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John Rodney, jun. the Rev. William A. Muhlenberg, the Rev. Samuel C. Brinckle, the Rev. Manning B. Roche, the Rev. William Thompson, the Rev. Peter Van Pelt, jun. (under letters dimissory from the bishop of South-Carolina,) and the Rev. Joseph Jaquett.-8.

The following clergymen have taken charge of the parishes annexed to their respective names :--The Rev. Wm. A. Muh lenberg, associate rector of St. James's, Lancaster, and St. John's, Pequea; the Rev. Jehu C. Clay, rector of St. James's, Perkiomen, and St. John's, Norristown; the Rev. Benjamin Allen, from Virginia, rector of St. Paul's, Philadelphia; the Rev. William Thompson, from New-York, rector of Trinity church, Pittsburg; the Rev. William H. De Lancey, from New-York, an assistant minister of Christ church, St. Peter's, and St. James's, Philadelphia; the Rev. Moses P. Bennet, from Connecticut, minister of Christ church, Greensburg; the Rev. Samuel Sitgreaves, jun. minister of St. Stephen's church, Wilkesbarré; the Rev. Richard U. Morgan, rector of St. Paul's, Chester, and St. Martin's, Marcus Hook; the Rev. Joseph Jaquett, minister of St. James's, Bristol; the Rev. Joseph Spencer, rector of St. John's, Carlisle; the Rev. James Montgomery, rector of St. Stephen's, Philadelphia; the Rev. Gregory T. Bedell, rector of St. Andrew's, Philadel phia; and the Rev. John P. Bausman, jun. from Maryland, minister of the churches in Fayette county.

The Rev. Dr. Joseph Hutchins has returned from Barbadoes, and resides in Philadelphia. The Rev. Dr. Wilson is professor of systematic theology in the general seminary. The Rev. Joseph Spencer is professor of languages in Dickinson college, Carlisle. The Rev. Norman Nash is at present officiating at Huntingdon and its neighbourhood.

There are ten candidates for holy orders. Several young men are preparing to become candidates.

This diocese has been deprived by death of the Rev. Joseph Turner, the Rev. Slator Clay, the Rev. George Woodruff, and the Rev. Elijah G. Plumb.

Charles G. Snowden, and Manning B. Roche, formerly presbyters of this church, have been displaced from the ministry, agreeably to the provisions of the seventh canon of 1820.

There have been duly organized in this diocese, and received into union with its convention, St. Stephen's church, Wilkesharré; Trinity church, Southwark; St. Mark's church, Mantua; St. Stephen's church,Philadelphia; St. Andrew's church, Philadelphia; and Christ church, Greens burg.-6.

The following churches have been consecrated by the bishop:-St. James's church, Lancaster; Trinity church, Eas

ton; St. Mark's church, Mantua; Trinity church, Southwark; and St. Stephen's church, Philadelphia.-5.

Confirmation has been administered in the following churches: St. John's church, New-London; St. David's, Radnor; St. James's, Lancaster; Christ church, Leacock; St. John's, Pequea; Trinity church, Easton; St. John's, Carlisle ; Christ church, Adams county; St. John's, York; St. John's, Norristown; Trinity church, Southwark; All Saints' church, Lower Dublin; Trinity church, Oxford; St. Mary's, Chester county; Bangor church, Churchtown; and in several churches in the city of Philadelphia. The number confirmed was 618.

The number of baptisms reported since the last General Convention is 1591, of whom 196 were adults. The number of communicants reported to the last diocesan convention is 1606. Sunday schools exist in many of the parishes, and are flourishing. Their effects have been highly beneficial both upon pupils and teachers. 1587 scholars were reported from 11 congregations. Bible classes have been established in some parishes, and have been found highly advantageous.

In consequence of the exertions of some respectable ladies of the city of Philadelphia, a scholarship has been established in the theological seminary by the deposit of $2500 in its treasury. In aid of the same institution, a board of agents, established in Philadelphia, has collected $1500.

The church in this diocese has exhibited much interest in the concerns of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society. Several public meetings were held in Philadelphia to promote its important objects. Eight auxiliary societies have been organized. Some of the clergy have been made patrons by the female members of their congregations. The treasur er's statement shows that in Pennsylvania there are 10 patrons, 9 life subscribers, and 71 annual subscribers.

