earthen vessels;" that sinful creatures, themselves "scarcely saved," and some of them, we may well fear, not saved, should be made the instruments of saving others. Divine Wisdom, however, is sure to adapt the means to the end; and, in the hands of Omnipotence, any means are effectual. The Lord "can satisfy men with bread" in the most dreary wilderness. What seems to us impossible, with him is without diffi culty by the foolishness of preaching, he can save them that believe. I was assisted in the services by my reverend brethren Leonard and Clapp, who, to my great comfort and no small assist ance, accompanied me more than two hundred miles of this journey. After the second lesson, seven young persons, with the appearance of much piety, and sincere devotion, presented themselves to be baptized. The sermon was heard with attention worthy of a better dis course; and, it being ended, thirty-five persons received confirmation; and they received it, there was good reason to believe, with a just and deep sense of its nature and design. And, finally, the Lord's Supper was administered to a respectable number of communicants. The next morning we proceeded to Montgomery, where we had the pleasure of meeting with another newly formed society, and where the services were very similar, and not less interest ing. The tears of many evinced how much awakened was their sense that the Lord is good, and they sinners.

Montgomery is a town but recently settled. The Rev. Mr. Clapp, yet a young man, was the first child (savages excepted) born within its limits. The soil in that part of the state is rich and productive, and the country rapidly rising into importance. A new stage road, from Boston to Montreal, was expected soon to pass through Montgomery and Berkshire; which, with their vicinity to the Lake Champlain, and easy access to a good and sure market, for their abundant and valua ble productions, must render that, at no distant period, a wealthy part of the state. But, to the pious mind, it is far more pleasing to find them increasing in "the true riches." I have been in no place where there appeared a more

serious and awakened desire to know and do the will of God; nor where the people are so generally disposed to receive the doctrines of our Church, and to delight in its worship. In no part of this diocess, and, I verily believe, in no part of the United States, can our mis sionaries labour more profitably, than in Franklin county, and some of the towns adjoining eastward. Our young clergymen, whose circumstances will reasonably admit of it, who desire to do good in the service of their Divine Master, rather than to honour themselves, and live at ease, can no where bestow their labours more profitably than in the north-west part of Vermont. My last information from those parts, which is quite recent, states, that the prospects are still brightening. Since my visit there a parish has been formed in Enosburgh. Mr. Gray, the minister, now officiating in those new parishes, has preached in several other towns in the vicinity. Large congregations assemble to hear the word; many are desirous to obtain Prayer Books; and, in all human probability, several other societies might easily be formed. There are already between sixty and seventy communicants where, a short time since, we had none. The call there for missionary labours is still increasing.

Montgomery was the farthest extent of my tour in that direction. In the afternoon of the same day, we returned back through Berkshire to Sheldon. The next day, Trinity-Sunday, we spent in Fairfield, where I preached but twice so long were our services, and so far from their homes were the most of the people, that a third service was not convenient. It was pleasing, and an evidence of their sincere desire to hear the word, and receive the ordinances of Christ, to observe the distance which the people, in that and other parts of Vermont, will travel, and many of them walk, to attend public worship, and share in the ministrations of the sactuary. How unfaithful, and without excuse, would be the stewards of God's mysteries-the pastors of his fold, if they, who thus hunger and thirst after righteousness, should ever, unnecessarily, be "sent empty away." Such zeal in the people was felt as a strong,

though silent reproof of my own remiss ness in the Saviour's cause.

On the morning of the 18th, we took our leave of kind and much beloved friends, and shaped our course for crossing the mountain to the eastern side of the state, by a route which I had never before taken. In Richmond, we were joined by a respectable gentleman, a lay delegate from Shelburne, who, in company with his daughter, was on his way to the Convention-an acquisition to our little company which rendered the journey more pleasant.

On the 20th we reached Randolph, where we were received with much politeness, and were entertained by a gentleman of high respectability. The church has some valuable friends, though no parish, in that town. Being, in a very friendly manner, invited by the Congregational minister, and others of his society, we had divine service and a sermon in their meeting-house. There, too, I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with a worthy Presbyterian minister, and a part of his interesting family. One or two of his sons are pursuing studies with a view to holy orders.

