PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN STATE, or OHIO OCEEDINaS OP Thm» Annual Convention WOWHIN&TONj -JUNL 7-9, 1820 Cornell University Library BX5917.03 A5 1820 Journal of the proceedings of the third ill olin 3 1924 029 457 334 JOURNAL OF THE of the ANNUAL CONVENTION, OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH ■se- ts THE STATE OF OHIO; 4. HELD AT * WORTHINGTON, PRINTED BY GR IS WOLD Uf SPENCJSR, AT THE OFFICfc OF THE FRANKIJN CHRONICLE- :' 1820*; . /\7Uf7 •v^_? wstoethe CLERGY im LA.T DELEGATES, WHO ATTENJ»$D T^HE ' ■ ' .*Sfc '■ " , *' CLERGY. v* The Right ReVv P H i L A»nER^HAs^!Bishop«j3f the Protestant Episcopal Cfiurql^ in "the State of Ohio. The Rev. Joseph Doddridge, Missionary and Minis--* ', ter of St. James' Churchy Cross Creek. The Rev. Samuel Johnston, Minister of Christ Church, Cincinnati. * The Rev. Intrepid Morse, Minister of St. James' ^Qhurch, ZanesviMe, and St. Paul's, Steubenville. The Rev. Thomas A. Osborne, Prof essor of Lan> tguages in the Cincinnati College. * Th&:Rev, James Kilboitrnj (Deacon,) residing at Worthifigton. , ? ,."« ZAYpm.EpJi.TES. St. Thinks' Churchy s\%$rsville, Ozias Buvr. St. James' Church, Zanesyille, John Matthews. St. James' Church, .Cross Creek, Bezaleel Wells. St. Peter's Church ? Morristojvn, "Noble Taylor. ,,. St. Thomas*' Church, thi0mi0Farren Monger/* St. , Peter's Church, T)ela.ware,i [Robert Jamison. Trinity Church, Columbus, Benjamin Gardiner. C Chester Griswold, St. John's Ch. Worthingtqn. < Mner P. Pinpey. *"* ' (Matthew Matthews. S,.:PauP,Ch,S,eubenvi«ypf|g"^... St. Paul's r Church, Medina, Mbenezer Warner. St. Philip's ChuTO^Circreyflle, palter Thrall, Triniiy, Church, Cleavelanjd, &30f®. V.J. Hwkcox, Gra^ili iC^urch^, Berkshire, Joseph JPrthcfy % PROCEEDINGS. Worthington,, June 1th, 1820. This being the time and place, appointee! by the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the Stat6 of^Ohio, for the meeting of ■ The Right Rev. Philander Chase, Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the State of Ohio. The Rev. 'Samuel Johnston, Minister of Christ Church Cincinnati. The Rev. Intrepid Morse, Minister of St James* Church, Zanesville^ and St. Paul's, Steubenville. * The Rev. Thomas A. Osborne, Professor of Lan- guages in the' Cincinnati College. The Rev. James Kilboufn, (Deacon,) residing at Worthington.. <*'V- The Lay Delegates &xMbited certificates of their appointment; which were read, and severally approv* ed and the following took their seats. From St, James' Church, Zanesville, John Mat- thews; St. Thomas. 3 Church, St. Clairsville, Ozias Burr; St. James' Church, Cross Creek, Bezaleel Wells; St. Peter's Church, Morristown, Noble; Tay- lor; St. Thomas' Church, Dayton, Warren Monger; St. Peter's Church, Delaware, Robert Jamison; Trin- ity Church, Columbus, Benjajnin Gardiner; St. John's Church, Worthington, Chester Griswold, AbnerP. Pinney, and Matthew Matthews; St. Paul's Church,. Steubenville, Bezaleel Wells and JohnX. Wright. Agreeably to the 45th Canon of the.General Conven- tion, " providing for an accurate view of the state of the Church from time to time," the Ri||ht Rey^ . Bishop Chase delivered the following address: i&Y Brethren; This being the day appointed, for the meetingof the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Ohio, we have assembled here, for that purpose; and, have thus far, proceeded in supplicat- ing the Divine 1 aid and direction, in the important work before us. May our prayers be heard; may God be with us in all things, and at all times ; now es- pecially. In discharging my duty on this occasion, I need not speak to you of my pleasures or pains : of my pleasure, in meeting you, whom I so well know, and so sincerely respect ; for of this, you must already be assured: nor of my pains, in reflecting on my poor abilities ; for this would not make them any better. I ** shall therefore, proceed directly to the work assigned me, by the Canons; and that is to address the Clergy and the Laity ; subjoining such an account of my own proceedings, since our last meeting, as may give a just idea of the diocese* My dear Brethren of the Clergy ; we spend much of our time in preaching to others: will it not be be- * coming, on an occasion like the present, to preach a few words to ourselves ? For that purpose I have se- lected a text: which, while it implies a deep knowledge of our own deficiencies, seems to press on us the necessi- ty of doing all we can to supply them. It is written in . II. Cor. 2. 16. Who is sufficient for these things? When I shall have done with my sermon from these words to the Clergy, I hope a proper door will be opened, to say something appropriate to my brethren of the Laity. If all men, in their natural state, are corrupt ; and so insufficient to do the will of God, that they can do no good thing, without " God's special grace preventing ;" how much more conspicuous is this deficiency, in the Clergy,' when doing the great Work of the gospel ministry ? The Apostle was speaking of the discharge of his duty, in preaching the gospel, in general ; and espe<- cially in censuring the wicked, and encouraging the good. In these, and all other official duties, he mai% tains that the ministers of Christ, in their proper char- acters, are accepted of God, through Jesus Christ. - "We are, unto God, a sweet savour of Chrisj; h$ them that are saved and in them that perish- To the one, we are a savour of death unto, death; and to the other, a sayour of life unto life." Theh the Apfipe asks, in the Words of the text, " and who is suffie,iej$ for these things?" You see, then, my Brethren of the Clergy, that the Holy Apostle, in all the duties of the ministry, would direct us to the knowledge of our de- ficiencies and dangers; and thro' this, he would prompt us to a constant dependance on Divine grace;* an$ to an unremitting use of the means of attaining it, ,, "Who is sufficient for these things ?" For (lie dis- charge of the manifold duties involving the fate of immortal souls, alas! who is sufficient^ Nonejr— none are sufficient of themselves to think any thing, as of themselves, much less to do what is acceptable; " but (as he a little further on adds) our sufficiency is of God" Let us then pursue the method pointed out by the Apostle; shewing how difficult and dangerous the priestly office is; and, from this difficulty and danger, argue the bounden duty, in every Clergyman, to seek aid from God, in all the means of grace. What, then, does God require in his ministers? That sufficiency, which is of God. What is that? The sufficiency, which every minister is bound to attain, by the mani-, fold means of grace, which to that end, God has bes- towed on him. viz: .extensive knowledge; grpat pru-> dence; and an undeviating holiness oj 'life. My first item is extensive knojvledge — Why? Be- cause the Holy Scriptures have declared, that " The Priest's lips should keep, (or preserve) ■knowledge."— r He is to he, as it were a Treasurer, to have always in possession, not only what will serve his own personal use, but that of all under his care. His repository of divine knowledge must he such; A so : ample,.so well pre- served; and so welt arranged; that the people, (-when obeying the injunction,' which immediately foilojws, may never be disappointed. " The Pries? slips shqylfl fceip WndfolidgM'ami they (i.e. ifhepeople committed t^ 'his charge )^dtii5 isEEktffiE'E aw at 'His Ihodth, fMaIi : U,.'Y;-) : Can this be cohsktetit witfe that scanti- ness of learning? that sterility ©f ■ mind; that, ignorance Of divine tiling; ttib often observable in those, -who have' thrust themselves into the pf iestly office? . Can iMsireusury of divine 'Mdwfectge be compared with, those empty 1 lie^s,afld)vacant'Sfeelves, whose posses- sors, ' when they have preached -a few sermons; have not! hiri'g further to supply the ' exigencies of immortal sotils? e» is the characteristick name, ^hich^dtiF^t'"iourgave to his church; and by the tfcH&^helheans the ministers of that church: by be- ing'Ms^uvted^ht triust i 'mean the attainment of that de- gree of learning, of which we are-speaking; and the learning itself is called thesattros, a treasure. This is denominated his treasure; to denote that the learn-, ing' miist be" his ■oivn, arid in plenty. > I could add many Other proofs in point; but these, joined with common sense, must be sufficient. Sure- ly, if all other arts and callings demand knowledge, that of Divinity, the greatest of all, cannot be profes- sed Tvithbut &Howledgt, and that in anexterisiveidegree; Frortt speakirig'df khpwledge in general, as ; requisite in a minister of Jesus Christ, I might descend unto particulars: and thereby demonstrate the great neces- sity of a constant application to.