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5th. The construction casts a blemish on the observance of every festival of our Church. To speak in particular of Easter Sunday, Whitsunday, and Christmas Day, can it be supposed, that the Convention intended to abrogate the reading of the portions of Scripture, the most pertinent of any in the Bible? or that the members of the body were so careless, as not to perceive the effect of the word introduced by them into the parenthesis? Neither of these was the case; although they had not the sagacity to foresee the use which would be made of their superaddition; a use, which may be applied hereafter to the abandoning of the observance of those festivals. For why should the Church retain them after dispensing with whatever is attached to them in the respective services? The remark applies equally to the two days of fasting or abstinence-Good-Friday and Ash-Wednesday. It is here supposed, that on the former, there are the service and sermons in all our churches furnished with the ministry. But, according to the opposite opinion, the sermon dispenses with the recital of the consummation of our Saviour's sufferings, and, not only on Good-Friday, but on every day of Passion Week, if there be sermons. Could this have been intended?

6th. There is the magnitude of the change thus made in the Liturgy, without the subjecting of the resulting consequences to the consideration of any General Convention; for this is here affirmed, without the apprehension of contradiction from any of the surviving members. The most obvious of the consequences, and such as could not have escaped the notice of the least attentive, were, the dispensing with the reading of the Ten Commandments; the weekly return of which may well be thought to have a beneficial effect on morals; and the deranging of a selection of passages of Scripture, always supposed to have been made with great judgment, and suited to the different seasons of the year. They were of like use in the Church before the prevalence of the corruptions of the Papacy; have withstood, in some measure, its systematic hostility to a general knowledge of Scriptures; and, probably, have prevented a greater enormity of unevangelical error, than what we now find: for although the selections were in Latin, they were at least instructive to the many who understood the language, at a time when, even among that description of people, the possession of a Bible was rare. To the present day they are held in high esteem, not only by our parent Church, but by the Lutheran Churches of Sweden, of Denmark, of sundry German principalities, and of this country. In some of the European states, the subject of the sermon is expected to be taken from the Epistle, or from the Gospel for the Sunday. There seems no reasonable objection, in any future review of the Liturgy, to the making of some abbreviation, suited to the joining of services designed to be distinct; but there may be doubted the expediency of making so great an inroad as that projected on the service now in question.

7th. The ante-communion service continued to be used as before by the clergy who were present in the Convention, in which it is now imagined to have been dispensed with. It is confidently believed, that there was not an exception of an individual; although, on the other side, the major number must be supposed to

have been desirous of the innovation. In the interpretation of a law, immediate practice under it has been held to be a good expositor; especially when, as in the present case, a contrary sense has not been heard for a long course of years.

The question may occur-why did the Convention introduce the words, 66 sermon or," into the parenthesis? It was to reconcile the other rubric referred to with frequent and allowable practice. The said rubric says-" then shall follow the sermon." Perhaps, when the service was compiled, there was a sermon on every saint's day, as well as on every principal festival. In modern usage has been otherwise; which made it convenient to provide for the minister's proceeding to the blessing. The parenthesis means, that although there be no sermon, or although there be no communion, the minister shall act as directed by the rubric.

The Bishops, therefore, deem it their duty to express the decided opinion, that the rubrics of the communion service, as well as other general considerations, enjoin the use of that part which precedes the sermon, on all occasions of sermon or communion, as well as on those festivals and fasts when neither sermon nor communion occurs.

Canon passed at the above Conventian. Providing for a new, more complete, and correct standard of the Book of Common Prayer.

The edition of the Book of Common Prayer to be chosen by the Committee appointed by this Convention, and authenticated by their certificate, shall, after the publication thereof, be taken and received as the standard, with which all new editions are thereafter to be compared, for the purpose of correction, agreeably to the xliii Canon-and so much of the said Canon as establishes another standard of the Book of Common Prayer, shall thereafter be and remain repealed.

Done in General Convention, in the city of Philadelphia, in the year of our Lord 1821. By order of the House of Bishops, WILLIAM WHITE, Presiding Bishop.

Attested, William Augustus Muhlenberg, Secretary. By order of the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies,

WILLIAM H. WILMER, President. Attested, Ashbel Baldwin, Secretary.

