YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY JOURNALS OF THE CONNECTICUT CONVENTIONS; L.FROM 1792-1820. XPE JOURNALS OF THE ANNUAL CONVENTIONS OF THE f'fQ+f^avi S^.s^aoai rCWrcu t A !i-i-«U.S A, i , •. DIOCESE OF CONNECTICUT, FROM 1792—1820. NEW- HAVEN: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY STANLEY & 1842. BISHOPS OF CONNECTICUT. Rt. Rev. Bishop of London, (Eng.,) until the Independence of the United States. Rt. Rev. Samuel Seaburt, D. D., from November 14, 1784, to Feb ruary 25, 1796. Rt. Rev. Abraham Jarvis, D. D., from October 18, 1797, to May 3, 1813. Rt. Rev. John Henrt Hobart, D. D., (provisional,) from June 1816, 10 June 1819. Rt. Rev. Thomas Church Brownell, D.D., LL.D., from October 27th, 1819, to . PREFATORY NOTE. "The Constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States," was approved by the Convocation of this Diocese, October 1, 1790; but was not adopted by the several Parishes, so as to organize a Convention underit, untill792. There had been oneor more Conventions or Convocations ofthe Clergy annually, from 1 783 onward, but no Journals are known to have been printed, until 1792. All records of these, previous to June 1790, are supposed to be lost. From that year, to the death of Bishop Jarvis, in 1813, they are nearly complete. The following is the time and place of the meet ing ofthe Convocations, from 1790, to 1800. Litchfield, June 2d, 3d, and 4th, 1790. Newtown, September SOth, October 1st and 2d, 1790. Watertown, October 5th, 6th, and 9th, 1791. East Haddam, February 15th, 1792. New Haven, June 6th. 1792. Huntington, October 10th, 1792. Middletown, June 5lh, 1793. New Milford, September 25lb, 1793. New Haven June 4th, 1794. Cheshire, November 12th, 1794. Stratford, June 3d, 1795. Harwinton, October 22d, 1795. New Haven, October SOth, 1796. Derby, June 1st, Wednesday, 1797. Oyster River, (West Haven,) August 22d, 1798. Derby, November 25th, 1799. The first Standing Committee of this Diocese, was chosen by the Convo cation, October 5, 1791, and consisted of" the Rev. Messrs. Mansfield, Hub bard, Shelton, Ives, and P. Perry." They appear lo Ipave continued in office for several years. 1793. TENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a Convention of the Bishop, Clergy, and Laity of the Protestant Episf^ Copal Church in Connecticut, holden in Trinity Church, in New Haven; June the 6th, 1792 : PRESENT, The Right Rev. Dr. Seaburt, Rev. Ebenezer Dibble, " Richard Mansfield, D. D., " Bela Hubbard, D. D., " Abraham Jarvis, D. D., " John Bowden, " Philo Shehon, " Ashbel Baldwin, " Philo Perry, " Chauncey Prindle, " Reuben Ives, LAY DEPUTIES Rev. Abraham L. Clarke, Daniel Foote, Tillotson Brunson, Ambrose Todd, Hull, Truman Marsh, George Ogilvie, Edward Blakslee, Deacon. Solomon Blakslee, " Seth Hart. " FROM MIDDLESEX COUJSTT. Messrs. Jehosaphet Starr, Middletown; Nathaniel Cornwall, Chatham; Joel Foot, Hebron; Col. Jabez Chapman, East Haddam. PROM NEW HAVEN COUNTY. The Hon. Jonathan Ingersoll, and Mr. Joseph Prindle, New Haven ; Messrs. Abijah Hull, and John Wooster, Esq., Derby ; Samuel Tyler, Wallingford; Ephraim Warner, Waterbury; Thomas Atwater, Cheshire; Abner Bradley, Woodbridge; Samuel Barnes, East Haven. FROM FAIRFIELD COUNTY. Messrs. Isaac Quintard, Statnford ; Sarnuel White, Norwalk ; Ezra Kirt land, Fairfield; Jared Beardslee and Abel Hall, Huntington ; ZecharyFer^ ris, Newtown. FROM LITCHFIELD COUNTY. Messrs. Samuel Marsh, Esq., Litchfield ; Ebenezer Baldwin, New Mil ford ; Eli Curtis, Esq., Watertown; Mark Prindle, Esq., Harwinton; Ozias Tyler, New Cambridge. The members then attended Divine Service. The Rev. Mr. Marsh read Prayers, and a Sermon was preached by the Bishop. After Divine Service, the members being assembled, the Right Rev., the Bishop, took the Chair, as President, ex officio; and the Rev. Philo Perry was appointed Secretary. Tbe Convention, judging it expedient to form an Ecclesiastical Constitu tion for the Protestant Episcopal Church in Connecticut, a Constitution was laid before them by a member, for consideration. After some atiention to the subject, it was postponed for further consideration this afternoon. Adjourned to 3 o'clock, P. M. Three o'clock, P. M. The Convention resumed the consideration of the proposed Constitution, and after considering il by separate articles, the following Constitution was agreed to, and ordered to be printed, and kid before the several Parishes in the Diocese, for their approbation and adoption. THE CONSTITUTION OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN CONNECTICUT, Art. 1. The Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Connecticut' hath, and shall continue to have, (by tbe permission, and under the Provi dence of Almighty God,) three Orders of Ministers, viz : Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, agreeably to the Institution of our Lord and Saviour Jesus- Clirist. Art. 2. There shall be an annual meeting of the Bishop, his Clergy, and Lay Deputies from the several Churches of the Diocese, on the first Wed nesday of June, the place to be determined by the Bishop. Art. 3. When the Episcopate of this Churcb shall become vacant, by death or otherwise, the Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies from the several Churches in the Diocese, shall meet within three months froin the time when said vacancy shall happen, either at New Haven or Middletown, in order to elect a person to fill the Episcopal Chair; and the time and place of such meeting shall be notified by a Siauding Committee annually to be appointed for that and other purposes, by publishing the same in two or more newspapers in tiiis State, at least four weeks successively, previous lo baid meeting. And whosoever shall be elected by a majority of the votes of the Clergy then present, shall be considered as duly elected, provided the person chosen shall be approved of by a majority of the Lay Deputies. Art. 4. The person thus elected, shall be recommended by both Clergy and Laity to the oldest Bishop in the United States, praying him; with two other Bishops, to consecrate to, and invest with, the Episcopal Office, the person thus recommended : And upon the Bishop's producing the Deed of Consecration, the Clergy and Lay Deputies shall solemnly promise before God and the Congregation, to pay him all that respect and obedience, to which he is entitled by his office, and the Canons of this Church. Art. 5. It shall be a Rule and Order of ibis Church, that the Bishop shall visit every part of his Diocese (at least where there is a Minister set tled,) once in three years. Art. 6. If any Presbyter shall exclude from the Holy Communion any person belonging to his Congregation, the Presbyter shall transmit to the Bishop, an account thereof within one month, with the nature of the offence, and the evidence by which the charge is supported : And the sentence of the Bishop in Convocation shall be decisive, unless the person under suspen sion should think proper to appeal to a Council of Bishops. Art. 7. When an election of Lay Deputies is to be made, to represent the Church of Connecticut in General Convention, tliose persons who shall have a majority of the votes of the Laity in Convention, shall be deemed duly elected ; and the manner of electing shall be by ballot. Art. 8. The foregoing articles shall be laid before the several Episcopal Societies iu this State for their approbation ; and if approved by said Socie ties, and a certificate of such approbation under the hands of the several Clerks thereof, be produced to the next annual Convention, the same shall be considered and established as the Constitution of the Episcopal Church in this Stale. Done in the Convention of the Bishop, Clergy, and Laity, at New Haven, the 6th day of June, 1792. SAMUEL, Bp. Connect., President. Philo Perry, Secretary. Adjourned to 9 o'clock lo-morrow morning. Thursday, 9 o'clock, A. M. The Rev. Solomon Blakslee read Prayers. Resolved, by the Lay Members of the Convention, to send Delegates to the next General Convention, to be holden at New York. The Rev. Ebenezer Dibble, Rev. Dr. Richard Man.sfield, Rev. John Bow den, and Rev. Abraham Jarvis, were elected by the Clergy, as Clerical Deputies to the next General Convention ; and Thomas Belden, Esq., Philip Nichols, Esq., Mr. Ebenezer Baldwin, and Samuel Marsh, Esq., were chos en by the Laity, as Lay Deputies. Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. Hubbard, Hon. Jonathan Ingersoll, Esq., Messrs. Isaac Beers, Elias Shipman, and Levi Hubbaid, be a Committee to prepare and report to the next Convention, a Plan of Incorporation, for the promotion of religious and charitable purposes. Resolved, That this Convention be adjourned without day. 1793. ELEVENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a Convention of tbe Bishop, Clergy, and Laity, of the Protestant Epis copal Church in Connecticut, holden in Christ Church, at Middletown, June 5ih, 1793 : •PRESENT, The Right Rev. Dr. Seaburt, Rev. Dr. Hubbard, Jarvis, Mr. Tyler, Bostwick, Bowden, Shelton, Baldwin, P. Perry, Brunson, Prindle, Rev. Mr. Ives, Marsh, Ogilvie, Hart, E. Blakslee, Deacon, S. Blakslee, Catlin, Butler,Seabury,Burhans, LAY DEPUTIES. FROM NEW LONDON COUNTY. Mr. Jonathan Starr, New London. FROM HARTFORD COUNTY. Mr. Amasa Case, Simsbury. FROM MIDDLESEX COUNTY. Dr. ^— Osborne, Middletown; Messrs. Nathaniel Cornwall, Chatham; Enoch Smith, Middle Haddam; Col. Jabez Chapman, East Haddam. FROM NEW HAVEN COUNTY. Hon. Jonathan Ingersoll, Esq., New Haven; Messrs. Tirhan Kirtland, Wallingford ; Benham, Waterbury ; Jared Scranton, North Guilford. FROM FAIRFIELD COUNTY. Messrs. Jonas Prentiss, Stamford ; David Nash, Norwalk ; Andrew Hurd) Stratford; Simeon Munger, Reading; Abijah Curliss, Newtown and Brook field. - . FROM LITCHFIELD COUNTY. Messrs. David Kilborn, Litchfield; Ebenezer Baldwin, New Milford; William Merriam, Harwinton; Aaron Warner, Northbury; Eh Curliss, Esq., Westbury, [Watertown.] FROM TOLLAND COUNTY. Mr. John T. Peters, Hebron. , After Divine Service, and a Sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, the Convention proceeded to busineiss. The Right Rev. the Bishop presided, ex officio. The credentials of the Lay Members being deUvered to the Secretary, were read, and deemed satisfactory. The Lay Deputies being called upon to make report of the doings of the several Parishes, relative lo the Constitution of the Church in Connecticut, il appeared, by the certificates exhibited, that the Constitution had been fully approved and adopted by a great majority of the Churches in the State. It appearing, however, that several Parishes, viz : Litchfield, New Pres ton, Northbury, and Reading, had acted upon it, but had not adopted it in fijll. Ordered, therefore. That the Secretary of this Convenlion give information in writing lo those Episcopal Congregations who have not fully adopted the Constitution recommended by a Convention holden at New Haven, June 6, 1792, that tbe Constitution bas been adopted by a great majority of the Episcopal Societies, in this State; and thathe request those congregations lo give the Constitution a second consideration, and to make returns of their doings lo the next annual Convention. Adjourned lo 9 o'clock lo-morrow morning. Thursdat, 9 o'clock, A. M. The Rev. Mr. Ives read prayers. Resolved, unanimously. That the thanks of this Convention be given to the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, for his Sermon delivered yesterday before the Conven lion, and that the Bishop be requested lo do the same from the Chair. Ordered, That the Secretary call upon the Lay Deputies, lo exhibit the Grand Levy of the several Societies whom they represent : — which being done, the whole amount appeared upon a general estimation, lo be one hun dred and fourteen thousand nine hundred pounds. Resolved, That Mr. Elias Shipman be Treasurer, to receive such moneys as may be collected in the several Parishes in this State for the purpose of supporting Missionaries on the frontiers of the United States, agreeably to an Act of the General Convention, passed in September, 1792, at New York. It appearing to the Convention, that the "Plan of Incorporation for the promotion of religious and charilable purposes," (contemplated by the last Convention,) was too general in its object, to obtain the sanction of the Leg islature, and that tbe object should be more precisely limited, the Convention, in consequence thereof, passed the following resolves. Resolved, That application be made to the General Assembly, at the next, or some fiiture session, lo incorporate a certain number of Trustees for fhe purpose of receiving and holding donations for the support of the Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this State. Resolved, That, iu the opinion of this Convention, the number of Trus-- lees for the above purpose should not he more than twenty ; eight of whom to be of the Clergy, and twelve of the Laity. Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. Richard Mansfield, Rev. Dr. Bela Hubbard Rev. John Bowden, Rev. Dr. Abraham Jarvis, Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, Rev. John Tyler, Rev. Philo Perry, Rev. Philo Sbelton,— Thomas Belden, Esq. Mr. William Stewart, Mr. John Morgan, Hon. Jonathan Ingersoll, Esq., Mr. John Welton, Mr. Isaac Beers, Col. Jabez Chapman, Dr. Osborn, Mr. Ebenezer Baldwin, Mr. Elias Shipman, S. Wm. Johnson, Esq., and EU Curtiss, Esq., be nominated as Trustees for the above purpose. Resolved, That Hon. Jonathan Ingersoll, Esq., Mr. Isaac Beers, and Mr. Elias Shipman, be appointed agents to prefer a Memorial to the General As sembly, 10 be holden at New Haven on the second Thursday of October next, to obtain an incorporation of Trustees for the purpose aforesaid. Adjourned without day. 1794. TWELFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a Convention of the Bishop, Clergy, and Laity, ofthe Protestant Epis copal Church in Connecticut, holden in Trinity Church, in New Haven, June 4th, 1794 : PRESENT, Tbe Right Rev. Dr. Seaburt, Rev. Dr. Mansfield, Rev. Mr. Todd, " " Hubbard, " " Prindle, " Jarvis, " " Marsh. " Mr. Tyler, " " OgUvie, " Bowden, " " Hart, " " Shelton, " " E. Blakslee, " " Baldwin, " " Buller, Deacon, " " P. Perry, " " Seabury, " " Ives, " " Burhans, " " " Brunson, LAY DEPUTIES. FROM NEW LONDON COUNTY. Mr. Jared Starr, New London. FROM HARTFORD COUNTY. Messrs. Amasa Case, Simsbury ; Samuel Pardee, Soulhington. FROM MIDDLESEX COUNTY. Mr. Nathaniel CornwaU, Chatham. FROM NEW HAVEN COUNTY. Messrs. William M'Crackan, New Haven; John Nichols, Waterbury; Jesse Beach, Derby; Turban Kirtland, WaUingford; Zebulon Rockwell, Guilford; Dr. Elnathan Beach, Cheshire. FROM FAIRFIELD COUNTY. S. W. Johnson, Esq., Stratford; Messrs. Samuel Brinsmade, Stralfield; Eben Nichols, Fairfield ; Capt. Belts, Norwalk; Thomas L. Collier, Wes- lon; Solomon Glover, Newtown; Abijah Shelton, Huntingion. FROM LITCHFIELD COUNTY. Messrs. David Kilborn, Litchfield ; — — Warner, Northbury ; EU Cur- 8 ties, Esq., Westbury; Jeremiah Piatt, New Milford; RosweU Ransom, Roxbury. The Convention attended divine service. The Rev. Mr. Baldwin read Prayers. A Sermon was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Brunson. After Divine Seivice, the Convention proceeded to business— the Bishop in the chair. The credentials of the lay members being examined, were deemed suffi cient. Resolved, That Mr. William M'Crackan be appoiuted one of the Trus tees, for the purpose of receiving and holding donations for the support of the Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in ihis State, in the room of the Hon. Jonathan Ingersoll, Esq. Resolved, That Mr. William M'Crackan be appointed, in the room of the Hon. Jonathan Ingersoll, Esq., an agent to the General Assembly, lo prefer a Memorial for an Act of Incorporation of Trustees for the above purpose— the Hon. Mr. Ingersoll's seat in the Legislature being incompatible with his acting either as a Trustee or an Agent. Resolved, To renew the application to the General Assembly, at their ses sion in October next, for tbe aforesaid Act of Incorporation. Resolved unanimously. That the thanks of this Convention be given to the Rev. Mr. Brunson, for bis sermon delivered this day before the Convention ; and that the Bishop be requested to do the same Irom the chair. Adjourhed to 3 o'clock, P. M. Three o'clock, P. M., the members met. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Bowden, Rev. Mr. Baldwin, S. W. John- sou, -Esq., Eli Curtiss, Esq., and Dr. Elnathan Beach, be a Committee to prepare an address to the members of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this State, pointing out the importance of establishing an Episcopal Acade my in this State, and to provide subscription papers for the purpose of ob taining monies to effect such an establishment; and that they make report to this Convention to-morrow morning. Adjourned to 8 o'clock lo-morrow morning. Thursday, 8 o'clock, A. M. The Rev. Mr. Todd read prayers. The Committee appointed to form a plan for establishing an Academy, reported, — That, as more time was necessary to accomplish the business than had been assigned them, a standing Committee, in iheir opinion, should be appointed to carry the purposes of the last Resolve into effect, viz : to address the members of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this State, on the importance of establishing an Episcopal Academy, — to present them with a plan of (lie Academy, and also with Subscription Papers forthe pur pose of raising a sufficient fund. The Convention concurred with the report; and thereupon appointed for their Committee, the Rev. Dr. Mansfield, Rev. Dr. Hubbard, Rev. Mr. Baldwin, Hon. Jonathan Ingersoll, Esq., Mr- Elias Shipman, S. W. John son, Esq., Mr. J. L. Wooster, Mr. John Nichols, and Mr. Ebenezer Baldwin. Resolved, That