How often when the weather allowed, would we, with
our two eldest boys playing round us, walk over our little
farm, rejoicing in its richness and abundance, and admiring
the woods and mountains which surrounded us ! How often
in our rambles would we pause to admire that piece of
woodland in particular which adjoins the house, or our
small fields, richly covered and beautifully blooming with
clover ! Her mind was formed for the most exquisite en-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 421
joyment of the beauties of nature, and I had just divided
to her for flower beds a part of our garden, and we were
tilling and planting and sowing it, when a messenger came
to call her to the cultivation of a garden of perennial plants,
and never fading flowers in Heaven."
After the account of Mrs. Meade's distress in connection
with her religious experience, the Bishop states that he
" did not see or know to what this violent and refining fire
was made to possess her soul. It was not for him to know
that it was sent to prepare her for an early death." Yet
he remarks that, " I was often overwhelmed at the thought
of the value of this beloved object — a thousand times have
I said, ' what if Heaven should take her from me ?' The
thought was anguish at first, but it became habitual, for it
often entered into my mind, being sent there by Heaven
to prepare me for the event." In commencing the record
of her decline and death, he writes : " Thou hast fulfilled
all Thy warning, God of truth. Fulfil also, oh, God of
mercy! all my hopes and desires of improvement. Fulfil
all Thy will in me."
The affecting narrative proceeds : " In the Fall of 1816,
as already mentioned, with a body much reduced by nurs-
ing our last child, she took a cold, which, after continuing
some weeks, was attended with other symptoms of that
disease which had within a few years been fatal to several
of her family. The usual means of checking the first ap-
proaches of the disorder were resorted to, and seemed
likely to be effectual. For a time our hopes revived ; but
a return of the same symptoms in the month of March,
1817, again awakened our serious fears. After a few weeks,
a physician was again called in. Never can I forget the
scene. Mary and myself were alone when he came. His
questions, her answers, his looks, his prescriptions, and
whole conduct were decisive. He left us ; and in a mo-
ment we found ourselves clasped in each others arms, and
embracing, as it were, for the last time, and endeavoring
to reconcile each other to the will of God."
422 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
"A choice was now given between a journey and voyage,
or a long and sickening course of medicine. We did not
hesitate, but determined to adopt the former."
About the middle of April, they left their home for the
South — journeying by carriage and steamboat to ISTorfolk,
and thence by water to Charleston, S. C, before reaching
which, the Bishop's "hopes were entirely gone." He
" feared they would not be able to reach land and find
some comfortable house in which Mrs. Meade might breathe
out her last. Heaven ordered it otherwise." "After spend-
ing a week in Charleston, and finding no benefit to her
from the air of that place, I purchased a carriage and
horses, and a horse for myself, with which we set out for
our home, at a distance of six hundred miles from it.
What a journey for such a frame ! Her patience, and
meekness, and resignation were remarkable throughout.''
" It was my office to bear her in my arms from the car-
riage to the houses where we stopped and back again."
"As her body weakened, her hope was strengthened."
"After a long journey, during which not an accident oc-
curred to delay us on the way, we reached our friends at
home. In ten days her journey of life was over."
• " During the night of the 2nd of July, I insisted upon
watching over her more entirely and exclusively than on
any other night, though I always spent my nights in the
same room, and near her side. She slept but little, though
she did not appear to suifer. At length I was overcome
with sleep, and my head sank beside her's. She put her
hand upon me, and asked if I could not keep myself awake.
Had she not a presentiment that she was soon to be called
and did she not wish me to be awake to receive her last
farewell?"
" Her words have often sounded in my ears like those
of the blessed Saviour to His disciples on the night before
His death : ' Could ye not watch with me one hour ?' "
" Just as the day dawned she called me to her side ; her
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 423
eyes, her hand, her voice, all said to me, ' I am going, Wil-
liam,' for by that name she always called me. ' I trust
you are read}^, my dear,' was all I could say. ' I trust so,'
was her answer. She asked for her parents. Through
mistake they were not called immediately. I believe she
asked for them a second time, when her father and sister
and some other friends came into the room. But she was
too far gone to speak to them. Life was expiring. It was
some comfort to him, that she died in her husband's arms.
He heard the last breath that left her lips ; he felt the last
pulse which beat in her veins. It was just as the glorious
sun arose, that her blessed spirit ascended to the realms of
glory, leaving below a most unworthy but fondly at-
tached husband, and three motherless boys, to mourn their
loss."
" Her remains were deposited in the grave-yard at the
old Chapel, where she and her husband had from their
childhood been accustomed to attend, and where the latter
had preached ever since his ordination, and where he con-
tinued to preach many years afterward." On a marble slab
which covers that sacred deposit, the following words are
inscribed :
" ' But Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not
be taken from her.' "
" A silent and loving woman is a gift from the Lord,
and there is nothing of so much worth as a mind well
instructed."
" If there be kindness, meekness, and comfort in her
tongue, then is not her husband like other men."
Of his second sorrow of like nature, no other narrative
is needed than that which is annexed to the second part
of the "Recollections" in the form of an Obituary, pre-
pared by his own hand. Whilst it commemorates the emi-
nent virtues and lovely spirit of the wife for whom he
mourned, it discloses the devoted affection and exquisite
424 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
tenderness of the husband in a manner which must elevate
him more and more in the estimation of all who appreciate
intense, intelligent and delicate love.
OBITUARY OF MRS. THOMASIA MEADE, WRITTEN BY HER HUS-
BAND FOR THE "SOUTHERN CHURCHMAN/' AT THE TIME
OF HER DEATH.
"Died, July 26th, 1836, at the seat of Dr. Carter Berke-
ley, in the county of Hanover, in the 41st year of her age,
Mrs. Thomasia Meade, wife of the Eight Eev. William
Meade.
" This event, though long and certainly expected by
many,' while only feared by some, will affect the hearts of
all who knew the deceased, with emotions not easily de-
scribed, nor soon to be allayed.
" There are some few among our poor simple race, who
seem by nature to be cast in so iSne a mould, and then to
be so highly polished and beautifully adorned, as to attract
almost irresistibly the hearts of all who come within their
reach.
" It will not be considered too much to say that such
was eminently the case with the deceased. Her mind, her
person, her countenance, her voice and speech, her gentle
manners, and affectionate disposition, her fine flow of ani-
mal spirits, and, above all, her pious feelings and habits,
all concurred to make her one of the most interesting and
perfect specimens of human nature which we are permit-
ted to see. There was indeed a kind of magic charm about
her, which immediately seized upon the affections, and
made her a favorite wherever she went, with whomsoever
she became acquainted. Even little children, attracted by
her smiles, would, as though by instinct, be ready to leave
their nurse's and mother's arms, to leap into her's. The
servants of every household which she visited, won by her
kindness, loved her at once and never forgot her. She was
always cheerful, always happy, and there was so much of
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 425
strong natural affection in her heart, that it seemed always
ready to pour itself forth, in words and deeds of kindness,
such as flowed spontaneously from her. There was such
a quick discernment of all the proprieties of life, such a
constant consideration for the feelings of others, that she
seemed in no danger of ever giving offence. Nor did she
excite an envious feeling in one human bosom, for it was
evident that the last thing she sought, was to be admired.
With a mind of the first order, and with a store of informa-
tion possessed by few of her sex, she was never guilty of
anything which even savored of vanity, or looked like
display.
" But are we not describing one of those pure spirits of
another world, to whom virtue and holiness are natural,
rather than one of the fallen daughters of Adam ? If any
be disposed to advocate the doctrine of native goodness
from this happy specimen, and to maintain that virtue
and natural religion, without penitence and faith, are suf-
ficient for Heaven, we hasten to inform them, that, how-
ever happy and amiable by nature, however high the order
of her mind, and great the elevation of her character, by
comparison with many others, yet, at an early period of
life, she was taught by the Spirit and Word of God, that
the very angels are charged with folly, and the Heavens
are unclean in His sight, and that, among the children of
men, 'there is none good, no, not one.' While in the bloom
of youth, and in all the gayety and sprightliness of her
heart, and loved and caressed by all her companions, she
was made to feel that she was a sinner, and such a sinner,
that for a long time her soul refused all comfort; her
pleasant food lost all its relish ; the merry song and dance
in which she delighted ceased to please, and were deserted,
and it was not until after much tribulation that she en-
tered that 'Kingdom which is righteousness, peace and
joy in the Holy Ghost.' Though she never for a moment
turned back to the world or felt a desire for its vain
426 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
amusements, yet she ever preserved her cheerful and
happy spirit, and her fine natural disposition and cultivated
understanding were all sanctified and rendered more use-
ful and interesting. She became the steady Sunday School
teacher, the active friend of every good work in the par-
ish, the strict economist in dress and everything relating
to herself. Her melodious voice and fine musical powers
were now entirely consecrated to the service of Grod ; and in
the social circle, and in the house of God, she was always
wont to lead this interesting part of the worship of Jehovah.
It has now been more than fifteen years since she
became the wife of the Eev. W. Meade, now assistant
Bishop of Virginia, at which time she took the charge of
his three children, whom she at once began, and ever con-
tinued to love, with a mother's fondest affection, and con-
scientiously sought, in conjunction with their father, to
train for Heaven. Concerning them, she would often say
during her life, as she did, most emphatically, in death,
that she could scarcely conceive how a mother could have
a stronger affection for her own children than she felt for
them. And they also, now in sorrow, ask whether it is
possible for children to feel more love towards the mother
who gives them birth than they have ever felt for her. —
In the relation of wife to a minister of God, she was a
pattern to all. His usefulness and her happiness were
inseparably connected. To have hindered the one would
have destroyed the other. A proof of this occurred
within the last two years, when he was suddenly and
unexpectedly called to leave a place rendered dear to them,
both by the society of many beloved friends and relations,
and a thousand tender recollections, in order to go to a
distant part of the Diocese — Norfolk. Painful as was the
thought of separating from so many beloved relatives, and
bidding adieu to a home so delightful, to go amongst
strangers, she hesitated not one moment, uttered not one
word of remonstrance, but at once made ready to go
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 427
where duty seemed to call. As usual, many and affection-
ate friends were soon gathered around, and in her new
situation she was, as heretofore, cheerful and happy. It
was not, however, the intention of Providence, that either
new or old friends should long enjoy the pleasure of her
society here below. God had a better place and better
friends prepared for her elsewhere. During the last sum-
mer she took a severe cold, which, accompanied by high
fever, so seriously affected a constitution always frail, as
to threaten her life. From this, however, she so far recov-
ered in the fall as to give good hope of a restoration to
her usual health. But a worm unseen had insinuated
itself into her vitals, and was there silently awaiting his
time to do the work of destruction. In the month of
December she was again attacked, and soon there was
reason to believe that the complaint was that insidious
one, which, while it is surely doing the work of death,
deceives with the promise of life. At once, though still
believing it not only possible, but sometimes even proba-
ble, that she would recover, she began to set her house in
order and prepare for death. Her language to one with
whom she often and freely conversed, was, ' I desire to
feel myself in God's hands, and to have Him to do His
will without being at all anxious about the event.' When
medicine and pain would allow, she was the same happy,
cheerful being as before ; always considerate of her
friends, and pouring forth the affections of her heart
towards them. Her gratitude to God was in continual
exercise. In the intervals of pain she would speak of His
tender mercies to her, and ask how it was possible any
one could be surrounded with more comfort and blessings.
With this theme she never wearied. God's mercies seemed
ever new to her. Could those in the full enjoyment of
health experience half the happiness in their health that
she did during the intervals of pain, how much would the
sum of human happiness be increased 1 All manner of
428 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
kindnesses from her numerous friends in Norfolk flowed
in uj)on her every day and every hour, and kept her affec-
tionate heart in constant exercise of gratitude towards
them. She often exclaimed, ' Surely there were never so
many kind people in any one place as in this!' But she
had a beloved mother, and a kind step-father, who had
been her j)hysician from early youth, and other dear and
near relatives who were not with her, and she wished to
die in the midst of them.
" In the early part of May, by the kindness of God, for
which she was always praising Him, she was enabled to
reach Hanover county, where that mother and those rela-
tives lived. The effort was almost too much for her ex-
hausted and emaciated frame. Scarce alive, she reached
the last stage of her earthly pilgrimage.
" But now, to the surprise of all, hope sprung up anew
in the hearts of her friends, and she herself, conscious of
a favorable change, began to think and speak of longer
life on earth. It was a short-lived impression. In a few
weeks the destroyer resumed his work, and slowly, though
surely, carried it on for two long months of suffering. She
was wasted to a shadow. ' All my bones,' she would say,
with Job, ' stand staring and looking upon me.' To find
one easy posture by day or night, was sometimes impossi-
ble. No murmur escaped her lips, but sometimes after
seeking in vain for relief in every varied posture, by a
silent flood of tears she would show the intensity of her
sufferings. And yet, even now, there were intervals of
ease, and occasionally some relish for food. And what
voluptuary ever enjoyed his abundant feast as she did the
little morsel which she could eat ? What man of health
ever rejoiced as she did in the comfort experienced in her
intervals of ease ? She was enabled, generally, at an early
hour of the morning, to read or hear a portion of God's
Word, and sometimes she would lift her enfeebled, though
still melodious voice, in the sacred song. She usually awoke
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 429
at the dawn of day, and was then in her best state of body
and mind. Near the house were some large and beautiful
forest trees in their most interesting state, where numbers
of birds collected, and made a sweet concert at that early
hour. Their notes were ecstacy to her ear and to her soul,
and she would choose that time to mingle the sounds of
her voice with theirs in hymns of praise to their Creator
and her Eedeemer. Xot many mornings before her death,
weak as she was, she sang alone two stanzas of Heber's
beautiful hymn,
'From Greenland's icy mountains.
'^ As death approached, her sufferings diminished, and, a
few days before the event, her power to suffer seemed to
be almost gone, and yet her mind was in its most perfect
state.
" On the Sunday evening before her death, some of her
devoted relatives from the neighborhood, thinking that
her end was near, gathered round her. She understood
its meaning well, and felt that there was cause for it.
About one o'clock in the morning, she assembled them all
around her bed, and spoke in such a manner as we would
expect a Christian, a wife, a mother, and a relative would
do on so solemn an occasion. She particularly spoke of her
dear boys, as she called them, and said that if it pleased
Providence, she would be thankful to remain until they
came, that she might see them once more. After this she
fell asleep. On the following day she revived a little, and
enjoyed food and the society of her friends more than
usual. It was not until ten o'clock on Tuesday morning,
that she felt her hour to be come, that hour for which,
during the preceding night, she had. often prayed, saying :
'Blessed Saviour, come and take me to Thyself;' 'Heavenly
Father, if it please Thee, take me to Thyself All her
most loved relatives and friends were around her bed, when
she told them that her hour was come, she was almost
430 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
gone. She took leave of them separately, calling first her
mother, her precious mother, as she often repeated, and
giving her a small present; then her sister and brother;
then the rest ; giving to each some token of love, accom-
panied by expressions of tenderness. After this, all were
requested to leave the room for a few moments, when her
husband approached to receive her last farewell. As he
leaned his head towards her, she put her arms around his
neck, pressed his face to hers, laid her hand gently upon
his cheek and forehead, as if to soothe him, and said,
' What a dear husband you have been to me,' spoke of their
former happiness, and their hope of meeting again ; told
him to give her love to her dear boys, declaring, as she had
often done before, that she did not know what to say to
them — she loved them so much; then sj)oke of the ser-
vants ; then enjoined him to give her love to all her dear
friends in Frederick and Norfolk. After this, she signified
her wish that her mother should come to her. Her mother,
with all the others came, and the room was again full of
pious and affectionate relatives. She then asked her hus-
band to place one of his hands under her head, to support
it, and in the other to hold both of her hands. This being
done, she said she would endeavor to sing a hymn, and
proceeded, in distinct and sweet tones, to sing :
' 0 Thou, from whom all goodness flows 1
I give myself to Thee.'
"Here her voice failed; but she said, *I will try again
presently.' But that voice was lost in death. At that
moment it was evident that the hand of death was upon
her. Her eye wandered. She busied herself for a moment —
not knowing what she was doing — in adjusting the clothes
about her neck and arms ; then her head sunk a little, and
the last struggle came on ; but it was a gentle struggle, and
as it proceeded, a number of sweet voices joined in the fol-
lowing hymn for a departing soul ;
' Happy soul I thy days are ended,' etc.
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 431
" A short time after this was ended, the pulse ceased to
beat, the bosom to heave, and the eye was closed forever.
" On the following day, her remains were interred in the
grave-yard around the Old Fork Church, St. Martin's par-
ish, Hanover, by the side of her aged grandmother, the
venerable relict of General Nelson, of Yorktown, Virginia.
" To lose such a friend, one so sweet, so pious, so inter-
esting, is indeed hard to bear ; but God's will (which must
be best) be done. ' Blessed are the dead which die in the
Lord.'
"How blessed the righteous when he dies 1
When sinks a weary soul to rest,
How mildly beam the closing eyes,
How gently heaves the expiring breast !
"So fades a summer cloud away ;
So sinks the gale, when storms are o'er;
So gently shuts the eye of day ;
So dies a wave along the shore.
■"A holy quiet reigns around,
A calm which life nor death destroys,
Nothing disturbs that peace profound,
Which the unfettered soul enjoys.
" Farewell, conflicting hopes and fears,
Where lights and shades alternate dwell !
How bright the unchanging moon appears —
Farewell, inconstant world, farewell !
"Life's duty done, as sinks the clay.
Light from its load the spirit flies ;
While Heaven and earth combine to say
How blessed the righteous when he dies."
The two letters which follow manifest a depth of feeling
both for his own and others' bereavement, not always
united with the firmness and force of character for which
he was so distinguished. The first is addressed to Dr .
Carter Berkeley, who, by marriage, sustained the paternal
relation to Mrs. Meade, and at whose house she died. It
432 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
bears date four years after her decease. The second is to
one of his grandsons, on the death of his beloved mother.
Petersburg, July 2, 1839.
My Dear Sir :
I wrote you a few days since, mentioning my unsuccessful effort to get
to Hanover last week, and my expectation to be with you and all our dear
friends on Monday, the 8th, on my way to Alexandria. Since then, I per-
ceive that the day of meeting is Tuesday, instead of Wednesday, as T had
supposed. This will prevent the indulgence of one of those gratifications
which my heart, sometimes, even in the midst of many high and holy
duties and pleasures, yearns after most earnestly. I love to look at the
place where the remains of my beloved wife are laid, and to be in the house
where she loved to be, and to see those who were so dear to her, I wanted
to have brought some little presents for Kate's children, and their dear
mother and grandmother ; but my happiness must be henceforth more than
ever in duty. Although I trust that God is making me more willing to
live for Him, and upon Him, yet my heart is sometimes sad at the thought
of the manner of my remaining life — that I shall probably be almost a
stranger even to my own children and children's children. May we all be
together in Heaven, is my comfort.
As I cannot come, I send something which I wish spent in a better man-
ner than I could have done it, in some articles of clothing for those dear
objects of my affection mentioned above. Love to all.
Yours, very truly,
W. Meade.
Mountain View, Feb. 29, 1839.
To my Dear Grandson. Dear Motherless Babe :
In times of old the name of Grandfather was scarce known. Father was
the only word. His children's children were his own dear children, living in
his heart. My heart tells me that it was natu*'s language, for how does
it yearn over thee, my child ; how it swells within me, and sends tears into
mine eyes at the thought of thee ! I feel as though my youth were renewed,
and all the affections of my nature drawn out. But there is one painful
thought that will enter — how little shall I be with thee, my child — how
seldom take thee in mine arms. Thou wilt scarcely know me, dear. Thou
wilt not love me, as a child his father — as thy dear father did, when a
babe. Even now, after seeing thee only for a few moments, I feel thine
absence, and the distance between us ; and my heart is aching for thee,
and I feel sadness come over me, because thou art so far away. If it be
thus with me, oh, what must be thine own dear father's feelings, at parting
with thee though only for a time ! Oh how can he tear himself away, after
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 433
having doted on thee for more than three months, in the presence and arms
of thj mother ! What shall sustain his heart when slowly and sorrowfully
traveling back the dreary road thy mother's corpse was brought? The
thought of thee and that dear mother shall rush into his soul. And when
he reaches that deserted home, enters that vacant chamber, once so blessed
with those so loved — when he looks upon that bed upon which she lay
and nursed thee at her side — that cradle in which he so often rocked thee,
and finds no mother there to answer when he speaks, no child to take in
his arms, and press to his heart. Oh ! what can keep that heart from
breaking ? God only. Thou wilt never know, dear, what a blessing thou,
and thy father, and I have lost. Oh ! how dear was she to my heart ! An
own and only daughter could scarce have been more so. I am told that
her mother, in her dying hour, as it were, bequeathed her unto me, that is,
she commended her to my special prayers and pastoral care, and have I not
ever felt ihe yearnings of a father's heart towards her? Thine own father,
dear child, loved her early, loved her long, loved her tenderly, and loved
her only ; and on the night of their espousals, as I clasped her to my bosom,
and called her my own child, I felt (and told her so) as if Heaven had re-
stored me one, whom thou canst never see on earth, my dear , in a
daughter who resembled her. How often have I looked forward to happy
days with my children and children's children, and sometimes have I
thought that perhaps, in the course of duty and of Providence, I might end
my days with them. But God is good and wise and gracious, and hath
dealt otherwise with us all. Dear has no mother below Heaven.
Dear , thy father has no one now to lie on his bosom, and thy
grandfather has lost a loving daughter, but still we all have many dear
friends. There are many who would gladly be tender mothers to thee, for
thine own sake, and thy sainted mother's sake, if it would not break thy
dear father's heart to part with thee, and God will make him to be both
thy father and thy mother, and thou wilt have friends most kind in every
one who Knew and loved thy mother. Oh ! that they may not be too kind,
cruelly kind to thee ! Let them love thee with their prayers, and nourish
thee with words of Heavenly wisdom, and make thee ready for thy mother,
when she shall come down to meet thee on the shores of Heaven. Even
now, may their holy charity begin. When she, who was as a mother to
thy mother, and who so loves to nurse thee, shall bathe thy tender limbs
in the pure water from the streams of earth, may her soul be lifted up in
prayer, that the purer waters of Heaven may be poured over thy soul. And
when she shall bind the needful raiment about thy little body, may her
prayer be, that thy soul may be wrapped in the robe of Christ. And when
thou art troubled, and she hushes thee to rest, may the prayer be, so let
his soul he calmed when the troubled waves of life pass over him.
I write thus, my child, because it soothes my heart when I think of thee,
19
434 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
thy mother, and my dear , thy father, and because I may never see
thee more. Should I be called away suddenly, as thy mother was, I leave
this as a memorial of my love to thee. Thy father or some other will read
it to thee, when thou canst know its meaning, and will tell thee that I am
gone where thy mother is, and that we will meet thee at the shore, and
carry thee to Christ. Farewell, dear child, and Heaven save thee from the
evil to come.
Thy loving grandfather,
W. M.
WRITINGS.
It may be conjectured that one who was so constantly
engaged in active parochial duties — in voluntary mission-
ary labors and in personal services in connection with the
general enterprises of Christian benevolence, would have
no time to supply the delinquency which must have been
occasioned by the irregular and desultory character of his
early professional studies — certainly none to aid in pro-
moting those important objects by means of the press.
And yet, he was through life a diligent reader of works
calculated to further him him in the Divine life, and to in-
crease his capability for ministerial usefulness. He was,
however, rigidly eclectic with regard to books, resolutely,
and with great discernment, eschewing all which were not to
edification, and happily appreciating both in religious and
secular literature whatever of real value he could command.
And as for his pen, he began to employ it for the benefit of
others, almost as soon as he was licensed to preach — first
in adapting the productions of other persons' and times to
the wants of his own people, and then by preparing and
publishing occasionally sermons and treatises upon subjects
suo-gested by his knowledge of what his parishioners needed
or the state of the Church required.
In a letter to the Assistant Bishop, he writes :
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE, 435
Millwood, Feb. 10, '44.
♦ **%***** <'i have been much confined this winter, now for
more than five weeks at home, so as not even to be at Church. A cold
toothache, and sore eyes have beset me. I have, however, not been idle
having written a very long criticism on Mr. Park's sermons, having thrown
into more form and written out my lectures on Pastoral Theology, most of
which were only in notes before, and scribbled something for the press. In
the Protestant Churchman are two pieces signed ' Senex on the Church Svs-
tem.' In the next Rscorder you will see one on Maurice's Kingdom o£
Christ. In the next S. Churchman and Recorder you will see two letters
over my name addressed to Bishop Hopkins and Bishop Onderdonk of New
York. Perhaps not merely those who difter from me, but those who agree
with me, may think I take too much upon me. I wish I could have coun-
sel at hand, and sincerely desire that any friend, and none more than your-
self, would honestly say, if they think it. A mere hint will suflSce to make
me retire.
"But I have felt that in these times, when some are boasting of all the
churchmauship, and seem disposed to take all the power, that any one has
a right to come forward and do a little in opposition. I am now getting
old and grey by comparison with most, even of the Bishops, and perhaps
may not live long to do anything for the truth as I see it. Under such in-
fluences I wrote the letter, which you will probably see next week.
" I feel very weak from confinement and study or writing, and, as soon
as the weather will allow, mean to ride about as much as possible, and get
all the health and strength I can for the Spring work. I go to the Semi-
nary immediately after Easter, spend three weeks there, and then proceed
probably on horseback, through Albemarle to Lynchburg.
"Perhaps you will wonder what I have said to Bishop Hopkins and
Bishop Onderdonk. I have thanked the former most heartily for his
pamphlet, and advised the latter to let his case be referred to the House of
Bishops next Fall, with a request to give him their candid opinion and fra-
ternal counsel about it."
The following are the letters referred to :
"to THB bishop of the PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE DIOCESE
OF VERMONT.