Abstract of the Proceedings of the Thirty-fifth Convention of the Diocess of New-York, held in Trinity Church, New-York, on the 16th, 17th, and 18th of October, 1821.

(Continued from page 152, and concluded.}

The parochial reports, made to the Bishop, and entered on the Journal, agreeably to the Canons, together with the reports of the Missionaries in the diocess, furnish the following aggregate:

Baptisms (adults 176, infants 900, not speci

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The Bishop, as president thereof, made to the Convention the following

Report of the Committee of the Protestant Episcopal Church for Propagating the Gospel in the State of New-York.

The Committee of the Protestant Episcopal Church for Propagating the Gospel in the State of New-York, report

That the following Missionaries are employed:-The Rev. Deodatus Babcock, at Buffalo, Erie county, and parts adjacent; the Rev. Leveret Bush, at Oxford, Chenango county, and parts adjacent; the Rev. Samuel Fuller, in Albany and Greene counties; the Rev. Ezekiel G. Gear, at Binghampton, Broome county, and parts adjacent; the Rev. Stephen Jewett, in Washington county; the Rev. Daniel Nash, in Otsego county and parts adjacent; the Rev. George H. Norton, in Seneca and Ontario counties; the Rev. Amos Pardee, at Manlius, Onondaga county, and parts adjacent; the Rev. Marcus A. Perry, Deacon, at Unadilla, Otsego County, and parts adjacent; the Rev. Joshua M. Rogers, at Turin, Lewis county, and parts adjacent; the Rev. Charles Seabury, at Setauket and Islip, Long-Island; the Rev. James Thompson, in Greene and Delaware counties; the Rev. Milton Wilcox, Deacon, at Onondaga, Onondaga county, and parts adjacent.

The salaries of these Missionaries are $150 per annum, except those of the Rev. Mr. Nash, and the Rev. Mr. Fuller, who receive a less sum, in consideration of gratuities which they receive from another quarter. Eleazar Williams acts as catechist and lay reader with the Oneida Indians. Mr. Gerrit H. Van Wagenen, who, since the death of his venerable father, has, for several years, faithfully served the Committee as their treasurer, having, in consequence of his removal from the city, resigned, last summer, that office, the duties of it have since been discharged by his son, Hubert Van Wagenen. Their respective accounts will be laid before you. It appears from them that the receipts during the past year were $2859 86 cents, and the expenses $2416 38 cents; leaving a balance in favour of the fund of $443 48 cents. But this will soon be exhausted by the demands of the Missionaries upon it for their salaries. And the Committee are apprehensive, that, without extraordinary supplies, they may be compelled to reduce the salaries of their present Missionaries. And they deeply lament that they are unable to extend missionary aid to the numerous places which demand it. They gratefully acknowledge the liberal donations of various Auxiliary Missionary Societies, and particularly of the Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society in the State of New-York. By the pious and indefatigable exertions and contributions of the members of this Society, the funds of the Committee have annually received, on an average, an Recession of $9009. The annexed abstract of

the reports of the Missionaries will inform the Convention of the nature of their labours.

Signed on behalf of the Committee, JOHN HENRY HOBART, Bishop of the Prot. Epis. Church in the State of New-York, and Chairman of the Committee. Abstract of the Reports of Missionaries. The Rev. Samuel Fuller, Missionary in Albany and Greene counties, reports to the Bishop as follows:

Soon after my return from Convention, last year, proposals were made for my officiating at Rensselaerville the greater part of the time the ensuing year. It was thought that the situation of the church in this place rendered such a measure highly important.

When the church was built, principally at the expense of a few individuals, and under many discouraging circumstances, it was the expectation of the society to be furnished with the services of a clergyman the greater part of the time. But, owing to various circumstances, which it is not now necessary to mention, it has been supplied, until within the last year, but a little more than half the time. With well-established Episcopalians, this circum stance could not have materially affected the prosperity of the society. But, it is to be remembered, that it was composed of people who, until within a few years, were wholly unacquainted with the service of the Church; and a number of them, although they appeared to harbour no hostility to the Church, and joined in using the service, yet would not be unwilling to unite with a society of another denomination, provided there was a prospect of such so- . ciety's becoming more numerous and more permanent than the Church.