five of the aforesaid Committee be a quorum. Adjourned without day. 1795. THIRTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a Convention of the Bishop, Clergy, and Laity of the Protestant Epis copal Church iu Connecticut, holden in Christ Church, Stratford, June 3d. 1795: PRESENT, The Right Rev. Dr. Seabury, Rev. Dr. Mansfield, " " Hubbard, " Mr. Tyler, " " Bowden, " " Shelton, " " Baldwin, " " P. Perry, " " Ives, " " Brunson, " " Prindle, Rev. Mr. Clarke, of Providence, " " Marsh, " " Ogilvie, " " Hart, " " David Perry, " " E. Blakeslee, " " S. Blakeslee, " " Butler, Deacon, " " Seabury, " LAY DEPUTIES. FROM HARTFORD COUNTY. Major William Judd, Soulhington; Mr. Curliss Hale, Bristol. FROM MIDDLESEX COUNTY. Mr. Ithamar Harvey, East Haddam. FROM NEW HAVEN COUNTY. Joseph Bradley, Esq., New Haven; Mr. Benoni Hotchkiss, Cheshire; Jesse Beach, Esq., Der'oy ; Samuel Woodruff, Esq. WaUingford; Messrs. Abraham Hubbard, North Guilford; Ebenezer Linsley, Branford; Seth De Wolf, Meriden ; John Nichols, Waterbury ; Ezra Kimberly, Hamden. FROM FAIRFIELD COUNTY. Messrs. John Cannon, Norwalk; Thomas Nash, Fairfield; Ozias Burr, Stralfield ; Dr. James Clarke, and S. W. Johnson, Esq., Stratford ; Abel Hall, Tashua ; William Heron, Reading; David Newton, Huntington. FROM LITCHFIELD COUNTY. Messrs. Noah Bishop, Litchfield; Jeremiah Piatt, New Milford; Dr. Abel Brunson, Westbury. After Divine Service, performed by tbe Rev. Mr. Seabury, and a Sermon delivered by tbe Rev. Mr. Prindle, the members assembled. The credentials of the lay members being exhibited and examined, were deemed satisfactory. Adjourned to 4 o'clock this afternoon. Four o'clock, P. M. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Bowden, Rev. Dr. Hubbard, Major Wil liam Judd, S. Woodruff, Esq., and Jesse Beach, Esq., be a Committee to frame Rules of Order, and that they make a report to-morrow morning. Resolved, That the ihanks of this Convention be given to the Rev. Mr. Prindle for his sermon delivered this day before the Convenlion, and that the Bishop be requested to do the same frotn the Chair, — and that a copy ofthe sermon be requested for publication. Ordered, That the Secretary be furnished with the records of the General Convention ; and that he shall, in future, whenever it shall be required, ex hibit those records to this Convention. 2 10 Resolved, That whenever Clerical and Lay Deputies are to be appointed, to represent the Church of Connecticut in General Convention, they shall be chosen jointly by the Clerical and Lay Deputies in this Convenlion, and that such election shall be made by ballot. Resolved, That three Deputies only, of each order, shall be elected, to rep resent the Church of Connecticut in the next General Convention, to be hol den in Philadelphia, in September next. The ballots being then taken, the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, Rev. Mr. Perry, Rev. Mr. Shelton, S. W. Johnson," Esq., Major William Judd, and Joseph Bradley, Esq., were elected. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Marsh, S. W. Johnson, Esq., and Mr. John Nichols, be a Committee to receive the Subscription Papers which have been issued for the purpose of raising a fund for the use of an Episcopal Acadeiny in Connecticut; and that they make report to-morrow morning. Resolved, That the Rev, Mr. Tyler, Mr. Heron, and Joseph Bradley, Esq., be a committee to receive such proposals as maybe made in this Con vention from any town in this State for the purpose of establishing and sup porting an Episcopal Academy in such town ; and that they make report of the same to-morrow morning. Adjourned to 8 o'clock, lo-morrow morning. Thursday, 8 o'clock, A. M. The Rev, Mr. Butler read Prayers. The committee appointed for framing Rules of Order, brought in a report. Ordered, That it be read. Ordered, That it be read a second time. Accordingly it was read and considered, and the following Rules were adopted : 1. In all Episcopal Conventions in this State, the Bishop (or in his ab sence) the Senior Clergynnan present, shall preside, and shall be stUed The President, as provided by the Constitution. 2. Public Prayers shall be attended al tbe opening of the Convention; and at aU times to which the same shall be adjourned, in the morning. 3, The President shall lake the Chair, and proceed lo business, at the hour directed. 4. Every member disposed to move any question, or to speak upon any subject already moved, shall rise and respectfully address himself to the presiding officer. 5. Every motion or proposition made to the House and seconded, shall be clearly stated by tbe President, (and reduced to writing by tbe person who shall move the same, when requested,) and the attention of the House called to that subject. 6. Tbe presiding officer shall put all questions, moved before the Conven lion ; and when the vote shall be taken, the President shall declare his opin ion whether it be a vote, or not a vote; and if no objection be made, after a suitable pause, be shall declare it, agreeably to his first apprehension. 7. No member shall be admitted to speak more than twice upon any question without liberty from the House, (except to explain himself wherein he may have been misapprehended,) unless every other member hath had previous opportunity to speak upon the question. 8. Every member shall closely attend lo business in his place, at the time and place to wbich the Convention shall be adjourned ; and shall hold no private conversation in the Convention during tbe hours of business. 9. No member shall presume lo leave the Convention, without permis sion first had and obtained for that purpose. 10. No member shall interrupt another while speaking, or pass betweea bim and the President. 11 U- The President shall determine all questions of order. 12. At the opening of every Convention, the foregoing Rules shaU be publicly read by tbe Secretary. The commiltee appointed to receive proposals for the purpose of establi.sh-' ing an Academy, &c. made their report, and laid before the Convention, proposals from the town of Wallinglbrd and Cheshire; Resolved, That this Convention will establish an Episcopal Academy in this State, lo be under such limitations and regulations as shuU hereafter be agreed to by the Convention. Adjourned lo 4 o'clock, this afternoon. Four o'clock, P. BI. Resolved. That the Rev. Dt; Hubbard, Rev. Philo Perry, Rev. John Ty ler, Rev. Chauncey Prindle, Mr. William Heron, Coi. Jabez Chapman, Major William Judd, Gen. George Phipps, and Mr. Abel Hall, be and they are hereby appointed a commiltee, to receive proposals from the towns of Cheshire, Wallingford, and Stratford only, for establishing an Episcopal Academy in one of said towns, and that proposals be received by them till the first day of July next ; at which lime the committee shall meet at Major Bellamy's Tavern, in Hamden; and said committee are hereby authorized, at tbe time and place above named, to establish the Academy in that town, which by thera shall be considered tbe most eligible. Resolved, That ihe Rev. John Bowdeu, Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, and S. W. Johnson, Esq., be, and they are hereby appointed a committee, to frame a code of Laws for the temporary government of the Episcopal Academy es tablished in this Stat,e till the meeting of the next annual Convention ; and also to form a Constitution for the Academy upon the most liberal and bene ficial plan; together with a code of Laws for the future government of the Academy, to be laid before such Convention for tbeir consideration and ap probation. Resolved, To renew the application to the General Assembly for tbe grant of an Act of Incorporation, forthe purpose of establishing a fund for the sup port of the Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this State. The Agents and Trustees to be the same as before appointed. Resolved, That the Journals of the Convention of the Protestant Episco pal Church in this State, from the first meeting of the Convention to the present time, shaU be printed, and distributed to the several parishes in this Church; and that the Secretary be requested to prepare the same for pub lication.* Ordered, That three copies of tbe Journals be sent to each parish. Resolved, That the Journals of this Convention shall in future be publish ed annually. Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be given fo the Right Revj Dr. Seaburt, for his services as President; and to the Rev. P. Perry, for his services as Secretary. The Convention rose. [* This appears to be the first vote of the Convention on this subject, and the Journals printed under it, include those of 1792, 1793, 1794, and 1795.