Conventions notes 1785
In this whole business, there was encountered a prejudice entertained by many of the clergy in other states; who thought, that nothing should have been done towards the organizing of the Church, until the obtaining of the Episcopacy. This had been much insisted on, in the preceding year in New-York. Let us--it was said--first have an head, and then let us proceed to regulate the body. It was answered, on that occasion--let us gather the scattered limbs, and then let the head he superadded. Certainly, the different Episcopalian congregations knew of no union, before the revolution except what was the result of the connexion which they in common had with the bishop of London. The authority of that bishop being withdrawn, what right had the Episcopalians in any state, or in anyone part of it, to choose a bishop for those in another? And until an union were effected, what is there in Christianity generally, or in the principles of this Church in particular, to hinder them, from taking different courses in different places, as to all things not necessary to salvation? Which might have produced diff
erent
liturgies, different article, Episcopacy from different sources, and, in short,
very many churches, instead of one extending over the United States; and that,
without any ground for the charge of schism, or of the invasion of one
another's rights. The course taken has embraced all the different
congregations. It is far from being certain, that the same event would have been
produced; by any other plan that might have been devised. For instance, let it
be supposed, that in any district or Connecticut, the clergy and the people,
not satisfied with the choice made of Bishop Seabury, or with the contemplated
plan of settlement, had acted for themselves, instead of joining with their
brethren. It would be impossible to prove the unlawfulness of such a scheme;
or, until an organization were made that the minor part were bound to submit to
the will of the majority. There was no likelihood of such an indiscreet
proceeding in Connecticut. But in some departments which might be named, it
would not have been surprising. Let it be remarked, that in the preceding
hypothesis there is supposed to have been, in the different neighborhoods, a bond
of union not dissolved by the revolution. This sentiment is congenial with
Christianity itself, and with Christian discipline in the beginning; the
connexion not existing congregationally, but, in every instance, without
dependence on the houses in which the worship of the of the different portions
of the aggregate body may be carried on.
William White, Memoirs pp 98-99
