fied, seems to render her experience of special value, the Committee report the following resolutions:

Resolved, As the judgment of this Convention, that, in view of the actual position of our Church with reference to the great moral and social necessities of the day, the period has arrived for the adoption of measures to meet these moral exigencies "more comprehensive than any provided for by our present ecclesiastical system," and that we repose the utmost confidence in the discretion of the Committee of Bishops, to whom this subject was referred by the House of Bishops, to suggest such wise and temperate measures with respect to the important matters presented in the " Memorial of Sundry Presbyters," as shall secure the general approbation of the Church, and promote her efficiency. Resolved, That while this Convention, composed as it is of clergy and laity, assembled from different parts of the Diocese, without sufficient opportunity for mutual conference and careful deliberation, are not prepared to pronounce a specific judgment in answer to all the important questions presented in the circular, they would, nevertheless, embrace the occasion to record their conviction, that changes might be made in the liturgical services of the church, which, without touching any point of apostolic order, or doctrinal purity, as taught in her standards, would contribute towards a more perfect adaptation of her system. "to the great social and moral necessities of the day," and so to make that system more efficient, and at the same time, render the public worship of the Church more varied and attractive-to wit: in answer to the questions embraced under the first number of the second division of the Bishop's Circular :

(a.) By shortening and dividing the morning service, leaving to the discretion of the minister, to use the Ante Communion Service, except on occasions when the Communion is to be administered, allowing the minister a privilege when the Lord's Supper is to be celebrated to omit what is called "Morning Prayer," beginning the Service with the Lord's Prayer and the Ante-Communion Service, according to early usage; allowing discretion in the use of the Litany.

(b) By adapting the Lessons, Anthems, &c., better to the different ecclesiastical seasons.

(e) By supplying a larger number of special services, and prayers, for special

seasons.

(d) By admitting larger discretion in the use of hymns to be provided by the General Convention.

(e) By providing services especially fitted for missionary work, at home and abroad.

(f) By allowing the authorities of each Diocese larger liberty.

Resolved, That a readjustment of the Psalter in such wise, that the portion appointed for each day of the month should comprise psalms as nearly as pos sible of like character, penitential, jubilant, &c., would, in the opinion of this Convention, add much to the beauty of that part of the public service, and contribute to the edification of the congregation.

These resolutions, after a long and animated discussion, were adopted, with some amen ments, of which the following were the chief:

1. That the minister's discretion in the use of the Litany, be subject to the approbation of the Bishop of the diocese.

2. That no step ought to be taken, which will, in the slightest degree, directly or indirectly touch or even tend to touch, any point of order or doctrine, as now taught in the standards of the Church.

We append, also, Resolutions upon the same subject, passed by the Convention of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, by a unanimous vote, and which have been since adopted by the Convention of the Diocese of Kentucky:

Resolved, That this Convention regard with deep interest, that great subject which will engage the attention of the General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church at its approaching session, to wit: the feasibility of adopting some measures by which our church may be enabled to reach more effectually the masses of our population, that are as "sheep having no shepherd," and to

attract them to her worship, and moreover, to diffuse her divine and sacred endowments more widely among those who profess and call themselves Christians. Resolved, That the objects above contemplated, are, in the judgment of this Convention, most desirable in themselves-that they appeal to the liveliest sympathies of the Christian heart, and that their grave consideration by the Chief Council of our church, will be an omen of present and prospective good. Resolved, That this Convention commend these objects to the earnest thought, the enlarged charity and conservative prudence of their Right Reverend Fathers and their brethren, clerical and lay, under whose contemplation they may be brought for legislative action, and invoke upon them the especial guidance of the Great Head of the Church.

ROMISH CHURCH PROPERTY IN CONNECTICUT.

The Legislature of Connecticut in 1855, enacted that no grant, conveyance, lease or devise of personal or real estate, to any person and his successor or successors in any ecclesiastical office, or to any such person by the designation of any such office, should vest any estate or interest in said person or his successor. The act further provides, that all conveyances heretofore made to any person or persons in any ecclesiastical office, of real estate dedicated or appropriated to purposes of religious worship, or burial purposes, for the use of any congregation or society, shall be deemed to be held in trust for the benefit of the Society or congregation using the same, and upon the death of the person or persons who hold the title, that the same should vest in the religious corporation formed by the congregation occupying such estate--provided such a legally organized corporation should be in existence at the decease of the person holding the title. And further, that if no such incorporated religious society existed, that such real estate should vest in the State of Connecticut.

Since the loss of the Romish Bishop of the Diocese of Hartford, in the Pacific, has been ascertained, the question has arisen, what effect this act would have upon Romish Church property in this State. As none of the societies were incorporated at the time of the Bishop's death, it would appear that all the Church property became vested, at his death, in the State.

