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forth to every family, and to every individual-as mankind in general are unwilling, or unable to go to any expense or trouble in purchasing or reading books, for the purpose of acquiring the knowledge of religious truth and duty-as, however, a few may be found who would purchase good books, provided they came in their way, properly recommended-as most would read a tract, or a small book, if presented to them, which they never could be prevailed upon to purchase-and, as Episcopalians stand bound, by their love to God for the Church, and for the souls of their brethren, to do good, as far as they have it in their power, to all the members of the household of faith:

We, the subscribers, do hereby form ourselves into a society, that shall be known and distinguished by the name of the Protestant Episcopal Society for the Promotion of Piety and Christian Knowledge in North-Carolina.

2d. The means to be adopted for carrying this object into effect, shall be these two-1st. A book establishment, as described in the next article; and, 2dly. The distribution of such books and tracts as the board of managers, hereafter mentioned, shall select for that purpose-which books and tracts may either be purchased, or printed and published by the society, as the board shall think most expedient.

3d. As soon as practicable and expedient, the board of managers shall commence a book establishment, at such place in this state, and under such regulations, as may appear to them best. By purchase, or otherwise, this establishment shall be furnished with all such books as are best calculated to promote the great objects of this society. For the sale and distribution of the books and tracts belonging to this society, all our clergy, settled and missionary, shall always be agents; and, in addition to these, the board of managers shall appoint, throughout the state, such agents as will be most likely and best disposed to further our views. All these shall be amenable to the general book agent, and governed by such rules as he, with the approbation of the board of managers, shall prescribe; and this board shall adopt and carry

into effect all such rules and measures as shall appear most likely to benefit the book concern.

4th. The officers of this society shall be a president, secretary, treasurer, and general book agent. The president, secretary, and treasurer, shall, respectively, perform the duties that ordinarily belong to those offices. The treasurer shall also exhibit, at every annual meeting of the society, a full and detailed statement of his accounts; and it shall be the duty of the general book agent, to take care of all the books and tracts of the society-to keep an account of all that he buys and sells, of all the books he gives out, and all the money he receives-to make a full report of every thing that relates to the book establishment, at every annual meeting of the board of managersand to govern himself by all such rules as that board may think fit to prescribe. For these services he shall receive such compensation as he and the board may have previously stipulated.

5th. The board of managers shall consist of the officers of the society, and four other members, five of whom shall constitute a quorum. Of this board, five of whom shall always be clergymen, the Bishop of the diocess, or, if there be no Bishop, the president of the standing committee shall be, ex officio, a member. It shall be the duty of this board to select, and direct the book agent to purchase, or cause to be published, such books or tracts as they shall think best calculated to diffuse a knowledge of the distinguishing principles of the Church, and to promote the cause of truth and real godliness among her members. And they shall farther take the most effective measures practicable to cause the above to be distributed among all the friends and members of our communion throughout the state.

6th. Any one may become a member of this society by paying two dol lars annually. The payment of twenty dollars shall constitute membership for life.

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7th. Every annual subscriber shall be entitled to half the amount of his subscription, in tracts or books, at the society's prices; and the various agents

of the society shall be requested to sell all they can for the benefit of its funds. 8th. The friends of the Church, in every part of the state, are earnestly requested to form societies auxiliary to this. Such auxiliaries shall be entitled to tracts and books at the society's prices, to any extent not exceeding the amount of their contributions.

9th. The annual meeting of this society shall be held at the same place with the Convention, and on the second day of its session; at which time, also, officers shall be elected, and the annual subscription shall become due.

10th. No article of this constitution shall be altered, except at the annual meeting, and by the consent of two thirds of the members present.

The Standing Committee have also granted to the Rev. Samuel S. Sitgreaves, jun. the testimonials required by the 31st Canon of the General Convention; and they have recommended for Priests's orders the Rev. William Hooper, and the Rev. William M. Green.

The Rev. Mr. Avery, as chairman of the committee on the state of the Church, presented the following report, which was read and adopted :—

In comparing the parochial and missionary reports of the present Convention with those of the last, it appears that our members have been considerably increased, and that the prospects of our Church, by the Divine Blessing, are highly encouraging to our exertions, and animating to our zeal.

The number of the communicants at present are 370,* making an accession of 38 since the last Convention. The baptisms have been more than double the number reported the last year.

Seven new congregations have been admitted into union, making our whole number. 18. It appears, also, from the report of the committee, appointed at the last Convention to meet the Lutheran synod, and by a communication received from the president of that synod, that such arrangements have

* This is the number reported, but eertainly far less than the real number, as no report of communicants was received from half the congregations.

been made as afford a prospect that the interests of the two Churches will be promoted, and the great cause of Christianity advanced.

In adverting to the means which, under God's good providence, have been instrumental in extending our Church, and raising it to its present state of prosperity, one of the most efficacious has been the Missionary Society. It is principally by the exertions of the missionaries employed the past year, that so many congregations have been added to our Church. The importance of this society, and the duty of supporting it by liberal contributions, appear more clearly every year.

