The Daily Advertiser

Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Newport, R. I. dated Nov. 3, to his friend in this city. [continued]

To the Printer of the Daily Advertiser.

SIR,

Have seen in your paper of the 19th, a paragraph, in which a certain reverend gentleman is styled "Bishop of this State." The paragraph contains an account of the meeting of the convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and was probably drawn up by one or more of the clergy, if not published with the approbation of the whole body.

Had this been the first offence of the kind, and had not sufficient warning been given before, it might the more easily be passed over; but it would seem that this superiority is to be claimed at all events. Now I, and many others, have determined that the claim shall be revoked, and such language disavowed, or the guilty persons must be accountable for all the consequences. We are jealous for both our civil and religious rights; we have defended the one, and whenever we are called, we will defend the other. It can scarcely be conceived how any man dare, at this day, and in this country, venture to utter such language in a private company, much less boldly to publish it to the world.

Not to enter fully into this subject, I would propose, as immediately and highly necessary:

1. That the reverend gentleman, to whom the title of superiority has been repeatedly given, be called upon to declare forthwith, whether he claims it or not; and if he does, on what he founds his pretensions. In case of his silence, or avowal, I propose,

2. That the clergy of other denominations cease either to visit him and his clergy, or associate with them, but consider them as brethren who have strayed and need to be reclaimed to a penitent and humble mind.

3. I offer for consideration the propriety of all the clergy taking to themselves the name Bishop, and using it both in their speeches and letters to one another. The name can unquestionably be proved from scripture to belong to every minister of the gospel, and if so applied, would remove the idea from the minds of the people, that a bishop is a clergyman of superior rank. Whoever examines the new testament with an unprejudiced mind, must be fully convinced that Bishops and Presbyters are the same persons. If any are inclined to dispute this, let them come forward, and they shall have a warm, but generous reception.

Perhaps it may be of service to agitate this matter a little in this country, where it can be done to more advantage than in England, where the honors and emoluments are all on one side. Why then all this nonsense? Has not the isle of Britain been plagued enough with it already? And must it come hither also? Shall we ape the customs of a petty spot of the globe, which was never but half reformed, and think lightly of the numerous and respectable churches which are differently constituted? A genuine American and whig will blush for our folly.

Lastly—I humbly offer for consideration also, that if this man shall continue to style himself the "Bishop of this State," whether some application to our legislature be not necessary. Here some will smile, and say, what! are you afraid of a Bishop without revenues and power? Is he not a mere brutum fulmen: or a serpent without a sting? I acknowledge that he is so at present; but I know not to what he may grow in future time. Great events have proceeded from small beginnings. When diocesan Bishops first started up, they did not grow all in a night. A Bishop in England is a creature of the state, and who knows but the friends of this man may seek to tack him to ours. He assumes the title already, though the state never created him, nor, as yet, has received him. If an act of the legislature was obtained, the title might be "An act to restrain Bishops, and more effectually to secure the religious freedom of the people."

One is almost tempted to think, that some people are ashamed of this good man, and wish to throw him upon others, in which they use him very scandalously. But you have him among you, brethren, and I wish you much prosperity, as long as you seek it on justifiable principles.

I submit these thoughts for consideration, and conclude with declaring, (and I speak the sentiments of many) that I will suffer no infringement whatever of my religious rights, while I have a tongue to speak and a pen to hold; and as to this assumed title, I contemn the spirit it breathes, and believe that all free men will resent it.

A TRUE WHIG.