the interests of their proprietors, as well as of the community, demand their being brought up in that religion which teaches the servant to be obedient to his master according to the flesh, and contented in that state of life in which it hath pleased God that he should be.

The number of baptisms reported to the diocesan conventions during the three years last past, we find to be 880. Of these, six were of the Jewish persuasion, three of them adults, and three infants.

The forty-fifth canon of 1808 prescribing a particular inquiry into the attention paid to the canons and rules of the church," we remark on that subject,-The episcopal visitations have been statedly performed. The canons and rubrics are conscientiously observed. Both ministers and people appear to be desirous of walking in the old paths, where is the good way. Great harmony and affection prevails among the clergy.

The advantages which result to our church, and to each diocese in particular, from our happy union in General Conven. tion, are suitably recognized.

In obedience to the high authority of our supreme council, the general theological seminary, and the general missionary society, have been patronized in some degree; and there can be no doubt that this diocese will co-operate, cheerfully, promptly, and effectually, in forwarding these great undertakings.

The convention, by a resolution unanimously adopted, is pledged to contribute its full proportion to the theological seminary. It is intended, that sermons should be preached in all the parishes, as has already been done in several of them, and collections made for the benefit of this institution. Our bishop has, at the request of the convention, circulated an address on this subject. More than $7500 have been paid into the treasury of the seminary by this diocese. Including the Dehon scholarship, about $10,000 have been collected for this object.

By encouraging our candidates to pursue their studies at the seminary, we have also wished to testify our desire to assist in rearing this valuable establishment. On its success, as the number of our clergy is scarcely sufficient to supply our churches, must depend greatly that of the missionary society. We consider, therefore, that we are essentially promoting the interests of this excellent society, by aiding the seminary; the natural operation of which will be to increase the number,

*All the candidates of this diocese, excepting one who is peculiarly circumstanced, and another who has returned home on account of ill health, are now connected with the general theological seminary. The candidates recognized in this diocese are four in number.

and the capacity for usefulness, of labourers in the sacred ministry. Nevertheless, the agent of the society was welcomed in this diocese; sermons were preached recommending it; and it appears he collected $1648, principally from persons who were already patrons of our own missionary societies, of which there are three-one whose operations are limited to Charleston -a second, to the state of South-Carolina and a third unlimited in every respect

The subject of the education of the youth of our communion is beginning in this, as in other dioceses, to excite a merited attention. Our bishop remarks in his last conventional address, "he has long painfully contemplated it as the misfortune of this church, remediable only by an effort of zeal, which circumstances seemed to forbid to be expected, that the whole progress of the academical education of its youth should be conducted under influences at variance with the principles 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 concharacter of their religion? If domestic ceding, as a point not worth our care, the 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, exhibiting 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 respectable institutions, by charter appropriated to other religious denominations, and of unquestionable right,subject to a religious inAuence peculiar to themselves, for the can. dour and indulgence with which the inte rests 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, with 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 parent's 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, however 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 our Christian 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 independant 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 fulness 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."

rapidly rising into notice; and its present Georgia. In this diocese the church is state and prospects are such as to warrant the most sanguine expectations of its more general extension. As yet, there are only four organized churches in the dio cese: one at Savannah, one at Augusta, one at St. Simon's Island, and one at Dari en; the two latter being under the pastoral charge of the same clergyman, the Rev. E M. Matthews. All these congregations, it is believed, are in a flourishing condi tion, and increasing in numbers. In Savannah and Augusta there are large and commodious edifices of brick, furnished with tion of public worship. In Oglethorpe every thing requisite for the due celebracounty, there is an aged, pious, and exemplary presbyter of the church, the Rev. Mr. Strong, who occasionally officiates to a small congregation in his vicinity; but as yet, no information of the regular organization of the congregation has been

communicated.

It would scarcely be hazarding too much to assert, that no portion of our Country presents a more promising field for missionary exertion, than some of the upper counties in the state of Georgia; and the hope is indulged that this field will no longer be neglected by those who are engaged in the good work of " sending forth labourers into the Lord's vineyard."

Ohio.-From a letter of the Right Rev. the bishop of this diocese, addressed to the house of bishops, and by them referred to this house, the following statement is drawn.-Ordinations have taken place, of John Hall, Rufus Murray, and one other, deacons, and one priest.-The Rev. John Hall, deacon, has been appointed missionary at Ashtabula; and the Rev. Rufus Murray, deacon, at Norwalk, Huron county. The Rev. Intrepid Morse has taken charge of the church at Steubenville. The Rev.