In this part of the country many societies of Christians are very fluctuating. It is a serious difficulty with them to provide means to support their preachers. These societies have no funds, and their preachers are supported principally by subscription; and it is difficult to find people sufficiently united in sentiment to raise a sum adequate to the support of a preacher of any one denomination.

Taking these considerations into view, it was the wish of the Episcopalians that the church might be opened every Sunday, or nearly so.

Being myself anxious for the prosperity of that society, which, under the Divine Head of the Church, I was instrumental of forming, and in some measure of preserving, I consented to devote the greater part of my services to this church for one year, provided the measure should not be disapproved by yourself; and, I am happy to state, that the success of this ar rangement has, in a good degree, answered the expectations of the friends of the measure. The congregation has been respectable, and the worship has been conducted with order and propriety. It is due to them to say, that, in no country church that I have visited, have I seen the worship conducted with more decency and order.

Owing, in part, to an unsettled state of religious opinion, as it respects some individuals who usually attend the church, there have been few baptisms, and few additions to the communion. But, should the society assume that stability which would present a reasonable prospect of its continuance and increase, there is

reason to believe that some, who are now wa vering, will come forward and receive baptism for themselves and for their children, and will unite with the church in communion at the Lord's Table.

I have supplied the church in Rensselaerville, during the last year, the whole time except four Sundays, in which I officiated in Greenville. One of these was at the funeral of the much respected Major Augustin Prevost. On this oceasion the Rev. Mr. Thompson performed the service, and I preached a sermon to a crowded congregation of friends and mourners, who came together to pay their last respects to the remains of their friend and benefactor, and Christian brother. In Greenville, also, I have administered the communion once, and performed service, and preached twice on week days.

exchanged services one Sunday with the Rev. Mr.Thompson, and officiated for him at Windham; and performed a third service at Lexington, and preached to Episcopalians and others in the meeting-house of the Congregational Society in that place.

At Rensselaerville, besides Sundays, I have performed service, and preached on a number of other days, as my health and other circumstânces would permit.

I have preached the Missionary and Episcopal sermons, and collections have been made for the benefit of those funds.

I have baptized one adult and two children; performed four marriages, and preached at five funerals

Two persons have been added to the communion.

Since the church was organized in this place, two communicants have died, and two have moved out of the place. The present number is twenty-eight.

Collections in Rensselaerville.
Episcopal Fund,
Missionary Fund,

$40

6 0

The Rev. Stephen Jewett, Missionary in Washington county, reports to the Bishop as follows:

During the past year, the church in Hamp ton has suffered severely by the death and by the removal of several of her members on whom she most depended. At our last vestry meeting, by agreement between the vestry and myself, my salary, as raised by the parish, ceased, and it became optional with me to sus pend my labours entirely, or to officiate occasionally as might be convenient to myself. The latter has been done. The sick have been visited, and the dead buried agreeably to the rites of the Church. Sundays (except two or three spent at Hampton on funeral occasions) have been chiefly devoted to Granville.

At this place the affairs of the Church con tinue to wear an encouraging aspect-their numbers gradually increase-their zeal is unabated, and harmony and peace prevail. Would my health admit of a longer residence in these parts, the parish of Trinity Church, Granville, would, by the help of neighbouring friends, give me as liberal a support as I have for several years past received from both parishes. I trust the situation of this truly deserving infant parish will claim due attention, and that a zealous and prudent missionary will speedily be sent

her. At the expiration of this year I resign my missionary charge in these parts.

During the past year there have been, in Christ Church, Hampton, baptisms (infants) 4burials 10. In Trinity Church, Granville, there have been baptisms (adults 3) 10-funerals 2-marriage 1. Added to the communion in Hampton 2-died and removed 14. Added to the communion in Granville 11. In this latter church there have occurred no deaths or removals to diminish the number of communicants.