The next day, for the first time, I had the pleasure of meeting with a respectable number of Episcopalians, in Bethel, who have been too much neglected. I had not, before that visit, supposed that the number of those attached, or at least favourable to our communion in that place, was so considerable. Though the rains fell abundantly, a large congregation assembled, and appeared to be much interested in all the services. The number confirmed was much greater than I had expected. They appeared to be thankful for the sermon, and refreshed by the visitation; and it was a subject of no small regret (to myself certainly) that previous ap, pointments for Windsor, and other places, made it necessary to leave them soon, and pursue our journey.

The parish in Windsor continues to merit the "praise of all the churches." They were building a new and elegant house for divine service, which is now nearly finished, and is soon to be consecrated. Considering that the parish is but small, their pious liberality, pru

dent conduct, and united zeal in this noble work, are deserving of the highest praise. Long may the house re main to them and their children, through remote generations, a happy Bethel.

On the morning of the 23d we crossed the Connecticut River, into New-Hampshire, and had services in Cornish.There I first learned that the parish in Claremont, having enlarged their old church, and put it in complete repair, requested that it might, that day, be consecrated. With some little difficulty, and the utmost diligence in making the best use of our scanty time, this was done in the afternoon. The services being ended, we proceeded three miles farther to the village, where the parish have purchased and put in good repair, a large, new, and convenient church. In it was a handsome pair of chandeliers, generously presented to the church by a gentleman in Boston.

Our services the next day (Sunday, the 24th, being also St. John's day,) were well attended. In consequence of a polite invitation, our third exercises were held in the Congregational meeting-house. At Drewsville, the next day, the congregation was small, and the people appeared to be disheartened.

On Wednesday, the 27th, I met with the Convention of Vermont, at Bellows' Falls. It was well attended: so many clergymen of our order had never before been together in that state. After the exercises usual on such occasions, the business of the Convention was conducted and finished with great unanimity, and much to the satisfaction of the members. Nothing was transacted of more importance than the forming of a missionary society, which, it is hoped, may prove to be highly beneficial.

By travelling expeditiously, we reached Guilford in season for services in the meeting-house on the 28th. In the morning of the day following we met in the church, distant four miles; and, in the afternoon, pursued our journey to Greenfield. And thus was finished the tour through Vermont, having, in the course of it, visited every church or Episcopal society in the state. Those of Sandgate met us in Arlington; and the few of our communion in Pawlett,

has

and Wells, have the benefit of the visitations of the Bishop of New-York. In every parish I preached once; in several twice, and in some three times. And in almost every one I confirmed and gave the communion. In this journey, which almost compassed the whole state, I noticed, with awakened attention and great pleasure, much improvement, which, in the last few years, taken place. There appears certainly to be an increasing respect for the doctrines of Christ, and the worship of God. Pious, regular, orthodox, and well educated ministers of the Gospel, are more respected, and better received; and, those of a contrary character, less countenanced and supported. This, as we may of course suppose, is attended with improvement in morals; and, accordingly, there appears less of idleness and dissipation; and the consumption of ardent spirits is evidently diminished. In agriculture more neatness, order, and industry are visible. "Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is." What reason and the word of God teach, does experience confirm, that a due regard for religious institutions, and especially for the regular and decent worship of Almighty God, is productive not of good morals only, but of good economy, and of all the blessings of civil and social life.

The church in Greenfield continues, as from the first it has been, united, faithful, and uniformly increasing. Under God, we are much indebted for its prosperity to the disinterested fidelity of its pastor, who, from a sense of duty, and affection for his flock, has steadfastly continued with them, though better offers of interest and honour have invited his removal.

On Monday, July 2d, in company with the Rev. Mr. Strong, I visited, for the first time, a new parish in Ashfield, Massachusetts. The Rev. Mr. Humphrey, from Lanesborough, and the Rev. Mr. Baury, from Guilford, met us there. Though the weather was unfavourable a large congregation assembled; of whom nineteen presented themselves for confirmation. One of the Baptist societies kindly obliged us with the use of their meeting-house;

and, by attending our services, and in other ways, manifested a liberal and friendly disposition. Those who had attached themselves to the church appeared to be serious, pious people, actuated by religious conscientious motives, and their attention seemed to be engaged in searching for the good old way. We scarcely need add, that such a people are likely to become stable Episcopalians; and that Ashfield is one of our most eligible stations for a missionary.

