tion of the diocese of Maryland, in 1814, he was elected suffragan bishop of that diocese, during the life of the diocesan, the Right Rev. Thomas John Claggett, D. D., and to succeed him in case of survivorship. He was consecrated in Christ. church, New-Brunswick, New-Jersey, September 1st, 1814, by the Right Rev. Bishop White, of Pennsylvania; the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, of New-York, and the Right Rev. Bishop Moore, of Virginia, being present and assisting. On the death of Bishop Claggett, August 2d, 1816, Bishop Kemp became the diocesan of Maryland.

Bishop Kemp is the eleventh bishop of our church who has been called from his labours to his rest, and the first one since the decease of Bishop Dehon, in the summer of 1817. ten members.

The house now contains

At a meeting of the clergy of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the city of Philadelphia, held in St. James's church, on Tuesday afternoon, October 30th, the Rev. Dr. Abercrombie in the chair, and the Rev. Mr. Weller acting as secretary, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:

1. Resolved, That we have heard with deep sorrow of the sudden and melancholy decease of the Right Rev. JAMES KEMP, D. D., bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the diocese of Maryland, and provost of the university of the same state, in consequence of a casualty which occurred on his return from assisting at the consecration of the Right Rev. Dr. Onderdonk.

2. Resolved, That we sincerely condole with our brethren, the clergy and laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the diocese of Maryland, with the churches with which he was more especially connected, and with the family of the late bishop, in the great bereavement, which, in the unsearchable wisdom of the Almighty Ruler of Events, they have been called to sustain.

S. Resolved, That as a mark of our personal respect for the late Bishop Kemp, we will wear crape on the left arm for the period of thirty days, and crape scarfs, when officiating, for three months from this day.

4. Resolved, That we will remember in our prayers the bereaved family, church, and diocese, of the late bishop, and implore the divine compassion on them; and that this unexpected and afflictive providence may be sanctified to us and the church at large.

5. Resolved, That copies of these resolutions, attested by the president and secretary of this meeting, be forwarded to the secretary of the convention of Maryland,

Where pious hands thy couch have spread, and thou art left alone.

Thou art taken from us, brother-all thy cares and labours done,

When, to our short reaching vision, they had seemed but just begun;

And long before its noon was reached, thy heaven-enkindled ray

Was lost, as stars by sun light fade, in cloudless, endless day.

Thou art torn from us, my brother-and our hearts are bleeding still,

Yet, taught by thee, in silence bow to Heaven's all-righteous will,

And bless the grace which to thy life such heavenly radiance gave,

To cheer us while on earth we walk, and light us through the grave.

Thou art gone before us, brother-yet we have no tears to shed,

For we know that thou art numbered with the blessed, holy dead;

And in that "continuing city," to which we may never come,

Hast found, through faith in Christ our Lord, a welcome and home!

Calendar for December, 1827. 2. Advent Sunday.

9. Second Sunday in Advent. 16. Third Sunday in Advent. 19. Ember Day. 21. St. Thomas. 22. Ember Days. 23. Fourth Sunday in Advent. 25. Christmas Day. 26. St. Stephen.

27. St. John the Evangelist. 28. Innocents.

30. First Sunday after Christmas.

For the Christian Journal.

Convention of the Eastern Diocese. THIS Convention, as we learn from the Episcopal Register for October, met at Claremont, New-Hampshire, on the 20th of September last, and was at tended by the Right Rev. Bishop Griswold, and fifteen clerical and seven lay delegates. The Rev. B. B. Smith was appointed secretary. After morning prayer, and sermon by the Rev. T. Edson, the bishop administered confirmation and the Lord's supper. The following gentlemen were appointed the standing committee:-The Rev. Nathan B. Crocker, the Rev. J. Morse, the Rev. C. Burroughs, the Rev. A. Bronson, the Rev, P. S. Ten Broeck, Stephen T. Northam, James C. Merrill, Joseph Head, jun., John Howard.

The following resolutions were pass

ed, viz.

"Resolved, That it be recommended to the churches of the Eastern Diocese to form in each a Missionary Society, auxiliary to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, "That it be also recommended to the churches of the Eastern Diocese to establish in their respective churches Sunday schools, and to form societies auxiliary to the General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union, or to procure subscriptions to the funds of this institution, and to become associated with it.

"That it be recommended to the churches of the Eastern Diocese to form Bible classes, or to adopt such a system of Bible instruction as shall be deemed most desirable and convenient to the pastors of the respective churches.

"Resolved, That this convention think it desirable and important that VOL. XI.

[VOL. XI.

the state conventions of the Eastern Diocese should, previous to the next meeting of the General Convention, express their opinions relative to the alterations proposed in the liturgy, and in the constitution of the church, by the last General Convention; and that this resolve be communicated to the secretaries of the respective state conventions.

"Resolved, That the secretary be requested to call upon the secretaries of the several state conventions composing this diocese, with a view of ascertaining if any thing, and what has been done for the more effectual support of the episcopate, and that they be requested to report to the next convention of the diocese.

