stance that the first settlers among them are often of the dregs of our population, has infused into their moral character many poisonous ingredients, to which they were strangers until their intercourse with emigrants from Europe. Shall the time never come, when the injury done, and still doing to them, shall receive a counterbalance, in a benefit which could not fail to bind them to us in an everlast ing chain of friendship? If there be any who still contend that the more distant claims should be entirely lost sight of in the contemplation of those who have sprung from the same commu nity with ourselves; let such persons be aware, that there are very many of their fellow citizens, of the same church with themselves, who, without being insensible of the claims of the nearer duty, are convinced that something also should be done for the accomplishing of the decree of God, "giving to his blessed Son the heathen for his inheritance." With us the question is, whether zeal of this description shall have an opportunity afforded to it, of contributing the stream of its benefi cence through the channel of our own church, or shall be poured through some other less acceptable, yet tending to the accomplishment of the object. It would not be unnatural, if, with many, on a comparison of the merits of different systems, the matter now treated of should turn the balance to our disadvantage. While we press on the attention of the members of our church the interests of two institutions, in the success of which, as we conceive, her reputation, her increase, and her usefulness very much depend; we are sensible of the merits of several other species of association, which, of late years, within her bounds, as within those of other societies, have been formed with the view of cherishing and of extending religious belief and practice. Such are Sunday schools, societies for the distributing of the Bible, of the Book of Com. mon Prayer, of the Homilies,and of instruction in the form of tracts, suited to ordinary apprehension. Although we avoid enlarging on the merits of the expedients thus adopted for the furtherance of piety; and to which we have given our aid in our respective dioceses; it is not a diminished opinion of their importance: since we still contemplate them as entering into the ground-work of what is represented in the Apocalypse, under the image of an gel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and tongue, and kindred, and people." But instead of enlarging on these topics, we rather, at this time, call the attention to the source from which they have issued-the excitement of late years 66 an given to the public mind, prompting the expedients which have been devised for evangelizing of the world. It is not many years ago, when infidelity was seen waving high her standard; first erecting it in the old world, and glory. ing in the prospect of the extirpation of the name of Christ from under heaven. Who would have believed, if it had been foretold, that the providence of God was then laying a train of causes, which should speedily end in successful expedients for the extending of the religion of the Gospel, wherever commerce unfurls her flag, and wherever political interests open the door of communication of one nation with another? Not only this, but that in countries professing Christianity, with apathy to the spiritual wants of the lower orders of society, the time was now come, when, in every cottage, and in every hovel, so far as endeavours can accomplish, there shall be the book which contains the glad tidings of salvation? and even not these things only; but that for the giving of the greater effect to its inestimable contents, there shall, if possible, be none advancing to the age of maturity, without having this treasure unlocked to their perusal by ability to read? Such are the plans of the moral government of God, by which he verifies the saying indited under the in spiration of his Spirit-"Surely, the wrath of man shall praise thee." It was not in the old world only, that infidelity had spread its poison, in every department of politics, of science, and of manners; threatening ruin to our institutions in their infancy; which it were folly to think to sustain, under its demoralizing influence. That the friends of religion should mourn over the increasing epidemic, was to be expected. But, in addition, all friends of social order have been alarmed at the prospect of the gulph to which they saw the public mind advancing. The effect is the conviction, that the interests of time, even if those of eternity were put out of view, demand the retracing of the steps. That in addition to this, many have been drawn to a serious weighing of the things which belong to their peace, is evident in an increased regard to the ordinances of religion, among all denominations of professing Christians; and in a growing concurrence in all promising endeavours for the extending of the king. dom of the Redeemer. We may perceive the operation of this spirit, in the many societies formed for the increase of religious knowledge: and were no such societies to be seen among us, the same fact would be established by the mass of Bibles, which, of late years, have been printed and sold with a view to honourable gain-in number, far beyond proportion to the increase of population, great as it unquestionably is. In these events, we may