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ing, and to subserve the grand interests to which it directs its efforts. Something has been done, but much remains to be effected. If our members are not willing thus to co-operate, then let it be acknowledged, either, that the plan of the institution is radically wrong, thus questioning the wisdom of our highest ecclesiastical council, or that episcopalians are deficient in zeal for the interests of their church, and less influenced by religious considerations than other. Christian communities. Whatever may be the result, the speaker will not come to either of these conclusions, until an appeal not only to the rich of this world, but to every individual of the church whose circumstances enable him to give any thing, however little, shall by its failure have extorted from him the lamentation, 'how is the gold become dim, and the find gold changed.''

In natural connexion with the sub ject of education for the ministry, I am led to advert to an institution created by our last General Convention, having for its object the propagation of the gospel by the labours of clergymen employed as missionaries. This pious design, which has lately presented its claims to the attention of this portion of the church through a duly recognized agent, will find, I fear, the chief obstacle to its success in the too small number of persons seeking in our ministry to devote themselves to the service of the Lord. In the success of our seminary, and its accompanying facilities and encouragements to the nurture of men for such a work, we might see the prospect opening on us, of an answer to the prayer which the faithful, in the contemplation of the great and wide scene of spiritual necessity, as well with in the borders of our own country as beyond them, spread out before their view, are, I doubt not, with anxious fervent constancy, sending up before the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

Education, in its relation to the interests of our church, is still, in another view of it, a subject of unspeakable concern in the thoughts of him who addresses you. He has long painfully contemplated it as the misfortune of

this church, remediable only by an ef fort of zeal which circumstances seemed to forbid to be expected, that the whole process of the academical education of its youth should be conducted under influences at variance with theprinciples which distinguish its communion. He considers this a lot not more to be lamented than it is extraordinarily peculiar. He is reasonably anxious that he may not on this subject be misconceived. He glories in the real liberality of sentiment and conduct with respect to other Christian societies which, he sincerely believes, in an eminent degree, to characterize that of which he is one. He deprecates, at the same time, the effects of such an erroneous liberality as would make that to be regarded with indifference here which among all others is cherished as a concern of high and sacred importance. That the education of their own youth, under circumstances the most favourable to their continuing in their own religious principles, is so cherished by all descriptions of Christian people, with the exception of Protestant episcopalians in these states, he asserts with a confidence that needs no qualification. Permit me, then, respectfully and affectionately, to submit the question, can we be thus excepted consistently with a sound' and rational, however moderate preference of the Christian doctrine and discipline under which our particular religious profession ranks us? Must not such a preference, where it really exists, naturally and inseparably associate with it an anxiety that the principles we profess should be those in which our children, and the generations following us, should abide, and under whose influence their character both for this life and the eternal should be formed? Is not the subjection of our youth to influences unfavourable to their continuing in the faith we entertain, virtually conceding as a point not worth our care the character of their religion? If domestic nurture and admonition be insisted on as sufficient to prevent or remedy any such aberration of the mind of youth from the way of the parent's religion, the appeal is to fact and experience abundantly certify-ing the contrary, and to the conduct of

all other religious communities exhibit ing the strongest persuasion of the contrary. No Christian community in Christendom, except that of Protestant episcopalians in the United States, does not as a community make provision, or where provision cannot systematically be made, anxiously watch against what is considered the perverting influence of academical education. It is the mode in which, above all others, a real solicitude to transmit to their children the religion which men cherish, is most unequivocally expressed, to commit their education to no circumstances that shall have a tendency to counteract its claim upon their respect and adherence. Let me, I pray you, not be understood to intimate, much less to allege, any thing derogatory to the claim of the respect able institutions, by charter appropriated to other religious denominations, and of unquestionable right subject to a religious influence peculiar to themselves, for the candour and indulgence with which the interests of denominations differing from their own, as far as they are committed to them, may be treated. I have no reference but to the indirect and unavoidable effect of the circumstances under which academic education is conducted, to influence the future feelings and decision of the mind in respect to religion in a manner more corresponding with the prejudices of the college than, except under circumstances of more than ordinary care and judgment, of the parents' roof. I would not be thought unaware of the facility which the expression of sentiments such as these may afford, where the subject is not duly considered or understood, to the reproach of narrow and illiberal conduct. I feel at the same time so incapable of that, in religious sentiment or conduct, which might with any rational construction be so imputed, that I could not forego this opportunity of bearing my testimony, how ever feeble and vain it may prove, against a laxity and indifference on the momentous business of education, in its relation to the moral interests of character and life, for which we are not more unconsciously distinguished than, to say the least, wondered at by ourChristian brethren at large. They readily

enough indeed may explain the difference at present existing between the Protestant Episcopal Church, and others, as to the possession and government of seminaries of learning, into the difference of the circumstances of our institutions and theirs before the colonies. became independent states. But they know that our communion embraces much of the wealth and liberality at least of all the Atlantic states, and might long ere this have otherwise provided for a subject with them always sufficiently important for any sacrifices and exertions it may require. Brethren, in laying before you these impressions, I am not conscious of the existence of any feeling in my mind which you could on the closest inspection disapprove. Out of the fullness of a heart anxious for the permanent sound respectability and strength of our peculiar institutions, I have spoken what I have; nor can I imagine any circumstances of moral consciousness under which it could prove painful. to me to be reminded that I had thus expressed myself before you.

