as a Missionary in Newton, Bridgewater, and other places. Mr. Strong is settled in Greenfield, over aChurch which, though but recently organized, is remarkably prosperous and flourishing, and for zeal and prompt attention to every duty, entitled to much praise.

In speaking of Greenfield, our attention is naturally called to Montague, a small neighbouring town, where a number of families, who have formed themselves into an Episcopal Society, duly organized, regularly meet for divine service. The few Clergymen who have visited this flock, speak in the highest terms of their seriousness and attention to good order. Acting from conscientious motives, though with discouraging prospects, they have counted the cost, and resolutely, with laudable zeal, have commenced a good work; and in its progress appear to have conducted themselves with great prudence and mature deliberation. Like the wise Bereans, they search for information, that they may have a reason of the hope that is in them. The Lord, we trust, will bless their zeal; and they surely merit all the encouragement and assistance that we can give them.

And not they only: this instance is but a sample of the devout ardour which prevails in many parts of the Diocess. Mr. Beach is now officiating in Fairfield, Shelden, and St. Albans, in Vermont; and of his success we have the most pleasing intelligence. A very considerable number of communicants have already been added to those Churches. Large congregations attend his preaching. A spirit of religious inquiry and awakened concern for the one thing needful, extensively prevails in those parts; and cheering are the prospects of still greater increase, both in members and piety. At Fairfield they are erecting a house for the worship of God, and already is the pious work in great forwardness. Indeed the number of new Churches which are now building, or will probably soon be

commenced, is one of the best proofs of the increasing zeal amongst our people, for the service of God, and support of his holy worship. It is a zeal which ought much to be encouraged, and a work to which we should lend every possible aid. The want of Churches is one of the great inconveniences which we have to contend with. At Bellows Falls, also in Lenox and Hopkinton, in Massachusetts, are Churches erecting.

Mr. Blake is settled at Pawtucket, or North-Providence, where the prospects are highly pleasing. There, in a short time, a new and flourishing parish has arisen, who are now building a handsome Church. And what is most pleasing, true godliness, we trust, is much increased among them. Many have been awakened to the glorious truths, and have experienced the unspeakable comforts of the Saviour's Gospel.

Their minister is entitled to much praise for his pious labours and active zeal among them. The Church in Providence, though of long standing, has almost become a new one, by the renovating work of the Lord among them. It is now one of the largest in the Diocess. In Bridgewater is a small parish, highly meriting our grateful consideration. Though very few in number, they have finished, we may almost say rebuilt, their little Church, and it has been lately consecrated to the service of Almighty God. The Rev. Mr. White officiates with them -at present one half of the time. Other Clergymen have kindly assisted them, and no kindness can be better bestowed. The praise of that little flock should be in all the Churches. In South-Boston, a new Episcopal Society is incorporated, and in a promising state of increase and prosperity. During this present tour, I have marked with great satisfaction the pious zeal which appears in several places. The very great exertions now making by the parish in Lenox to erect a Church, entitle them to much praise and every possible encouragement. In

Middlebury, it has pleased the Lord to pour out of his Spirit, and awaken many to righteousness. They also have it in serious contemplation, to erect a house to the worship of Almighty God; and it is earnestly commended to the friends of our communion, to assist them in a work which is so very important and interesting to our Church.

Since the last meeting of this Convention, being invited, according to the directions of the 20th Canon, I have visited some of the Churches in Connecticut, and confirmed, in Middletown, Hartford, and WarehousePoint, 131 persons. I admitted Ezekiel Gear and Reuben Sherwood to the order of Deacons; and the Rev. Birdsey G. Noble, Alpheus Gear, Harry Croswell, and Aaron Humphrey, Deacons, were ordained Presbyters. I have heard, though not by any official notice, that the Churches in Connecticut have since placed themselves under the care of Bishop Hobart. The invitation previously given is therefore, no doubt, revoked.

Most of the Churches also in this Diocess have I, in the same time, visited once, and some of them twice or three times. But with deep regret it must be acknowledged, that the duties of a parish, and other causes, have hitherto rendered impracticable such frequent visitations, as the good of the Churches requires; and some especially of those most remote have been too long neglected.

Confirmation has been administered once, or more, in Bridgewater, Greenfield, Salem, Newburyport, Cambridge, Great-Barrington, Lenox, and Lanesborough, in Massachusetts; in Bristol, RhodeIsland; and in Arlington and Middlebury, in Vermont. The whole number confirmed is but 194. It is expected soon, the Lord permitting, that there will be confirmations in some of our largest Churches. Though the number is small, there is reason to believe, and there is much comfort in believing, that the few who have received confirma

tion, are truly pious, and such as will, through divine grace, "lead the rest of their life according to this beginning;" and that a very considerable number more, of the like description, are now ready to be confirmed. There is cause, however, still for repeating, what was observed before you at our last Convention, that we do not, so generally as we ought, avail ourselves of the practical benefits of this ordinance. The two sacraments excepted, there is none which has been so blest among us, wherever it has been administered.

