ments may be considered as forming the immediate link and nearest points of approximation between two widely differing churches; and may furnish, both in their excellencies and faults, not a few useful hints to the members of both.-Christ. Observ. DIOCESS OF NEW-JERSEY. ADDRESS of the Right Rev. Bishop CROES, to the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of New-Jersey, August 20, 1817. My Brethren of the Clergy and Laity, IT is made my duty, by the fortyfifth Canon of the Church in the United States, to deliver, at every annual Convention, an address to you, on the affairs of the Diocess, since the preceding meeting. This duty, with Divine permission, I shall perform. It cannot, however be expected, that, in the details of a Diocess, composed of so few churches, and containing still fewer ministers, matters calculated to excite much interest can be presented. It ought to be satisfactory, if, in the view given of it, no declension of its former progress appears; if, on the contrary, that progress has not only been continual; but, in some degree, increased. That this is believed to be the case, the statement to be presented to you, it is hoped, will justify. It was my intention, as stated in my former address, to visit, during the, then approaching, month of September, the long vacant churches in the county of Sussex. To render the visit as useful as possible, I had invited the Rev. Mr. Bayard to accompany me. Preparations were indeed made, and the journey actually commenced; but, in consequence of the severe and long protracted storm in that month, the undertaking was relinquished for the time. In the month of October, I visited St. Andrew's Church, Mount-Holly; and admitted to the Holy Order of Priests, the Rev. George Youngs Morehouse. In November, Mr. Francis H. Cuming was admitted a Candidate for Holly Orders, and licensed as a Lay Reader. In December I held a Confirmation in Christ Church, New-Brunswick; on which occasion that holy rite was administered to forty-seven persons. Mr. Thomas Osborn, a Candidate for Holy Orders, in the Diocess of New-York, was licensed, in the month of January, 1817, to officiate, as a Lay Reader, in St. Matthew's Church, City of Jersey. In the month of May, I visited Trinity Church, at Newark, administered Confirmation to thirty-seven persons,and preached in the afternoon. Immediately after the sitting of the General Convention, I visited, and officiated at, the Churches in the southern part of the Diocess, in the following order: St. Stephen's Mullica's Hill, on Thursday the 5th of June; St. Thomas's Glassborough, on Friday the 6th; Trinity, Swedesborough, on Saturday the 7th, and on Sunday the Sth; St. John's, Salem, on Wednesday the 11th; St.George's, Penns-Neck, and Trinity, Swedesborough, on Thursday the 12th; St. Pe ter's, Berkeley, on Friday the 13th; St. Andrew's, Mount-Holly, twice on Sunday the 15th; St. Mary's, Colestown, on Monday the 16th; St. Mary's, Burlington, on Tuesday the 17th; and St. Michael's, Trenton, on Wednesday the 18th. During this visit, I admitted, on Sunday the 8th of June, in TrinityChurch, Swedesborough, Mr. Samuel Creighton Stratton, of that place, to the Holy Order of Deacons. In the months of May and June, I visited, and officiated at, St. Peter's Church, Spotswood, three times ; and, on the last occasion, I administered Confirmation to thirty-seven persons. The following day, I visited Christ Church, Shrewsbury. I visited also, St. Peter's Church, Perth-Amboy, on Sunday the 6th of July, and officiated twice in that congregation. Immediately after my return, I set out, accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Bayard, to make my long delayed visit to the vacant churches in the county of Sussex, We arrived at the congregation of St. James's Church, Knowlton, on Tuesday the 8th of July, and continued there performing Divine Service, and preaching in the Church, every day, for the space of a week. On the Lord's day, which occurred in the time, I preached twice, to a crowded audience, administered the communion to eighteen persons, and baptized seventeen children. On the succeeding Tuesday, I administered Confirmation to seventeen persons. During part of this time, Mr. Bayard was absent, preaching at Belvidere and Hope, two villages at the extreme bounds of this congregation; and, on the Sunday that intervened, in the congregations of Christ Church, Newton, and Christ Church, Johnsonburgh. On the afternoon of Tuesday, the 15th of July, we left St. James's, Knowlton, and Mr. Bayard returned home. I continued in the vicinity, and on Thursday officiated at the village of Hope, and on Friday in the congregation of Christ Church, Johnsonburgh. On the Sunday succeeding, I officiated twice, to considerable assemblies, in the Courtroom, at Newton, the congregation of Christ Church in that place being destitute of a house of worship. During this visit, the sacrament of baptism was administered to thirty-six adults and children. On Sunday, the 3d of the present month, I visited St. John's Church, at Elizabeth-Town; and, though it was not my intention to hold a Confirmation at that time, as one had so recently taken place; yet, in consideration of a particular request, in a case, in which some young persons were about to