— Pen. Com.] 12 ev. Mr Hubbard, Jarvis, Tyler, Bowden, Shelton, Baldwin, P. Perry, Brunson, Prindle,Ives, Todd, MAY, 1796. At a special Convenlion of the Clergy and Laity of the Protestant Epis copal Church in Connecticut, holden in Trinity Church, New Haven, May 5, 1796, for the purpose of electing a Bishop for this Church, and of tran sacting any other business that may come before the Convention : PRESENT, The Rev. Dr. Mansfield, President, Rev. Mr. Marsh, " " Ogilvie, " " Hart, " " E. Blakeslee, " S. Blakeslee, " " Butler, " " Griswold, " " Seabury, Deacon, " " Miles, " " Green, LAY DEPUTIES. FROM HARTFORD COUNTY. Solomon Griswold, Esq., and Dr. Joseph Jewel, Simsbury. FROM MIDDLESEX COUNTY. Col. Jabez Chapman, East Haddam ; Mr. Nathaniel CornwaU, Chatham. FROM NEW HAVEN COUNTY. Col. Joseph Drake, and Joseph Bradley, New Haven; Mr. Moses Moss, Cheshire ; Samuel Woodruff, Esq., Wallingford ; Messrs. Isaac Nichols, Oxford; Allen Carrington, Woodbridge; Dr. Joel Northrop, Branford; Isaac Benham, Waterbury. FROM FAIRFIELD COUNTY. S. W. Johnson, Esq., and Col. Matthias Nicholl, Stratford ; PhiUp Nich ols, Esq., Stralfield; Messrs. Ebenezer Nichols, Fairfield; Barnabas Mar vin, Norwalk; Samuel Jarvis, Stamford; Joseph Shelton, Huntingtoo; Capt. Abel Hall, North Stratford; Salmon Curtiss, Newtown. FROM LITCHFIELD COUNTY. Messrs. Philip WeUs, New Milford ; Makah Ward, Roxbury ; Isaac Shelton, Bristol; Amos Brunson, Plymouth ; EU Curtiss, Esq., Westbury. Rev. Mr. Todd read prayers, and a sermon was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Jarvis. Resolved, That the thanks of this ConvenUon be given to the Rev. Mr. Jarvis, for his well adapted sermon, deUvered this day before the Conven tion ; and that the Rev. Messrs. Baldwin and Shelton, and Eli Curtiss, Esq., be a committee to do the same, and also to request a copy of the sermon for publication. Resolved, That the clerical and lay delegates form two separate houses for the purpose of deliberadng separately on the subject of elecUng a person to fill the Episcopal Chair. The Clergy then proceeded (agreeably to the ConsUtulion of the Episco pal Church in this State) to the election; and the ballots being taken, the Rev. Mr. Jarvis was elected. And the Rev. Messrs. Bowden and Baldwin were appointed a committee, lo acquaint the house of Lay Delegates with the election. Adjourned to meet in the Churchy at 8 o'clock to-morrow morning. 13 Friday morning, 8 o'clock. Met as per adjournment- Prayers road by the Rev. Mr. Miles. The two houses having come together — Resolved, That a commiltee be appointed to wait on tbe Rev. Mr. Jarvis; and acquaint him wilh his election to ihe Episcopate, and to request an an swer whelher he will accept il or not. Resolved, That tbe Rev. Mr. Bowden, Rev. Mr. Hubbard, Col. Drake, and PhUip Nichols, Esq., be a committee for the above purpose. Adjourned for half an hour. Members met. The committee appointed to wait on the Rev. Mr. Jarvis, reported, that he declined accepting the Episcopate. Resolved, Thata committee be appointed to prefer a memorial tothe Gen eral Assembly, for an Act of IncorporaUon, to establish a fond for the sup port of the Bishop of Connecticut. Resolved, That Mr. John Morgan, Solomon Griswold, Esq., and Col. Mat thias Nicoll, to be a commiltee forthe aforesaid purpose. Resolved, That this Convention be adjourned to tbe Wednesday after the second Thursday in October next, to meet in this place. 1T96. FOURTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a meeting of the Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Delegates, of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Connecticut, holden at St. Peter's Church in Cheshire, on Wednesday, the first day of June, 1796. Prayers were read by the Bev. Alexander Viets Griswold, and a sermon was delivered by the Rev. Ashbel Baldwin. Rev. Richard Mansfield was chosen President, and the Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, Secretary of the Conven tion. The Convention was adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M. Convenlion met agreeably to adjournment. MEMBERS PRESENT, Rev. Richard Mansfield, President. Rev. Mr. Bela Hubbard, Rev. Mr. Tillotson Brunson. George Ogilvie, Seth Hart, Alexander V. Griswold, William Green, Deaconv " John Bowden, " Philo Shelton, " Chancey Prindle, " Reuben Ives, " Ashbel Baldwin, LAY DELEGATES. Present — Samuel Woodruff, Esq., Wallingford; Robert Foot, Southing- ton ; Moses Moss, Cheshire ; Elvin Bradley, Hamden ; Isaac Benham, Wa terbury ; Allen Carrington, Woodbridge. The rules of the House were read by the Secretary, as ordered by the Convention, holden in Stratford in June, 1795. On motion, voted, that the present ConvenUon will proceed lo a discussion and final determinaUon of the Constitution for the Episcopal Academy, a& reported by their committee. Convention adjourned until 8 o'clock to-morrow morning.^ 14 Thursday, 8 o'clock, A. M. Mr. Green read prayers. Convention opened. The following motion made by Samuel Woodruff, was passed in the af firmative. Whereas some difficulty and dispute has arisen, relative lo tbe number of Lay Deputies, representing the several Protestant Episcopal Churches in Connecticut ; which difficulty and dispute to prevent, resolved, by this Coii- vention, that in aU future Conventions, such Churches, whose grand list shall exceed the sum of 15,000 dollars, shall be allowed two Lay Delegates, and that all such Churches whose grand list shall be less than 15,000 doUars, shall be allowed one Lay Deputy only, to represent thern insuch Convention. On motion — resumed the consideration of the ConsUtulion, and after dis cussing the same, by parUcular articles, the foUowing was adopted as the Constitution for the Episcopal Academy. CONSTITUTION. Article 1. The Acadeiny established at Cheshire, by the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, shall be known by the name of the Epis copal Academy of Connecticut. Art. 2. The government of the Academy shall be vested in the hands of twenty-one trustees. Of which number shall be the Bishop of Connec ticut, and the President of the Academy, e± officio, the other trustees shall be chosen by the Convention, some of whom shaU be Presbyters of the Protestant Episcopal Church, the remainder shall be Laymen, and may be elected from any denominauon of professing Christians. Art. 3. The trustees shall continue in office during good behaviour, and upon complaint, may be displaced by a vote of the Convention. Art. 4. Nine of the trustees shall form a board, who shall meet at the Academy four limes in each year, which shall be at the quarterly examina tions. The President, or Vice President, may call a meeting of the trus tees at any other time when they shall judge proper, or when a majority of the trustees shall require il; public noUce thereof being given in one or more newspapers in this Slate, at least two weeks previous to said meeting, by an advertisement signed by the Bishop, who shall be President, or the Princi pal of tbe Academy, who shall be Vice President of tbe board of trustees. Art. 5. Every vacancy among the trustees shall be filled by the Con vention. Art. 6. The Principal of the Academy, (who shall always be a Presby ter in the Protestant Episcopal Church,) shall be elected by the Convention, and the assistant, or assistants, by the trustees, and both shall be liable to be displaced by their respective electors, if convicted of immoral conduct, or great neglect of duty. Art. 7. The English Language, Philosophy, Mathematics, History, and every other science usually taught at Colleges ; likewise the dead languages, such as Greek and Latin. And whenever the finances of the Academy will admit, the trustees shall procure an instructor in the French language, pur chase a library and philosophical apparatus, at their own discretion. Fe male education, may be attended to under this insutution, by such instruc tors, and under such regulations, as the trustees shall direct. Art. 8. The Principal, or in his absence the assistant, or assistants, shall examine and admit all persons into the Academy, according to his or their discretion ; provided no person be admitted but such as can read the English language inleUigibly. And the Principal may, after admission, class as he pleases. Any person wishing to pursue a particular study, such as the 15 Mathematics in its various branches. Logic, Rhetoric, Geography, Philoso phy, &c., shall have an instruction of that kind, without pursuing any clas sic studies of a different nature. And the Principal may, at any lime, with the advice of the trustees, procure any gentleman, eminent in Divinity, Law, or Physio, to read lectures in those branches respectively, provided a fund be procured for that purpose. Art. 9. No by laws of the Academy shall compel the students to attend public worship, but at such place or places as their respective parents or guardians shall direct. Art. 10. Whenever tbe foregoing articles shall be adopted by a vote of the Convenlion, they shall become the Constitution of the Episcopal Acad emy of Connecticut, and be subject to no revision or alteration, but by a vote of two-thirds of the inembers of the