The interest thus exhibited in the cause of this institution, has not, and, it is trusted, will not affect the concerns of those societies which have been established to promote the welfare of the church within the bounds of the diocese. The society for the Advancement of Christianity continues its useful labours. Eight clergymen have acted as its missionaries, or have been assisted from its funds, while they were endeavouring to build up infant churches. Three missionaries are now in their employ, and they are anxious to obtain some more. They are in possession of the stereotype plates from which the standard edition of the Book of Common Prayer, authorized by the last General Convention, is published. This society, and the Pilmore society of St. Paul's, Phi

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ladelphia, recently established, have aided six young men in their preparation for the ministry. Tracts, homilies, and well selected books for Sunday schools, are published and distributed by societies formed for the purpose. The episcopal fund is increasing in a manner highly gratifying to all the members of the church. The resources of the corporation for the relief of widows and orphans of clergymen, are quite extensive; they exceed $30,000. The venerable bishop of the diocese still continues at the head of the first Bible society ever formed in America. The annual meeting of the convention has been altered of late, on purpose that it may not interfere with the anniversary of the Bible Society of Philadelphia. In consequence of a resolution of the convention of 1822, the greater part of the clergy have devoted a portion of their time to vacant congregations, and to those vicinities where hopes are entertained that churches may be established. The result has been considered highly useful. At comparatively a very small expense, about 40 Sundays have been devoted to missionary labour, and a proportionable number of sermons have been preached.

Delaware. The diocese of Delaware continues nearly in the same state it was at the meeting of the last General Con. vention, with the exception of some improvements in repairing and building churches. There are 14 churches in this state, mostly in good repair. Nine of which are under the pastoral care of the three clergymen resident in the state.

Immanuel's church, at New-Castle, has been rebuilt, and ornamented with an elegant steeple. This was effected by the well directed effort of a small number of families. This church was consecrated last fall by the Right Rev. Bishop White. St. James's parish, near Stanton, are building a commodious church; and some improve. ments have lately been made in some of the churches in other parts of the dioeese; and we discover an increasing desire for the prosperity of our venerable and apostolic church in this state: and it appears to us that a great and effectual door is now open in this diocese, for the most zealous labours of christian missionaries; and the most sanguine hopes are entertained that one united effort will be made to rescue this branch of our venerable church from final ruin. Although a gleam of hope beams upon the church in this state, yet its condition is still deplorable, and speaks to the general church in the language of supplication, and seems to say,-come over and help us-help us to rescue this once important part of our church from final ruin. And may we not indulge the hope that the time is not far distant, when under the blessing of the Great

Head of the church, the united efforts of the clergy and laity will produce a gene ral reformation, and evangelical piety will spread its benign influence to every part of this diocese; and the primitive and interesting service of our church be duly performed in every congregation!

There are in the state three officiating clergymen, and about three huudred and fifty communicants. The canons and rubrics of the church are in most respects generally observed; and there is in some parts of the state a growing attachment to the liturgy of the church.

Maryland-Since the meeting of the last General Convention, the prosperity of the church in this diocese has been stea. dily progressive. The number of commu. nicants has considerably multiplied; and in general there is an increasing attention, among the different congregations, to the services of the sanctuary, and a continued call for the labours of devoted ministers, From the address of the Right Rev. Bishop to the clergy and laity assembled in the last convention, the following para graph is an extract:-" When I look back to the depressed state of the church at the time I entered the holy ministry, and contrast that state with its present appear. ances, my heart expands with joy, and I am completely confirmed in the belief, that to extend the limits and the influence of this truly apostolic church, nothing is wanting but a sufficient supply of well educated and faithful ministers."

Deeply impressed with a conviction of this truth, the convention had, for some time past, been anxious to place within immediate reach, such facilities as might encourage the efforts of those young men who are solicitous of being duly prepared for the high and responsible office of the gospel ministry. At their last meeting, in 1822, the following proposal was brought before them-" Resolved, that it is now expedient, in reliance on the blessing of God for success, to establish a local theo. logical seminary." This resolution, as ap. pears from the recorded votes, was adopt ed by a very large and respectable majority of both orders. On this measure, some diversity of sentiment has existed. The house of clerical and lay deputies refrain from the expression of any opinion on the merits of this measure. To the bishop of the diocese, it may be deemed due to state, that this act of the convention has met with his decided disapprobation and strenuous opposition. The progress and influence of this institution are now in experiment.