On the 26th of August, in the same year, there was a confirmation in Newport, Rhode-Island; and one in NorthProvidence on the 9th of September.

October 2d, I commenced another journey, in which I visited Concord, Holderness, Hopkinton, Bradford, and Claremont, again, in New-Hampshire, The state of religious feeling in Con cord seemed at a low ebb. The small parish there, however, had fitted up a hall convenient for public worship, and appeared to be increasing. The parish in Holderness continued steadfast; they seemed highly to appreciate the favour of Episcopal visitations; to be very grateful for the favour and comfort of the Saviour's ordinances, and they evidently deemed it not a burden, but a privilege and blessing, and it was particularly their desire to attend divine service twice on the 9th. Some of the people remarked, that it was the happiest day they had ever seen. They who thus delight in the blessings of the sanctuary; who prize above worldly pleasures the words of life, and the ministrations of mercy and grace, cannot be "far from the kingdom of God.” There must be many in this sinful world who love their Saviour, when the most unworthy of his ministers are, for his sake, so kindly received, and so much respected; when the sacred memorials of redeeming love give greater satisfaction than the fascinating allurements of time and sense. The same day I licensed Mr. George Richardson (since received as a candidate for holy orders) to read prayers in New-Hampton, a town adjoining Holderness.

In Hopkinton is a respectable, though a small society, and the Lord has there some faithful souls. Their readiness to

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"receive a prophet, in the name of a prophet," is a pleasing assurance that a prophet's reward" shall be their portion. Often have they given more than " a cup of water to one of the least of the Lord's disciples ;" may the Lord "remember them for good." The Rev. Mr. Blake resides in Concord, and has officiated there and in Hopkinton about two years; and his fabours, we have good reason to believe, are not in vain. A respectable gentleman of Hillsborough, about thirty miles from Hopkinton, was so generous and kind as to meet me at the latter place, and convey me in his carriage to Bradford; and very politely offered to help me on my way even to Claremont: may the Lord reward him.

Sunday, the 14th, I passed in Claremont-preached three times to very large and unusually attentive congregations, and administered baptism and confirmation. In the eleven years of my ministry in this office, I have held confirmation in Claremont nine times, and have administered the rite in that parish to two hundred and sixty-seven persons. In no place, perhaps, are the ministers of Christ more cordially received, nor treated with affection more truly Christian.

On my way into Vermont I preached at Bellows' Falls; on the evening of the 16th arrived at Manchester; and, on the 17th, assisted by my reverend brethren Bronson, Beach, Chase, Humphrey, and Baury, consecrated the new church in Manchester, called "Zion Church." The church was much crowded, through all the services, by people who listened as those who have ears to hear." They remained during the communion service; and, with the exception of one denourination, all the communicants of various churches present, including several Congregational ministers, received with us the Lord's Supper. It seemed as a pleasing foretaste of that happy time, when "all the faithful people of God" shall unite in his adoration and praise. May "his kingdom come;" and that we may be prepared for its unspeakable joys, "his will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

Zion Church is neat and commodi

`ous; and, though small, its erection was a noble work for a still smaller pa rish. On this occasion my thoughts were led to some serious reflections, whether it might not be chiefly my own fault that the Church in this diocessy most inconvenient and least worthy of the abilities and the generous spirit of those who worship in it, is that of my own parish in Bristol.

On the 18th we had services in Arlington, where a few were confirmed; and Jordan Gray was admitted to the order of Deacons. On my way from thence to the General Convention, in Philadelphia, I had leisure to remain a few days in Troy, in the diocess of New-York; which, both on account of my then declining health, and the po liteness and very kind attentions I there received, proved a providential blessing.