Convention. On motion of Samuel Woodruff, Esq., Voted, that thanks be given to the Rev. Asiibel Baldwin, for his sermon delivered before the Convention. Agreeable to the 2d article of the Constitution of the Episcopal Academy, proceeded lo the election of the board of trustees, when the following per sons were unanimously chosen. Rev. Messrs. Richard Mansfield, Abraham Jarvis, Bela Hubbard, Ashbel Baldwin, Philo Shelton, Philo Perry, Reuben Ives, Hon. Jonathan Inger soll, Esq., New Haven; John Morgan, Esq., Hartford; Hon. Sam.uel W. Johnson, Esq., Stratford; Mr. WiUiam Heron, Reading; Eli Curtiss, Esq., Watertown; Samuel Woodruff, Esq., WaUingford; Mr. William Law, and Samuel A. Law, Esq., Cheshire; Mr. Samuel HuU, Derby; Major Andrew HuU, and Capt. Andrew Hull, Cheshire; William Judd, Esq., Farmington. Agreeable to tbe 9th article ofthe Constitution of tbe Episcopal Academy, proceeded to the election of a Principal of the Academy, when the votes being called for, the Rev, John Bowden was unanimously chosen. On motion, the Bev. John Bowden, Bev. Philo Shelton, and ihe Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, were chosen the standing committee of the ConvenUon. Rev. Messrs. Bela Hubbard, Reul)en Ives, and Samuel Woodruff,^ Esq., were appointed a committee lo wait on the Rev. John Bowden, to iiiform him that he is appointed tbe Principal of the Academy, and request his an swer to the Convention. The committee reported that the Rev. Mr. Bowden had accepted the ap pointment. On motion, voted that the Secretary be directed to give informaUon to the gentlemen appointed trustees to the Academy, and request them lo inform the Convention whether they accept of their appointment. Voted, the thanks of the Convention to the President and Secretary, for their services during the present session. Convenlion adjourned without day. The foresoine is a true journal of the proceedings of tbe Convention. " " Attest, A. BALDWIN, Secretary. 16 OCTOBER, 1796. At an adjourned Convenlion of the Clerical and Lay Delegates of the Prolestant Episcopal Church in Connecticut, holden at Trinity Church, New Haven, October 19, 1796. " • ' ' A. M. Ten o'clock, PRESENT, ev. Dr. Jarvis, , Rev. Mr. Brunson, " " Hubbard, (I " Ives, " Mr. Tyler, u " Todd, " " Bowden, " " Butler, " " Shelton, ti " Seabury, " Baldwin, n " MUes, " " P. Perry, tt " Griswold, " " Prindle, tt " Smith, Newport LAY DELEGATES. Present— P. Nichols, S. Griswold, Esq., Mr. S. Jarvis, Mr. Brush, Horse- neck; T. Belden, Esq., Mr. Winton, Weston; Dr. Jewett, Mr. Lum, Mr. Davis, Derby; Messrs. N. Cornwall, J. Shelton, Mr. Munger, Reading; J. Benham, M. Moss, I. Shelton, Bristol ; Capt. A. Hall, Samuel Curliss, B. Marvin, J.Nichols, Oxford; E. Curtiss, Esq., Peters, Esq., Hebron. Rev. Mr. Seabury read prayers ; Rev. Mr. Jarvis in the chair. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to call upon Mr. Green, printer, for information respecting such expenses as may have arisen for printing several pubUcations for ibis Convention ; and that the Rev. Mr. Shelton, and E. Curtiss. Esq., be that committee. Resolved, That no other business shall be done at this adjourned Conven tion, to be recorded, but only the business of electing a Bishop. Adjourned to 2 o'clock, P. M. Two o'clock, P. M., the Clergy met in this place, according to adjourn ment; the Laity took an apartment by themselves. Rev. Dr. Mansfield, Rev. Messrs. E. Blakeslee and Green, came in and took their seats. The House proceeded lo elect a Bishop for this Church, and the ballots being taken, the Rev. Mr. Bowden was unanimously elected. Resolved, at Rev. Mr. Bowden's particular request, that we will dispense with his giving a decisive answer, on his appointment to the Episcopate, till tbe next annual Convention. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Baldwin be requested to wait on the House of Lay Delegates, and acquaint them with the foregoing election and resolve. The House of Lay Delegates, after concurring in the election made by the Clergy, and in the resolve lo indulge the Bishop elect, as to the Ume to which he requests to postpone giving an answer, resumed their seats in this House. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Hubbard, and Philip Nichols, Esq., be re quested to wail on Mr. Bowden, and inform him of the above resolves. Adjourned lo 9 o'clock lo-morrow morning. Thursday, 9 o'clock, A. M., met as per adjournment. Rev. Mr. Bald- win read prayers. Resolved, That the President and Secretary of this Convention, be re' quested to make out the tesUmonials for the Bishop elect, and sign them in behalf of this Convention. 17 Resolved, That the thanks of thi3 Convention be giVeU td tte President and Secretary for their services. Adjourned to the next annual Convention, to be holdein at Derby, on the 1st Wednesday in June next. Rev. Dr. Hubbard, 41 14 Bowden, li it Smith, " Mr Shelton, tl tt Baldwin, tt tt Perry, tt tt Prindle, It tt Bronson, 179T. FIFTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At art adjourned Convention Of the Clerical and Lay Delegates of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Connecticut, holden inDerby, JuDe7lh, 1797} PRESENT, The Rev. Dr. Mansfield, President by Seniority. Rev. Mr. Ives, " Marsh, " E.Blakestee, " Butler, " S. Blakeslfee, " Seabury, " Miles, " Greeny LAY DELEGATES. FROM FAIRFIELD COUNTY. William S. Johnson, Esq., Stratford; Philip Nicbolsj Esq., Straitfield } Mr. Abel Hall, Tashua; ThomasBelden, Esq., Norwalk; Messrs. Seymour Talmage, Canaan ; John Jones, Ridgefield ; Shelton, HunUngton. FROM LITCHFIELD COUNTY. Messrsi Seth Landon, Litchfield ; Asher Blackslee, Plymouth. FROM HARTFORD COUNTY. Solomon Griswold, Esq., Dr. Jewel, Simsbury. FROM NEW HAVEN COUNTY. Dr. Samuel Sauford, Derby; Mr. Moss, Cheshire. FROM MIDDLESEX COUNTY. Col. Job Chapman, East Haddam; Mr. Nathaniel Cornwall, Cha'tham. Some names lost. The Rev. Mr. Butler, read prayers, and the Rev. Mr. Marsh, preathed. After divine service, the Convention being opened for business, the Rev. Dr. Bowden signified to the Convention, in writing, his non-acceptance of the Episcopate. Adjourned to 5 o'clock this afternoon. Five o'clock, met acoordirig to adjournment. Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be given to the Rev. Mr. Marsh, for his well adapted discourse delivered this day before the Conven tion, and that the Rev. Dr. Mansfield, be requested to do it fiom the chair, in behalf of the Convention. The Lay Members withdrew to a separate apartment, and the Clergy proceeded to business by themselves. 3 18 Resolved, (by the Clerical Delegates,) That we will proceed, at this Ume, to elect a person to fill the Episcopal Chair; and the ballots being taken, th& Rev. Mr. Jarvis was unanimously elected. ,. j ¦ The Lay Delegates being noUfied of the election, signified, in a short time, by their Secretary, S. W. Johnson, Esq., their unanimous concurrence. Resolved, That Mr. Elias Shipman be requested to deliver to the Kev. Mr. Baldwin, whatever moneys may have been collected from the several Episcopal Societies in this State, for the purpose of supporting Missionaries, and that Mr. Baldwin be" empowered to put those moneys to use lor the Den- efil of the Church. Adjourned to 9 o'clock lo-morrow morning. Thursday. 9 o'clock, met in the Church, Rev. Mr. Prindle read payers. Resolved, That the credentials of the Bishop elect shall be signed by the Presidents and Secretaries of both houses of Convenlion. Adjourned sine die. OCTOBER, 1197. At a Special Convenlion of the Clerical and Lay Delegates of the Prot estant Episcopal Church in Connecticut, holden at Trinity Church, in New Haven, October J 8th, 1797: PRESENT, The Rev. Dr. Mansfield, President, Rev. Dr. Jarvis, " Hubbard, " " Bowden, " Smith, " Mr. Tyler, " " Shelton, " Baldwin, " " Perry, Rev. Mr. Prindle, Ives, Bronson, Marsh, BuUer. Griswold, MUes. LAY DELEGATES. from new haven county. Joseph Bradley, Esq., and Col. Joseph Drake, New Haven; Samnel Woodruff, Esq., Wallingford; Messrs. Thomas Atwater, Cheshire; Elara Bradley, Hamden ; Jesse Beach, Esq., and Joseph Davis, Derby ; Samuel Sanford, Great Hill; Isaac Benham, Waterbury. FROM FAIRFIELD COUNTT. Messrs. Samuel Jarvis, Stamford; John Cannon, Norwalk; Seymour Talmage, Canaan; Ebenezer Nichols, Fairfield; Calvin Wheeler, Wes ton; Philip Nichols, Esq., Stralfield; Agur Shelton, Huntington; Abel Hall, Tashua; David Meeker, and Salmon Curtiss, Newtown. FROM LITCHFIELD COUNTY. Messrs. Seth Landon, Litchfield; EU Curtiss, Esq.j Watertown; Jared Sperry, New Preston; Noah M. Bronson, and Stephen Graves, Plymouth. FROM HARTFORD COUNTT. Solomon Griswold, Esq., Simsbury. 