3 have no apprehension that the measure recommended would add to these diffi culties. The fact is, that few persons feel themselves impoverished by what they give for the support of religion; and a small contribution two or three times a year, for the general purposes of religion, so far from disqualifying them to support their own parish expenses, would render the collection of this support the more easy and certain, by increasing their interest in religious and ecclesiastical affairs. At a late special General Convention of the Church, held in the city of Phi ladelphia, the plan of a General Missionary Society was matured, and the same is now regularly organized. It is the object of this Society to send missionaries to the remote and destitute settlements of our country; and when its funds will admit, to extend its operations for the civilization and conversion of the Indians, as well as of the heathen of foreign lands. I trust that this Society will share the patronage of the more wealthy Episcopalians of this diocess. It is said indeed that "Charity begins at home:" But to this it has been well replied, that "it should not terminate there." We owe duties to society at large, as well as to our own household; and though our own parishes and our own diocess may prefer the first and second claims to our charity, the general interests of religion and the Church are not to be overlooked or neglected. there are several parishes so decayed by removals, and other adverse circumstances, (and in some cases, I fear, by apathy and neglect) that without missionary aid they are in danger of becoming wholly extinct. But you can not all be aware, as I am, of the anxiety manifested by the few remaining friends of the Church, in these parishes, for the reestablishment of those ordinances among them, which have heretofore been their delight and their edification; nor of the solicitude with which I have been importuned for assistance in repairing the "waste places" of their Zion. The course of my official duties has also led me to know that there are many families, zealously attached to the doctrines and worship of the Church, dispersed through various parts of the State, remote from the places of public worship to which they are attached, and some of them remote from all places of public worship. I could point to several local situations where nothing but the services of a zealous and active missionary is required, in order to gather these scattered members into the fold, and to build up florishing and, pious congregations. To preserve these decayed parishes from utter extinction, and to form new parishes from the scattered members of our Church in, places where it is practicable, the vices of three or four missionaries are essential. This is the most interesting, subject which I can at this time recommend to your attention. The fields are white, and ready for the harvest. It rests with you to devise the measures for sending forth the labourers. I take leave to suggest the expediency of modifying the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge with a special reference to this object, or of appointing a treasurer of missionary funds, and of enacting a canon, making it obliga-esced in by the delegates from this diotory on every parish in the diocess to, make a collection once in the year for missionary purposes. In many parishes, societies may be formed for the same object. The small sums, thus collected from many sources, would form an important aggregate, without producing any sensible inconvenience. I know that many parishes find it difficult to defray their own current expenses, but I ser It is well known to you,that at the late special General Convention referred to, the Theological Seminary of our Church was transferred from this diocess to that. of New-York. This measure was adopted that the Institution might avail itself of a munificent bequest of the late Jacob Sherred, for the advancement of Theological Education; and it was acqui cess, from considerations affecting the peace and unity of the Church. I have often expressed my sentiments concerning the importance of a general Theological Seminary. I trust its present location will have a tendency to harmonize all discordant opinions on this subject, and that as it is an object of paramount importance to the Church, so it will now receive its liberal and united patronage. Brethren, I will detain you no longer from the business of the Convention. There are sothe considerations in relation to the welfare and prosperity of the diocess, which I had thought to have brought before you at this time, but as it is not essential that they should now be come matters for your deliberation, I shall reserve them to constitute the subject of a Pastoral Letter at some future day. May the great Bishop and Shepherd of our souls preside over our counsels; and grant us the abundance of his grace, that with one heart we may desire the prosperity of his holy Apostolic Church, and with one mouth may profess the "faith once delivered