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Wherever, indeed, she has raised her banners, wherever she has sent her ministers, she has flourished. We now find them dispersed over the whole United States, although, in many places, not in sufficient numbers.

Another circumstance that would seem to afford strong proof that the Episcopal Church is destined to increase in the United States, is the number of clergymen, who, from other denominations, have joined her communion. Those who indulge the belief that Providence is preparing a train of secondary causes to further the growth of the church, cannot fail to include this among them. She counts now among the labourers in her vineyard many who originally belonged to other denominations, and who have submitted to a reordination at the hands of her spiritual rulers-while the instances are rare indeed of clergymen of this church deserting her communion for the purpose of entering into other vineyards. These accessions, too, have taken place at a time when she was most in want when she was in a state of weakness-when her sheep were scattered abroad without shepherds, and when many persons began to despair of her existence. Generally speaking also, they have sprung from conscientious scruples concerning the validity of the ordination they had previously received.

There could indeed be scarcely any other motive for entering the church. She is not as large nor as powerful as some other denominations, nor are the livings in her gift generally as good. But the voice of truth prevailed, and they resolved at all hazards to obey it.

We could dwell longer on this point, but the length to which we have already extended our observations, warns us that it is time to revert to the last topic which we wish to bring into view at present the means whereby the prosperity of the church is to be promoted.

If the foregoing remarks are correct, churchmen will learn never to despair of their Zion. On the other hand, they will cherish for her a sincere attachment—an attachment founded on the belief that she is a plant nourished and

protected by the Almighty; and they will derive therefrom a strong excitement to do all the good they can to their household of faith. Let us always remember, that however strong may be our conviction that the religious system we support is the one which was established by the apostles, and is nurtured and defended by the Head of the church, yet we are the instruments in his hands to accomplish his purposes-that we "must plant, and we must water," or there will be no fruit. The operations of Providence in the spiritual world are similar to what they are in the natural. In both cases we must toil and labour, and eat our bread in the sweat of our brow.

What then is the course to be pursued by us?

1st. It must, we think, be evident, from the observations which have been already made, that one of the most important means of extending the influence of the church in this country, is the inculcation of her distinguishing principles. We know indeed what a great difference of opinion exists on this subject even among the members of the church. But surely if there is any such thing as judging from experience, we must admit that this is a point which cannot with safety be neglected. In what way do other denominations succeed? How have the Methodists and the Baptists been able to bring so many converts into their respective churches? And what has been the principal cause of the success of the Episcopal Church in those places where she has flourished? Does experience show that the inculcation of her peculiar tenets has had a tendency to obstruct her progress, or to render her unpopular? It may have been the case in a few instances. But what has been the general effect? Undoubtedly of a kind favourable to the church. Let us advert to one or two of the results that are already manifest to the most careless observer. Great exceptions were taken a few years since, by other denominations, to the inculcation by churchmen, of their peculiar principles; while they, at the same time, were by no means backward in the exercise of the same practice. But what is the case now? The right

seems to be at last almost quietly conceded to us.

Again, the clergy of the church now use very different language on the subject of her distinguishing principles, from what they did twenty years ago. A new æra, in this respect, has arisen, which is unquestionably to be attributed to the example which a few courageous leaders set them. That very contro versy, in the diocess of New-York, which was carried on about a dozen years since, and which was exclaimed against by many, even of the friends of the church, as unnecessary and injurious, has had the effect of exciting new zeal throughout the whole church. It has roused the courage of her friendshas dispelled that timidity which too frequently before that period pressed upon the minds of her clergy and laity, and enabled them to raise their heads in a fearless competition with other denominations. Let then churchmen hereafter pursue the same course. Let them hold up to view the principles wherein we differ from others-let them inculcate without fear their antiquity and their excellence. Let them, indeed, (and we think this consideration worthy of deep attention,) temper their zeal with prudence. Let them, as wise men, observe the times and seasons when they may feed with milk or with strong meat. But let them see that the work be done. Every motive drawn from a sense of duty, or even of policy, urges to this course. Do they believe that their church is formed upon the apostolic model? How then can they fail to inculcate her principles? And when contemplating the means used by other denominations to promote their prosperity, can they fail to see that the abandonment of her peculiar doctrines, or, which is the same thing, the neglect of enforcing them, will be, in fact, an abandonment of their church?

