The interesting congregation at Coleville, in the Ochquaga Hills, who have never enjoyed but the occasional services of a clergyman, but who have kept themselves together by statedly meeting and reading the service of the church and sermons, are now gratified with the services of the Rev. Marcus A. Perry, who has removed from the eastern diocess. The church at Binghampton has been supplied by the missionary services of the Rev. Mr. Cuming, who has assiduously laboured in that village and the adjacent country. It was, indeed, highly gratifying to me to find all the clergy zealous and laborious in the work of their Divine Master-in building up his kingdom-" in seeking for his sheep that are dispersed abroad, and for his children who are in the midst of this wicked world, that they may be saved through him for ever."

My visit to Fairfield afforded me an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the valuable services of the Rev. Mr. McDonald, the principal of the academy in that village; particularly in his attention to the young men designed for holy orders, who are there receiving their education. I should do injustice to him, if I did not thus bear testimony to his important qualifications for the station which he fills of classical and theological instructor.

On my return from this tour, I visited, on Sunday, the 17th of the same month, the church at Rye, and confirmed eleven persons; and, the Sunday following, the church at Bedford, and confirmed thirteen persons. The church at Westchester has also been visited.

The whole number of persons confirmed in the above visitations is six hundred and forty.

In addition to the institution already noticed, the Rev. Cyrus Stebbins has been instituted Rector of Christ Church, Hudson.

The following changes, in addition to those already noticed, are to be mentioned:-The Rev. Mr. Cadle has removed to the diocess of New-Jersey; the Rev. Mr. Huntington, from Waterville to Charlton; the Rev. Mr. Thorn has returned from the diocess of Penn

sylvania, and taken charge of the church at Flushing; the Rev. Mr. Hamilton has removed from his missionary station in Washington county, and taken charge of the church at Duanesburgh; the Rev. Henry Anthon left this diocess last fall for South-Carolina, but returned in the spring, and has officiated at Redhook; the Rev. Dr. Jarvis has removed to the town of Boston, to the charge of a new church erected there; and the Rev. Dr. Turner, the professor in the Theological School, to New-Haven.

The Rev. Jonathan M. Wainwright, from the diocess of Connecticut, has been elected an assistant minister of Trinity Church, in the city of NewYork, in the place of the Right Rev. Dr. Brownell; and the Rev. William Richmond has removed from the diocess of Pennsylvania, and taken charge of the churches at Bloomingdale and Hamilton-Square. The Rev. John Grigg, jun. officiates at St. John's Church, Yonkers; and the Rev. George Otis, who, for some time officiated in the county of St. Lawrence, has removed to the Eastern Diocess..

I have to record the death of our venerable brother, the Rev. Theodosius Bartow, of New-Rochelle; and also of the Rev. Barzillai Bulkley, of Flushing, who united, in an eminent degree, primitive church principles with primitive humility and piety.

The following are candidates for orders:-James P. F. Clarke, William B. Thomas, George W. Doane, George M. Robison, Eleazer Williams, Ezra B. Kellogg, William Jarvis, William Thompson, Richard Bury, Lawson Carter, Peter Williams, jun. William L. Jahnson, Alonzo Potter, Pheneas L. Whipple, Roosevelt Johnson, and Manton Eastburn.

There are several others pursuing their studies with a view to become candidates for orders.

The Bible and Common Prayer Book societies continue to be instrumental of much good, by the distribution of the Word of God, and of that invaluable digest of its sacred truths, and best comment upon them, the Book of Common Prayer. A new society for these purposes has been re

cently organized in the Western District, in which distinguished laymen unite with the Clergy in zealous attention to its concerns.