19 ¦Convention being opened, and the Rules of Order read. Resolved, That Eli Curtis, Esq. be requested lo receive the coUections •which have been made in the several parishes, for defraying certain expen ses attending the consecraUon of the Bishop, iu order that said moneys may be applied to the purpose intended. Divine Service was then attended. Morning prayer read by the Rev. Mr. Ives. A sermon adapted lo the occasion was deUvered by the Rev. Dr. Smith. The Right Rev. Dr. White, Bishop of Pennsylvania; the Right Rev. Dr. Provost, Bishop of New York; and the Right Rev. Dr. Bass, Bishop of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, being present for the purpose of con secrating the Rev. Dr. Jarvis, (Bishop elect of the Church in Connecticut,) the Right Rev. Dr. White acted as the officiaUng Bishop, and the Bishops Provost and Bass assisted. The act of consecration being completed, the Right Rev. Dr. Jarvis was recognized by the Convention as the Bishop of ConnecUcut, and received their congratulations in a very affectionate address delivered by tbe Rev. Mr. Hubbard, to which Bishop Jarvis returned a very suitable answer. Af ter this, he delivered au excellent charge lo the Clergy, and Laity of his Diocese. Adjourned to 9 o'clock to-morrow morning. Thursday morning, October ]9lh, met according to adjourninent. Rev. Mr. Griswold read prayers. Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be given to the Right Rev. Bishops White, Provost, and Bass, for the very important services rendered by them to the Church in this Stale, by the consecration of our Bishop. Resolved, That the Standing Committee be requested to prepare an address of ihanks to the Bishops in writing ; which being done, the address 'was • read to the ConvenUon and approved of. Resolved, That the Standing Committee, (viz: Rev. Dr. Smith, Rev. Messrs. Baldwin and Shelton,) be requested to wait on the Right Rev. Bish ops, with the address of thanks in behalf of the Convention, and a gratuity for defraying the expenses which have accrued to thein on the present occa sion. The gratuity they generously declined accepting — though Dr. Bass was at length prevailed on lo accept it. Resolved, That the Standing Committee be requested lo return the thanks of the Convention lo the Right Rev. Dr. Jarvis, for his excellent charge de Uvered to the Clergy and Laity of his Diocese, and to request a copy of the same for the press. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Baldwin and Eli Curtiss, Esq., be appointed a committee to present the ihanks of this Convention lo the Rev. Dr. Smith, for his sermon delivered yesterday before the Convention, and to request a copy thereof for the press. , Resolved, That the Standing Committee be authorized lo receive all mon eys due and belonging lo the Church in this State, for the purpose of putting them lo use for the benefit of the Church, and that said committee be ac countable to this Convention for said moneys. Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. Smith be requested to accept of a mission ta New York, for the purpose of soliciUng donations for the benefit of the Epis copal Academy in this State. Resolved, That the commiltee appointed to prefer a Memorial to the Gen eral Assembly for the Bishop's Fund, be continued; and that said commiD- tee be requested to pursue said Memorial at the session of Assembly in May next. Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be returned by the Rev. Mr. Hubbard, to the Right Rev. Dr. Jarvis, for his services as President of this ConvenUon, and to the Rev. Mr. Perry for his services as Secretary. Convention dismissed. 20 1798. SIXTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a Convention of the Clergy and Lay Delegates of ihe Protestant Episcopal Church in Connecticut, holden in St. Paul's Church, Norwalk, June 6th, 1798 : PRESENT, The Right Rev. Bishop Jarvis, Eev Dr. Mansfield, 4( Hubbaid, it Bowden, (1 Smuh, Mr Shelton, tt Baldwin, " Perry, ev. Mr . Ives, Bronson, Todd, Prindle, Marsh, BuUer, Seabury. LAY DELEGATES. FROM FAIRFIELD COUNTY. Messrs. Sturges Sperry, Stamford ; Thomas Belden, Esq., and Gould Hoyt, Norwalk; Capt. Stephen Belts, Canaan; Daniel Meeker, Fairfield ; WiUiam Prince, TrumbuU; Richard Mansfield, Huntington ; Cyrus Beers, Newtown; William Heron, Esq., Reading. FROM NEW HAVEN COUNTY. Messrs. Abijah Hull, Derby ; Thomas Atwater, Cheshire. FROM HARTFORD COUNTY. Messrs. Solomon Griswold, Simsbury; John Goodrich, Wethersfield. FROM LITCHFIELD COUNTY. Messrs. Heber Stone, and Sylvester Wheaton, Litchfield ; Amos Squire, Roxbury. Rev, Mr. Seabury read prayers, and Rev. Mr. Todd preached. Dr. SmUh appointed Secretary of Convention. The Lay Delegates pro duced their credentials, the Rules of Order were read by the Secretary, and the Convention adjourned to 4 in the afternoon. At 4 P. M., Convention met according to adjournment, and Mr. Ives read prayers. A petition froni certain persons of the Episcopal Church, in the town of Litchfield, being presented to obtain permission to erect themselves into a parish, a committee was appointed to consider and make report upon the same. Voted, That a committee be appointed to ascertain the grand levy of the Church in this State, in order to ascertain what sum of money may be ob tained for the commencement of a fund for the Episcopal Academy at Cheshire; and that this commutee be Dr. Bowden, Mr. Ives, Thomas Bel den, and Solomon Griswold, Esqrs. Voted, That this Convention do accept the report of the committee on the petition for erecting a new parish in Litchfield, and the sanction of this Con vention is given accordingly to the prayer of said petition. Voted, That the Rev. Messrs. Baldwin, Perry, and Ives, be Clerical Del egates to the next General Convention, to be holden at Philadelphia. Voted, That Thomas Belden, and Solomon Griswold, Esqrs., be Lay Delegates to the aforesaid General Convention. 21 Voted, That a Treasurer be appointed to receive aU donaUons that may be procured for the use of the Episcopal Academy, and that all such shall be under the direction of the trustees of the same. Voted, That Isaac Beers, of New Haven, be Treasurer to receive all do nations that may be obtained for the Academy. Voted, That the Rev. Mr. Bronson be admitted into the body of trustees of the Episcopal Academy. Voted, That the resignation of Rev. Mr. Shellon's seat as one of the trus tees of the Episcopal Academy, be accepted. Voted, That Rev. Mr. Prindle be appointed one of tbe trustees of tbe Episcopal Academy. Convention adjourned until 8 o'clock to-morrow morning. Thursday morning, 8 o'clock. Convention met according to adjournment. Rev. Mr. Ives read prayers. Voted, That a committee be appointed to draft an address to the Presi dent of the United Stales, and that the committee be Dr. Bowden, and Dr. Smith. Voted, That the money formerly collected for the purpose of sending Mis sionaries lo the fronuers of the States, be applied to the benefit of the Epis copal Academy. Voted, That a commiltee be appointed to draft a body of canons for the use of this Diocese, and report lo the next Convention. Voted, That this committee shall consist of three persons, viz : Dr. Bow den, Messrs. Ives and Bronson. Voted, That the thanks of this Convention be presented by the Secretary to the Bishop, for his charge delivered before them yesterday. Voted, That it be recommended to the several congregations in this Dio cese, lo collect annually for the use of the Bishop one half-penny on the pound, in such way and manner, as to them shall seem most expedient. Convention adjourned until 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Convention met at 3 o'clock in the afternoon according to adjournment. Voted, That Dr. Smith, Messrs. Shelton and Baldwin, be the Standing Committee for the year ensuing. Voted, That the Standing Committee inquire into the state of the several vacant Churches in this Diocese, and recommend the most probable methods for having them supplied. Voted, That the next ConvenUon in this Diocese be holden at Waterbury, on the day appointed by the Constitution. Voted, That this Convention be dissolved. Attest, WILLIAM SMITH, Secretary. N. B. It having proved highly inconvenient for the Convention to meet at Waterbury, the Bishop ordered it to meet in St. John's Church, Stralfield. 