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themselves accommodated in splendid mansions, while the King of kings dwelt" within curtains." It was this feeling which prompted good king David to erect a suitable temple for the worship of the Supreme-which inspired his illustrious successor to "rise

and build."

"No reason can be assigned why churches, erected to the honour of God, should not exhibit the elegancies of architecture. God is the fountain of every thing great and noble. To him the cunning artificer owes his faculties of reason and contrivance, and the power of executing those noble edifices which excite in the mind of the beholder a sentiment of admiration at the labour, and grandeur, and genius they display. Let all the works of God, therefore, join in praising God. Let the faculties he has bestowed on man be employed in advancing the glory of his Maker. While we liberally expend time and means in the adornment of our private mansions, let a portion of our wealth be expended in adorning the Temple of the living God.

"Even in a temporal view, you have no reason to regret your religious undertaking. When this church, dedicated to the worship of the Redeemer, shall have been completed, it will constitute an additional ornament to a town already respectable. The appearances of a yet more flourishing and increasing community will soon present themselves in this place. The ark of God will be, as it were, in the midst of you to bless you-your children will arise and call you blessed. The memory of those who have come forth, and generously laid the foundation of this structure, will descend, with the most gratifying recollections, to posterity. Those who come after us will point out to the passing stranger the goodly edifices of this plain; and, 66 see what our fathers have done for us," will be the effusion of full and grateful bosoms. Through the blessing of God on your well directed zeal, many

souls will be saved from destructionas the fruits of your pious labours, many immortals will rejoice through a glorious eternity. These are the considerations which animate the good man's

heart-that nerve the arm employed in the cause of religion-that lighten the fatigues of labour, and cheer the hours of toil.

"May the blessing of heaven, then, rest on your efforts in the present undertaking. May you go on and prosper. May uninterrupted success minister to this your labour of love-your satisfaction will not be wanting on earth-your reward will not be want ing in heaven."

The Church in Virginia.

Ar an early period the Church of England was established by law. Notwithstanding the laudable efforts of the colonists to procure a succession of able and faithful men by the endowment of a college for their education in the country, most of the clergy were Europeans. Of these, some were men of high qualifications and most exemplary zeal, and others were mere adventurers, who sought admission into the Church as a decent way of making a living. Their unworthy conduct brought religion into contempt, and the Church into discredit. At the commencement of the revolution the establishment was overthrown. At this time there was in possession of the Church property to the value of nearly four hundred thou sand dollars, consisting of glebe lands and houses. In consequence of petitions presented from year to year to the Legislature by the Baptist Society, an act was passed, in 1802, authorizing the sale of this property. The money arising from this sale, which at times even included the sacramental vessels, was appropriated not to purposes of moral and intellectual improvement, but to the temporary diminution of the county and parish levies!

The present situation of the Church in Virginia, and her delightful prospects, are well known. May she soon gain, by purity and zeal, the ascendency which the secular arm once bestowed. I have before me a manuscript list of the parishes and incumbents in Virginia, in 1775, from which it appears there were, at that period, 95 parishes, 164 churches, and 91 clergymen.One parish (Amherst) contained five

churches; seven contained four; thirteen contained three; and eighteen contained two. The license of the Rev. Hanwick Dunbar, incumbent of St. Stephen's parish, in King and Queen county, was dated A. D. 1625. -Church Record.

Church Missionary Society. Statutes of the Bishop's College, at Calcutta.

THE Bishop of Calcutta has prepared a body of Statutes for the government of the College. They reached England in the autumn, and were sub mitted to the East-India Committee of the Society. After being well considered, at repeated meetings, by the Committee, the Statutes were presented to the Board in January last, and have been since transmitted to the Bishop, with an invitation to his Lordship to propose such further alterations as may seem to him expedient.

State and Prospects of the College. An abstract of the Society's report will show the present state of the College, and the plans in contemplation.

It is expected that the buildings will be finished at the conclusion of the present year; by which time, it is hoped, that the plans of the Society will be in active operation, by the admission of a certain number of Students, and the arrival in India of two English Missionaries, in conformity with the express wish of the Bishop.

