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portant; and considerable change has been made in the arrangement, the style, and the matter. But his principal office was that of a compiler. The original work contains such a mass of judicious information on religious topics, and displays so eminently primitive principles and piety, that it has passed through above thirty editions in England has uniformly been, and still continues the guide and companion of the devout members of that Church in their religious inquiries and in their devotions and has obtained for its distinguished author the title of the "excellent Nelson." These circumStances will authorize me to speak with confidence of its merits.

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It was stated that a course of religious instruction should exhibit a view of the evidences of the Christian religion. In the Companion for the Festivals and Fasts, this view is contained in a preliminary treatise, in which are briefly discussed the evidences of the divine origin of Christianity, from prophecies, from miracles, from its intrinsic excellence, and from existing institutions commemorative of its miraculous facts. This work contains also a reference to all the passages of Scripture which establish Christian doctrine and duty. And where they are not explained in that work, they will be elucidated in the lectures; so that in passing through the volume, all the essential parts of the Bible will be illustrated and explained. A systematic digest of the doctrines and duties of the Gospel is contained in this work. Thus, the truths that relate to the first and second coming of our Lord, and to the certainty and the manner of the final judgment, are exhibited in the chapter on the Sundays in Advent-the subject of the incarnation, in the chapter on the festival of the Annunciationof the birth of our Lord, of the excellence of his character, of his doctrine, of his precepts, and of his example, in the chapter on the festival of the Nativity of the nature of his sufferings, and the doctrine of atonement, in the chapter on Good-Friday-of the proofs and of the effects of his resurrection, and particularly of our own resurrection, in the chapter on Easter

Sunday-of his ascension and exaltation in the chapter on the festival of the Ascension-of the nature of the gifts and operations of the Holy Spirit, in the chapter on the festival of WhitSunday-and the important subject of the doctrine of the Trinity is discussed in the chapter on Trinity-Sunday. Repentance and faith, the Christian virtues and duties, and the Christian character and hopes, with the nature of the Christian sacraments, are stated and explained in various parts of the work. The Christian Church, its nature, its ministry, and its powers, and its unity, which are important subjects of religious instruction, are explained in a preliminary dissertation. And as completing the course of religious instruction, this exhibition of Christian doctrine and duty is connected with the institutions of our own Church; all which, and in particular the Liturgy, are explained and vindicated, their reasonableness and excellence pointed out and enforced.

It would seem, then, that this vo lume, in connexion with the lectures and examination upon it in the manner proposed, will afford to young persons and others a full course of religious instruction, embracing all the necessary constituents of religious knowledge. And, therefore, we would suppose, that all those who are solicitous with respect to their eternal salvation, and who regard their advancement in Christian truth as of the highest moment, will not hesitate to avail themselves of a plan which promises this inestimable advantage.

III. From its being, however, imperfectly understood, or from other causes, some doubts and objections to it may arise, which it will be proper to endeavour to remove and obviate.

By some it may be considered as too easy and simple.

In the book which it is proposed to study, controversial and systematic theology is not indeed pursued to that extent which would be necessary to constitute a well furnished divine-but there is sufficient religious information to constitute an enlightened Christian; and this is the peculiar object of religious instruction. There is no exercise

of the memory in recitations without the book. But the passages of Scripture referred to and explained, and the remarks on Christian doctrine and duty, in order to be understood, will call for no inconsiderable exercise of the judgment and attention. When we induce a person so to read, examine, and study a book containing important information, as to understand it, and to impress its contents on his mind, we think we have accomplished an important object. According to the plan proposed, the Companion for the Festivals and Fasts must be so read and studied. Religious knowledge must be the consequence. And where this effect is produced, the more easy and simple the mode, the greater its recommendation.

The mode proposed may be con sidered by others as embarrassing.

