means of their support; earnestly is it desired, that those whose minds have not yet dwelt on the usefulness of the institution, would be induced to investigate it, and judge for themselves of the necessity of larger pecuniary aid. By the Treasurer's account it will appear, that the Society are still in debt. Let not the hope be disappointed, that the necessities of the Orphan will be regarded, and they, whose kind hearts "teach them to feel another's woe," will give cheerfully according to their ability. One circumstance is attended with painful interest to the Board: it is the resignation of their respected Treasurer. Deep are their feelings of gratitude and affection, on recurring to the services of their beloved friend. At the origin of the Society, when the magnitude of its object seemed almost to appal the firmest mind--when a building must be erected, and there were no resources, their benevolent coadjutor became personally responsible for large amounts of money, which enabled them to complete a commodious and wellfinished house. The prudence and economy which were manifested in the fulfilment of the duties of her office, have ever inspired implicit confidence in her judgment and discretion. Many a child of affliction can bear testimony to the maternal kindness with which she gladdened the heart of the Orphan. Her counsels will always be cherished as the result of mature and conscientious reflection. The Board indulge the hope that, although she decline the arduous duties of Treasurer, she will not resign her situation as Trustee, but still animate and encourage them by her countenance and advice. In the retirement of domestic life, long may she enjoy those consolations which flow from the reflections of a well-spent life; long may she be spared to her friends and associates as their example to render the various talents of wealth, of influence, and of leisure, conducive to the end for which they were given. The memory of herself and her early associates cannot be obliterated. With steady and undeviating perseverance they originated and matured an institution, which, in an extended sense, mitiVOL. V. gates the Orphan's sufferings, and causeth the heart of the widow to rejoice, as her soul melteth within her at beholding her infant offspring just ready to relinquish for ever the protection of their only surviving parent. Happy those children, who, bereft of their parents' care and deprived of the necessaries of life, have found an Asylum from their wretchedness! Happier they who, rejoicing in the smile of parental love, and rich in the enjoy ment of domestic and social happiness, with their sympathy for the destitute Orphan, dispense those more substantial gifts which are absolutely essential to the existence of the institution. Murder of Becket. (From Lingard's History of England.) THE next day about two in the afternoon, the knights abruptly entered the archbishop's apartment, and neglecting his salutation, seated themselves on the floor. It seems to have been their wish to begin by intimidation: but if they hoped so succeed, they knew little of the intrepid spirit of their opponent. Pretending to have received their commission from Henry, they ordered the primate to absolve the excommunicated prelates. He replied with firmness, and occasionally with warmth, that if he had published the papal letters, it was with the royal permission: that the case of the archbishop of York had been reserved to the pontiff: but that he was willing to absolve the others on condition that they previously took the accustomed oath of submitting to the determination of the church. It was singular that of the four knights, three had, in the days of his prosperity, spon taneously sworn fealty to him. Allud ing to this circumstance, he said, as they were quitting the room, "Knowing what has passed between us, I am sur prised you should come to threaten me in my own house."-"We will do more than threaten," was their reply. When they were gone his attendants loudly expressed their alarms: he alone remained cool and collected, and neither in his tone or gesture betrayed the slightest symptom of apprehension. In this moment of suspense the voices 19 of the monkis singing vespers in the choir struck their ears, and it occurred to some one that the church was a place of greater security than the palace. The archbishop, though he hesitated, was borne along by the pious importu nity of his friends: but when he heard the gates close behind him, he instantly ordered them to be re-opened, saying, that the temple of God was not to be fortified like a castle. He had passed through the north transept, and was ascending the steps of the choir, when the knights, with twelve companions, all in complete armour, burst into the church. As it was almost dark, he might, if he had pleased, have conceal ed himself among the crypts, or under the roof: but he turned to meet them, followed by Edward Grim, his crossbearer, the only one of his attendants who had not fled. To the vocifera tions of Hugh, of Horsea, a military subdeacon, "Where is the traitor ?" no answer was returned: but when Fitzurse asked, "Where is the arch bishop?" he replied: "Here I am, the archbishop, but no traitor. Reginald, I