The General Convention, in October last, as is well known, was specially called on the business of the Theological Seminary. The result was happier than perhaps any of the members, un der existing circumstances, had dared to hope. To avoid the dreadful evils of strife and litigation, it was wisely judged expedient to yield, almost wholly, to the high claims of the diocess of New-York. The constitution adopted gives the General Conventioir some control in the concern of the Seminary: but in its operation it will, no doubt, be managed chiefly by that diocess. It is not my intention, however, to insinuate, that the management is placed in improper hands. Its location in the most populous, commercial, and frequented city of our country, will necessarily exclude a large part of our theological students from the school; and is, in my judgment, on other ac counts, injudicious.

In the month of March, in this present year, I attended the adjourned Convention of Massachusetts, in Salem; and, in the same journey, again visited the churches in the eastern part of that state, with the exception of Newburyport, which I reserved for this present tour, and was accordingly there on Sunday last, in my way hither. The church in Salem, in consequence of some unhappy events, is not so pros perous as in times past. That in Mar

Blehead continues in a low state, but there is reason to hope it may yet be revived. The churches in Boston are all thriving and doing well. That in Hopkinton continues vacant, and, we may well fear, is in some degree discouraged. The parish in Newton have in no degree fallen off from their for mer steadfastness and united zeal. The Rev. Mr. Baury has removed thither; and Guilford, in Vermont, is now vacant. I have much pleasure in adding, that the Rev. Mr. Boyle, under very favourable circumstances, is established in Dedham. He received Priest's orders, March the 23d, and was soon after instituted.

In Quincy the prospects are more encouraging than at any former period since my acquaintance there. On Thursday last, Benjamin C. Cutler was in that place ordained Deacon, and has taken charge of the parish. On the day preceding, confirmation was administered in St. Matthew's Church, in the city of Boston.

The Massachusetts Episcopal Missionary Society have recently made very considerable efforts, and not without success, to increase the number of their members, and to obtain funds. From the interest taken in the object, and the liberal spirit already manifested, there is reason to hope that this society may soon become the instrument of great good. Measures are taking to employ missionaries, with due regard to economy, and to the utmost extent of our yet very scanty means. In Salem, also, a missionary society has been formed, and something liberal has been subscribed; but to what amount I am unable to state.

The churches in Rhode-Island continue in a prosperous state, and without any material alteration. The Rev. Mr.Taft officiates in North-Providence. The Convention of our churches in that state met on the first Tuesday of June last, in North-Kingston, when confirmation was, for the first time, administered in that place. There is some reason to hope that the church there will gradually emerge from its very low condition.

A part of the members of my parish in Bristol have associated as a mission

ary society; and, though their means are small, they have contributed with liberality and zeal which do credit to their piety, and will add something to our little fund.

A lady of the same parish has made a donation to the General Missionary Society.

During the two last years, every parish in this diocess (except some very recently organized) has been visited. In almost all of them confirmation has been once administered; and in many of them twice. The whole number confirmed is six hundred and fifty-two: a number certainly not large for so many churches. But it should be considered, that the greater part of our parishes are yet very small, and also, that I have not thought it my duty to encourage any to make that solemn profession of their belief and devotion to God, except they are sufficiently instructed in Christianity, and receive the ordinance from pious, conscientious motives. The practice which, we may well fear, has not been uncommon, of admitting to confirmation, and even urging to be confirmed, those who have no serious sense of religion, nor real intention to devote themselves to God, through Christ, is injurious to Christianity, and to our Church in particular it has caused confirmation to be lightly esteemed, and much neglected. And we may add, as a further reason, why there are in this diocess so few confirmations, that a great proportion of our largest parishes are on the seaboard; in which, it is painful to state, there are fewer males who receive the Christian ordinances. In a visitation to one of our principal churches, there were fifty females confirmed, and not one male. In our country churches the men are little enough attentive to spiritual things; but they are still less so in commercial towns. If " one goes his way to his farm," rather than his Saviour; still more frequently does "another to his merchandise."

To the list of candidates have been added, Seneca White, William T. Potter, Benjamin C. Cutler, Lot Jones, Charles H. Alden, George Griswold, and George Richardson. The number is small, as is also that of the ordina