It also appears from the Treasurer's accounts, that the receipts into the Episcopal fund, for the last year, from collections and interest, were $634 63

tents.

Abstract of the Proceedings of a Convention of the Diocess of Maryland, held in St. John's Church, in the City of Washington, on the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th days of June, 1822. THE Convention was composed of the Right Rev. Bishop Kemp, twentyfour Presbyters, ten Deacons, and thirty-four Lay Delegates, representing that number of parishes.

It was opened with Morning Prayer, conducted by the Rev. Henry M. Shaw, Rector of Queen Anne, Prince George's; a sermon by the Rev. John V. Bartow, Rector of Trinity Church, Baltimore; and the administration of the holy communion by the Bishop.

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

My Reverend Brethren of the Clergy,

and Gentlemen of the Laity,

Since the last Convention, I have ordained the Rev. Mr. Pilmore a Deacon, and the Rev. Mr. Jackson, and the Rev. Mr. Ethan Allen, Priests. I have held five confirmations, at which about ninety persons have been confirmed.

My course of visitation was interrupted, last autumn, by a special meeting of the General Convention; and, this spring, I was obliged to relinquish some visitations which I had planned, on account of the departure of Dr. Wyatt to Europe, with a view to recover his health.

During the last year, the following changes have taken place among the clergy:The Rev. Mr. Clay has left Hagerstown, and settled in the diocess of Pennsylvania; the Rev. Mr. Williston has removed from Upper Marlborough to Wilmington, in Delaware; the Rev. Mr. Bowden has left his parish in Charles county, and settled in the District of Columbia; and the Rev. Spencer Wall has removed from this diocess,

and settled in the diocess of Ohio. The Rev. Mr. Pilmore has gone to Natchez, in the state of Missisippi, where they are about to build him a church. The Rev. William Armstrong has returned from England, and been elected minister of St. Peter's, and Zion, in Montgomery. The Rev. Daniel Somers, from the diocess of Connecticut, has been chosen rector of Trinity Church, Upper Marlborough. The Rev. John. L. Bryan, from the diocess of Virginia, has been admitted into St. Mark's parish, Frederick county. The Rev. Richard H. B. Mitchell, from the diocess of Virginia, has settled in King and Queen parish, St. Mary's county.

A more awful change than any of the former has also taken place in this diocess during last year. The Rev. John Weems, for many years a respectable clergyman in this diocess, and rector of Port-Tobacco, in Charles county, has terminated his ministry here on earth, and passed into that state where he must yield an account of his stewardship.

And, moreover, during last year, an ed with regard to our Theological Seimportant arrangement has been effectminary. Inasmuch as a large legacy was left to this institution, provided it was located in the state of NewYork, it became an interesting consideration whether it would be advisable to remove the General Seminary from New-Haven, with a view to secure this legacy, or to allow it to go to a diocesan school. That this question might be brought fairly before the Church, a special Convention was called; and I have great joy in saying, that the ob ject was effected in a manner, and with a spirit that produced feelings which could only find utterance in an hymn of praise to God.

The General Theological Seminary of our Church is now fixed in the city of New-York, but the trustees have the power, from time to time, to esta blish one or more branch schools in the state of New-York, or elsewhere, to be under the superintendence and control of said trustees. This seminary is now in operation, and a branch is established at Geneva.

The city of New-York certainly

yields great advantages as to the auxiliary parts of education: for, while our students are pursuing their theological course, they may, at the same time, attend lectures upon various branches, in aid of the great object of their studies. And although the expense of living in that city may be considerable, yet, we trust, that young gentlemen, whose minds will rise above all considerations, for the glorious work of promoting the salvation of souls, will devote themselves to the ministry, who can well afford to finish their studies at that institution.

Geneva is situated in a healthy and populous country, where living is exceedingly cheap. The description of population in that country, and its vicinity to the states of Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, yield ground to believe that a large number of divines will be educated there, to fill bur immense western country with clergymen. Besides, we trust that every diocess will produce its due portion of young men anxious to devote themselves to the ministry of the Gospel, who may, under private clergymen, acquire the elementary parts of theological learning, so as to need but little time to finish their studies at the seminary. Nay, in this diocess, we are in a fair way to afford, in the city of Baltimore, the means of acquiring a very complete education to young men intended for the ministry. We have a large and increasing public library, besides the private libraries of the clergy-we have a flourishing and highly distinguished university: and although the medical department be the principal one now in operation, still we have professors of other branches of science. The professor of theology, the Rev. Dr. Wyatt, delivered a course of lectures the winter before last, which were well received, and he would have continued his labours the last winter, had not his health failed. Besides, young men, while they are preparing for the ministry, may support themselves by teaching in sonie of the academies, or in private families. This is the case with some of our students at the present time.

My reverend brethren, when I look back to the depressed state of the VOL. VI.

Church at the time I entered the holy ministry, and contrast that state with the present appearances, my heart expands with joy; and I am completely confirmed in the belief, that to extend the limits and the influence of this truly apostolic Church, nothing is wanting but a sufficient supply of well educated, faithful, and pious ministers.