They conceive it would be painful to subject themselves to examinations, and publicly to answer questions. But by the arrangements which may be made by the different classes, these examinations will be conducted only in the presence of those who may associate together for the purpose. Were questions, with which they were not previously acquainted, asked, or answers expected memoriter even to questions previously furnished, this mode might occasion embarrassment to susceptible minds. But no answers from memory are required; no questions will be asked which are not previously furnished. The answers to these questions may, after a perusal of the portion of the Companion that contains them, and a little attention, be readily found. And surely a very little resolution will be necessary to read them from the book. The texts of Scripture which are referred to, or quoted, will have been explained in the previous lecture; and though the Clergy will be ready to repeat these explanations if required, no questions will be asked on these texts of those who at tend.

And surely it will not be said, that an attention to this course of instruction will occupy too much time.

The service and the lecture will probably never much exceed an hour and

a half. The examination will be accomplished probably in little more than half an hour. And the portions for examination will be so selected, as that two or three hours reading and attention in the course of the week will enable each person to understand them, and readily to find the answers to the questions which may be asked. This course of instruction, then, will require four or five hours in the course of the week to be occupied with religious reading and exercises. When so many days in the week are appropriated to worldly pursuits and enjoyments, and to the attainment of secular knowledge, is there an individual, who reflects that he has an immortal spirit, which it is his duty to furnish and to nurture with divine truth, and thus to prepare for its final destiny, who will refuse to devote to this momentous object the very short portion of time which has been mentioned? And will not all endeavour so to regulate their worldly business, as to spare from it the two or three hours on one day in the week which an attention to the lecture and the examination will require ?

IV. The single consideration, then, on which I would urge this subject, is the importance of religious knowledge to the salvation of the soul.

You must know the truths of salvation before you can receive them, and its duties before you can practise them. And in proportion as you understand these truths and duties in their nature, their proofs, and in all their exalted tendencies and effects, will you feel their importance, and be excited to carry them with their renovating power into your hearts and lives. I might say that it is dishonourable to Christians to be ignorant of the evidences and of the doctrines and duties of that religion which they profess, and which they value as the best gift of God to man. I might urge that it is disgraceful for Churchmen to be unable to answer the inquiries which honest investigation may suggest concerning their Church, or to explain and defend its institutions when misunderstood, misrepresented, or assailed. But there is another consideration paramount to these, important as they are. Religious knowledge is necessary

to make

you wise unto salvation. The means of attaining that knowledge are now proffered to you. May you refuse them with impunity? May parents and guardians, without fault, neglect to urge their children and others to avail themselves of them? My brethren, there is no advantage which we enjoy, nor no trust reposed with us, for which we must not render an account. Remember, then, there will be a scrutiny at the last day, whether you have availed yourselves of the means of religious improvement which were placed within your power.

Notice.

The congregations of Trinity Church, and of St. Paul's and St. John's Chapels, are in formed, that the lectures will be continued in St. Paul's Chapel every Saturday afternoon, at four o'clock. The subject of the next lecture will be some of the passages of Scripture referred to in the first third part of the preliminary instructions on the evidences of the Christian religion in the Companion for the Festivals and Fasts of the Church. On the following Saturday, the 4th of May, the classes of young persons and others will be examined on this portion in the manner which has been stated. For this purpose the Rector, or one of the Assistant, Ministers, will attend in Trinity Church, and St. Paul's, and in St. John's Chapels, at twelve o'clock. One class will attend in each of these churches at twelve o'clock; another at one o'clock; and, if necessary, another at two o'clock, so that in succession there may be nine olasses separately examined in the three churches. For the accommodation of those who cannot attend in the day, there will be examinations separately held in the evenings of Saturday. While there will be a readiness on the part of the clergy to attend separately as many classes as may be formed; and with this view to extend, if necessary, the hours of examination, it is desirable that those who avail themselves of this course of instruction, should arrange themselves in as few classes as they can with convenience. It is requested also that the classification be made with as little delay as possible, and that the clergy be furnished with the names of those who are to compose the respective classes, in order that the hours on every Saturday at which they are to attend may be assigned. Each class will mention in what church they are desirous of attending for examination; and those who cannot attend in the day time, will also signify that circumstance. Those who do not connect themselves with any class, and will give in their names to the elergy, will have arrangements made for them.