have granted thee many favours. What is thy object now? If you seek my life, I command you, in the name of God, not to touch one of my people." When he was told that he must instantly absolve the bishops, he answered, "Till they offer satisfaction, I will not." the crown. "Then die!" exclaimed the assas sin, aiming a blow at his head. Grim interposed his arm, which was broken, but the force of the stroke bore away the primate's cap, and wounded him on As he felt the blood tickling down his face, he joined his hands, and bowed his head, saying: "In the name of Christ, and for the defence of his church, I am ready to die." In this posture, turned towards his murderers, without a groan and without a motion, he awaited a second stroke, which threw him on his knees: the third laid him on the floor at the foot of St. Bennet's altar. The upper part of his skull was broken in pieces, and Hugh, of Horsea, planting his foot on the archbishop's neck, with the point of his sword drew out his brains, and strewed them over the pavement. An Account of a Funeral Cereony at Rome. (From Matthews's Diary of an Invalid.) IN my way home I met a funeral ceremony. A crucifix hung with black, followed by a train of priests, with lighted tapers in their hands, headed the procession. Then came a troop of figures, dressed in white robes, with their faces covered with masks of the same materials. The bier followed;on which lay the corpse of a young woman, arrayed in all the ornaments of dress, with her face exposed, where the bloom of life yet lingered. The members of different fraternities followed the bier-dressed in the robes of their orders and all masked. They carried lighted tapers in their hands, and chanted out prayers in a sort of mumbling recitative. I followed the train to the church, for I had doubts, whether the beautiful figure I had seen on the bier was not a figure of wax; but I was soon convinced it was indeed the corpse of a fellow-creature ;—cut off in the pride and bloom of youthful maiden beauty. Such is the Italian mode of conducting the last scene of the tragi-comedy of life. As soon as a person dies, the relations leave the house, and fly to bury themselves and their griefs in some other retirement. The care of the funeral devolves on one of the fraternities, who are associated for this purpose in every parish. These are dressed in a sort of domino and hood; which, having holes for the eyes, answers the purpose of a mask, and completely conceals the face. The funeral of the very poorest is thus conducted, with quite as much ceremony as need be. This is perhaps a better system than our own, where the relatives are exhibited, as a spectacle to impertinent curiosity, whilst from feelings of duty they follow to the grave the remains of those they loved. But ours is surely an unphilosophical view of the subject. It looks as if we were materialists, and considered the cold clod as the sole remains of the object of our affection. The Italians reason better; and perhaps feel as much as ourselves, when they regard the body, -deprived of the soul that animated, and the mind that informed it, as no Shortly after the last annual meeting, a sermon was preached at Grace Church, in behalf of this society, by the Rev. Mr. Montgomery; and in reverting to it we find great satisfaction, not merely on account of the valuable addition then made to the funds of the institution, but more particularly be cause the importance of a missionary spirit was then set forth with such an union of piety, of eloquence, and of zeal, as imparted new animation to its friends, and was calculated to enrol all who were before indifferent among its well-wishers and supporters. The sum of three hundred and sixty dollars and ninety cents, then collected, forms nearly the one half all that we have been able, during the past year, to ap more a part of the departed spirit than the clothes which it has also left behind. The ultimate disposal of the body is perhaps conducted here with too much of that spirit, which would disregard all claims that "this mortal coil" can have to our attention. As soon as the funeral service is concluded, the corpse is stripped, and consigned to those who have the care of the interment. There are large vaults, underneath the churches, for the reception of the dead. Those who can afford it are put into a wooden shell, before they are cast into one of these Golgothas but the great mass are tossed in without a rag to cover them. When one of these caverns is full, it is bricked up; and, after fifty years, it is opened again, and the bones are re-propriate to the general missionary fund moved to other places, prepared for their reception. So much for the last scene of the drama of life;-with respect to the first act, our conduct of it is certainly more natural. Here they swathe and swaddle their children, till the poor urchins look like Egyptian mummies. To this frightful custom, one may attribute the want of strength and symmetry of the men, which is sufficiently remarkable. The New York Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society held their fourth anniversary meeting in St. Paul's Chapel, in the city of New-York, on the 6th day of December, 