report, that during the past year, very little business has come before them Official information has been received from the Right Rev. James Kemp, of Maryland, that he has displaced William Gibson from his grade in the mi nistry. The requisite testimonials having been laid before them, they have recommended Robert Davis, and William M. Green, to be admitted to the order of Deacons, and Robert Johnson Miller (heretofore a minister of the Lutheran Church) to the order of Deacons, and subsequently to that of the Priesthood. The committee to whom was referred the business of drafting a memorial, on the expediency of altering the time of the meeting of the General Convention, having taken the matter into consideration, beg leave to present the following memorial, to be forwarded to the next General Convention, as expressive of the views and wishes of this Convention: Memorial. Whereas it is the opinion of the Convention of this diocess, that the time of holding the session of the General Convention ought to be altered for the following reasons:→→→ 1st. It is the opinion of physicians, and is proved by experience, that the season of the year at which the General Convention now meets, renders a jour ney to the north dangerous to the health and lives of the delegates from the southern states. It is found that travelling northward and remaining for some weeks in a northern city, exposes the human system to injurious effects from the southern climate. The delegates now return home in the heat of summer, and those in the lower country at the sickly season of the year. 2d. The southern clergy having generally a respite allowed them by their congregations in the fall, for the purpose of recruiting their health and strength, by an intermission of their labours, and a retirement from the debilitating effects of the climate. It would, therefore, materially promote the health and convenience of the southern clergy, if the General Con vention should hold its sittings some time in the fall of the year. 3d. This alteration of time would also secure a more general attendance of the lay-delegates, inasmuch as it is common for families from the south to visit the northern states at this season. 4th. It is thought that the above reasons rendering the proposed alteration so important to the health and convenience of the southern delegates, are not counteracted and balanced by any material inconveniences which the northern delegates would thereby sustain. Therefore, Resolved, That the delegates from this Convention to the next General Convention, be instructed to use their exertions to have the first ars ticle of the Constitution so amended, that the future sessions of the General Convention be held at such time in the fall of the year, as, upon consultation, may best suit the general wishes of the southern representation. The committee appointed by the Missionary Society to lay before the Convention an account of the state and transactions of said Society Report, That the Rev. Mr. Wright, who was engaged as a Missionary by the Society at the last Convention, laboured zealously as such during the months of July, August, September, and October last, during which time he visited eleven counties, preaching the word, and administering baptism, wherever and whenever opportunity offered. In the course of his labours, he visited and preached at Chapel-Hill, Pittsborough, Milton, Halifax, and Wadesborough, once; Caswell, Raleigh, Oxford, Haw river MeetingHouse, Salisbury, Lincolnton, and Lumberton, twice; at Warrington and St. Jude's Chapel, four times; and, at Williamsborough, seven times. also baptized three children, one at Williamsborough, one at St. Jude's Church, and one at the Haw river Meeting-House. He The committee further state, that the Rev. Mr. Hooper, who was en gaged as a Missionary during the pe riod of his exemption from Collegiate duties, acted as such from the middle of June to the middle of July, in which time he preached at Oxford, Louisburgh, St. Mary's Chapel, and Hillsborough, once; at Fayetteville, War renton, and Raleigh, twice; at Pittsbo rough and Williamsborough three times. The committee cannot refrain from noticing the pleasure with which both these gentlemen speak of their visits to Warrenton. The small congregation collected in that place by the Rev. Mr. Phillips, seem distinguished for their attachment to the Church. A few ladies of the congregation have formed a school, in which upwards of twenty children are instructed in the rudiments of learning, and the principles of our religion, free from expense. aries for the present year, amounts to more than $1200. On behalf of the Committee of the Missionary Society, WILLIAM M. GREEN. Report of the Committee on the State of the Church. more enlarged, and the number of its pious sons be very greatly increased. To present a clear and extended statement of the condition of the Church in this state, and of the increasing prosperity which, through the divine blessing, appears to await it, the com mittee have thought it expedient to The committee with pleasure state, take a retrospective view of its condi that upon a review of the journals of tion, since its being first organized in the Rev. Messrs. Wright and Hooper, the year 1817, to the present time, ex it appears that they were generally wel- hibiting its state as at this day, and comed with gladness, and heard with showing our reasons for believing that, attention; and the committee concur in through the grace of God accompany opinion with them, that, with the blessing it as hitherto, its borders will be ing of God, nothing but additional missionary labour is wanting to revive our Zion in many places throughout the state where she has long lain desolate. Besides the Rev. Mr. Wright, who will continue his labours as during the last year, and the Rev. Mr. Hooper, who will officiate as often as practicable in his neighbourhood, the Society have engaged the services of the Rev. Ro bert Davis, who will visit most of those western parts of the state which are destitute of our ordinances, and wherever there may be any Episcopal at tachments, or even a probability of ex citing any. The Rev. Mr. Miller has also pro mised, occasionally to visit such congregations as lie in his neighbourhood, so far as is consistent with his other en gagements. The committee have much to hope from the labours of the Rev. Mr. Miller, as his zeal in the cause is already well known, and as his ac quaintance