We observe with peculiar pleasure the establishment of church libraries in two of our parishes, Wilmington and Newbern, and would call the attention of our other churches to the same subject, as a matter worthy of considera tion.

We anticipate, also, great advantages from the prospect of an establishment at the present Convention, of a society for the promotion of piety and Christian knowledge; and we earnestly recommend it to the patronage and support of the friends of religion, as a channel for the conveyance of sound principles and correct information.

The above is respectfully submitted to the Convention, on behalf of the committee on the state of the Church, by JOHN AVERY, Chairman of the Committee

Resolved, That the Standing Committee for the time being shall be, and are hereby declared to be trustees for managing the fund for the Episcopate. Resolved, That the next Convention be held at Salisbury.

The following resolutions were, on motion, adopted :

Whereas ministers, both settled and missionary, are greatly needed in our Church, and many young men among other denominations of Christians have been educated for the ministry by the contributions of what are called cent societies, the members of which contribute a small sum weekly; therefore,

Resolved, That the Convention do heartily recommend to the different

congregations of our Church, and particularly to the female members of the same, to lend their aid to supply the wants of the Church, by the formation of similar societies.

Resolved unanimously, That as the Rev. Gregory T. Bedell is now about to leave this diocess, the members of this Convention do hereby express their unfeigned regret at his departure, and their sincere and grateful acknowledgements of his active and zealous services. Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Convention be tendered to the pastors, trustees, and congregations of the Presbyterian and Methodist churches in this city, for their kind offer of their respective churches for the use of this Convention.

Resolved, That the interests of the Church in this diocess very much require the residence and active services of a Bishop.

Resolved, secondly, That as the charge of two extensive diocesses render it impracticable for our present Bishop to give that portion of time to the care of this diocess which its circumstances require; and as the measure has been proposed by the Bishop, it is hereby recommended to the next Convention to proceed to the election of a Bishop for the diocess of North-Carolina.

Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Convention be, and they are hereby tendered to the Right Rev. Bishop Moore, for his pastoral care of the Church in this state, for his friendly visitations, and for the disinterested zeal which he has uniformly manifested in its welfare.

The following address was delivered by the Bishop:Brethren,

It has pleased Almighty God to permit us again to assemble together, and, as the Council of his Church, to unite our efforts in the advancement of the Gospel of his Grace. To observe the work of the Lord to prosper in our hands, should excite in our minds the most fervent gratitude to heaven, and impel us to greater and more vigorous exertions in his cause.

It is but a few years since the work in which we are engaged was com

menced. An assembly of nine individuals, impressed with a desire to raise the Church of their fathers from the ruins in which it was involved, nobly united in the attempt. With a zeal proportioned to the difficulties with which they had to struggle, a zeal which no obstacles could arrest, they laid the foundation upon which, under the Divine Blessing, we have thus far raised the superstructure. If they, in a moment so unpromising, conceived the hallowed design, how ought our minds to be encouraged with the animating prospect before us. If three clergymen, and six of the laity, trusting in the goodness of the Almighty, and looking up to him for assistance, took hold of the ark of the Lord, and bore it successfully upon their shoulders, how much may be expected from the joint efforts of a Convention, consisting of eleven ministers of the Gospel, and between twenty and thirty members of the congregations. The presence of gentlemen from such distant parts of the diocess, forms an evidence of zeal the most encouraging, and may be considered as the loudest expression of the blessing of the living God upon our labours. Our difficulties are daily diminishing. The path before us becomes more and more luminous. Seven new congregations have been received into union with us during our present session. The daughter of Zion is laying aside her weeds, and putting on her beautiful garments.

In the performance of the duties of the ministry, permit me, my-reverend brethren, to request you to insist upón the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Ordained, as most of you have been, by the imposition of my hands, I confide in your affection for a dutiful compliance with my pastoral advice. Let the fall of man, with that depravity of nature which marks our apostate race, enter into all your discourses. Insist, at all times, on the necessity of conversion of heart, and of the renewing influences of the Holy Spirit. Honour the sacraments of the Church as the medium of Divine communication. Teach your people, that without "holiness" of heart and life no man shall see the Lord." Hold

up the Saviour to their view," as the way, and the truth, and the life;" as the "propitiation for the sins of the whole world" as the only door by which a fallen creature can enter into bliss. Proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God-the only begotten of the Father-the express image of his person -as God manifest in the flesh-God over all blessed for evermore.

In addition to a faithful exposition of the truth, see that your lives are conformed to the principles you deliver. "Adorn the Gospel of God your Saviour in all things." Be examples of holiness to the congregations over which you are placed. "Let that mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus."

My brethren of the Laity, permit me to recommend to your best attention, the pastors of your respective congregations. Strengthen their hands, I beseech you, in the discharge of their important duties. Encourage them in delivering the truths of the everlasting Gospel; defend them from the unkind attacks of unbelievers. Carry them in the arms of prayer to the throne of grace. Beseech the Almighty to endue them with his Holy Spirit, and to sustain them in their arduous work.

My beloved brethren! I bid you an affectionate adieu. I ask an interest in all your prayers. Pray for me, that I may continue faithful unto death, that God may give me the crown of eternal life.