^ many meaias, which are afforded us to obtain the godly- sufficiency spoken of by the Apostle. But, Ifear our time- will riot allow us to be minute. This fnueh, however, I cannot omit observing: that knowledge Of divinity in general, is riot the. drily requisite: it must be particu- lar and well divided; From a deficiency in these particulars, many Gler* 'gymen ; have made but a ; badtise of their general Knowledge 1 of divinity. Knowledge is like the mate- rials for building: it ; may be good and in plenty; and yet, If the.several pails thereof be not well selected and arranged; so that each order may be distinctly seen, and each' compartiment as to beauty and use, clearly perceived, great confusion will ensue; and the effect of the whole will be disgusting. By the help of this simile, contemplate a Clergyman . deficient in these particulars, attempting to discharge the several duties of his office, the mode of which i» left to his discretion. Hea* his discourses in publick and in private. Of Positive Theology, or those necessary parts of our speculative Faith revealed in Holy Scriptures, how.of- . ten is he so inadequate a teacher, that he leaves the, minds of his hearers quite in the dark, for want,of due distinction in the statement of them. Of Polemical divinity, or that kind o"f knowledge, in divine subjects, 1 which enables us to defend the faith once delivered to the saints, how often* does such, an one, from want of proper distinctions, expose, rather than aid, the cause of truth? * * It being the character of a shepherd, not only to feed, but to defend, the sheep; he, who stands in the place of the Great Shepherd of souls, should always be found armed, with the proper weapons of the gospel of truth, to defend the lambs committed to his charge. - Arid what can he do to this purpose, who knows not the avenues, thro' which the enemies, the Wolves and Tygers that devour the flock, make their approach? Many a Clergyman has weakened the cause of truth, and exposed the christian souls, under his care, to heresy and infidelity, by not knowing the true point in debate; or by not managing it with that skill and distinction, which are characteristic of digested knowl- edge and a well disciplined mind. If you hear him on subjects embracing that all-im- portant branch of a minister's duty, denominated cams-. tical divinity, how apparent is his deficiency and ina- bility to do justice to his calling? How can he resolve difficulties in cases of conscience, who, perhaps, never stated them tb his own mind; or if he did, never so digested them, as to be able to give a prompt answer according to truth? Shall the ministers of Christ, the pipiritua.1 Physicians, be, less attentive to. the exigen- cies of the soul, than natural .; Physicians, to those of the body? And does not the skill of the latter mate- rially depend on a knowledge how to, act, and how to advise, in the difficult casek, Which occur? Is hot ' this the chief part of their study? Even so, it is the duty of every minister Of Christ to give his mind, con- stantly and ardently^ the study of this part of his pro- fession; lest he 'fall uridyl" the 1 dreadful crime of being an JEmpirictc in Divinity. "'"..', But, my Brethren,. we have dwelt long e^ouglfj'per- hap's too long, oh this part of our subject; especially when we consider the impastittrcgrof the next head, in the division of our discourse; which is the absolute necessity of Great Prudence, to fofni that godlj- suf- ficiency mentioned'by the Apostle. By prudence, I mean that, which, not only knows ■what to do; but haw", and when, to do it, to the best effect.^ - "Sty prudence, I understand that, which is, sometimes, termed wisdom; and which is alluded to by our Bles- sed Saviour, when sending forth Jiis disciples into a wicked world, and directing them how to contend with sinful man, and how to convert sinners to holi- ness. "Behold I s£nd you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore, wise as serpents and Harmless as doves." ■ This prudence, or wisdom, relates to ourselves, to ,our individual families, to the particular flocks com- mitted to our charge, and to the Church at large. To be deficient in this quality of a Clergyman, in, these respects, is to mar the whole face of our characters, and to render our very profession Useless. A Clergy- man's personal, is intimately connected with his offi- cial, character; if the former be liable* thro' "lack of prudence, to misinterpretation; the latter, even in ca- ses, where the heart is right, and the intention good, must suffer. We owe it, therefore, to ourselves, so to behave, that "our good be not evil spoken of." We owe it to ourselves, to open ho door, whereby, false , brethren within, or wicked enemies from without, can, B • 10 thro' our sides, wound the peace of the Church, and hinder the, progress of the gospel. God requires this at our hands. It is no inferior part of that sufficiency, which is from him, and tohis glory. Again: we must manifest our wisdom in all things Relating to our own individual families; teaching and governing them, in the ways of piety and virtue. A Clergyman's usefulness, in a very great measure, de- pends oh this part of his ministerial sufficiency; and, as such, it is insisted on, as an indispensible qualification.^ . in every christian shepherd, by the inspired Apostle. He must be "one," saith he, "that ruleth his owa. house; having his children in subjection, with all grav- ity: for,if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Church of God." L Tim. 3. 4. i What can be the reason, then, that many Clergy- men (I speak now of the whole order as Such ) are so egre- giously deficient, in this particular? — -They have muck to say to their parishes, (and the more, if well said, the better,) about a holy, sober, and a godly, life; but little, of this sort, to sa.f to their own families. They can teach other women to be " discreet, chaste, keep' ers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,' that the word of God be not blasphemed;" while their owa wives are, perhaps, the greatest gossibs, busy-bodiei, and tattlers, in the parish. They can preach an excel- lent sermon to young men, and young women; exhort- ing them to obey their parents; to be sober minded; in all things, shewing themselves a pattern of good works: while, their own children are left at loose ends: their sons ignorant, impudent, and disobedient: foul in their language, dishonest in their dealings, and regardless of the 'truth; — their daughters vain, idle, and disres- pectful in their manners; neglecting every useful branch of female education; and mindful only of those frivolous accomplishments, praised only, in the almost only books they read, Novels and Romances. When the world sees, yea, when their parishes see, that this is the effect of their Religion at "home, what good will their public teaching compass? We fear very little. 11 Let it, then, be one important point, to manifest ouj Wisdom and prudent sufficiency, as gbspel ministers, by ruling well our own families; and by "training oui children up in-the nurture and admonition of the Lord.'" Again? our sufficiency, in wisdom and priidtoice, musi be manifested, in all that relates to our parishes, and the people committed to our charge. And here, at every step, we discover the great im» portanceof this part of our subject. We should he wise, in our general deportment to all. Mindful of the ftignity of our station, as embassadors of God towards inan, we should be careful, that we dishonour not our calling, by mixing with low and vicious company; and tamely listening to their vile discourse, thro' any hope 64 \ popularity. This is but to degrade ourselves, with- out exalting them. And yet, we should never forget, that these very persons are the objects of our mission into a wicked world. To approach them, and converse with them, is our duty; but it Should always be as Mo- ses approached the children of Israel, from the mount of God; with a heavenly radiancy about our characters, at once commaTiding respect and love. To the faitHful and obedient disciples of the Blessed Jesus, We should endeavour to imitate the conduct of our adored Master to St. John. We should cultivate their love, aild gain their conscience; that to us, they may resort for advice and comfort, in all the difficul- ties and troubles of life; and, when reposing On us, they should ever find faithful friends, able and wil- ling advisers. ,In relation to the poor of our parishes; we must not forget their spiritual, while we sedulously relieve their temporal, wants. If the latter cannot be done by our- selves, we should always prove their able advocates with those that ore able; ever sensible, that it matters little, by whom the charity is done, if done s it is: God's glory is the same. But, we should remember to keep a watchful eye over ourselves, that a pharisaical §s- tenjtation have no part in- our charitfes. To let them be known, more than is absolutely necessary, is no less than to sound a trumpet; and thus to deprive us of our heavenly reward. 