But, gentlemen of the Laity, there is one point to which I must take the liberty to turn your attention in a particular manner. It is really a fact, however much to be lamented, that some most valuable clergymen have been compelled to leave this diocess for want of support. In so abundant a country as we inhabit, this is a most appalling circumstance: and we confidently hope that God, who bestows his blessings in such profusion upon our happy land, will inspire the hearts of his people with dispositions to grant an adequate portion of his good bounty to support the ministers of his holy Gospel. The Church, by no means, wishes to accumulate wealth. All she wants, and all she looks for, is a comfortable support for those who have relinquished the pursuits of this world, and devoted themselves to the service of the altar.

On this ground I should tread with diffidence, were it not that I find myself strongly supported by holy writ. "Who," says St. Paul, "goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? Or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things, live of the things of the temple? And they which wait at the altar, are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they which preach the Gospel should live by the Gospel." It is not then a mere matter of discretion, or a proof of liberality, to bestow part of our living for the support of religion, but it is a positive duty; and although the measure of this support be not limited under the Gospel, still the injunction is no less imperative than it was under the law. And there is one way in which

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much may be done by the members of the Church in country parishes to support the clergy, and that too in a way that would hardly be felt: I mean, to bestow upon their ministers a portion of the provisions which in general are so plentifully laid in for their own families. Such a practice would not only maintain the most affectionate intercourse between a pastor and his flock, but even yield a source of delight to every pious heart.

When a farmer, or a planter, or any other description of person, sit down to their plentiful meals, if they can reflect, that part has been bestowed upon him who is watching over their spiritual concerns, and that he and his little family are enjoying a share of the bountiful provisions of a kind Providence; if, on the Lord's Day, the venerable man advances to his holy duties, surrounded by his family, to all appearance comfortably clothed, and comfortably fed, this will surely yield high gratification to all his flock.

But, on the other hand, if, while they enjoy plenty, and, perhaps, more than plenty, the thought should intrude upon them, that the family of their minister have neither bread to eat, or raiment to wear, and still, with a depressed heart, and excruciating feelings, as to his own family, he administers to them the bread of life, and every essential comfort, surely they can no longer resist such calls.

It may, perhaps, be said, that these are things which do not come within the sphere of my duty, particularly at such meetings as the present. I humbly think otherwise. And there is no part of my duty that I perform with more confidence in the purity of my motives, or with more sanguine hope of success, than that which I have now discharged. And my calculations, with regard to the character of the Laity of the Church of Maryland, have been all false, and my observations ill founded, if any thing more be necessary, to induce them to begin and persevere in such a practice, than the intimation now given.

While no one can more cordially disapprove of beggarly and murmuring clergymen than I do, few things could

gratify me so much as to see all the clergy of my diocess in ease and comfort, devolving their whole attention to their holy calling. Then would our Church rise to the station which she deserves to hold in the Christian world, and, like a light suspended under the canopy of heaven, extend her rays over the whole earth.

William Hewitt, Esq. was elected Secretary, and the Rev. Stephen H. Tyng appointed Assistant Secretary.

Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Convention be returned to the Rev. Mr. Bartow, for the very excellent discourse delivered by him at the opening of the Convention.

The following gentlemen were elected the Standing Committee for the ensuing year: The Rev. William Hawley, the Rev. John P. K. Henshaw, the Rev. Joseph R. Walker, the Rev. Williani Wickes, the Rev. John Johns, the Rev. Henry L. Davis, D. D. and the Rev. William Ninde.

The following gentlemen were elected Delegates to the General Convention : -The Rev. John P. K. Henshaw, the Rev. John Johns, the Rev. William Wickes, the Rev. George Weller, John C. Herbert, Francis S. Key, Tench Tilghman, and John Goldsborough.

On motion, ordered, That the next Convention be held in St. Paul's Church, in Baltimore.

Resolved, That this Convention highly approves the efforts now making by the American Colonization Society to remove and settle, upon the coast of Africa, such of the free people of colour of this country as shall be willing to remove thither, and considering such a measure highly conducive to the general diffusion of the blessings of Christianity, earnestly recommend it to the favourable consideration of the menbers of this Church, and the Christian community.

Mr. Claphan was elected Treasurer.

The Rev. Mr. Henshaw, from the Committee appointed on the subject of the Missionary Society, made the following report, which was adopted:—

The Committee appointed on the subject of the Missionary Society, re

commend to the Convention the adoption of the following resolution :—

Resolved, That it is expedient to establish a Diocesan Missionary Society for the State of Maryland, auxiliary to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. And the Committee beg leave further to recommend, that the following Constitution be adopted for the government of the contemplated society:

ARTICLE 1.-This institution shall be denominated the Missionary Society of the Diocess of Maryland, auxiliary to the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. ART. 2.-The object of the Society is to support and employ missionaries, to supply with Christian ordinances such places within the diocess as may be destitute of a regular ministry. If there are any surplus funds after this object has been attained, they shall be transmitted to the parent society.

