There is, in reality, but one thing the bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church can do, and that is make an appointment once in three years to confirm. So insignificant is his power in any other direction that certain persons, ill-natured or otherwise, have fastened upon him, whether deserved or undeserved, the name of “confirming machine.” Certain it is that, were the power of confirming in any degree vested in the “priests” of the church, the office of bishop might easily be dispensed with. He would appear only as the ornamental portion of a few occasional services. For he cannot authoritatively visit any parish, vacant or otherwise, except on a confirmation tour; and should this be too frequent in the estimation of the vestry, the doors of the church could be shut against him on any plea the vestry should choose to advance. 2. He cannot increase the number of his clergy, except as parishes choose. 3. He cannot prevent a man fixing himself in the diocese if a congregation choose to “call” him, no matter how worthy or unworthy the man may be. 4. He cannot call a clergyman into his diocese, though every parish were empty. 5. He cannot officiate in any church without invitation. 6. He has no church of his own, except as he officiates as rector; and unless invited to some place, he is forced, although a bishop, to sit in the congregation as a layman, if he do not stay at home. And, lastly, he cannot on any account visit a parish unless the vestry of that parish is willing. We sum up: That so far as the bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America are concerned, they are simply figure-heads, ornaments possessing the minimum of authority--in point of fact, no authority at all. Their own convention addresses are a virtual confession of the condition of affairs as above laid down. To every one who has ever heard an Episcopal bishop’s address, as delivered before the annual convention of clergymen and laymen, the following sample will not appear as in the least overdrawn: July 10.--Visited the parish of S. John, Oakdale, and confirmed three. July 17.--Visited the parish of Longwood, and preached and confirmed one. July 24.--Visited S. Paul’s, and preached and confirmed two in the forenoon. Preached also in the afternoon. This is a very large and thriving parish. July 26.--At Montrose I visited and confirmed one at the evening service. July 29.--Took a private conveyance to Hillstown, and preached in the evening; confirmed one. The rector of this parish is very energetic. Aug. 2.--Attended the burial of a dear friend. Aug. 7.--Attended the consecration of S. Mark’s Church in Hyde Park. It is hoped that the difficulties in this parish are settled. The Rev. John Waters has resigned and gone to Omaha. Mr. William Steuben is the senior warden. May the Lord prosper him and his estimable lady! [To continue the list would cause a tear, and we do not wish to weep.]