At the same convention it was also resolved to establish a diocesan missionary society for the state of Maryland, auxiliary to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal

Church in the United States. A constitu-
tion was adopted, and a board of mana-
gers elected, of which the bishop is, ex
officio, the president. Those societies
which had been previously established,
continue their operations with encourag
ing success. The Prayer Book and Ho-
mily Society, especially, promises much
aid to the general interests of the church,
and great utility to its individual mem-
bers. On the whole, the members of this
diocese have reason to be thankful to the
Great Head of the church, and to rejoice
in those tokens for good, which they
been privileged to receive.

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Virginia. No material alteration has taken place in the condition and character of this church since the last report. The number of its ministers had increased un. til the last year, when, by deaths and removals, it was reduced to the number reported to the last triennial convention. Some valuable ministers have been lost to the state by reason of the great difficulty of procuring a support for them in these times of unparalleled pecuniary embarrass

ment.

Since the last triennial convention, a measure which had long been deemed of high importance to the interests of the church in Virginia, has been pressed on the attention of its members: to wit, the establishment of a theological school in some suitable situation within the diocese. It has pleased a gracious Providence so to bless the endeavours, that the sum of $14,000 has been subscribed, a considerable part already paid, and a good prospect held out of ultimate success. The fund for

the support of the bishop is still gradually increasing.

As to the spiritual condition of the church, to which all outward means are intended to be subservient, it is hoped and believed that its ministers faithfully declare the whole counsel of God, and that just views of religion prevail among the congregations committed to their care. God continues to be gracious in the gift of his holy spirit, and considerable addi. tions are made to the church of such as, it is hoped, shall be saved. It is particularly worthy of grateful acknowledgment, that an unusual display of the power of religion has of late been witnessed in the town of Fredericksburg. The hearts of many have been most deeply affected with a sense of their lost condition, by nature and practice; they have earnestly inquired "what shall we do to be saved;" they have attended anxiously upon the assemblies of God's people; from house to house, as well as in the public temple, the life giving word has been preached to them, and importunate prayer offered up to the God of grace for their pardon and sanctification. The result has already been the

conversion of a goodly number to the Lord who bought them-and a deep solemnity and anxious spirit of inquiry seems generally to pervade the congrega tion.

Long may this happiness continue to the church of Fredericksburg, and may all the churches of our land obtain the same blessing from the Lord.

North Carolina. The prospects of the church in this state are equally as bright and encouraging as they were represented to be in theGeneral Convention of 1820. Its renewal resembles indeed less the restoration of an old and decaying, than the healthful growth of a young and vigorous plant. This appears, not only from the rapid augmentation which has already taken place in its numbers, but from the principles of increase which it appears to possess within itself. Its present prosperity is visible in the addition to the num bers of its congregations and clergy, in the erection of new churches, in the increase of baptisms and communicants, in the greater zeal manifested for the fundamen tal doctrines, and correspondent practices, of our holy faith in general, and of the government and dicipline of our church in particular; also in the formation of Bible, Prayer Book, Missionary, and Tract societies, and societies for the encouragément of industry, and relief of indigence.

There are at present twenty-five con gregations in this state, being seventeen more than was reported at the General Convention of 1820. Most of these, however, are small, and but badly provided with ministerial services. Some are at

tended by missionaries, at regular indeed, but long intervals; while many have to depend entirely on the occasional visits of the parochial clergy. This want has been supplied, as far as possible, by the appointment of lay readers, and much benefit has apparently resulted from the measure. Congregations have, in some instances, been saved, in a good degree, from dissolution; greater interest has been produced for the cause of the gospel, and a better acquaintance contracted with the more common forms and ceremonies of the church.

