he mentioned that
while he was in Brussels in August last he preached to a congregation of
about twenty deaf mutes, English, French, Belgian, and his sign language
was comprehended perfectly by all. "Sounds," he said, "are only outward
symbols of ideas, just as signs are." At the conclusion of the sermon,
Rev. Henry W. Syle and Rev. Arthur M. Mann were presented for
ordination, the former by Rev. Dr. Miller, and the latter by the Rev.
Dr. Atwell, of Toledo. Sitting within the chancel, one at each end of
the communion table, were Bishop Stevens and Bishop Bedwell, of Ohio,
while nine other clergymen surrounded them. Among them the placid
countenance and venerable form of Rev. W. H. Syle, father of one of the
candidates, was especially noticeable. Bishop Stevens then read the
exhortation, and it was interpreted by Dr. Gallaudet to the two
candidates, who stood in their robes at the chancel rail. Eagerly did
they watch the motions of the reverend gentleman as he conveyed to them
the words the Bishop was speaking. The Bishop then asked Mr. Syle the
questions laid down in the prayer book. As Dr. Gallaudet finished
interpreting each question, Mr. Syle handed a slip of paper on which was
written his answers, to Rev. Mr. Clere, of Phillipsburg, who read it
aloud. Rev. Mr. Mann then arose, and Bishop Bedwell stated that the
questions and answers would be interpreted. He asked the same questions
asked by Bishop Stevens, and Mr. Mann slowly communicated his answers,
using only his right hand in replying. The ceremony of laying on of
hands was then performed, Bishop Stevens and several others laying their
hands on Mr. Syle's head, and Bishop Bedwell performing that office for
Mr. Mann. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was then administered to
the newly ordained priests, and they were welcomed within the chancel
rail. A special invitation was given to the deaf mutes to commune
immediately after the clergy, and there were enough present to occupy
the long chancel rail twice. The sacrament was then administered to the
congregation, and the audience was dismissed with the benediction by
Bishop Bedwell. On Saturday, the second biennial session of workers
among the deaf mutes in the Episcopal Church was begun in St. Stephen's
Church. Rev. Dr. F. J. Clere, of Phillipsburg, was elected President,
and Rev. Mr. Syle secretary and treasurer of the conference. An address
of Bishop Howe, and papers by Messrs. Clere and Syle were interpreted to