perceive a crisis, similar to that which drew from our Saviour the saying " Lift up your eyes and look on the fields, for they are white already to harvest." Brethren, we consider the excitement noticed, as adding immense weight to the obligation always lying, of our contribut ing in our several spheres, to the extending of the influence of true religion. For although there are never wanting opportunities to this effect; yet they especially abound, when the spirit of inquiry is awake, and when there are appearances of a verifying of the promises of God in scripture. These promises will be fulfilled; but it will be by the mean of human agency; and it is the province of religious wisdom, to mark the seasons of sensibility, and to suit its efforts to the occasions. On the clergy in particular, we make the call to put forth their zealous exertions, in reference, not only to the point the last pressed, but to all the matters comprehended in this address: and while we wish the admonition to be brought home with power to our own hearts, we entreat the prayers of all orders of persons in this church, for our having of wisdom to discern, and grace to execute, whatever may conduce to her spiritual welfare, and to the glory of her Divine Head. Signed by order of the House of Bishops, WILLIAM WHITE, Philadelphia, May 26th, 1823. Notices of the late Archbishop of Cashel, from a Review in the British Critic of Dr. Jebb's Visitation Sermon. DESCENDED of a family ennobled for services and merit, the Hon. Charles Brodrick, shortly after his return to Ireland from Cambridge, where he had graduated, received ordination from his friend and father-in-law, Dr. Woodward, at that time Bishop of Cloyne. "The first parochial act of our late revered diocesan was worthy of his institutor and himself; it was in character with every subsequent act of his exemplary life. From an overwhelming sense of duty, at a period when very lax notions prevailed respecting clerical residence, in opposition to the remonstrances of many friends, he became an immediate resident on a moderate benefice, in a wild uninhabited country, in a damp uncomfortable house and there he continued to reside, during an inclement winter season, with considerable risk, and no small actual detriment, to his own delicate health, and, what with him was a far more serious consideration, to the health of his dearest earthly friend. In this humble sphere, he was the guardian, the instructor, the benefactor of the poor: and, when moved to a parish of larger extent, in which his family influence was considerable, the whole weight of that influence was invariably employed in the service of religion and humanity; while, in matters that intimately regarded the discipline and government of the diocese, he afforded his good father-in-law much valuable aid: and thus, under the best training, he was gradually prepared for the duties of that more elevated station, to which, in due time, and with the approbation of all good men, he was most deservedly called." From the see of Clonfert, which he held but a short time, Bishop Brodrick was translated to that of Kilmore, where "In primitive simplicity of life and manners, in single devoted kindness to all classes of his clergy, in grave yet gentle admonition to some, in delicate and wise encouragement of others, in that conscientious feeling of responsi bility which influenced his whole conduct, and in that deep, unostentatious piety which was the source and soul of all the rest, he proved himself a worthy and congenial successor of the apostolic Bedel.” But the chief field of his exertion was the see of Cashel; and his parental care of that archiepiscopal diocese is thus beautifully exhibited: "It was his special care, wherever they were wanting, to procure churches, glebes, and glebe-houses; and thus to make effectual provision for the settlement throughout his diocese, of a resi dent and operative clergy. This, he justly conceived, was the foundation of all ecclesiastical improvement; to this, accordingly, in the first place, he bent the full vigour of his active mind; how successfully, the present state of things will amply testify: for, perhaps, it may not be too much to affirm, that the whole united church cannot produce a body of clergy more generally resident, than the clergymen of this diocese. But, while our late archbishop was anxious to furnish his clergy with proper dwellings, he was yet more solicitous, when occasion offered, to fill those dwellings with a proper clergy. The distribution of preferments was, with him, a sacred trust; a vacancy was ever a serious pressure on his conscientious mind; and the breath of calumny has never dared to whisper, that, in a single instance, did the least tincture of selfishness or secularity mingle with the purity of his episcopal choice. Over a clergy thus chosen, he presided with the impartiality of wisdom, and of love; and while, at the seat of his rule, he set every spring in healthful activity; no corner of his diocese, however remote, was uncheered by the glance of his parental eye: the extremities were always animated by the life-blood which flowed warm from the heart, His discipline, accordingly, was the discipline of kindness: exact, but not severe, he effected that by mildness and conciliation, which others might vainly have attempted by coercion and restraint; a hint, a word, a look