Episcopal Acts.

At a special Ordination, held at St. Michael's Church, Charleston, on Wednesday, the 20th of February, (Ash-Wednesday,) 1822, by the Right Rev. Dr. Bowen, Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church of South-Carolina, The Rev. Rodolphus Dickinson, Rector of St.

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At a special Ordination, held at the same place, on Wednesday, March 27th, by the Right Rev. Bishop Bowen, Mr. Edward Phillips, of Charleston, was admitted to the holy order of Deacons. Morning service was performed by the Rev. Dr. Gadsden, Rector of St. Philip's Church, and the sermon preached hy the Rev. Dr. Dalcho, Assistant Minister of St. Michael's.

On Sunday, the 24th of March, 1822, the Diocess, administered the apostolic rite of conRight Rev. Bishop Griswold, of the Eastern

firmation at St. Paul's Church, Boston, in the afternoon, to twenty-one persons; and at Christ Church, in the evening, to eight.

Convention of New-York.

We understand that the Secretary of the Convention of the Diocess of New-York has, by direction of the Bishop, sent a circular to the elergy and parishes of the same, informing them that as, through inadvertence, the vote on the resolution altering the constitution by changing the time of meeting of the Conven tion from October to May, was taken in the last Convention in the aggregate, and not by or ders, as required by the constitution; and as the Bishop had submitted the case to his council of advice, (the Standing Committee,) and they had unanimously declared their opinion that a meeting under the supposed alteration would be unconstitutional, and advised the Bishop to give information accordingly to the clergy and parishes; and as the said opinion and advice appeared to the Bishop just and proper, the next Couvention of the Diocess will be held, not in May, but on the third Tuesday (the 15th) of October next,

Anniversary of the Protestant Episcopal

Sunday School Society.

The fifth anniversary of the New-York Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Society, comprising the schools of 'I'rinity Church, of St, Paul's and St. John's Chapels, of Grace, Zion, St. Mark's, and St. Philip's Churches, was celebrated in St. Paul's Chapel, on Monday, April 18th, 1822, at four o'clock P. M.

This was a most interesting celebration. Up wards of 1300 male and female children belonging to these schools were assembled, and, with their respective Superintendents and Teachers, occupied the ground floor of the chapel. A large congregation of the friends of the institution filled the galleries, which had been appro priated for their accommodation. Evening Prayer was conducted by the Rev. George Weller, of Maryland, and an appropriate address delivered by the Rev. George Upfold, M. D. Rector of St. Luke's Church, New-York. The scholars then united with the congregation in singing the 23d Psalm. The interesting and impressive services were closed with some appropriate collects, and the benediction, by the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, the President of the Society.

The appearance and deportment of the chil dren on this occasion were highly gratifying,

and gave satisfactory evidence of the excellent system of discipline and government which is maintained in these schools.

We beg leave to direct the attention of our readers to the interesting report of the Board of Managers, which will be found in the present number of our Journal.

At a meeting of the Board of Managers of the Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Society, held in Trinity Church, on the evening of the 20th of April, 1822, the following resolution was adopted, and the Secretary requested to communicate the same to the different Superintendents and Teachers of the schools of this Society.

"Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be presented to the Superintendents and Teachers, male and female, of the schools of this union, for their zealous and faithful services during the past year."

The following gentlemen, with the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, who is, ex-officio, the President, are the officers of the Society, chosen at the same meeting, for the ensuing year :

Henry Rogers, 1st Vice-President; Richard Platt, 2d Vice-President; John Watts, jun. M. D. 3d Vice-President; William B. Clarkson, Treasurer; Thomas N. Stanford, Secretary.

Utica Female Missionary Association. Utica, March 19th, 1822. A meeting of the females of the congregation of Trinity Church, Utica, was held at the ehurch this afternoon, pursuant to previous notice, for the purpose of forming a missionary association auxiliary to the New-York Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society.