1799. SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a Convention ofthe Protestant Episcopal Church in Connecticut, holden in St. John's Church, Stralfield, June 6th, 1799 : 22 PRESENT, The Right Rev. Bishop Jarvis, Rev. Dr. Mansfield, Bev. Mr. Todd, " " Hubbard, " " BuUer, " " Bowden, " " Griswold, " " Smith, " " White, Deacon, " Mr. Shelton, " " Judd, " " Baldwin, " " Rogers, " " Prindle, " " Callahan, " " " Ives, VISITING CLERGY. Rev. Mr. Clarke, of Providence, and Rev. Mr. Burhans, from Massa chusetts. LAY DELEGATES. Messrs. Thomas Atwater, Cheshire; Elijah Wilcox, Stratford ; Benjamin Hall, Esq., TrumbuU; Thomas Green, New Haven; Ephraim Kirby, Litchfield ; E. Bostwick, Huntington; Joseph Ferris, and John Beach, New town; Ebenezer Nichols, Fairfield; Ozias Burr, Stralfield; David Kilborn, Western Ep. ch. Litchfield; Jesse Beach, Esq., Derby; Isaac Nichols, Oxford ; Andrew Hill, Esq., Reading. Rev. Mr. Shelton read prayers; the Bishop preached. Dr. Smith appointed Secretary ; Lay tesUmonials produced, and Rules of Convention read. On motion by the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, that a committee be appointed to prepare a statement of matters relative to tbe Episcopal Academy, agree able to tbe Bishop's address, — Voted, That this committee be Dr. Bowden, and Ephraim Curtiss, Esq. Convention adjourned until 4, P. M. Met by adjournment. The committee reported the progress in preparing a body of Canons for the use of this Diocese, according to a vote of the last Convention, and de sired leave of reading tbe same. Leave granted. Accordingly the proposed Canons were read, and a sec ond reading required. Canons, No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, were approved, and the others re-committed for furiher deliberation, and to be reported to this Convention to-morrow. Voted, That Clerical and Lay Delegates be appointed by this Convention to attend the next General ConvenUon, to be holden at Philadelphia. Resolved, That this Convention recommend it tothe several congregations in this Diocese to raise by voluntary collection or otherwise, such sums of money as shall be necessary for defraying the expenses of Delegates to the next General Convention, which moneys shall be transmitted lo the Treas urer of this Convenlion by the 1st day of August next. Voted, That Isaac Beers, of New Haven, be Treasurer of this Convention. Voted, That this Convention be adjourned until 9 o'clock to-morrow morning. At 9 o'clock Thursday morning. Convention met according to adjournment. Mr. Callahan read prayers. Voted, That tbe thanks of this Convention be presented by the Secretary, to the Bishop for his sermon and address deUvered yesterday before them. Voted, That Philip Nichols and Benjamin Hall, Esqrs., be Lay Delegates tothe next General Convenlion at Philadelphia. Voted, That the Rev. Dr. Smith, and the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, be Clerical Delegates to the next General Convention as aforesaid. 23 Resolved, That Mr. Judd, of Farmington, and Mr. Woodruff, of Wallititf-' ford, be excused from attending the duties of trustees of the Episcopal Academy. Voted, That il be the duly of each Clergyman in this Diocese, together with some respectable Layman in his Parish, previous to the 20th dav of October, to visit as many of his parishioners as pos.sible, and solicit individ ual donations from them for the use of the Episcopal Academy, which mon ey so collected shall be paid over to the Treasurer of the Academy, by the 20lh day of November; and shall be under the direction of the trustees of the same. Voted, That one or more agents be appointed by the trustees of the Epis copal Academy, to go lo Europe for the purpose of soliciting donaUons for said Academy, as soon as the trustees shall be possessed of unappropriated funds, sufficient for defraying the expenses of such a mission. Voted, That it shall be the duty of the Standing Committee to communi cate to the several vacant Churches in this Diocese, the vote of this Conven tion for raising money for the use of the Academy, by individual donaUon. The commiltee for preparing Canons for the use of the Diocese, reported that they had reconsidered the other Canons re-committed yesterday, and were ready to present them for a reading. Canons read by the Secretary. Voted, That this Convention do adopt these Canons as Ecclesiastical rules of this Diocese, and order thera lo be engrossed on the minutes of Convention^ Voted, That William M'Crackan, New Haven, be appointed Treasurer to receive the moneys arising from the Tax of two farthings on the pound, and that he be requested to write to the several Societies in this Diocese, de siring them to forward lo him immediately the sums respectfully due from them, and that the said Treasurer render his account to the annual Con vention. Voted, That the Church Wardens or committees of the several Churches in this Diocese, be requested to take an exact enumeration of all tbe inhabit ants belonging lo tbe irrespective Church or Congregation, on or before the 1st day of January, 1800, distinguishing the numbers of each sex, and of heads of families, aud that they make report of this enroUment, also the grand Levy, lo the ensuing annual ConvenUon. Voted, That the Rev. Dr. Smith, and Messrs. Shelton and Baldwin, be the Standing CommUlee of Convention for the year ensuing. Voted, That Benjamin Hall, Esq., have leave of absence. Voted, That Burrage Beach, Esq., and Moses Moss, of Cheshire, be ad mitted trustees of the Episcopal Academy. Voted, That the Standing Committee be desired to call upon aU persons who have purchased copies of Dr. Smith's reply to Mr. Blatchford, to setUe wilh them for the same. Voted, That a committee of communicaUon for each county in the Dio cese be appointed, viz: Mr. Ives, for New Haven; Mr. Todd, for Hartford; Mi. Griswold, for Litchfield; Mr. Solomon Blakeslee, for Middlesex; Mr. Seabury, for New London; Mr. Rogers, for ToUand and Windham; and M. Butler, for Fairfield. Voted, That Mr. Ives be desired to acquaint the absent members of the above committee, of their appointment. Voted, That Dr. Smith be desired to prepare an Office, for inducUng and recognizing Clergymen into vacant Parishes, and present the same for adop tion, to the next Convention of this Diocese. Voted, That the thanks of this Convention be presented by the Secretary to the foUowing gentlemen, viz: Isaac Beers, EUas Shipman, Ephraim 24 Kirby, Esqrs., and Mr. Todd, for iheir liberal and spirited exertions before the Legislature, to obtain an Act of Incorporation for the Bishop's fund. Voted, That Mr. Bostwick have leave of absence. Voted, That this Convention be dissolved. Attest, WILLIAM SMITH, Sec. of Con. CANONS ADOPTED BY THE ABOVE CONVENTION. Can. 1. Each officiating setUed Minister in this Diocese, shall keep a Book or Register, in which he shall enter every Baptism, Marriage, and Funeral, within his cure. He shall also keep a Register of the Communi cants of his Church, and the number of Families within his cure. And this noUlia parochialis shall be presented to the Bishop at the annual State ConvenUon. Can. 2. No Minister shall admit any person to the Holy Communion un tU he shall have conversed with him on the subjecl, unless he be certain Ihat he is a regular Communicant in some other Church. Can. 3. Disorderly and immoral conduct, neglect of duty, disregard to Ihe ConsUtutions or Canons of the Church, or disseminating or counter) anc- ing opinions which are contrary to its doctrines, are offences for whieh a Clergyman may be brought lo trial. Can. 4. If a minister offend in any of these respects, applicaUon in wri ting, signed by bis accusers, shall be sent, in the first instance to the Stand ing Committee, and if it appears lo them that there is ground for the charge, they shall report thereupon to the Bishop, who shall call a Convention of his Clergy, (not less tban seven,) and after a full and fair trial and examination, the Bishop, with the advice of the Clergy present, shall pronounce sentence against him. Can. 5. The Clergy shall pay strict regard to the Rubrics of the Churcb, and shall neither alter nor mutilate the service, otherwise than they are by the Rubrics permitted. Can. 6. The Clergy shall pay due attention to their dress, and shall de viate as little as possible in this respect from Clerical propriety. Can. 7. All persons belonging lo this State, who intend to apply lo the Bishop for Holy Orders, shall make known lo him their intention in wriUng, twelve months before such appUcalion. Can. 8. All Candidates for Holy Orders .shall be examined in such sub jects as are prescribed by the Canon of the General Convention. Can. 9. No Clergyman shall remove from one Parish to another, in this Diocese, wiihout the Bishop's consent. But if the Bishop should refuse, and the Clergymau should thereby think himself aggrieved, an appeal may be made to the Convention. Can. 10. When a number of members of this Church are desirous of forming a new congregation, informaUon thereof shall be given to tbe Bish op in writing, who shall give such directions on the subject as shall seem proper to him, for their instruction and consideration. Can. 11. Every Clergyman settled in this State shall, on the next Sun day after Easter in every year, preach a sermon to bis congregation, on the duties which are peculiarly Episcopal ; and in which he shall lay before his people the propriety and necessity of supporting the Episcopal Office with becoming dignily. 