Right Rev. and Dear Brother:
"I have recently received, and with great pleasure read your four printed
letters to the Bishops and clergy of the Episcopal Church in these United
States, on certain points of doctrine and discipline now agitating our be-
loved Church in England and America. If it be lawful and expedient for
you thus to make known your sentiments, and seek to influence others to
adopt what you think most likely to conduce to the peace and welfare of
436 MEMOIR or BISHOP MEADE.
our Zion, and I can see no reason to the contrary, it may also be to one,
such as myself, conscious of inability to follow your example, at least to
take this public method of acknowledging the receipt of your communica-
tions, and to thank you most sincerely and heartily for them. I desire^
also, in this public manner, to do what I have done in private, that is, to
render thanks to the Giver of all grace, that he has granted to you the
talents, the learning, the opportunity, and, above all, the spirit, to per-
form the task you have undertaken, in so able, so learned, so judicious,
temperate and courteous a manner as must ensure the respect of the can-
did, the wise and pious, even though some of them may not in everything
agree with you. You have set an example to those who write on disputed
points, of a candor which enters into the feelings and prejudices of both
parties, and makes all due allowance for their influence over the judg-
ment, while at the same time you are entirely free from the weakness of
indecorous reserve or ambiguity — prevailing errors of our day.
"You have done what it seems to me the Bishops and clergy in their
several degrees and stations are now Imperatively called on to do, in such
manner as may seem most suitable — that is — in reference to the doubts,
which are but too prevalent, and the questions that are continually asked,
to assert in terms not to be misunderstood, the Protestant character of our
Church, in opposition to all the glosses and perversions of her doctrine by
those who favor the party which, within the last few years, has sprung up
at Oxford.
"You have, as I conceive, set forth the true, moderate and Scriptural
views of our Reformers on th^ subject of the ministry, the Church and sac-
raments, in opposition to those extravagant ones which some very few, at
different times since the Reformation, have held, and which, I am persuaded
ever have been, and ever must be, injurious to the cause of true piety
within our Church, and opposed to her outward extension.
"Thus estimating your letters, I rejoice in their publication, and most
heartily recommend them to any with whom my opinion may have the
slightest weight, especially to my brethren -of the clergy and laity in
Virginia.
"It may not be amiss to add, that I have not extended my remarks to
the suggestions in your fourth letter as to some Court of appeal in the
General Church — a subject worthy of serious consideration by the wisdom
of our triennial assembly, and on which I should be unwilling to express,
or even to form an opinion without full examination. In relation to what
may be considered as almost a new order in the Church — an order increas-
ing in numbers and influence — I mean the editors of our religious news-
papers, I much doubt whether any plan — such as you hint at — can be
devised for restraining them or their contributors from making an ill-use,
at times, of the power of the press, without producing greater evil. If the
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 437
solemn TOWS taken at their ordination to "maintain as much as lieth in
them quietness, peace, and love among all Christian people" — if the fatherly
remonstrance of the House of Bishops, a few years since conveyed in the
pastoral letter written by the venerable White, or sainted Grlswold — if
their own responsibility to Heaven will not preserve them from bitterness
— from violence and misrepresentation, I know not what can avail. So
deeply do I feel the injury done to religion by the misconduct of some of
them in this respect, that were it for me to decide whether or not, every
religious paper of all denominations in our land should cease, or not, I
should be strongly tempted to conclude that their evil so out-weighs their
good, that we had better try some other method of circulating religious in-
telligence and commending religious truth, than those cheap weekly mes-
sengers, the vehicles alike of blessing and cursing, of error and of truth.
Such an experiment, however, being impossible, we must try and render
the established method as innocent and as useful as may be. Let those in
which truth is set for*h in the best spirit, be most encouraged — let the
Bishops use their influence in restraining the abuses of the press within their
Dioceses — let subscribers send in their private protests, and, if these be un-
availing, withdraw their names ; and, lastly, if the editors would only
follow the example you have set them in all your publications, but especi-
ally in those for which I thus publicly thank you, we might hope that the
press uniting with the pulpit, would be a powerful instrument for making
our Church a praise in our land. Praying that the divine blessing may be
vouchsafed to your labors of love, I remain your afifectionate friend and
brother in the Lord,
"William Meade,
" Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church in the Diocese of Virginia.
''Millwood, Feb. 3, 1844.
"P. S. — Tn what I have written above, I hope I shall not be understood
as reflecting unkindly on worthy men who either for an honest support for
their families, or for no pecuniary consideration adopt, this method of pro-
moting what they conceive to be right views of religious truth, or, that I
am unaware of the difiBculties of conducting an agency where so many are
to be satisfied ; and especially, of excluding from their paper communica-
tions containing some sentiments and expressions not approved by the ed-
itors. These difficulties should make them the more resolute in the d's-
charge of duty. They should let the contributors know that such communi-
cations, will either be rejected or corrected at the pleasure of the editors.
Unfortunately, however, the spirits of too many of their readers delight
most in personal, sarcastic, controversal pieces. Let truth be fearlessly
maintained at this time especially, but let it be in love. None have need
of more grace to avoid a wrong spirit than editors of religious papers."
438 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
LETTER FROM BISHOP MEADE OF VIRGINIA TO THE BISHOP OP NEW YORK.
Millwood, Feb. 8, 1844.
Right Rev. and Dear Sir :
The last mail brought me your circular to the Bishops of the Church, in
which by reason of some animadversions on your Episcopal act in the or-
dination of Mr. Carey, you invite a public trial according to the Canon for
the trial of Bishops. Will you allow me, in a spirit of friendship for all
concerned in this unhappy affair, to suggest to you and to them, what
seems to me a more excellent way of its disposal ? There seems to be a
very general impression throughout our Church and country, extending to
many who in our mother Church take a deep interest in our affairs, that at
our next General Convention, something will be done evincive of the sen-
timent of the Church on some matters now agitating its peace. I have
often been, both by letter and otherwise, inquired of, whether this may not
be reasonably calculated on, and is not very necessary ? My reply has
ever been that too much in this way, must not be expected of the General
Convention — that it has a most important, but difficult and delicate task
to perform — that is, to preserve the bond of union between the different
dioceses — to legislate on main points for the whole, so as not to interfere
with the rights of each part, producing alienation and tempting to separa-
tion. Controversal points must be kept as much as possible away from it.
With matters of discipline — that is, the execution of it, it has nothing to
do, for that would greatly endanger peace and brotherly love.
Still it is impossible but that in some shape or other, disputed points
will be discussed in the course of general legislation, and the prevailing
sentiment of the Church be thus exhibited. More especially will this be
the case with the House of Bishops, who in their Pastoral letter address a tri-
ennial charge to the Church on matters of chief importance.
My object in this communication is to suggest to you the propriety of
deferring all consideration of this question until the meeting of all the
Bishops, and then ask their candid brotherly opinion on the subject in dis-
pute. You will thus have the opinion — not of a selected Court, which
might be charged with prejudice or partiality, and thus be destitute of
weight — but of the whole body of your brethren, which will be given, I
am sure, not in the way of severe condemnation, if unfavorable, but of
brotherly regret and disappointment. As to myself, I have no hesitation
in expressing what, from the first, have been my views of the case. En-
tirely opposed to many sentiments, uttered at the time and since, by many
concerned in the transaction, as contrary to the principles of our Church,
I still regard it as a new case, coming unexpectedly and by surprise upon
yourself and others ; attended by personal and party considerations — in-
fluencing the judgment and feelings, and through them the conduct of
those concerned. Time was wanting, though I think it should have been
taken, at all events, for full consideration. '!£ ou acted, it is stated, by the
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 439
fidvice of two brethren in the Episcopate, and nine Presbyters, and not
witliout some hesitation. On all these accounts, however much many of
us may condemn the act, we must be disposed to appreciate the motives and
circumstances of the actor. As to the trial of a Bishop for this the first act
of the kind occurring in our Church, and under such circumstances, except
it be for the purpose of declaring to the Church and world our condemna-
tion of the act, I should be entirely opposed to it, especially when a far
more Christian and effectual method is open to us in the manner I have
suggested. Your own public call for a trial may be regarded as a voluntary
invitation to the expression of such an opinion by the assembled Bishops.
Meanwhile, I do not think it should be regarded as a matter of wrong, if
after the full public exposure of the whole transaction, and after each
Bishop has probably made up his own mind on the subject (though but few
of them are made known) any of them should feel constrained, out of duty
to the Church, and to meet the continual inquiries made, and charges al-
leged, to express themselves, so as to remove from the Church and them-
selves injurious impressions.
It appears to me that, in the peculiar circumstances of the Church, such
an expression of opinion would meet the general expectation and demand
as to the sentiment of the American Church on subjects now disturbing our
peace. I mean not to interfere with the rights of clergy and laity to ex-
press their sentiments as individuals or in Diocesan and General Conven-
tion, but only to suggest this as the mode by which the fraternal sentiment
and advice of all the Bishops may be had, rather than by impeachment and
trial conducted by a portion of them. As your circular is published in the
religious papers, I send this to one of them, for the consideration of those
who may be interested on the subject.
Praying that God may guide us in all our opinions, feelings and conduct
in relation to this and all other matters afifecting the welfare of religion and
our beloved Church, and that His blessing may rest on yourself and Dio-
cese, I remain your faithful brother in Christ,
W. Mkade,
Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church of Virginia.
The pamphlets thus issued are by no means of tran-
sient interest. If collected, as they certainly should be,
they would form several columns, and be an invaluable
legacy to the Church in Virginia.
His large works are,— 1st. ''Lectures on the Pastoral OJice,''
delivered to the students of the Theological Seminary, at
Alexandria, Virginia. The modest preface is sufficiently
descriptive to supersede the necessity of any other notice,
and too characteristic of its author to be overlooked.
440 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
''Had the undersigned any reputation as an author to
sustain, or were he ia pursuit of one, he certainly would
not publish the following lectures. Of the sincerity of
this declaration the reader will not doubt, when he shall
perceive how large a portion of the work, not merely as
to sentiments, but also language, is borrowed from others.
Although there is also much which is the result of the
author's own reflections and experience, yet that is of so
plain and practical a character, and expressed ^ such
unadorned language, that no one will impute to him the
folly of expecting to acquire fame by it. Happily, how-
ever, for the cause of true piety, G-od has so ordained it,
that one ma}'' be useful to others without securing for him-
self any reputation for talents or learning. Diligence in
using the labor of others, and in exerting one's own
powers, however moderate, may effect something which,
with God's blessing, may be useful. Such is the only
merit claimed, and hope cherished, for the following lec-
tures. H^ * * * * Two considerations have led to the pub-
lication of the lectures at this time.
1. That the author might the better discharge his duties
to the young candidates, by furnishing them with a text-
book which they may carefully stud}^, and thus, by reliev-
ing him from the delivery of the lectures, enable him
more thoroughly to examine the class, and more freely to
expatiate on the subjects under consideration.
2. That if there be anything useful in them, others
might have an opportunity of profiting thereby.
To the favor of that Being, without whose blessing no
success can be hoped for, the volume is now humbly com-
mended.
William Meade,
Bishop of the P. E. C. of Virginia.
A learned medical professor remarked that he had read
these lectures with much interest and benefit, and thought
them more admirably adapted for usefulness to students
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 441
of other professioDS than the one for which they were
prepared.
2. " Old Churches^ Ministers^ and Families of Virginia.''''
—2 vols., 1857.— The author states that "In the fall of
1855, being solicited to furnish some personal reminiscences
of the Episcopal Church in Virginia, he promised two
articles to one of our Quarterly Eevicws, which have,
most unexpectedly, grown into two octavo volumes. He
was led into this enlargement, by the further solicitation
of friends, that he would extend his inquiries into former
times, and, by the discovery that there were materials not
yet lost to history, of which good use might be made." —
In 251'osecuting his work he succeeded in " the recovery of
many old vestry books, or fragments thereof" — found
much that was interesting in the old records of the State,
"now in a mutilated and mouldering condition in the
Clerk's office of various counties." Other documents were
furnished from old family records and papers, which would
soon have perished. He had inscriptions copied from old
tomb stones, and describes them and the old churches, or
ruins, after having carefully inspected them — in some
instances having them daguerreotjped for preservation.
And, in addition to all this, he procured from the archives
of Parliament, and of Lambeth, and of Fulham Palaces,
many important, deeply interesting, and hitherto unpub-
lished documents belonging "to the history of the State
and Church in Yirginia." Ko other man had the oppor-
tunities and facilities which he could command, for the
successful j)erformance of this work. The research, cor-
respondence, and various other forms of labor which it
required, were prodigious, and, if it had been his only
gift to his State and Diocese, entitle him to their great
admiration, and lasting gratitude.
3. " The Bible and the Classics," 1861.— The history of
this remarkable volume, remarkable for the great research
which it evinces, and as the production of a writer who
19*
442 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
liad passed his sovoiuioili 3'oai" boforo the work was com-
pleted, may be briefly gathered from his own statement :
""When a youth at school, studying the Greek and
Latin poets, 1 was, as doubtless other 3'ouths are. much
struck with the accounts there given of the heathen gods
and goddesses ; oi their visits to the earth and intercourse
with mortals; of the miracles ascribed to them; and
especially of their frequent assumption of the human
tbrm. 1 could not but observe the strong resemblance be-
tween some of their fables in the ancient poets and certain
things in the Old and New Testaments. AVhile noticing
this resemblance, I well remember that unbelieving
thoughts would sometimes enter my mind, in opposition
to the faith in which I had been trained, and that I was
tempted to say, 'perhaps all these marvellous things in
the Bible are false.' To the blessing oi^ God. on a reli-
gious education I owe it, that the impression was not an
abiding one."
'* When it pleased God more deeply to affect my heart
with the truth and imjn^rtance of our holy religion, and I
saw how many classically-educated youth oi^ our country
were disposed to regard alike the most sacred truths of
the Bible and the wild tables ot pagan writers, and how
much impurity was learned from the latter, I began to
divad the effects of a classical education, and to think
that more harm than good resulted therefrom. But, on
continuing and enlarging my reading with a view to the
ministry, and carefully examining the sacred Scriptures
and the heathen poets and mythologists. my mind was re-
lieved of this apprehension, and I became satistied that a
candid study and comparison of the same with the Bible,
would produce quite a different result. All my subsequent
examinations have only confirmed me in the conviction
that one of the strongest arguments in favor of all that
seems marvellous in the Bible may be drawn Irom the re-
markable resemblance between the marvellous in it and
MEMOm OF BISHOP MEADE. 443
the marvellous in the religious history and systems of the
ancient heathen world."
*' Who can question the importance of some work which
shall bring within a moderate compass a comparative view
of the leading principles and facts of the Bible, and of all
the false religions of earth, showing that the}' had the
same origin, but how, under the latter, men gradually
turned the truth of God into a lie, and came to worship
the creature more than the Creator, and at length were
given up by God fo all the abominations which abounded
in the heathen world,"
During '' forty years " he was engaged in the fruitless
effort to persuade some one either in this or the mother
country to undertake '' what he thought himself" ineom-
petent to execute in a manner worthy of its great import-
ance, lie adverted to it through the press, — spoke and
wrote to pious men, urging the subject on their attention;
but in vain. When in England he made a special visit to
the Kev. Mr. Faber, who has written so learnedly and
voluminously on the subject, to persuade him to condense in
a small volume, for the use of schools, the substance of
what he had published to the w^orld, but the years and in-
creasing intirmities of that venerable man and most useful
author forbade the attempt.
" Disappointed in all my efforts of help fi'om others, and
feeling that old age and infirmities might soon unfit me
even for the attemi)t at something which I had so long
deemed important, I hope that my presumption may not
seem greater than my zeal, if I make an humble experi-
ment myself."
In a letter to the Assistant Bishop, dated Millwood, Jan-
uary 26, 1859, he wrote :
"After attempting for forty years and more to get some
one in England or America to do it, I have at last begun
on my book, ' The Bible and the Classics,' which engrosses
my time and my thoughts. I think I can, in this and the
444 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
next winter, prepare a duodecimo volume of four hundred
pages, tract type, whicli will be of some service in Chris-
tian schools, having primarily in view our High School."
"1 have collected in these forty years about forty or
fifty volumes, folio, quarto and octavo, bearing on the sub-
ject."
In the list of books which he consulted during the ]3re-
paration of his book, he enumerates more than a hundred
volumes, a goodly proportion of them folios and quartos.
Extract from another letter, dated, February 15, 1859:
" I am in the midst of folios, quartos, etc., and my clothes
show much of their old dust ; but am deeply interested
in my work. About six hours a day I devote to it; I can
do nothing at night." This was owing to the weakness
of his eyes, to which through life he was subject. And
then, his general health had now become so impaired, that
he was liable to frequent attacks similar to that which he
alludes in the following letter :
MiLwooD, Sunday morn, April 10, 1859.
" My Dear Brother :
I had hoped by to-morrow's mail, to have specified a day on which
you might expect me, but Providence orders it otherwise, and 1 submit,
not doubting but that all is for the best. My cough is such that T cannot
utter even the few words of grace at table, without being certainly ar-
rested by it ; so that even if I were, in other respects, in a condition for it,
I could not propose to question the class. But besides this, I have now
been housed for four weeks, except little walks about the place on good
days, and am very weak and without appetite, and, of course, most lia-
ble, by any undue effort or exposure, to be made worse. Duty, therefore,
seems to require that I remain where I am as long as possible, and gain
the largest amount of health that Providence may think best to afford me.
I begin to fear that most of my appointments between this and Conven-
tion may be unfulfilled ; but I shall not despair, or withdraw them un-
til it shall appear indispensable. I shall still cherish the hope of being
with you and the class, at least the last two days of this week, for I am
very anxious to see you, and be with it a few days. I am very glad lo see
you are about to spend several days of next week in Fredericksburg. If
the weather permits, and I am able, I shall come to Mr. Lee's one day,
and you will see me out the next morning.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 445
I am somewhat encouraged to hope for improvement, from the fact that
last night, by the blessing of God on warm applications internal and ex-
ternal, I had a more comfortable night than I have enjoyed for some time.
These have been before tried, but without effect.
Love to your household.
Yours truly,
W. Meade."
It is difficult to imagine the resolution which, at his
advanced age, and Avith his many bodil}^ infirmities, not
only carried him through his regular services, as Bishop
and Professor, but determined him to attempt the prepa-
ration of a work requiring so much labor and research,
and to persevere to its successful completion. Xo one
would suppose that it had not been composed in his prime,
and as his agreeable employment in seasons of professional
leisure. It was, indeed, a striking fulfilment of the pro-
mise to the righteous — "He shall bring forth fruit in old
age."
- DEVOTIONAL AND OTHER PAPERS.
"What man knoweth the things of a man save the
spirit of man which is in him." But if the spirit of a
man has manifested what is in him by briefly recorded
meditations — written rules for personal government — and
has expressed his aspirations in written forms of devo-
tion for his private use, and if these drafts were evidently
penned only for the individual's own eye, the experience
so disclosed is a most reliable exponent of character. —
There are but few documents of this description in the
handwriting of Bishop Meade. These are found in three
little unbound books, of which they occupy but a small
part, and are penned in a manner so unstudied as, in addi-
tion to their own nature, to indicate that they were pre-
pared exclusively for himself There is, however, nothing
in them which it would now be improper to publish, and,
as they furnish a very interesting revelation of his mind,
and heart, and conscience, which may be instructive and
otherwise useful to many, there would be no excuse for
omitting them in this Memoir.
446 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
The first extract was evidently written immediately after
the heavy affliction to which it refers.
" This little book was gotten by me in Norfolk, for my
beloved Thomasia, the winter before her death, at her
particular request. She designed writing something for
me in it, but was too unwell to do it without pain.
" I will try and make a good use of it by writing such
things as may do my soul good.
" I have found peculiar comfort in my present sorrows
at her loss, and in my apprehensions for myself in the
future part of my life, by that promise of our Lord, ' as
thy days so shall thy strength be.' God will, in answer
to faithful prayer, comfort me, and enable me to honor
Him all my life, most assuredly ; that is, if the Gospel be
true — and it is true."
" Henceforth let me divide self from my heart, and have
neither love nor resentment but for others. I would be
no man's enemy, but the brother of all mankind. Nothing
now binds me to life but tlie desire to do some good, I
have nothing to do with this world, but as I am the in-
strument of good to others."
" Things in which I ought to be very particular and
conscientious :
1. In not exaggerating, but always being moderate in
language.
2. In all parts of my duty as guardian, in feeling and
speaking tenderly towards the mother and children.
3. In the judicious and liberal appropriation of my
property. Bemember Annanias and Sapphira.
4. In obtaining a command over myself, positively re-
fusing and turning away from things improper, though so
in a slight degree, thus acquiring a habit of self-denial.
5. In expressive silence, or speaking in love and to edi-
fication.
6. In the constant prayer, " Set a guard, O Lord, before
my mouth, and keep the doors of my lips."
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 447
7. In always remembering my high and holy office, and
what feelings, words, looks and deeds become me in it.
8. In a constant watchfulness against inattention and
wandering in prayer, public or private."
" In what state of mind I ought to be towards God and
man."
I ought to be " careful for nothing, but in everything,
by prayer and thanksgiving, make my requests known
unto God," ' learning, in whatsoever state lam, therewith
to be content ;' doing all the good I can during the time
being, and under present circumstances, leaving the issue
to God."
" E'en be content with God."
I would let nothing interfere with kind feelings to all
men, and yet not confound good and bad together.
" I would not be uneasy as to what may happen in
Church or State, to myself or family, but trust in Provi-
dence. ' The Lord reigneth.' * The right hand of the
Lord hath the pre-eminence.'
" Our bodies are required by our Lord to be temples of
jhe Holy Ghost."
We may know how pure and holy they should be kept
by seeing how clean and undefiled the temple was required
to be ; and, although beasts were slain and blood shed and
sprinkled, and the bodies roasted and boiled, it is said to
have been the purest place in Jerusalem,
Let us learn hence not only to keep our bodies washed
with pure water, and our persons and clothes neat and
clean, but honor our bodies as God's temples, by letting
no unclean thought lodge there ; by indulging no forbidden
lusts ; by no kind of intemperance in eating, drinking or
sleeping, or any other animal enjoyments, which might
defile the body, injure the soul, or offend and grieve the
Holy Spirit.
•'Through faith in the Son of God, and in true repentance,
448 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. .
I desire to go forth each day as Milton's angel bid our first
parents go forth from Paradise, "though sorrowing, yet
in peace, by reason of the promised seed.
'' ' The rule of not too much by temperance taught,
' In what thou eatest and drinkest ; seeking from thence
' Due nourishment, not gluttonous delight,
' Nor lose thy life ; but what thou livest
' Live well ; how long or short, permit to Heaven.' — Milton.
"As to my health and ability to work in my Lord's
service, I must take due care of them, and be content
with just as much as God allows. More might be misspent.
Eesolved to speak as little as possible of my infirmities of
body, or of my trials, or of my labors, or of my charities.
Instead of either thinking or speaking of them, let me
rather think and speak of those of others, or of the duty
of laboring and suffering for Christ."
"Eesolved to think and speak as little as may consist
with duty, of the faults of others, but when tempted to
do so, to turn to my own infirmities and sins."
" If it requires some time every day to wash and dress
ourselves, and adjust our clothes and persons, so as to be
seen of men, ought we to expect to adjust our souls and
prepare our hearts for God, and for the trials of life in a
few moments of hurried prayer ?"
" It is good to think of God as a Father and Saviour,
and call up all those feelings which affectionate children
and grateful rescued friends have."
" I will try in the future and never more be in a hurry
or impatient, but do present things well — take all things
as they come in a right spirit — enjoy present things, and
not put off happiness to the future. "All things are
yours, whether life or death ; things present or things to
come."
" Let me resolve on the entrance of each day, and the
setting down to each meal ; the taking of each walk or
ride j the commencement of any work, either of body or
\
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 449
mind ; reading or writing ; the decision of any question ;
the thought of any trouble — that I will be calm, consid-
erate, conscientious ; trying to do them right, as to God,
leaving events to Him, being happy and content myself."
The different forms of devotional exercises which follow
were specially intended for use on the morning of the
Lord's day. The first in order is headed —
" Confession of Sin. — " The sacrifice of God is a broken
spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O, God, Thou wilt not
despise."
" How shall I humble myself before the Lord, for my
sins and my corruptions? Where shall I begin with
those sins, which are more in number than the hairs of
my head ?"
After a particular enumeration in very strong language
of the transgressions and delinquencies with which he
charges and for which he judges himself, he closes thus:
" It must be grace that ' saves to the uttermost/ which
can avail for me."
" Supplication. — ' Ask and ye shall receive ; seek and ye
shall find ; knock and it shall be opened unto you.' ' In
every thing by prayer and thanksgiving let your requests
be made known unto God.'
O that the spirit of prayer and of supplication might
come down upon us ! O that I might have the spirit of
Jacob when he wrestled all night with the angel, and
would not let him go, except he blessed him ! Let me
wait still upon God, until He have mercy upon me. O
God, pardon my many offences which I still commit against
Thee and my fellow beings, knowing, and in opposition to
the warnings of Thy word, the upbraidings of my con-
science, and the voice of Thy Spirit speaking in my heart.
For His sake, who is our Advocate with Thee, forgive and
blot them out of Thy book. Let me have such a sense of
Thy pardoning love as shall fill me with peace and joy,
450 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
and make me resolve to sin no more, knowing that I am
accounted Thine.''
" 0 Thou who hatest iniquity with a perfect hatred,
give me to see the evil of sin, that I also may abhor it,
and be made to see and feel that it richly deserves what-
ever Thou shalt assign it as its due punishment. O for a
heart truly penitent for sin and ashamed of it, and hum-
bled to the dust on account of it. O that I could see it
as my Lord and Saviour on the cross saw it, as the angels
of Heaven see it, and as the demons of Hell feel it, that I
might hate it and forsake it."
O that the love and admiration of holiness might take
full possession of my soul ! O that I might be holy and
perfect as Thou Lord, art holy and perfect!"
