THE REQUIRING OF LAY DELEGATES TO BE COMMUNICANTS.
We have already spoken of the measures adopted for the purification
of the Church from evil-livers, among both clergy and laity,
by the passage of wholesome canons. At three successive periods
was this done, opposition being made each time, and six Conventions
in all being in part occupied in the discussion and contest.
We now refer to the method adopted, after a considerable time had
elapsed, for the purification of our Conventions from unworthy lay
delegates, by requiring that they be in full communion with 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 immoral man from being
the deputy from a parish in the Diocesan 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 unworthy members, who were a scandal to the Church,
the scandal being the greater because of the number of attendants.
The frequenters of the race-ground and the card-table and the
lovers of the intoxicating cup sometimes found their way through
this unguarded door into the legislative hall. It was proposed to
close it; but strenuous opposition was made by some, as to a
measure assailing individual and congregational rights. It was
discussed for three successive years, and though a considerable
majority 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 communion 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 seated, 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 favour of so
necessary a regulation. He lived to appear in our body once more
in full communion with the Church. We have never, 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.