12 To the rich arid honourable, in our parishes, we shouldbe doubly prudent. While we respect thent for their stations in life, and cultivate their friendship, for t;h? noble purpose of exciting them to good works, in the support of the Church of God; we are never to forget, that we are their spiritual fathers, endowed with ifutnority from on high; yea, most strictly command- ed, to reprove them for their vices; to exhort them un- to repentance; and to demand of them a strict conform* ity to the Salutary disipline of the Church of Christ. In our public discourses, being addressed to all, we shouldtakecarei that .all, h'a,ve thejr portion of gospel jnstni-v.tion, in due season; ever remembering that we are placed as stewards of the manifold grace. of God. 'i o this end, their characters, their wants, dangers and temptations, should be well studied. To whate- ver sins they are inclined, so far from giving way to them, because; they are popular, we should "set our face like a flint" against them; at the same time, taking pains to manifest, that we, in reproving, them, are gov- erned more by a sense of duty to God, and a regard to their salvation, than by a love of satire in ourselves. Should the blasphemies of Atheism, or the vapid arguments of Deism, be in circulation among our flocks, our Master commands us to put on the whole armour of. God, and fight the good fight of faith. Like David, we are to go forth to slay both the Lion and the Bear; But, like him, we also, are to give all the glory to God; who will never fail to save those, who put their trust in him. -■ ,. In short, we bear such a manifold relation to the souls committed to, our charge,, that, to be unmindful of the dictates, of prudence and wisdom, in the dis- charge of our several duties resulting from those rela- tions, wouUl involve the highest crime. We are Embassadors of God to ihemward; and they are the "JPbopletfeady," by nature, "to perish " to be saved by our ministration, **We are their Teachers; and they pur scholars, seekingthe saving knowledge of the gos- pel at our mouth. We are their shepherds,; and they pyjr flocks, looking to us, for spiritual food and protec.r 13 tion. Who then is sufficient for these things? What prudence;, what wisdom, is-required of us, in the duties- hence resulting ! • , But, a Clergyman's prudence, Qr wisdom^ does npt end with his duty to his particular parish; it extends unto the Church at large. ,.* An important duty, by our Canons, devolves upQ,$|. every parish minister, and especially on such as are members of the standing Committee, in recommend- ing Candidates for Holy Orders; and few. things de- serve more, prudence than this. I have now been in the ministry twenty-t»vq years; and most of the disturbances, which have^arisen, inconsequence of admitting improper characters to orders, "might have been prevented, had those Clergymen, who 1 recom- mended them, exercised that Jjrudence, of which we are now speaking; for, bad Clergymen are generally found to have been bad, from the beginning. O, what a weight of sorrow must hang on the mind of a cc^fepi soientious minister, for having been' imprudently the ' means of introducing, to the sanctuary of God, a wick- ed and unsanctified man! What agony must pierce his breast, when he' sees the Wolf, which he had been the meansof admitting into the fold, tearing the. lambs and scattering the sheep upon the mountains! Be prudent, therefore, in this, particular, that you may avoid such pangs as. these. Again: prudence, or wisdom, should be exercised by every Clergymen, in relation to the Church at large, by avoiding every thing, that may look like party, or party names. Against the sin of schism, jve suppli- cate the, divine grace, in our prayers. May we, therefore — may the Apostolic Church in this, our dear country, never admit this deadly sin, in this shape.— -. Names, we know, are innocent things; but if they stir up feuds, and produce rancour, they 'change their na- ture and become sinful. The grand Enemy of the Chu$ph never did much harm, in his ow*n prope/character. To effect his de- signs, he changes his native dress; and assumes that of an angel of light. Shall we, therefore, be ighorarit'df 44 his devices? , And shall we, when krrowing, his devi- ces,, become a prey to thetn? May God, in his mercy to the Church .of America, forbid it! May it always be a . governing principle, of our lives, to preserve'; Charity, the very bond of perfeetness, that which holds the Church, the body of Christ, together, by love to Gpd arid man; by unity of design and har- mony of effort. This leads us to the third general head of our dis- course; which was to shew, that an undeviating, ex-. emplary holiness of heart and life, is absolutely necessa- ry to form that sufficiency, mentioned in the tex^..- Every holy man Is not," therefore, a minister of Christ; but every minister of Christ must be a holy man; or he is a wolf in sheep's clothing; the worst of traitors to his master; and the basest of Hypocrites. By a holy man, I mean a good man; good at heart; and good in his life and dealings with mankind: up- right and just; faithful to his word and promise; hon- est, honourable, and candid; above the mean arts and lowi; maxims of policy, by which the world are governs ed; obliging to his friends; forgiving to his enemies; and merciful to the poor and needy: submissive to his superiors, in Church and state: and all this from the best of motives;, from a principle, of faith, which work- eth by love; love to God and man; love which leadeth him tcrhis prayers; prayers irk public and in private; and, when there, makes his devotions arise to God, as the^ morning and evening incense; 'love which mani- fests the grace of God shed abroad in his heart, con- stituting him a new man, formed and fashioned after the patterrfcf his heavenly Master, in dealing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly. This is that good man, whom we call a holy matt; and, if without this ho- liness, the Scriptures affirm no man can see the Lord, a- bbve, how should he, who is deficient therein, be per- mitted to serve at God's altar, here below? There is, to every pious mind, something so disgustingly In- congruous in a bad minister^, 'that all .other qualifica- tions are, in him, as nothing. Suppose hirnto speak with the tongues of men and angels; to possess all 15 knowledge; and have prudence to set off his gifts t© the best advantage; and, at the same time, knbwri to be a bad man; to l?e deficient in holiness df heart' and; life, what will all his eloquence and learning avail, to the conversion of souls to God, or to the edification of his Church? They will be as sounding brass, and a tinkling Cymbal. What will his prudence avail, in recommending the cause of Religion? It will be just- ly regarded as the contemptible arts and manoeuverings of a hypocrite, to accomplish, under the veil of a sanc- timonious exterior, some base and sinister purpose. It is, then, /an exemplary and undeviating holiness of heart and life, that is to be the crown & perfection of a minister's sufficiency. Without this, all is as a dead body; a putrid carcass, offensive to God and man. In common with the rest of mankind, the minister of Christ is* concerned to be a good and holy man, for his own sake, i. e. to save his own soul. He, as well as they, by living an Unholy life, must, at the last judgement, be doomed to everlasting punishments, Where the' worm dieth not, and the fire is not quench- ed. Besides this, he has the additional motive to be a good man, for the sake of others; for the sake of the souls, whom he may be the instrument of introducing to the kingdom of Heaven. Jf he fail in this, the ex- press design of his profession, and that, thro' the ef- fect of his bad example, what a weight of guilt must hang upon his head! How deep will it sink his con- scious soul iii misery, when, to the just Judge of men and, angels, he giveth in his account, it then be seen, that those, whom he was sent to save, Were lost, thro' the influence of his unholy conversation! "With this view of the subject, how dangerous a pro- fession is that of a clergyman; and how detestable a character is that of a bad ohef To link his soul to the souls of thousands, and then betray, both himself and them, to the Eriemy; and, together sink into eternal -flames! My Brethren; the words of our ordination serviceaxe so appropriate, to this part of our'siibjecty that it would be er|rninal*in me, in closing it, to omit them. " Have 16 " always, therefore, in remembrance, how great a trea- " sure is committed to your charge. For they are the " Sheepjof Christ, which he bought with his death, " and for whom he shed his blood. The Church and " congregation, whom ye. serve, is his spouse and bo- " dy. And if it shall happen that the? same Church, " or any member thereof, take any hurt or hinderance " by reason of your negligence, you know the greai- " ness of the fault, and also the horrible punishment "that will ensue." , This is the language of our pious Church, to all her ministers: and what shall we say; what shall