the name of Christ church; and at the same time confirmed eighteen persons. On the day following I held a confirmation in St. Bartholomew's, in the same county, when sixteen persons were confirmed. These churches are both under the care of the Rev. Thomas Allen. On the 7th of November I visited the parishes in Harford county, then under the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Jackson. In the morning I preached in Havre de Grace, and confirmed five persons. The same day, in the afternoon, I preached in St. George's, and confirmed five more.

I held an ordination in St. Peter's, Baltimore, on the 14th day of December, when the Rev. Mr. Aisquith was admitted to the holy order of priests. I also at the same time enrolled Mr. John Claxton, as a candidate for holy orders. In my own parish, in the city of Baltimore, I held a confirmation on the 20th day of December, when twentytwo white and two coloured persons were confirmed.

On the 1st of January, 1823, in the same church, I admitted Mr. Frederick Schroeder to the holy order of deacons; and on the Sd of February I licensed Mr. John Contee to act as a lay-reader in Queen Ann parish, Prince George's county, during the vacancy of the parish. This license, however, has since been superseded by the appointment of the Rev. Mr. Tyng, minister of the parish. I ordained the Rev. Charles P. M'Ilvaine a priest, on the 20th day of March, in my own church. And on the 27th of April I held a confirmation in Trinity church, in this city, when fortytwo were confirmed.

Thus, since last convention, I have consecrated one new church; I have held eight confirmations; I have ordained two deacons and six priests: and I have also enrolled two candidates for holy orders.

The changes that have taken place among the clergy are calculated to excite the most serious reflections, and to impress us more and more with the awful consideration, that we ought at all times to be ready to yield an account of our stewardship. Not less than three of our clergy, last year, fell victims to the disease by which our country was

visited the Rev. Mr. Nind, the Rev. Mr. Bowden, and the Rev. Mr. Brady.

Some other changes have also occurred. The Rev. Mr. Judah has moved to the diocese of Connecticut, and the Rev. Mr. Stratton has extended a portion of his labours to the church in Snow Hill, which Mr. Judah left. The Rev. Mr.Wickes has left Princess Ann, and settled in Norfolk, in the diocese of Virginia. The Rev. Mr. Weller resigned the church in Cambridge, Dorchester county, and succeeds the late Mr. Nind in St. Stephen's,Cecil county; and Mr. Weller has been succeeded in Cambridge by the Rev. Mr. Judd, from Connecticut. The Rev. Mr. Hubbard has moved from St. Michael's, in Talbot county, to the diocese of New-York. His station has been filled by the Rev. Mr. Schroeder, lately ordained. The Rev. Mr. Walker has left Chester-Town for the diocese of South-Carolina; and his parish is now occupied by the Rev. Mr. Jackson, formerly of Havre-deGrace. The Rev. Mr. Lemmon, from Virginia, has lately settled in Hagerstown. The Rev.Mr.Tyng has exchang ed St. John's church, in Georgetown, for Queen Ann parish, in Prince George's county, vacated by the removal of the Rev. Mr. Shaw to the state of Indiana. The Rev. Mr. Addison has succeeded Mr. Tyng. The Rev. Mr. Bausman has left his parish in Calvert county, and settled in the diocese of Pennsylvania; from which diocese the Rev. Mr Schaeffer has come to St. Margaret's, Westminster, in Anne Arundel county. The Rev. Lemuel Wilmer is settled in Port Tobacco.

The building and repairing of churches has progressed, and is still progressing in a manner, quite equal to what we ought to expect.

The fund for the support of the episcopate accumulates slowly. Still, we have reason to rejoice that a beginning has been made, and we may fondly hope that the munificence of our members will enable the church to place this order of the ministry in a condition to perform all their duties with higher effect.

When, by a special General Convention, a system was finally settled for the education of candidates for holy orders, it was hoped, to use the language of our

Venerable presiding bishop, that there would be "an undivided wish, and endeavour to support, an institution begun under such favourable prospects.". That this seminary, well supplied with learned and pious professors, would be completely sufficient for the purposes of the church, for many years to come; that a uniform mode of education, under the superintendence of the house of bishops, would be the most effectual way to preserve her integrity, to maintain her excellent form of worship, and to preserve the unity of her faith; these are propositions which seem to admit of no doubt. And it is surely true, that unity in the Christian church was viewed by our blessed Lord and his apostles, as the main principle of her existence.