After prayer, by the Bishop, the Convention adjourned sine die.

The following is appended to the Journal of the above Convention :

As some information respecting the Bishop's further progress through this diocess will no doubt be interesting to the members of the Church, it is here subjoined.

On Wednesday, April 24th, in St. John's Church, Fayetteville, the Rev. Mr. Hooper, Rector of that church, was admitted to the holy order of the Priesthood, and six persons were confirmed. At night, the Bishop preached to a very numerous assembly. On Sunday, April 28th, the Rev. Messrs. Green and Wright were admitted to the holy order of Priests, in St. James's Church, WilVOL. VI.

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THE Convention was composed of the Right Rev. Bishop White, seventeen Presbyters, three Deacons, and forty-one Lay Delegates, representing twenty-three congregations.

The Rev. Manning B. Roche was elected Secretary.

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Evidence having been given of the due organization and incorporation of St. Mark's Church, Mantua, the said church was received into union with the Convention.

The Convention having organized, agreeably to its standing regulations, on the first day, adjourned until the second, when Morning Prayer was conducted by the Rev. Charles M. Dupuy, Rector of St. Luke's Church, Germantown, and a sermon preached by the Rev. James Montgomery, Rector of St. Mark's Church, Mantua; after which, the Rev. William Thompson, Deacon, Minister of Trinity Church, Pittsburgh, was ordained to the holy order of Priests, and Mr. Richard U. Morgan was admitted to the holy order of Deacons.

Agreeably to the 45th Canon of the General Convention of 1808, the Right Rev. Bishop White delivered the following address:

Brethren, the Clergy, and Lay

Deputies of this Convention, In pursuance of the requisition of the. 45th Canon I make the following communication :

On Thursday, the 9th of August, I

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consecrated St. Mark's Church, in Mantua, in the neighbourhood of this city, and preached on the occasion.

On Sunday, the 12th of the same month, I preached and administered the communion in the church in the borough of Carlisle; and, on the next day, I preached and administered the rite of confirmation in the same church. On the 17th I preached and confirmed in the church in Huntington township, Adams county.

On the 19th I preached twice, and confirmed in St. John's Church, in York.

And, on the 21st, I preached and confirmed in St. James's Church, in the city of Lancaster.

On the 25th of September I preached and confirmed in John's Church, Norristown.

On the 26th of January I consecrated Trinity Church, in the district of Southwark; and, on the 29th of March, I preached and confirmed in the said church. The Rev. Manning B. Roche has been chosen its rector.

The number confirmed within the present year are 190; including those confirmed in the churches of which I am the rector: the dates therein being omitted, as in former years.

My ordinations are those of Joseph Jaquett, of Thomas H. Taylor; the fatter under letters demissory from Bishop Bowen; and of Peter Vanpelt, all, to the order of Deacons. And, this day, in your presence, I ordained William Thompson to the order of Priests, and Richard Umpstead Morgan to the order of Deacons.

Samuel Bowman has been admitted as a candidate for holy orders. There has been a transfer of Samuel Marks, a candidate, to the diocess of New-York.

In the course of the year, I have occasion to lament the decease of three of my reverend brethren of the Rev. Joseph Turner, whose exemplary life and conversation had so long endeared him to this diocess of the Rev. Slator Clay, whose zeal in his holy vocation must also have been known to most of those now present, and of the Rev. George Woodruff, whom I announced to the last Convention as a young clergyman settled in Carlisle, and officiat

ing in the church of Huntington, Adams county. He had given the most promising expectations of future usefulness; and was high in the esteem of the people among whom he ministered. They have felt deep sorrow, under the dispensation of Divine Providence, which has removed him from them.

The plate of the Rev. Slator Clay has been supplied by his worthy son, the Rev. Jehu C. Clay, who had settled in Maryland.

The rectorship of St. Mark's, in Mantua, has been filled by the Rev. James Montgomery.

The Rev. Benjamin Allen, formerly of Virginia, has been elected and settled as rector of St. Paul's Church, in this city.

The Rev. William Thompson, formerly a Deacon in the diocess of NewYork, and this day ordained to the Priesthood, has taken the charge of the church in Pittsburgh.

The Rev. William H. Delancey, formerly of the diocess of New-York, has been engaged for a limited time by the vestry of Christ Church, St. Peter's, and St. James's, in this city, to be especially assistant to their rector, in the pastoral duties of those churches.

The Rev. Bird Wilson, D. D. has accepted of the Professorship of Systematic Theology in the Theological Seminary of our Church, located in NewYork: and his expected usefulness in that station is some consolation to me under the loss of his talents, for a time at least, from this diocess.

The Rev. Peter Vanpelt, soon after his ordination, removed to South-Carolina.

The Rev. Dr. Joseph Hutchins, my friend from our boyhood, after having been some years absent in his native island of Barbadoes, has returned to reside in this city.

The Rev. Moses P. Bennet has been employed by the Society for the Ad vancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania, as a missionary in the western part of the state.

With peculiar satisfaction I announce to this Convention, that, at the General Convention, held in this city, in the last autumn, there was organized a Theological Seminary, by a combining of two

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