Make me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within
me ; purge me with hyssop that my inward parts may be
clean. Wash me, that I may be all over whiter than
snow.
O for a more entire devotion to my God and Saviour,
an eye singly directed to heaven, doing all to the glory
of God, living, not for myself, but for my fellow beings,
seeking to bless them by extending the Redeemer's king-
dom.
O that God, by His spirit of love would drive out of
my heart the spirit of selfishness which is so deej)ly
rooted there, which is ever springing up amidst all my
thoughts, and mingling itself with all my actions, so that
I scarce know whether I do anything for the love of God
or man.
O for a calm and quiet state of mind which is entirely
satisfied after having done its duty, to leave all in the
hands of God, and never be uneasy at any disappoint-
ments.
O for more pure and ardent affection towards my fellow
beings, desiring and seeking their eternal welfare.
O for more undoubting and enlightened faith, clearer
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 451
and stronger views of the great doctrines of religion —
more knowledge and love of Jesus Christ, more depend-
ence upon the spirit of grace, more lively hope, more joy-
ful anticipation of Heaven.
" O for more self-command, and self-denial ; a better
government of my thoughts and feelings, all my appetites,
so that all may at once obey when my conscience, instructed
by Thy word, shall give its directions. ' Set a guard
before my mouth, and keep the doors of my lips,' that
nothing improper may ever escape me. May my tongue
bless God, and speak no evil of man, but rather speak in
love unto edification. May my heart ever abound in love,
so that my mouth may speak kind words without dissim-
ulation."
" O that I could ever feel what I preach, and thus speak
from the deep of my heart. O for the true spirit of my
high and holy office; a spirit rising above all trivial and
selfish considerations ; a spirit of holy zeal for God's
glory, of tender affection for all the brethren, a largeness
of soul towards the whole Church of God, and the whole
family of man. A spirit of candor, sincerity, firmness
and true courage ; a spirit of martyrs and confessors,
which is willing to spend and be spent, to live and die for
Christ's sake."
" O that Christ himself might dwell more and more in
my heart, that I were more intimately acquainted with
Him; that all my actions proceeded more from gratitude
to Him ; that my sermons and exhortations were more
deeply imbued with the Spirit of Christ, so that I might,
like the Apostles, know no other among men than Jesus
Christ and Him crucified.'^
" O that God would enlighten my mind to know what is
right, that I might be able not only to do my duty, but
to give an answer to them who ask counsel of me.
" O that I could live more as one who is soon to die,
preparing to meet my God by dying daily to things of
3 and living to those of eternity.
452 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
" O God, assist me by Thy grace to be more punctual and
earnest and particular in praying and reading Thy holy
word ; to be more watchful over my thoughts, words and
actions ; more given to meditation on holy subjects."
" Grant unto me a more tender and charitable heart to-
wards others ; one which hopeth all things, which covereth
a multitude of sins, suifereth long, and is kind,''
" O God, how near am I oftentimes to sin, seeing that I
have no power of myself to resist temptation. O be with
me in the hour of trial, and save me from disgrace and
ruin."
Intercession. — "Pray one for another." "The eifectual,
fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much."
O ! merciful God, who hast chosen to bestow Thy good
and perfect gifts, not merely through the intercession of
Thy Son, Jesus Christ, but even through the prayers of
poor sinful beings, one for another ; enable me with strong
faith and desire to come before Thee at this time, implor-
ing Thee, for our great Redeemer's sake, to grant the
blessings which I ask for those whose welfare ought to be
very dear unto my soul. O ! for that spirit which fell on
Thy servant, Abraham, when he took it upon him to speak
unto the Lord !
For my Children and Grandchildren. — O ! Heavenly
Father, since it has pleased Thee to grant unto Thy ser-
vant's children and children's children with immortal
souls, which must live forever in bliss or woe, first and
ever let me pray that Thou wouldst be a Father unto
them all, blessing them on earth, and providing a place in
heaven for them.
Keep them from all evil, especially from sin. Prosper
them in all their earthly pursuits just as far as may be
good for their never-dying souls. May they find favor in
Thy sight, and in the sight of all men.
Bless, especially, that dear son who is serving Thee in
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 453
the Sanctuary. Give him grace to be diligent in all his
preparations for the pulpit, and holy, zealous, faithful and
prudent in all his labors, and may many souls be his
wages.
And O! Grod of grace, hear me in behalf of that child
of many prayers, whose heart is yet unchanged. Send
Thy converting spirit into his soul, and save him ere he be
hardened in the ways of this world. Keep him from evil
communications, and lead him in the paths of righteous-
ness. O ! God, hast thou not one blessing more ? One for
this, my only child, who is yet living without a saving
faith in Thy dear Son. O ! for a speedy blessing from
Heaven, lest he be suddenly taken away from me, and
without hope !
For the Families of my Deceased Brethren. — And next, O !
God, let me pray for those families, who, by Thy Provi-
dence, have been bereaved of their chief protectors and
rulers on earth. O ! Thou Husband of the widow, and
Father of the fatherless, watch over and bless them all.
Give wisdom and firmness to the mothers, that they may
guide their children with discretion, and train them up in
the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Be a Father
unto them, and as they grow in age, so may they grow in
grace, and in the knowledge of Christ. Oh, save them
from the snares and temptations which are all around, and
especially, from evil companions. Give me grace ever to
feel for them and consult for them as though they were
my own children.
^^ For my God-Children. — And since I have united in the
solemn act of presenting unto Thee, O Lord, in the ordi-
nance of baptism, a number of immortal beings for whom
I am especially bound to care and pray, I do here most
earnestly beseech Thy blessing upon them. However
negligent others may be of them — do Thou send Thine
454 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
invisible Spirit into their hearts, and prepare them for a
contest with this world of sin. O ! may they have grace
to renew at an early age, their baptismal vows, and be a
comfort to parents, and friends, and blessings to mankind.
And may I have grace to perform all that rests on me.
" For the Church in Virginia and its ministers.
" O, Thou great Head of the Church which Thou hast
purchased with Thine own blood, since Thou hast been
pleased to h©nor Thine unworthy servant with a charge
of a portion of Thy vineyard, grant him the needed grace
to tend it, so that it may yield much fruit to Thine honor
and glory. Thou hast been very gracious to this once
barren wilderness — be yet more gracious, and bless it more
abundantly. May the care of all the Churches be ever on
my heart before Thee. May my trust ever be in the Lord,
to supply them with faithful ministers, and to bless their
labors. May I ever feel as a brother to each one, exhort-
ing, counselling and encouraging them. 01 God, let no
reproach rest upon Thy Church because of the unworthi-
ness of Thy minister or members. May they all walk
worthy of their high vocation ; fill them with zeal for
Thy truth and make them to abound in good works. May
brotherly love bind all our hearts together. Bless our con-
ventions and associations, and the visits of Thy servants
the chief pastors more and more. May this Diocese be,
deservedly, a praise to Thee among the Churches of our
land.
Bless our Seminary for training up faithful ministers.
May its teachers be filled with the Holy Ghost and with
wisdom. Put it into the hearts of more and more of our
young men to covet the work of the ministry. Draw to
Thy ministers should labor. Enlarge my heart in love to
all of every name, and of every character, and teach me
how to make the best use of all the talents committed to
my trust. Lord, what am I, or what my father's house,
that I should be able to serve Thee thus?
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 455
" For the whole Church and all Mankind. — Kor pray I for
these alone, but for all, by whatever name they be called,
throughout this land, and every land.
Bless the Bishops and other ministers of the Church, in
which Thy servant labors, in this, and all other lands.
May their souls be knit together in love and holy zeal.
May they agree in the truth of Thy holy word and preach
faithfully and live holily, and exercise the godly discipline
of the Church wisely and firmly. O! God, if there be any
who now do Thy work deceitfully, and preach not the
truth as it is in Jesus, show them their awful guilt and
danger, and let not immortal souls perish in their hands.
Thyself the hearts of parents and ministers in prayer for
such a blessing on the young. O ! that God would endue
all parents with more wisdom and firmness, that they
might command their households after them.
Bless all the citizens and christians of this State, and
make me an instrument of good, in every way wherein
O God, raise up faithful ministers for every part of Thy
Church in these United States, and when Bishops are to
be chosen to govern, may they be men of faith and zeal
as the apostles were. Look in mercy on our whole land,
but especially visit with Thy mighty power, the increasing
millions of the West. Increase and multiply among them
zealous and faithful preachers of the gospel, who may re-
buke vice, and resist the torrent of iniquity which is
sweeping through the land.
Bless our rulers with true wisdom from on high, and let
them be men fearing God. O 1 let this great people whom
Thou hast blessed above all lands, be a j^eculiar people
unto Thee, zealous of good works, a mighty instrument in
Thy hands for consummating all Thy glorious designs
towards our fallen race.
Bless all societies for the promotion of religion and vir-
tue, and the suppression of vice through our land. Let
them be wisely and zealously conducted, nor ever cease
456 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
their labors because of the scorn or ridicule of the luke-
warm and impious.
Especially bless all the efforts made for sending the gos-
pel into heathen lands, and to the fallen Churches of
Christendom. O ! for an increase of that zeal which first
preached the gospel throughout the then known world.
O ! for the spirit of martyrs and confessors, to animate our
souls in this glorious cause ! O ! for hearts of love to per-
ishing sinners, and souls of holy zeal for the glory of the
Lord! May the liberality of Christians be greatly in-
creased toward the heathen ; and the number of mission-
aries be multiplied a thousand-fold. Especially may the
efforts made by members of our Church in this land be en-
larged more and more, and the hearts of the people be
opened towards them.
Bless our dear brethren and sisters who are laboring in
foreign lands. May the abundance of Thy grace rest
upon them, and fill them with a joy and peace which will
comfort them under every trial. O! grant an increase to
what they plant and water, and may their labors be very
effectual in bringing about the happy period when all the
world shall call upon the name of the true God and Saviour.
O ! Let the time to favor Zion come. May the nations
which have forsaken the Lord return unto Him. From
the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same,
may Thy name be great among the heathen, and the
knowledge of the Lord cover the whole earth, as the
waters do the great deep. Thus, may Thy Kingdom come
and Thy will be done on earth, even as it is done in
Heaven. Grant it! O! God, for Thy Son Jesus Christ's
sake."
The preceding rules of living, and forms of private
prayer, affectingly disclose the noble Christian principles,
and the elevated devotion of the writer. And it may be
presumed, that no one competent to judge, can consider
what has been exhibited, without the highest admiration
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 457
of his religious experience and character, and true love
for the excellent grace of heavenly charity which ani-
mated his devotions towards God, and kej)t his heart warm
towards men.
DECLINE or HEALTH — APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT BISHOP
OCCURRENCE AT LAWRENCEVILLE CONSECRATION
OF SEMINARY BUILDINGS.
Few persons have been blessed with a more vigorous
constitution than Bishop Meade. This he never spared,
but rather imposed upon it, and sometimes to a degree
beyond what a reasonable regard for health justified. —
How he accustomed himself to endure hardness as a good
soldier of Christ, is related by one of his daughters-in-
law, who long formed one of his family at Mountain
Yiew.
"At the time I was married and came to this house, or
rather the old house, since burnt, his habit was to walk
miles between four o'clock, of a winter morning, and the
rising of the sun. Then to the family prayers with cheer-
fulness, and a hearty aj)petite for his breakfast. Once an
humble neighbor of ours asked me, ' Does the old Parson
walk and ride in all weather as he used to do?' I replied,
'Yes, he goes to Winchester by church-time, the very cold-
est Sunday morning.' She then remarked, 'The earliest
recollection I have of anything is of the Parson,^ as we
used to call him, then, 'coming in on his way to Winchester
to preach. My father lived on the road side ; he would say,
if the weather was cold, ' Make up a good fire, for the
Parson will be here to warm soon.' And sure enough, he
seemed to me, a little child, to come oftenest when the
weather was violently cold or snowing. He used to bring
us little ones apples in his big coat pockets.'
" I recollect stopping at a toll gate on the Blue Eidge
mountains once. The keeper of the gate asked Mr. M.
are you Bishop Meade's son?" On his replying in the
20
458 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
affirmative, ^' Oh," said he, '' then you must drink some of
my spring-water, for your father has done so for forty
years." The old man then said, " the Parson used to ride
on horseback to Alexandria, when it was too cold for any
human being to turn out." " Once he did it when the
mail rider was frozen to death on this very road. We
inquired of the Bishop whether this was true ? He said
* Yes, and I remember stopping to warm at that toll house
on my way.' ' It was to meet an appointment ; the sleet
was so heavy I had to protect myself by tying my silk
handkerchief over my face, and I would frequently take
it off and shake it.' ' I would not advise others to do as
I did, but I thought it right.' ''
Some years ago the last of February was made memor-
able by the deepest snow ever seen in our neighborhood.
After breakfast, (the storm over,) to our surprise the men
were brought and pieces of plank and timber were taken
into the garden, where the soft snow, which was very deep,
was shovelled out of the way, post holes dug, and a trellis
for the grape vines was put up before night, when the
rest of our neighbors were frightened and unable to think
of any work, beyond feeding the animals and keeping
good fires. Often would we think, after a whole day spent
out of doors on the damp earth in thin shoes, that 'an ill-
ness would follow, but he would escape with a headache
or cold, not sufficient to shut him up.''
Bishop Meade said that for a large part of his life it
was only by a sense of hunger that he knew of having a
stomach, and as to nerves, he knew nothing of their exist-
ence from his own experience. The various ailments
which would now be considered as different forms of neu-
ralgia, he was disposed to regard as imaginary, and when a
minister was given to complaining of fatigue from his pro-
fessional services, and to be economical of himself in his
ministrations, he was apt to think the infirmity more
moral than physical ; not so much corporeal feebleness as
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 459
indolence, which found no favor with him. But then his
own iron frame and nerves of steel were not impassible.
His hale constitution honored without remonstrance the
constant and heavy drafts made upon it, and allowed the
account to run on for a long time. At last, however, pay-
ment began to be exacted, and it was some five and twenty
years, with varying indulgence, before the final settlement.
He now learned what it is to pass painful days and restless
nights ; to have to spare himself in the work of the study,
and in the services of the sanctuary ; to be obliged to re-
cognize and accommodate himself to infirmities of which
in others he had been incredulous, and sometimes, per-
haps, impatient. He never, indeed, backed an inch beyond
what he was forced to surrender, and often by persisting
when he should have yielded, suffered and lost more than
was needful, till sad experience disciplined his brave spirit
to a right understanding of the policy proper for one who
is- partially disabled.
With the first serious impression of disease upon his
system, he adopted the opinion that his heart was organ-
ically affected, and referred all his ailments to this derange-
ment, which he expected would, sooner or later, suddenly
terminate his life.
Whereever the seat of his malady may have been, its
distressing influence extended to his nervous system
generally, and at times to his head, with a painfulness
that drove sleep from his eyes and interfered with his or-
dinary duties. Yet he persevered in his long and fatigu-
ing visitations.
In 1841, both his friends and himself perceived that some
intermission of his labors was indispensable, and in his
address to the Convention of that year, after a narrative
of the services which he had been enabled to perform, he
thus alluded to his own case :
" Perhaps it may not be improper to add that they have
been performed with less comfort of body than those of
460 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE
any previous period, and that at some times I have been
seriously admonished of infirmities which, except duly
attended to, might bring my ministry to a close at a period
earlier than might otherwise be. God has in times past
been truly gracious in giving me a readiness of utterance
which made the preaching of the Word and other services,
for the most part easy and delightful. During the last
twelve years, with the exception of that just ended, my
health seemed to have increased with the increasing duties
devolved upon me, so that with considerable comfort I
have engaged in the performance of ministerial duties,
more or less various, and extended during at least two-
thirds of the days of each year. This, indeed, was
actuall}^ required, in order to meet the reasonable wishes
and wants of the brethren and their congregations in re-
gard to Episcopal services, for such is the number and dis-
tance of the congregations to be visited in this large Dio-
cese, that even with the frequent services mentioned, I
have not been able to visit the congregations once in two
years. From my present feelings, I fear that should it
please Providence to continue my ministry for a number
of years, I shall scarcely be able to go beyond a triennial
visitation. By a more leisurely movement from place to
place, and by availing myself more of the aid of my
brethren in the ministry, I hope while life is continued to
render some service to our beloved Church in Yirginia.
During the present season I have before me four or five
months of duty which I am anxious to perform, and shall
postpone most reluctantly; but the wishes of relatives, and
friends, and brethren, coinciding with my own conviction
of what is due to Providence, induce me to ask of the
Convention a release from the same, or rather the post-
ponement of it for a season. Perhaps the relaxation from
eifort at this time, may strengthen me the more for the
performance of such duties as lie before me in years that
are to come.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 461
Commending our beloved brethren and friends to the
protection of Heaven,
I remain,
Your faithful brother in Christ,
William Meade."
Journal^ 1841.
The response of the Convention at the close of the Re-
port of the Committee upon the state of the Church :
" In fine, as our Eight Reverend Assistant Bishop, in a
state of health greatly impaired by his unwearied and ex-
hausting labors, is about to travel abroad in pursuit of
more vigorous health, affection and duty concur in prompt-
ing us to invoke uj)on him the Divine blessing, and re-
commend him to the special protection of Almighty God,
and to pray that with reinvigorated health and strength.
He may in due time restore him to his loved duties and
his Diocesan home.''
Just after the adjournment of the Convention, as he
was on his way North to embark for Europe, he received
the following beautiful note, with the gift to which it
refers :
Mount Vernon, May 23, 1841.
Will our honored and beloved Diocesan accept a staff cut from the tomb
of the Father of our Country? and, should weariness come over him during
his sojourn in a far distant land, let this be in his hand, and remind him
of his country, where so many affectionate hearts put up humble petitions
to God, for hl6 safety and happiness. And in his prayers for those he
leaves, will he sometimes remember
The Family at Mount Vernon.
On the first of June, at 3 P. M., he left Boston in the
steamer Caledonia. On the 14th reached Liverpool, hav-
ing made the voyage in "just thirteen days, lacking one
and a half hours, tarrjang ten hours at Halifax." He
was absent from the United States just four months, his
return being hastened that he might attend the General
Convention which met in New York the first Wednesday
in October.
462 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
During his absence he visited the principal towns, the
Universities, and other places of interest, both in England
and Scotland, not entirely neglecting Paris. In his ad-
dress to his Convention, after his return, alluding to the
partial services rendered, he adds : '' They have been fewer
in number than in any past year through bodily indisposi-
tion, which led me to ask (what was kindly granted) a
respite from labor during the last summer. I need not inform
you that the period of relaxation was spent in a visit to
the land and Church of our fathers. Having already, in a
few brief letters, published in our Diocesan papers, stated
the great kindness experienced while there, and the satis-
faction enjoyed in witnessing much that came under
observation, mentioning some facts which might not only
interest but edify my brethren and friends, I shall for-
bear the repetition of the same, except simply to advert to
the wonderful providence of Grod over our mother Church
in times past, and His great grace in making her what she
now is, in comparison with what she has been.''
The only memoranda of his "foreign travel" are found
in a small book with this heading, " This book was pre-
sented to me by my valued friend, Dr. Milnor, of ISTew
York, on leaving that city for England, on the last day of
May, 1841." Only two of the leaves have been used, and
on these the entries are so very brief and fragmentary,
that though they might aid the writer's recollection, they
communicate little of interest to a reader.
His reception by Bishops and other clergy and promi-
nent laymen was most gratifying. Wherever he went he
was cordially welcomed and hospitably entertained. He
greatly enjoyed his association with the pious and intelli-
gent ministers and members of the establishment, and
whilst he saw and heard occasionally what he did not
approve, there was so much to admire and love, that his
visit very much increased his appreciation of the " Mother
Church." One or two brief personal notices may be intro-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 463
duced without impinging the proprieties of social inter-
course.
"I heard the Bishop of Chester preach in the Cathedral,
back part of the choir, to a good congregation, on Sunday
evening at 62 o'clock. In the morning at 8 he ordained
fiftj^-two, only using the ordination service, the morning
prayer and communion being at 11 a. m. The Bishop
stood up while asking the questions, and did not wait for
them to kneel down and pray privately and silently at a
certain place in ' the ordering of Priests,' as we do, but
simply called on them to pray, and then said, 'Come Holy
G-host, Creator, come,' &c. Perhaps it was because there
were none but themselves to pray."
I took breakfast with the Bishop of Chester. He had
all the servants (ten) in (to prayers), each with Bible,
reading it with him. He read and expounded, for twenty
minutes, three chapters of St. John. No baptismal regen-
eration in his exposition. He spoke during and after
breakfast on Oxfordism — he, very decided.
Mr. Eaikes, his Yice Chancellor, a tall, fine-looking,
amiable mau — hope he will be a Bishop — examiner of his
candidates first ; then the Bishop three days, from nine in
the morning until ten at night ; intermission at dinner ;
pleased with the appearance of the young men.^'
"Mr. Faber, small man, like Hartwell Home. He ex-
pressed to me his views of tradition, very different from
the Tractarians. His provincial letters in the Churchman
considers the Tractarians as Jesuitical, and very unsound
in doctrine."
Mr. Faber, and all the clergy I have seen, live well —
high, I should say ; the English certainly eat and drink
more than the Americans can afford to do, either by
reason of our purse or health."
Among the many valuable acquaintances made during
his visit, none was prized more than the Eev. W. Goode.
Several of his admirable works, on the points involved in
464 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
the Traetarian controversy, the Bishop imported, and had
reprinted in this country. Their sympathy on this exci-
ting subject animated their Christian friendship, and led to
a correspondence which terminated only with the Bishop's
life.
On the voyage home a storm was encountered, so
violent, that no one supposed the vessel would survive it.
Some time after his return, one of his clergy asked him
how he felt when they were expecting every moment to
go to the bottom? Instead of the description of the
danger, and of his fearlessness and composure, which was
expected, his brief and quiet reply was, "You know I was
never nervous."
After his return Bishop Meade prepared for publication
in the Diocesan paper, several letters, in which he gives
his impression of the countries through which he had
passed, and the people with whom he had been associated.
His motive he states thus: I have been encouraged to
this by the consideration that as my brethren of the min-
istry and friends of the laity of this Diocese had kindly
consented to release me from the duties which would
have devolved upon me during the summer, in order to
the relaxation and benefit of the journey of which I am
speaking; I ought to hold myself a debtor to them so far
as to communicate any facts, hints, or suggestions, which
might, by G-od's blessing, be of use to them as a substitute
for the personal services relinquished."
It is to be presumed that these instructive and interebt-
ing letters will appear in a volume with other miscella-
neous writings. His preliminary remark, therefore, is all
that need be quoted: "Let me at once premise that I
return to my own county and State, Church and Diocese,
with all my attachments increased, on account of many
advantages which a kind Providence has bountifully lav-
ished upon us, but of which many of us are not duly aware,
and for which none of us are sufiiciently thankful. And yet,
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADi:. 465
at the Bame time, I return with a heart more disposed than
ever to love and venerate the land and Church of our
forefathers, for all the good, temporal and spiritual, which
God has made to abound therein, and rather to lament
than severely condemn those evils from which we are
happily freed, and which greatly hinder the more perfect
accomplishment of all those great and glorious works
which the pious and benevolent are so anxious to achieve."
He was very much impressed by the beauty of the trees
which adorned the grounds of the nobility and gentry of
England. The taste, so formed and cultivated, became a
passion, which sought its innocent and refined gratifica-
tion in transplanting, to the lots around his residence, the
choicest growth of his own and of foreign lands. There
was scarcely an ornamental evergreen, or deciduous tree
in one woods, or in the nurseries, a fine specimen of which
might not be seen in the enclosure around Mountain
Yiew, and with the history and habits of which he had
not made himself perfectly familiar. It was one of his
ways of entertaining his visitors, to conduct them from
tree to tree, telling of its derivation, and giving a kind of
running commentary on its peculiarities, with an anima-
tion which could scarcely fail to interest. Often in his
visitations he carried with him a piece of oiled silk, with
which, and the aid of his trunk cover, he conveyed to his
home such plants as he desired to add to his collection,
and so had transferred to his grounds representations
from the different parts of his Diocese — from the counties'
on the Eastern Shore, to those on the Kanawha — forming
objects not only pleasing to the eye, but possessing very
agreeable associations.
In this matter, the Bishop was truly a propagandist.
"When Bishop Johns was preparing for the residence of
his family, the place which he had purchased in the vicin-
ity of the Seminary, Bishop Meade asked to be permitted
to select the ornamental trees. On their return from a
*20
466 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
General Convention, he accompanied Bishop Johns to
nurseries near Philadelphia and Baltimore, and chose, and
had labeled tree after tree, until Bishop Johns found it neces-
sary to interfere, saying, "Bishop, not your inclination,
but my purse must limit the purchase; we had better
stop." And yet, the next evening, on reaching his home,
he covered a page with the names of other trees, and
wrote to Bishop Johns, that he must add them to those
already ordered. This was the only letter, during a cor-
respondence of twenty-three years, in which there was
not the slightest allusion to the great interests to which
he was devoted. *
In sending his contributions to aid in purchasing and
fitting up premises to be used as parsonages, he would
add to a generous subscription, a sum to be specially ap-
propriated to the purchase of ornamental trees, sometimes
giving their names.
Another illustration of this passion, combined with his
interest for everything connected with the old Churches
of Virginia, is related in his History — vol. I, p. 309. It
relates to the old church near Smithfield — Isle of Wight
— the oldest in the State, and probably the oldest now
standing in the United States.