we do, after such awful considerations, and such awaken- ing exhortations as these? Where shall we find our sufficiency for these things? Where, but at the foot- stool of our < all-powerful, meritorious, and gracious, Saviour? There bewailing our sins and acknowledg- ing our weakness, let us implore his forgiveness" and heavenly strength. There let us weep tears of blood, if it were possible, that the blood of souls, the guilt of dooming them to eternal misery, cleave not to our priestly garments. There, and thence alone, let us seek for that assemblage of pious, zealous, and effec- tual graees, which can arm us for the important war- fare, into, which we have enlisted. And then, with Je- sus for our Leader, and the aid of his spirit for our comfort, we shall be sufficient, in, and thro', the day of trial, and, finally crowned with eternal life. My discourse to my Brethren, the Clergy, is finished; I have now, a few words to say to the Laity., In listening to what has been said to the Clergy, you, my Brethren of the Laity, must have perceived its amazing importance.' Ask, then, yourselves, from whence this importance arises? Does it not arise, principally, from tl\e value of your own souls? And are you not conceded in their salvation? % Will all the efforts of the Clergy be of any avail, without your co-operation? . Like the hands in the natural body, they are the ministers to givgvgu the food b'f'e- ternal life; but if you will not receive it, when offered, who is answerable, if the members perish? Like the 17 v knees, they are at the altar, - to hew and pray for you ; but if you will, not hring gifts to support God's church; above all, the offerings of broken spirits and contrit* hearts, what can they do, but save their own souls a* live, in the d,ay of visitation? - ; , I have mentioned the supportef God's church. I know, as welL as you can know; I feej, perhaps, more deeply than you do feel; how delicate it is, to speak of the temporal support, which you are bound to give to the ministers of Christ; * of whom, however unworthy, I am one. But, delicate as it is, I am constrained, both by the duties of my station, and the necessities of the case, to do it. Bear it in mind, however, that I do it nOt for your consideration alone, who hear me; but for that of all, who may become acquainted with what is now said. Jsay, therefore; and I s *y- i$> because I am bound to declare the truths as it is in Jesus; that all, who hope to be saved by the Gospelj must help to maintain that Gospel. If God has. seen fit to ' establish a C hureh and constitute its officers, those, who receive the bene- fits thereof, must help to maintain z'tand them; or, they must be content to have no part nor lot in this matter- Under the Mosaic dispensation, God made ample pro- vision for the support of his Church: and, under the Gospel dispensation, the nature of the thing remaining the same; the duties, required from his people, tho' the mode of rendering them may be -more discretiona- ry, are the same. '> Do ye not know" saith the Apos- tle to the Corinthian Christians-^-"Z)cry£ not know that they which minister about holy things, live of the things of the temple ? And they, ivhi&k wait at the altar, are partakers with the altar ? Even so, the Lord ordained, that they which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel." This' point, thea, is clear beyond all dis- pute; and If it be stated to you under circumstances, which admit no possibility of any sinister, or selfish motive, it ought tobe urged with a, manly ardour, be- coming its importlfee. That tljese arc the circum- stances of the persol^now addressing you, is known unto you all. Having, thro' the long course of twenty- c 18 two years' ministry, procured more than one half of his subsistence and that of his family, from the arduous employment of educating youth; having left situations much more lucrative than his present one; and come among you, under the aid of no charitable institution; and when here, with his own hands having minister* ed and still ministering, to his own necessities; if he cannot urge this with a becoming freedom, for the benefit of God's Church; for the love of his dear Brethren in the ministry; and for the good of souls; it is hard to say who can. Time there was, when the ministers of Christ were maintained by the gifts and offerings at the Christian altar; when Churches were richly endowed, and in-< stitutions of learning were founded* by the pious obla- tions at the altar of Christ: and from these holy foun- tains have issued nearly all the streams of religious and moral science, which now fertilize the christiaa •world. These sources, as respects this country, are dried up; and not only institutions of learning, but the Clergy themselves, are dependent on the personal, and immediate munificence of each individual chris- tian. What will be the result, time will shew. If the laity had reason to complain, that the Clergy made a bad use of their privileges, let them now shew that they fall not into like error themselves. God is as much the proprietor of the wealth of the world, when in the hands of the Laity, as when in, those of the Clergy. In both cases, the possessors are but stew- ards; the use of that wealth, for the purposes of vir- tue and religion, God will require of both. Think not, howeyer, my Brethren of the Laity, that in urging this subject, we sink our characters of em- bassadors of God to youward into that of Beggars: for we have feelings as well as you, on this delicate sub- ject. We preach not the gospel of the blessed Jesus unto you, for filthy lucre's sake. As our chief motive, "we seek you, not yours" Every faithful minister of Christ, is bound to say with therApostle — " necessi- ty is laid upon me, — yea woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel." And, in doing this, he seeketh the 19 Jiock, not the fleece. But does this preclude the pro- priety of his addressing you, as did also the Apostfe the Corinthian Christians, on this selfsame subject.—- ■•' If we have sown unto you- spiritual things, is. it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?" Let those, who would attribute worldly, motives ta the clergy, give themselves but a moment's reflection,, and they will see reason to blush at their uncharitable censure: For, there is not a Clergyman among us» worthy to be such, as respects talents, but could pro** cure much more ample means of support, in any other calling. What, then, can he the reason of their enter* ing and continuing in this laborious profession? No Either; answer can be given to this question, but this one. They have thought and still think it their duty to sustain this character. Humble as it is, in the eyes of a wicked world, and neglected as it often is, by the rich and proud; how suresoever they may be of pover- ty themselves; and to whatever distresses they may subj ect their families; they have entered* 8c still continue in the ministry of the gospel, because they believed, & still believe, that gospel; because they trust they are called to preach it to others; and because, if they should neglect so to dp, the divine displeasure would rest upon them. To attribute bad motives to sik* men, and under such circumstances as these, is not only an offence against the dictates of charity, but those of common sense. But after all, there is another way of giving support to the ministers of Christ, more noble, more effectual in itself, and more dear to them, than the offering of all your treasure. And what may this be? It is that ' of giving your hearts to God, and your lives to his service. This will be more than meat and drink to them: this will cheer and animate their hearts, in the gloomiest hours of worldly depression; this will sus- tain them, in all their labours, and comfort them, in all their sorrows. Yes, my beloved Brethren of the Laity, I may boldly say, that I speak the united voice of all worthy Clergymen, when I repeat to you, that it is not yours, Jbut 'you, they seek- S3 Offer unto God but a broken , spirit, and a contnife heart; know and feel the power of religion; on you* souls, and practise its holy precepts in your lives; and your worldly substance shall not be so much as nam- ,ed to -fern* A stable, for the birth place of our chil* dren, and a manger^ for their cradle-, are no worse than our adored Lord was treated withal; and why should his ministers complain? Clothe us with " sheep skins and goat skins;" let Us wander, among you, having not where to lay our heads, but on the cold ground; witfi the wild wood and the canopy of Heaven for our covering; let our drink be water, and our only food, the coarsest bread; let us but see you and your vhiU dren seelc first the kingdom of Heaven, and its right* wousttess, and. all other things, in respect of ourselves* shall be as nothing: a crown of glory, laid up for us in the eternal world, will outweigh them all. My discourse to the Clergy and Laity, is now fin* ished. It