In every address which I have made to the Convention, the subject of the labours of missionaries has presented itself as one of the most interesting to which your attention can be called. It is impossible to estimate too highly the importance of their labours. Te their instrumentality, under God, it is very principally owing that so many new congregations have been organized, and many old ones, that were languishing, preserved from entire decay. It is only to be lamented, that the missionary fund does not admit of an adequate remuneration of their services, or of the employment of a number in any degree adequate to the wants of the rapidly increasing population of this extensive diocess. Let me beseech you, according to your respective opportunities, to urge on Episcopalians the importance and duty of their liberal contributions, to an object which has in view the extension of the saving truths of the Gospel, as set forth in the institutions of our church, to those who have not means of supporting a stated ministry. I cannot speak in terms of too high commendation of the exertions of the New-York Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society. But for the funds which they have been successful in procuring, amounting this last year to $850, it would have been impossible to continue the services even on their present contracted scale.

The most important subject that can engage your attention at your present session, is provision for the education of candidates for orders. The measures, in reference to this object,that have been hitherto pursued, and the course which it would seem proper for the diocess of New-York to adopt, under existing circumstances, were the subject of some remarks in a pastoral letter, which I deemed it my duty recently to address to my brethren, the clergy and laity of the diocess. It is not my intention, at present, to reiterate the facts, or the positions which were there contained, any farther than may be necessary to bring the subject to your present con

sideration. The right to institute other theological institutions than the one under the patronage of the General Convention, I deemed it necessary, in that letter, to endeavour to establish; inasmuch as it had been supposed by some that the existence of this right was incompatible with the paramount authority of the General Convention. The exercise of this right, by this diocess, must have been contemplated by that body at its recent session, as well in consequence of the declaration of the Bishops, recorded in their journals, as of the sentiments expressed by individual members publicly and privately. In the exercise then of an indubitable right, and without being liable to the charge of violating the unity, or contravening the authority of the Church, we may make provision for the education of candidates for orders. That it is our duty to adopt measures for this purpose, rests, I humbly conceive, on the extent of the resources, and on the pre-eminence of the advantages, which this diocess enjoys for the prosecution of an object so vitally connected with the prosperity and honour of the church.

It is a circumstance calculated to prevent a division of our counsels on this subject, that the support of an institution in this diocess does not necessarily imply hostility to the General Institution; and that even those who, from a decided preference to the latter, may withhold their support from the former, may still not deem it their duty to oppose it. In the remarks which I shall offer, I beg to be understood as expressing no sentiment unfavourable to the General Institution, any further than may be necessary to illustrate and enforce the advantages which we possess for the purposes of theological education.

The extent of our resources, arising from the numbers, the respectability, and the wealth of the individual members of the church, points out this diocess as a place favourable to the establishment of an institution, the prosperity and the utility of which so essentially depend on the extent and efficacy of the means which may be employed to carry it into effect. It can be hardly necessary to state, that the church in this diocess, in regard to the numbers

and aggregate wealth of its individual members, as well as its general character, is eminently respectable, and ought, therefore, not to be deficient in zeal to advance that object of theological education which so justly engages the attention of the friends of the church. I speak not now of the resources of the corporation of Trinity Church, which, in times when her means were abun dant, were so liberally applied to the wants of congregations in every part of the state, as well as to the objects of general utility. The same liberal disposition and wishes are still cherished in their full extent. But the state of the property of that corporation renders it ne cessary that those who have the charge of it should refrain from any further grants, until the income of the church can be made to equal its expenditures, The individual resources of the Episcopalians of this diocess, however, were they applied in the same proportion with benefactions of other denominations of Christians, are competent to the most respectable provision for all the purposes of theological education.

In estimating these resources, I ought not to omit the very liberal and valuable grant, by a generous individual of this city, of sixty-two lots of ground, in its immediate vicinity, for the benefit of a theological school.

It would seem natural and proper, therefore, and the duty of the church in this diocess, to apply her resources in a way in which she would have the reasonable control of them. And it is here necessary to mention, that, according to the organization of the General Institution, the diocess of New-York, which, if her resources were liberally applied to this purpose, would certainly have the largest interest in the funds collected, has but three members in the board of trustees, in which several other diocesses have the same number, and one diocess eight members. And it is also necessary to potice, in order to show how little control, in proportion to their numbers, the church in the respective states would have over the General In stitution, to mention that these trustees are elected by the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies in every General Convention, in which the vote is by states.