1820; when the following report of the Board of Managers was read by the Chairman of their Committee:Fourth Annual Report of the Board of Managers of the New-York Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society. IN presenting the Fourth Report of this Society, we cannot refrain from expressing our gratitude for its timely formation, and for the important advantages which have already resulted from its establishment. Animated by our past success, even under circumstances which might well have discouraged any efforts, we are authorized to look forward with new confidence, while we recognize that Superintending Protection which so evidently demands the homage of our thankfulness. of the diocess, and is itself an evidence of the talents and energy with which the cause was advocated. Of the three societies which wenumbered as auxiliary to this at the last report, we have received remittances from two only; that established at Albany having not yet made its returns. The Goshen Female Auxiliary Missionary Society have remitted twelve dollars, and the Episcopal Missionary Society of Geneva thirty dollars. It would have been very grateful to our wishes, if we could have announced a large increase in the number of these auxiliary institutions, as their formation is one of the most prominent features of our plan, and one of the utmost promise to our usefulness. One auxiliary only has been added during the last well be proud, and from which we anbut that is one of which we may year; ticipate important aid. The Episcopal Missionary Society of Zion Church, in this city, (our fourth auxiliary), in August last placed in our treasury the very generous sum of one hundred and eighty dollars, raised from the spirited subscriptions of that congregation alone. It is impossible to record the cooperation of these societies without feeling that we are indeed brethren-brethren an affection and in purpose, as well asin name. Such a true and active charity extends and perpetuates itself by the flame which it kindles; and provokes others to good works by the light which its own holds out. The instances which we now most cheerfully record impress themselves in gratitude upon our hearts. Would that the same genuine spirit of Christianity might pervade every parish in our diocess; and that the universal approbation they are calculated to excite, might evince itself, not in word only, but also in deed! Would that the eloquence of these examples, more powerful than any arguments which we can address, might be effectual in bringing forward such friends to our cause, and such allies to our institution, as our renewed appeals have failed to excite!-They speak to the public spirited and the pious of every congregation, and call upon them, as they admire so pure an exercise of benevolence, or appreciate its tendency, to "go and do likewise." Though their contributions may be small, yet will they refresh and animate us by the spirit from which they proceed. We cannot forbear again to call the attention of Episcopalians to our former circulars on this subject; and again to appeal to those numerous congregations who have not yet united with us in this earnest object of our wishes: nor will we despair of their aid, while we have any confidence in their love to God, or their regard for the eternal welfare of men. The amount received into the treasury since the last anniversary is nine hundred and forty-seven dollars and seventy-three cents. "The Committee for Propagating the Gospel" have been authorized to draw for eight hundred and fifty dollars, without which assistance the Missionaries now employed could not have been paid even their scanty salaries. This sum, added to those previously paid over, makes the whole amount contributed by this society, since its establishment, three thousand one hundred and fifty dollars. The balance in the treasury, after paying the contingent expenses of the year, is twenty-four dollars and forty-one cents. We have to regret a considerable diminution in our resources, arising from removals and other causes. The names of many who have heretofore been our patrons, have also been withdrawn; not, we are sure, from disaffection to a cause so truly in the spirit of the Gospel, but in some instances from the inability which the times have produced, and in others from an unwillingness to be troubled with matters comparatively small and unimportant. While we do justice to the motives of the former_of these classes, we would urge upon the latter the reflection, which cannot be too often inculcated, that the acknowledged and indispensable benefit of the fund we have raised, is the result of many small, and, of themselves, inconsiderable contributions, scarcely if at all felt by most of those from whom they are derived, but constituting in the aggregate a rich stream of extended blessing. It ought also to be recollected by all who aid in charities like this, that, from the smallness of the subscription a large part is often absorbed in the collection, which might be applied to the object in view, if paid directly to the treasurer; and also that the expense of collection is increased by the difficulties which are often thrown in its way. The offering which we