remains to give a statement of my official duties, since we last met in Convention, with some reflections on the state of the Diocess. |_ Before commencing an account of my episcopal du*- ties, I will give a brief statement of the parishes, which are more immediately under my charge. These- are those of W orthingtan, Columbus, Dela- ware and Berkshire: in superintending and minister- ing to which, I employ all my time; except that, whieh is devoted to diocesan duties; the duties, which I owe to the school, committed to my care, as president of Worthington College; sindthe duties, which I owe to my family. The number of communicants, who usu- ally attend at the altar, in Worthington, has increased to upwards of ninety, and the deportment of the con"- gregatkm is rubrical and devout, in ho common de- gree. The baptisms have been numerous. The other three pafishes, x which, Of necessity, can have but a small portion Of my time, have, nevertheless, in- creased ih numbers, respectability, and prospects of permanency. The nunifefef Of communicants, in each, Is about twelve, The observation Will apply to all, when I say, that, altho*, by feasonpf the peculiar eM« 21 bamssments of the times, they have been so depressed in their pecuniary concerns as to afford me but a partial support, ye|t their kindness and good will towards me' have been unvaried: and the same is now acknowledg- ed, with gratitude. On the 6th day of June, 1819, I administered the Holy Rite of Confirmation, in Worthington, to sevens ty-nine persons: and, soon.aftef, took my journey to the South. ; \ ' At Circle ville, I held. divine service; and at Chilli? cothe, spent the Sunday. Having passed on to Portsmouth, at the junction of the Scioto, with the Ohio River, I organized a Par- ish, and confirmed six persons. The Sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered to twelve persons} and a number, both adults and infants, were baptized. At Chillicothe, on my return, I held divine Service several times; and, on the 26th of June, I administer- ed confirmation to fourteen persons. Most deeply is it regretted, that the respectable parish in this city, have not, hitherto, been successful in their endeavours to obtain a Clergyman, hay reading, though it may serve, for a time, to cherish the flame, of piety, and preserve a taste for the beauty of our primitive ser- vice; yet, if it be relied on for a permanency, or be conducted by persons, who, however excellent in other respects, are not dedicated to the service of the Church, nor can be supposed thoroughly acquainted with her Rubricks, Canons, and established usages; a habit of coldness ensues, in regard to the Sacraments and Apostolic Ordinances, much to be lamented. Taking Zanesville in my way home, I spent the Sunday, with the Rev. Mr. Morse, and with him at- tended divine service on the 4th day of My. I performed duties, in my episcopal character, at Delaware, and Berkshire. In the former, on the 18th of August, I confirmed seventeen, and in the latter, on the 5th of September, thirteen, persons. In Columbus, on the 12th of September, I confirm* ed ten persons; and, soon after this* took my jo«rn«y to-the ndrth and west part of the state. £2 It would be tiresome to you, and perhaps ostenta- tious in myself, were I to go into the particulars of this tour; a tour of more than fivehundred miles, before ] again visited the place, of my residence. It was un« dertaken, with no prospects of earthly reward; but, to do my duty, and perform the service of our heavenly Master. The consciousness of this truth, supported me through all my fatigues,; made trivial the frowns and scoff's of the proud; heightened the greetings oi my friends; made my hours, by day, glide sweetly on; and filled my night dreams with pleasant images. 1 took my course towards the Rocky River; which I reached in safety. After having visited and per- formed divine service, at Columbia, I administered the Holy Sacrament, to a number, and confirmed ten per* sons at Liverpool: this took place on the 25th of Sep- tember. The same day, at evening, I performed divine ser- vice at Medina county-s'eat; and the next, being Sun- day, I rode to the dwelling place, of the Rev. Mr. Searle.' Although, both himself, and Mrs. Searle, were in ill health, (a ' circumstance which precluded him from attending me, that part of my tour) yet he was able to attend the Sacrament. He also present- ed, for confirmation, nine persons. This was on Sun- day, the 26th of September last. At Cleaveland, on the 27th, I performed divine ser- vice; and r the next day, Tuesday, 28th, I confirmed ten, and administered the Holy Communion to sever- al, persons. I was at Ashtabula, on Wednesday night;, visited a number of families; and performed divine service on Thursday, and, on Friday, the 1st of October, admin- istered the Rite of Confirmation to eight persons. Wine, for the Holy Communion, being not to be had, that Sacrament was omitted. The same day, I rode to the township of Rome; on Saturday, reached Windsor; and, in the afternoon, performed ^divine ser- vice. The day following, Sunday, the 3d of October, thirty four persons were confirmed; and the Holy Sacrament of the Lord's supper was well attended.-* 23 On my way to Caaffield; I performed divine service in Warren and Boardman. I&Canheld, on the evening of the 6th of October, I also performed divine service^ and, on the 7th, administered* the Sacrament of ttyb Lord's supper, and confirmed sixteen. In the eveningof the same day, divine service was again attended, in the same place. During the two following day^ I rode to Steubenville; and, on Sun- day^ the 10th of October, I held morning and even- ing service, in that place. '< Hieing joined by the Rev. Mr. Morse, at Cadiz, and in the evening, attending divine worship with him at that village; we came together,' the next day, to Zanes- ville; where, on Thursday, I performed the public services of the Church; and, the two following days, I arrived at my dwelling, in this place. * , I have put the events of my northern tour together, not that they were destitute of interesting matter, for many observations; but, that I might hot, unnecessari- ly, fatigue you, who have so 'patiently listened to me, in the discharge of my duty, thus far. . I could tell you of the hospitality and' kindness shewn to me in every place: I could tell you how firmly many are attached to primitive truth, ask is set forth in our Church; and how ardently others are seeking after it. But, of all these, I forbear. The effect of the. whole, on my mind, has been cheering; and prompted! the oblation of my grateful heart, to the Great Head of the Church, .i who hath not left us comfortless. Yet, I cannot re- press my deep .regrets at seeing such a dearth of Cler- gymen, when there are so many to feedi 'The har- vest is plenteous, but the labourers are few. Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the Harvest, that he will send forth Labourers into the harvest.' ;-"* In the latter part of October last, I visited Cincin- nati, and tarried there two Sundays, During which period, the services of our Church, 1 by the assistance of the Rev. 'Mr. Johnston, were performed, as often as practicable. Every kindnes's was shewn me, which a f grateful heart cotjld name. I pray the Lord to bless them, and to stir up their hearty and awaken them to 24 d© his service. Bless him, O God! bless thy servant; who ministers amoftg them. Make thy wordjf by his jnoulh* powerful; that the harvest of his labours may be abundant. On the 3 1st of October, eight persons were confirmed. The Communion was administered, at the same time: the" congregation was large, and their deportment solemn and devout. While at Cincinnati, I visited a neighbourhood, on the banks of the Little Miami; and performed service at the house of Col. Biggs'. On my way to, and from, ' Cincinnati, I performed "divine service, several times, at Dayton; where they have since taken measured to become a parish, and a legal body corporate. It seems, though young, a society of much promise. TbeRev. Joseph Doddridge, who resides on the Virginia: side of the Ohio, still continues kindly to ex- tend Ms pious labours to this state. I have thought fit, therefore, at his request, and that of my council «$f advice, to give him letters missionary, to entitle him, according to our Diocesan Constitution, to a seat in our Convention. The Rev. Thomas. Osborne, Presbyter, is appointed Professor, in the College at Cincinnati. His letters dimissory, from the Rk Rev.BishopBowen, of South Carolina, assure me of his regular standing in the Church, and of his ability, under God, to do much good. I have admitted Philander Chase, Junr. as a candi- date for Holy Orders, on letters dimissory, accompanied with certificates of his good character, from the Hf./* Rev. Bishop Griswold, of the Eastern diocess. I have deferred to mention another event, which took place since we last met, because of its solemn