The rector of the church being present, took the chair, and stated in an address the object of the meeting. The following constitution was then adopted:

Constitution of the Female Missionary Association of Trinity Church, Utica.

Art. 1.-This association shall be known by the name of the Female Missionary Associa tion of Trinity Church, Utica, and shall be auxihary to the New-York Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society.

Art. 2.-The object of this association shall be to collect funds for the support of missions; which funds, as soon as collected, shall be paid over to the treasurer of the society before

mentioned.

Art. 3.-Any person, by paying the sum of fifty cents annually, may become a member of this association; and, by paying five dollars at a time, a member for life; which life subscriptions shall be placed in the permanent fund of the New-York Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society.

Art. 4.-The affairs of this association shall be conducted by a first, second, and third directress, secretary, treasurer, and twelve managers, who shall be chosen by ballot at the anniversary meeting.

Art. 5.-The board of managers shall meet at least once in four months, at which time five shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; they shall have power to fill their own vacancies, and to call special meetings of the association. Special meetings of the board may be called by any one of the directresses at the request of any two of its members.

Art. 6.-The anniversary meeting shall be held at Trinity Church, Útica, on the first Monday in May, when the annual report of the board of managers shall be presented, a copy of which shall be transmitted by the secretary to the corresponding secretary of the parent society.

Art. 7.-No alteration shall be made to this constitution except by the concurrence of two thirds of the members present at any meeting of the association.

The following persons were chosen to manage the affairs of the association for the present year

Directresses.-Mrs. James Cochrane, Mre, Sarah B. Sanger, Mrs. Mary Devereux.

Managers-Mrs. Hunt, Mrs. Kip, Mrs. Lynch, Mrs. Bours, Mrs. J. Hackett, Mrs. S. Stafford, Mrs. Wells, Mrs. Hamlin, Mrs. Tryon; Miss M. Green, Miss Post, Miss Fellows. Treasurer; Mrs. Anthon; secretary, Miss Corré.

A subscription list was then opened, and the sum of $34 subscribed by those present.

On motion, resolved, that an account of the formation of this association, together with the rector's address, the constitution, and names of the officers, be published in some of the weekly papers of this village, and also in the Christian Journal.

Missionary Meeting at Boston.

On Monday evening, the 4th of February, 1822, a meeting of the friends of the Church, of both sexes, was held at the Marlborough Hotel, in this town, for the purpose of taking measures to enable the Massachusetts Episcopal Missionary Society to go promptly inte vigorous operation. The meeting was called at the request of that society, and, although the weather was somewhat unfavourable, it was well attended. After some discussion of the subject, votes were passed expressive of the im portance of the object in the opinion of those present. It was also voted that a subscription be opened to obtain funds for the society, and to request each church in the state to form an

auxiliary society; and likewise to invite the churches in Maine to unite with us. Commit→ tees were appointed to carry these votes into meeting was held at the same place, when the effect. On the 11th of March, an adjourned subject was further discussed. At each meeting, papers were circulated, and a little more subscriptions have since been obtained by the than $400 annually were subscribed. Further committee, the amount of which we are not able at present to state.-Gospel Advocate.

A Merited Tribute of Respect.

Among the portraits lately presented to Columbia College, we have noticed with pleasure one of the late venerable Dr. Bowden. The státion he so long held and worthily filled in that in stitution, entitled his memory to this tribute of respect, which must be doubled in value to his friends, by emanating from the attachment of his former pupils.

The feelings which dictated this offering are concisely expressed in the following inscription engraved on a brass tablet attached to the frame of the picture

"In Preceptoris Humanissimi Memoriam et Alme Matris Honorem, ponendum curaverunt, Gulian C. Verplanck, Jacobus Lenox, Benj. T. Onderdonk, Ricardus Ray, Henricus J. Anderson, Benjamin Moore, Samuel Verplanck, Martinus Willet, jun. Johannes W. Francis, Samuel G. Raymond, Gulielmus Moore, jun. Georgius Jones, Thomas L. Wells, Gulielmus H. Minturn, Gulielmus Betts, Gulielmus H. Heyer, Gulielmus Berrian, Jacobus S. Rumsey, Edmundus N. Rogers, Johannes M'Vickar." In this notice it would be injustice not to mention the name and merits of the young artist by whom it was executed; the same who painted the portrait of the late Dr. Bard for the Medical College.