With lively gratitude to the Father of Mercies, and the great Head of the Church, we are bound to acknowledge, that at no former period has the general state of religion, in this Diocess, been so vigorous and promising. In many places are small societies forming, or people desirous to form them; and a call for Clergymen and missionary labours is heard in almost every part. But of these there is great deficiency. Frequently is the request made by Churches destitute, that ministers may be sent them; but we have none to send: nor can we, but in a small degree, avail ourselves of these favourable circumstances. It is painful, that there should be this famine of hearing the word of God, and no means be found to relieve it. How fervently, and without ceasing, ought we to pray the Lord of the harvest, that he will send labourers into it. Had we a competent number of such labourers, as the Lord himself sends, how gloriously would his work increase!

By reason of the excellent organization of our Church, in its general constitution; the judicious transaction of so much of its business by Standing Committees, and the harmony which, through the divine blessing, has so happily prevailed in this Diocess, there is but little of ordinary business to be done at our Conventions. This is a circumstance highly favourable, not only in regard to its causes, now noticed,

but also as it gives us time and opportunity to consult on other things, which concern the interest and prosperity of our Churches; and to adopt, or recommend such measures as will best promote the noble cause in which we are engaged, and extend our vigilance and oversight to the minuter parts of our ecclesiastical concerns. How interesting to the Christian; how important to society, and to the best interests of our fellow men, is the purpose for which we are now convened! How can we conscientiously separate till we have done what shall be in our power, and consistent with our duties, as a Convention of these states, to build up the kingdom of our blessed Redeemer; to promote piety and true godliness among the people, and increase the prosperity of the Church which we represent. Permit me to suggest some few things, as not unworthy to be numbered among the subjects of your deliberations. And though they may be of such a nature, as no measures within the powers of this Convention, as such, can directly effect, let them, if thought worthy of such regard, be retained in our memories, that, as individuals, and in our respective parishes, we may apply such remedies, and promote such measures, as wisdom may teach and duty require.

At our last Biennial Convention, it was requested that more attention might be given to what is required in the 45th Canon. I have yet received but few of the returns necessary to make the Report, which that canon requires. And as the time now draws nigh when the General Convention are to meet, I have still to request that this business may not be neglected.

The supplying of our vacant parishes with ordained ministers, and assisting those which are small and poor, with regular preaching, or, at feast, with occasional ministrations, are duties to which, as far as is practicable, we are urgently called. In your deliberations on this very imortant subject, you will consider,

no doubt, of the propriety of conè tinuing our Easter collections. Though they have been less general, and of course less productive, than was expected, they have been of great use. Mr. Henshaw, Mr. Humphrey, Mr. Safford, Mr. Blake, Mr. Beach, and Mr. White, have been employed, or aided as Missionaries from that little fund; and their labours, we have reason to believe, have been much blessed. The state of this fund will be laid before you. The Charge delivered before the last Convention, together with a Pastoral Address to our Churches, on the subject of those collections, and others connected with it, has been printed, and the expense defrayed from the monies collected for the printing and distribution of tracts; it being thought, from the circumstances of our Church, and the great importance of calling the attention of our people to these subjects, the Address might be as useful for distribution, as those tracts which, intrinsically, are far more excellent and valuable.

"Let us

It is our duty, not only to collect funds for missionary purposes, but also carefully to save those which, through the kind providence of God, and the piety of his people, may have been given us. gather up the fragments which remain, that nothing be lost." Property which has been given for any pious or religious use, let us most conscientiously, and in the fear of God, appropriate, so far as shall be in our power, to the use designed. Should we neglect this duty, how can we expect the divine blessing! By its faithful performance, perhaps, something may be added to our means of supplying our destitute brethren with the gospel ministrations. We ought thankfully to acknowledge it as a most favourable circumstance, and signal mercy, that we have an incorporated Society on such liberal principles, and yet so wisely restricted, that funds for any charitable or religious purpose, may there, with perfect security, be deposited, and will most

surely and faithfully be applied, as the pious donors shall direct. Let us not be remiss in availing ourselves of so great a blessing. This Palladium of the Eastern Diocess, we may well hope, will be, in the hands of a merciful Providence, the instrument of its stability and success. If we are not wanting to ourselves, and the noble cause in which we are engaged, on this basis may hereafter be established a fund, which shall be commensurate to the exigence of our Churches.

Another measure for aiding and supplying our small and vacant Churches, among the most obvious and most hopeful, is the formation of Missionary Societies, which, of course, will merit, and, no doubt, engage your mature deliberation. A motion for that purpose is, if I mistake not, already before the Convention. Whether one general Society shall be established for the Diocess, or whether it may not be preferable to establish one in each state, confining its object and operation to its respective district, ought also to be considered.

The want of Prayer Books in our Churches is so great and general, as to be a subject worthy of your present attention. Next after the word and the ministers of God, this is the best gift that you can send. Its value and usefulness are too well known in this Convention to require praise. Through the pious liberality of Christians of all denominations, Bibles are dispensed to a large proportion of those disposed to read them. Various tracts have also been distributed in great abundance; but this Book of Common Prayer, second only to the Bible, in its utility among us, is in many places scarcely to be obtained. Could measures be taken, either by gratuitous distribution, or by so dispersing cheap editions, that all who are disposed to purchase may find them, it would be attended with extensive and salutary effects.