There are eight clergymen at present officiating in the state, viz.-The Rev. Adam Empie, St. James's church, Wilmington; the Rev. John Avery, St. Paul's church, Edenton; the Rev. William Hooper, St. John's church, Fayetteville; the Rev. Richard S. Mason, Christ church, Newbern; the Rev. William M. Green, St. John's church, Williamsborough; the Rev. R. J. Miller, Christ church, Rowan county; the Rev. Thomas Wright, Calvary church, Wadesborough; and the Rev. Ro bert Davis, missionary. Besides the du ties rendered to the churches to which they are now particularly attached,the Rev

Messrs. Wright, Miller, and Green, per form missionary services in the congregations nearest the field of their regular labours. Completeness has recently been given to the organization of the church in this diocese, by the election and consecra. tion of the Rev. J. S. Ravenscroft, as Bishop thereof: an event which we hail with every demonstration of christian joy; and for which we are bound to render unfeign ed thanks to the Great Head of the church; an event which promises the most incalculable benefit to this portion of Christ's kingdom. This diocese had, indeed, as far as was practicable, been blessed with the counsel and fatherly care of the pious and diligent Bishop Moore, of Virginia; and deeply and gratefully sensible were all of the importance and benefit of his labours. But his being resident in another diocese, and the multiplied concerns of that diocese rendering it impossible for him to pay such attention as was necessary to this state-the election and consecration of a bishop was eagerly desir ed. And unanimously has that election, and most happily that consecration, been effected.

Since the last triennial convention, but three clergymen have removed from this state: The Rev. Gregory T. Bedell, now rector of St. Andrew's, Philadelphia; the Rev. Samuel Sitgreaves, who acted a short time as missionary, and is now in Pennsylvania; and the Rev. John Phillips, now in Virginia. The following ordinations have taken place within the last three years: The Rev. William Green, and the Rev. Robert Davis, to the holy order of deacons; and the Rev. R. J. Miller, to the order both of priest and deacon, in the year 1821. In 1822, the Rev. William Hooper, the Rev. William M. Green, and the Rev. Thomas Wright, to the order of priests. The following persons are at present candidates for orders in this state:Mr. George W. Freeman, of Warrenton; Mr. George W. Hathaway, of Wadesborough; Mr. Moss, of Warrenton.

The following are lay readers :-Mr. George W. Hathaway, Wadesborough; Mr. Walker Anderson, St. Mary's chapel, Orange county; Mr Ichabod Wetmore, St. Matthew's church, Renston; Mr. James Marsh, St. Thomas's, Bath; Mr. Jarvis B. Buxton, Zion church, Beaufort county.

A neat and commodious church has been erected at Warrenton; one is in rapid progress at Washington; and a very elegant one is nearly completed at Newbern. The church at Williamsborough has been thoroughly repaired; and the attention of the congregations in general seems to be turned to the erection of new, or the reparation of decayed, places of worship.

The baptisms, since 1820, have been

about 430; and the number of communi cants, as at present stated, are 480; but this is far from being the exact number, as a great part of the congregations not having the benefit of regular ministerial attendance, their true state cannot be reported.

It is evident to those who have observed the condition of the church in this state, that a greater zeal for the gospel, and a higher standard of moral principles and conduct, have been produced among its adherents. A greater knowledge has been acquired of the distinguishing principles of our church, and an increasing attention has been paid to its forms and ceremonies.

The hope of increased prosperity depends on the prospect of greater stability in those congregations which have been already formed; but which, as yet, walk with the feebleness and hesitation of childhood; on the formation of new congregations, where churchmen are resident; and, lastly, on the effects produced on ground not yet occupied, in places where Christians of no denomination have as yet laboured, we may almost say, have as yet existed.

It is believed, that, generally speaking, the canons and regulations of the church, are as regularly attended to in this, as in any other part of our church.

A munificent bequest of from fourteen to fifteen thousand dollars has been recently made by the late Mrs. Blount, of Tarborough, for the purpose of erecting a church in the city of Raleigh.

South-Carolina.-Since the last General Convention, the number of clergy in this diocese has increased. In 1820 there were twenty-seven; there are at present thirty-five, the bishop, 28 presbyters, and 6 deacons. Some of the parishes have been endeavouring to create permanent funds, In one of the parishes, the planters had taxed themselves, in addition to their annual contribution, two per cent. on the proceeds of their crops; and thus have created an accumulating fund, which will soon equal the amount, when its interest will be applicable to the support of their rector. In another parish, several indivi. duals have given each $1500 to create a fund for the same purpose. The fund for the support of the episcopate, which was commenced in 1818, is gradually accumulating. It amounts at present to about $8000. At the suggestion of the bishop, a committee has been appointed to inquire into the state of the property belonging to the church, in parishes where there exist no vestries, and to adopt measures for securing the same to the uses of the diocese.