make is one of principle, of conscience, and of free will-not of necessity. That contribution which is given with reluctance, extends a dampening influence, perhaps more than equivalent to the benefit of the gift. On the contrary, a small gift, tendered with a willing and a ready heart, by the spirit which it excites and communicates, outweighs, in its actual benefit as well as in its real merit, all the ponderous offerings of an ungracious hand. He that hath much, and he that hath little, should both give gladly if they are in earnest in promoting the common interest. In this simple statement we have traced the course of that stream which your bounty has supplied; and in frankness of speech have suggested the means of still further promoting its object. With all who have borne a part in this accumulation, we feel a cominon bond of Christian attachment; nor will we exclude from this expression of regard, those who, in the absence of any other offering, have given to our cause the sincere tribute of their good wishes, their commendation, and their prayers. We hail the spirit which originates, the beneficence which supports, and the blessing which speeds institutions for spreading the Gospel; for in them we find the best hope of man's moral improvement, and the best promise of the amelioration of his condition. Let the mere politician aim at these effects by the efforts of worldly wisdom and of legal enactment ;-let the man of cultivated reason or refined feeling employ the most enlightened method to soften and bend the human character, and to overcome its perversities; yet will it ever be found that no means are so effectual, even for the accomplishment of these objects, as that of making men Christians in affection and in principle. Modify and regulate as they may the outward action by the influence of law, or the restraints of custom, or the power of argument, or the winning eloquence of fiction and of sentiment; yet if the dispositions and passions of the individual are not brought into conformity to the pure model of the Gospel, they must ever be a source of misery to himself as well as of annoyance to others. Christianity sustains most fully its divine character and origin by its fitness to promote the best interests of men. If, therefore, as friends to individual happiness or social order, we wish to make men better in their own condition, and better disposed towards their neighbour-to soften what is rugged and overbearing-to keep down what is vain, and proud, and aspiring to disarm what is injurious-to circumscribe the power of whatever is unfriendly, or cruel, or malicious-and to temper all into good will and peace, we will diffuse the spirit of pure religion, and the commanding influence of Christian obligation. To us who have still higher objects in view than those which merely relate to this passing world;-to us, who aim at the immortal happiness of our fellow men, it is at once reason for exultation and for exertion, that this great object includes in it so many of lesser endeavour; and that while we impart to men the knowledge of the one thing needful for their spiritual welfare, the blessings of outward happiness and temporal good are added to our triumph, and follow in the train of our victory. In order to make known among all nations his saving health, God, the Fountain of all wisdom, has been pleased to require the agency of men: and if an effect, which to human reason seems almost miraculous, has attended the preaching of the Gospel, causing its doctrines to be received, and its principles to predominate, and its fruits to abound, we should be encouraged to persevere in our present exertions by such clear indications of the influence of his Spirit, who promised to be with his ministers to the end of the world. In associating to subserve the unspeakably benevolent scheme of Almighty Goodness, we have been careful not to intrude into affairs beyond our proper sphere, nor officiously to endanger the order and unity of our church. The constitution of our society, therefore, limits its views to the humble but useful part of furnishing the means of supporting Missionaries to that authority to whom has wisely been committed their appointment and direction. Among those who are engaged in promoting a charity so pure, so efficient, so comprehensive, there should be no room to reprove their indifference, nor any need to excite their zeal. It is no visionary scheme of doubtful issue to which our efforts are directed. Almighty Wisdom has devised the plan, and has constantly followed it with success. Neither is it an impracticable extent of benevolence to which our efforts are drawn out: Almighty Providence has placed within our community the subjects of our regard, as the means of testing our fidelity, our Christian wakefulness, our trust in God's promises. It is the spiritually destitute of our state to whom we desire to extend relief. It is the dispersed flock of our own church and of our own diocess, who look up to their spiritual Shepherd for that aid which the bounty of their more favoured brethren can alone enable him to supply. What could be effected, by diminishing the salaries of Missionaries that their number might be kept up, has al |