To the inculcation of the peculiar principles of the church, and the promotion of her prosperity from this source, we must look principally to the clergy. But there are other very important means of increasing the strength of the church, for the furnishing of which we must depend almost wholly upon the laity and these are the sup

port of all her public institutions. These institutions are various, and they all have a claim upon the regard of every member of the church. Would to God we could see a becoming spirit in this respect excited throughout our country

that we could behold the wealthy coming forward, and lending their aid freely to the support of seminaries for the education of our ministry, and the establishment of funds for missionary purposes, and the support of bishops. Each of these objects is all-important, and they must each one be effected, or our church will suffer. We cannot, at this time, go into a detail of the bene fits that would result from their accomplishment-but we would remind episcopalians throughout our country, that their church now is in a peculiar situation. She is, as it were, ascending a rugged hill, and will for some time need the aid of all her friends. Many are the obstacles that meet her in her progress. Let then those who wish her well, put forth their strength to sustain and animate her, and let them remember, for their encouragement, that by so doing, they will be imitating the example of him who "loved the church, and gave himself for it."

The Country Clergyman

Abstract of the Proceedings of the Thirty-fifth Annual Convention of the Diocess of South-Carolina, held in St. Michael's Church, Charleston, on the 19th, 20th, and 21st of Febru ary, 1823.

THE Convention was composed of the Right Rev. Bishop Bowen, sixteen presbyters, five deacons, and thirty-five lay delegates, representing eighteen parishes.

It was opened with morning prayer, conducted by the Rev. Francis P. Delavaux, rector of St. Matthew's parish; an appropriate sermon by the Rev. Maurice H. Lance, rector of Prince George, Winyaw; and the administration of the holy communion by the bishop.

The Rev. Frederick Dalcho, M. D. was elected secretary and treasurer.

On motion of the Rev. Dr. Gadsden, the thanks of the convention were pre

sented to the Rev. Mr. Lance, for his appropriate and zealous discourse delivered before them this day.

The following gentlemen were duly appointed delegates to the General Convention:-The Rev. Christopher E. Gadsden, D. D. the Rev. Allston Gibbes, the Rev. Maurice H. Lance, the Rev. Milward Pogson, Col. Lewis Morris, William Heyward, Gouverneur M. Wilkins, the Hon. Benjamin Huger.

Conformably with the 45th canon of the General Convention, "providing for an accurate view of the state of the church," the Right Rev. Bishop Bowen delivered the following address:

My Brethren of the Clergy, and

of the Laity,

"The affairs of the church, since the last annual convention," which it is made my duty to state to you at this, embrace nothing calculated to mark our diocesan ecclesiastical year with striking or peculiar interest. With an uninterrupted harmony and order, and, as I would fain trust, in a godly quietness, we have been permitted to pursue the ordinary business of the courts of the Lord's house; and if, on the one hand, no new and distinguishing bless ings, from the Spirit, by which the whole body of the church is governed and sanctified, have seemed to attend its operations, we are not, on the other, called to mingle our sorrowings on any remarkable subject of affliction or calamity to our church.

The official visitation duty to which I am obliged by the 20th canon has, in the year past, been in some manner done with respect to Christ church parish, St. Stephen's, St. Matthew's, St. Philip's, and St. Paul's, in this city; All-Saints, Waccamaw; Prince George, Winyaw, Georgetown; St. Helena's church, Beaufort; St. Bartholomew's, and St. Luke's. Confirmation has been administered in the five first named of the parishes visited,and in St. Michael's. The whole number of persons this year confirmed is about two hundred.