And accordingly the state of NewYork, in which there are about seventy clergy, and one hundred and twenty congregations, has only the same vote with a state in which there are but two ministers, and two Episcopal congregations. The influence of the various parts of our church, in the direction of a general institution, ought, obviously, in some degree, to be proportioned to the amount of their benefactions to it.

The extent then of the resources of this diocess for the establishment of theological institutions, would seem to render it her duty to provide for this object, unless, indeed, it can be shown that in all other respects she is disadvantageously situated. So far from this, however, I think it must be admitted that, for this purpose, her advantages are great, as well as her resources. In this diocess there are peculiar facilities for a retired and for a public education for the ministry. By a retired education for the ministry is meant that in which candidates for or ders, pursuing their studies in an institution in the country, may be sup posed to be most favourably situated for the purposes of diligent application, and for the cultivation of those pious dispositions and serious habits which are essential characteristics of the ministry. On the other hand, it is not to be denied that there are eminent advantages in a theological education in a city.

The powers of the mind are expanded, strengthened, and polished by that extensive social intercourse which a city alone affords; the student too is advanced in his theological attainments, and obtains useful information as to every part of ministerial duty, and par ticularly as to the performance of the offices of the desk and the pulpit, by constant association with a greater number of clergy than could be acces sible to him in a retired situation. Daily mixing with society in the hours of relaxation from study, he will possess superior advantages for gaining that knowledge of mankind, without which, whatever may be his talents or attainments, his ministerial usefulness will be seriously obstructed. Perhaps, therefore, the most perfect system with regard to theological students, would

be that which admits of their enjoyment of the advantages both of a retired and a public education. And, therefore, it may be wise to make theological endowments both in the country and in the city, and to afford to all who may choose, and particularly to those students, the inadequacy of whose resources may compel them to go through a theological course at the least expense in the country, the means, during the last twelve months of their term of study, of a residence in this city, and of availing themselyes of the advant ages of a theological establishment.

There exists respectable provision in this diocess for a classical and theological institution in the country. The corporation of Trinity Church have granted an annuity to the principal and assistant of the academy at Fairfield, in the northern part of the state, the former of whom is an Episcopal clergyman, of very respectable talents and attainments, and the latter will soon take orders. This grant is made on the condition that eight students, designed for the ministry, shall always receive the whole course of their classical and literary education, and afterwards of their theological instruction, free of any charges for tuition. The Society for the Promoting of Religion and Learning, which, several years since, was liberally endowed by Trinity Church, annually grants to about the same number of young men, eighty dollars, or one hundred dollars, to aid them in preparing for the ministry. This then is a respectable foundation for a theological establishment in the country. The grant to the academy at Fairfield may be transferred to an institution in any other situation that may present greater advantages, both for classical and theological instruction. Funds, however, will be wanting to extend its usefulness, and to make provision for the increased expenses of the students in divinity, during the last year of their term, while they reside in the city, in order to avail themselves of the advantages of a residence there.

The benefits resulting from an edu çation for the ministry in the most public situation, are sensibly felt by other denominations of Christians. The

Baptists have fixed a theological institution at Washington. In this city is the theological institution of the Associate Reformed Church. The Dutch Reformed Church contemplate removing theirs to this island, near to the city. And I am informed it is lamented by many of the friends of the Presbyterian institution at Princeton, that it is not placed in or near a large city. Allow me to repeat, that my own opinion would be in favour of the plan already intimated, which would unite the advantages of a retired and a public education for the ministry. In reference to the latter, I think we may say no city unites more favourable circumstances than New-York. Whatever general advantages a city possesses, NewYork enjoys. And an Episcopal institution here, while it would be honourable to the metropolis of the state, would derive no little celebrity from the high rank which she sustains among her sister cities of the union.