ART. 3.—This society shall be com posed of all such persons as shall contribute, by subscription, two dollars, or more, annually, to the objects of the institution; and of such as shall contribute at once twenty dollars, which last contribution shall constitute them members for life. Members who pay fifty dollars at any one time shall be denominated patrons of the society.

ART. 4. The society shall meet annually, at the place in which the State Convention shall hold its session, at five o'clock P. M. of the first day of the session. A sermon shall be preached, and a collection made, in aid of the funds of the society, at such time and place, during the session of the Convention, as may be determined on at the annual meeting; the preacher to be appointed by the managers.

ART. 5.-The Bishop of the diocess shall be, ex officio, president of the society. There shall be two vice-presidents, twelve managers, a recording secretary, a corresponding secretary, and a treasurer, who shall be chosen, by ballot, at each annual meeting.

ART. 6. The managers, together with the president, vice-presidents, sepretaries, treasurer, and patrons of the

society, who shall be, ex officio, managers, shall compose a body, to be denominated the board of managers of the Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Maryland. They shall meet semi-annually in the city of Baltimore; five members shall constitute a quorum. Special meetings of the board may be held by the president, at any place which he may appoint, and this board shall have power to fill any vacancies which may occur in their own body.

ART. 7.-The treasurer shall receive all.contributions which shall be made to the society, and present a statement of his accounts annually, or oftener if required, to the managers. He shall not pay moneys unless on an order from the board, signed by the president, or, in his absence, by the senior vice-president, who may attend the meeting, when such order is given.

ART. 8. The appointment of the missionaries shall rest with the board of managers. They shall act under their direction, so far as is consistent with the Canons of the Church, and shall render to them a report of their proceedings, which report, if approved of by the board, shall be presented to the society.

ART. 9.-The present Convention shall elect, by ballot, the two vice-presidents, twelve managers, the secretaries, and treasurer, provided for by the fifth article, to act till the first stated meeting of the society; and the first meeting of the board of managers shall take place at Washington, District of Columbia, on the 8th of June, 1822.

ART. 10. It is recommended to every member of the society, to pray to Almighty God for his blessing upon its designs, under the full conviction, that unless he directs us in all our doings, with his most gracious favour, and further us with his continual help, we cannot reasonably hope, either to procure suitable persons to act as missionaries, or expect that their endeavours will be successful.

Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended by this Convention to the clergymen and vestries of this diocess, to exert themselves in the collection of

annual subscriptions, and other funds, for the uses of the Missionary Society established by this Convention.

The committee appointed to examine the accounts of the treasurer and secretary, made the following report, which was accepted :—

The committee on the treasurer's accounts report, that they have examined the same, and find them in all respects correct. The following abstract exhibits the present state of the funds belonging to the Convention :Episcopal Fund, including interest up to this day, $795 22 Deputies' Fund, 541 96

On motion, by Mr. Herbert, it was resolved, that the secretary of this Convention be instructed to address a letter to the vestry of every parish in the diocess, urging the necessity of punctuality in paying their annual contributions, which must be transmitted by the hands of the rector, or lay delegate, accompanied by an account of balances due from each delinquent congregation.

The following preamble and resolutions were adopted :

Whereas the calls of the Church in this section of the country for ministers rightly qualified to divide the word of truth are loud and frequent, and are daily becoming more urgent and imperious; and, since it is desirable to furnish every facility to those who are solicitous of being duly prepared for the bigh and responsible office of the Gospel ministry, and the experience of the Church of Christ has borne the most ample testimony to the admirable tendency of well regulated theological schools to promote this object; there fore

Resolved, by the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocess of Maryland, That it is now expedient, in reliance on the blessing of God for success, to establish a Local Theological Seminary.

2. And be it further resolved, That a committee consisting of five members, three of whom shall be of the clergy, and the rest of the laity, be elected, by ballot, to report to this Convention a Constitution for the government of said seminary.

The following gentlemen were ap pointed to be nominated to the Generat Convention as Trustees of the General Theological Seminary from the Diocess

of Maryland:-The Rev. William E. Wyatt, D. D. the Rev. John P. K. Henshaw, the Rev. John Johns, and Nicholas Brice, John C. Herbert, Tench Tilghman, and John B. Eccleston, Esqrs.

The parochial reports made to the Bishop, and entered on the Journal, agreeably to the Canons, present the following aggregate:-Baptisms (adults 5, children 18, not specified 950) 973 -marriages 283-funerals 449-communicants 1795.

The following is the conclusion of the report of the committee on the state of the Church, which was accepted :

"They recommend that the Bishop be respectfully requested to address a pastoral letter to the people of the diocess, exhorting them to maintain daily worship in their families.

"They also recommend that the following form of proceeding to the business of each Convention be adopted— That as soon as the president takes the chair, the names of the clergy and laity be called over, and the following standing committees be appointed: one of elections and the qualifications of members; one on the state of the Church; one on accounts: after which the report of the Diocesan shall be made, and the parochial reports read. And the president is authorized and required to direct the execution of this form, without motion or suggestion of any members.

"The committee concur in lamenting the manner in which the parochial reports are at present made: such is their conciseness, that they are confined