The Rev. Joshua M. Rogers, Missionary at Turin, Lewis county, and parts adjacent, reports to the Bishop as follows:

Since my last report, I have occasionally preached at Holland Patent, Oneida county, to a respectable congregation, which has been recently organized, and on which too much praise cannot be bestowed. Two persons, and they in very moderate circumstances, have, by their perseverance, succeeded in getting a church enclosed, and, I trust, in the course of another season, it will be completed. The remainder of my time has been passed at Turin, and I have the satisfaction to see an increase to the church, notwithstanding the tide of prejudice runs strongly against it. In the month of September, 25 persons came forward to receive the rite of confirmation, 20 of whom had been brought up and educated in principles directly opposite to the good old way, i. e. "Ecclesia est in Episcopo." Communicants about 30-baptisms 17-marriages 2-funerals 3.

The Rev. Daniel Nash, Missionary in Otsego county and parts adjacent, reports to the Bishop as follows:

Not until late in the spring of the year was I able to attend to my missionary duties; and, since then, the services performed have not equalled those of former years. For about seven months I was able to preach only once on each Sunday; since then, I have divided the time principally between St. John's, Otsego, Burlington, and Paris. One Sunday I attended at Cooperstown, one at Cherry-Valley, and two at Richfield. In the beginning of the summer I visited Oneida, in company with Mr. now Doctor Orderson, of the English Church; and with him administered the Holy Eucharist to 40 or 50 of the Oneida nation, and baptized five adults, and about 40 children, the greater part of which were baptized by him. I afterward visited that Church and baptized nine children. In addition to these, I have baptized two children at Paris; two at Verona; one adult and seven children at Cherry-Valley; three children at Burlington, and one adult and eight children at St. John's.

That holy Being who rules all things knows whether I shall be able, any further, to prosecute my missionary labours-the almost constant pain in my breast renders it extremely unpleasant to speak in public; but, as far as God enables me to go, by his grace assisting, I shall endeavour to be faithful.

The Rev. Charles Seabury, Missionary at Setauket and islip, Suffolk county, reports to the Bishop as follows:

It is with considerable pleasure I address you at this time, as I can assure you of the increasing prosperity of the churches under my care,

Although this be not as rapid as might be wished, yet a more than common attention to the duties of religion hascertainly appeared through the last season, both at Setauket and Islip, but especially at the former, where, through the last summer, divine service has been much more punctually attended than formerly. Setauket-Marriages 5-burials 4-bap

tisms 2.

Islip.-My remote situation from church prevents much parochial duty except preach ing.

The Rev. James Thompson, Missionary in Greene and Delaware counties, reports to the Bishop as follows;

Since my last report, I have performed divine service 17 Sundays in Windham; 10 at Cairo: 11 at South-Durham; 1 at Rensselaerville, in exchange with the Rev, Mr. Fuller; 1 at Greenville, and four times on week days; 1 at Derby; and 7 at Oak-hill village, in Darham, where the Rev. Mr. Fuller preached some years, and organized a church by the name of St. Paul's. commenced preaching in this society on the 28th of December last, on Wednesdays, and have continued the same almost every Wednesday to this time. During this time, the attention of sinners has been called up to realize more the importance of religion than at any former period; four adults have been baptized, and many feel heavy laden with the burden of their sins, and are inquiring what they shall do to be saved. A Sunday school has been kept here, consisting of from 40 to 80 scholars, by Mr. Watson, a member of our church, who is preparing to become a candidate for orders. I have also preached on a week day several times in Windham, amongst the mountains, to parts of this congregation which are scattered at a distance from the church, This congregation consists of about 35 families, and is much depressed by reason of the debt incurred in building their church, the change of times, and misfortunes of others. They pay but a trifle for the support of the ministry; yet the poor have the Gospel preached unto them. About 45 communicants belong to this church. I have baptized four adults and two children, married five couple, and attended three funerals. In some of those places where I preach, there is a want of zeal and love for the Church of Christ; in others, there is a want of knowledge; in general, there is a good attendance on public worship, but the word of God does not seem to touch their hearts, and make them inquire in earnest. The churches in Delaware county have been supplied by the Rev. Mr. Clarke, so that I have not visited them. I made collection for the Missionary Fund.