Ten Theological Scholarships, and ten Lay Scholarships, have been found ed by the Society, for native or European youths educated in the principles of Christianity; and the sum of £1,000 per annum has been appropriated to this special purpose. The ordinary age of admission is fourteen.

The Society cannot fail to congratulate themselves, and the public, upon the prospect which has been opened to their views. Since the commencement of their operations in India, no one unfavourable circumstance has occasioned the slightest interruption to their undertaking on the contrary, the public authorities, and individuals of the Highest character and respectability,

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have united in offering those encouragements which will be most essential to its success.

To render the site of the College and its enclosure more complete, Charles Theophilus Metcalf, Esq. has transferred to the Society, in fee, a piece of ground adjoining to that which was originally granted by the supreme government; by which arrangement the institution will be furnished with every accommodation which its most zealous

supporters can desire.

The formation of a College Library has involved the Society in a heavy charge; and they feel disposed to invite their friends to contribute to this object, either by pecuniary donations, or presents of books.

Central Bible and Prayer Book
Society.

THE second anniversary of the Bible and Common Prayer Book Society of the central part of the state of NewYork, (heretofore known by the name of the Bible and Common Prayer Book Society of the Eastern Section of the Western District,) was celebrated at Christ Church, Cooperstown, on the 25th of September, 1822. Morning Prayer was conducted by the Rev. Lucius Smith, Rector of St. Peter's Church, Auburn; and a sermon adapted to the occasion delivered by the Rev. Henry Anthon, Rector of Trinity Church, Utica.

This society was formed at Manlius, in July, 1820. In consequence of the general distribution of the Bible by the laudable exertions of others, and the pressing demand for the Book of Common Prayer, the attention of the society, since its commencement, has been turned to the distribution of that invaluable manual of devotion. tween 6 and 700 copies have already been distributed.

Be

It must be gratifying to every friend of the Church to hear, that the zeal manifested by our friends in the county of Otsego equalled every expectation which had been raised regarding them. They came forward with a promptitude and engagedness worthy of all imitation. They contributed to the funds of the

society about $ 60; and it should be observed, that this sum was advanced by a few individuals. It is confidently believed that every Churchman in the county will become a member of the society. Although the operations of this institution have necessarily been limited, still we trust that they have been so far useful that we may safely rely upon the patronage of every friend of the Church, and that we hazard nothing in saying, that however humble in its beginning, it is destined, if properly supported, to extend its cheering and benign effects over every portion of the Church within the sphere of its influence.

The following persons were elected officers for the year ensuing :

The Hon. Morris S. Miller, Utica, President; the Rev. Lucius Smith, Auburn, 1st Vice-President; the Rev. Russell Wheeler, Butternuts, 2d VicePresident; the Hon. Nathan Williams, Utica, Treasurer; the Rev. Henry Anthon, Utica, Secretary.

Managers.-George B. Troup, Esq. Roderick Matson, Esq. Abraham Gridley, Esq. Cayuga; Jonas Earll, Esq. Azariah Smith, Esq. Nicholas P. Randall, Esq. Onondaga; the Hon. Thomas H. Hubbard, Leverett Baldwin, Hoffman, Madison; Montgomery Hunt, Esq. Henry Green, Esq. Elon Andrews, Oneida; General Jacob Morris, Ezra Williams, Esq. Levi Beardsly, Esq. Otsego; James Clapp, Esq. Thomas Kershaw, Esq. Noah Ely, Esq. Chenango; Charles W. Connor, Esq. Francis A. Bloodgood, Esq. Prescott, Esq. Tompkins.

The above counties at present comprise the association. Every person be coming a subscriber for $ 5, to be paid at the time of subscribing, or one dolFar, payable annually, shall be a member of this society. The payment of $5, or more, at the time of subscribing, shall constitute a person a member for life without further subscription.

On motion, it was resolved, before the society adjourned, that it be recommended to the members of the Episcopal Church, and such others as may feel disposed in the different coun

ties in union with this society, to form themselves into associations to promote its objects.