remove to a situation in which they might never have an opportunity of enjoying that Holy Rite, I consented to administer it, to as many as might offer. The number confirmed, on the occasion, was ten. I also performed Divine Service and preached, in the afternoon of that day. On my return from ElizabethTown, I commenced a visit to the Churches in the northern part of Hunterdon county, and, on Thursday the 7th inst. I officiated at the house of Mr. Robert Sharp, of the congregation of St. Andrew's, Amwell. On the Sunday succeeding, I performed Divine Service, and preached to a numerous assembly, in St. Thomas's Church, Alexandria; and, in the afternoon of the same day, to a large congregation at Mr. Robert Sharp's, before mentioned. St. Thomas's Church is almost in ruins; but there is reason to believe, that the congregation, though very much reduced, will shortly make a successful effort to rescue it from total destruction. In the course of these visitations, I have generally witnessed, and with great satisfaction, a growing attachment to our apostolic Church, a zeal for its prosperity, and a manifestation of gratitude;-in some instances indeed, especially in vacant Churches,-a high degree of joy, on account of the interest taken in their spiritual welfare, and the opportunity afforded them of participating in the rational and primitive services of the Sanctuary. It is to be lamented, that So many Churches in the Diocess still continue vacant; it is an evil, however, though capable of considerable mitigation, which cannot, for a long time, be completely remedied. Some of the churches now vacant, are situated so contiguous to each other, that they may, by uniting, afford support to ministers. This, I trust, will be the case shortly with those thus favourably circumstanced. Several, however, will remain, which, for some years, at least, must depend, for the ministration of the word and ordinances, principally upon the clergymen who shall be provided and supported by the Directors of the Missionary Fund. Although this fund has increased to an amount, greater than could have been contemplated, at the time of its institution; yet, that it may have full and permanent effect, it is greatly to be. desired, that it should progress, till the interest, in connexion with the annual collections, amounts to a sum sufficient to remunerate a Missionary for the whole of his time. Experience has shown, that it is difficult to procure a clergyman to serve in this important office, on any terms, short of this. I take the occasion, there fore, to urge upon you, my brethren, both of the clergy and laity, a due attention to this subject. We have already under the smiles of Divine Providence, done much. A continuance of the same zeal, of the same affectionate concern for the spiritual interests of the scattered sheep of our Flock, destitute of shepherds; and an increased punctuality in making the collections, will, with the blessings of the same beneficent Providence, in a short time, enable us not only to preserve, and finally render permanent, the churches still vacant; but to increase the number, by the organization of new congregations. Some good examples, on this subject, I am happy to say, have lately been given. The congregation of Trinity Church, Newark, and a new Church, recently organized, at Paterson, have established Missionary Societies, in aid of the Fund. Among the causes of mutual congratulation, on account of the improving state of our church, it is not one of the least, that Sunday Schools have much increased, in this Diocess, during the past year; and, what adds to their value, is, that the time spent in them is devoted to religious instruction, as well as to instruction in reading, &c. It is desirable, on this account, that they should be, as they generally are, confined to our own Society. Sunday Schools, composed of different religious denominations, preclude, in a considerable degree, religious instruction, or occasion jea lousies and discontents. Among the number established, one, at least, perhaps more, has been organized in a vacant church. May the laudable example be followed. It cannot have escaped the notice of any one; nor ought I to omit mentioning it, to their praise, that the Church is principally indebted, under Goo, for these excellent nuseries of our communion, and of candidates for heaven, to her pious and benevolent female members. They have certainly, in this Diocess, taken the lead in this praise-worthy institution, this labour of love, and their reward will be certain. The Episcopal Society, for the promotion of Christian Knowledge and Piety, in this Diocess, has not relaxed in its exertions to promote the objects of its institution. It has appropriated, for the present year, $163 for purchasing Bibles, Prayer-Books, and Tracts, to be gratuitously distributed, &c. and its permanent fund, amounts now to nearly $600. It adds not a little to the satisfaction derived from its prosperity, that several of the female members of Christ Church, Shrewsbury, and Christ Church, Middletown, have lately associated, under the name of The Female Episcopal Society of Shrewsbury and Middletown, for the promotion of Christian Knowledge and Piety, as auxiliary to the Parent Society. There is, at present, but