from him, had most persuasive energy: while his clergy derived wisdom from his advice, they imbibed goodness from his manner in the necessary intercourse of business, when we entered his study, we came, as it were, into a sanctuary; yet, such was the graciousness of his demeanour, that the familiarity of the friend was chastened only by reverence for the parent. "But the influence of his example, and the weight of his authority, were felt not merely in a single diocese: they extended through an ampler sphere; and their effects upon it will, in many important particulars, be felt by gene rations get unborn. In the course of his triennial visitations, and by a frequent and extensive correspondence, he made himself accurately acquainted with the situation, the wants and capabilities, of every parish, in every diocese, of the province of Munster. His rules and orders, niade with deliberation, were enforced with firmness: and it was his happiness that, in most instances, he met the cordial co-operation of his suffragan bishops; some of whom, with manly and modest candour, have publickly declared, that the improvement of their dioceses and their clergy, was chiefly attributable to the fatherly care of our good archbishop. How much pure religion he was, in this way, the providential instrument of diffusing, it is not for us to cenjecture; that will be made manifest only in the day of final retribution. But one matter at least of transcendent national importance, is placed beyond all reasonable doubt; that, by his successful exertions to promote clerical residence throughout this great province, he did what in him lay, towards providing the only substitute which many large neglected districts now possess, for the natural guardians of the soil, for our absentee lay proprietors. "But his labours did not terminate here. From a sense of duty, and to meet the honourable confidence repos ed in him by the executive government, he undertook, for many years, the charge of another diocese, and another povince; the archdiocese of Dublin, lation of responsibility, unprecedented and province of Leinster: an accumuand unparalleled in the annals of the Irish church. This transaction was, on his part, no less disinterested, than it was peculiar: he accepted the jurisdiction, without the patronage; the power of enforcing discipline, without the privilege of rewarding merit. But, even under this disadvantage, he proved himself more than equal to the task. By mingling suavity and firmness, he conciliated every heart, and controlled every spirit. The diocese, and preevery spirit. vince, in some respects, the most important in our island, flourished under hands, he delivered up this great trust, his protection: and when, with pure he was hailed by the unanimous and led clergy." grateful acknowledgments of an assem Amid these multifarious duties, which were not performed without many personal sacrifices, that were cheerfully made by the archbishop for the welfare of the church, he constantly found time to be a diligent student of the sacred scriptures, "as a scholar, as a divine, and, above all, as a devout and humble Christian;" to which he constantly added some portion of the practical writings of the Greek or Latin Fathers, besides perusing the best theological publications of the day. upon his bodily frame; and, for many years, was silently undermining his constitution. But he was still devoted to his ministry. And I possess documents in his handwriting which prove, that, to the very last, he laboured with unabated zeal for the interests of the "But, while such were his chosen pursuits, they never absorbed him; they never withdrew him from the bu-church, and the cause of our most holy siness, the civilities, and the charities faith. In concluding this imperfect of ordinary life. How often have I outline of his character, I shall adopt seen him turn, with alacrity and cheer the language of a pious writer, which fulness, from high religious thoughts, to cannot, in my judgment, be more suitthe most trifling concerns that were ably applied: Nunquam fuit ex toto brought before him; but, especially, to otiosus; sed, aut legens, aut scribens, any and every thing that regarded the aut orans, aut meditans, aut aliquid welfare of his humblest fellow-mortal. utilitatis pro communi laborans." A righteous versatility; which shewed a mind at home and at ease in spiritual things; and which, in the judgment of an ancient father, is the truest test of spiritual perfection.' But, there were yet more strictly private exercises, which no man knew of but himself. "He entered into his closet, and shut his door, and prayed unto his Father, who is in secret.' His piety was too delicate to be obtruded upon others; it was seen only in its effects: in that total forgetfulness of self, which enabled him always to be considerate of others; in that plainness and simplicity of taste, which shunned all personal expense or show; in that princely munificence of charity, which never tempted him to be unjust, but often left him impoverished; in that mildness, that forbearance, that universal goodness, which made him the delight of his friends, and the ornament of human nature." Our readers, we feel persuaded, will think no apology necessary for the length of some of the preceding quotations, when we inform them that the sermon whence they are taken, is not printed for