na- ture and most afflicting sequel. On the 6th day of June, 1819, the Sunday follow- ing the adjournment of this Convention, I admitted to the Holy order of Deaconsj the Rev. Benjamin Birge, ©f Lexihgtoh, Kentucky. We have lately received the painful intelligence of his decease. Had he been a member of this Diocess, it were pror per, in this place, for the benefit of religion, to mettr 25 lion his pious .exartjple,' and drop a tear over his un- llpifely grave. As it is, we cannot refrain from giving vent to our feelings, in a few; words. From his re*- commendations, to ^e ecclesia^lcal authority of this diocess, as well as from the universal report of his a- miable and pious manners, joined to 1 his respectable examination, on the subjects of theology, and his cor- rect deportment, while among us, we had reason to esteem and love him. The church at large, and es- pecially that pohion of our prirnitive Zion, this side the mountains, had good cause to rejoice, in the mild influence, which his example and. correct principles Would shed, ofer her prospects'. The morn of his life was clear, and the sjpjp serene; and we did hope to see its meridian Splendid, Slid full of good fruits: but the shades of night, the night of the grave, have inte|i r en- ed', he is taken from our view and sleeps with* his Fa- thers. Fond memory, however, does not so soon leave him; we mark his' youthful footsteps; recall to our minds his words; ali'd "linger on the places, where he gave evidence of a renewed heart and christian zeal. From all these, we learn our present loss, and his gain: that, while we mourn,' he rejoices: and that, though our infailt Church in the west, feels the loss of this excellent young man, yet we have sufficient proof, of his present blessedness, to make us dry our , tears, and stifle' every wish that he had continued long- er among us. Besides this, our faith lays our resig- nationctothe broad principleof the infinite wisdom and goodness of God; that, though "his way is in the wa- ters and his footsteps are not known," yet, whatever he.doeth is just, right, and good; and, if improved a- right, ail his dispensations shall turn out for the good of those, who love and obey him. The Convention adjourned till 4 o'clock. The Convention assembled, agreeably to adjourn- ment. The Rev. Samuel Johnston* was, by ballot, elected Secretary of the Convention. On motion, Resolifed, that the rules; observed by this house at their' last Convention, i>e now adopted* 26 The clergy were called on for their reports, required by the 45th Canon of the general Convention, which were presented and read; and, as required by the said Canon, inserted on the Journals. ■ «.■.>• The following is an extract, from the report of the Rev. Joseph Doddridge, M. D. Missionary, to the Bishop. "Since the Convention, held at this place, two years Sast, I have regularly attended the Congregations of t. Thomas', in St. Clairsville, and St. James', in Jef- ferson County, until last fall: the congregation of St. ; Peter's, at Morristown, and that of Seneca, in More- roe county, occasionally. Considering the small a- mount of clerical services, which, these places receive, the good work appears to be going on well. "$Thje Parish of" St. James' Church, Cross-Creek, is, for this country, numerous. The communicants are about fifty. "It is with great regret, I announce the necessity of lessening the extent of my clerical labours. ' Age is fast approaching, and I am not wealthy. It is my du- ty to provide something for my family, and- 1 am sorry to say that, in the present state of our affairs, this duty cannot be discharged by the means of the emoluments of. the ministry. I shall, however, do all I can, for the interest of our spiritual Zion. While, at the same time, I place my principal reliance on my Medical profession, as means of support for myself and family." The Rev. Thomas A. Osborne, Professor s0£. Lan- guages, in the Cincinnati College, reports to the Bish- op as follows. _,''".. ,^-r, : g " Since my arrival in Cincinnati, from the diocess of South Carolina, in December last, I have preached eighteen dmes, in different parts of the state; viz. in Cincinnati six times, for the Rev. Mr. Johnston, whilst engaged on a missionary tour, through the adjacent parishes; in Dayton, three times; in Xenia, once; in Round bottom, once; at Walnut hills. Once; and at Hamilton, six times. I would beg leave to observe, that, the distance of some of the above places from the City, is such, as will render it impossible, for roe 27 to visit them often, in the winter; nor yet as frequent- ly as I could wish, in thg summer season; , especially,, when it is considered, that, in the performance of my professional duties, my attendarice'is required in the College chapel, every second Sabbath. In Hamilton, however, I have made an engagement to officiate one Sunday in the month, as long as circumstances will admit. " As to the prospects of our Church, within the lim- its described, arid the progress of Christian zeal, in the maintenance of true christian principles, what I eould say, is more fully and- satisfactorily given in the report of the Rev. Mr. Johnston, whose opportunities and means of observation have been more extensive than mine. The calling of the labourer, in the cultivation of the spiritual vineyard of our blessed Saviour, should be diligent and persevering; whether the same be to plant, or to water, the increase must be of God alone, who will bless, in his own appointed time, the means he has instituted for accomplishing, his own purpo- ses. And we humbly trust, that he will, of his infin- ite mercy, command his blessing to descend, as the refreshing dew of heaven, to cherish and adorn the tender vine, which his own right hand hath planted, in this western region." The Rev. Samuel Johnston, reports to the Bishop as follows: The state of the Congregation, under my Parochial cure, is nearly the same as given in a former report.— It gradually increases in numbers, and,, we trust, in pi- ety. We hope the divine blessing will, eventually, smile on the means of grace* that are used for the in- crease of spiritual knowledge and practical holiness. ,1 observe an increasing attachment to the doctrines, worship, arid government, of our Apostolic Church. Could we see more zeal in the cause of christian truth, more engagedness in the concerns of eternity, increasing the number of the professors of religion^ it would give cause of gratitude to God, and be a happy era to our infant 25ion. 28 The Congregation last fall, were gratified by- wit- nessing th»e solemnities of |he holy rite of confirmation.; The effects of this ordinance were useful, and must, leave lasting impressions on all serious persons, espe- cially the young. The number, of communicants has increased some,. Within the last year; but not so much as might reason- , ably be expected. jiis with pleasure that I notice many of our people. observe the festivals and fasts of the Church. They; neyer can be celebrate^ without the r most salutary effects of reverence towards God for his. wonderful dispensations, and humility under a sense of our ua- worthiness. The Sunday School, under the instruction of some young gentlemen, and ladies of the Parish, is in the highest state of prosperity and affords sufficient cause of gnttiitude to God, that their voluntary labours are so abundantly crowned with success. The pray- ers, the catechisms, the scriptural lessons and pious counsels, that their tender pupils learn, are of so use- ful and important a nature, that incalculable blessings;, must flow to the Church, and to the community at large. One hundred and fifty interesting children are punctual in their attendance at Church, are faithful to their tasks, and unite in solemn worship to the God of their Fathers. Families. 75 Marriage. , 1 ***"» ■$*&. . it] * fLast year, 20 «-, __ . J Removals, 6 , Commumcants. sj Additions ; $i . * L Present number 35 I have pe rformed, as often as has been in my power, third seryiqes, on Sundays; and weekly lectures, in the towns in this vicinity. In the state of Kentucky, services have been held in New Port, at P?t$rsburg y and at the United Stetfes? Arsenal. 