Besides, it would be of great advant age for the students of theology in every diocese, to finish their education at the great theological school of the church. They would enter upon the duties of their ministry under more favourable circumstances; and to be educated at the same seminary would unite them in the bonds of affection; while, at the same time, a laudable and valuable emulation would be created among the sons of the church.

men

It has been said, however, and it may sometimes be the that case, young of good talents, and pious dispositions, may be inclined to enter the ministry, who have not the means of acquiring the elementary parts of education, or of finishing their studies at the seminary.

Let a society, then, be formed in every diocese, for the purpose of supplying pecuniary aid to young men preparing for holy orders, and all difficulties of this kind will be removed, while the union and harmony of the church will be preserved.

1

In two dioceses, Pennsylvania and South-Carolina, societies of this kind have been formed, and their efforts have been great. A similar society exists in this diocese, although its operations have been suspended, for reasons that need not be mentioned here. But agreeably to the constitution, it can be immediately brought into operation, and in all the parishes of the state auxiliaries may be formed. This would yield, in a way that never would

be felt, an annual supply of money for the good purposes of the institution. And at the present time it might commence operations under very favourable circumstances. Some money is now in hand. And the income of a legacy, now amounting to about 1400 dollars, and which may be considerably increased, if the debts be all recovered, left by the late Rev. Mr. Janckson, it would be in my power to add annually to their fund.

On the subject of theological education, I was happy to find, that my views coincided with the views of all my ve nerable brethren of the house of bishops. This appears from two resolu tions passed by that body, upon receiv ing the report of the trustees of the ge neral seminary; which resolutions I have thought it expedient to engraft in to this address.

RESOLUTIONS,

Philadelphia, 27th May, 1825. Extract from the minutes of the proceedings of the House of Bishops.

The house took up the resolutions offered yesterday by the Right Rev Bishop Bowen, respecting the general theological seminary, which upon motion were adopted, as follows:

Resolved, that this house entertain a gratify ing sense of the fidelity with which the trustees and the faculty of the general theological seminary have executed the trust committed to them, and respectively fulfilled the duties of their appointment; and while they deeply regret that no other provision than such as is yet inadequate to the permanent success of the de sign has hitherto been obtained for it, of the members of our church, they still contemplate it with hope, and affectionately commend it to the liberality and patronage of their brethren, both of the clergy and of the laity, as a means of increase to the number of well qualified ministers of the Gospel in this church.

Resolved, further, as the opinion of this house, that the general theological seminary, having been established by the whole body of this church, in general convention, seems peculiarly to demand the concurrent solicitudes and exertions to be concentered on it, of all its members; inasmuch as this institution, when possessing the combined and efficient support of the whole church, must be the most effectual means, under Providence, of perpetuating the unity of the church in the bond of peace. A true copy. Wm. H. DE LANCEY, sec'ry.

Having just returned from the general convention, I have the happiness to inform this body, that the high concerns of the church were conducted with that harmony and Christian temper, which will always distinguish thos

who are sincere friends to our Redeemer's kingdom, and in whose hearts the Holy Spirit has fixed his residence. In addition to thosearrangements, which it is necessary to make from time to time, a most important measure was adopted-I mean, the fixing of a standard copy of the Holy Scriptures. To maintain the purity of the word of God is at all times fundamentally important; but there are some circumstances which render it peculiarly necessary at the present time That at this season the Holy Spirit may fill our hearts with good counsels, so that from these good works may proceed, may Almighty God of his infinite goodness grant.

On motion, resolved, that the secretary procure a book for the purpose of recording the journals of this convention, and that they be collectively preserved therein, as the record of the proceedings of the convention in the diocese of Maryland.

The following gentlemen were appointed the standing committee for the ensuing year:-The Rev. Henry L. Davis, D.D. the Rev. Edmund D. Barry D D. the Rev. Walter D. Addison, the Rev. William E. Wyatt, D. D. the Rev. Thomas Bayne, the Rev. George Weller, the Rev. William Jackson.

