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forced to see the field of God's hus bandry lie waste for the want of labourers. Had it not been for the extraordinary exertions of the fixed presbyters, in seeking all occasions, often to the great detriment of their own people, of travelling even in the most inclement seasons,in pursuit of the scattered sheep, the interest of the church, in many places must have expired. Two faithful itinerant missionaries, by the blessing of God, would have prevented much evil, over which we are now compelled to mourn in silence.

But instead of closing this address But instead of closing this address with the exhibition of the melancholy side of the picture before us, let us thank God for the mercies which remain. We are at unity and love among ourselves; we have faith in the Lord's goodness; we have a firm reliance on his power and grace; and we know that all things will work together

for the good of those who love God. The holy scriptures, by the very laudable exertions of the Bible societies, have spread wide among us. The divine seed is thus planted. May it take root downward and bear fruit upward. May the great Lord of the harvest send forth labourers to enclose, to cherish, and to gather in what the Lord himself hath planted.

The Rev. Samuel Johnston was, by ballot, elected secretary of the convention.

Resolved, That the word more, in the second canon, be stricken out, and the word two inserted in its place, which will make it read thus: "It shall be the duty of every clergyman to attend all conventions of the diocese; and it shall be the duty of every parish to send one or two lay delegates."

The parochial reports furnish the following aggregate:-Baptisms(adults 12, children 62, not specified 36) 110; marriages 18; funerals 35; communicants 391.

The following gentlemen were elected the standing committee:-The Rev. Roger Searle, the Rev. Samuel Johnston, the Rev. Intrepid Morse, the Rev. Ezra B. Kellogg, Noah M. Brunson, Bazaleel Wells, Edward Hallam, Levin Belt. VOL. VII.

Resolved, That as this diocese is entitled to four trustees of the General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, that this convention proceed to the election.

Whereupon the following persons were elected:-The Rev. Roger Searle, the Rev. Intrepid Morse, the Rev. Bazaleel Wells, William K. Bond.

Mr. Edward Hallam was elected treasurer.

On the second day of the convention prayers were read by the Rev. Samuel Johnston, minister of Christ church, Cincinnati; a sermon preached by the Rev. Roger Searle, minister elect of St. Paul's church, Medina, St. John's church, Liverpool, and Trinity church, Liverpool.

Thirty-nine dollars were paid for printing journals, &c. by the several

parishes.

Resolved, as the sense of this conthe inhabitants of Worthington, for vention, that their thanks are due to their kindness and uniform hospitality to the members thereof.

Resolved, That the next annual meeting of this convention be held in St. Paul's church, in the town of Chilicothe.

The following extracts are made from the "proceedings of the Missionary Society," appended to the journal of the above convention.

The following persons were chosen managers :-The Rev. Roger Searle, the Rev. S. Johnston, the Rev. I. Morse, the Rev. E. B. Kellogg, the Rev. P. Chase, jun. the Rev. John Hall, B. Wells, H. Brush, Wm. Little, A. Butles, Robert Jones, and C. Ripley.

The managers then proceeded to elect, from their own number, the offi cers required by the 6th article of the constitution; whereupon the following persons were duly chosen, viz. The Rev. Roger Searle, vice-president; the Rev. Samuel Johnston, recording secretary; the Rev. E. B. Kellogg, corresponding secretary; Mr. Wm. Little, treasurer.

The society met pursuant to adjourn

ment. Resolved, that this society appoint

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the Rev. Philander Chase, jun. to cross the Atlantic, with proper credentials, for the purpose of soliciting aid in Great Britain, for the support of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the diocese of Ohio: and that he be allowed five hundred dollars for his expenses.

Resolved, that the Right Rev. the Bishop be respectfully requested to furnish the proper credentials, and also to furnish an address, setting forth our condition, our wants, and our prayers, to the Right Rev. the Bishops, Clergy, and members of the Church of England. Resolved, that the minister of every parish, and the president or presiding officer of every auxiliary society, and every person procuring subscribers to the parent missionary society of this diocese, be requested, annually, at the anniversary meeting, to furnish the recording secretary thereof with the names of all persons belonging to the parent society, and the constitutions of all auxiliary societies, and names of persons belonging to them, over which they preside, or for which they procure subscribers.