one Candidate for Holy Orders in the Diocess, though others are preparing for admission. Since the meeting of the last annual Convention, the Rev. George Y. Morehouse has been instituted Rector of St. Andrew's Church, MountHolly. The Rev. Edmund D. Barry, late of the Diocess of New-York, who officiated in St. Matthew's Church, Jersey, has, in consequence of his removing to the Diocess of Maryland, resigned his charge of that Church. The Rev. James Montgomery, lately a Deacon in the Diocess of Pennsylvania, has removed into this Diocess; and, it is with great satisfaction, I communicate it, has accepted of an invitation to be their minister, from the long vacant congregation of St. Michael's Church at Tren ton. The Rev. Samuel C. Stratton, lately ordained a Deacon, has been appointed a Missionary to the vacant Churches in this Diocess, and has already commenced his labours. A new church has been instituted in the town of Paterson. The number of persons confirmed, since the last Convention, is one hundred and forty-nine. I cannot close this address, without recalling to your recollection, and participating with you, in the pleasure it affords, the flourishing and progressive state of our Church, at large, as was manifested at the late interesting General Convention, not only by the favourable reports presented from every quarter; but also, by the numbers, zeal, and respectability, both of the clergy and laity, who assembled on that occasion. In addition to these circumstances, so propitious, provision was made, by that respecta ble body, for carrying into effect two objects of vital importance to the further prosperity and extension of our communion: the establishment of a General Theological Seminary for the due instruction of Candidates for the ministry; and the extension of the benefits of the Episcopal office, to the States and Territories, west of the Alleghany Mountains. These, under the Divine Auspices, cannot fail to promote the cause of our Blessed Lord and Master; and not only bring into the great Fold, the now scattered and wandering sheep of our Flock; but also increase their number. Let us, my brethren, further these great objects, by all the means in our power, remembering, at the same time, that, if we hope to succeed, we must constantly look up to the Fountain of all good, for a blessing upon our endeavours. Thus doing, and conform ing ourselves to the Divine Will in other respects, the issue will not be doubtful. tion of seeing him in his usual health, and enjoying the pleasure of his society. Let it admonish us of the uncertainty of life, and of the necessity of being always ready to render an account of our stewardship. JOHN CROES. Burlington, August 20, 1817. From the Evening Post. COMMUNICATION, Theological School-It must be gratify. ing to all who cherish an interest in the improvement of the character and condition of society in this country, to find that measures have been taken, in the Protestant Episcopal Church, for the establishment of a school of divinity, on the most respectable scale, that contributions to be solicited of its members, in all parts of the United States, will admit. have a tendency to strengthen and elevate Institutions of this nature, while they the character of the Churches, whose interests (and in them the best interests of men) they are intended more immediately to subserve, must, at the same time, society, which consists in the advancegreatly conduce to the obvious good of ment among us of good scholarship, and the increase of the number of enlightened and accomplished professional men. Episcopalians, who from other circumIt is most devoutly to be hoped, that stances than such as imply any fault of character, have hitherto not been on a footing with some other denominations, in advantages of education for the ministry, will not be found wanting in the liof this most important design. We should berality necessary to the accomplishment deprecate its failure, as indicative of a lamentable deficiency among them—of a proper sensibility to the honour and interest of their denomination. The ability But while we are thus felicitating adequate to its happiest success, they unourselves on this prosperous, this doubtedly have; and though there may flattering condition of our Church, not be among them those who, like indican I omit noticing the deeply afflict-vidual benefactors to a similar institution ing event, which has just reached our in New-England, could give to it 100,000 dollars, 30,000 or 15,000, yet, if the spiears; an event that cannot fail to repress the joy which this bright pros- tively, to do much. May they do it! must rit be not wanting, they are able, collecpect had so recently enkindled. Gop, be the hearty wish of every friend of remy brethren, has been pleased, in ligion and of society. his infinite wisdom, to remove from the Church in South-Carolina, her respectable and worthy Head. Bishop Dehon has ceased to be an inhabitant of this vale of tears. It adds not a little to the grief, which feel, on this mournful occasion, that so short a space has elapsed since we had the opportunity and satisfac many It is understood that the prospect of the subscription recently begun, is by no means discouraging. In this city liberal subscribers have been