Permit me also to recommend, during the present necessity, and as a temporary relief, that our Clergy,

who are settled, should preach often in the small vacant parishes; and that their people on such occasions accept, during the absence of their ministers, the service of candidates; or that divine service be performed, and an approved sermon read, by some pious member of the Church: or even, if necessary, that a Church be shut for a Sunday. This must be a painful sacrifice to a devout congregation, who delight in the worship of God; but it is a sacrifice which, if offered with a free will and good heart, will be approved and accepted of God. Remember what are the great objects of our religion; not personal gratification, but to do good, to promote the salvation of mankind, and extend the borders of the Redeemer's kingdom. It is laudable in every Christian congregation to desire the constant and regular administration of the word and doctrine, and never needlessly to relinquish the comforts of the sanctuary. But in this, as in other things, it is in some cases

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more blessed to give than to receive." While we enjoy a fulness of Gospel privileges, let us not forget those who are totally destitute; who have no preaching, no divine service, no sacraments. To assist such, even in the way now proposed, may be as true Christian charity, as to relieve the temporal wants of your suffering fellow creatures. If, from "good will towards men," and to extend the influence of the Redeemer's Gospel, Christians sometimes deny themselves the comfortable refreshments of his house, it will, we need not doubt, be even more acceptable to God, and better promote their own salvation, than a rigid claim to all their privileges. In such case our prayer should attend our minister in his labours of love.

Finally, while so many are looking up to us as fathers in Israel, and watchmen in Zion, let us, as faithful stewards of the manifold grace of God, apply ourselves with the most awakened solicitude, and serious concern, to all the various and inter

esting duties of this Convention; and let us not fail, on this occasion, to lift our hearts most devoutly to God, beseeching that he will be present with the council of his Church, here assembled, in his name and presence;" that he will "direct and prosper all our consultations," and bless the measures which shall be adopted, "to the advancement of his glory, the good of his Church," and the general order, peace, and happiness of society.

ALEX. V. GRISWOLD,
Bishop of the Eastern Diocess.

Windsor, Sept. 25, A. D. 1816.

ADDRESS to the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Maryland, delivered June 5, 1817, by the Right Rev. Bishop KEMP. My Rev. Brethren of the Clergy, and

Gentlemen of the Laity,

SINCE the last Convention, several occurrences of great interest to the Church have taken place.

The first that claims our attention is the death of our late venerable Bishop, the Right Rev. Dr. Claggett. When he last presided in this body, his health was so impaired, that he seemed to be impressed with a belief, that his life was drawing towards a close, and under this anticipation he enjoyed great serenity and composure

of mind.

The peculiar situation of the Church in Maryland required that no time should be lost in announcing the course that I meant to pursue; and under a due sense of my responsibility to her, and with a confident reliance upon Divine grace, I immediately published an Address to the Clergy and Laity, declaring, that in consequence of a resolution passed by the Convention just after my election, I considered the charge of the Church as devolving on me-and accordingly I have performed all the episcopal duties of the Diocess, and visited the parishes as often as my situation in Baltimore would permit. In my visitations, I have been received with great kindness and respect; and I have the happiness to declare, that Christian unity and love have nearly

superseded that party-spirit which once disturbed the Diocess of Maryland. To accomplish this object, has been my most ardent desire; and every exertion will be continued on my part to produce that happy state of things, when we shall all live in the unity of the faith and in the bond of peace.

By referring to the Journal of the last Convention, it will be seen that, in the opinion of that body, the congregation of St. Peter's Church in Baltimore, could not be considered as a part of the Protestant Episcopal Church while they adhered to Mr. Dashiell, and allowed him to preach in their Church. This consequence the sincere members of the Church were anxious to avert; and of course they adopted such means as would recover their house of worship, and secure their unity with the Episcopal Church.

After the sentence of contumacy had taken effect upon Mr. Dashiell, a number of the members petitioned the civil court to grant a mandamus, "to be directed to the vestry, com"manding them to report the vacancy "in the Rectorship of St. Peter's "Church to the Bishop; enjoining "and prohibiting them from permit"ting George Dashiell to occupy the "parsonage-house, and to officiate in

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any manner in the said Church; "and further commanding them to "choose a minister." Although the prayer of the petitioners comprehended three things, yet the only point of consequence was to compel the vestry to choose a minister. To report the vacancy to the Bishop was required by a canon, which the civil authority had no right to execute; and the appointment of a Rector would exclude Mr. Dashiell from both the Church and parsonage-house. It is true, it was a misapplication of the property of the Church to bestow it upon a man who was no longer a minister. But while the vacancy continued, it might have been said, that Mr. Dashiell was a mere tenant, and the law does not forbid the renting of glebes or parsonage-houses, during a vacancy in the Church, to tenants.