The state of our church in this diocess seems not to have declined from that in which we contemplated it at our last annual meeting. Would to God that we could say it had in any considerable degree advanced! Its outward condition at least seems to have partaken in common with every other interest of society of the depression which characterizes the day. The will, I trust and hope, is not wanting to provide for the offices of the Lord's house in a manner conducive to the glory of God in them, and the happiness, temporal and eternal, of men, which their due maintenance is so essentially necessary to promote. It is, however, let me confess, sometimes discouraging to the endeavours with which I would unweariedly devote myself to the welfare of our church, to find this expressing itself too slowly and inadequately: nor can I withhold the expression of my concern for the inconvenience which I have reason to apprehend some of my brethren in the ministry may find in the prosecution of their labours, from an insufficient interest indulged in their personal comfort, The clergy ask net

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at the hands of their brethren of the
laity any thing that is superfluous.
Comparative poverty is the lot of their
calling. They are content to have it
It is of its nature and character
that it should be so. But they reason-
ably look for that consideration for the
indispensable necessities of themselves
and their families, which may enable
them, with hearts burdened mainly
with the labours peculiar to their call-
ing (surely of themselves sufficiently
anxious and oppressive) to prosecute a
course of duty in which they cannot, if
faithful, but be the agents and instru-
ments of divine grace to their brethren,
while they essentially minister even to
their temporal happiness and peace

cealment from ignorant abettors of its real character, the guise of a most false and execrable religion: I mean the religion which would affect the sanction of heaven and the Bible, for the utmost extreme of deceit and treachery, of outrage and cruelty in the conduct of its professors. To guard against the prevalence of such perversion of religion in a community constituted like our's, is indeed lamentably difficult. That we should exert ourselves to do so, is for that very reason the more imperiously our duty. "The grace of God bringing salvation has appeared unto all men, teaching them that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, they should live soberly, righteously, and godlily in the present world," is language of inspiration, in which we have the charter, as well of obligation as privilege, for all the possible varieties of condition in which men may become subjects of the gospel kingdom. It announces alike hap

My brethren of the clergy will permit me unfeignedly to express my sense of the general faithfulness and assiduity with which they prosecute the duties of their several stations. They neither need nor can expect from me on this occasion any word of exhortation.-piness for all-the grace of God bringThey will indulge me, however, in one word of counsel, by which I would entreat all such as minister for only a portion of the year in their parishes, to improve such season of serving them to the utmost that circumstances will pos sibly admit. The evil which the interruption of their labours by the climate of the summer unavoidably in some instances. occasions, may in no small degree perhaps be provided against by their greater activity and diligence in other seasons. Especially allow me, my brethren, most affectionately to bespeak, during such seasons, your utmost attention to those portions of the people constituting your charge whom you must leave for a considerable portion of the year, and leaving, either consign to utter destitution as to spiritual care and teaching, or to such as may be most unprofitable, if not perverting and pernicious. Here I am reminded to speak to you very briefly of events of the year elapsed since we last assembled, which must be marked in the annals of our country with the deepest moral as well as civil interest. You have seen a design of blood and crime exposed, and frustrated by the merciful interposition of Providence, which took for the con

ing salvation—but it equally announces its condition to be alike for all, the practical observance of the precepts of Christ. The religious faith which would discharge men from the indispensable obligation of the moral virtues, according to the condition in which God, in his Providence, has placed them, has always too readily claimed of the depravity of their nature, a preference to that which would subject them, soul, and body, and spirit, cheerful observers of "whatsoever things are true, pure, lovely, honest, and of good report." Against this it becomes us, my brethren of the ministry, to warn and exhort men with all constancy and earnestness; and even the description of our fellow-men, whose unhappy delusion is now in view,s should be taught by us out of the word of God, that there is no salvation for them but through "all good fidelity," and "the humbleness of mind, meekness, and long suffering," which will subject them to the whole counsel of God adapted to their condition; and that through these they must ultimately be happy. That counsel so adapted variously to the same effect in other places expressed, is most comprehensively before us in the latter part of the 3d chapter of St:

Paul's Epistle to the Colossians "ser vants obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, in singleness of heart fearing God, knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ: but he that doeth wrong, shall receive for the wrong that he hath done; and there is no respect of persons." Our church, as you especially, my reverend brethren, must be aware, is wanting in no scriptural counsel, suited to our duty, as to these of our fellow-creatures. Let us not be negligent to apply it. Throughout her whole system we shall find her to teach, as in her 7th article she more expressly and particularly does, that "no Christian man whatsoever is free from the obedience of the commandments which are called moral;" and that as "all must have an assured faith in God, and give themselves wholly unto him, loving him in prosperity and adversity, and dreading to offend him evermore, so for his sake they must love all men, friends and foes, because they are his creation and image, and redeemed by Christ as they are. They must cast in their minds how they must do good unto all men, unto their powers, and hurt no man: obeying all their superiors and governors, serving their masters faithfully and diligently, not for dread of punishment, but for conscience sake: knowing that they are bound to do so by God's commandments.”