to the saints." The Treasurer of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge reported to the Convention the state of the Society's funds; from which it appears that there is a balance of $307 63, remaining in his hands, exclusive of the annual contributions which were received during the Convention. Fourth annual Report of the Board of Direction of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge. In presenting this fourth annual report, the Board cannot exhibit a very flattering view of the state of the society. During the last year, as appears from the Treasurer's report, very little has been done. A few Bibles and Common Prayer Books have been purchased and distributed; and a small sum has been appropriated to missionary expenses. The want of tracts has been much diminished by the establishment of the Churchman's Magazine, which affords, at a very cheap rate, the same kind of information which has been hitherto circulated in other forms. And Bibles and Prayer Books are now afforded at such low rates, for gratuitous distribution, by the Auxiliary Bible and Common Prayer Book Society of New-York, that it becomes less necessary to circulate them through the medium of this society. Hence, although these objects are by no means to be abandoned, it has been deemed advisable, for the present, to turn the attention of the board more particularly to the encouragement of missionary labours in the destitute parishes of the diocess. Agreeably, therefore, to a recommendation of the Right Rev. Bishop Brownell, they have resolved to devote the disposable funds of the present year exclusively to this single object. And they entertain the hope, that by the aid of the contributions still to be received, the Bishop may be enabled to employ at least one active and diligent missionary during a considerable portion of the year. The committee to whom was referred so much of the Bishop's address as relates to the subject of missionaries, and the report of the Board of Direction of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, beg leave to report, That they are fully persuaded of the importance of encouraging missionary labours in this diocess: but they believe, that the existing society is adequate to the object, if the provisions of its constitution can be carried into full and energetic effect: and they think they can discover in the returns already made, and in the interest manifested by their brethren, both of the clergy and laity, strong evidences of a growing zeal on this subject, and a fattering ground of hope, that the missionary cause will no longer be suffered to languish for want of support. They do not believe it advisable, even were it practicable, in this present state of the diocess, to make much provision for a permanent fund; but if a small fund be now reserved, and suffered to accumulate, it may lay the foundation for a permanent and respectable provision for this great and interesting object. They therefore beg leave to recommend the following resolution for adoption in the place of those laid on the table yesterday : Resolved, That the present funds of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge shall be devoted exclusively to the support of missionaries, with the exception of two hundred dollars, which shall constitute an accumulating fund, until the further order of the Convention, and that it be recommended to the board of directors to make no application for any other than missionary purposes, until otherwise Instructed by the Convention. Report of the Agents of the Trustees of the Bishop's Fund. The subscribers beg leave to represent, that they were appointed by the trustees of the Bishop's fund, agents, to settle with the parishes in the diocess, who have not paid their assessment for the Bishop's fund, in pursuance of a resolution for that purpose passed by the Convention held at Waterbury on the 7th day of June, 1821. That in execution of the duties of their appointment, the subscribers issued a circular letter addressed to the wardens of forty-five parishes, which appeared to be in arrears in whole, or in part, in the payment of said assessment, and represented to said parishes, that the income of the Bishop's fund was insufficient to pay the salary which was engaged by the Convention, at the time that the Bishop accepted the charge of the diocess :-that the sum in arrear at the expiration of two years amounted to seven hundred dollars, and the trustees must rely on the assessment due from the parishes to make up the deficiency: -that the agents were authorized to settle with the parishes, equitably according to their present circumstances, and upon receiving their proposals, would visit them for that purpose. In reply to the above application, the agents have received a letter from St. Peter's parish at Plymouth, informing them that the parish had agreed to $100, in full of their deficiency, which the agents have accepted. And they pay have received communications from several other parishes, which they trust