The next annual meeting of the association will be held at St. Paul's Church, Oxford, Chenango county, on the 4th Wednesday of September, at 10 o'clock A. M.

Memoir of the Rev. Walter Cranston.

In our number for August, page 255, we noticed the death of the Rev. Walter Cranston. The following memoir has since appeared in the Churchman's Magazine, and we readily transfer it to our pages:

"On the 28th of July last, the Rev. Walter Cranston, Rector of Christ Church, in Savannah, was taken by death from a sphere of extensive usefulness, which, for several years, he had worthily occupied. He was born the 12th of December, 1790, and became a member of the University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the age of 16. In what place the early years of his life were passed, the writer of this article is not informed. But that they were industriously and virtuously employed, there can be no doubt; for he appeared with an unblemished moral character, and with literary attainments considerably in advance of those required for admission into College.

"At this time he commenced a course of study, which he pursued for years with exact method, and with unabated industry. None of the exercises which belong to the course of studies adopted in his College were neglected by him; but he chiefly delighted in philological pursuits, and in these he principally excelled. He was esteemed highly respectable among his classmates for his attainments in every department of learning; but in Greek and Roman literature he bore away the palm from all his competitors. Nor was he surpassed by more than one of his associates in knowledge of the Hebrew. And being

second to this one could not beesteemed a mark of inferiority; for Samuel Harris had been drawn from the obscu rity of a mechanical employment, by the discovery of his wonderful attainments in Oriental learning, which, with

the ardour of a strong native genius for this pursuit, he had for years been secretly following as a relaxation from his ordinary labours. This extraordinary young man was assisted, in the means of obtaining a liberal education, by several public spirited gentlemen of the town of Boston, who had hoped that he would thus be enabled to become serviceable to the cause of learning in a department at that time not much cultivated. But this anticipation was soon disappointed; for he was suddenly removed from life, and his eulogium was eloquently spoken before a mourning University, by his friend Cranston, who could best appreciate his worth, as next to him best skilled in his peculiar studies. The subject of this article received his degree in 1810, with distinguished marks of approbation from the government of College. His views had for some time been directed towards the ministry; and he established himself at Cambridge, for the sake of enjoying the privileges which its extensive and valuable library affords. Young men designed for holy orders had not then the advantages of a theological school and learned professors, but were, in most instances, obliged to pursue their studies without the stimulus of companions, and without the security and benefits of a well informed guide. Mr. Cranston, how ever, needed these things less than most young men. His love of learning, and particularly of those studies which belong to his profession, was for him excitement sufficient to unceasing application, and his natural quickness of perception, and solidity of judgment, improved by the under-graduate course of College, were a security against his suffering much loss of time from ill directed efforts. After passing a year in this manner, he was elected to the office of Greek Tutor in the University. In this office he continued till the year 1814, discharging its duties with exemplary fidelity, and with that reputation, of which his eminent acquirements in Greek learning were a certain pledge. He now felt prepared to enter upon that profession to which he had devoted his life, and for usefulness in which he had for several years been VOL. VI.

preparing himself. He was ordained Deacon, in Bristol, Rhode-Island, by the Right Rev. Bishop Griswold, and immediately proceeded to Savannah, to the care of the church in which place he had been invited.