The managers of the missionary society, in consequence of the sickness of the late recording secretary, and the partial indisposition of their treasurer, connected with some unavoidable circumstances, are unable to present any formal report: they however cannot forbear to remark, that they feel a peculiar solicitude that the institution should sustain a character consistent with the means of the members belonging to our communion. Nor is this anxiety any wise lessened, when we contemplate the extensive field of usefulness, to the heralds of the cross, in this destitute region, where our little flocks are scattered as sheep having no shepherd. Wherever there can be a society formed, as an auxiliary to the parent institution, however humble the means, let the benevolent work com

mence.

We should do injustice to our feelings to suppose for a moment, that wherever a missionary association within the past year has been formed, that it will suffer, for want of personal exertions to promote the object for which

it was designed. Let every heart and every hand be engaged in this good cause.

A few years since, the church had no regular organization; but by the providential care of her Divine Head, she has been established, and is now gradually increasing in usefulness and strength; advancing "to the battle of the Lord against the mighty." We verily believe that no sincere episcopalian can look back upon the formation and successful progress of the church, as represented in the concise view of our journals, without lively gratitude to the "Chief Shepherd and Bishop of souls." Who, after contrasting the past with the present, will not, in looking forward to the future, wish to renew his strength? Who will not present his humble supplication to the fountain of mercy, that these western wilds, which once resounded with the savage war-whoop, may soon more extensively be cheered with the sound of the gospel of peace, and the hallelujahs of the redeemed?

If during the past year we have experienced heavy domestic afflictions; if we have had to endure many trials, and some of us laborious exertions, for the extension of truth; if we have been painfully disappointed in our reasonable expectations of missionaries from the east; if we have lamented over the careless, the ungodly, and the hypocritical, spreading their baneful examples; if we reflect that many thousands have neglected to improve the means of grace; yet many occurrences of an opposite nature incite us to declare, "hitherto the Lord hath helped us." It is a mercy of no ordinary character, that our zeal increases with our numbers; that many of our infant churches, destitute of the regular ministrations of the word, still have hopes, that ere long the messengers of truth may be seen and heard among them; that harmony in council and unity in effort exist among our clergy and laity, and one sentiment only pervades the whole. It is gratifying that wheresoever the Evangelist had traversed our diocese, he has been hailed as the messenger of glad tidings. Bearing in his credentials the authority of his Divine Master, pro

claiming peace and good will towards men, he has every where been welcomed with joy. Though long deferred, the hope still cheer us, that the time is not far distant when others will hear us mingle our cries with the angel of Macedon, “Come over and help us." But to make these our hopes successful, we must remember who it is that hath the hearts of all men in his hand. To him, therefore, let us pray with increasing fervour, that faithful ministers of Jesus Christ may be sent among us, who shall assist in pulling down the strong holds of Satan, and building up the walls of Zion.

A never failing trust that God will protect his church, inclines us to believe that his Holy Spirit will influence the hearts of some, even here; and give them means to prepare for the sacred office. If from other fountains we can draw no water, who can tell that God will not be gracious unto us, and cause, even here, in the wilderness, some humble stream to flow, to make glad his Zion, his own city. To this effect he will hear our prayer, if with faith and constancy we let our cry come unto him.

(Signed) PHILANDER CHASE, Pres't. Attest-SAMUEL JOHNSTON, Sec'y.

The following note is added to the journal.

During the printing of these journals, information was received through the medium of the Rev. George Boyd, of Philadelphia, that the sum of 170 dellars, a donation for the benefit of the Episcopal Missionary Society of Ohio, from four ladies of Charleston, SouthCarolina, awaited his order. The ladies mentioned, were Mrs. Dehon, Mrs. Russel, Mrs. Gregorie, and Mrs. Middleton; to whom the Bishop in this manner begs leave, in the name of the society, to return his most grateful acknowledgments.