But the fifth section provides, that whenever such real estate shall vest in the State, it shall be the duty of the Treasurer of the State, upon being satisfied of the due incorporation of the congregation or society, who have occu pied such real estate, to grant and convey the same, and all the right, title and interest of the State therein to said corporation. The result therefore of the law is to compel all Romish religious societies, if they would retain their property, to organize themselves, pursuant to the provisions of the State law, in the same manner as all other religious societies. At the same time, it effectually excludes the Romish Bishop and clergy from all legal control over the Church property, and places the temporalities of the Church where they should be, in the hands of the congregation. Such a result is certainly more in consonance with the spirit of our free and Republican institutions; and the Romish laity, if they are wise, will embrace this opportunity to free themselves from priestly control in matters of this kind.

OREGON. THE SELLWOOD MISSIONARIES.

The first reports which reached us of the dreadful massacre at Panama, on the 15th of April, last, led many to the melancholy conclusion that the Rev. John Sellwood, then on his way with his brother to their field of labor in Oregon, had been removed from the scene of his earthly labors. We rejoice to say that this is incorrect. The following extract from a letter of Rev. James R. W. Sellwood, will be read with interest:

“We arrived in safety at Aspinwall, about 7 o'clock A. M., of Tuesday, April

15th, and at 2 o'clock P. M. we left Aspinwall, in the cars, to proceed to Panama; and at half-past 4 we arrived there, and were waiting in the railroad depot to get our tickets registered at the office, in order to embark on the steamer, when a difficulty took place between some of our passengers and natives of this place. Relying for protection on the proper authorities, I, together with my family and brother, and a number of other passengers, sat down on the floor at the farther end of the building. After a number of shots had been fired into the building from the outside, it was broken into at the end opposite to us, when a horrible massacre took place of the few persons who were there. Expecting that quickly the same would be the fate of the whole party at the end of the building where I was sitting, it was proposed by some one to rush out of the building, when my brother opened the door which was near him, and he and my youngest son ran out, and I knew nothing of what befell them until the next morning. At the same instant myself, wife, and the remainder of my children, in company with a number of my fellow-passengers, rushed out of the building through a doorway on the opposite side to which my brother and youngest son went out. We walked but a short distance, when we were stopped by an armed mob, who made all of us instantly sit on the ground, at the same time brandishing their large knives, and other weapons, over our heads, till I expected every one of us would be instantly killed; and I have no doubt they would have carried out their murderous purpose, had it not been for a man with a lace cap, who kept them in check for a few minutes, when we were permitted to pass on, conducted by this officer and several of his men to the governor's house, where we remained until the next morning. As soon as we were led out, I went (having procured a soldier as my guard) in search of my son and brother. I soon found my son. He had been taken to the house of a friend, by natives, and had only received a slight blow on the back of his head, and the loss of his hat. We then went to search for my brother. I went to the depot where I was told the dead were. I there saw twelve of the dead, but it was impossible to recognize him by features, if he had been there-they were so cut, swollen, and bloody. I found, by examining, that their clothing was not the kind my brother had on. I then went to a house where the wounded were, and found him, but did not know him, he was so swollen, bruised, and bloody; but, thanks to a kind Providence, he was sensible and knew my voice. His sad tale was this; when he opened the door he stepped out on the platform, and jumped from it to the ground, when he was surrounded by persons who struck him two or three blows on the forehead and face with a piece of wood. He also received a pistol-shot near the left breast. When he fell to the ground, they immediately drew their knives, and ripped up his clothes, and cut off portions of them, and robbed him of all he had about his person, and then left him. Both his hands are also severely injur ed,-when that took place is unknown to him,-his right hand being badly burned with powder, and the left hand supposed to be grazed by a ball. His wounds are all doing well. Myself and family are stopping at a hotel, by order of Colonel Ward, the American Consul. We are robbed of all our money, and also the mission funds, likewise hats, caps, bonnets, umbrellasin fact, every thing we had in our hands."

At the last accounts Rev. Mr. S. was convalescing, and expecting soon to resume his journey. While in the hospital at Panama, a letter was dictated by him to Rev. Dr. Bedell. In response to an appeal for their aid, noble and liberal offerings were promptly made, to cheer these penniless Missionaries and enable them to proceed on their work of faith and love.

SUMMARY OF FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

ENGLAND.

MEETING OF CONVOCATION AGAIN.

The reports of the meetings of the Convocation of the Province of Canterbury, are becoming some of the most important of our English intelligence. Convocation reassembled on the 15th of April, when there were present ten Bishops, and in the Lower House a large attendance. The Prolocutor and several members of the Lower House, presented an elaborate report on the state of the law affecting the discipline of the clergy, drawn up by a committee of the Lower House, appointed, by order of his Grace the President, at the session held February 1, 1856, which was thoroughly debated.

The Bishop of Lichfield presented a petition numerously and most respectably signed, both by laymen and clergymen of the Church of England, praying that the two houses would be pleased to take into their consideration the adoption of such measures as might seem expedient for bringing about the restoration of the Wesleyan Methodists to the communion of the Church of England. This subject also received respectful and earnest attention. The Bishop of Lichfield presented also a similar petition, numerously signed by clergymen of the diocese of London.