In the following year he made a visit to the eastern states, and received the holy order of Priests from the hands of Bishop Hobart, at New-Haven, Connecticut. So well pleased was he with the prospects of usefulness held out to him in Savannah, and so acceptable were his services there, that he immediately returned, and became Rector of the church in that place. Nor were the hopes of the minister, or the expectations of the people disappointed. That he was an acceptable minister, we are assured, by the increase of his congre gation, and by their attachment to him -that he was a profitable minister, was evinced by the constantly growing attention to religion in his parish, and by the additions to the number of his communicants. Without exaggerating his praise, it may be said of him, that "he was faithful unto death;" for in that season, when the yellow fever prevailed at Savannah so long, and with such fatal consequences, he remained in the city, constantly exposed to the infection, and constantly enduring fatigue, from which, the incessant calls to visit the sick, and to bury the dead, hardly afforded him the hours of night to recruit himself. Being the only clergyman who remained in the city during that sickly season, he became, as it were, the parish minister of all the inhabitants. His services were requested by all denominations, and he cheerfully gave them to all without discrimination. Such courageous and disinterested attention during the prevalence of this heavy calamity, called forth the gratitude and the affection of many towards Mr. Cranston, who had before only respected him for his learning, and for his agreeable qualifications as a preacher. He now became as much esteemed throughout the city, as before he had been in his own congregation; and it is not among his parishioners alone that tears will be shed at the news of his early and unexpected death. He escaped unharmed from the fever of 1820; 47

and, perhaps, rendered confident by this exemption, he thought his constitution proof against the influence of a southern climate, and continued to discharge

Catholic Church; in the confidence of a certain faith; in the comfort of a reas sonable, religious, and holy hope; in favour with God; and in perfect charity with the world.” In the contemplation of his fine natural abilities, the valuable stores of learning he had accumulated, the untired zeal with which he applied himself to the sacred duties of his profession, and the short period of his continuance among us, we may lament; but not for him. Ere now, he has proved, we trust, what Paul declared of himself, that to "depart, and be with Christ, is far better." How forcibly must it occur to the friends who loved him, and to the parishioners who now lament his loss, that "we have this treasure in earthen vessels!"

From the Gospel Advocate, for Nov. 1822.

Convention of Vermont.

our readers, an abstract of the Journals We present, with great pleasure, to of Vermont, for the years 1820, 1821, and 1822. This, if we mistake not, is the first printed Journal of any of the Conventions of the states which compose the Eastern Diocess. Though small and humble in its appearance, it

his duties in the warm months of the ensuing years, with too fatal a con stancy. In this year, however, the debilitating effects of the climate became alarmingly visible. His friends urged him to seek a restoration to health under the bracing influence of a northern sky. But it was not until he had se veral times fainted during the performance of the services of the Church, and became entirely unable to continue them, that he could be induced to adopt their advice. When he could no longer pray with his people, or give them public religious instruction, then he consented to a temporary absence, as the only means of enabling him again to pursue those avocations, which were at once the all-important duties, and the chief pleasures of his life. He delayed, alas! too long-his constitution was enfeebled beyond the power of restora tion. With slow, and frequently interrupted advances, he reached Middle town, where resided his only surviving relatives. Here the principle of life, which had for some time been a feeble and uncertain flame, declined into a single spark; and, in a few days, was extinguished, because it had not strength to take hold of the fuel with which the friendly skill of the physician, and the anxious care of relations vainly sought to revive it. For several years a teacher, and a successful teacher of the religion of the blessed Jesus, he well knew where alone he could find comfort in sickness, and support in death. He was, there fore, entirely resigned, both during his sickness, and in his death. Although the call was early, and his temporal prospects were unclouded, and he had every reason, if his health was restored, to look forward to many years of hap-ed at a previous meeting; and all clerpiness, yet his conduct never expressed other than the most entire accordance of heart to the language, "Father, not my will, but thine be done." We have every reason to believe, and to trust, "that having served God in his generation, he is now gathered unto his fathers, having the testimony of a good conscience; in the communion of the

is not more so than were the first Jour nals of those Churches which now anIt is a good example, and we hope it nually exhibit reports of 40 or 50 pages. will be followed. We insert the Constitution of the Church in Vermont, as revised and adopted at the Convention

in 1820:

Constitution.

I. The various churches in Vermont shall be considered as united in one Convention, in subordination to the General Convention of the United States.

II. The said Convention shall meet annually, on the fourth Wednesday in June, at such place as shall be appoint

gymen of the Protestant Episcopal Church, residing in this state, shall be entitled to seats in Convention; and lay delegates, from the several churches in this state, shall be entitled to seats in the said Convention, in the following proportion, to wit: each church shall have the privilege of sending at least one member; if it consists of ten o

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