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provision annexed thereto for the further extension of the system as occasion may require, has given rise to many pleasing anticipations in the minds of episcopalians. The resources of the church have hitherto been diverted to objects of a deeper and more vital importance. Her whole force has been needed to bear down the obstacles which impeded her progress, and to promote the full and flowing tide of her usefulness. But now she has in a great measure triumphed over prejudice and opposition; the imputed stain of corruption has been wiped from her walls, and men acknowledge the purity of her doctrines, and the moderation of her measures. For the continuance of these favourable circumstances she esteems it her duty to provide; and has wisely laid the foundation in the education of those who are destined for the administration of her holy rites and ordinances. But confessedly great as are the advantages which a public seminary affords, many seem unwilling to avail themselves of them, from not duly considering, or from miscalculating, their value. From the exigences of the church, and the want of spiritual instructors, the term of preparation for the ministry has, in some instances, been unavoidably short; and a private education has been preferred, as being attended with less expense, and affording greater choice of favourite masters. But when we consider the sacredness of the office, -to "feed the church of God, which he purchased with his blood;" when we remember that the ministers of Christ are "a savour of life unto life, or of death unto death;" when we call to mind the words of an inspired apostle, "Who is sufficient for these things"we cannot too fully provide, "that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Now, whether this laudable, this highly interesting and important end is best promoted by a public or private education admits, I think, of little doubt. Observation and experience equally show the superiority of the former, and the far greater tendency which it has to nourish those habits, and bestow those acquirements, which are so necessary to the success of the Christian minister. But

let us attend to a few particulars, which will make this apparent.

1. It will not, I presume, be denied, that learning is necessary to the divine of the present day. The miraculous gifts bestowed upon the apostles have ceased; "the spirit of prophecy has been withdrawn from the ministers of Christianity, who are therefore now obliged to supply the want of it by their own study and industry." For, "to what end should God still proceed to make new revelations, unless it were to gratify men's sloth and idleness, and excuse them from the trouble of search ing and studying that scripture in which he had taken care to transmit his Gospel to them?"* Besides, those false teachers predicted by Christ and his followers have arisen, and attempts are making daily, hourly, and publicly, to pervert the sacred truths of our religion. It becomes, therefore, a solemn duty to use all means for the right apprehension of the sacred volume, and for detecting and exposing the fallacy of its adversaries. Now, to bring about these ends, the critical investigation and interpretation of scripture is of the highest importance. "All solid know ledge and judicious defence of divine truth, it has been well observed, must originate from a right understanding and accurate interpretation of the scriptures." And where can we look for the attainment of these, so properly as to a public seminary? The means of information are there more extensively afforded; the treasures of knowledge lie scattered in rich profusion before the student; and he is directed in his inquiries, and animated to exertion, by the superintendence of learned and able professors. This last consideration is one of no small importance in this matter. The instructions of a private teacher must of necessity be attended with disadvantage, as they are seldom given except in connexion with other duties. Besides, scarcely one can be found who concentres in himself the necessary qualifications in every branch of study. Thus the minute and patient

→ Consult Scott's Christian Life, vol. iii. p. 125, 126.

Ernesti's Elements of Interpretation, p. 1.

investigation required for the accurate understanding of scripture, will unavoidably be prevented by want of time, or want of ability.-But in a public seminary, the very business of the professors is instruction-to this end all their labours are directed, and for its attainment all the faculties of their minds are exerted. And each being confined to his own department, eminence therein will be more easy, and more likely to be attained. They peruse the sacred volume with the youth committed to their charge-they bring to their aid critics of various orders-point out their errors and excellences-explain, illustrate, and enforce.-To such means, without doubt, are we to look for a learned ministry-skilled in the interpretation of scripture-able to defend the sacred oracles, and to disseminate them in their native force, beauty, and perfection.