"Resolved, That the Right Rev. the bishop be requested to employ a missionary to visit every church in this diocese, with an express view of promoting a missionary spirit, establishing missionary societies, and aiding feeble churches; and that each clergyman be requested to raise, by contributions, or otherwise, such sums as may be in his power, to defray the expense, and that the sums contributed be remitted to the bishop."

A resolution was also passed requesting the bishop to authorize some form of service for public fasts; and another resolution in the words following, was proposed and laid over for consideration at the next convention, viz.

"That the ninth article of the constitution, which says, 'no state shall withdraw from this diocese without the approbation of the house of bishops,' be so altered as to read, without the consent of the other states, and of the bishop of this diocese.”

After singing the 133d Psalm, and prayers by the bishop, the convention

45

adjourned without day. The next meeting is to be held at Bellows-Falls, Vermont.

For the Christian Journal.
Convention of New-Hampshire.

We also find in the Episcopal Register for October an account, from which this abstract is made, of the proceedings of the convention of the church in New-Hampshire, which met at the same place, (Claremont) and on the same day, (26th of September) with the convention of the Eastern Diocese. It was attended by six clerical and five lay delegates. The Rev. Charles Burroughs, rector of St. John's church, Portsmouth, was chosen president; and Mr. Abbe Cady, of Concord, secretary.

After attending divine service in Union church, with the members of the diocesan convention, this convention proceeded to the choice of a standing committee for the ensuing year, when the Rev. Charles Burroughs, the Rev. James B. Howe, the Rev. George Leonard, Mr. Nathaniel Adams, and Mr. James Sheafe, were chosen members of the same. And the following gentlemen were chosen delegates to the General Convention:-The Rev. Charles Burroughs, the Rev. James B. Howe, the Rev. George Leonard, the Rev. Moses B. Chase, Mr. Samuel Fisk, Mr. James Sheafe, Mr. Baruch Chase, and Mr. Abbe Cady.

A communication from the secretaries of the house of bishops, and of the house of clerical and lay delegates, "in relation to certain proposed alterations in the liturgy, and to a proposed alteration in the second clause of the eighth article of the constitution of the church," was read, and, on motion, referred to a committee consisting of the Rev. Charles Burroughs, the Hon. John Harris, and the Rev. Moses B. Chase, to "report, at the next annual convention, what instructions, if any, should be given, touching said alterations, to the clerical and lay delegates, who may be appointed to represent this state in the next General Convention."

"The Rev. Mr. Howe, in behalf of the committee appointed at the last an

From the Episcopal Register for October, 1827, An Address to the Twelfth Convention of the Eastern Diocese, assembled at Claremont, in the State of NewHampshire, September 26, 1827.

ONCE more, respected brethren, has the swift current of time performed its annual revolution: and again is it made my duty to state before you "the affairs of the diocese since our last convention; the names of the churches which I have visited; the number of persons confirmed; the names of those

who have been received as candidates for orders; the changes also by death, removal, or otherwise, which have taken place among the clergy; and, in general, all matters tending to throw light on the affairs of the diocese." This duty, aided by your prayers, and favoured by your patient attention, I now, not without diffidence, proceed to perform.

To give you a particular account of the churches visited, though to me it might be a pleasure, to you would be tedious. When, through the Lord's goodness, I shall finish the journey now commenced, and another which is soon to follow, far the greater part of our churches will have been visited once, and some of them twice or thrice dur ing the present year. The churches already visited are those in Rhode

Island, and those also in Massachusetts, with the exception of those in New buryport, Bridgewater, Greenfield, Ashfield, Hopkinton, and one or two others. I have also visited Hopkinton and Holderness in this state.

In these visitations 196 have been confirmed.

To the list of candidates for holy orders have been added George F. Haskins, Norris M. Jones, George T. Williams, Anson B. Hard, and Charles Cleaveland.

To the order of deacons, Robert B. Drane, Henry C. Knight, Clement F. Jones, James M. Tappan, have been admitted; and the Rev. John Bristed, Benjamin C. C. Parker, and Eleazar M. P. Wells, have been ordained priests.

Changes by death among our clergy, happily we have none to report; and great cause have we of thankfulness to the Father of Mercies, that, considering their number in this diocese, so few, since its formation, have deceased. Other changes have not been many or great. The Rev. Mr. Wells has taken charge of the parish in Gardiner. The church in Portland increases; and there is still hope that a missionary may soon be profitably employed in the state of Maine. In the large and flourishing village of Saco, a very respectable number of people have formed a society, and are building a church. The prudence, and energy, and appearance of evangelical zeal, with which they have thus far conducted this good and noble work, gives us reason to hope that God will bless their labours, and that we may soon have there a respectable parish. The Rev. Mr. Wells, the Rev. Mr. Cutler, the Rev. Mr. Hathaway, (who has recently returned to this diocese,) and others, have officiated in Saco; and there is a pleasing prospect that a clergyman may soon be permanently settled there.