The Rev. Marcus A. Perry, Deacon, Missionary in Otsego county and parts adjacent, reports to the Bishop as follows:

In the discharge of missionary duties, my services have been principally confined to the church of Unadilla. When called to the pas toral care of this church, I found some local disadvantages under which she laboured; but trust, through God's grace, that they are in a great measure removed.

There appears much unanimity now existing among the people, and an anxious desire "that Jerusalem might be as a city at unity with it

self." On the whole, the church is in a flou-
I have officiated in this church
rishing state.
twice every Lord's Day, excepting a few which
have been devoted to missionary purposes.
Among the duties which have devolved upon
me, one no less interesting than important has
been my anxious concern-the duty of training
"in the nurture and admonition
up the young
of the Lord. To this intent I have catechised
the young people and children repeatedly in
the church on the Lord's Day. In addition to
this, on the 13th day of May, I succeeded in
organizing a Sunday school, which I have regu.
larly attended every Sunday afternoon, when
at home. Seventy-four scholars are members
of this school. Your missionary has the pleas-
ing satisfaction of reporting, that he has met
with much success and encouragement, both
from parents and their children, in his exer-
tions. Parents manifest an anxious desire, and
frequently attend at the school, in order to
hear the recitations, and to assist me in in-
structing; while a spirit of seriousness and
piety has been awakened in the minds of the
young. The excellent Liturgy of our Church
has been explained, and her distinguishing
principles have been inculcated, not only in pub
lic, but from house to house. Baptisms (adults
2, infants 3) 5-burials 3.

Besides officiating at this church, I have preached five times, on different days of the week, in a school house in the upper part of my parish. I have also officiated in the following places-One Sunday, and twice on week days, at Franklin. In this place there is a number of interesting Episcopal families. One Sunday at Windsor, to a numerous congregation. At Coventry one Sunday, and twice on week days. Here I catechised the young people and chil dren, and inculcated to parents the interesting and important duty of training them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. One Sunday at Paris. One Sunday, and two afternoon lectures, at Sangerfield, where are a few Episcopalians. Once at Rome, and once at Sidney. Your missionary will take the liberty of further reporting, that, some time previous to his call to missionary labours, he officiated, one Sunday, and twice on week days, at Sherburne, where are a few families of Episcopalians, and once at New-Lebanon. In these places a spirit of inquiry has been excited, and considerable interest. manifested in favour of our ancient Apostolic Church. At New-Lebanon, baptized two young persons and one infant. During my ministerial labours at Windsor, I baptized three infants, and buried four persons. And at Union, in Broome county, I married one couple. Bap tisms (adults 4, infants 7) 11-marriage 1-burials 7.

The Rev. Ezekiel G. Gear, Missionary in Onondaga county and parts adjacent, reports to the Bishop as follows:

After my return home from the Convention last year, I continued my missionary labours in Onondaga, and Tully, and other places, until the first Sunday after Christmas, when, receiv ing an invitation from the vestry of the church in this place, I paid them a visit, and arrange. ments were made for my removal and settlement among them. It was with peculiar feelings of regret that I was forced to leave those congregations where, I trust, I was, in some humble measure, instrumental in building up

the Church in the most holy faith. I arrived here, with my family, on the 18th of January. My attention has since been principally confined to this congregation, which, I am happy to inform you, has gradually increased in numbers, notwithstanding it has to contend with a strong opposition from the dissenters I have visited Windsor, where I found a respectable congregation attached to the principles and worship of the Church, with all the zeal and "simplicity of godliness" of the primitive Christians, and it is my intention to visit them as often as circumstances will admit. I have likewise occasionally performed divine service at the village of Greene, in Chenango county, and in the town of Union, in which places there are a number of families attached to the Church. I have exchanged one Sunday with the Rev. Mr. Bush, of Oxford, who officiated for me in this place. A few weeks since I made a tour to the north, as far as Onondaga and Tully, and spent a Sunday in each of those places; and it is with pleasure that I would bear testimony to the exertions and usefulness of the Rev. Mr. Wilcox,' who has succeeded me in those congregations. Baptisms, during the last year, (adults 3, infants 10) 13-marriages 2-funerals 10.