found, and in some places of the interior; and particularly at the city of Troy, the subject has been treated in a manner which, while it does of us honour to individuals, gives evidence of a sound and healthy state of religious society. A LAY EPISCOPALIAN. . To the Editor of the Christian Journal. THE honourable mention made in a communication which appeared in the Evening Post, of the liberal attention given by the members of our Church at Troy, to the claims of the Theological Seminary, is certainly justified by the fact. It is at the same time proper that it should be understood, that in other places where the congregations are smaller, and the persons fewer who might be expected to contribute to such an object, there has been no deficiency of a becom ing interest in it. Much, in proportion to ability, has been done at Utica and Geneva; and there is no reason yet to apprehend that, in any place where ap plication has been made in behalf of this great and excellent design, it will not meet with an equally worthy attention. DUTCHESS COUNTY AUXILIARY BIBLE AND COMMON PRATER BOOK SOCIETY. The Annual Election for the choice of officers of the Dutchess County Auxiliary Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, was recently holden in the Episcopal Church, in the village of Poughkeepsie, when the following gentlemen were chosen, viz. Doctor Samuel Bard, President; Hon. James Emott, Hon. Daniel C. Verplank, Vice Pesidents; David Brooks, John Johnston, Paraclete Potter, Daniel Hebard, Philo Ruggles, Thomas Brownjohn, Thomas L. Davies, Managers; William Davies, Treasurer; Thomas J. Oakley, Secretary. The following is an extract from the report of the Board of Managers to the Society. "The managers of the Dutchess County Auxiliary Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, rejoice in being able to state to the Society, that their success has surpassed their most sanguine expectations-That although their number be small, consisting almost exclusively of Episcopalians in the village of Poughkeep sie, they have been able to distribute gratuitously in 18 months, about one hundred copies of the Holy Bible, and as many more of their excellent manual of devotion, the Common Prayer. A view of the situation and prospects of the Society, induce the hope that they may do something more for the future. The funds are gradually accumulating, and the managers fondly cherish the hope, that they will ere long be such as to enable the Society to extend its benefits beyond the district to which they have heretofore been confin ed. While Christians in every quarter of the world are emulous in carrying to the destitute, the "word of life," and while Societies in almost every district of our country, by vieing with each other in the blessed work, afford us the most pleas ing examples, the managers deem it need less to say any thing to a body of Christians who have every opportunity to "take the good word of God," to stimulate them to zeal in so high and Faudable an undertaking. They trust that the members of their Society, praying for the success of every establishment which has for its object the distribution of the Bible, will endeavour to make their institution respectable, by making it useful to their fellow men. The first object of the Society is to supply, as far as practicable, every person within the county, who cannot conveniently supply himself, with at least a copy of the Scriptures, and all such as shall wish it, with a copy of the Common Prayer. This, although a local, is by no means a limited object. When it is considered how great the population of this county is, how important it is that every indivi dual should have a Bible of his own, and how many families there are who can ill afford to purchase one copy of the Holy Scriptures, much less one for each of their members, the object is magnified in already done, is but a beginning of the good work; and that to complete the be nevolent design, will require the industry, the liberality, and united exertions of all the members of the Society. In our undertaking we are secure of at least the good wishes, of all good men. For no one who has the honour of Religion, and the greatest good of man in view, can forbear saying, to a body of men, who have associated, for the gratuitous distribution of the uncommented Scriptures, "God speed." our view, and shows us that what has been The principles on which our Society is organized, cannot be exceptionable to any individual, in as much as there must be some plan in every such institution, and surely a system of operations adopted by Episcopalians may be presumed to be consistant with and according to the distinctive principles and characteristics of their church. Since our labours have been crowned with success, relying on the God of all goodness, let us persevere, under the full assurance, that he will bless the measures adopted for the distribution of his word, and the word itself to the salvation of the souls of men." IN conformity with the 38th Canon of the General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, empowering the Bishop of each diocess to 66 compose forms of Prayer or Thanksgiving for extraordinary occasions, and to transmit them to each Clergyman within his diocess or district, whose duty |