John Armstrong, of Virginia, acts as missionary in St. Clairsville and Morristown. The Rev. Ezra B. Kellogg has taken charge of St. Paul's church, Chilicothe.-One dea con has been displaced from the ministry, and one presbyter suspended.-St. Paul's church, Chilicothe, and St. Thomas's, St. Clairsville, have been consecrated.-Two hundred and eighty-five persons have been confirmed. The clergy generally are very faithful and laborious; and strict attention is paid to the canons and rubrics of the church.

From the dioceses of Maine and New

Hampshire, no report or documents have

been received.

The whole number of candidates for holy orders in the several dioceses, is sixty-one.

In conclusion, the house of clerical and lay deputies would respectfully invite the attention of the house of bishops to the facts that many churches are without pas tors-that in the west there exists a large body of episcopalians, who are as sheep without a shepherd that our missionary societies are, comparatively, inefficient for want of missionaries-and in fine, that it is emphatically true, as it respects our church, the harvest is plenteous, but the labourers are few. The house of clerical and lay deputies, respectfully request the house of bishops to suggest such measures as may seem to them the best adapted to secure to this church an increase of faith. ful and capable ministers.

In making the preceding statement, the house of clerical and lay deputies solicit the prayers and blessing of the house of bishops, and respectfully request their counsel in a pastoral letter to the members of the church.

Signed, in behalf of the house of clerical and lay deputies,

WILLIAM H. WILMER, Prest. Philadelphia, May 24, 1823,

For the Christian Journal. REVIEW.

An Address, delivered before the Trustees, Faculty, and Students of the General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States; in Christ Church, New-York, on the occasion of the delivery of the Testimonials to the Students who had completed the Course of Studies, July 26, 1823. By the Right Rev. William White, D.D. Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Pennsylvania. 8vo. pp. 21. New-York, T. & J. Swords.

THE publication of this highly interesting address has given us no small degree of satisfaction. It is particularly gratifying for two reasons: first, because it affords us an opportunity of presenting to the consideration of episcopalians an institution, in the prospe rity of which they are most deeply interested; and secondly, as it exhibits to the christian world views and sentiments on points of theology, which are the result of extensive knowledge, of acute observation, of long experience, and of genuine, unostentatious piety.

It is not necessary for us to say any seminaries for theological instruction. thing with respect to the expediency of Their advantages are too generally acknowledged to make the defence of such institutions either requisite or proper. Young men who are preparing for the exercise of the christian ministry, and who have it in their power to avail themselves of various means, which are afforded, to facilitate their acquisition of useful information, neCessary to promote their respectability, will of course resort to those places, where improvement can be made with most certainty and ease; and episcopalians have only to choose, whether such candidates for the ministry shall be educated in seminaries out of their own church, thus incurring the chance at least of a diminution of attachment to her peculiarities, and others receive no public theological instruction at all; or to show their regard for her interests, by providing for full instruction in all the branches of divinity, within their

own pale. Further than this we conceive their controul does not extend. If the former part of the dilemma be adopted, it is plain that the clergy who are hereafter to minister in our sanctuaries, must either be imperfectly educated, as will be the case if they have depended entirely on private direction and application; or there will be some degree of probability, that however well informed on general topics of theology, they will have a tendency to the peculiar views of those churches in whose institutions they have received instruction. And every man who is attached to the principles and usages of his church, and who accustoms himself to reflect on the consequences of things, will perceive in this consideration, an argument of immense weight for the preservation and support of a seminary, which was founded by, and is under the protection and government of the highest ecclesiastical council of our Zion.

The address before us was delivered in the presence of the trustees, faculty, and students of this seminary, at the first commencement in July last. The Right Reverend and very venerable speaker directs his remarks, however, exclusively to the students; although it will not be the student only who will derive improvement from them. Few clergymen will not perceive something, either in the way of information, or of direction, or of caution, which he may apply to practical improvement. We trust, therefore, that this address will have extensive circulation, among the elergy particularly; confident that the views which it contains cannot fail to excite in thinking and well-informed minds, reflections of great interest and importance.

It appears from the introductory remarks, that the address was delivered in consequence of a "request of the professors;" and we are glad to see that both trustees and faculty have concurred in soliciting its publication. The bishop suggests to the consideration of his young hearers, five important topics, to be kept in view in the course of their study of divinity;-the necessity of divine influence in the pursuit of theological science-the importance of careful attention to the scriptures-the

utility of ecclesiastical history as a branch of their studies--the propriety of noticing the rise, progress,and growth of errors, against which Protestantism was intended to be the bulwark-of attending to the causes and consequences of the reformation, and also of examining the English establishment. The two last are indeed so intimately connected with church history, that they may not improperly be considered as a part of it. We shall endeavour to afford our readers a brief view of the Right Reverend author's sentiments on these points.