" Some years since, in the month of J^J^ovember, towards
the close of day, I passed by the church in company with
an active young man, and, as usual, turning aside to sur-
vey it, I saw among the shrubs a delicate young cedar,
about a foot long, issuing out of the wall, just under the
cornice of the roof. On expressing a wish that I had it,
without dreaming that it could be gotten, my companion
* On one of his vernal visits to the Seminary Hill, he stepped frotn the
carriage at the door of Bishop Johns' residence, holding in his hands two
trimmed branches, and observed, "I cut these from mj Napoleon willow,
and wish to plant them myself at your spring," which was just below the
house, in a clump of fine forest trees. He selected the spot, and planted
the branches with his own hands. They are not there now. With the en-
tire clump near which they stood, they have disappeared amidst the devas-
tations attendant on war.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 467
immediately began to clamber up the pillar nearest to it,
and, ascending twelve feet, got in a position which enabled
him to remove several of the loosened bricks, and got the
young plant, with good roots, from its nest. It is now a
flourishing tree, eight feet high, near my study window."
After the adjournment of the General Convention of
1841, Bishop Meade returned to his home in Clark county.
On his way, he held a Confirmation in Alexandria, and
performed some duties at the Seminary and High School.
The domestic enjoyments for which he had so fine a relish,
and which now, after so long a separation, must have been
peculiarly delightful to him, were soon interrupted by
the melancholy tidings of the death of Bishop Moore, who
finished his course on the 11th of November, 1841, in
Lynchburg, to which place he had gone a few days before
to administer confirmation in St. Paul's Church.
By the removal of this venerable and much beloved
Diocesan, Bishop Meade was deeply impressed. In an
irregular kind of memorandum of official services from
which he was accustomed to make up his annual Address
to the Convention, but which had been discontinued for
ten years — he now resumes the notices with this solemn
record :
December 3, 1841. — "I now find myself alone in the Epis-
copate by the death of Bishop Moore, and recommence my
journal on the following jjages, which may be more than suf-
ficient to record all the acts of my uncertain and unprofita-
ble life." " Oh! God, help me to discharge my duties more
faithfully, more lovingly, more effectually for the few
years allotted to me."
His address to the next Convention commences with a
tender and affecting reference to the bereavement that the
Diocese had sustained, and an earnest request for the
prayers of his brethren that he might have grace adequate
for his increasing responsibilities.
" The great Head of the Church, who, for a long time
468 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
lias continued to the Diocese of Virginia the counsel and
superintendence of a very beloved father, has, since our
last meeting been pleased very suddenly to take him
away. I hope it will only make us look the more humbly,
and steadily to Him, from whom all good counsels come,
that the interests of true religion may not suffer in our
hands. If there be any of you, my friends, who deeply
feel the absence of our beloved father, (and which of you
does not ?) how much more must I, who, for so many
years had been unitedly and harmoniously laboring at his
side, as a son with a father, and who had begun seriously
to think, that my auxiliary services might probably be
over, before he should be called to his rest. God has
otherwise determined, and permitted to devolve on one,
ill able either in body or mind to sustain it, the undivided
responsibility of superintending this Diocese.
It is not my intention to undertake either an eulogy, or
biography, of our dear departed father — that having been
already done, and often, and well done by others, both
from the pulpit and the press. And indeed, there was
something so peculiarly amiable in his character, and so
correspondingly interesting and venerable in his form, and
countenance, and manner, that it were worse than useless
to attempt a delineation of one who has been so recently
among us, and who can be so much better remembered
than described. May God rather give us grace to imitate
those traits which endeared him to the heart. For myself,
who of necessity must now take his place, and enter more
entirely upon all the anxieties and responsibilities of the
Episcopal office, I must ask of you, my brethren, both of
the clergy and laity, not only great indulgence for infirm-
ities and unfitness, of which I am daily more and more
sensible, but a very large share in your most earnest en-
treaties at a Throne of Grace, that the cause you have en-
trusted to me may not suffer. This, I ask, not in feigned
humility, but, as God knows, from the very depth of a
MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE. 469
heart which feels more of its deficiencies than can be
known to any human being,*'
Assistant BisJiop. — The relaxation, change of scene and
habits connected with the Atlantic voyage and European
tour, no doubt benefitted Bishop Meade's [health. Under
the influence of the relief which he experienced, he re-
sumed his duties at once. During the early part of the
winter he officiated in the churches in the vicinity of his
residence. In January, he preached in Alexandria and
Fredericksburg, on his way to Richmond and to Peters-
burg, where he spent a week " enjoying much pleasure in
beholding the rich fruits of God's grace in blessing the
word, frequently and faithfully preached, and the services
of the Church zealously and devotedly used by the Eector
and many other brethren, who, for the last three months,
had been almost daily meeting with the people in the
house of God, where they never seemed weary with call-
ing on Him in prayer, and hearing His truth. One of the
results of this great grace on the means of Heaven's ap-
pointment was the confirmation of ninety-three persons,
who, it is hoped, not merely with the mouth, but the full
consent of their heart, renewed that solemn vow, promise
and profession made in their baptism, and which none can
make except those who are renewed in the spirit of their
minds." — Journal 1842, p. 11.
Beturning by the same route, and officiating at the same
places, he tarried at his own home long enough to preach
and administer confirmation in the three neighboring
churches, when he set off on a visitation of the western
section of the Diocese, embracing the churches in Harri-
son and Lewis counties, and on the Ohio and Kanawha
rivers. By this extensive, and in those days, tedious and
fatiguing tour, he was again so seriously disabled that he
no longer hesitated as to the course which the interests of
the Diocese, as well as his own comfort, and perhaps life,
470 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
required. His experience, and the expedient he desired,
were made the subject of a special communication to the
Convention which met in Staunton on the 18th of May.
Brethren and Friends :
Since the decease of our beloved father, Bishop Moore, my thoughts
have often been led to a subject which I now wish to propose for your con-
sideration. I mean the appointment of an Assistant Bishop, to aid me in
the arduous duties of this extensive Diocese. During the last twelve years
I have, with the exception of a very few places, performed the whole of
the itinerant duties of the Diocese. It has required, on an average, at
least eight months in each year, of successive services from day to day, to
render what has still appeared to me, very inefficient supervision of the
Diocese. The effect of this incessant labor of mind and body has been so
injurious to me already, especially to my voice, which is often insufficient
for duty, and the attempt to continue the same so likely to result in entire
disability, that I feel it a duty to ask, according to the provisions of the
constitution of the Church, that I may have an Assistant who may divide
with me the labors of a Diocese which, for its extent, and other circum-
stances, is much more difficult to be served than any other in our country .
I do this under the advice of many friends, and also of physicians, who
are competent to judge of my infirmities.
Hoping that you will accede to my request, and that God may guide
you in the choice of a suitable person,
I remain,
Your faithful friend and brother in Christ,
William Meadb.
Journal, 1842.
The select Committee appointed to consider and report
upon the preceding communication, having disposed of an-
other mode of relief which had been suggested, conclude
their report in these words :
" With respect to the election of an Assistant Bishop,
the only remaining subject submitted to their considera-
tion, your committee deem it highly expedient that it
should be done at once. The Bishop's health imperatively
demands repose. If he attempts to discharge the duties
which will devolve upon him during the present season,
unaided by an Assistant, the worst consequences are to be
apprehended. His physicians prescribe repose as abso-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 471
lutely necessary to the continuance of even his present
health. They therefore respectfully recommend to the
Convention the election of an Assistant Bishop." — Journal,
1842.
This report was adopted, and the next day appointed
for the election. It resulted in the choice of the Rev. John
Johns, D. D., then Rector of Christ Church, Baltimore,
^^aryland, who accepted the appointment, and was conse-
crated in the Monumental Church, Richmond, on the 13th
of October, 1842.
After the Convention, Bishop Meade embraced the first
opportunity to say to the Assistant Bishop, " I will aid
you in making the appointments till you have visited all
the churches, and then you can arrange them to suit your-
self The Diocese is before you ; whatever you find to be
done, do it, except matters of discipline and letters di-
missory. These I am obliged to attend to myself. In all
other respects the whole Diocese is open to you, without
the necessity of a reference to me, unless when you desire
information or counsel — only let us be careful so to
arrange our movements that each parish may be visited
at least once in eighteen months, that all may be regularly
and equally served. We will meet statedly at Convention,
at the examination of the Seminary and High School,
and as often as may be convenient, and 4n the intervals
communicate by letter." His letters were frequent, though
generally concise. He rarely acted in any matter of im-
portance, without conferring personally, or by mail. The
only instance in which he manifested dissatisfaction was
connected with a series of appointments published by
Bishop Johns, in reference to a part of which. Bishop
Meade proposed the substitution of some other places in
a different section of the Diocese, which he thought had
not received its proper proportion of Episcopal services. —
Bishop Johns explained that he had visited those places
with punctuality, in regular rotation, and was not yet due
472 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
there again, but would certainly make the change if the
Bishop so directed. The next mail brought a brief reply,
requesting that Bishop Johns would never again use that
odious word, ''direct," in such connection. This is the
only instance of interference, or whisper of dissatisfaction
during the constant and intimate intercourse of twenty
years. The occurrence was a small matter, but in its
spirit and singleness, very significant of character.
How conscious the Bishop was of the serious impair-
ment of his health, few were fully aware. From the Con-
vention at Staunton he proceeded on a visitation through
Goochland, where he began a letter to his sister, but de-
sisted after writing a few lines and requested another to
finish it.
BoLLiNG Hall, June 10, 1842.
' ^My dear Sister :
I cannot go any further without a line to let you and all I most love
know that I am alive, and as well as I could expect. I get along by
adopting short exhortations generally, instead of sermons."
The friend who filled the sheet writes :
"I felt I was truly favored to be with him, and regretted his short
visit, as the moments in his presence were precious to my soul. I en-
deavored to gain all the instruction I could from his valuable company.
I am sorry to find his health not entirely restored. He will exert himself
too much, or, I am sure his health would be better."
In his letter to his sister, the Bishop alluded to the ex-
pedient which he adopted in " substituting short exhorta-
tions for sermons." He was careful to secure at the
places of his appointments the presence of some clergy-
man, other than the resident minister, who, if the Bishop
did not feel able to preach, might take his place in the
pulpit. The necessity for this substitution became more
freqaent every year, until at last He ceased to preach on his
visitations, and confined himself to addresses from the
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE, 473
chancel, and to the performance of those services which
were strictly Episcopal. These addresses being extem-
poraneous, depended for their animation and impressiveness
on the state of the speaker's feelings, and of his bodilj'- health,
which were very different at different times — occasionally
animating him to eloquence of the highest order, and again
leaving him to utterances quite desultory and feeble.
One of his addresses delivered in the church at Law-
renceville, Brunswick County, in May 1856, was the occa-
sion of a violent assault on him by an anonymous writer
in the Democrat, published in Petersburg. The writer was
not present when the address was made, and allowed him-
self to pen his inflammatory accusation upon hear-say. His
drift evidently was to direct public indignation against the
Bishop as having, in his remarks to the servants whom he
confirmed, sj)oken in a way calculated unduly to elevate
the slaves, socially and politically, and of course to render
them dissatisfied and lead to insurrection. The accusation
was copied in other papers, with the usual expressions of
astonishment, and reluctance to credit it, and hopes that
so serious a charge from one whom the editor indorsed as
reliable, would receive a speedy and satisfactory response
from the venerable prelate. Others, both clerical and lay,
who were present when the Address was delivered re-
sponded promptly in vindication of the Bishop. His own
statement, which soon appeared, disposed of the accusation
so satisfactorily, that the attempt at excitement utterly
failed.
" Bishop Meade's statement of his remarks at a Confirm-
ation at Lawrenceville, being made at the request of
some of his friends :
" In my address at Lawrenceville, I adverted to the fact
that a number of servants were about to be confirmed —
eleven out of twelve — that something suitable to them
was proper from me ; that God, who, of one blood had
made all nations upon earth, had given us a religion suitable
474 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
to all — rich and poor, bond and free; that the larger
portion of the human race had always been in some form
of bondage to the other, being poor and dependent ; that
God, in His providence, had permitted a large number to
come to this country from Africa, intending to make it a
blessing to them, their posterity, and Africa itself, by
bringing them to the light of the gospel and sending the
gospel back to that country ; that there were some per-
sons who, by denying the unity of the human race and
ascribing different nations to different origins, and not to
the one first pair mentioned in the Bible, made an in-
vidious assault upon our holy religion — for in maintaining
different origin, and great original differences, a way was
prepared for denying that Christianity was suitable to all,
unless modified and accommodated to the variations in the
human family. Whereas, one great argument for the
divinity of our religion is, that it is suitable to all ; was
received and understood by all, rich and poor, bond and
free, learned and unlearned.
'*I exhorted the servants to rejoice that they had been
born in this Christian land, and not in a heathen land —
to seek that liberty of soul from sin, which Christ alone
could give, and which was infinitely better than any other
liberty — to obey all those instructions to servants which
Grod had given in His word — to be humble, faithful, honest,
obedient to their masters, not eye-servants, but doing their
duty as in the sight of G-od. The whole Address was
based on the supposition that their lot was assigned them
by Providence, and that they should rejoice in the many
spiritual blessings connected with it. Just in proportion
as they received and obeyed my admonitions, will they be
happy, contented and faithful servants to their earthly
and to their heavenly masters."
The above was written on hearing that something had
appeared in the Petersburg papers on the subject, but not
knowing the precise character of the article. Having now
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 475
seen it, I add the following remarks : I have, for forty-
six years, been addressing our slaves in the presence, as
well as in the absence, of their owners. Twenty-seven
years I have been publicly laying my hands on them in
Confirmation, and as publicly addressing special exhorta-
tions to them. During all this period of my ministry, I
have never heard it intimated that a word was uttered by
me, which was found fault with by any. More than twenty
years ago I opened one of our largest Conventions, which
met in the Monumental Church in Richmond, with a
sermon on the religious instruction of servants. It was
unanimously approved of, and a copy requested for general
circulation. Several editions have been issued. I have never
varied from the sentiments contained in that sermon ; 1 have
on several occasions of late years adverted to the fact, that
there were two classes of persons who were making assaults
upon the Bible in connection with this subject ; the one
consisting of those who, unable to resist the arguments in
favor of the lawfulness of slavery, from the Bible, had
gone to the extreme of denying the Divine authority of
the Bible ; the other, consisting of those who, not satisfied
with the sanction afforded to this institution by the Bible,
sought to strengthen it by affirming that different races,
and especially the African, came from different origins,
and that the latter was very diverse and inferior to the
others. Of course the same religion would not be equally
suitable to all. Against all such assaults upon our holy
religion, I trust the ministers of the gospel will be ever
ready to defend it.
On the occasion spoken of, I briefly alluded to these
assaults upon our holy religion, and, referring to the many
notices of servants in the Bible, and especially to what
St. Paul had addressed to them, and his instructions to
Timothy as to exhortations to them, said I never felt
myself more as the minister of Christ and follower of the
Apostles, than when laying my hands on the heads of this
476 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
portion of our fellow-beings. I have ever rejoiced to say-
to those who upbraid us with being indifferent to the souls
of our servants, that our ministers seem to delight in
preaching to them, and our people encourage them to do
so. On that occasion I said, that from the earliest period?
the most pious of our forefathers, who declared that they
came to America chiefly to bring the Christian religion to
the natives, also regarded the Africans as sent here, not
merely to fell the forests and cultivate the fields — though
this was part of the design of Providence — but chiefly for
the far more glorious purpose of hearing the gospel of sal-
vation. I felt that while speaking I was defending South-
ern Christians against charges of neglect from distant
quarters, though I by no means affirm that they do the
half of their duty towards them.
" If I was not so understood, I can only ascribe it to the
most sensitive and morbid state of some minds on *the
subject. "William Meade."
The position of Bishop Meade in reference to this ex-
citing subject may be concisely stated without any discus-
sion.
Slavery, as a civil institution, was never to his taste.
He had, however, no conscientious scruples as to its law-
fulness, because he believed it to have been distinctly
recognized, and formally legislated about, by divine author-
ity in the Sacred Scriptures.
As an institution existing in the United States, he did
not hold with those who professed to regard it as a bless-
ing to the country, but with the distinguished statesmen
of Virginia who considered it politically disadvantageous,
and hoped it would, in process of time, be happily termi-
nated. How such termination was to be effected, he did
not as yet perceive. In early life he had manumitted
and conveyed to non-slaveholding States, such of his ser-
vants as he thought capable of taking care of themselves.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 477
The results of this, and other similar experiments, which
he had watched with much interest, satisfied him that
manumission was generally a failure, if the persons freed
were to remain in this country, and he decidedly advised
against it.
His zeal in the cause of the Colonization Society was
kindled by the hope that though it was, in its principles and
action, distinctly limited to the free people of color, it
might ultimately lead to some arrangement for the re-
moval of the entire colored population, without violence
or wrong.
Meanwhile, with the Apostle, he taught masters and
servants to conform to the relations in which they were
2)rovidentially placed. Servants by " obeying their mas-
ters according to the flesh, not with eye-service as men-
pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God," and mas-
ters by giving unto their servants that which is just and
equal, knowing that they also have a Master in heaven."
Notwithstanding the appointment of an assistant, Bishop
Meade continued as heretofore to visit all the parishes in
the Diocese, except that, instead of two, he now took for
its accomplishment, the three years canonically prescribed.
This, and the substitution of addresses from the chancel
for discourses from the pulpit, was all the indulgence he
allowed himself. His malady returned upon him with in-
creased power — yet, with that indomitable resolution for
which he was so very remarkable, he persevered in his vis-
itations, though often distressing to him, and occasioning
much concern to the sympathizing people for whom he
officiated. Instances of failure to officiate according to
appointment became more frequent, and acted unfavorably
on his health and spirits. Several times, as he said to a
friend, he had come to the conclusion that he ought to
surrender the whole supervision of the Diocese to the
assistant : but, he worked on as he could, and his assistant^
478 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
besides his own visitations, was able and glad to go to his
help, and finish out any line of appointments which the
Bishop found himself incapable of completing. This was
just what he needed, relief of body, and relief from men-
tal anxiety in reference to his engagements — which, in real-
ity, often brought on the very disability it dreaded.
Seeing, however, that the Diocese was regularly visited,
and that occasional lack of service on his part could be
promptly supplied, one cause of painful disturbance sub-
sided, and so he found himself working with less and less
inconvenience, and when at home reposing with more com-
fort. As was to be expected, there were still painful
vicissitudes in his experience, yet his maladies ceased to
advance, and when this was realized, it was encouraging,
and contributed, in connection with the use of other
means, to abate — slowly indeed, but to abate — the most dis-
tressing symptoms in his case, and gradually led, not to
health, for that was never fully restored, but to such re-
lief, as neither he, or his friends, ever supposed could be
attained.
The Bishop continued for a number of years to refrain
from formal preaching, and officiated only in his place in
the chancel — the most appropriate position for the minis-
trations of a Bishop on any ordinary visitation.
He resorted to it at first to avoid being obliged to speak
as long as custom prescribed for the delivery of a sermon,
or to appear to have failed. The apprehension of this, in
his state of health, really disqualified him for the effort,
and produced a kind of nervous disinclination to ascend
the pulpit, which grew by indulgence, and kept him from
occupying it for some time after the infirmity in which
the practice originated, had ceased to render it necessary.
The Bishop's duties as Professor of Pastoral Theology
brought him to the Seminary every year, where, before
commencing his spring visitation, he spent about a fort-
night in instructing the senior class. His home at such
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 479
times was at Malvern, the residence of Bishop Johns, con-
tiguous to the Seminary grounds. During one of these
visits Bishop Johns had an appointment to preach and
confirm in Christ Church, Alexandria, on April 11, 1858.
Knowing how agreeable it would be to his old congrega-
tion, Bishop Johns proposed to him to administer the rite
of Confirmation. This he j^romptly declined, but added
in a very animated voice, "If you please, I will preach
the sermon." The proposal was cheerfully accepted,
though with much surprise, and no little distrust as to
performance. Bishop Johns deemed it prudent to be ready
himself in case of the Bishop's resolution failing when the
hour arrived. But the precaution was unnecessary. The
idea of beginning again to preach, and in the very church
of his early ministrations, stirred his spirit within him,
and braced him for the experiment. The people were
astonished when they saw him, with firm step, ascend the
pulpit, and heard him deliver his sermon with a sonorous
voice, which made the old church ring with tones with
which, for sixteen years, they had ceased to be familiar. —
Some could go back to a remoter date, when the youthful
parson, in his home-spun suit, boyish collar, and black
necktie, first stood in that pulpit, charming their ears by
the music of his lips, and wooing their souls with the
grace of the gospel. But those privileged days, and also
the powerful ministrations of his manhood, had long
passed away. The congregation were now accustomed to
see him serve under the disabilities of disease, and infirm-
ities of advancing life. The unexpected manifestation of
the morning seemed to them like a resurrection, and the
people wept for joy!
It was not the last luminous flash of an expiring flame
— the mysterious rally of energies which sometimes pre-
cedes and indicates sudden and final collapse — but the
elasticity of a naturally vigorous life, partially relieved
from the incubus of a destroying disease, and so far spring-
480 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
ing into salutary action under the happiest influences in-
cident to humanity. From that time onward he continued
to officiate in the pulpit, preaching occasionally twice on
the same day to the edification and delight of his devoted
Diocese — himself as much interested and pleased at resum-
ing this form of ministration, as when he first began as
a young deacon, at the stone chapel in Clarke.
His devotion to the Theological Seminary has been
noticed in its place. With the first move for its establish-
ment at Williamsburg he had no sympathy. He believed
it, what it soon proved to be, a mistake. Eut from the
time of its transfer to Alexandria it was prominent in his
thoughts and affections, and shared largely in his labors.
Besides the services required by a general superintend-
ence as President of the Board of Trustees, his duties as
Professor brought him for several weeks every spring into
personal intercourse with professors and students. These
annual visits were exceedingly pleasant to the other pre-
ceptors and to the students, with whom his association
was always that of an affectionate and wise parent with
sons just maturing into manhood. Year after year he
thus watched over the beloved Seminary, and he was
amply remunerated for his care and toil. He had the
happiness to see it advance with healthy growth from the
few pupils and limited accommodations in Alexandria, till
it covered with its spacious and imposing buildings, and
those of the adjacent High School, the commanding hill
to which it has given its name — was filled with students
from all parts of our country, and had its alumni minis-
tering in every State in the Union, and at every foreign
missionary station of the Church.
Among the buildings then recently erected were " St.
George's Hall," by funds furnished by a lady of St.
George's Church, New York, through the friendly agency
of the Eev. S. H. Tyng, D. D. — a handsome fire proof
library, the contribution of Mr. John Bohlen, of Philadel-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 481
phia, and a legacy of Miss Sophia Jones, of Virginia — and
the noble central building, " Aspinwall Hall," the gift of
the brothers of that name, at the suggestion of the Rev.
G. T. Bedell, D. D., then Rector of the Church of the
Ascension, ISTew York, with which the liberal donors were
connected.
It was eminently proper that these gifts should be pub-
licly and formally recognized in connection with their
solemn dedication to God for the purposes contemplated
by the several benefactors of the Seminary. A most suit-
able occasion presented itself b}^ the approaching General
Convention which was to assemble in Richmond, and the
day preceding its meeting was appointed for the interest-
ing services. Due notice was given, special invitations
sent, and every proper preparation made for the accom-
modation of visitors.
On Tuesday, October 5, 1859, being the day appointed
for the consecration of " Aspinwall Hall," and other build-
ings forming the group on the Seminary Hill, a large
number of clergy and laity assembled for the purpose.
The spacious hall and the three lecture rooms, with the
wide entry and stairway were soon occupied. Among*
the w^elcome visitors were the Bishops of Vermont, Ken-
tucky, and Louisiana, the last being an alumnus of the
Seminary. The presence of the generous friends by whose
liberality the new buildings were erected, added largely
to the interest of the occasion.
As the Bishops, clergy and lay members of the Board
of Trustees entered the west door of the new Hall, and
proceeded to the platform provided for the speakers, they
repeated the 19th Psalm alternately.
A form of consecration modeled after that prescribed
for the consecration of a church had been prepared by
Bishop Johns, and was now used, and, after an appropri-
ate Psalm sung by the large congregation, Bishop Meade
delivered an interesting address, in which he gave a his-
21
482 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
tory of the Seminary, recited a list of its generous bene-
factors in and beyond the Diocese, and dwelt with expres-
sions of gratitude and praise on the signal blessings of
God which had rested on the Institution, as evidenced by
the number and character and usefulness of its alumni.
He then alluded briefly to what was necessary to carry
out the architect's plan for completing the central struc-
ture, and having appealed for means to accomplish this, to
those friends of the Church whom God had prospered, he
closed with a prayer for " our kind benefactors yet on
earth, that when they rest from their labors their works
may follow them in the good which they are still doing
upon earth, and their own happiness even in heaven, be
increased by the sight of souls once lost, but now saved,
and in some degree prepared for the abodes of bliss by the
instrumentality of this institution."
The next speaker was the Eev. Dr. Bedell, the Assistant
Bishop elect of the Diocese of Ohio — a favorite alumnus
of the Seminary, always its generous friend, and recently
having manifested his great interest by procuring for it a
participation in the munificence of two of his liberal par-
ishioners. In his address he gratefully recognized his in-
dividual obligations to the Seminary for its faithful theo-
logical training, and " its atmosphere of true spiritual
religion," which he there enjoyed during his student life,
ascribing to them, " under the grace of God," the ability
*' he might " possess to preach with profit, and in all other
ways minister well and wisely to his cure. He bore de-
cided testimony to the excellency of his professors, and, on
the intellectual and religious character of one since de-
ceased, (the Rev. Reuel Keith, D. D.,) he passed an eulo-
gium as just as it was delicate and afi'ecting. He related
with much interest his reminiscences of Seminary life,
especially its devotional exercises among themselves, and
the lay agencies of the students at the diff'erent stations
for religious service in the surrounding country, the influ-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 483
ence of all which, he considered, as worth more to the
future pastor than any amount of mere theological instruc-
tion. He delivered his judgment in favor of a few large
and well endowed seminaries, rather than many with lim-
ited advantages. vSpecified "the missionary spirit, which
had always characterized 'the Hill' as the consideration
which had "engaged the hearts of his friends from the
Church of the Ascension," and given direction to their
Christian liberality. The address closed thus: "I thank
my friends for permitting me to be an instrument in their
behalf of building here a tabernacle for the children of
God. Most happily has my share in its dedication been
the final act of a very blessed pastorate. God's holy
name be praised who put it into their hearts. His be the
glory. May He hear our prayers. May He follow this
gift with His richest blessing. May many a generation of
faithful ministers nurtured here, praise Him, through
them, for the privileges they have secured to this institu-
tion by the erection of Aspinwall Hall."