99 In Indiana, I have preached puv^ t at Lawrence-" burgh ; wh^f, in time, I trust, a Parish may be ^formed. ' , . In Chillicothe, services were performejdv one Sun?' day. In the Miami Country, I have performed divine service at Elizabeth Town, once; at the North: bend* once; one Sunday, at Milford '; Miller eek tcnum/iipm once; , Franklin } once; one Sunday at New- Tpwfa* , Vi fJamiliqn,! have visitedjthre^ times, and pre^^^i to an attentive and serious Conjugation. Thejjft are sex^ral-re^iilar Episcopal families in, the placep%n||. the Church must ultimately be established. Lebanon, I have visited four times, and performed the worship of our Church. They only want the occasional services qf a clergyman, to have a promis:* ing . congregation. The Presbyterians aivi Metho- dists were very lrind in allowing us the use of then* houses of worship. / Xenia has been visited once; and some Episcopa- lians were found, who would be happy to see th,e Church planted among them, Dayton, I have visited twice, and was treated with much urbanity, and hospitality. The church here i§ respectable and established on a firm footings It£ members manifest a fceal that would do credit to ,qur plder and more populous congregations. Seldom cajd| there be discovered a more correct knowledge of the Church; or a more inquisitive disposition to teaC' quainted with its principles. There are some indi- viduals in it, who are zealously a,ffected in a goolA Caiuse; and spare no pains that the churchy shall rise in the splendor of her primitive .services, and £$£" mand the admiration of christians. Springfield was visited onimy way to the .Cpnven- ^on; -and more Episcopalian^ were fountd \t\ it, than is usual in towns of its size. _ I preached, tq them 4 times, hap||se,d 1 child, and ar- ticles for a Parish, association, were. drawn up. §t signed. At Urbana, Public worship , was ;^en,^e4 tw,ic.e^:al^ twp children Wsere.JjaptJzed- ' ; fc ^Coulct a clergyman be settled in the Miami Country^ liking DUftfton a central point; he would have a pleas- ant circuit, and would find no part of the diocess,' where, with the divine blessing, he could be more useful. It'ls with pleasure that I acknowledge the services of my worthy friend, the Rev. Mr. Osborne, who has officiated for me several times, and is instrumental in - building up the church, in the adjacent country. Gould the members of our communion in the Atlan- tic states, realize our destitute situation, missionaries Would no longer be wanting, nor funds, fer their sup- port. We have sanguine hope's that the Philadelphia Missionary Society, which has already done great good, will adopt some plan, with the general conven- tion, for this all important object of searching for the poor and wandering sheep in the wilderness, that they may imitate their blessed master, in seeking to- save that which was last. While we lament the dearth of clergymen, in our own state, we cannot but sympathise with our episco- pal brethren, in their deserted Condition, in Indiana, . Tennessee, Illinois, and Mississippi; who are without one clergyman of the church of their fathers. When we consider that all other denominations, are zealous, in the propagation of their principles, is it not singu- lar, that we, who profess to be the purest church in Christendom, possessing such abundant means, should be so far deficient in the important duty of sending missionaries where they are so much wanted? May the zeal, now enkindling in the hearts of our brethren,, in the Eastern states, extend its animating and com- fortable influence to the disconsolate members of our church, scattered abroad in this western world, as sheep, having no shepherd. The Rev. Intrepid Morse, reports to the Bishop as follows: During the year past, and since the last convention, his services have been chiefly devoted to the parish of Sfc James, Zanesville, and St. Paul's, Steubenville ; in the former, he has officiated one half of the time; ■**■ arid in the latter, about one fourth. In each of the# parishes, there has been an accession to the -number of communicants at the altar; and, it is hoped, an in- crease of piety as well as of numbers. At Zanesville, there are now thirty-six communicants; and at Steu- ben ville, twenty. Both of these Congregations, considering their in- fant state, are well instructed in the doctrines and dis.- cipline of jthe church; and the/ services are performed with apparent zeal, propriety, and devotion. The dis- tance between them is so great (nearly 100 miles) as to prevent the nrinistratioiis-of a clergyman alternately, except at considerable intervals; but public worship, acc6rding to the liturgy, is regularly performed^ Zanesville, by a lay reader, and it is contemplated to introduce the like practice at Steuberiville, so soon as circumstances will admits and render it expedient The importance of such a regulation must be obvious. While our congregations are distant and small, and theservices of a.clergymah necessarily divided among many; under the blessing of God, nothing Can have a. better effect towards removing prejudice^ iriakingothr ers acquainted with the forms of the liturgy, and nourishing our own members in the ways of piety and godliness, than frequently assembling together for public worship, and, unitedly, offering up the prayerp and praises of the church, with becoming fervour, spirit, and devotion. In addition to the services already mentioned, Mru Morse passed five ^Sundays at Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- vania, in exchange with the Rev. Mr. Richmond; al- so, one in Wheeling, Virginia; three in St. Clairsville; one in Morristown; one in Seneca parish; one in St. James' church, Cross-creek; arid two at Chillicothe. In all these places,, the ministration of episcopal clergymen is earnestly desired; and could it be ob- tained oftener, much good might 'result, as the conse- quence of their labours. But, in order to produce any durable impression, it is adviseable that a minister reside conlstantly among them. The parishes in Wheeling, St. Clitrsville, and* Morristown, would 32 feiH a cuW, eohvenien'Cm point of c6ntigMtf ., Thef ftave the ability and the desire to support a clergyman" , of the chyrch, who should reside amottg thecfl, iiiid officiate alternately in each; but, hitherto, none could be procured; it is hbped, however, they will n,Qt long remain destitute* • Mr. Morse, has occasionally pfefformed divine ser- vice and preached, on week days, in the following pla* ces, viz. Zaiiesville, Stembenville, and. Pittsburgh, St. John's, Brooke county; Wellsburgh, and Wheeling, Va k St. James', Smithfield; Cadiz; St. Clairsvill.e; Mor- ristown; Barnesville; Seneca; Center; Malaga; Som- erset; (Monroe county,) Little Beaver; Cambridge; Coshocton; Granville, Somerset, Lancaster,Circleville, and Portsmouth. He has also generally catechised the children on Sundays; has baptized sixty children and three adults, and attended five funerals. Before concluding this report, he would beg leave io call the attention of the members of this convention to the destitute situation of the Episcopalians in Mon- toe county. Scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd, their situation, in regard to religious privileges, is destitute almost beyond example. They Were sought out and visited by the Bishop, and by the Rev. Doct. Dod- dridge, in the first instance; and since then, have been visited twice by Mr. Morse, as alluded to, in the for- mer part of this report. He spent between one and two weeks in those new. settlements, held divine ser- vice daily, in the cabins, or, when the assembly was large, in the Woods; & baptized upwards of thirty chil- >* dren and adults. " When can yo% come again?" is the anxious request, heard from many lips, on parting with that people. From the best information, which could be obtained, there are nearly one hundred fami- lies of Episcopalians in that quarter, who have no op- portunity of regularly attending the public worship of their own, or of any other denomination. It is a fact, worthy perhaps to be recorded in this report, that an individual, resident there, repeatedly travelled to St.,' %lairsyille, a distance of thirty miles, in ordeir toatr S3 tend; the worsh jp'of the church. They intend shortly to «rect a church on Little Beaver creek, & it is their earn- ' est desire to obtain the services of a clergyman,at least * for a part of the time; that by the blessing of God, the Scattered members of Christ's flock may be gathered ?/ together into one fold,- under one shepherd. The fields are already white unto the harvest, but the la- bourers are few: pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the har- vest ^ that he would send forth labourers. Rev. Mr. Searle reports to the Bishop as follows. During my long and distressing sickness last sum- mer and autumn, the parishes,in which I officiate, suf- fered in the absence of regular services. But from the early part of 'December last, by the good Providence of God, I have been able to perform divine services, every Sunday, until the 21st instant; have been con- stantly in the congregations; have held public and family lectures,rnore or less,every week; and have, with „ great pleasure, witnessed a remarkably growing at- tachment to the doctrines and duties of salvation, by Jesus Christ, and to the inimitable Liturgy of our Church. The members of St; Paul's Church, Medina, are ;.