Within the period, embraced in this report, there have been admitted to the order of priests, six:-David I. Campbell, J. W. Chanler, Henry Gibbes, R. Dicken

son, E. Rutledge, and Peter Van Pelt; the latter by the bishop of Pennsylvania. And to that of deacons, also six persons of this diocese:-W. H. Mitchell, E. Philips, B. H. Fleming, F. H. Rutledge, M. Motte, and T. 11. Taylor; the latter by the bishop of Pennsylvania. The number of candidates recognized by this diocese, is four.

The Rev. Thomas Osborne, who had re. moved into Ohio, hás returned to the parish he formerly had in South-Carolina. Six young men from this diocese have been pur suing their studies preparatory to the ministry, at the general theological seminary.

There are at present thirty-five organiz. ed congregations. Five of them are vacant. Since this state was settled by Christian people, there has never been so many ministers of our communion as at present.

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The Protestant Episcopal Society for the Advancement of Christianity in South· Carolina has essentially contributed to the present promising condition of our Eoclesiastical concerns. It has aided several of the parishes, otherwise unable to support ministers. The missionaries sent forth at different times, have all, with a single exception, derived their whole support from this society. It is formed on the most comprehensive plan, being at once a Bible, a Prayer Book, a Tract, a Missionary, and an Education Society. Its books have been distributed in most of the parishes. It has aided several young men while engaged in their academical studies, preparatory to theology; after which, it has been hoped, our theological seminary, by scholarships, or otherwise, would provide for them. It possesses a select library, which contains about one thousand volumes, and is increasing, instituted more particularly for the use of the clergy and the candidates for the sacred office.

The Charleston Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society, composed of young men and others, designed to act as auxiliary to the elder institution, when neces. sary, and to send missionaries beyond the diocese, within which the earliest society is restricted, has had a missionary for nearly two years at St. Augustine,

The exciting among our youth an interest in the cause of the Redeemer and his Church, and the regulation of their zeal by well established principles, are among the valuable effects which appear to have resulted from this association.

The Ladies' Domestic Missionary, Society is supporting, for the second year, a minister for the benefit of the poor, and such persons as hold the faith of the church, but are not connected with any of our congregations. The flock thus gathered, at present meet in a room for public worship,

*The mission to Cheraw, here referred to, was partly maintained by the Young Men's SoSciety.

VOL. VII.

but measures have been adopted for erect. ing a church. It is designed to accommodate the poor, the stranger, the seaman, and others of our communion, who, in the city of Charleston, need such a charity. Of this missionary society, the bishop remarks in his last address to the convention, "consisting of respectable pious female members of our church, it is characterized by a zeal of Christian charity, as prudent as it is unostentatious, and adorned with the meek and quiet spirit, which, in the sight of God, is of great price."

This church, the worshippers at which will be subjected to no expense, will also afford additional accommodation for our coloured population. It appears that a large number of this class, both bond and free, have a decided preference for the worship of our church. In communicating to them Christian instruction and incitement, many and peculiar difficulties are unavoidable. But it should be recorded as an encouragement to perseverance, and in gratitude to the Giver of grace, that the salutary influence of Christian motives, is evidenced in the lives of many of themin their fidelity to their masters-in their kindness to each other-in their recognition of the claims of government-in contentment, meekness, and devotedness to the one thing needful. The calls to attention in the forms of our public worshipthe power of its music-the invariable use of the same prayers-the simplicity of language which adorns our liturgy-the plan of reading the scriptures in order, whereby "the whole council of God" is declared in his own words-the concise summary of faith in the creed, aud of obedience in the commandments, repeated Sunday after Sunday-the practice of reciting after the minister, whereby prayers suitable for private use are learned, and all the funda mental truths of the gospel. These, and other circumstances, prove that the system of our church is eminently adapted to promote the spiritual welfare of the illiterate, and those who have dull minds. To this subject, the bishop has constantly, in private, and in his annual addresses, invited the attention of the clergy. He speaks of this class of their fellow beings, "as a portion of their moral creation, for which Christ died, and for whose spiritual and moral happiness,and the alleviation of their temporal lot, as inseparable from that, we are sacredly bound to be concerned."

Sunday schools are in successful opera tion in several of the parishes. They are chiefly for religious instruction, (as free schools exist every where,) and regulated, in every respect, by members of our own communion. The children of people of colour, and some adults of that class, have been among the pupils. These are among the poor, whose claim on this charity has been considered peculiarly urgent; and

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