After a short address by Bishop Johns, the congregation
sang a portion of the "Yeni Creator," united in prayer,
and were dismissed with the benediction.
In the basement rooms of the old Seminary building,
which was then standing just in the rear of Aspinwall
Hall, the ladies of the Hill had prepared a bountiful and
beautiful collation, to which all were invited, and of which
they now partook with hearts cheered by the services of the
morning, and enjoying the blessed charities of Christian
fellowship — a day to be entered in capitals on the Semi-
nary calendar.
In a note annexed to his address, Bishop Meade men-
tions with merited distinction the name of another friend,
to whose long continued services as Treasurer and Agent
we are much indebted.
" Mr. Cassius F. Lee, of Alexandria." " From an early
period to the present time, he has been actively engaged,
484 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
by correspondence, in raising funds for the Education So-
ciety, for the various buildings which have been put up,
acting as receiver and disburser of the same, as well as
making contracts, and superintending the works. Much
care and trouble have devolved upon him in the perform-
ance of these duties, and to no individual in the Diocese
are we indebted for so large a share of labor and anxiety
in our behalf, as to himself, besides the occasional advance
of moneys when our funds were low."
Mr. Lee, by his judicious counsel, efficient and varied
personal agencies, and generous pecuniary aid, has cer-
tainly laid .the institution under obligations which no
amount of coin could cancel, nor any words adequately
express. Wherever his invaluable services are understood,
he is with one consent considered as eminently
"The Seminary's Benefactor."
It may be proper to state that the additional buildings
to which Bishop Meade referred, as necessary to complete
the architect's plan, have since been erected, — "Bohlen
Hall," by the generous friend whose name it bears, and
" Meade Hall," by the members of the Church in Virginia.
General Convention of 1859. — The day after the conse-
cration of the buildings on the Seminary Hill, the General
Convention met in Richmond, Virginia. It brought to-
gether the BishojDS of the Church, and a large number of
clerical and lay deputies from the several States of the
Union. It was an assembly, which, for learning, talents,
piety and influence, was very distinguished.
In the absence of Bishop Brownell, who was detained at
his home, in Connecticut, by ill-health. Bishop Meade, by
seniority of consecration, became the presiding officer in
the House of Bishops. He was by no means remarkable for
his acquaintance with parliamentary rules. For any such
deficiency, his gentlemanly instincts and Christian spirit
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 485
made ample amends. For all the duties of the Chair he
proved himself quite competent, directing the proceedings
of the House with courteous address and dignified decision.
It would be remarkable, if, even in an assembly of Bish-
ops, no one were found who did not fancy himself slighted
in the distribution of its agencies, and think it hard that
he was not selected for a more honorable position than had
been assigned to him. Such complaints are oftener to be
imputed to the common infirmity of "thinking more highly
of one's self than one ought to think," than to neglect, or
partiality, on the part of the presiding officer. And then,
there is in some very excellent persons a morbid sensi-
tiveness, quick to take offence where none -was intended,
and where, in fact, no cause had been given.
Two illustrations of these remarks occurred in the Con-
vention at Eichmond, as appears from a manuscript in the
Bishop's handwriting, designed to vindicate himself, if the
necessity should occur. For this, happily, no occasion has
been given, and the occurrences were of no importance?
unless it be to sustain others similarly tried, by the assur-
ance that " no strange thing has happened to them."
His official duties were laborious, and superadded to
these was a constant, just concern, that the proceedings of
the Convention should be honorable to the Church, and
promotive of its true prosperity. He shared with the
resident clergy in the responsibility of arranging for the
accommodation of that body, and for the personal comfort
of its members.
But its session in Eichmond was a happy episode in his
Episcopal life. Except in his mountain home, and in the
midst of his children and grandchildren, he rarely, per-
haps, appeared to more advantage than when participating
with the good people of that part of his Diocese, in wel-
coming to their houses their fellow-churchmen who had
come to the Convention, and in studying to render their
visit as pleasant and profitable as possible.
486 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
It must have been impossible for him to avoid contrast-
ing that grand assemblage with another, which met in that
same city six and forty years before, and of which he was
himself a member. It has already been described. "Only
seven clergymen attended. Our deliberations were con-
ducted in one of the committee rooms of the Capitol, sit-
ting around a table." " There was nothing to encourage
us to meet again." ]N"ow, that little handful had become
a host, and in one of their own spacious and beautiful
buildings receiving as their guests the thirty-six Bishops,
129 clerical and 106 lay delegates, assembled to legislate
for a Church extending over the entire territory of the
United States. Then, as he returned alone on horseback
to his ministrations in the Stone Chapel in the distant
county of Frederick, never expecting to cross the moun-
tain again to attend another Convention, he found himself
continually exclaiming in reference to the Church in Yir-
ginia, " Lost ! lost ! lost ! " Now, as he looked upon the
Church of which his own flourishing Diocese was a prom-
inent portion, and saw its extent, and order, and beauty,
and was thrilled by the Gloria in Excelsis, which again
and again burst from the lips of the assembled brethren,
gladdened by the blessing of Grod on their procedures,
how could he refrain from exclaiming, in holy admiration
and joy, " What hath God wrought?" "Not unto us, O
Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy
mercy, and for Thy truth's sake ! "
Usually at General Conventions, his infirmities rendered
it necessary for him to take a recumbent posture, either
on a bench or lounge, considerately provided for his ac-
commodation. But he kept himself familiar with the
business of the House, and was on his feet the moment
his action was required. " Bishop Alonzo Potter was
asked by a clergyman of Yirginia, ' who was the ruling
spirit in the House of Bishops ? ' He replied : ' There is
a man who lies on the sofa from ill-health, who often seems
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 487
half asleep, but let any question of moment come up, and
he is wide awake, and wields an influence which no other
man in the House of Bishops comes near.' ^'
After the business of the Convention is completed, and
before adjourning without day, it is customary for the two
Houses to meet for the purpose of listening to the Pastoral
Letter. On this occasion (1859) no Pastoral was pre-
pared. Both Houses, however, assembled as usual, and
after appropriate prayers, the Senior Bishop delivered a
very impressive Address, of which nothing has been pre-
served.
The annexed very imperfect and scarcely legible sketch,
in his own handwriting, of an Address delivered at the
close of one of his own Diocesan Conventions may not be
unacceptable, as a specimen of his style, and spirit on such
occasions.
" Orders In a few short moments our services are over,
and we part, some of us to meet no more on this side
eternity. God has been, we trust, in the midst of us for
good. If our acts have been noted down for the eyes of
others, God has kept a record of the doings of our hearts,
and we shall know them one day when the secrets of all
hearts shall be revealed, at the great meeting above.
These, our meetings in the Church below, are highly im-
portant, and most fearfully interesting. Men will meet to-
gether in large numbers on earth for business, pleasure,
for the display of talent, for war, or trade, literature.
These will be. Shall not the most important of all subjects
have its great assemblages and celebrations ? God, Him-
self hath appointed them. Beside the weekly Sabbath and
other assemblies ; great feasts, three times a year from all
parts of the land. " O 'twas a joyful sound to hear." Our
Lord, when very young, attended one with His parents.
At one of them, where the Apostles and first disciples were
assembled, three thousand were converted by the j)lainest
of sermons.
488 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
What are all the nations of Christendom ? What are all
the States of our Union ? all the churches in the same
Judeas, and Canaans and Jerusalcms? And what our
great meetings, but so many feasts of the Lord, where
numbers come together ?
I trust that the Spirit which was so bountifully poured
out on thousands on the day of Pentecost, being sent down
by our Lord, from the right hand of the Father, in answer
to the prayers offered up with one accord from waiting
hearts, has not been withheld from us ; that it has been
helping our infirmities, interceding within some with
groaning for sin ; that we have felt it good to be here. If
only we have felt the spirit of penitence, truly it is good
to set under the gospel ever new to sing the new and
everlasting song for redeeming love, making melody in our
hearts to the Lord — if our love to Christ and the brethren
has been increased, and the promises been precious to us,
our hearts enlarged towards the poor heathen, by the state-
ments ; if our desire after greater holiness, and more use-
fulness has been increased, and if we go home determined
to be more faithful in our families and co-operate more
with God's ministers.
We are parting, and which of us will assemble thus again?
How many of those who meet at the last (Convention)
have passed away? How many have lost friends who
were not there ? (something here is unintelligible). The
manuscrij)t continues : " When our children are thus early
removed, there is good hope of them. But, when they
have been admonished, and good and evil set before them,
where is our hope ? How many, during the last year, have
died, whose friends have been obliged to mourn as those
who have no hope ? How many may, the present year ?
And oh ! to be thus bereaved of friends, especially children,
it is indeed to be bereaved. Oh Absalom, my son Absalom!
how many Christian fathers may say, would 1 had died
for thee, and left thee behind with the sweet hope that
MEMOIR OF BIsnOP MEADE. 489
God would have mercy on thee. Let this stimulate us to
more prayer, and effort for their salvation, while living !
Such is our j^arting counsel this night.
But I must address a parting word to my brethren of
the ministry. AVc have great need to exhort each other,
being poor weak creatures, earthen vessels. We have a
great work. Who is sufficient for it ? Oh how blessed the
thought that our sufficiency is of God ! And how short
the time in which to do it ! In the midst of life, God's
ministers, as well as others, are in death — often cut off in
the midst of their days. Some in the beginning, in youth.
Death has been in the midst of us, and our families,
brethren. Two of our number are wanting. They were
victims to labor and exposure — fast spending and being
spent during the short time of labor, and died in the cause.
Blessed are such dead who "died in the Lord ! They rest
from their labors, and their works do follow and bless
them ! Let us follow their examples, and whatever our
hands find to do, do it with all our might, lest the night
come, when we cannot work. Who shall say, " my time
is not yet?" The arrow may be on the wing. The
youngest may die. The oldest must die early. Some of
us are fast approaching the end of our course. Our eyes
are dimmed, our natural force fast abating ; our steps are
becoming unsteady. We are tottering towards the grave,
which may even now be open for us. We need help from
God. Even if this be not so, if we are left over, some of
those dearest may be taken. We may be bereaved of our
children, of those dearer than children, than life itself,
as some now feel in the deep of their hearts. But though
life, friends, be spared, still, my brethren, we have sorrows
and trials peculiar. If every heart knows its own bitter-
ness, the hearts of God's ministers have bitterness to
which the world is a stranger. From the oldest Bishop
having the care of many Churches pressing on his soul,
to the youngest deacon, there are fears and troubles. God
*21
490 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
alone can sustain us under trials, disappointments, morti-
fications, removals, want, sometimes poverty coming on
like armed men upon wife and children. But, brethren,
that Grod who sustained so many prophets, apostles and
confessors under greater trials, will uphold us. The glori-
ous privilege of laboring for souls is ours. Even though
the more we love, the less we are loved, what a thought
that, as Christ died to save His enemies, we may be
instrumental in good to such. Our days of sorrow will
soon be over, and we have much joy mingled with it.
Let none be afraid to enter.
Ours is the sweetest, safest life after all. Our families
will not perish from hunger; our sons and daughters will
be provided for. It is a well proved fact, more of the
sons of pious ministers become pious ministers of the
gospel. [Incomplete.]
Let us, then, go to our several fields of labor, thanking
God that we have such fields, and resolved to make them
gardens of the Lord. Not by the sweat of our brow to
make bread, but by the toil of our souls to save sinners,
so far as man can do it. Let us begin anew, and abound
more and more in love and good works ; preaching more
zealously, and in season and out of season make full trial
of our ministry. Then, whether we meet again on earth
— our ministry be abridged or lengthened — when we meet
before the Lord, it will be with joy, and not with grief.
State of the Country. — Bishop Meade's father, who, as
has been related, was aid-de-camp to General Washington,
was a Federalist of the old school. The principles and
patriotism of the son were part of his patrimony. They
commended themselves, in due time, to his own intelligent
conviction, and, as he came to maturity, grew with his
growth, and strengthened with his strength. They had
his conscience and affection also, and became part of his
religion^ or they were so happily fused, that his patriot-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 491
ism was religious, and his religion patriotic. Next to his
church, was his devotion to his country. To whatever
promoted its prosperity, he was alive. Any discordant
note or movement which affected this, disturbed his
national sensibilities, which partook of his general char-
acter, and were very decided in their tone. It was not
without the dee^^est concern that he perceived the strong
sectional antagonism which obtained, and which was
yearly becoming more violent. Against this, no matter in
which quarter of its manifestation, he testified, in language
of decided condemnation and solemn warning.
Whatever may have been his views on the subject of
secession as a right, he was, with the great majority of
the people of Virginia, opposed to it in fact, and, as the
danger became more imminent, exerted himself the more
to prevent the apprehended evil. At home he spoke with
no uncertain sound. To his correspondents in the North,
he wrote as one deeply anxious to avoid the apprehended
calamity, and, even to brethren in England, he appealed
for their aid in changing the current of public sentiment,
which was sweeping the country into evils most devoutly
to be deprecated.
In his address at the dedication of the Seminary Build-
ings, alluding to the generous donation of the Messrs.
Aspinwall, he said, "We were the more ready to accept
the proffered donation, because well assured that it was
suggested and offered, not only in approbation of the
views entertained and taught in this place, but in a spirit
of the truest patriotism, and most enlarged philanthropy,
by persons who soared above all party and sectional dis-
tinction in our country, and desired to patronize an insti-
tution which might continue to be, what it ever has been,
a bond of union to all its parts, and, at the same time, a
source whence faithful missionaries should issue to all the
lands of the earth. Such, by God's blessing, we trust it
ever ivill be.'*
492 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
His letters to Bishop M'llvaine are of great interest:
Millwood, Dec. 15, 1860.
My Deae Brother :
Yours of tbe seventh is just received. I have this morning written to
Dr. Dyer that you would publish 2000 copies of your pamphlet, and that
you would tell him how to dispose of them. My plan has been to take a
Church Almanac, and mark the names of such of the clergy as I wished to
supply, and send it to the printer, or some one who would envelope and
direct them ; you might not care to send to all the clergy, I should like
one hundred myself, and you could reserve as many as you want. Bedell
and Wharton should have fifty copies each.
Touching the affairs of our country, nothing but a most remarkable in-
terposition of Providence can save the Union, and prevent an incalculable
amount of mischief, poverty, and perhaps bloodshed. An article in the
last Southern Episcopalian, and the uncommon action of the late Presbyte-
rian Synod, show that the Churches sympathize with and sustain the poli-
ticians of the South. To a certain, and, I fear, a large extent, the union
of both Church and country is no more, The division of the different
denominations for some years past has sadly foreboded the present unhappy
state of things. If Christian ministers, a body of more intelligence than
any other in the land, and who may be supposed to excel all others in
piety, cannot continue together to consult about the Kingdom of the
Prince of Peace, even while the civil rulers have preserved their union, can
we expect the selfish politicians to do it ? You see that I am almost in
despair. I am told that our clergy in Charleston and New Orleans speak
and preach in favor of disunion. I fear some of our Bishops consent, or
why have we heard of no remonstrance ? In a few days the die will be
cast, and South Carolina, the last to enter into the confederacy of Churches
or States, will be first to leave it. Would that I could hope she would go
alone, and not be followed. I will think and pray on the subject you have
proposed to me, though as yet I see no path of action opened to me. It
may be that South Carolina can be induced to suspend action for a few
months, and then will be the time for something. Meanwhile, I should re-
joice to have something from your pen, which might serve as a help to
Bishop Brownell.
Most truly, yours in the Lord,
W. Mbadb.
In the Southern Churchman, of last week, you will see a form of prayer
for the present crisis, and a circular about our Education Society, in which
my sentiments as to union are set forth.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 493
MiLLWOod, Jan. 12, 1861.
My Dear Brother :
Your last came by yesterday's mail. I sympathize with you in your
feelings as to the present state of our country, though I believe that good
sense, self interest, religion, and other things will prevail, through God's
good Providence, to avert the calamity of disunion ; still it is proper to
use all proper preventives on our part. The address you propose may
have some effect, and might even turn the wavering scale.
I hope our Bishops would all concur in it. I should like to have had
more time for consideration, but as you ask an immediate reply, I will say
thus much, that I prefer your drawing up the letters, and think God has
called you to it, putting the thought and desire in your heart. Bishop
Brownell is too old and feeble in mind and body to do it. He would
doubtless unite in it, for I see that his name stood first on the list of per-
sons calling for a union meeting at Hartford some time since. ***-*♦
If you will draw up one and send it to me, and I approve the plan after
more consideration, I will send it to Bishops Brownell and Hopkins for
their concurrence, or rejection. It ought to be short, not political or argu-
mentative— an entreaty and warning.
I send you our new Governor's inaugural address, which will show his
views as to the probability of disunion. It strikes me as assuming too
much on that side — that it is not well to treat disunion as so probable an
event; we should beware of that in our address.
Hoping soon to hear from you, I commend you and your plan to the
guidance and blessing of Heaven.
Yours truly,
W. Meade.
January Ibth. — "Through mistake or neglect, the above was not sent
to the post-office, as intended, for the first mail. On thinking over the
subject since, it has occurred to me that perhaps some of our Bishops
might not enter fally with us into our views, and might object to be put
into the position of recusants, if not signing it. Were we all together for
consultation, it would be easier to decide the question. Possibly, the trial
might betray some difference of sentiment not now apparent, or supposed
to be even probable. Any approach to meddling in politics is considered
non episcopal. Perhaps your first plan of a pastoral address to your own
people might be the best as an example to the Bishops ; though I expect
some, both North and South, would be unwilling to contradict the opin-
ions and feelings of a number of their people.
I have just set down my thoughts hastily for your consideration. I still
think that self-interest with the men of the world, religion with the pious,
and patriotism with the few who know the feeling, will save us."
494 MEMOIR. OP BISHOP MEADE.
Richmond, 3Iay 8, 1861.
My Dear Brother :
Most cordially do I recipi'ocate all that you say as to the probable separ-
ation between us in national and ecclesiastical associations ; but I feel an
assured confidence that such separation will never affect in the slightest
degree the aifectionate intercourse, and entire agreement which has ever
existed between us. Still, it is most distressing to think that any such
change will occur, as I fear is too probable.
A meeting of delegates from the Southern Dioceses is called, for the 4th
of July, at Montgomery, which will, I suppose, inaugurate a Southern
General Convention.
In relation to the late secession of students from our Seminary, I have heard
from several students and others, that a most friendly relation subsisted
between the Northern and Southern students to the last, and that the
parting scene was a touching one. It had been determined some time before,
that in case of the secession of Virginia, it would be prudent on the part of
the Northern students to leave, as it would be impossible to tell what would
be the effect of the act in many ways. The Southern students left two
weeks after, as also the High School boys. The account of it in the New
York papers was a gross mistake, and was contradicted by the Southern
Churchman.
I have run down for a day to this place, in order to ascertain more accu-
rately the state of our affairs. All Eistern Virginia is in continual ex-
pectation of assaults from the Federal forces, at one or two of various points.
We are as yet unprepared for a proper defence, and may suffer much for
some time, but final success in.maintaining a state of secession is undoubted.
I have slowly and reluctantly come to the conclusion, that we must separ-
ate. May God overrule all for the furtherance of the gospel, and the true
welfare of our country.
I have just received your letter, and answer it by candle-light (contrary
to the welfare of my eyes), as I must leave early in the morning, 1 have
moved the Convention from Alexandria to Richmond, and expect to be
here again on the 15th, if war does not prevent.
Most truly, yours in Christ.
W. Meade.
Richmond, May lY, 1861.
My Dear Brother :
The transfer of Mr. is just received and accepted. I enclose you my
views of the present crisis. You will see where we differ.
We are in daily expectation of an invasion from the Federal forces in
various points. They outnumber us greatly, and have many advantages,
but will be met with courage and determination by those who believe that
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 495
they are unjustly and wantonly assailed. Virginia may soon be drenched
with the blood of the flower of her youth, and the strength of her manhood.
The piety of all denominations, especially of our Church, will be well repre-
sented. In great haste, and with true love.
Yours truly,
W. Meade.
The following extracts from a few of his letters to the
Assistant Bishop, which were rescued from the destruction
to which his library and many valuable papers were con-
signed, are of the same tone, and show the mind of Bishop
Meade in reference to the sad state of civil affairs, then
hastening to a crisis :
Dec. 9, I860.
My Dear Brother :
The Governor having refused to appoint a Fast-day, the clergy of Rich-
mond have agreed on one, and have united on that day. I wish I could
have had you for consultation. Time and circumstances did not even allow
my sending these through you. I fear, however, that all will be of no
avail, and that God will not grant our prayer." Quern Deus vult perdere,
prius dementat.
Millwood, Jan. 4, 1861.
" The news from the Virginia Legislature is somewhat cheering, and I
hope this evening's mail will bring something of the same kind from
Congress."
{Without date). " I am almost in despair about the Union. The action
of the Episcopal and Presbyterian Clergy in South Carolina, as seen in the
Southern Episcopalian and other papers, settles the point," *' If the clergy in
other denominations, after quarrelling for so many years on the subject of
slavery, were obliged or preferred to separate, can we expect anything else
of half the politicians and people. The Churches are the most guilty, before
God.
Yours truly,
W. Meade.
The extracts are few and brief, but nothing more is
needed to show the strong Union feeling of the writer ;
and such, without the slightest abatement, continued to
be his spirit up to the day when he received intelligence
496 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
of the proclamation which declared the coercive policy of
the General Government, and called for an army to carry
that policy into effect. This action, which united the
South in resistance of invasion, completely changed the
views and feelings of the Bishop. His convictions of duty
now accorded with the course to which his State had been
driven, and although his sense of professional propriety
prevented him from any active participation in its defence,
he believed it to be right, and with deep sorrow of soul
for the sad necessity, gave it his warm sympathy and de-
cided approval.
The correctness of this representation is rendered un-
questionable by his own communication to the Conven-
tion of his Diocese, which met in Eichmond, May 16, 1861.
Having disposed of matters usually embraced in the
Address required by the Canons, he proceeds :
" I now ask your attention to a few remarks concerning
the present unhappy condition of our State and country.
" My brethren and friends will bear me witness, how
carefully I have ever avoided, in all my communications,
the least reference to anything partaking of a political
character, and how I have earnestly warned my younger
brethren against the danger of injuring the effect of their
sacred ministry by engaging in discussions which are so
apt to disturb the peace of society. But in the present
circumstances of our country, the cause of religion is so
deeply involved, that I feel not only justified, but con-
strained, to offer a few remarks for your consideration.
" It has pleased God to permit a great calamity to come
upon us. Our whole country is preparing for war. Our
own State, after failing in her earnest effort for the pro-
motion of peace, is, perhaps, more actively engaged in all
needful measures for maintaining the position which she
has, after much consideration, deliberately assumed, than
any portion of the land.
"A deeper and more honest conviction, that if war
• MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 497
should actually come upon us, it will be, on our part, one
of self-defence, and, therefore, justifiable before God, sel-
dom, if ever, animated the breasts of those who appealed
to arms. From this consideration, and from my know-
ledge of the character of our people, I believe that the
object sought for will be most perse veringly pursued,
whatever sacrifice of life, and comfort, and treasure may
be required. Nor do I entertain any doubt as to the final
result, though I shudder at the thought of what may in-
tervene before that result is secured. May God in great
mercy, and with His mighty power, interpose, and grant
us speedy peace instead of protracted war !
'' But can it be, that at this period of the world, when
so many prayers are offered up for the establishment of
Christ's kingdom in all the earth, and such high hopes are
entertained that the zealous efforts put forth will be suc-
cessful, and our country be one of the most effective and
honored instruments for producing the same, — that the
great work shall be arrested by such fratricidal war, as
that which is now so seriously threatened ? Is there not
room enough for us all to dwell together in peace in this
widely-extended country, so large a portion of which is
yet unsettled, and may not be until the world that now is
shall be no more ? The families or nations which sprung
from two venerable patriarchs of old, could find room
enough in the little pent-up land of Judea to live in peace,
by going the one to one hand, and the other to the oppo-
site. At a later period, when Israel and Judah separated,
and the latter, having the city and temple in possession,
and the supremacy, according to prophecy, was preparing
to go up against the former and reduce the people to sub-
mission, and bring them back to union, the Lord himself
came down and forbade it, saying : ' Thou shalt not go up
nor fight against your brethren, the children of Israel.
Ecturn every man to his house, for this thing is of me.'
And they hearkened unto the Lord, and ever after, the
498 MEMOIR or BISHOP MEADE.
history of the two kingdoms is written in the same vol-
ume, in which are also recorded the evidences of God's
favor to both ; and though sometimes at controversy, yet
how often were they found side by side defending the
ancient boundaries of Judea against surrounding nations.
Grod grant that our country may learn a lesson from this
sacred narrative ! Let none think that I am unmindful of
law and order, and of the blessings of union. I was
trained in a different school. I have clung with tenacity
to the hope of preserving the Union to the last moment.
If I know my own heart, could the sacrifice of the poor
remnant of my life have contributed in any degree to its
maintenance, such sacrifice would have been cheerfully
made. But the developments of public feeling, and the
course of our rulers, have brought me slowly, reluctantly,
sorrowfully, yet most decidedly, to the painful conviction,
that, notwithstanding attendant dangers and evils, we
shall consult the welfare and happiness of the whole land
by separation. And who can desire to retain a Union
which has become so hateful, ai^d by the application of
armed force, which, if successful, would make it ten times
more hateful, and soon lead to the repetition of the same
bloody contests ?