will result in arrangements beneficial to the funds. Respectfully submitted. P. SHELTON, A. BALDWIN, S. W. JOHNSON, Agents. The committee to whom was referred the subject of the accounts between the Right Rev. Bishop Brownell and the Diocess of Connecticut, beg leave respectfully to report, That they find the Convention stand pledged to pay to the Bishop the sum of $1500 per annum, for diocesan services. The committee also find that the Bishop has received annually, from the treasurer of the Bishop's fund, only about $1150. Vol. VI, Resolved, That the agents of the trustees of the Bishop's fund to settle with the delinquent parishes their assessments for said fund, be authorized to appoint an agent, or agents, with full power to make such settlements on fair and equitable terms, in such manner, as said agents of the trustees may dis rect and approve. The committee appointed to take into consideration that part of the Bishop's address which referred to Sunday Schools, beg leave to report, That not having time to devote that attention to the subject which its importance demands, they recommend, that a committee be appointed to prepare and arrange such a system, as they shall, aftér mature deliberation, think best, and report to the next annual Convention. They also beg leave to suggest to the Convention the propriety of recommending to the several parishes in the diocess, which have not instituted Sunday Schools, to institute them for the dren in the Church Catechism and exensuing year, and to instruct the chilplanation, and also that the children be required to commit to memory passages of Scripture, and that they be exercised in questions on the Bible and on the Book of Common Prayer. The committee on the constitution Christian Knowledge, reported the folof the Society for the Promotion of lowing alteration to the 7th articlehands of the treasurer," substitute in After the words "shall be paid into the the place of the remainder of the article, the following, "subject to the order of the board of direction, who shall appropriate all monies so received to the of missionaries in this diosupport cess; and to the gratuitous distribution of Bibles, Prayer Books, and Tracts: and further, that the present permanent fund shall not be permitted to exceed five hundred dollars, either by additions or accumulation of interest. Resolved, That every minister in this diocess shall be requested to perform divine service, in some of the vacant parishes, at least two Sundays in each year, under the direction of the Bishop, A resolution was adopted, authorizing the Bishop to fill any vacancies 30 which may occur in the delegation to the General Convention. Delegates to the General Convention. Rev. A. Baldwin, Rev. D. Burhans, Rev. H. Croswell, Rev.T.Marsh, Hon. S.W. Johnson, Hon. Wm. Mosely, Hon. Elijah Boardman, Samuel Tudor, Esq. Standing Committee. Rev. T.Bronson, D.D. Rev.H.Croswell, Rev. A. Cornwall. Trustees of the Theological Seminary. Rev. D. Burhans, Rev. H. Croswell, Rev. T.Bronson, N. Smith, Esq. Richard Adams, Esq. Hon. S. W. Johnson. A table appended to the above abstract makes the number of churches in the diocess 29, and of clergymen, besides the Bishop, 23. The twelfth Report of the Board of Trustees of the Protestant Episcopal Society for the Advancement of Christianity in South-Carolina; made at the Anniversary of the Society, January 7, 1822-the Feast of Epiphany falling on Sunday. THE Board of Trustees of the Protestant Episcopal Society for the Advancement of Christianity in South-Carolina, in presenting to its members and friends, in compliance with the provisions of the constitution, their annual report, take occasion to congratulate them on the arrival of that institution at its twelfth anniversary. While they contemplate with satisfaction the addition of another year to the period during which its operation, within the sphere which it embraces, has sensibly contributed to the promotion of the Redeemer's kingdom, they see ground for undiminished confidence in the prospect of its continued prosperity and success, and cause for renewed and increasing exertions on the part of its well-wishers and patrons, to extend, and multiply, and perpetuate its means of usefulness. But it is not with unmingled satisfaction that the Board are permitted to review the transactions and events of the year past, marked, as it has been, with the melancholy evidences of the instability and transitory nature of all human things. In common with the other friends of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and of the Society, the Board have been recently called to lament the decease of a zealous and useful member of both,* and, for some years past, a partner of their counsels and their labours in the management of the concerns of the Society; and a few months previous, that of another,t who, having been from its first institution a regular contributor to its funds, did not, even to William Brisbane, Esq. Tucker Harris, M. D. whose bequest in favour of the Society will be