The Bishop of Winchester read the following " representation" from certain members of the Lower House of Convocation:

"To his Grace the President, and their Lordships the Bishops, of the Convocation of the Province of Canterbury.

"The humble representation of the following members of the Lower House of Convocation

"We desire to unite with your lordships in expressions of devout thankfulness to Divine Providence for the restoration of peace.

"At the same time we beg leave to acknowledge your paternal care for the spiritual welfare of our fellow-subjects in the East during the late war.

"We desire also to record our gratitude for the encouragement given by your Grace and some of your lordships, to a pious work now in progress-the erection of an English Church at Constantinople.

"We hail this undertaking as an auspicious event, which promises, with the divine blessing, to diffuse the benefits of the Gospel, and to promote the peace of Christendom.

"We would humbly submit to your lordships' consideration, that, for the attainment of these ends, it might be desirable that the foundation of the proposed Church at Constantinople, shall be accompanied with a communication from this Synod, expressive of sentiments of Christian fellowship, to the Bishops and clergy of the Eastern Church, and with such other demonstrations as, in your lordships' judgment, might seem most conducive to promote the cause of true religion and Christian unity, and to represent the Church of England to our Eastern fellow-Christians in her true character as a pure and apostolic branch of the Universal Church of Christ." (Signed)

"Anthony Grant, Archdeacon of St. Albans.

Chr. Wordsworth, D. D., Proctor for the Chapter of Westminster.
Thomas Thorp, B. D., Archdeacon of Bristol.

George Wilkins, D. D., Archdeacon of Nottingham.

James Wayland Joyce, Proctor, Hereford.

E. Harold Browne, Proctor for the Diocese of Exeter.

Henry Caswall, Proctor for the Diocese of Salisbury.

F. C. Massingberd, Proctor for the Diocese of Lincoln.
J. Bartholomew, Archdeacon of Barnstable.
George A. Denison, Archdeacon of Taunton.
William Selwyn, Proctor for the Chapter of Ely.
R. W. Jelf, Proctor for Christ Church, Oxford.
Edward Bickersteth, Archdeacon of Buckingham.
George Martin, Proctor for the Chapter of Exeter.

James Duke Coleridge, D.C.L., Proctor for the Diocese of Exeter.
Henry Moore, Archdeacon of Stafford.

William Bruere Otter, Archdeacon of Lewes.

Robert Hussey, B.D., Proctor for the Diocese of Oxford."

These were among the most important matters brought before Convocation; and after three days of free, and often spirited discussion, Convocation was prorogued to August 28th. The whole tone of the meeting was different from that exhibited in the earlier meetings of which we gave an account two years ago. There is still, however, the presence of an impracticable dog-in-the manger" spirit; in other words, there are large numbers of men who are terri bly afraid the Church is not so thoroughly and dignifiedly dead and laid out in state for burial as they supposed. Good temper characterized the whole meeting; no unpleasant collision took place; and the general business of the meeting seemed to fall into those hands which were best able to conduct it.

The London Record speaks of Convocation in the following strain: "The Convocation of the clergy for the province of Canterbury, is again at work, maintaining its groundless and mischievous usurpation of the character belong. ing to a general Convocation of the Church of England. Whatever of plain good sense has been exercised on the present occasion, has been shown by the Lower House, while the usual despotic assumption and spirit of intolerance have marked the proceedings of the Upper Chamber.

"For the Lower House, we confess a kind of ludicrous pity. Did it really represent the general body of the Church of England, that pity would be changed into indignation; for it would present to the world a picture of helpless weakness which might well excite the wonder of mankind, and for which it would be difficult to find a parallel."

*

The attempt to restore to Convocation the exercise of its legitimate functions, is shared by men of different shades of opinion; who feel the necessity of rescuing the Church from the grasp of a Body like Parliament, made up more and more of Romanists, Jews, Heretics, Latitudinarians, &c., &c.

INCREASE OF THE EPISCOPATE IN ENGLAND.

Attention is now directed to the important subject of the increase of the Episcopate in England. The Colonial Church Chronicle for April has the fol lowing statistics:

The great necessity that exists for an increase in the Episcopate in England, will at once appear, when we state that on an average, every Bishop in England has nearly 270,000 more souls under his spiritual care, than any other Bishop in any other Christian country in Europe, whilst the population of some of our Dioceses, committed to the pastoral care of one Bishop, is equal to some European kingdoms! and in one case exceeds several of them.

Thus the number of souls contained in 1851 in the Diocese of London was 2,143,340, (to be increased on the next voidance of the see of Winchester to 2,588,718,) in that of Manchester 1,395,494, in that of Chester 1,183,497, in that of Winchester 1,080,412, in that of Ripon 1,033,457, and in that of Lichfield 1,022,080. Compare this with the population of some of the minor European kingdoms. In 1850 Saxony contained 1,836,433 inhabitants, Hanover 1,758, 856, Wirtemburg, 1,743,827, and the Grand Duchy of Baden 1,349,930. Can any stronger argument be drawn in favor of an increase in an Episcopate than a comparison of these statistics affords? We think not. We leave them without remark, to speak for themselves.