" I trust, therefore, that the present actual separation
of so many and such important portions of our country
may take place without further collision, which might
greatly hinder the establishment of the most friendly and
intimate relations which can exist with separate establish-
ments. I trust that our friends at a distance, and now in
opposition to us, will most seriously review their judgment,
and inquire whether the evils resulting from a war to sus-
tain their wishes and opinions as to a single confederacy,
will not far exceed those apprehended from the establish-
ment of a second — an event far more certain than the re-
sult of the American Revolution at the time of its occur-
rence.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 499
In connection with this civil and geographical sej^ara-
tion in our country, and almost necessarily resulting from
it, the subject of some change of the ecclesiastical rela-
tions of our Diocese must come under consideration.
There is a general and a strong desire, I believe, to retain
as much as possible of our past and present happy inter-
course with those from whom we shall be in other matters
divided. A meeting is already proposed for this purpose
in one of the seceded States, whose plans, so far as devel-
oped, I will submit to the consideration of this body at its
present session.
" I cannot conclude without expressing the earnest de-
sire that the ministers and members of our Church, and
all the citizens of our State, who are so deeply interested
in the present contest, may conduct it in the most elevated
Christian spirit, rising above uncharitable and indiscrimi-
nate imputations on all who are opposed. Many there
are, equally sincere, on both sides, as there ever have been
in all the wars and controversies that have been waged on
earth ; though it does not follow that all have the same
grounds of justice and truth on which to base their war-
fare.
" It was the maxim of an ancient sage, that we should
always treat our friends as those who might one day be
our enemies, and to treat our enemies as those who may
one day be our friends. While abhorring, as I am sure we
all do, the former part of this cold-hearted maxim, let us
cherish and adopt the latter, so congenial with the spirit
of our holy religion. The thought of even a partial separ-
ation from those who have been so long dear to me, is
anguish to my soul. But there is a union of heart in our
common faith and hope which can never be broken. The
Church iu Virginia has more dear friends and generous
patrons amongst those who are on the opposite side of this
painful controversy than any other, and feels most deeply
the unhappy position in which we are placed.
500 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
" As our State has, to its high praise, endeavored to
avert the evils now threatened, so may our Church, and
all the others in Virginia, by prayer and the exercise of
true charity, endeavor to diminish that large amount of
prejudice and ill-will which so unhappily abounds in our
land.
" Let me, in conclusion, commend to your special prayers
all those who have devoted themselves to the defence of
the State. From personal knowledge of many of them,
and from the information of others, there is, already, I
believe, a large portion of religious principle and genuine
piety to be found among them. I rejoice to learn that in
many companies, not only are the services of chaplains
and other ministers earnestly sought for, but social prayer
meetings held among themselves. Our own Church has a
very large proportion of communicants among the officers
of our army, and not a few among the soldiers. Let us
pray that grace may be given them to be faithful soldiers
of the Cross, as well as valiant and successful defenders of
the State.
" If all of us do our part faithfully, and according to the
principles of our holy religion, we may confidently leave
the issue with Grod, who will overrule all for good." —
(Journal, 1861.)
This admirable address, so expressive of the composure
and clearness, and charity and active piety of the Bishop,
at a time when the storm of political excitement was coming
to its height, and sweeping with disturbing power even
the Church itself, possesses a permanent and very peculiar
interest, and it presents the character of its author in an
elevation, easier to be admired, than attained.
The committee to whom it was referred reported the
following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted :
" 1. Resolved, That this Convention, having heard with
deep interest the true and timely statements of our vener-
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 501
able Diocesan, in reference to the present political and ec-
clesiastical condition of our affairs, cordially concur in the
views presented, and sympathize fully in the kind and
Christian spirit in which they are so wisely declared.
" 2. Resolved, That a committee, consisting of the two
Bishops, three other clergymen, and three laymen, be ap-
pointed, as a provisional committee, to act during the re-
cess of the Convention on all matters connected with our
relations to other Dioceses, and the clerical and lay mem-
bers of the Committee shall serve as delegates in any Con-
vention which may be agreed upon by other similarly
situated Dioceses. All the proceedings of this Committee
to be reported for the approval of the Convention of the
Diocese of Virginia.
"J. Johns,
" William Sparrow,
"J. Grammer,
"Thos. S. G-hoslston,
"James Calt,
"E. H. Cunningham."
In the Fall of 1861, the Bishop wrote an appeal, which
will suflEiciently explain itself and furnish another evidence
of his humane consideration for others, and his readiness
to deny himself in providing for their necessities.
'' Dear Brethren and Friends :
The approach of winter, at all times, admonishes us to make some
preparation in the way of clothing and covering for ourselves and families,
lest we suffer, either by day or night, from the severity of the weather.
On those who abound in such things, the duty devolves of remembering
the claims of the poor and suffering. A most urgent appeal is made to us
now, in view of the approaching winter, for suitable covering for our soldiers,
when their only houses may be light tents. Our peculiar circumstances
render it impossible to obtain a supply of blankets and coverlids in the
usual way, and through former channels, and the families of Virginia have
been called on to examine their household stores, and from them draw forth
the needed supply. I' doubt not but that this call has already been heard,
and in a good degree answered, but feeling anxious that those who are in
502
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
some measure committed to my spiritual care, should abound in this liber-
ality, I have determined to address a few words to them, rather as sug-
gestive of the mode of performing this duty, than as exhorting to the duty
itself; believing that to the latter, there is little or no need of exhortation.
It has pleased Providence to bless a large portion of those whom I address
with the means of a generous hospitality, by day and by night, in winter
and in summer, which they delight to exercise. Their bedrooms are
abundantly supplied with coverings in a cold winter night for numerous
guests, more numerous oftentimes than the demands of charity require.
Let us look over our stores, and see whether in the present emergency some
articles might not be spared to the soldiers who are fighting for our dearest
rights, even though our accustomed hospitality be, for a time, somewhat
diminished. And if we have already done this, and more be needed, let
us look down upon our floors and see if some of those luxuries of which our
Revolutionary fathers were ignorant, might not, if necessity exists, be con-
verted into the means of affording comfort to the soldier in his tent.
I am well aware how much our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters
have done in behalf of the poor, the sick and the wounded, and how cheer-
fully they have done it, and how much the young and the old of our own
sex have sacrificed in this cause ; how much more they are prepared to
sacrifice, and, therefore, I am sure that they will rightly receive these sug-
gestions. It is only in this way that I can contribute my mite to the
furtherance of that war of self-defence, which has been forced upon us, and
which is waged in such a manner as to show that all our energies are re-
quired to secure to ourselves and transmit to our children those blessings
which our forefathers purchased for us, by similar labors and sufferings.
Commending you and our cause to the blessing of that God, without whom
all our efforts and suffering will fail,
I remain,
Your friend and brother,
William Meade,
Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church of Virginia."
The extreme Southern Dioceses had early entered upon
the formation of a separate ecclesiastical organization
within the limits of the Confederacy. Meetings had been
held, committees appointed, a draft of a constitution and
a body of canons prepared, and a provisional Convention
called, to meet in Columbia, South Carolina, in IS'ovember
1861, to which all the Southern Dioceses were requested to
send delegates, and all the Bishops were invited to be
present. The Diocese of Virginia had therefore taken no
MEMOIR or BISHOP MEADE. 503
part in the preliminary movement. By the adoption of
the 2nd Eesolution reported by the special Committee on
the Bishop's Address of 1851, and the election of a pro-
visional committee to act for the Diocese after the ad-
journment of the Convention, and also to represent the
Diocese in any Convention which might assemble the
Diocese was in a position of readiness to act as circum-
stances might require.
When the Convention assembled in Columbia, the Bishops
of Virginia, with the clerical and lay delegates, were there,
and took part in the last review of the constitutions and
canons, which were afterwards adopted by the conventions
of the several dioceses, and because the Law of the Protes-
tant Episcopal Church in the Southern Confederacy.
In anticipation of that Convention, Bishop Meade com-
mitted to paper his thoughts on certain matters as proper
to be considered.
" Some thoughts in view of the proposed and probable
connection of the Diocese of Virginia, with those of the
other seceded States."
" It has pleased the great Head of the Church to give to
the Diocese of Virginia a peculiar history among her sis-
ter Dioceses, both before and since our civil and ecclesias-
tical severance from England. In point of numbers, both
as to the clergy and laity, she was far before all others,
under the colonial establishment, and her influence on the
Eevolution was in due proportion. Her fall, from power
and numbers, was also great in like proportion, so that, in
a few years after, she had scarce a name to live, and was
despaired of by the rest of the Church in the General
Convention of 1808.
God, in His wisdom and goodness (who chooses ofttimes
to use weak things, and things that are not, to efi'ect His
most gracious purposes), determined to put life into the
dry bones of the Church in Virginia, or, at least, to
strengthen the things that remained, and were ready to
504 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
die, and to make use of her for no little good, not only
among the citizens of Virginia, attached to our own and
other denominations, but also to many beyond the bounds
of our State, especially to those of our communion.
This He has done by raising up a number of pious and
evangelical young ministers in Virginia, and elsewhere,
and sending them to our vineyard, especially by placing
over us a zealous Bishop, (Bishop Moore,) who presented
the Gospel instead of a mere moral system, such as was
too common with many ministers at that day, both in
England and America.
But the great instrument for giving the Church in Vir-
ginia an influence for good in our own State, and else-
where, was the establishment of a Theological Seminary.
While most other Dioceses wished and endeavored to
establish a general Seminary, to which candidates from
all parts of the Church should be sent, and where the
greatest uniformity of sentiment should be promoted
under the same Professors and Trustees, the Church of
Virginia, fearing some evil effects of this system, and see-
ing many advantages in having a school of her own, de-
termined upon the effort to establish the same, which, by
the blessing of God, has been most happily successful.
For the same reason, the Bishops, clergy, and laity of
Virginia, in the General Councils of the Church, and else-
w^here, have opposed the consolidation of power in the
General Convention, whether as to the training of minis-
ters, the publication of books and tracts, the management
of Sunday schools, the conduct of missions, foreign or do-
mestic. Experience has confirmed us in the wisdom of
such a course. We have seen that confusion, unhappiness,
strife and disa^^pointment have attended the contrary.
A civil division which has taken place in our country,
leading to the proposal for a new ecclesiastical confedera-
tion, imposes upon us the duty of considering what old
things are to be retained, and what new things to be in-
troduced.
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 505
In a reconstruction of our ecclesiastical system, we have
the benefit of the experience of more than three-fourths
of a century, during which the trial of the best means of
promoting the welfare of our Zion has been diligently
made. The successes and the failures of ourselves and
our fathers are before us, and it becomes us to learn wis-
dom from the same.
Oar earliest fathers, with a wise foresight, warned
against too much legislation on the part of the General
Convention, as endangering the most attainable unity in
sentiment and action through our widely extended Church.
Such warning has not been lost upon the Church. Though
experiments have been made in the way of consolidation,
they have been-found so productive of discord, and have
so failed of effect, that they have been either relinquished,
or modified in their execution, so as to prove the wisdom
of our fathers, and to furnish no encouragement for their
repetition.
So strong is the opposition to the consolidation of power
in any central representative body, in our Southern mind,
arising from the past and present history of the United
States, that there can be little danger of our erring much
in the way of attempting undue legislation, or of placing
too much power in the hands of any agency of our South-
ern Ecclesiastical Convention.
Voluntary associations, or Diocesan societies, in which
individuals or congregations may exercise their charities
and put forth their efforts in such manner as shall seem
most likely to effect most good, will doubtless be encour-
aged.
The Bishops, clergy, and laity of Virginia will never
surely relinquish to any other confederation, that liberty
of action for which they have so long and successfully
contended under our former one, and by which they have
effected so much good in our own Diocese and in the
Church at large. In nothing has the doctrines and con.
22
506 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
diiot of Yirginia been more approved and followed by
others throughout the land, than in regard to the estab-
lishment of seminaries and other associations of a Dio-
cesan character, independent of the General Convention.
Our Bishops, and other delegates to the meeting at
Columbia, will doubtless see that no power of usefulness
belonging to the Diocese of Yirginia be surrendered into
other hands, and thus be a cause of future strife.
The subject of representation, which has been the sub-
ject of recrimination and complaint for the last forty
years, will doubtless be considered, and equitably settled.
Some difficulties in the way of it in the old confederation
will, I think, be so diminished in our new, as to present
no serious hindrance to the disposition of this part of the
subject."
'No General Theological Seminary was proposed or de-
sired. No General Missionary Society connected with the
General Council was, or could have been, organized. The
ratio of representation, which he wished to have equitably
adjusted, found no favor. Yet the statement of his views
is too important to be omitted here, and may yet be of
service to the Church.
Bishop Meade, being by date of consecration, the senior
of the Southern Bishops, was the Presiding Bishop of the
Church in the Confederate States.. The only service per-
taining to this position which he had occasion to perform,
was that which was connected with the consecration of
the Eev. R. H. Wilmer, D. D., Bishop elect of Alabama.
The frequent occupancy of the railroads for military pur-
poses, interfered with the regular transmission of letters,
and rendered travelling very uncertain, so that the requis-
ite arrangements were not made without difficulty and de-
lay. It was ascertained that the presence of three Bishops
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 507
could not be relied on, unless Eichmond was selected as the
place for the consecration, and the Presiding Bishop be
present as one of the consecrators. His advanced age, his
infirmities at the time, and the inclement season, combined
to render the journey from Clarke to Eichmond, very
hazardous. But he was so impressed with the importance
of the object, that he would not allow any personal incon-
venience, or apparent risk, to prevent its accomplishment.
He promptly appointed Eichmond as the place for the con-
secration, and engaged. Providence permitting, to preside
in the service ; which he faithfully kept, and on the 6th of
March, in St. Paul's Church, Eichmond, consecrated the
Eev. E. H. Wilmer, D. D., as Bishop of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Alabama, Bishops
Elliott and Johns uniting in the imposition of hands.
The sad sequel is furnished in the funeral Address de-
livered in the same Church, March 17, by the Eight Eev.
J. Johns, D. D., which is therefore annexed, with the
addition of notes relative to particulars not included in the
Address.
ADDRESS.
"And His dieciples came and took up the body, and buried it, and went
and told Jesus."— Matt. 14 : 12.
My Christian Brethren : — I have scarcely courage for the
sad service which devolves upon me. I could not brace
myself for the effort, but for the special commission which,
I dare not decline. A commission not from the living, but
from the now dead ; from the lips of the honored and be-
loved father in God, whose departure has stricken our
hearts with sorrow, and around whose mortal remains
we are assembled, to render them the last tribute of respect
and affection.
My commision is not to present for your admiration the
rare and decided excellencies of his character, and recite
the deeds of his remarkable life. All such eulogy, either
from the pulpit or the press, he strongly deprecated. A
508 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
just regard for his wishes on that subject repeatedly and
explicitly expressed, measurably restrains utterances for
which every feeling of my heart pleads, and which usage,
on such occasions, authorizes you to expect. Happily,
though it may be that formal panegyric was never more
deserved, it certainly has rarely, if ever, been less needed.
He, who, more than any other nian was honored, as the
instrument in raising the Church in Yirginia, from what
was pronounced hopeless extinction, who gave to. this
work his early manhood, his vigorous maturity, and the
wisdom and efficiency of advanced life, whose extensive
itinerations in this service year after year, for more than
half a century, had made his name a household word and
his face familiar throughout the Diocese ; his patriarchal
presence, the privilege of the people, and his wise in-
structions prized as precious precepts ; surely he needs no
formal panegyric. His praise is in all the churches of his
cure, and his spiritual children are his living epistles of com-
mendation, written, not with ink, but with the Spirit of
the living God — not on tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of
the heart.
It was unusual to find our good Bishop here at this time
of the year, and nothing but a case of great importance
would have justified his leaving his home in the valley,
and encountering the fatigue and exposure of the tedious
journey. Such he deemed the accomplishment of the
consecration of Dr. Wilmer. Bepeated arrangements had
been proposed to effect it without the presence of our
venerable Bishop, for we were unwilling that a life so in-
valuable, should be subjected to the least unnecessary
danger. But, when all other arrangements failed, and he
was informed that Richmond was selected for another ex-
periment, which would also be unsuccessful, for the want
of the requisite number of consecrators, unless he could be
here, he thought his duty clear, and though laboring under
a deep seated cold, he essayed, and accomplished the
journe}^ on a very inclement day, and under circumstances
of great discomfort. The result was, the serious aggra-
vation of his malady, rendering it exceedingly doubtful
whether he would, after all his efforts, be able to unite in
the consecration. When the day appointed came, he was
in truth more fitted for the repose of his chamber and
couch, than for the services of the chancel. But, with a
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 509
resolution and energy which never failed him when duty
seemed plain, he roused his enfeebled physical powers to
action just adequate to the emergency, and came only when
his presence could no longer be dispensed with, and oiSci-
ated merely in the act of consecration. As he moved
slowly up the aisle to his seat in the chancel, the impair-
ment of his once powerful frame was aifectingly apparent.
And when the Bishops present helped him from his chair
to his feet, and supported and united with him in the
imposition of hands, whilst that voice, once of such sweet-
ness and compass, now tremulous and broken, enunciated
with difficulty the Apostolic Commission — whose heart was
not saddened by the spectacle?
It proved to be the last official act of his long and
laborious, faithful and fruitful ministry ; an act to him of
great and varied interest and importance. It elevated to
the Episcopate the son of a valued friend and fellow-
laborer in the successful enterprise of resuscitating the
Church in Virginia. It provided an active and earnest
and capable Bishop to supply the vacancy in the Diocese
of Alabama occasioned by the death of the lamented Bishop
Cobbs, and it unmistakably declared the conviction of the
Church in the several Confederate States, that the dis-
ruption of the civil government rendered necessary the
cessation of the general ecclesiastical system, under which,
by conventional arrangement, the different Dioceses had
been united, and consequently devolved on us the responsi-
bility of perpetuating evangelical truth and order in our
churches, by independent ecclesiastical action. It was its
significancy in this respect that gave the consecration of
Dr. AVilmer its peculiar interest to Bishop Meade, and de-
cided him to encounter the exposure and fatigue of the
journey to Richmond, leaving the issue in the hands of
God.*
*The residence of Bishop Meade was in Clarke Co., near Millwood, at
the western base of the Blue Ridge ; a county of remarkable fertility and
beauty, and endeared to him by the associations of his youth, and as the
happy home where his children and his children's children had grown up
around him.
The undulating ground about the house, covered with its rich turf, he
had adorned with every variety of the fir and cedar, interspersed with the
most beautiful shade trees which the nurseries could furnish. The adjacent
garden abounded in choice grapes and other fruits of which the Bishop
was very fond, and which he was gratified to gather with his own hand,
510 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
The important object has been accomplished, but to ns,
at a cost which no one can compute. The mental and
corporeal effort required, produced and prolonged an un-
natural excitement in the Bishop's system, which at the
time seemed like genuine strength returning, and, as he
mingled so genially during the afternoon, in social inter-
course with his brethren, and friends, under the roof where
he had been received and cherished with Christian hospi-
tality and filial devotion, we were ready to interpret the
whole transaction of the memorable day, as a token for
good, full of promise. But our exposition of the scene, and
the sequences was sadly mistaken. The apparent glow
which gladdened us was not the animation of returning
health, but of the nature of those unaccountable transient
re-kindlings which precede and indicate approaching dis-
solution. The inspiriting influence of the impressive oc-
casion declined as the interval increased, and was not
renewed. An accession of disease, an increasing embarrass-
ment of vital organs soon became apparent.*
The chronic affection of the heart, of which for years he
was conscious, and from which he long expected sudden
death, now developed itself in fearful action. For several
days and nights his manly frame bore the assault with ex-
for the refreshment of his visitors, as he conducted them about the grounds.
No one could be his companion in these walks, without perceiving his
strong attachment to " Mountain View." When he left this loved home
he expected to be back in a few days, and carried with him but a single
change of raiment. How mercifully it was hidden from him, that the
cherished spot was soon to pass under the control of the invaders of our
soil, and could no longer be a home for him !
God, who veiled the coming sad event from his vision, prepared better
things for his faithful servant; led him by a way he had not anticipated to
another " Mountain View," showed him the Celestial Hills in their attrac-
tiveness, kindled to greater ardor his heavenly longings, and then trans-
lated him to his Father's house, and its incorruptible inheritance, its
blessed company of loved ones, and to Jesus, his Redeemer.
His journey from his earthly to his heavenly home was short. The
single change of raiment was sufficient. The vestments of the way were
needed but a few days ; then the robes of light and glory, for ever and ever.
*0n the following Monday, (March 17,) when I entered his room, I
found him still in bed. After some conversation in reference to his state of
health, he said, " Let me rise, and walk a little." I assisted him to put
on a dressing-gown. Then, with his arm around my neck for support, he
moved a few steps, but with so much difficulty that he begged me to take
him back to his bed again. When I laid him down he remarked, " It is all
over, my strength is gone, ' ' and after a moments reflection, " It is as good
a time as any for me to die."
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE, 511
traordinary powers of endurance, and his Christian spirit,
strengthened by the word of God, sustained his great
bodily suffering with exemplary patience. " Read me,"
■he said, to a friend, "a portion of the Sacred Scriptures."
" What shall I read ? " " The history of the Crucifixion."
And when this was done, he observed, " Yes, six hours did
our Lord suffer the intense agony of the Cross, and that
for us, for our sins, and shall we complain of our sufferings ?
'The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not
drink it?'" Throughout the severe struggle of nature
his mind was clear, his faith strong, and his hope steadfast.
Few things impressed me more during the last days of
his life than his perfect naturalness. Affectation in every
form and degree was always disgusting to him. What
are termed scenes in connection with religious character
and experience, especially on the supposed nearness of
death, he regarded with no favor. He was so accustomed
to bear his religion about with him in all his intercourse
with men and all his secular business, and so in the habit
of bearing both, with him, in his hours of devotion at a
throne of grace, that they were not kept separate and
apart, as if incompatible, but intermingled continually in
his thoughts and sympathies, and came out in close rela-
tion in his speech. It was strikingly and instructively so
during his last illness. In health he habitually thought
and acted as if there was but a step between him and
death, judgment and eternity ; and when he knew and
said, that the ensuing night or following day would end
his connection with earth, the welfare of his country and
the interests of his friends were as near his heart, and as
emphatically on his lips, as if he expected to share their
portion here for many years. To one of his respected
presbyters who was at his bedside taking leave of him,
he thus closed his solemn counsel : " Speak boldlj^- to your
people. Tell them to persevere in sustaining their country
in this struggle. The war against us is iniquitous. I am
persuaded that God is with us, and will give us success."
He knew that the courageous spirit of a living General
would not be hindered, but helped, by the presence and
power of the constraining love of Christ, and he had uo
fear that the faith and purity of a dying Bishop would be
impaired by the glow of genuine patriotism. He was on
his death-bed precisely what we all saw him to be in life,
except his sufferings.
512 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
On Thursday morning, the day before his death, he re-
quested others who were present to retire, that he might
communicate something to me in private. When we were
alone he said :
"I wish to bear my testimony on some things of import-
ance.
" The views of evangelical truth and order which I have
held and advocated for fifty years, I approve, and exhort
my brethren, North and South, to promote more than
ever.
" My course in civil affairs I also approve : resistance to
secession at first, till circumstances made it unavoidable.
I trust the South will persevere in separation.
" I believe there are thousands in the North who con-
demn the course of their administration towards us, and
in time will express themselves openly.
" The i^rospect of rest from sin and suffering is attrac-
tive, though I am willing to remain and take my part in
the labors and trials which may be before us.
" My hope is in Christ, ' the Eock of Ages.'
" I have no fear of death, and this, not from my courage,
but from my faith.
'' The present seems a proper time for my departure.
I am at peace with God through Jesus Christ, my Lord,
and in charity with all men, even our bitterest enemies.
"All that has ever been said in commendation of me I
loathe and abhor, as utterly inconsistent with my con-
sciousness of sin.
" I commend you and all my brethren to the tender
mercies of Christ, and pray for his blessing on the Church
in Yirginia."
AYhen he ceased I withdrew to the adjoining room, and
in conformity with his suggestion, immediately committed
the testimony to writing, and availed myself of the earliest
opportunity to read it to him, and receive his afiirmation
of its accuracy.*
* He observed, "It is accurate, but alter one expression. Instead of
'approve our cause,' write, 'condemn the course of their administration
towards us.' "
Note 2. On Thursday evening he asked, " What o'clock is it? " On
being told, he said, "Then I shall not see Richard," who at his father's
request had gone to "Mountain View" to bring away certain papers of
importance, that they might be deposited in some place of less exposure.
The Bishop perceived that the hour for the arrival of the cars had passed,
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 513
Such, beloved brethren, was the special commission to
which I referred, and from the painful execution of which
I could not shrink.
The message is duly delivered. The weighty words of
the wise leader, his legacy of love, are with you.
Death has since scaled his lips in silence. He has fought
a good fight — finished his course — kept the faith — re-
ceived the crown of righteousness, and entered into his
glorious rest. If the gift which I covet for you and my-
self, "a double portion of his spirit," depended on the
condition named to Elisha, that blessing would be ours —
for I witnessed his departure, and cried from my heart,
" My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the
horsemen thereof."
Our bereavement — the bereavement of our Church
and country — how inexpressibly afflicting !
AYhat can we do — to whom can we go in our sorrow
and bewilderment, but to Jesus, who was " anointed to
bind up the broken-hearted, to appoint to those who
mourn, beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." What
can we tell Him, but that we can have no compensation
for our great loss, but His own self, by the special gift of
the Comforter, and so pray humbly, and earnestly, and
perseveringly, " Come, Lord Jesus, manifest Thyself to us
with greater vividness and power ; draw us into more in-
and as he felt, and had so expressed himself, that he "would not live
through the day," he meekly relinquished all hope of seeing "Richard."