The first in order, and it doubtless is first also in importance, is this conside ration, that the pupils" have need to look to a higher source of knowledge, than any within the walls of the seminary." This direction, which the stu dent ought never to lose sight of, is shewn to be perfectly in unison with the views of divine agency on the mind, which are so plainly taught in scripture, and recognized in the various services of our church. It is illustrated by analogy; and although the influence referred to may operate by the use of va rious secondary causes, yet for this reason to deny such influence, would be just as absurd as to deny God's providential agency, because effects are produced corresponding with the external circumstances which apparently give birth to them, and which are usually denominated their causes.

Now if this consideration should have a constant influence on the stu dent's mind, in his search after theological truth, it is undeniable that it should have a very serious influence in his resolution to pursue that search, and to devote himself to the work of the gospel ministry. And whatever may have been said at any time by uninformed or maliciously disposed persons, we will venture to affirm, that no church in the world more unequivocally recognizes the principle of divine influence on the mind, or brings it home more powerfully to the conscience of the candidate for holy orders, than does the Protestant Episcopal Church. Can any language be used, which is stronger on this point, than that of the ordination service? As it cannot be too often brought before the

you

view of the candidate, and as it may be useful occasionally to bring it before the view also of the people, that they may see in what situation the conscientious clergyman must consider himself, and not be surprised or offended if his conceptions of duty some times lead him to employ warm and serious exhortation in his pulpit addresses, we shall make no apology for introducing it here. In the office for "the ordering of priests," the address to the candidates is made on the presumption, that it is the "Lord who hath placed them in so high a dignity;" and it declares that they cannot have a mind and will thereto of themselves, for that will and ability is given of God alone." And in the same service, the question is put, ". Do think in your heart, that you are truly called, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, to this ministry ?" A similar inquiry also is made in the form for "the ordering of deacons ;""Do you trust that you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost, to take upon you this office and ministration, to serve God for the promoting of his glory, and the edifying of his people ?"It is sufficient to ask, what must be the state of that candidate for so honourable and holy and responsible a station, who in the presence of God and his church replies in the words, "I trust so;" while to such "inward motion of the Holy Ghost" he is utterly a stranger! We would not attempt to analyze the moral feelings of such a man, nor to describe the lamentable state of the unfortunate congregation, which is destined to undergo so great an affliction as that of being subjected to his ministrations.

With respect to the point before us, the bishop shews how susceptible it is of abuse, after he had remarked how influential it must be in its practical tendency, if properly considered.

"The view now taken of the subject, if carried to its correspondent sensibilities, cannot fail to produce humility in the relation in which we stand to the Creator. Its immediate operation is against self-sufficiency; and, ultimately, it bars all claims, grounded on the imagined merit of our works. It is another inference from the premises, that the sincere inquirer should live in the holy exercise of prayer-the mean of obtaining the agency, seen to be so necessary in the search of truth; so that if there should be any portion of life disengaged from that sa

cred duty, then is the time when error is the most likely to be successful.

*

"If the question should be moved─By what test shall we know that we are under the guidance here affirmed? the answer is, We may know it exactly iu proportion as it is discoverable in holy habits, manifesting themselves in holy actions. By nature we are destitute of religious affections; agreeably to what is said in our 9th article, that "inan is very far gone," or, as some translate the Latin copy, "as far as possible gone from original righteousness." Of course, if there be a renewal in this important particu lar, it ought not to be contemplated in a severance from its procuring cause, whatever there may be of intervening instrumentality, all of the divine bestowing."-p. 7.

And again

"All abuses of the principle treated of should have the effect of showing the importance of right apprehensions of it, and the duty of est eming and of teaching it, in proportion to the prominent place which it holds in the syspoint the absence of which from the pulpit, so tem of religious truth.. Perhaps there is no unequivocally proclaims to the hearers the unsoundness of the religious creed of the preacher; this being the consequence of their so frequent meeting of it in the scriptures, in the prayers; and in the relation which it bears to all the subjects which come either under the head of devotion, or under that of the graces of the Chris

tian character-p. 8.

The next point which the author inculcates "is a diligent study of the holy scriptures." It is unnecessary to illustrate the utility of this recommendation. The subject has received in all ages a considerable share of attention; although it must be confessed, that the time has been, when the study of the divine books was not pursued by the guidance of those sound principles of history and philology, which alone can determine its true meaning. For want of this guidance, mystical and unauthorized interpretations, absurd in their nature, and deleterious in their tendency, have usurped the place of sound, But the subject is rational criticism. now receiving a proper degree of atten tion. Intellect of the highest order, and learning of the most extraordinary com

* The word "very" was accidentally omitted in the pamphlet.

"Although the view here entertained of the subject is consistent with either of the copies of the articles, the English copy is the standard in this country; no Latin translation having been yet framed or adopted. In inquiring into the sense of the reformers, the English is of the most authority, having been formed in the reign of Edward VI. and not rendered into Latin until the reign of Elizabeth,”