But there are some circumstances which render New-York peculiarly calculated for an Episcopal theological institution. I allude to the college which is there situated, and to the number of Episcopal congregations and clergymen.

There are great and obvious advantages in an Episcopal theological school being placed, if not in intimate union with an Episcopal college, in such a relation to it as to admit of the students enjoying the literary facilities which the college would present, and of being strengthened in their principles, and animated in their studies, by the countenance and exhortations of its president and professors. But the colleges in the union, and particularly the college at New-Haven, are, with but one exception, by the provisions of their charters, by the conditions of their endowment, or by the force of circumstances, under the influence of other religious denominations than Episcopal. The organization of Columbia College affords a pledge that no influence unfriendly to the church will there be exerted. On the contrary, Episcopal students in divinity, in the city of NewYork, may confidently calculate on the patronage and aid of the president and

professors of a college, which, as it regards the extensive, thorough, and judicious, course of instruction, and the distinguished ability and fidelity with which that course is carried into effect, ranks inferior to none other in the

union.

From the number of Episcopal clergymen and congregations in the city of New-York, candidates for orders would pursue their studies there under circum-. stances most favourable to their improvement, and most animating to their views. The company and conversation of a numerous body of clergy, and the opportunities enjoyed of attending on their public ministrations, afford candidates for orders the most important advantages in respect to the prosecution of their studies, to their zeal and devotion to the ministry, and to the most efficacious mode of discharging its functions. Surrounded by a large body of clergy, and placed amidst numerous and respectable congregations, they would be constantly under the influence of the most inspiring motives to diligence, ardour, and fidelity in the cause of a church which appears externally under all those advantages to which her high character entitles her.

My Brethren of the Clergy

and Laity,

The great resources and the preeminent advantages which this diocess enjoys for advancing the momentous object of theological instruction, have long directed public expectation to eminent theological endowments here. These resources and advantages are a trust reposed with us by the Great Head of the church-that divine Master, to whom we must account for it. Shall we place these resources beyond our control? Shall we cast from us these advantages? By what considerations are the sacrifices and the abandonment demanded? Shall it be said that theological education in New-York is too expensive? But shall other denominations of Christians establish theological institutions in cities, and shall Episcopalians in New-York be deterred, by the apprehension of the expense, even from the attempt? What is the expense compared with the advantages? Are

students in medicine and in law deterred from availing themselves of the advantages which this city affords for the study of their respective professions? It is to be supposed there will be some students of divinity resident in the city who can pursue their studies here at less expense than elsewhere; and that there will be others to whom the expense will be an inferior consideration. On the plan which I have presumed to propose, however, the theological establishment in the country may be made to afford theological education at less expense than in any other situation, and the additional expense of a year's residence in the city, in order to derive the advantages of preparing for the ministry there, is not worthy of serious consideration.

Shall it be said that an institution in this diocess would be unfriendly to the authority and unity of the church? While this institution is subject, as it must be, to the general regulations of the General Convention-while its discipline and instructions must be in accordance with the prescriptions of the canons of that Convention, and with the course of study prescribed by its Bishops, there can be no danger of its unfriendly operation on the authority and unity of the church. Let the institution too be as general as the Episcopalians elsewhere may be disposed to make it. Let it invite students from all quarters. Let the principles which characterize other religious societies be adopted in our Theological Education Society. Let contributors to a certain amount, wherever resident, be trustees for life; and contributors to a less amount members of the Society, and entitled to vote for trustees. Let founders of professorships or scholarships have the right of nomination under certain restrictions. Influence in the institution will be thus generally distributed in proportion to the amount contributed, and all will thus have powerful inducements to a zealous and liberal support of it.

My Brethren-In earnestly pressing upon you measures which have occupied my most solicitous attention, I have discharged a duty from which no apprehension of disappointment, of