The Rev. George H. Norton, Missionary in Ontario and Seneca counties, reports to the Bishop as follows:

In making out a report of missionary services for the past year, while I have to regret that the result of my labours falls greatly short of what had been anticipated, it gives me pleasure to state, that, in the several places where I have officiated, there has been manifested an increased attachment to the doctrines, discipline, and worship of our Church, and an earnest wish expressed for a continuance of her services. On Sundays I have preached at Waterloo, Seneca county, at Vienna, Clifton Springs, and Palmyra, Ontario county, and at Catharine's Town, Tioga county, and on week days have lectured at various places within the bounds of my circuit. In the different churches of which I have had the charge, the Lord's Supper has been administered to about 66 persons, and the ordinance of baptism to 20 children and two adults. I have also performed four marriages, and attended 16 funerals.

The more I travel over the missionary ground in the western section of this extensive diocess, the better am I persuaded that the most important benefits will result to the Church, if a competent number of labourers can be furnished for that portion of God's vineyard.

The Rev. Leveret Bush, Missionary in Chenango county and parts adjacent, reports to the Bishop as follows:

Since my last report, my labours in the field assigned me as missionary have not been attended with that success which I could have wished. I have the happiness, however, to state, that the congregations to which I have officiated, though no important change has taken place in their condition, have been gradually increasing in numbers, and in attachment to the peculiar doctrines and worship of the Church, and, I believe, in some instances, in evangelical piety and godliness.

I have performed divine service in Oxford every Sunday, with the exception of two, and occasionally I have delivered lectures on Friday.

In Windsor I have officiated, on different days of the week, six times, and administered the communion once; in Coventry seven times, and administered the Communion; and, in Guilford, three times, where there is a prospect, though there are no Episcopalians at present, of establishing a church. In addition to these services, I, last month, visited, for the first time, a congregation of Episcopalians in Lebanon, and performed divine service. This congregation is composed of Episcopalians from that place, Sherburne, Hamilton, and adjacent towns, and will, no doubt, with occasional missionary aid, be soon adequate to the erection of a church.

The present number of communicants, in St. Paul's Church, Oxford, is 49. Baptisms, in Oxford, infants 9-marriages 2-death 1. Baptism, in Coventry, 1. In Windsor, baptisms 6.

The Rev. Deodatus Babcock, Missionary at Buffalo, Erie county, and parts adjacent, reports to the Bishop as follows:

With the exception of the Sundays hereinafter mentioned, I have, during the past year, performed service, on Sundays, regularly at Buffalo and Black-rock-three fourths of the time at the former, and one fourth at the latter, besides giving lectures on Wednesdays during Lent.

The congregation at Buffalo has considerably increased since the completion of the church; and, notwithstanding the many difficulties with which a missionary has to contend in this section of the country, I believe my labours have been attended with an ordinary degree of success. Our Sunday school is constantly attended, and promises to be useful.

I have performed service two Sundays at Batavia; two at Richmond, Ontario county; one at Nunda, Allegany county; one at Hamburgh, Erie county; and once at Lewiston, Niagara county.

I have baptized four adults and 20 children. Number of communicants in the church at Buffalo 20-added six.

The Rev. Amos Pardee, Missionary at Manlius, Onondaga county, and parts adjacent, re ports to the Bishop as follows:

Since my last report, my services on the Lord's Day have been chiefly confined to the village of Manlius and Jamesville; but three Sundays I have spent at Lenox, and on one have exchanged with the Rev. Mr. Wilcox, of Onondaga, and have preached on funeral occasions at Onondaga, the Rapids, and Chittenengo.

At Jamesville I have, since December last, officiated every fourth Sunday; and, on more than half the remaining Sundays, have there held a third service; and on other days have there, as well as in the village of Manlius, often visited the people of the congregation from house to house. Where, a short time since, only one Episcopal family resided, there a respectable congregation has now been collected, and a number of persons of the first respectability, of information, of wealth, and of influence, have, from principle, attached themselves to the Church; many Prayer Books are there seen in use; the responses are made with much propriety and sclemnity, and the congregation of worshippers are not only increasing in numbers, but also are apparently growing in grace and in the knowledge of God.

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