more particularly mentioned in another place. the last, suffer his love towards it to wax cold, but left behind him a memorial of affectionate regard, whereby, "though dead, he yet speaketh." In these, and other instances of mortality occurring within the year, the Board discover an impressive call on all the members of the Society, and of the Church, to increased earnestness and diligence in their endeavours to do good, while they have time, "to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith," and to fill up, by new enlistments under the banners of the cross, the ranks thus thinned by the departure of those who, "having fought the good fight of faith," and received their honourable discharge from the toils of life's troubled warfare, have been promoted to higher degrees of honour and happiness in the service of the great Captain of their salvation. The Board proceed to give an account of the manner in which they have endeavoured to fulfil the duties assigned them in the constitution, by the distribution of the Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, useful religious tracts, and other works of approved reputation; by the sending forth of Missionaries, to officiate in those places where there was ground for expectation that their labours would be successful; by assistance rendered to youths of genius and piety destined to the ministry of the Church; and by the adoption of such measures in general, as, in their best judgment, they deemed good and practicable for the accomplishment of the purposes of the Society. In pursuance of the first recited provision, enjoining the distribution of the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer, the Board had, in June, 1819, made arrangements to procure from New-York a number of copies of the Bible, of which mention was made by them in their two last annual reports. After considerable delay, the Board have now the satisfaction to announce the late arrival from this source of 120 copies of a stereotype edition of the Scriptures. They have also procured from the same quar ter 300 copies of the stereotype edition of the Book of Common Prayer ་ In compliance with the provision for the distribution of useful religions tracts, and other works of approved reputation, the Board ordered to be reprinted, in a cheap form, from the Episcopal Magazine, some 'Remarks on a Review of the Rev. Jared Sparks' Letters on the Episcopal Church,' of which there have been distributed 300 copies; and also caused to be procured and distributed, 50 copies of the Rev. Dr. Dalcho's Evidences of the Divinity of Jesus Christ;' to which must be added, the distribution of 14 copies of the late Bishop Dehon's Sermons on Confirmation, and 7 of Nelson's Christian Sacrifice; and the following tracts, amounting in the aggregate to 1145, viz. 69 of An Address to Christians recommending the Distribution of Religious Tracts;' 168 of 'Stanley's Faith and Practice of a Churchiman; 70 of Bishop Andrews's Devotions; 184 of · Hints on Public Worship,' 183 of a tract on 'The Duty of Morning and Evening Devotion;" 170 of An Exhortation to a Decent and Devout Behaviour in the Church;' 167 of A Familiar Exposition of the Catechism' published by the Society; 81 of Bishop Gibson's serious Advice to Persons who have been sick;' 11 of 'Bishop Gibson on the Lord's Supper;' 24 of Archbishop Synge on the Knowledge of Religion;' and 18 of the same Prelate's Answer to the Excuses for not coming to the Lord's Supper." A proportion of the Book of Common Prayer, and the Exposition of the Catechism above mentioned, have been given to the children of indigent parents, attending the Sunday schools. There have likewise been disposed of, under the direction of the Board, 76 copies of the English Prayer Book, deposited with them by the Prayer Book and Homily Society of London, for distribution to British seamen. In announcing the publication, in the early part of the year, of the Sermons of the late lamented Bishop Dehon, stated by the Board in their last annual report to have been then in the press, the Board feel a satisfaction, which they are persuaded they share in common with every member of the Society, and every friend of the Church, and the Christian community at large. The Board cannot omit likewise to notice with approbation, the liberal and disinterested proposal of Mr. Miller, printer to the Society, to publish free of expence to the Society, such tracts as may, from time to time, be approved of, and furnished him for that purpose; and the committee on books have been authorized by the Board to carry the same into effect. Under the provision of the constitution above mentioned, for the sending forth of Missionaries, the Board have to state, that, in pursuance of the appointment, mentioned in the last report, of the Rev. Mr Dickinson as the Society's Missionary to the churches of St. Paul, Pendleton, and St. Peter's and St. James in Greenville district, they voted, in April last, an appropriation of 500 dollars per annum, for two years, commencing