The ordinations of the year have been that of the Rev. R. Dickinson, immediately after the adjournment of the last convention, a priest; of Mr. Edward Phillips, of this eity, in March,

a deacon; of the Rev. David I. Campbell, and Henry Gibbes, in April, priests, the first at Pineville chapel, St. Stephen's,the other at All Saints church, Waccamaw; that of the Rev. Edward Rutledge, at Strawberry chapel, in St. John's, Berkley, a priest, in December; and, very recently, that of Mr. Mellish J. Motte, of this city, a deacon. Mr. Dickinson was continuing, when the last official intelligence was received, to serve as the Protestant Episcopal Society's missionary at Pendleton. Mr. Phillips has, since his ordination, been, for the most part, very usefully employed in this city as a domestic missionary, under an engagement with the Charleston Protestant Episcopal Domestic Missionary Society; which, consisting of respectable pious female members of the church, is characterised by a zeal of Christian charity as prudent as it is unostentatious, and adorned with the meek and quiet spirit which is of so great price in the sight of God. Mr. Rutledge has accepted the charge of St. Thomas's parish; and Mr. Motte has officiated on a short tour of missionary service in St. Paul's and St. Bartholomew's parishes, under an appointment authorized by a resolution of the board of trustees of the Society for the Advancement of Christianity in South-Carolina.

Since the last convention, the Rev. Mr. Gilbert has resigned the charge of the church on Edisto, and accepted that of Grace church, Sullivan's Island; being at the same time very usefully occupied, under the most respectable circumstances, with the academic instruction of youth in this city. The Rev. Mr. Osborne, formerly of Edisto, has returned to the charge of the church there: but his certificate of dismission from the diocess from which he has removed into this, as required by the 31st canon, has from some accidental circumstances not yet been received. The Rev. Mr. Van Pelt, ordained priest at Philadelphia, by virtue of letters dimissory from this diocess, has, since the last convention, accepted an appointment from the vestry of St. Luke's parish, by which he is regularly connected as one of its presbyters with this portion of the church. The Bev,

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Mr. Walker, from Maryland, is serving St. Helena's church, Beaufort, having been canonically received by the vestry to the charge of it in December last. It is, however, learned by communication from himself, that he does not contemplate continuing there. The Rev. Mr. Taylor, who was reported at the last convention as the minister during the winter and spring of the church at North-Santee, has accepted a similar appointment for the present year. The Rev. Mr. Barlow, of New-York, who has removed hither for the season, with a view to the benefit of a temporary change of climate, having been warmly commended to the kindness and esteem of his brethren here by his own diocesan, is officiating at Claremont ; and, although under circumstances unfavourrable to much active exertion, is rendering essential and highly acceptable service to the interest to which, as a minister of Christ, he is devoted.

It is with very happy emotions that I find it my duty to mention to you an effort of liberal zeal within our communion worthy to awaken a common feel ing among us of grateful exultation. At Pendleton, where a missionary of the Society for the Advancement of Christianity has been employed for the last few years, a neat and convenient building has been erected for our worship by the exertions of a few individuals,* from the sacred use of which, we are encouraged to hope, that the name of God will, according to our mode of worshipping him, be honoured by some respectable portion at least of our fellow-citizens in that remote portion of the state. To the general personal exertions and sacrifices of Col. Thomas Pinckney, I feel it incumbent on me to state the success of this good work, of which the amiable modesty of his true zeal for the church would have forbidden him to be proclaimed as in any degree the author, is, under God, greatly to be ascribed.

In adducing this instance of good, resulting in no small share from the

*Col T. Pinckney, Mr. B. Dupree, Dr. Hall, Mr. Taliaferro, Col. Calhoun, Col. Warren, and Dr. T. Dart, with a few others, are those who formed and carried into effect this pious purpose.

measures of the Protestant Episcopal Society for the Advancement of Christianity, in addition to the many which on former occasions have been reported to you, I am reminded to mention, that at Chatham, where there is an episcopal church, long, until within a few years, disused by episcopalians, the Rev. Mr. Wright, of Wadesborough, in North-Carolina, is officiating as the society's missionary with a good prospect of usefulness. His prudent and pious deportment in behalf of a communion which there has few comparatively to own it, is represented as already happily operating to conciliate the unfriendly, and to animate such as are attached to it to hope that they may be permitted fully to enjoy their proper religious privileges. The organization of the church has taken place so far as the election of vestrymen and wardens is necessary to it; and a delegate been appointed to attend this convention. At present there seems to be a propriety in their granting to another denomination, who have used the building, the continuance of some stated use of it for the purposes of their worship. As, however, nothing can be more obvious, than the evil of the use in common by different denominations of the same religious edifice; it is to be hoped that mutually satisfactory provision will, before long, be made to render this arrangement neither necessary nor desired. Christianity is scarcely in any thing so liable to be wounded in the house of its friends as by measures which thus force those into collision, who, duly separated, might charitably abide in concord. This comes unavoidably of the infirmity of our na ture; and it is a kind of treachery to the cause of religion, unnecessarily to provoke such infirmity, in counterac tion of its spirit of love, joy, and peace.