The other sons were in Clarke county, and as there was no mail to that
section of the State, they were ignorant of their father's illness. The only
one of his own family privileged lo be with him, was the Rev. Wm. H.
Meade, the eldest sou of that son whose return he had so earnestly de-
sired.
Note 3. A Convention for the purpose of forming a General Bible So-
ciety was about so assemble in Augusta, Georgia. The Bishop adverted
to this with great satisfaction, spoke of the interest with which Bishops
White, Griswold and others had regarded the U. S. Bible Society ex-
pressed his own earnest desire for the success of the proposed Society for
the South, and his hope and belief that it would be zealously sustained by
Southern Bishops and their Dioceses, and directed that a telegraphic com-
munication should be sent immediately to Augusta, requesting that his
name might be enrolled among the Life Members.
The communication was unnecessary. Before the Convention was or-
ganized he had passed to the participation of the glorious privileges of a
Life Member of the " General Assembly of the Church of the first4;orn in
Heaven."
22*
514 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE
timate and transforming fellowship with Thee ; come, per-
fect Thy strength in us, and possess our hearts more and
more with Thy love; enlighten our understanding -with
the illumination of the Holy Ghost, that all our wishes
and desires may centre in the advancement of Thy glory
and in the salvation of Thy people."
So, dear brethren, the prayer of our departed father in
G-od for us all will be soon and fully answered. "The
tender mercies of Christ will be upon us, and His blessing
upon the Church in Virginia."
After the service in the church, the funeral procession
moved to Hollywood Cemetery, where the coffin was laid
in a vault, till suitable arrangements could be made for its
permanent interment.
In the afternoon of the same day, there was a meeting
of the clergy then in Richmond, the proceedings of which
are thus reported :
" The Committee, through their chairman, having re-
tired for a short time, returned with the following resolu-
tions, which were unanimously adopted :
" Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to remove
from his labors to his rest, our beloved Bishop, the Rt.
Eev. William Meade, D. D., and we, a portion of his
clergy, providentially assembled in the city of Richmond,
do desire to record our deep sense of the loss sustained by
ourselves, by the Diocese over which he presided, and the
Church at large ; therefore, be it resolved,
1. That in the loss of Bishop Meade, we feel, as indi-
viduals, that we have been bereaved of a father most loved
and most revered; and, as members of the Church, of a
leader, the loss of whose godly counsel and faithful guid-
ance we most deeply mourn.
2. That in the midst of our sorrow we would bow
meekly to the will of God in this dispensation, acknow-
ledging His mercy to us, and to His Church, in sjiaring our
MEMOIR OF BISEOP MEADK. 515
late Bishop to us so long, and preserving him through so
many dangers; and that though prevented, by Bishop
Meade's own expressed wishes, from heaping praise and
commendation upon him, we yet feel it our privilege and
our duty to thank our Heavenly Father for the grace of
God which was in him, and are constrained to say, that he
was unsurpassed in all the qualities which can adorn the
hio-hest office in the Church on earth.
3. That as the noblest tribute we can pay to his mem-
ory, we will, by the aid of the Spirit of God, endeavor to
follow in his footsteps as he followed Christ.
4. That we do hereby express our deepest sympathy
with the afflicted family and relations of our beloved Dio-
cesan in this our common bereavement ; and trust that in
the love and mercy of God, they may find support and
abundant consolation."
In his address to the Convention which met in Eich-
mond the ensuing May, Bishop Johns, in reporting the
services which he had performed during the past year, in-
troduced, in its proper connection, the following reference
to the affliction with which the Diocese had been visited :
"March 9th. — I preached in St. John's Church, Eich-
mond. This, dear brethren, was the week of our bereave-
ment. On Friday, the 14th, at 7 A. M., it pleased Al-
mighty God to remove from us our venerable and beloved
Bishop, whom He had chosen to cherish our Church in
Virginia during its infancy ; to aid in bringing it up in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord, and long honored
and blessed as its chief pastor. The habit which forms
by duration, and the love which excellence and usefulness
inspire and invigorate, had so bound and endeared him to
us all, that the thought of being without him was not
seriously entertained, and we were ill prepared for the
afflictive separation. Perhaps we ought to have been
more discerning, and gathered premonitions from the sig-
nificant service with which our last Convention was
516 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
Opened. When the Bishop, under a solemn sense of the
appropriateness and duty, officiating as the preacher, de-
livered his semi-centenary discourse, spoke of the exper-
ience of his long and eventful life with the deep humility
of a sage, that the benefit of his carefully acquired know-
ledge might accrue to us, there was impressively evident
' a ripeness and perfectness of age in Christ,' which might
have advised us that his maturity for heaven was attained,
and ' the time of his departure at hand.' For many years,
his bodily infirmities, though they did not abate his intel-
lectual labors or suspend the use of his pen, but only ren-
dered them more abundant and beneficial, yet did deprive
'US of his impressive services in the pulpit. His capability
for these, however, was recently restored, and in that
memorable discourse there was an unction of piety, and a
rich melody of religious thought, in which our ears should
have recognized the dying notes of our aged apostle.
The last few pages of fhis discourse, preached " in the
fifty first year of his ministry, and thirty-second of his
Episcopate," are of very peculiar interest.
" And now, if I may be permitted to close with some
personal reflections, I would say, that in reviewing my
life, since entering the ministry, I can truly say, that not
a day or waking hour has been so spent that the word
evil may not justly be applied to it, because so largely
partaking of sin. I know that I have never performed
one single act without some sin intermingling with it,
either as to the motive or manner; not doing all to the
glory of God, but allowing the desire of human praise to
get into the heart and dwell there. Thus has " my sin
been ever before me," and when my eye has caught some
near glimpse of God, I have said, " I abhor myself," feel-
ing " that no clean thing can come out of such an unclean
one." When I have read that God "charges even His
angels with folly," how often and from the deep of my
heart have I exclaimed with David, " O God, thou knowest
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 517
my foolishness^ aud my sios are. not hid from Thee."
Thus do I declare my doctrine and experience as to hu-
man depravity. It has ever been a source of shame to me
that so many of my friends and brethren were conscious
and observant of my infirmities, and the more so, because
they have dealt so forbearingly and kindly towards them.
Had T these fifty j^'ears to live over again, I see many
things to be armended, and would fain hope that I should
be enabled so to do ; and yet, I would not ask or wish
such a repetition, lest even greater dishonor come, through
me, to the sacred cause. As already declared, I have now
gone beyond my three-score years and ten, and have no
desire or expectation of reaching that period when " age
is nothing but labor and sorrow, and the grasshopper
might be a burthen." At present I have cause to be
thankful for a most unexpected share of health, though
but little strength is connected with it, my eyes having
become dim and my natural force much abated. With
such as I have, and as long as it lasts, I desire to serve my
Lord and Master and my poor fellow-sinners, hojDing that
in some small degree " for me to live is Christ," though
" to die would be gain." The same kind allowance will, I
trust, still be made for my imperfections, and if, in the
course of that brief remnant of life which may yet re-
main, my understanding (such as it is) should fail, my
friends and brethren will remember the injunction to
children in behalf of a declining father, " If his under-
standing fail, have patience with him and despise him not."*
But, while with humility and shame looking back on the
sins and neglects of the past, I must not omit what I am
sure the patriarch felt in his heart, special gratitude for
special favors and honors from God and man. While the
office of a Bishop, by reason of its many cares and respon-
sibilities, has been a heavy burden to many, I have indeed
found it both in its lower and higher grade, "a good
* Ecclesiasticus, 3 : 13.
518 MEMOIR OP BISHOP MEADE.
thing." Some painful cases I have had, some offences
given which I could wish to have avoided ; some old
friends in a measure alienated, whom I would have retained
nearest my heart; some enemies made, whose friendship I
desired ; some censure incurred, which I would gladly
have avoided, if it could have been done with a good con-
science ; still, such has been the favor and kindness expe-
rienced that " my cup has run over." Such has been the
honor received from my brethren, and the hospitality from
the members and families of the Church, that my visits,
though sometimes attended with exhaustion, have been
delightful recreations, while the sacred duties of the Epis-
copal office have been high and delightful privileges. On
the heads of hundreds have I laid my hands in ordination,
on thousands in baptism and confirmation, and to more
numerous thousands have I administered the memorials
of the dying love of our Lord, besides, for many years,
the almost daily privilege of preaching the glorious gospel
to perishing sinners In all these ways I have felt that
a sacred relation was established with them to whom I
ministered. I trust, also, that I have been thus drawn
nearer myself to the Great Shepherd and Bishop of souls
above ; and oh, ma}^ He one day lay His hands on my
head, confirming all my hopes, admitting me to the fellow-
ship of the first-born above, and allowing me to partake
anew with Him and them, in some ineffable manner, the
Supper of the Lord, in the Church triumphant above!
Would to God that I could thus conclude. Mingled
emotions have attended our brief review of the last half
century ; but what if the veil could be raised which now
shrouds in darkness the history of our country for the
next fifty years, (should the world itself continue thus
long,) who might not shrink back from the awful sight ?
O ! the divisions, the wars, the miseries which may make
up that history, the mere beginning of which is now before
our eyes and at our doors. God in mercy hides from us
MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE. 519
the sight of garments rolled in blood, of fields strewed
with mangled bodies, of proud cities crumbled into heaps
of ruins, of fertile valleys become desolations, of republics
and kingdoms rising and falling, and being no more for-
ever. Such has been the history of nations once prosper-
ous like our own. Such may be the end of our own,
unless the Prince of Peace shall, speedily come down and
establish that kingdom which is to be forever and ever.
Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly."
He has since finished his course in peace and hope, and
added to his wholesome example and salutary instructions
of his self-denying and laborious life, the solemn seal of a
fearless death. It was my privilege to minister to him
during his sickness, receive his dying testimony, watch
his waning strength, catch his expiring breath, and then
close those eyes, which, in an intimate association of
twenty years, had never been turned on mine and me, but
in true friendship and tender love.
The particulars of his illness, and his dying testimony
to his brethren and country, I have communicated in the
address delivered at the funeral. That testimony will be
long and religiously preserved as the precious legacy of a
Christian patriot, to the Church and people, whose pros-
perity was so dear to his heart, both in life and in death.
May our devoted love for our departed father in God, and
our sympathy in sorrow under our sore bereavement, be
so sanctified as to unite us in closer Christian affection
and animate us to greater zeal and diligence in the cause
of our Lord and Master, that we " lose not those things
which have been wrought," but may behold his pleasure
still prospering in our hands
In the address of Bishop Johns to the council of 1863,
the following statement occurs :
" The last Convention entrusted to a committee consist-
in ir of the Rectors and Vestries of the Churches in Rich-
mond and its vicinity, the arrangements for the perma-
520 MEMOIR OF BISHOP MEADE.
nent interment of our late Et. Eev. Father in God. The
wish of the sons of the deceased being ascertained, a lot
was selected in Holywood Cemetery.
On the 4th of March, at 2 P. M., the Eev. E. K. Meade
and children, accompanied by clergy and laity of the city
and its vicinity, repaired to the Cemetery, and reverently
removed the venerated remains from the vault in which
they had been temporarily laid, to the spot chosen for
permanent interment, where, with appropriate religious
services, we committed the body to the ground, looking
for the general resurrection, and the life of the world to
come, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
The proposed monument and inclosure are postponed
till they can • be more satisfactorily accomplished than
under existing circumstances.
The ground for the interment was purchased by two
gentlemen of Virginia, Wm. H. Macfarland, Esq., and Mr.
John Stewart, an'd presented to the Church in Yirginia.
Its position is eligible, and it is completely isolated by
roads which pass along its sides. In shape, it is mound
like. Nearly midway on one of its sides stands a large
oak tree, an appropriate emblem of the sainted servant of
God, whose remains repose under its wide spreading
branches, a hallowed spot, where angels will keep their
vigils, and where every son of the Church may reverently
stand, with uncovered head, and thank God for William
Meade.
j^ie'fieiistjoxzk:
A SERMOISr
PREACHED IN STAUNTON, VA., MAT 24, 1863, IN MEMORY OF RIGHT KEY.
"WILLIAM MEADE. D. D., LATE BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE,
REV. WILLIAM SPARROW, D. D.
" Seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let
•us lay aside every weight." — Hebrews, 12: 1.
The Chiircli of Christ is a mighty po^ver in the earth,
the mightiest beyond all comparison, known to man. At
first it was but as a grain of mustard seed ; but it has long-
since grown to be a great tree, which unlike every other
planting of the divine hand in this world, and much more
of any human hand, is not destined to decay, but to in-
crease, striking its roots downward, and bearing fruits up-
ward, till it overspreads the world, and blesses all mankind.
Now this power of the Church lies chiefly in its testi-
mony to the truth which has been committed to it, and
this testimony is continually increasing through the mul-
tiplication of the witnesses, who, by their example in word
and deed, by holy living, and peaceful and happy dying,
give to those who know or remember them, a reason for
the hope that is, or was, in them ; a reason which no man
of any conscience and reflection can make light of. So wide-
spread is the Church of Christ, and so numerous its mem-
bers, that not a year passes by that does not add some
precious name to that cloud of witnesses for Jesus. Yes,
annually, and at even shorter periods still, we are called
to mourn the departure from our earth of God's faithful
servants who are gone to join the redeemed of the Lord in
heaven. They are personally gone, but not gone alto-
gether. Tl^eir testimony is still with us for our instruc-
522 APPENDIX.
tion and encouragement. They being dead, yet speak to
us. Of this class is our late. Diocesan.
The eventful times in which we live, and in which he
died, dispose us to speak of Bishop Meade, first, though
but briefly, as a jpatriot. The importance of passing events,
and the deep interest he took in them, might invite to
more extended remarks ; but the higher relations of the
character and oflS.ce of the deceased claim our chief atten-
tion. Patriotism, after all, it should be remembered, at
least in this place and hour, is, in itself, and as commonly
exhibited in the world, only a natural feeling, a local at-
tachment, a social affection formed by long intercourse,
and identity of secular interest in property, reputation,
habits, customs and tastes. And though, when stimulated,
it may perform prodigies of valor, and may consummate
revolutions, which under the hand of God may be greatly
beneficent to the country and the world ; still, all this may
be, and alas, too often is, where God is not in all the
thoughts of the actors, and where it cannot be said that
He is the origin, the support, or the end of the procedure;
being called in, if called in at all, only in an extremity, to
sanction and sustain mail's forescone conclusions. But such
was not the patriotism of the venerable man of whom I
speak. The love of country, or section of country in which
his lot was cast, was with him at once a transformed and
subordinated affection ; transformed, so as to be elevated,
and subordinated, so as to be controlled by other, higher,
broader, and purer principles. It was denied the right of
supreme rule in the Christian heart. Like every other
natural affection, to have real value according to the
Christian standard, he held it must be entirely subject to
the paramount considerations of God's spiritual law, and
spiritual kingdom, and must be cherished and put forth in
full recollection of that divine sovereignty, which, in the
ordering of human affairs, often acts on principles which
we, for the present, do not understand, — at one time grant-
ing us prosperity beyond our guilty fears ; at another dis-
appointing our most ardent wishes and confident and (as
we deem them) reasonable expectations. Moderation,
therefore, marked the movements and expressions of his
patriotic feelings. His final testimony on his death-bed,
as immediately after utterance put on record by Bishop
Johns, and afterwards revised by himself, indicates, as I
APPENDIX. 523
have said, that patriotism was not only a subordinate prin-
ciple in his heart, but a transformed principle, free from
bitterness, adopting only the measures and means, the
language and sentiments which God approves, submitting
all errors to be corrected by His infinite wisdom, and all
events to be regulated by those higher considerations of
State which belong to the Court of Heaven. It was, in
short, just what you might expect from a man of God, who
loved his country, expressing his opinions on a great
national question, standing on the confines of the eternal
world, and conscious of his fallibility.
Let us pass to his services to the Church in Yirginia.
He was the restorer of that Church. So far as I have been
able to read the history of that Church, this title belongs
to him more than to any other man. He was fitted for it
by personal character, and social connections, in eminent
degree ; formally and understandingly, he took it in hand,
in the strength of God's grace to do ; and by the grace of
God, he did it. His very idiosyncrasies conduced to this
end. In early life, as is well known, he observed a plain-
ness of style in his family arrangements, and personal ap-
pearance, which was much remarked upon. The motive
was neither vain affectation, nor idle caprice. It was de-
signed, I doubt not, to indicate that he did not wish to
continue, but rather to break the continuity of that secu-
lar mode of life, into which the ministry too generally had
fallen, and to inaugurate, if possible, a new state of things
— a new style of practical religion, in which was mingled
as little as might be, of "f/ie lust of the flesh, the lust of the
eye, and the pride of life ;" new, I mean, as compared with
that of the generation which had gone before, but not new,
according to the principles and early history of the Church
from which we sprung. His prime and immediate object
in entering the ministry of course was, by preaching the
gospel to convert, and huild up the converted ; but he also
had a further object germain to this; he would do this in
the Church of his fathers, as, all things considered, the best
and most Scriptural organization, in his judgment, for car-
rying forward the reign of Christ among men. Friends
endeavored to dissuade him from his whole purjDOse, the
ministry generally, and especially the ministry in our
Church. Episcopalians, so-called, thought it folh' for a
young man of his talents and surroundings to attach him-
524 APPENDIX.
self to a fallen Church, that never could rise again ! But,
he had formed his purpose considerately and prayerfully,
and he adhered to it with the firmness which ever charac-
terized him. He saw that the Church had not sunk so
low from inherent weakness, either of doctrine or order.
It had fallen either from that general cause found in the
depravity of human nature, through which all churches,
like individual Christians, are liable to declension in long
spaces of time ; or else, from particular causes which were
incidental and remediable ; as, for instance, the prejudicial
influence of the union of Church and State — the want of
powers of self-government^ and the absence of the charac-
teristic feature of our system, Episcopal oversight. And
as he understood the causes of its decline, so, also, did he
clearly see what would prove effectual to its restoration.
The Church being now like the State, independent, self-
governed, and complete in its organization at the begin-
ning of this century, he was prepared to go forward in his
task. By man it had sunk : by God must it rise. Human
policy could not do it. Ecclesiastical pretention could not
do it. A narroio spirit of seclusion from the people and a
want of sympathy with them, could not do it. The re-
storation of confiscated glebes and parsonages could not do
it. Nothing, he saw and felt, could effect this object, but
evangelical principles and practice, spiritual preaching,
and holy living ; and to these he consecrated his life with
a singleness of aim, an industry, perseverance and consist-
ency that few have equalled.
And he had his reward. He lived to see the Church
in Virginia " in great prosperity." Never was it so pros-
perous as at the commencement of our national troubles.
The Bishop then saw around him a body of parochial
clergy (I venture the expression of the opinion, because
unhappily I am not of that class), surpassed by none for
faithfulness and efficiency as pastors. He saw the congre-
gations committed to their care increasing yearly in all
the fruits of the Spirit. Missionary zeal was spreading on
every hand, and substantial aid more and more afforded to
the cause. Neither Foreign, Domestic, or Diocesan Mis-
sions were overlooked. The Education Society for the aid
of young men preparing for the ministry, was deriving
an adequate suj^port from Virginia alone, though helping
young men from all the States. Educational institutions
APPENDIX. 525
for both sexes, in connection with the Church, were pros-
pering; and the Theological Seminary was far better pro-
vided with every species of accommodation, and better
filled with students, than it ever had been before. In the
progress of things towards this point of prosperity, it
should also be mentioned, there hadbeen very little fluctu-
ation, and no "back-sets." Owino; to the consummate
prudence of him who took a leading part in all these
matters, the progress of the Diocese had been as continuous
and unbroken, as the advance of the dawn to broad day-
light.
Let me next speak of him as a Diocesan Bishop. The
Episcopal office is one of great responsibility, and not a
little difficulty. The performance of Episcopal acts, as they
are called. Confirmation, Ordination, Consecration, and the
giving and receiving Letters Dimissorj^ : — these functions
are the most easy, by far, of all those which devolve upon
a Bishop. Next after the preaching of the gospel (which,
where not providentially prevented, is the first work of
every minister of Christ, of whatever grade, being first in
his commission) ; next after this, the mdfet weighty, and
altogether the most onerous duty of a Bishop is, " the care
of all the churches," including both ministers and people;
seeing as far as the canons appoint and permit, that the
parishes be su2)plied with suitable pastors ; counselling
with these ministers in the various perplexities which be-
set their path ; sympathizing and comforting them in their
peculiar trials ; more difficult still, when serious compli-
cations arise, which afi'ect parochial standing, or clerical
efficiency, or personal character of the minister, managing
such delicate matters with strict impartiality, tenderness
towards all the parties concerned, a true concern for the
honor of Christ, a desire to avoid scandal, where it can be
done without screening iniquity, or laying the Church
open to the charge of so doing ; and an unfailing caution
in the midst of all this, that no one be able to say that any
prerogative has been exercised which is not perfectly
legitimate and canonical. What constant and laborious
occupation of mind and heart must such an office occasion!
What judgment, and moderation, and conscientiousness,
and firmness, it calls for! With reference to such an ac-
cumulation of sacred duties, how appropriate the inquiry
of the Apostle, ''Who is sufficient for these things?"
526 APPENDIX.
In the discharge of these arduous duties, I do not say our
departed father in Grod was perfect. He would not say
it himself; he would reject the thought with abhorrence.
But, surely, all will admit, that with a vigorous mind, a
sound judgment, an honestintention,andgreatand self sacri-
ficing industry, he aimed at it. Those who had an opportunity
of observing him when weighing matters which belonged to
his Episcopal oversight, and endeavoring to find out what
was due to the Church and to individuals, to justice and to
mercy, to the rights of men and to the claims of truth;
such persons if not very much warped by prejudice, or by
personal interest in the questions handled, will also admit
that the administration of the aflPairs of the Diocese was,
in this regard, in the main, eminently successful, through
his great wisdom and fairness.
But a Bishop is a debtor to those without, as well as
those within, the pale of his own communion. To stand
aloof and ignore them is absurd, and worse than absurd.
There are relations subsisting between him and them, not
of his creation, and out of these relations grow duties not
to be put aside. •In regard to them, the course of our late
Diocesan was most honorable to himself, to the Church, and
to Christianity. We know how the Church has arisen in
this Diocese, not only from small beginnings, but from deep
depression. It had not only to struggle in great weakness,
but under a heavy load. As the daughter of the Church
of England, all the political prejudices felt against the
parent, descended upon the offspring. JSTor descended only,
through a spirit of rivalry, but none the less reprehensible,
these prejudices seemed to have been studiously cherished
in certain quarters, even to the asserting that true, vital
religion was impossible within our j^ale. I speak of this as
past ; it lingers, I trust, in few of our Christian brethren
round us, — only the very narrow-minded and very weak.
But in the first decades of our history as an independent
Church, it was a dead and heavy weight, as inevitable as
gravitation. Against it our Bishop struggled manfully,
not only never bating a jot of heart and hope, but, what
was specially to his honor, because so difficult of achieve-
ment, without evincing any bitterness, or contracting a
sectarian spirit. Many a liberal mind has been narrowed
by coming into contact and collision, with those that are
illiberal. Few indeed can resist the perverting influence
APPENDIX. 527
of such association. Bishop Meade was one of those few.
In twenty-seven years' acquaintance with him, pften con-
versing on religious subjects, I can testify, I never heard
from him anything, in regard to Christians, and Christian
Churches, which I would not be willing they should hear;
on the contrary, I often heard remarks from him, which,
uttered in their hearing, could not fail to soften and con-
ciliate. And, as were his words, so was his conduct. He
went on quietly and lovingly in the work which Christ had
given him to do ; never turning aside to forbid those who
were casting out devils in Christ's name. He did not ap-
prove of some of the ways in which Christ is preached
among other denominations, but still it was a pleasant re-
flection to him that Christ was preached. That was with
him the point of paramount importance to the world, and
therein he rejoiced, and continued to rejoice even to the
end.
Let me mention another temptation to which Bishop
Meade was perfectly proof: Ministers wish to increase
their congregations , Bishops their Dioceses. This is a
matter of course, and very proper. The Church of Christ
was not meant to be stationary. Let it be firm and stable,
and let it resist decay ; but let it be progressive also. That
is its mission; and the clergy of all grades are appointed
and commanded to further this object. But there is a
weakness here to which they are liable, but which should
be conscientiously and firmly resisted. In their desire for
the growth of the Church, they may overlook the quality
of the increase, and, in adding to its membership, may sub-
tract from its strength. In this matter too, our late
Diocesan was a wise and*" faithful shepherd. In things
pertaining to God, he had no confidence in mere numeri-
cal strength. He manifestly believed that the Christian
Church, like Gideon's army, is often greater in power for
being less in numbers. All compromises that involved a
denial of this principle, he was opposed to. For this rea-
son it was, that he did not approve admission to Confirma-
tion, unless the candidate contemplated enrolling himself
also as a communicant of the Church. He would not
sanction an enlargement of the Church merely by some-
thing like w^hat the Congregationalists of New England,
called their " halfway covenant." Better be out of the
Church altogether than in it but not of it. Christianity
528 APPENDIX.
that is not hearty, deep, spiritual and thorough, did not,
in his judgment, answer its purpose, or correspond to its
own idea. To his firm conviction of this truth, and his
efforts to promote its practical adoption, the Episcopal
Church in Virginia is largely indebted for the sound tone
of rehgion which distinguishes her adult membership.
Those who came forward to Confirmation, he considered
bound, in consistency, to go forward to the Table of the
Lord. The soundness of the principle he deemed mani-
fest from the language of the Confirmation Service. The
opposite opinion, wherever held, has proved most disas-
trous to our Church. It belongs, indeed, to the parish min-
ister to indoctrinate the candidates for this rite upon the
point; but of course the weight of Bishop Meade's teach-
ing and influence in regard to it, could not fail to be felt.
It was felt, and I hope it long w\\\ be.