As regards the deduction of doctrine unanimity, as well as ability, is certainly highly desirable in the Christian church. But how can this be expected, where masters are almost as numerous as pupils-where business interferes with instruction-and where, in some cases, private views combine with individual prejudices to propagate favourite systems of belief?-But, on the other hand, it may be said, does not this hold also with regard to public seminaries? Are not public teachers equally liable to prejudices, and equally influenced by interested motives? And will not the effects of error in this case be more severely felt, in proportion as more derive instruction from the same corrupt source? All this may be true-indeed is unquestionably true, but certainly in an infinitely smaller degree. It is the interest and duty of the church to educate a faithful ministry, and her wisdom is pledged to provide for this by a careful choice of professors. Should she be deceived in her judgment, and those who are chosen should prove unworthy, still they are under her inspection, and amentable to her for their conduct. The influence of individual prejudice also, will be prevented by the effect of free inquiry which an extensive course of study must promote. This enables every one to examine and de

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çide for himself. That knowledge which he has derived from various sources, he collects and centres; he compares the books perused with the interpretations put upon them. And can it be denied that he is more likely to judge aright, who has these advantages, than he whose views are necessarily limited by the contracted sphere of private education?

In numerous other particulars we shall find the object in view greatly promoted by a public course of instruction. The study of church history, for instance, involves many difficulties, and requires close attention and accurate discrimination on the part of the student. His mind is liable to be distract ed by the many contradictory representations which are made, and the numerous authors, both original and remote, which it is necessary to consult. "Few in number," says Mosheim," are the unprejudiced and impartial historians, whom neither the influence of the sect to which they belong, nor the venerable and imposing names of antiquity, nor the spirit of the times and the torrent of prevailing opinion, can turn aside from the obstinate pursuit of truth alone. An attachment to favourite opinions leads authors sometimes to pervert, or at least to modify, facts in favour of those who have embraced these opinions, or to the disadvantage of such as have opposed them. These kinds of seduction are so much the more dan gerous, as those whom they deceive are, <in innumerable cases, insensible of their delusion, and of the false representations of things to which it leads them."* These observations serve to show the danger to which the student is exposed, and the extreme caution which it is necessary for him to use in this matter. The especial importance of this to us is farther evinced by the strong support which the doctrines of episcopacy derive from the history of the early church, and from the opinions of the protestant divines who conducted the reformation. In this view then, how greatly desirable is the assistance of those who have made this branch of theology their study; whose business it is to lay open

Ecclesiastical History, vol. i. p. 23.

its several parts before him, to direct him to the proper sources of information, and to preserve him from the errors of inexperienced youth, and of private judgment?

In the study of Christian evidences also, the same advantages are apparent. The open objections of infidels may be met and rebuffed without great difficulty; for in most instances they carry their own refutation with them, and prove their own fallacy by the injurious and absurd consequences to which they lead. But the doubts advanced by the philosophical unbeliever, are of a different character. Their blackness is hidden under the cloak of science, and their subtlety perplexes, even when it does not convince. To what danger then, must the inexperienced youth be exposed, who is reduced to the necessity. of encountering such enemies with his own unassisted strength, or, at best, with but slight means of resistance! And, on the other hand, how greatly will his confidence be strengthened and his faith confirmed, by a previous wellordered course of instruction, which prepares him for these difficulties, at the same time that it qualifies him for their removal !

2. As regards the prime object of theological instruction-practical improvement further consideration is necessary. It is allowed that acquirements of the highest order will avail nothing-in fact, will be highly injurious, unless directed and sanctified by a fervent and enlightened spirit of piety. Now, it is questioned by many, whether this desirable and necessary object is best promoted by a public or private education. It has often been asserted— and there is certainly ground for the opinion that too much attention to learning, to external literary accom plishments, will tend by degrees to withdraw the mind from the sober routine of devotional duties.-But let us trust, that this "science falsely so called," will never disgrace our public seminaries. The object proposed by them is, to provide not only 66 a learned," but "a pious and practical ministry."

*Bishop Hobart's Address on the opening of the General Seminary.

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