"The affairs of the diocess, since the last convention," require me no further to occupy you. You will permit me, however, to subjoin some notices of other matters generally interesting to us, and one or two suggestions in the way of the counsel, which constitutes an indispensable duty of the relation in which I appear before you here.

The General Seminary, instituted in

1818, and placed under the most auspicious circumstances at New-York, in 1821, becomes more and more worthy of a large share of the affectionate solicitude with which it becomes us to be always intent upon the interests of our church. Under the conduct of professors learned and zealous, laborious and faithful, many candidates for the ministry are prosecuting in it their preparation for future usefulness; and as among them there are several belonging to this diocess, we are to consider ourselves now in the actual experience of the promised benefits of such an institution. Yet it is not permitted me to congratulate you on any new accessions to the means of giving enlargements to the plan of the institution, or of carrying into full effect the plan on which at its organization it was contemplated that it should proceed. Several of those whose time is usefully devoted to its business, are still gratuitously bearing the burden, superadded to much of other care and toil appertaining to the stations they occupy in the church; some are labouring for very inconsiderable compensation of their services, and none of them are adequately remunerated. We, therefore, have still to state to how reasonably this most important design demands, at the hands of the members of our church, who have not yet permitted it to profit of their liberality, the utmost aid it may be in their power to afford it; and of any that they be not weary, with respect to it, of well-doing. The honourable example which is before us, in the conduct of our Christian brethren of the Presbyterian and other persuasions, seems yet to have taken too little effect. We find no remarkable benefaction to the funds of the seminary placed on the records of the year, excepting that of one pious member of the church at Troy, in NewYork, who bequeathed to it $2,000, for the endowment therein, according to the constitution, of a scholarship. It is painful to seem to be importunate on the subject; yet I cannot forbear to quote to you here part of a seasonable and judicious appeal of the learned professor of Biblical literature in the institution, found in an address recently delivered by him, in the hope of extendVOL. VII.

you,

ing it to more in this diocess than it otherwise might reach:-" Admitting, as you do," says he, "not merely the general truths of Christianity, but avowing also the excellence of that mo dification of it which we profess to defend, I trust it is not a matter of indifference to you, whether the church of your forefathers shall maintain in this country that influence among other Christian churches which her character merits. Ignorance of her doctrines, and misapprehension of the nature of her discipline, have contributed to propagate gross errors, which the prejudices of early education and the influence of venerated example have served to strengthen; but these causes have greatly diminished in their influence; and as it has been proved by the test of experience, so is it now acknowledged by many of the enlightened and impar tial of all Christian denominations, that the institutions and usages of the episcopal church, are no less favourable to a well regulated republican form of guvernment, and no less conducive to the advancement of sound morals and ge nuine piety, than those of any other. It is but consistent that we, as churchmen, should esteem them peculiarly excellent; but permit me to repeat the sentiment before expressed, that the institutions of our church will never command suitable respect among the community in general, unless they are illustrated by respectable talent and unaffected piety; and, as it is the design of the seminary to advance these essential objects, it may properly look to the members of the episcopal church for protection and support."—"Our object is, by a thorough course of theological instruction, and by a constant inculcation of duty, and a vigorous maintenance of discipline, to endeavour, to the best of our ability, to cherish the piety of our pupils, in order to send them forth as 'workmen that need not be ashamed.' And in this object are the members of our church willing to cooperate by their influence, by their prayers, by their wealth? Let it not be thought that aid from the last mentioned source is not required. It is absolutely necessary to place the institution on a tolerably respectable foot

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