4. Let us next consider his position and Avork, as a lead-
ing member of our highest legislative councils. While yet a
presbyter, he made himself distinctly felt in these assem-
blies of the general Church. His great practical sense
and high moral integrity must have given him promi-
nence and weight. But it was in our House of Bishops
his influence matured and culminated. In learning, elo-
quence and literary accomplishments, he was confessedly
surpassed by several of his brethren on the Episcopal
bench ; but in wisdom without cunning, in firmness with-
out stubbornness, in unflinching integrity unstained by
harshness, he had no superior, if any equal. It was his
lot to be placed twice or thrice, or even oftener, before the
Church in most trying circumstances, and to act as leader
in them. Of course he had to bear the censure of hot
misguided partisans, of weak men who suffered themselves
to be controlled by them, and sometimes, perhaps, of men
void of seriousness and true principle. But there were
few men of his day who could bear such a trial with more
firmness and tranquility. He had great faith, as I have
noticed in other matters, in the ultimate power and success
of truth. He could do his duty and possess his soul in
patience, relying upon it. " Wisdom will," doubtless, " be
justified of her children ; " integrity must, sooner or later,
be acknowledged and applauded. Alas ! I fear, when the
present generation has passed away, and history takes up
her impartial pen to give a narrative of the events now
APPENDIX. 529
referred to, the only passages bright and cheering, and
creditable to our communion, which she will leave on
record, will be those pertaining to the part which the
Bishop and his coadjutors acted on these occasions.
The Protestant Episcopal Church is not given to change,
as it should not be; but neither is it sworn against it.
While neither tickle nor unsteady, neither is it stationary
or petrified. Since its first organization it has changed,
but most of the changes have been progress and improve-
ment. The same may be said in remarkable degree of the
mother Church of England. In the changes which have
taken place among ourselves Bishop Meade took an active
j)art from the time he entered our councils, and always
exercised great influence ; and when injudicious changes
were proposed, he was found just as efficient in checking
the wheels of precipitation and rashness. To him in full
proportion are due our improved selection of the metrical
Psalms, our excellent collection of hymns, the expressions
of opinions drawn from the House of Bishops by the
Memorial, and other matters.
In Diocesan legislation and action his influence was
greater still. It is no wonder we were all so ready to
defer to his judgment. It was given, neither in an im-
perious tone, on one hand, nor with flattering lips on the
other. It was dictated by a disinterested and enlightened
desire for the spiritual welfiare of his charge ; and it was
sustained by an amount of knowledge and of anxious re-
flection, which none of us brought to the decision of the
questions before us. He ruled with diligence. His Dio-
cese was never out of his mind. As a father thinks for
his children, so did he for us ; with the same con-
tinuous self-forgetting, self-sacrificing, unbiased, anxious,
laborious, and experienced love. If the occasion was one
of sufficient importance to draw him out, he almost always
made us feel that he knew more of the facts, and had re-
flected more deeply on the principles, and had calculated
more accurately the consequences than most of us; and
sometimes, more than all of us put together. Our ex-
perience of this, may occasionally, perhaps, have led us to
lean too much upon his judgment, but looking back upon
all the legislation of the Episcopal Church in Virginia
since he acquired such influence among us, we all must
23
530 APPENDIX.
feel that, taken as a whole, it has been both safe and salu-
tary ; partly because not excessive.
5. We have next to consider Bishop Meade as a theolo-
gian ; the most important aspect of all. The life of reli-
gion is truth. The chief efficiency of the ministry con-
sists in its propagation. False religions rely on other
things ; Christianity upon this. As a theologian he is to
be admired and followed. Some of the furniture of mind
which belongs to the present race of divines, he did not
possess. His early lot was so cast, and his subsequent life
was so full of parochial and Diocesan labors, that the at-
tainments alluded to were impossible to him. But he had
very large comj)ensation in the gifts both of nature and
of grace, of an active and well balanced mind, and a pious
heart. He read extensively to the end of life, but reflect-
ed much more. If not a man of deep learning, he was a
man of earnest thought. Better than that ; his thinking
was not mere scientific speculation,- but a devout searching
after truth ; and all for j)ractical and experimental pur-
poses, for the regulation of the heart and life. Accom-
panying this, and naturally growing out of it, was a spir-
itual intuition and taste, which to the minister is above all
price. The result of the whole was, that while he dis-
liked all refinements and idle questions as a stumbling
block to some, a false boast to others, and a snare to all,
he was for " substance of doctrine," clear, decided, ready
and firm. The properly descriptive epithet of his system
of oj)inions was evangelical — meaning by that, nothing
partisan or narrow, but just the reverse ; that system,
namely, which eschewing the revolting and the chilling
extremes of the prevailing isms of the day, at the same
time does not run into dry orthodoxy, legal morality, or
worldly ceremonialism. The doctrine of gratuitous salva-
tion through faith, as a principle of simple trust in Jesus
Christ was, as of the Eeformation, so of his individual
system, the very corner-stone. To it every other opinion
was assimilated, and by it was squared. If we are actual
sinners, verily and indeed, we must be freely forgiven, if
God's favor be attained at all ; and the fitness of a Media-
tor, therefore, becomes apparent at once. But as the fit-
ness of a Mediator becomes apparent, so does the necessity
of exclusive trust in Him, as being the only link to con-
nect us with the grace of pardon, and the hope of eternal
APPENDIX. 531
life. But we are guilty sinners, transgressors of known
law, and need, therefore, to be thus justified freely by
God's grace, through faith in the redemption which is in
Christ Jesus. But this is not, alas, all. We have not only
become guilty by our deeds, but also in our very nature
corrupt, even bOrn so. Born depraved, we cannot purify
ourselves, escape further guilt, and restore ourselves to
happiness. The stream cannot rise above its fountain ;
and a Sanctifier, therefore, becomes just as urgent a neces-
sity, as an Atoner ; se?/-salvation is as impossible in the
one case, as in the other. Here we can do nothing of our-
selves. If not drawn to the Father by the Spirit, we never
can come to Him, any more than we can find acceptance
with Him, without a Propitiator and Advocate, —
These two principles, then, built as they are on the
holiness, justice and mercy of God, on the one hand,
and on the guilt and depravity of man on the other, were
ever uppermost in the mind and foremost on the lip of our
late venerated teacher. The necessity of holiness, and the
obligation of gospel ordinances, he was ever careful to
maintain ; but that lioliness he regarded as an unfailing
fruit of true faith, and the only satisfactory evidence of a
state of justification ; and these ordinances^ as most salutary
in operation and bounden in duty, yet not necessarily con-
veying grace, nor, except ecclesiastically, necessarily taking
efi'ect by virtue of the mere outward act, opere operato.
The style of his churchmanship, as it is called, is known
to us all, and I trust approved by most of us. No man
could be more unwaveringly attached to the Church of
his birth, education and intelligent convictions, than Bishop
Meade was to his. His early life and choice — choosing
rather to suffer affliction with her, than, as with his talents
and other advantages, he might well have done, look for
wealth and distinction in some secular calling ; or rather
than attach himself to some orthodox church suffering less
from unjust popular odium ; — these things, together with
his whole subsequent career, put this point — the point of
his loving allegiance to our Church beyond dispute.
While thus decided in his Church attachment, he never
advocated our peculiarities on ultraistic grounds. He
deemed Episcopacy, and Confirmation, and a Liturgy, and
such like things, necessary to the perfection, but not to the
beitigf of the Church. This being so, to talk darkly and
532
APPENDIX.
mysteriously about our peculiarities, and to press them as
something without which salvation somehow or other is
questionable, is to be inconsistent with our own admission
of cardinal facts, and consequently to tempt men to con-
clude from the extravagance of the claim set up for our
system, that it has no just claims at all. He that proves
too much, often proves, so to say, less than nothing. There
is a most damaging recoil in such extravagant argumenta-
tion. And to this may be added another consideration.
If perchance some few persons having a natural j^roclivity
to ultraism, and exclusiveness, are attracted by such argu-
ments, and converted, as the expression is, to our com-
munion, they are frequently found no real acquisition.
They are apt to prove fierce champions, but not eminently
Christian members.
These principles were very dear to our late Diocesan.
On his death-bed he remembered the part he had borne in
reference to them, and there renewed his testimony to
their excellence. The nearer eternity came, the closer
were they pressed to his heart. Doubtless the reason was,
that he felt, to use the words of that eminent man of God,
Eev. C. Simeon, that they best "humbled the sinner, ex-
alted the Saviour, and promoted holiness." By these prin-
ciples, sown in large measure also by his predecessor, he
was the instrument, under God's blessing, of raising up the
Church in Virginia from the dust, and giving her a position
of influence in the General Church, as it existed at the
commencement of the pending revolution, altogether un-
matched in the South, and hardly matched anywhere else.
Bishop Meade had scanned our whole Church with a most
thoughtful e^^e, comparing its several parts with one
another, and the totality of these parts with th ebodies of
Christians, orthodox and heterodox around ; and these
latter again in their relations to one another. He saw the
excellences and defects of all ; freely confessing the good,
and, when necessary, not denying the bad. And his ma-
tured conviction was, that for the sound conversion of sin-
ners, and the healthful nurture of Christians, there was no
instrumentality like the faithful preaching of evangelical
doctrine, united with a temperate advocacy of our own ec-
clesiastical system, and a conscientious and diligent, but
not slavish use of the means which it supplies and enjoins.
In this conviction he began, he lived, he labored, and he
died.
APPENDIX. 533
6. And now, in conclusion, I would like to speak at large,
if time permitted, of Bishop Meade as a Christian man ;
though already several hints have been dropped, which
bear upon the subject. When public men are spoken of in
a commendatory way in this country, the first remark you
usually hear is, that they are popular. The traits which
secure this advantage most promptly and most widely, are
made most prominent ; namely, those which please all classes
of men alike, and demand on their part no reflection, or
discrimination, or thorough testing, to find them out. For
such traits Bishop Meade was not remarkable. He never
cultivated them ; perhaps had too low an opinion of their
value. He could not court favor. To flatter or be flat-
tered, was his abhorrence. He never sought — as men in
elevated positions, and men seeking them, are apt to do — to
win others over to their views by playing upon their van-
ity, or ambition, or any other weakness ; and to attempt
to sway him in that way, was to ensure failure and excite
disgust. It was only another phase of the same trait, that
he so much abhorred all affectation and cant ; so much so
indeed, that it may be, he did not always make due allow-
ance for the difference of training, temperaments, and man-
ners of different persons and classes. Be that as it may,
" To he — not appear,^^ was evidently his motto ; and though
by carrying it too far he may have forfeited some noisy,
superficial popularity, it in the end enhanced his influence,
and is a fall explanation of the great control which he ex-*
ercised in his latter years over the affairs of the Diocese.
Our men of discernment knew that in him they had to do
with substantial character, real worth, sterling integrity,
in short, with one who was '-no sham." Amid the hollow-
ness, pretension and selfishness of the world, it is no won-
der persons of intelligence and virtue should be ready to
rely much on so true a man.
Another element of this influence thus acquired through
long years, but never sought by questionable means, was
his great practical good sense. Naturally sound of judg-:
ment, he was, as every mature Christian is, acquainted
with human nature; and, as every mature Christian is not,
with the world also ; being very observant, and having had
large opportunity for observation. But on this subject I
need not dwell. All who know anything ^about his ad-
ministration and character will admit, that Bishop Meade
was emphatically a wise man.
534 APPENDIX.
This wisdom, let me further add, was made largely avail-
able to the Church by his great industry. He was ever
about his Master's business. JSTo duty was overlooked
through inattention, or because of its irksomeness declined.
Called to a high office in the Church, he felt its obligation,
and gave himself wholly to it. In his fiftieth year, when
about to make a visit to the Canadas, he remarked to a
friend, "This is my first pleasure trip, since I entered on
public life." He was always at work, though for many
years he had to struggle with great bodily infirmity. His
activity of mind he retained to the last. When, after the
seasons of Diocesan visitation, he retired to his quiet mod-
est home at Mountain Yiew, it was not to hybernate in
idleness and self-indulgence. Besides keeping up an active
correspondence, he generally selected some topic, and read
extensively upon it, either with a view to general improve-
ment, or to the preparation of some work which he
thought might be useful to others. His last winter had
been thus devoted to prophetic studies.
Bishop Meade wrote and published a good deal ; but no
man ever took up the pen of authorship, with less of the
ambition of an author. He valued truth above all price ;
he believed he had grasped it in its essence ; he had great
confidence in its naked, unadorned and inherent power j
and therefore he published. It was simply to benefit others,
not enhance his own reputation. Indeed he was well
aware, as we see from the Preface to his Lectures on
f*astoral Theology, that to win applause as a writer, he
muse elaborate j a thing which neither his taste inclined
him to, nor his duties permitted. In order to do good in
his day he did not deem this necessary ; and with simply
doing good he was content.
In both natural and acquired 7?rmness of character our
departed friend and father was most remarkal)le. Timidity
in no form made a part of it. Though ever prudent and
cautious in the highest degree, it was never from the mere
fear of trouble. Hence in these times of war, and of a high
appreciation of military talent, it has been often said, by
those aware of these traits of his mind, together with his
great powers of combination, that he would have made,
if duly trained, a general of high order. This absence of
fear, it is pleasing to observe, did not lead him to indulge
in irascibility of temper, or overbearing conduct. I once
APPENDIX. " 535
witnessed on his part, under gross and continual provoca-
tion, merely from a sense of official propriety, and from a
determined natural fairness, an amount of quiet endurance
and patience, which very few in his position would have
exhibited. Not that I suppose such rule over his own
spirit was entirely a natural gift, rather the reverse ; he
he had learned self-restraint ; that is, to deny self on
Christian principles. I do not say that his manner was
not sometimes blunt and even brusque, but in twenty
years, frequent intercourse with him, I can truly say, I
never saw in him anything like the slightest exhibition of
passion ; he was always calm and self-controlled.
Bishop Meade, from various causes, not having made it
his special duty to cultivate the little amenities of life,
which, with some, constitute the substantial things of
character, may have been considered by such persons oc-
casionally destitute of feeling. And it may be, I admit, that
he was not a man of feeling, such as Mackenzie would love
to portray. In other words he was not a man of extreme
sensibility ; but, my friends, he was, what is a great deal
better, lying far nearer the foundations of character, and
resting far more upon the rock which sustains all real
moral excellence, he was a man oi genuine benevolence, just
Buch practical benevolence as his divine Master exhibited,
He loved to do good, and make others happy. Little
children seemed favorite objects of his kindly feelings.
Among his grandchildren, at least, it was delightful to see
how much pains he bestowed upon them, and how much
thought he took that he might contribute to their enjoy-
ment. Hospitality in him, Virginian as he was, was a
matter of course, and hardly to be mentioned ; but no one
ever spent a few days at his residence, without being con-
vinced that the foundation of it in his case was neither
hereditary usage, nor fondness of company, nor household
pride, but rather a simple spirit of overflowing benevolence.
That spirit indeed spread itself everywhere, and was mani-
fested towards all persons and causes, that might be con-
sidered as having any claims upon him. He was a liberal
giver through life ; as will be seen in that day when the
books are opened, in which are recorded the doings of the
right hand, which the left hand knoweth not. To indi-
viduals he gave with a considerateness and delicacy of
which some remarkable instances have come to my know-
536 APPENDIX.
ledge ; and on societies, his money and influence were freely
bestowed ; provided, in any fair way, and for a reasonable
time they promised to advance the welfare of the com-
munity at large, or any substantive part of it. That he
might be better able to give, was one great object of the
simple and inexpensive style of living which ever char-
acterized him. Indeed he seems in the true spirit of
Christianity to have seen no proper use or end in those
riches which men so much covet, but to promote the cause
of God and man in their essential relation and connection
upon earth.
About his last end I shall not speak ; though it was just
what was to be looked for after the course he had run. It
has already been handled publicly in a most effective way,
and doubtless in due time, will be put in a more permanent
form, and given all the minuteness of detail to be expected
in a book. I do not repeat therefore what has been said,
or attempt to anticipate what may be done. It is enough
to allude to the fact that Bishop Meade declared on his
death bed, that the principles which sustained him, were
the principles which he had preached, and that his whole
deportment on the occasion was that of a man of God,
going to his reward, in the avowed character of a sinner
saved by grace.
The removal of such a man from the Church ought not
to be allowed to take place in silence. It is meet that as
each worthy of marked eminence is added to the cloud of
heavenly witnesses, we should take note of the fact, and
try to gather up the lessons taught or suggested by the
event : especially where, as in this case, the Church owes
so much to the life and labors of the deceased. He has
left us a private example and a public history that ought
to be very precious to Yirginia, whilst the principles out
of which they grew, and which it was the great labor of
his life to propagate, should be more precious still. By
them Yirginia arose like the Phoenix from its own ashes.
By them only can it stand. Supplant them by others to
which they are oj^posed, and we fall back at once into
formalism, exclusiveness, secularity, and spiritual deadness.
Develop them into knotty questions, metaphysical enig-
mas, and you may engender a spirit of controversy and
bitterness, which may involve life enough indeed, but not
the " life of God in the soul of man." It will only be the
APPENDIX. 537
contest of Saracens unci Crusaders over again, contending
for an empty sepulchre. Jesus " is risen ; He is not there.'
I have not been indulging a spirit of hero-worship —
one of the great weaknesses of our age. Neither have I
indulged that indiscriminate eulogy which naturally is con-
nected with it. That is a falsehood, and idolatry which
the servant of God, of whom I have been speaking, would
be the first to condemn, even while he was upon earth;
how much more now, as he stands in heaven, with the
glory of the infinite God shining full upon him ! This
egoism and pride which so abound among men, were un-
known in Paradise, and are unknown in heaven, and,
when observed here below by those dwelling above, (if
observed they can be), it is only to be pitied as weak, and
condemned as wicked. Let the potsherd strive with the
potsherd of the earth, and vaunt themselves one against
the other, but in connection with religion, and in the sanc-
tuary of God, and when in our thoughts following the de-
parted to the other world, let all such feelings be banished,
as at once profane and childish, from the heart and mind
alike of him who speaks, and them who hear.
To God be all glory ! Glory for His own infinite per-
fections; His wondrous works; His gracious dispensations I
Especially be it to the praise of the riches if His love in
Christ Jesus, that while His grace is exhibited towards all,
it is from time to time magnified in raising up some, emi-
nently, to fight the good fight, to finish their course con-
sistently, to keep the faith unsullied by human refinements
and earthly mixtures, and then, when the time of their de-
parture has come, that that grace is further magnified, in
transferring them to another world, and adding them to
that cloud of witnesses that encircle the throne of eternal
truth and purity. Just such an instance of God's grace
have we in the life, career and death of our departed father
in God. While we recognize the hand of God in raising
him up, and making him a blessing ; let us, as the best
thank-off'ering we can present, accept his testimony to
gospel truth, and in our lives follow him, as he followed
Christ.
WRITINGS OF BISHOP MEADE.
From a Catalogue of the writings of Bishop Meade, with a brief account
of the occasions on which they were written, and a synopsis of the princi-
pal publications, prepared by the Rev. Cornelius Walker, D. D., Professor
in the Theological Seminary of Virginia, the following list is made. It is
much to be regretted thaf the entire notice cannot be inserted here. Its
extent renders this inexpedient. But it is hoped that a review, so judicious
and instructive, will be reserved as an appropriate introduction to such of
the Bishop's writings as may be selected for publication.
XilSO?.
1. SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BIBLE SOCIETY OF FREDE-
RICK COUNTY, VIRGINIA. Printed by order of the Society. Winches-
ter : 1815.
2. SERMON AT THE OPENING OF THE VIRGINIA CONVENTION, at
Winchester, May 20th, 1818.
3. A SERMON ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. OLIVER NORRIS. Preached
in Christ Church, Alexandria, Sept. 18, 1825.
4. SERMON ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. JOHN DUNN, Rector of Shel-
bourue parish, Loudouu County. Published in the Theological Repertory.
5. SERMON DELIVERED IN THE ROTUNDA OF THE UNR'ERSITY OP
VIRGINIA, on Sunday, May 24, 1829, on the occasion of the death of nine
young men, who fell victims to the diseases which visited that place during
the summer of 1828, and the following winter.
6. A SERMON AT THE OPENING OF THE CONVENTION OF THE PRO-
TESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH in Petersburg, May 15, 1828.
7. A SERMON ON CONFIRMATION. Preached in Winchester, Dec. 12, 1834.
8. PASTORAL LETTER on the duty of affording religious instruction to those
in bondage. Alexandria: 1839.
9. SERMONS, DIALOGUES, AND NARRATIVES FOR SERVANTS. To be
read to them in families, abridged, altered, and adapted to their condition
chiefly. Richmond : 1834.
10. SERMON (CONNECTED WITH THE TEMPERANCE CAUSE). Preached
before the Convention in Staunton, May, 1834. Published by request of the
same. Richmond : 1835.
11. SERMON PREACHED AT THE OPENING OF THE GENERAL CON-
VENTION of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Sept. 5, 1838.
12. SERMON TO THE STUDENTS OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
near Alexandria. Published by their request. Washington : 1839.
13. " THE WISDOM, MODERATION AND CHARITY OF THE ENGLISH
REFORMERS. AND FATHERS OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL
CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES." A sermon preached before the
Students of the Theological Seminary of the Diocese of Virginia, February
5, 1840. Washington.
14. SERMON BEFORE THE STUDENTS OF THE HIGH SCHOOL, in the
Prayer Hall of the Theological Seminary, Feb. 16, 1840.
15. DITTO. Oct. 3, 1840.
16. SERMON DELIVERED AT THE CONSECRATION OF THE RIGHT REV.
STEPHEN ELLIOT. D. D., for the Diocese of Georgia, in Christ Church, Sa-
vannah. With an appendix on the rule of Faith; in which the opinions of
the Oxford Divines, and others agreeing with them, are considered, and some
of the consequences thereof set forth. Washington: 1841.
17. LIFE OF THE REV. DEVEREUX JARRATT. By himself. Abridged by
Bishop Meade. With a sermon of Mr. Jarratt's on Justification.
540 WRITINGS OF BISHOP MEADE.
18. FAMILY PRAYERS. Collected from the Sacred Scriptures, the Book of
Common Prayer, and the works of Bishop Wilson. 1834.
19. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OF CHILDREN.
20. THE LAW OF PROPORTION IN THE CHURCH OF GOD, considered in a
Pastoral Address. 1843.
21. THE DOCTRINES OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH NOT ROMISH An
Address to the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, Lynchburg,
May 16, 1844.
22. A TRACT ON THE MINISTRY. For the Episcopal Tract Society of Vir
giuia. An answer to the question, " What does the Protestant Episcopal
Church believe and set forth couceruiug the ministry ?" Extracted from the
Book of Common Prayer, the writings of the Rev. William Goode, and the
Rev. George Stanley Faber.
23. A TRACT FOR THE TIMES.
24. A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN VIRGINIA, from
its establishment to the present time ; being part of an address to the Con-
vention in Fredericksburg, May 22, 1845.
25. TRACT ON INDUSTRY. Being one of the Homilies, with a sermon on the
same subject, (preached and published in 1838). Alexandria : 1845.
26. TWO LETTERS TO THE BOARD OF MANAGE KS AND EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL SUNDAY SCHOOL
UNION. 1847.
27. PASTORAL LETTER OF THE HOUSE OF BISHOPS. 1847.
28. ADDRESS TO THE EPISCOPALIANS OF WESTERN VIRGINIA, on the
proposition to divide the Diocese, &c. 1851.
29. WILBERFORCE, CRANMER, JEWETT AND THE PRAYER BOOK ON
THE INCAKNATION. 1850.
30. LETTERS TO A MOTHER, on the birth of a child, &c. 1849.
31. EXPLANATION OF THE CHURCH CATECHISM. Chiefly from the Cate-
chism by the Rev. James Stittingfleet, Jr., with an Appendix. 1849.
32. REVIEW OF A WORK ENTITLED '' THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH
OF ENGLAND AS TO THE EFFECTS OF BAPTISM IN THE CASE OF
INFANTS." With an Appendix. 1849.
33. ECCLESIASTICAL LAW AND DISCIPLINE. A charge to the Clergy of
Virginia. 1850.
34. REMARKS ON A PAMPHLET CONCERNING A CANON ON LAY DIS-
CIPLINE. Passed at the Convention recently held in Alexandria. 1850.
35. COMPANION OF THE FONT AND PULPIT. 1846.
36. PASTORAL LETTER to the Congregations of the Protestant Episcopal
Church of Virginia. 1847.
37. STATEMENT IN REPLY TO SOME PARTS OF "BISHOP ONDER-
DONK'S STATEMENT OF FACTS CONNECTED WITH HIS TRIAL."
1845.
38. REASONS FOR LOVING THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 1852.
39. A COUNTER-STATEMENT OF THE CASE OF BISHOP H. U. ONDER-
DONK, in reply to one signed " A Member of the Church." 1854.
40. PASTORAL LETTER ON SCHOOLS AND TEACHING. 1858.
41. PASTORAL TO LAITY OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN VIRGINIA.
(Without date.)
42. SERMON ON THE OPENING OF THE CONVENTION OF THE PRO-
TESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN VIRGINIA, in the fifty-first year of
his ministry and the thirty-second of his Episcopate. Published by order of
the Convention. 1861.
43. '^LECTURE, ON THE PASTORAL OFFICE, delivered to the Students,"
&c. 1849.
44. "OLD CHURCHES, MINISTERS AND FAMILIES OF VIRGINIA." 1857.
45. " THE BIBLE AND THE CLASSICS." 1861.
46. " ADDRESS ON THE DAY OF FASTING, HUMILIATION AND PRAYER.
June 13. 1861.
\
.'
Date Due
4.»5
1/
^*-»«**«*^
'
,^1,. ^.T^si!?*^'^^'^*'^'®^
*!■
.ffji^f^fttnts/i^^^'^
i:*
J^^00^>^^
K
I
m
<i)
o^ ^n ■ ^'
n
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11