The parish in Hopkinton, in this state, under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Moses B. Chase, aided by the liberality of a gentleman lately of Boston, are also building a handsome stone church. And it is but a just tribute of gratitude and praise to observe here,

It

that the church in this diocese, and not in this only, is under much obligation to the generous spirit and pious liberality of our brethren, and other pious citizens, of Boston. In many instances, and many ways, especially during the two or three years last past, have they bountifully contributed to various religious and charitable purposes of great utility. Under God's merciful Providence, it is chiefly from their bounty that I am able to travel through this diocese, and to visit our churches. is much to be regretted that we have not more churches in that city. Excepting one in South-Boston, the number of our churches there, notwithstanding the increase of wealth and population, is but the same as fifty years ago. This has been owing in part to some untoward circumstances, and (perhaps) mistaken policy. So many houses for divine worship of other denominations have lately been erected there, that the hope of increasing the number of our's is, we may fear, declining.

The Rev. Mr. Mott, on account of ill health, has resigned the charge of the church in Marblehead, which is now vacant. The Rev. Mr. Parker officiates as a missionary in Lenox, and the Rev. Mr. Tappan in Bridgewater. The Rev. Mr. Blakesley has removed from Great-Barrington, and the Rev. Mr. Gilbert, from Connecticut, is about to take the charge of that church. There are few, if any, places in this diocese, where a prudent, pious, active, and devoted minister of Christ, can labour with a better prospect of usefulness than in Great-Barrington. With Mr. Gilbert I have very little acquaintance-that he may be what they need should be our prayer. It would perhaps be better if our parishes were more generally in the habit of consulting their bishop, or the standing committee, in their choice and settlement of ministers. The labours of at least one more clergyman are wanted on .the west side of Connecticut River. We are not without hope that the Rev. Mr. Drane, on his return from the south, will give some further attention to those parts.

On the 13th day of December last, the new edifice in Marshfield was dedi

cated by the name of Trinity church. The small parish in Ashfield, to the utmost of their means, are going forward with the building of their church. In no part of the diocese would the erection of a decent house of prayer, and the full establishment of an episcopal church, promise to be more truly beneficial than at Northampton. To the liberality of some gentlemen there we are already much indebted; and it is to be hoped, and earnestly desired, that their generous efforts may be aided by the pious and liberal of other places.

The new parish in Woodstock are also engaged in building a church; and the one building in Middlebury is soon, if the Lord permit, to be consecrated to his holy worship. Several ordinations, with the same divine permission, will soon take place in that state.

A considerable number of our churches are to good effect aided by the means of our small missionary funds. Several parishes have formed Mission ́ary Societies; and I regret that it is not at present in my power to give you an accurate statement of their number and condition. I have this year received thirty-three dollars from the Female Missionary Society in Hopkinton, New-Hampshire, and thirtyseven dollars from that in Portland. They and others who have made like contributions, are entitled to our thanks, and we are bound to pray that God will reward and bless them. The annual meeting of the Massachusetts Missionary Society, in St. Paul's church, in Boston, last June, was very interesting, and it is hoped will produce good effects. Our clergy can in few, if in any ways, better promote the general interests of religion, and of our church particularly, than by often calling the attention of our people to their duty, and to the blessedness of contributing, in all ways reasonably in their power, to the propagation of the Gospel. And let me be allowed to repeat and reiterate, that the contributions for employing missionaries in small destitute parishes in this diocese, recommended some years since by its convention, to be made on Easter, or some other Sunday, ought religiously to be regarded.

Let the minister of each parish state the subject fairly before the people, judiciously selecting a favourable time for the collection, and he will then have discharged his duty. For giving, or not giving, the people are accountable to Him only who supplies them with means, and knows their hearts. Comparatively speaking, there is no Backwardness in our people to give-were they called upon as others are, they would, we believe, be more liberal than any other Christians.

The meeting of our General Convention, last November, and the transactions of that great council of our church, are things well known. The unanimity which very much prevailed among its members; the prosperity of our churches which was then exhibited, and the general disposition to support the order and worship; the constitution and discipline of our ecclesiastical establishment, which, on that interesting occasion, was remarkably manifested-are just subjects of mutual congratulation, and of devout thanks and prayer to Almighty God. From our experience and observation, we may humbly believe that the Lord is pleased to bless the prudent, pious, and faithful labours of consistent Episcopalians, more perhaps than those of any other Christian community or sect. And the same experience and observation confirm what the Scriptures clearly teach, that the more sound and orthodox are any people in their faith and Christian profession, the more offensive to God are their worldly affections, their coldness, and want of fidelity.

Some particulars of the business which came before the General Convention, and of their acts and deliberations, it will be proper to notice on this occasion. The general interest which was felt and manifested on the very important subject of Sunday schools, is a pleasing evidence of a religious concern for the best interests of mankind. A General Sunday School Union, or Society, was organized under the patronage of the Convention, which we may hope will contribute something to the uniformity and success of this branch of religious instruction. Whether it