Thomas M'Cleland is one of our native artists, in the truest sense of the term, not only home born," but "self instructed.' His ta lent has displayed itself at an early age, and under many disadvantages, and aided by that patronage which genius will ever gain when united with industry and character, now bids fair to rival the most successful of his countrymen, in that department of the fine arts in which alone we can claim an equality with our transatlantic brethren.-New-York Evening Post, April 4th, 1822.

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George Brown,

Oliver H. Taylor,

>Vestrymen.

William W. Chardavoyne,Burrows & Dutch, and J. Depew-Builders. Laid by the Right Rev. John Henry Hobart, D. D. Bishop of the Diocess.

Within a cavity at the foot of the stone were deposited a Bible and Prayer Book, presented by the Auxiliary New-York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, Bishop Hobart's address concerning the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary, fifth annual report of the American Bible Society, with several other pamphlets, as also several manuscript writings, including the address of thé rector, delivered on the occasion of laying the stone.

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Jersey, where he had spent the greatest por tion of his life. He had taken charge of the church at Carlisle in the spring of the last year. Yet short as the period of his labours was, in that place, his amiable deportment, his refinement of manners, his talents as a preacher, and his ferveut piety, had deeply rooted him in the affections of his people. They will long continue to lament the afflictive dispensation of Providence which removed from them a beloved pastor, and deprived the Church of a minister, whose heart was in her service to an extent beyond the physical strength which nature had bestowed upon him. But young as he was, in respect of years, when his earthly course was terminated, he was evidently ripe for hea ven. Diffident and retiring in his manners to a remarkable degree, he seemed scarcely formed to withstand the rude tempests incident to an earthly pilgrimage. And such was the natural modesty of his deportment and conversation, that his intimate friends alone could become acquainted with his real worth. In him was exhibited a rare instance of ardent piety in early youth. From the very dawnings of reason, he was peculiarly alive to the feelings of devotion. The fear of displeasing God, and a desire to secure his approbation, appeared to form his earliest and strongest principles of moral action. Even in childhood, his greatest delight was to gather around him the members of the domestic circle, for performing offices of devotion, and reading works of piety.

After the usual academical and theological courses, he was admitted to the holy order of Deacons in the spring of 1819, by the Right Rev. Bishop Croes, of New-Jersey. His bodily constitution being somewhat feeble, he engaged for the summer months of that year to act as a missionary to the vacant churches of the diocess in which he was ordained. During the more inclement season, he resided in his fa ther's family, near Trenton, and officiated gratuitously in various places as his health permitted. A part of the next year also was spent in a similar manner; and nearly two months of the time gratuitously devoted to the Church in Trenton, while the rector was absent, as an agent for the theological seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church. In the course of the last year, he accepted an invitation to take charge of the church in Carlisle, where he remained, faithfully discharging the duties of his profession, and greatly beloved by the people of his charge; until it pleased his heavenly Master to translate him to his Church

above.

Such is a brief sketch of the history of one whose early departure from the earth has drawn forth the tears of numerous and affec

tionate friends. He was the eldest son of his parents, who both survive to mourn their loss; their loss of a son, the first occasion of mourn

ing for whom, was furnished by his death-And though this circumstance strengthened the cords of their affection for him, yet it leaves them a rich consolation; for they mourn, not as those without hope.

Bishop Brownell's notice of the Family Prayer Book-the Plan of a Free Church-Conversations on Baptismal Regenerationand sundry other articles prepared for this number of the Christian Journal, are unavoidably laid over to our next.

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