A report of the trustees of the theo logical seminary, established at the last convention of this diocese, was read.

It was moved by the Hon. C. Goldsborough, and resolved by the convention, that the establishment of the theological seminary, authorized by a vote of the last convention of this diocese, shall be, and the same is hereby suspended; and that no resolution, or other act of the convention, for the revival of the said seminary, or for the establishment of any other theological seminary within this diocese, shall be had, or be deemed valid and effectual, unless the same shall be adopted at one convention, published among their proceedings for the consideration of the diocese, and afterwards ratified and confirmed by the next annual and regular convention, after a new election of lay-delegates.

Resolved, that it is the sense of this

convention, that the persons who have subscribed to the diocesan theological seminary, are released from their obli gation to pay their subscription.

The parochial reports furnish the following aggregate:-Baptisms 1162; marriages 234; funerals 407; communicants 2417.-There were also reported as collected for the bishop's fund 409; and for the fund for deputies and incidental expenses $247 413.

It appears from the treasurer's ac count, that the state of the funds of the convention stands at present as follows, to wit: Episcopal fund, including interest to the 31st May, 1823, 8848 22. Deputies' fund, including interest to the same day, $240 04.

Jonas Clapham, esq. was unanimously elected treasurer of this convention for the ensuing year.

On motion, resolved, that the next convention of this diocese be held in the city of Baltimore.

Resolved, that the thanks of this convention be presented to the president, the secretary, and assistant secretary, for their services.

་་་

Protestant Episcopal Female Trach

Society of Baltimore.

THE anniversary of this society was celebrated on the 23d of May, 1823, when the sixth annual report of the board of managers was made. A copy has recently been put into our hands, and we have been gratified in its perusal.-The managers" announce, with deep and lively thankfulness to Him who has been pleased to bless their exertions in the cause of religion, that the records of the society exhibit at this period, a state of prosperity unequalled in the annals of any preceding year.

"Grateful as is this statement to the feelings of the conductors of this insti

tution-encouraging as it is to their zeal-stimulating them as it does to greater activity-to renewed diligence; they are nevertheless compelled to declare, that the annual subscriptions are greatly inadequate to the purposes of the society. It will scarcely be credited, that among the numerous and respectable episcopal congregations of this city, they have but two hundred and fifty-nine subscribers. Since the last year thirty-two have withdrawn their names.

"The managers doubt not that many are only waiting to be solicited to-furnish readily the trifle which is asked. But why is this? Is it not the Lord's work? Is not his glory the object of the society? The salvation of his creatures, and the improvement of their moral condition, their dearest wish? And the extension of Christ's kingdom upon earth their ultimate design? And should it not rather be imagined, that the followers of the Redeemer would be desirous to claim as a privilege the right of being associated with them, than coldly wait to be importuned for their reluctant contributions? The managers hope they do not deceive themselves in believing, that there will be found in their respective congregations many rich to cast in of their abundance-many a poor, and humble, and pious widow, to cast her mite into the treasury of the Lord. After defraying the expense of printing the report, their little treasury will be nearly exhausted; but they hope in faith and confidence, that this will be the auspicious moment, when added means will give them added opportunities of usefulness.

"The board of managers have been enabled, during the last year, to publish a tract monthly, which in a former report they announced to be their intention, whenever they should have funds sufficient for that purpose. When it is considered, that from the increasing demands for their publications, they have considerably enlarged their editions, and that the length of the tracts always averages twelve pages, it will be matter of surprise that, with so few subscribers, they have effected so desirable an object.

"The last annual report announced

the organization of three auxiliary sqcieties-two female juvenile societies, one in Trinity, and the other in St. Paul's parish, and one female auxiliary in Talbot county. Since the last res port, the board with real pleasure communicate to their members the addition of two more-one a male juvenile so ciety in this city, and the other a fe male society in Prince George's county.

The number of sub.