is extensive, and his influence very great in the western parts of this state, where he will be principally employed. The Rev. William M. Green has also engaged to devote one fourth of his labours to the Missionary cause in those congregations which are convenient to the one with which he is more particularly engaged. The funds of the Society, including the salaries and outfits of the Mission It appears from the minutes of our Convention, that the organization of the Church in this state took place in Newbern, on April 24th, 1817, when it was found that the following clergy had cures in this state, and formed, with their congregations, the constitu ent parts of the Convention. The Rev. Bethel Judd, of St. John's Church, Fayetteville; the Rev. Jehu Curtis Clay, of Christ Church, Newbern; and the Rev. Adam Empie, of St. James's Church, Wilmington. There were also Lay-Representatives from each of these congregations. At this Convention no report was made on the state of the several congregations. A constitution was form ed; a standing committee appointed; and a Missionary Society instituted. The next Convention assembled at Fayetteville on the 2d of April, 1818; the same clergy were present, with the exception of the Rev. Mr. Clay, whose place was supplied by the Rev. Mr. Mason. During this Convention, the congregation of St. Jude's Church, Orange county, was received into the union, and Robert Davis, the delegate therefrom, took his seat. During this ses sion, Bishop Moore's acquiescence in the request made him, at the last Convention, to undertake the charge of this diocess, was officially received. The third Convention met in Wil mington, April 22d, 1819, the Right Rev. Richard C. Moore being present. Of the clergy were also present, the Rev. Adam Empie, the Rev. John Avery, the Rev. Gregory T. Bedell, the Rev. Richard S. Mason, and the Rev. John Phillips, three of whom had moved into the state since the last Convention. Lay-delegates also attended from the five congregations. During this session the following congregations were admitted into union with the Convention:St. Mary's Church, Orange county; Trinity Church, Tarborough, and St. John's Church, Williamsborough. The fourth annual Convention was held in Edenton, April 25th, 1820. The Bishop, four Presbyters, and one Deacon attended. Lay-delegates from four congregations. Messrs. William Hooper and Thomas Wright, were admitted Deacons, and the Rev. Richard S. Mason to the Priesthood. A number of candidates for orders were also received. At the present Convention, the Bishop and seven clergymen attended, and twelve lay-delegates. Four new congregations have been admitted into union. Messrs. Robert Davis and William Green have been ordained Deacons, and the Rev. Robert J. Mil ler, of the Lutheran Church, both Deacon and Priest. The number of Communicants this year is 332-Baptisms 76-Marriages 20-Funerals 40. From the several statements collect ed, it appears that there has been an increase of seven congregations--that the clergy of the diocess now amount to ten-and that the number of communicants has increased from seventy one to three hundred and thirty-two, Six persons have been in this state or dained Deacons, and two Priests. But not only has the Church obtained an outward degree of prosperity altogether unlooked for, but also, we bave reason to think, the principles and practices of true and genuine piety, This is the number reported. We bave some Churches from whom we had No report, consequently 332 falls short of the actual number. Resolved, That a committee, com sisting of three persons, two clerical, and one lay member, be appointed to meet the Synod of the Lutheran Church, to consider of, and agree upon such terms of union, as may tend to the mutual advantage and welfare of both Churches, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Canons of this Church, or the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. In considering the circumstances above alluded to, have we not the greatest cause to glorify God? Who does not see the hand of God in these things? Had we not been left a very small remnant-we should have been as Sodom, and extinct as Gomorrah. But our borders are greatly enlarged, and our gratitude should be proportionably increased. Our spiritual mother, who so long lay in sackcloth and ashes, washing with her tears the foot of the dilapidated altars of our God, raises her head with a smile of hope; the still small voice of peace is heard amidst the storm which broke around. The thunders have ceased: the sun of her prosperity breaks forth; oh, may that sun no more go down, neither may her moon withdraw itself; but may the Lord be her everlasting light, and her God her glory, All of which is respectfully reported, in behalf of the committee. RICHARD S. MASON, The Convention then proceeded to take into consideration the resolution proposed by the committee, when the Rev. Adam Empie, the Rev. Gregory T. Bedell, and Duncan Cameron, Esq. were appointed a committee to attend the Lutheran Synod, and to carry the resolution into effect. 4. Resolved, That it is expedient and beneficial to the interests of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this state, that an adequate and permanent fund be created for the support of the Epis copate in this diocess. A committee was accordingly ap pointed to solicit and receive donations and subscriptions for the above purpose. Resolved, That the clergy who reside in the lower parts of the state be requested, with the assent of their several vestries and congregations, to endeavour to spend a short time in each year in visiting such congregations in the interior of the state as they may think particularly in need of ministerial labours. .. Resolved unanimously, That this Convention does most sincerely regret the loss which the Church in this state, and particularly St. John's Church, Fayetteville, has sustained in the death of John Winslow, Esq. and that the Right Rev. Bishop Moore be requested to draw up and send to the widow of the deceased, a letter of friendship and condolence. Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be tendered to the pastors, trustees, and congregations of the Pre byterian and Methodist Churches in this city, for their kind offer of their respective Churches for the use of this Convention; and also, to the inhabit ants of this place generally, for their hospitable reception and entertainment of this Convention; and that the Secretary of this Convention be directed to transmit a copy of this resolution as above declared. Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be given to the Right Rev. Richard C. Moore, for favouring this Convention with his useful labours and animating presence; and for his kindness and fidelity in presiding over us during the session. Resolved, That the next Annual Convention be held in the City of Ra leigh. The business of the Convention be ing declared completed, the following address was delivered by the Bishop→→→→ Brethren, The prospect of success which gradually unfolds itself to our view, in the advancement of the interests of the Church, is truly encouraging. We have hitherto met with no difficulties to re tard our progress: no untoward event to paralize our minds: no afflicting cir cumstance to excite a desponding fear, Our path has been rendered clear by the pointings of Providence, and the most aminating light has been reflected upon it by that God, in whose service we are engaged. When we consider the depressed circumstances under which the Epis copal Church in North-Carolina laboured, at the period in which the at tempt to revive its interests first commenced, we must be aware of those effects, of which the least check to our exertions would have been productive. Although the union into which the friends of our communion entered, was ardent and sincere, stilk as the object they had in view was of great import ance, and the number of those who sustained the ark was very small, difficulties which would have been disre garded by a larger body, would not only have shaken the hopes of the chosen few, but prostrated their best efforts in the dust; and produced a re linquishment of the concern, in which they had so nobly engaged. The Almighty, in tender mercy, has subjected us to the effects of no such discouragements. In every step we have taken, we have been sustained by his benevo lent arm: a pillar of light has shown us the way in which to proceed: ob structions have been removed: the mountains of difficulty have been made easy for the passage of his Church and people: friends have been raised up for our support: the different societies of Christians have received us with open arms, and have wished us success in the name of the Lord. These considerations have made an impression upon my mind which no *There is no Episcopal Church in Ra- circumstances can ever efface; and I leigh.-Editor Christian Journal. rejoice that the Almighty God has made choice of me to assist you in the work, and to aid you in the resuscitation of this portion of his vineyard. To ensure success to your further efforts, I would urge you to persevere in the same course of conduct you have hitherto pursued. As long as the clergy continue to preach Jesus Christ, and him crucified, Jehovah will continue to bless their labours. As long as the laity follow Christ and obey his precepts, Jehovah will own them as his servants. Marked with the features of the cross-making mention of the righteousness of Christ, and of his only; we shall be universally acknowledged as the friends of that Being who died on Calvary, and is risen from the dead. ordained three Deacons, and admitted one of the number to the Priesthood, I have confirmed forty-nine persons, baptized twenty-five children, and administered the Lord's Supper to many of the followers of the Saviour, belonging to the various congregations in this place.. Brethren of the clergy and laity-accept the assurances of my great respect and regard-I wish you a happy interview with your families, and may the Lord be with you. After prayer by the Bishop and the benediction, the Convention adjourned. Canon passed in this Convention.Any association of ten or more adults, consenting to adopt and be governed by the Constitution and Canons of this Church, assuming some name by which their Church or Parish may be desig more persons to manage the temporal concerns of their body, and also a de legation of any number of persons not exceeding four, may be received into union with this Church, and their dele gates shall be entitled to seats in this Convention, on producing a written certificate, signed by the vestry, stating that the above conditions have been complied with. The proposition which has been made to this Convention by a portion of the Lutheran Church in this state, calculated to excite our warmest gratinated; appointing a vestry of four or tude to God: it proclaims in language which cannot be misunderstood, the confidence they place in our integrity, and the preference they give to our religious institutions. The door which has been opened for the reception of the messenger into our bosom which conveyed to us their proposals, forms an event of the most imposing character. In a point from which we apprehended some difficulty, there has no difficulty arisen; and we have sent him back to the people of his charge, clothed with that ministerial authority required by our communion, our fellow-labourer in the Gospel-our friend-our brother. If the Lutheran ministers and con gregation, by whom he has been de puted to attend upon our proceedings, breathe the same sentiments which warm my heart; if they possess the same desire to effect as perfect and entire an union as hath been exemplified in their representative, it cannot be long before that union will be completed. We shall then form one fold under one shepherd-meet around the same altar-constitute one household, Jesus Christ himself the Bishop of our souls. On my way to the Convention I preached in Warrenton to a large congregation, and confirmed ten persons. Since the present session of the Convention in Raleigh commenced, I have During the session of the above Convention the following ordinations were held by the Right Rev. Bishop Moore: On Sunday, April 29th, Messrs. Ro bert Davis and William Green, were admitted to the holy order of Deacons. Morning Service was conducted by the Rev. Thomas Wright, Deacon, Missionary; and a Sermon preached by the Rev. Gregory T. Bedell, Rector of St. John's Church, Fayetteville. Particulars respecting the Brahmins, related at the Anniversary Meetings, in May last, of the Wesleyan and Church Missionary Societies, in` London. COLONEL SANDYS related a circumstance in which he was himself concerned, which proved the powerful influence of kindness on the minds of the natives, and that the intelligent part of them see the folly of their superstitions: |