sale. A copy of it having found its way into our hands, we were desirous of imparting to them some portion of that eloquent discourse, with which we have been delighted: and while they will sympathize with the Church of Ireland in the loss she has sustained in the decease of archbishop Brodrick, they will participate in the know) the most learned and exemplary emotions of pleasure, with which (we clergymen in that country have hailed the elevation of Bishop Magee and the Rev. Dr. Laurence to the archiepiscopal sees of Dublin and of Cashel; to whose names, if report speak correctly, we may now add the learned author of this discourse and of" Sacred Literature," the Rev. Dr. Jebb, who is stated to have been nominated to the see which has become vacant by the late episcopal translations in Ireland. Progress of the Church Missionary At the end of the first ten years, says the report for 1823, this society had only about 200 scholars, they have now 11,000; they bad not more than 20 hearers, they have now many thou sands; they had not one single convert, they have now above a thousand stated communicants; and while they are thus successful, their coadjutors in all other missionary societies meet with similar prosperity. For the Christian Journal. Family and Private Prayers, taken chiefly from the Liturgy of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and from the Liturgy of the Church of Eng land. By William Berrian, an Assistant Minister of Trinity Church, New-York. 12mo. pp. 204.* A VOLUME bearing this title has lately appeared from the press of the Messrs. Swords; and, from an attentive examination of its contents, we hesitate not to recommend it to the pious of all denominations, but more especially to those who are of that communion at whose altars the reverend author ministers. Drawn, as it professes to be, almost entirely from the liturgies of our own church, and her venerable mother the church of England, and expressed, for the most part, in the very words of those formularies, it cannot fail to be an acceptable offering to all, who, while they worship God "in spirit and in truth," would present to him the daily tribute of their prayers and praises in language which the services of the sanctuary have impressed on their minds, and endeared to their hearts. Of the several valuable assistances to private and family worship with which the devout members of our church have hitherto been furnished, none, so far as our observation has extended, has been drawn up with immediate reference to this important consideration. Highly important indeed, and favourable to the best interests of unfeigned piety and true devotion, do we deem this feature of the present work to be. For if it be true, as few who are conversant with it will deny, that the liturgy of our church is, of all uninspired compositions, the best fitted for purposes of devotion-if it be true, that, expressed frequently in the very words, it is at all times in unison with the doctrines of holy writ--if it be true, that, in some one of its several portions, every principle of the Christian faith is distinctly recognized, and every duty of the Christian life earnestly and eloquently incul * Sold by T. & J. Swords, No. 99 Pearlstreet, New-York, price 75 cents. cated-and if, in addition to all this, there be any thing in the authority and practice of the venerable martyrs to the cause of the reformation-any thing in the example of saints now gathered to their inheritance of glory-any thing, finally, in the best recollections of our life; the first impressions of early piety, the first determined purpose of youthful dedication to God; then, surely, the nearer the approximation to that volume which combines all these excellences, and forms the hallowed centre of all these endearing and inspiring associations, the greater will be the influence, and the more abun→ dant and permanent the advantage. Having said thus much in approbation of the principle upon which the manual before us has been compiled, we cannot better illustrate the extent to which it has been pursued, and the general plan of the work, than in the words of the reverend author himself: "The principal part of it," says he in his preface, "is taken from our Book of Common Prayer, and the rest, which will appear new to many, is almost en→ tirely drawn from the offices for special occasions in the liturgy of the church of England. Two or three of the thanksgivings, from a different source, are written so much in the same style and spirit, as not to alter the cast of the work; and frequently the compiler himself has thrown in such short petitions, or connecting clauses, as were necessary to give a proper fulness to some defective parts, and to preserve the harmony of others. Wherever the prayers were complete in themselves, he has generally transferred them as they stand; wherever they were too brief and imperfect, he has combined the substance of two or three, or collected the scattered expressions relating to any particular subject, so as to make one full and comprehensive prayer. But there has been in all cases a studied regard to the general form and character of the liturgy, the several parts of penitence, supplication, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise being kept distinct. The selections from the Psalms, and from the other prophetic and poetical parts of scripture, are |