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My brethren of the laity will, at the same time, permit me respectfully to suggest, that at their hands the clergy look for countenance and help as necessary to the effectual execution of this difficult part of their duty. We know that their temporal interest requires that these should be afforded: but we would not be mistaken as willing at once so to degrade ourselves, and dishonour them, as to plead with them here for this. We speak with reference to the good of the people referred to as a portion of that moral creation for which Christ died, and for whose spiritual and moral happiness, and the alleviation of their temporal lot, as inseparable from

See Homily of Faith, and Homily of Works

that, we are sacredly bound to be concerned.

There is an occurrence of the year involving circumstances, with respect to which there is a possibility of misapprehension as to my official conduct; and with respect to which I may therefore not improperly perhaps wish, before I close this address, to submit to you some explanation. The proclamation of the 5th day of the present month, as a day of humiliation, thanksgiving, and prayer, was announced, as made in consequence of an application to the executive from two respectable portions of the religious community, viz. the Baptist Convention, and the Presbytery of Harmony, in their own behalf, and that of the various other reli gious denominations of the state. As no convention of our churches was known to have taken place, from which a concurrence in the recommendation of this measure had proceeded, the responsibility of such concurrence in behalf of these churches might seem to have been assumed and expressed by myself. It may not be improper for me to state that such was not the case. I made no hesitation, however, to provide, as far as my relation to your churches required, for the religious ob servance of the day proclaimed; acting in this under the combined influence of a sincere acquiescence in the religious propriety of the measure, and of a deep persuasion of the respectful alacrity with which a call of such a nature from the civil authority ought, except for very strong considerations to be as signed for the contrary, by the ministers of religion to be obeyed.

I will now detain you no longer from the business for which you have assem bled, than to ask you to look for the divine blessing to rest upon it, only through a sincere regard to the divine glory in all your deliberations and conduct.

NATHANIEL BOWEN.

On motion of the Rev. Allston Gibbes, resolved, that the thanks of the convention be presented to the president for his address, and that the clergy of the several churches do read it to their congregations for general information.

From the report to the convention of the "Protestant Episcopal Society for the Advancement of Christianity in South-Carolina," it appears that the increase of the bishop's permanent fund during the preceding year was $496; and that the present amount of that fund is $8655; also, that the receipts into the bishop's common fund were $806 37 cents.

On motion of the Rev. Mr. Tschudy, resolved, that the thanks of the conven tion be presented to the board of trus tees of the "Protestant Episcopal Society for the Advancement of Christianity in South-Carolina," for their great attention to the bishop's fund, committed to their trust by the conven

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The parochial reports of the clergy present the following aggregate:-Baptisms (adults 12, infants 125, not specified 153) 290-marriages 91-funerals 200-Sunday scholars 371-communicants 1,684.

Of the baptisms, three adults, two infants, and 11 not specified-of the Sunday scholars 111-and of the communicants 413, are reported as coloured.

On motion of the Rev. Dr. Gadsden, resolved, that the clergy be requested in their annual reports to this convention to state the number of families, and, if practicable, of individuals in their respective congregations, discriminating, in each instance, the number of families belonging likewise to other congregations.

The Rev. Dr. Gadsden, president of the standing committee, made the following report:

The last convention having instructed the standing committee to carry into effect certain resolutions relative to the General Theological Seminary, and

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to report the result to the next convention," they would respectfully state to this convention, that the bishop, in conformity with the request made to him, promptly prepared an address, inviting liberality to the aid of the seminary; that it was circulated as directed; but your committee believe it was not read by the clergy in general in their respective churches. They have received from the following churches the sum of $623 77, which has been duly paid to the treasurer of the seminary, viz.

From St. Michael's, amount of the collection, $147; St. Philip's, $313 59; St. Paul's, $73 18; Edisto Island, $10; Grace church, Sullivan's Island, $180; and since, from Thomas S. Grimke, $100; from Plowden Weston, $50-in all, $873 77.``

They have received this day in addition, a collection made at Georgetown, $103. They have understood that the address was read, and a discourse preached recommending the seminary, by the rector of St. Matthew's, in his church, but that no collection was made. From the other parishes no reply has been received to the letter of our secretary on the present subject.

The following gentlemen were appointed the standing committee:-The Rev. Christopher E. Gadsden, D. D. the Rev. Paul T. Gervais, the Rev. Frederick Dalcho, M. D. the Rev. Allston Gibbes, the Rev. Christian Hanckell, David Alexander, Joseph' Johnson, M. D. John Dawson, Robert J. Turnbull, Thomas Lowndes.

It was moved by the Rey. Edward Rutledge, and carried, that the standing committee be requested to present an abstract of their proceedings for the past year before the convention, and to place their journals on the secretary's table for the inspection of the convention.

The treasurer laid his accounts be

fore the convention, whereupon Mr. Alexander, and Mr. Bacot, were appointed a committee to examine and report on the same: The committee reported, that they had found the accounts correct, and that there remains in the hands of the treasurer a balance of $91 23. The report was accepted,

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