Bishop Kemp has the Eastern shore assigned to him-Conciliatory conduct of the suffragan-Convention ratifies the proceedings in the election of Bishop Kemp-Case of Mr. Dashiell-He is degraded for contumacy-Upheld for a time in St. Peter's-Part of the congregation apply for a mandamus to the vestry to elect another rector-The court divided in opinion-The Convention refuses to acknowledge St. Peter's unless it will submit to the laws of the Church-Union restored-Elec- tion of Dr. Henshaw to St. Peter's-The " Evangelical Episcopal Church"-End of Mr. Dashiell's schism-Death of Bishop Claggett- Sketch of his life and character-Bishop Kemp assumes jurisdiction as diocesan-Recognized by the Convention-View of the Church-its im- proved condition-Character of the inhabitants of Maryland-Necessity of clergymen adapted to that character-Bishop Kemp recommends as- Feelings in Maryland concerning the General Theological Seminary -Maryland diocesan school-Opposition to it-Its constitutionality- Sanctioned by the Convention-Constitution of the Seminary-Bishop appointed a trustee-Refuses to serve-Issues a pastoral letter-Trus- tees reply to it-Suspend action for a time-Answer of some of the clergy to imputation cast on them in the pastoral letter-Reflection thereon-Final suspension of the diocesan school by the Convention- Diocesan missionary society-Clergy compelled to leave the State for want of support-Protest of the Convention against supposed political attachment of the Church-And against an establishment-Harmony of the Convention of 1824-Bishop's plan for obtaining a correct view of the diocese Wants of the clergy-Convention, by resolution, approves of associations of the clergy-Death of Bishop Kemp-Sketch of his Re-appearance of party spirit-Dr. Wyatt elected president of Con- vention in 1828-Just tribute to Bishop Kemp-Three unsuccessful at- tempts to elect a Bishop-Considerations on the constitutional provision requiring a vote of two-thirds-Bishop Onderdonk performs Episcopal acts Diocesan missions in their counteracting effects on the agencies' of other denominations-Convention of 1829-Proposal to change the mode of election-Rejected-Five fruitless efforts to make an election -Bishop Mead performs Episcopal acts-Strong efforts of both parties -Convention of 1830-Matter settled by a compromise-The Rev. Mr. Stone elected Bishop-Convention of 1831-Equal vote of the clergy on a proposal to alter the mode of electing-Pew question-Church be- gins to improve under Bishop Stone-Plan of "systematic charity"— Further improvement of the Church-Revision of diocesan canons- Lay discipline-Inadequate support of the clergy-Reflection thereon— Christian education-Bishop Stone's death-His character-Renewal of contest for the Episcopate-Dr. Johns elected president of the Conven- tion of 1838-Joint address of Drs. Wyatt and Johns-Nine ballotings for a Bishop without an election-Compromise-Dr. Eastburn elected -He declines Special Convention of August 1838-Eleven more fruit- less ballotings-Drs. Wyatt and Johns both decline-Right Rev. Bishop ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. A NARRATIVE OF EVENTS CONNECTED WITH THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN MARYLAND. CHAPTER I. George Calvert, first Baron of Baltimore-his character-grant to his son Cecil, of Maryland-Settlement at St. Mary's-Just and liberal conduct toward the natives-Freedom of religion and security to property, the basis of colonial regulations-Troubles produced by Clayborne-First legislative assembly-Harmony of the colony-Baltimore invites settlers from Massachusetts-they decline coming-Indian war produced by Clayborne, in 1642-Clayborne's rebellion-Restoration of proprietors' authority-Law in support of toleration—Subjugation of Maryland to the Commonwealth by Clayborne's management-Conduct of the Independents in the colony-Clayborne's acts approved by Cromwell-Law to punish popery and prelacy-Fendal appointed governor by the proprietor -his treachery-Baltimore recovers his authority-Persecution of the Quakers by Fendal. [1632.] It has long been made the subject of boast by the posterity of those who planted New England, that their fathers were ready to encounter " perils in the wilderness" and "perils by the heathen," rather than forego the enjoyment of religious liberty. The descendants of the first settlers of VOL. II. 2 Maryland, may justly claim that they too sprang from men, who sought in the forests of America, the unmolested exercise of a faith and worship, which were not to be enjoyed in peace at home. George Calvert, first Baron of Baltimore, was the projector of the settlement of that State, on a part of whose ecclesiastical history we are about to enter. Born of a protestant family, during the first years of his life he continued to profess the faith of his parents, and was employed in the reign of James I. in many important offices of state, in all of which, he acquitted himself with honour. In 1624, he conscientiously became a convert to the faith of the Church of Rome, and with the frank honesty which marked his character, he at once acknowledged to the king the change in his opinions, and resigned the office of Secretary of State, which he then held. The king, much to his honour, was so deeply touched by this ingenuous and manly conduct, that he not only continued him on the list of privy counsellors, but then created him Baron of Baltimore, in the county of Longford, in Ireland.' It is but justice to the character of this nobleman to add, that the change in his religious opinions did not in the least diminish his fidelity as a servant of the crown; and keeping aloof from all the conflicting interests, with which a court is apt 12 Belknap's Biography, 364. to be disturbed, he behaved with such moderation and propriety, that all parties were pleased with him, and he was complained of by none. He is said by his biographers, to have been a man of great good sense, not obstinate in his opinions, and as willing to hear the sentiments of others, as he was to deliver his own. One trait in his character will be dwelt upon by the benevolent mind with peculiar pleasure: it was humanity. In the discussions which came before the council, touching the plantations on this continent, he never concurred with those who deemed the extirpation of the natives to be necessary: he contended that duty required the effort to convert, and civilize them. It was while he was Secretary of State, and one of the Committee of trade and plantations, that he obtained from the king a grant for the south-eastern peninsula of Newfoundland. This he thought would be the first spot in North America, where the gospel would be preached; and therefore named it Avalon, from the monk, Avalonius, who was supposed to have converted the British King Lucius, and all his court, to Christianity.' This undertaking was prompted by the desire he had to find an asylum, to which he might retire, with such of his friends as entertained religious opinions similar to his own, and were 12 Belknap, 365, and authorities there cited. |