on the first of December preceding, in aid of the funds for the support of a minister in those churches conjointly. They have the satisfaction to state, that the mission thus instituted has, in the course of the past summer, been visited by the Bishop of the diocess, who found its duties to be faithfully performed; and that at Pendleton the wishes of the Society have been so far successful, as that measures have been taken by the members of our church there, to procure a lot, and erect upon it a suitable place for public worship. The service has hitherto, much to the hindrance of the good contemplated, been performed in the court-house. The Board have been called upon the past year, to fulfil the engagement previously entered into by them with the vestry of Trinity Church, Columbia, for the payment of 1000 dollars per annum during three years, in aid of The total amount of books and tracts distributed by the Society since its formation, is as follows, viz. 214 Bibles, 1190 Book of Common Prayer, 114 Bishop Dehon's Sermons on Confirmation, 440 Nelson's Christian Sacrifice, 300 Bishop Porteus's Evidences, 50 Dalcho's Evidences of the Divinity of Christ, and 8933 smaller tracts. †The following is an extract from a late communication of Mr. Dickinson-"St. Paul's, at Pendleton, already exhibits the stability and promise of a regularly organized parish. Arrangements are making for the erection of a church, with little doubt, under the Divine blessing upon the great exertions of some individuals, whose praise ought to be in all the churches, of a successful termination. Public sentiment is there yielding to approbation of the pure doctrines and worship of our Zion." the means possessed by them for the support of a minister, the contingency having arrived upon which that arrangement was predicated. To the united churches of St. Mark's, Clarendon, and St. Mark's, Williamsburg, assistance has been also rendered by the Board, in fuifilment of the resolution adopted by them on the 4th October, 1819, appropriating 500 dollars per annum for three years, for that purpose. In formation having been received by them, from the Rev. Mr. Chanler, who had acted as their Missionary to those churches under the resolu tion referred to, of his connexion with the church last named having ceased on the 20th May last, the purpose of the Board, in relation to that church, has, in consequence, been suspended since that period. To the parish of Christ Church the Board have likewise continued to furnish the aid stipulated in their resolution of October, 1819, appropriating 500 dollars per annum for two years, to that object. The term limited in that resolution having lately expired, the Board have not yet had opportunity to act in relation to the renewal or exten sion of it. The only other circumstance to be reported under this provision of the constitution, is the appointment by the Bishop, of the Rev. Mr. Van Pelt to serve on a short mission at St. Luke's parish, and in the country intermediate between Coosawhatchie and Savannah, and be compensated out of a small balance remaining unexpended, of a sum placed in December, 1819, at the disposal of the Bishop, for missionary uses. The sum expended by them, in the promotion of the highly useful objects contemplated by this provision of the constitution, has amounted in the year just elapsed to 2675 dollars. In the discharge of that part of their duty which enjoins the rendering assistance to young men of genius and piety, destined to the ministry as their calling, the Board have only to mention the continued fulfilment on their part of the engagements stated to have been made by them in their report of January, 1820. They deem it proper, however, here to remark, that in endeavouring to fulfil the duty assigned them by this provision of the constitution, the Board have been actuated by a desire to give the fullest and most effectual execution to the benevolent purpose contemplated by the Society. A General Theological Semary for the education of candidates for the ministry, having been founded by the united wisdom of the Church, they did not doubt that it would be speedily endowed by the liberality of its members with ample means for the assistance, during their course of necessary instruction, of youths of genius and piety, who need the fostering hand of benevolence. This expectation has been realized in part, by the establishment, by the zeal and liberality of members of the Church in our own state, of a foundation bearing the name of the Denon Scholarship, the benefits of which, it is presumed, will be always conferred upon candidates of a description corresponding with the views of this Society; by which means there will be the less occasion for the application of their funds to that purpose. The Board have therefore deemed it adviseable, in rendering, in the instances referred to, the aid contemplated by the Society, so limit their views to furnishing to the candidates the means of completing a previous course of academical studies. |