"While the board acknowledge with gratitude, the assistance they have received from all their auxiliaries, it is but justice to mention with peculiar distinction, the zeal and activity of their 'youthful coadjutors; for, while the managers of the parent society lament their unsuccessful efforts to increase their subscriptions, this young and interesting portion of Christ's flock voluntarily come forward to assist his cause, by contributing a part of their own weekly allowance. What a reproach to those who have withheld their assistance! scribers to St. Paul's Juvenile Society, two hundred and nine-to Trinity, two hundred and sixteen-and to the Male Juvenile Society, seventy in all more than double the number of adult subscribers. Their subscription amounts to but fifty cents, and yet they have furnished nearly half the funds of the society since their institution!-It is also due to the managers of the juvenile societies to say, that the committee appointed to attend their monthly meetings make a very favourable `report of the order and regularity of their proceedings. The zeal, and even judgment of these youthful labourers in the Lord's vineyard, is astonishing; and the board consider their conduct and promises of future and increasing usefulness, a great cause of thankfulness to Him, who has put it into their hearts to enlist thus early under his banner.

"The managers, as a means of increasing the interest of their subscribers, during the last two years have charged themselves with the care of supplying them with each number, in regular order as it has been published. Each member is of course provided with the means of judging of the fidelity with which the duties of the board are performed; each one has an opportunity of testing the

merits of the publications selected. The managers persuade themselves that much benefit has arisen from this measure they persuade themselves that this is all that is necessary to awaken the interest, and secure the good offices of their members; and they pledge themselves that no exertions on their part shall be wanting, to employ to the greatest advantage all the funds which may be intrusted to their management. "The steam boats have been regularly supplied with tracts, for the benefit of travellers. The captain of the boat United States having suggested to the managers, that, by placing a box on board, some donations might be procur ed in aid of the funds, the experiment has been made, and has succeeded beyond their expectations. The managers gratefully acknowledge the benevolent exertions of the captain in their favour, to which they attribute a great part of their success. With such encouragement, they are preparing boxes for a similar purpose, for all the different steam boats belonging to Baltimore.

"A list of distribution is added, to enable the members to trace more distinctly the operations of the society, and in order to excite more effectually their interest, by presenting to their view at one glance the extent of benefit furnish ed through their means."

The number of tracts printed since the last report of the board is twelve, and five thousand copies of each, making in all sixty thousand, besides one thousand copies of the fifth report. The number distributed is reported to be 32,013.

To this report are appended the constitution, bye laws, and first annual report of the Juvenile Male Auxiliary Tract Society of Baltimore, with addresses from its members; the constitution, bye laws, and first annual report of the Juvenile Female Auxiliary Tract Society of St. Paul's church, Baltimore; and the same of the Juvenile Female Auxiliary Tract Society of Trinity church, Baltimore: all evincing a spirit and zeal very flattering to the pious exertions of the young members of our communion, and promising to do much good by the circulation of " those little

monitors," as one of their reports re marks, "that come monthly from the press, to enforce the principles of virtue and morality, or to establish and illustrate the sublime doctrines of the Gospel of grace."

We cannot conclude without noticing the addresses above mentioned. Although coming from an "association of school boys," they breathe a spirit of thought and of fervent piety, creditable to mature age. Warm and animated, their young hearts send forth their ef fusions in language correct, chaste, and irresistible. Who can doubt that their "juvenile attempts will gain the approbation of God?" Or that, "while the learned labours of the sage, and the ingenious speculations of the philosopher, must often fail to improve and sanctify the soul, the Christian doctrines contained in a small and cheap tract, may be the means of conducting" the traveller "to piety here, and to inde scribable happiness hereafter ?"

For the Christian Journal, Messrs. SWORDS,

I READ with much pleasure the remarks of your correspondent N. S. in your number for August," on the rubric respecting the occasional prayers and thanksgivings in the Common Prayer Book." I have ever agreed with him in the construction of the rubric, which he so clearly establishes as the correct one. I will take the liberty of offering another reason for supposing that construction to have been in the view of the church. In the service for AshWednesday, the church provides proper special prayers; and in that for Thanksgiving-Day, a proper special thanksgiving. The former are directed to "be said immediately before the ge neral thanksgiving," and the latter" after the general thanksgiving." This, I' take it, is a clear expression of the sense of our church as to the proper location of occasional prayers and thanksgivings, and a proof that she did not design any departure from the rule and custom of the church of England in this particular.

K.