- gradually increasing in their numbers, in their pious ' correctness and attention tO the offices of the Church; also, to the duties of public devotion. The same may be said of St. James' Church, Boardman, and of Christ Church, Windsor. Enlightened zeal for the primi- tive usages of Christianity, as retained inviolate in our communion, is in St. Peter's Church, Ashtabula, very considerable. Its numbers also are increased. Most of the efficient members of Trinjty Church, Cleaveland, being residents in the township and very flourishing village of Brooklin, on the west side of the Cuyahoga River, and directly opposite the village of Cleaveland; the parish was induced, at the last regu- ' lar Easter meeting, to vote its permanent location and.- public services in Brooklin. In consequence of this* resolution, the word Cleaveland, will, in. future, be o- - t mitted in the records of that parish. .Their number is . iiraall; but the 'members are respectable, and they novv , IS*- have the services of the church regularly: performed every Sunday. The parish of St John's Church, Liverpool, is now in a more prosperous condition than at any period since its organization. In most of these parishes, 'Sunday schools were commenced last summer, a little before I was taken sick, under the care of respectable persons, of both sexes. These schools are to be continued this sum- mer. Our congregations! are generally increasing^ & the sober attention* given to the services of the church, together with the constantly increasing numoer of Prayer Books used in l^he congregations, are deemed evidences of present candid investigation, and pledges of future good. Some deaths have occurred, among ■Qie very pious and useful members of our communion, the last year, but the present aggregate number of communicants in these parishes is about one hundred and twenty. Since f the last Convention, I have baptized, in these several congregations, seven adults, and forty-three children. The present very extraordinary state of things res- pecting pecuniary concerns, has induced a partial sus- pension in the operations of the " Female Tract" and the " Bible and Prayer Book" societies, some time since established. The important objects, however, which these societies had in view, are by no means re- linquished. Deprived as I am of the privilege of being at the Convention, now assembled, I submit to the will of God. jb.nd if it please him to continue my life and labours, hope to meet you hereafter. My life and la- bours are devoted to the cause of our blessed Redeem- er. If it is his pleasure to remove me, I hope for salvation through his all meritorious blood. Resolved, That the Rev. Intrepid Morse, Col. Gardiner, and Bezaleel Wells, Esq. be a committee to wait on the Right Rev. Philander Chase s and express the thanks of this house, for, the sermon delivered this day, and request a copy of the same for publication, with the Journals. Resolved, That, as the Right Rev. Bishop, of the 35 d^Cess, during the jeeess of the convention, has ap- pointed the Rev. Joseph Doddridge,, as a missionary, in this state: the said appointment meets the appro- bation of this convention^ and that he is entitled to a seat in the same. ' \, Resolve^ That Mr. Philander Chase, Jr. Professor in the Worthington College, and a candidate for holy orders, be admitted to an honorary se^t in this conven- tion, during its present session. The Trustees of the Bishop's fund, made the follow- ing report; which was read and .accepted. That, finding themselves without legal capacity to acquire and transmit property to answer the purposes of .their appointment; and in pursuance of the instruc- tions of the convention, at their last annual meeting, they applied by petition, to the general Assembly of" the State of Ohio, for an act of incorporation, for the- Sole purpose of acquiring to themselves and succes- sors that capacity. The petition was acted upon, and a bill reported to the Senate, responsive to its prayer; & the same was finally postponed to the next session of the general 1 Assembly. The Trustees have not thought it advisable, pend- ing their legal incapacity aforesaid, to take other mea- sures towards creating, or perpetuating a Bishop's fund in the diocess of Ohio; which is respectfullv submitted. BENJ'N GARDINER,") , JOHN MATTHEWS, V Trustees. * * JOHN C. WRIGHT, ) 'Adjourned for divine service ; prayers were read by the Rev. Samuel Johnston, and a sermon delivered by the Rev. Joseph Doddridge. Thursday morning, 9 o'clock. The convention assembled. The Rev. Thomas A. Osborne performed divine service. Mr. Ebenezer A. Warner, from St. Paul's Church, Medina, and Walter Thrall, from St. Philip's Church, Circleville, presented certificates of their election, as lay Delegates, and took their seats. Resolved, That Mr. Carlos V. 5. .HickcojS; frcw Trinity Church, Cleaveland >t be admitted to aii honor- ary seat in this convention. Resolved, That the convention now proceed ' to e- leet three Clergymen, & two Laymen, as the standing committee for thge&uing year.. Whereupon, theTOJJjjowing persons were elected* "clergy. The Rev. SAMUEL JOHNSTON, " , '< INTREPID M0RSE, " " THOMAS A. OSBORNE. LAITY. „ : ,t BENJAMIN GARDINER, CHESTER GRISWOLD. Adjourned till 4 o'clock, P. M. The Convention assembled agreeably to adjourn- ment. , [,-'- Mr. Joseph Prince, a Lay Delega^from Grace Church, Berkshire, presented a certiMate of his elec- tion, to represent said Church, in this Convention; which was read, approved, and he took his seat. Resolved, By a majority of two thirds of the con- vention present: That the following article be propos- ed as a substitute for the 6th article, of the present con- stitution. . - - • . The standing committee of th|s diocess, shall be chosen in convention annually; and shall consist of such equal number of Presbyters aM Laymen, as the convention in session shall deem Sufficient, and hold their offices until their successors are elected. Any three of said committee, one of whom at least shall be a Presbyter, shall be a quorum,, for transacting busi- ness, when convened at the request of the/Bishop: at all other meetings of the committee, a majority of the whole members shall be a quorum to transact business. Resolvedf That it shall hereafter be the duty of the Clergy and Laity to report, from time to time, to the Bishop, any Clergyman; who may have removed, 37 t>r who shall remote into this jHocess. And also of any disorcMy or improper le-onduct of such Clergy- man. v , .?,.. ■", -... .. ( The following Lay Delegates obtained leave of ab- •, s^ence during tiie remainder of the, session; viz. Messrs, J. Matthews; Man ger, and Jaifti^nv ■ • . ^ Adjourned for divine servic%1#en the Rev. lutre- pid Morse, read prayers, and the Rev.; Thomas A. Os- borne delivered a sermon. ^•j : Friday tftoragigi 9 c%Iock.t The Convention assembled. "'.'"-' The Rev. Joseph Doddridge performed divine ser- ■ vice. > , '$'* ■ <,'■■" Resolved? That it be f eeoWmended to the? standing committee to digest,and report to the next convention, the form &. mode of proceeding, in the trial of Clergy- men in this diocess. <' \ "-- ^ Resolved, That tljemode and manner of proceeding, prescribed in, the, 2d Canon of the Protestant Episco- pal Churclti'in-the dioeess of.New- York, for the trial' 1 of Clergymen,'passed in the year. 1802, be^the rule of • proceeding in tnis diocess, until- the next meeting of the Convention; Provided, that instead of the numj^ef of eight Presbyters, to be nominated by the Bishop, as in that Canon, the number to be nominated, shall be four; and in like manner, the number to becjiosen, by the party Recused,, or appointed by the" Bishop ^^sjiall be three, i^|^g,d of five. ^ "$ ■■■ J^; Vpted that the P/esident and Secretary, receive the- thanks of the* house 'for their (Services, during the si?-', ting of the Convention. It was moved and carried that this convention rise. PHILANDER CHASE.. Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the state of Onio^ghd President of the Convention. 7 Attest SAMUEL JOHNSTON, Secretary. *#* The* next anjnual Convention, will ,be holden at Wj^hingtorii on the 1st Wednesday in June, 1821. JO Form pfthfi'*Fes^>m<^'tQ be given to Lay Delegates, . (Name of the church, the place, and date.) * fMlHIS CERTIFIES, that, at a meeting >o£ the JL c©ngre|^$Dn of this church, for the purpose of electing church overs', and deputies to*the conven- tion, (or, for t|ie purpose of electing deputies to the convention, if the meeting be for that object alone,) A. B. C. D. and E.F. were duly chosen, to represent this congregation in that body, for the year ensuing. In testimony of' which, I have- hereunto set my hand, (or, if two vestrymen subscribe, we Jiave set QJjar hands) the ilky and year, ab'6ve written. . This certificate shall* be signed by the Rector, if present; otherwise, oy one warden, or two vestry-men. MOTE, BY THE EDITOR. kN Sunday, the 11th inst. at Worthington, Mr. _ ) Philander Ck/xsE^ Jr. Profqsso%-in the Wor- thingtoa College, was admitted to the/fioly order of Deacons, by the Right Rev. Bishop Chase. The Rev^ Samuel Johnston, performed divine service, and the Rev. Intrepid Morse, delivered an appropriate dis- course, from Luke X. % The %oly rite of Confirmation, was also adminis- tered to eight persons. t*