25 1800. EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, holden at Water- tiury, June 4th, 1800: PRESENT, The Right Rev. Bishop Jarvis, Rev. Mr. Ambrose Todd, " Calvin White, " Charles Seabury, " Alexander V. Griswold, " Daniel Burhans, " Bethel Judd, Deacon, Rev. Dr. John Bowden, " Mr. Ashbel Baldwin, " " Reuben Ives, " " Tillotson Bronson, " " Chauncey Prindle, " " John Tyler, " " Truman Marsh, VISITING BRETHREN. Rev. Amos Pardee, Rev. Joseph Warren, Deacon Ezra Bradley. LAY DELEGATES. Messrs. Lazarus Beach, Stralfield ; Joseph Prindle, Canaan ; David Beers, Esq., Newtown ; Ezra Griswold, Simsbury ; Doctor Mark Neevel, Soulhington; William Scovil, Watertown; John Peters, Esq., Hebron; John Curtis, HunUngton ; Benajah Hawley, Roxbury ; David Marks, Plym outh ; Samuel Jarvis, Stamford ; Benjamin Hall, Esq., Trumbull; Major Garwood H. Cunningham, Woodbury; Thomas Atwaler, Cheshire; Mark Prindle, Esq., Litchfield; Hezekiah Jarvis, Norwalk; Ashur Blakesly, Plymouth ; Edward Starr, Reading ; Dunlap CoggswaU, Canaan ; Ephraim Warner, Waterbury. Mr. Burhans read prayers. The Bishop preached. The Rev. Mr. Bald win appointed Secretary. Lay testimonials produced, and Rules of Con vention read. Convention adjourned untU 4 o'clock, P. M. Convenlion met according lo adjournment. On motion by the Rev. Dr. Bowden, Voted, That the thanks of the Convention be presented to the Bishop for his excellent sermon delivered before them this day. Rev. Messrs. Asbel Baldwin, Philo Shelton, Daniel Burhans, Ambrose Todd, and David BuUer, were chosen the standing committee of this Con venlion. The Rev. Calvin White was elected a Trustee of the Episcopal Academy. Voted, That this Convention be adjourned until 7 o'clock to-morrow morning. At 7 o'clock, the ConvenUon met according lo adjournment. Rev. Charles Seabury read prayers. On motion. Voted, That the Rev. Ashbel Baldwin be appointed a com mittee to receive the amount of the list of the several Parishes in this Dio cese, and by them to asceitain the quota of each Parish, wbich it shall be necessary for said Parish lo pay to raise the sum of seven hundred dollars, which sum, when raised, lo be appropriated to the support of an agent to be sent to Europe to soUcit donations for the Episcopal Academy in this State. And it shaU be the duty of each Clergyman, and in his absence, the clerks of his Parishes to forward by the first day of July next, to the Rev. Mr, 4 26 Baldwin, the amount or the list of their respective Parishes. And it shaU be the duty of the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, where the respective quotas are as certained, to forward an account of said quotas lo some active Layman ot each Parish, by the first day of August next, whose duty it shall be to raise the money in such way and manner as the said Parishes may think proper, and forward tbe same to Doctor Bowden, Principal of said Academy, by the first day of September next. -r, • i Voted, That the Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, Rev. Philo Shelton. Rev. Darnel Burhans, Benjamin HaU, Esq., and Mr. Lazarus Beach, be appointed a committee to select and publish such pans of this, and the General Conven tion of tbe Episcopal Church, as they may think proper. , . „ -J Voted, That the thanks of this Convention be presented to their President and Secretary. Voted, That this Conveption be dissolved. ASHBEL BALDWIN, Secretary, 1801. NINETEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a ConvenUon ofthe Protestant Episcopal Church, of Conr^ecUcut, holden at Newtown, the 3d day of June, 1801 : PRESENT, The Right Rev. Bishop Jarvis, Rev. Dr. Mansfield, " " John Bowden, " Mr. Bela Hubbard, " " Philo Shelton, " " Ashbel Baldwin, " " Chauncey Prindle, " " Tillotson Bronson, '* " Truman Marsh, " " David Butler, Rev. Mr. Ambrose Todd, " " Alexander V. Griswold, " " Daniel Burhans, " " Evan Rogers, " " Bethel Judd, Deacon, " Thatcher, " " " Burgis, " " " Whitlock, " " " Jasper D. Jones, " LAY DELEGATES. Messrs. Stephen Morehouse, New Preston; Stiles Curtis, Ridgefield ; Capt. James Beatty, Norwalk ; Elijah Burritt, Stralfield; Robert Downs, Wes ton ; Samuel Jarvis,, Reading ; Samuel W. Southmade, Watertown ; John Curtiss, Huntington ; Isaac KirUand, Wallingford ; Joseph Prindle, Canaan ; Abijah Hull, Derby; Capt. Timothy Chittenden, Salisbury; James Clark, Esq., Danbury; Benajah Hawley, Roxbury; Elisha Wilcox. Stratford; Major Nathan HubbeU, Trumbull; Dr. Nathaniel Perry, Woodbury; Joseph Ferris, Newtown. A procession was formed by the members of this Convention from the house of tbe Rev. Mr. Burhans to the Episcopal Church, at 10 o'clock. A, M., attended by a band of music. Mr. Bnrhans read the morning service. A sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr, Butler; and Deacon Gamlel Thatcher was admitted to the Holy Order of Priest, 21 The congregation being dismissed, ConvenUon was opened by the Bishott. The Rev. Mr. Baldwin elected Secretary. Convention adjouVned until 4 o'clock, P. M. Met according to adjournment. On motion of Mr. Prindle, Voted, That the ihanks of this house be pre sented by the Bishop, lo the Rev. Mr. BuUer, for his weU adapted sermon delivered before them ihis day. On motion. Voted, That Messrs. Hubbard, Baldwin, Bronson, John Cur tis, James Clark, and Abijah Hull, be a commiltee lo make an inquiry re-* specUng the state of the Episcopal Academy, and report thereon. Agreeable to the Constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Churcb in America, the house divided and proceeded to the choice of Clerical and Lay Deputies lo attend the General Convention to be holden al Trenton, in Sep tember next, when the ballots being taken by the Clergy, it appeared that Messrs. Baldwin, Shelton, Brown, and Rogers, were duly elecied to repre sent iheir body; and the Laity reported the names of Messrs. James Clark, Esq., and Dr. Nathaniel Perry, as duly chosen to represent their body. — Messrs. Hubbard, Bronson, and Ives, were appointed tbe standing commit tee of this ConvenUon for the year ensuing. Leave of absence was granted lo Messrs. James Clark, and Isaac Kirt land, during the remainder of the session. Convenlion adjourned until 7 o'clock to-morrow morning. Thursday morning, 7 o'clock. Convention met according to adjournment. Mr. Butler read morning prayer. The Bishop delivered a charge to his Clergy. On motion. Voted, That the Rev. Mr. Hubbard present the thanks of this Convention to the Bishop, for his excellent addre.ss delivered to them this day. Voted, That the Delegates who shall represent this Convention, in Gene-' ral Convention, be requested to advocate an alteration of the ConsUtulion which respects the time of meeting for the General Convention. Voled, That a collection be made in the several Parishes in this Diocese, in the month of July, and the moneys collected be transmitted to the Rev. A. Baldwin, which shall be appUed to defray the expenses of the delegates iu attending the General Convention. On motion, Voted, That the several Parishes in this Diocese be requested to raise the several sums apportioned according to their respective lists, agreeable lo a resolution of the Convention passed in June, 1800, and trans mit the same lo the Rev. Mr. Bowden, Principal of the Academy, by the 1st day of January, 1802. And whereas doubts may arise respecting the construction of the vote referred lo, it is voted, that if the mission contem plated does not go into effect, then the money so coUected shall be returned to the respective Parishes. Ou moUon of Mr. Curtis, the ConvenUon resolved itself into a committee of the whole. Rev. Mr. Bronson in the chair. Voted, That it be recommended to the several Parishes in this Diocese, fo raise a sum which shall amount lo a tax of one and an balf mill on the dol" lar, on the Ust of 1739, in such way as they shall think proper, for the pur pose of paying the Bishop's salary for the year 1802, lo be collected and paid lo him by the first Wednesday of June next. The chairman of the committee reported tbe foregoing resolves to the Convention, which adopted the same. On motion. Voted, the ihanks of this ConvenUon to the President for his attendance during this session. Adjourned without day. ASHBEL BALDWIN, Secretary. 28 APRIIi, 1803. At a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Connecticut* holden at Cheshire, on the 12th day of April, 1802: PRESENT, The Right Rev. Bjshop Jarvis, Rev. Dr. Richard Mansfield, Rev. Mr. Ambrose Todd, Evan Rogers, Joseph Warren Menzies Rayner, Jasper D. Jones, Deacon, Whitlock, " Burgis, " Kilbourn, " Perry, " " Mr. Bela Hubbard, " " Philo Shelton, " " Ashbel Baldwin, " " Reuben Ives, " " Tillotson Bronson, " " Chauncey Prindle, " " Alexander V. Griswold, " " Solomon Blakeslee, LAY DELEGATES. Messrs. Hezekiah Jarvis, Stamford; Charles Bostwick, Stralfield; Abi jah Hull, Derby ; Thomas Atwater, Cheshire; Amasa Bradley, Hamden ; Enoch Foot, Stratford; Abraham Blakeslee, New Haven; Selah Brockley, Berlin. Mr. Baldwin was chosen Secretary. Convention adjourned unUI 2 o'clock, P. M., to meet in the Academy. A procession was formed from the house of Bishop Jarvis to the Churcb, and divine service was performed by the Bishop; and Deacon Burgis was admitted tothe Holy Order of Priest. Tuesday, 2 o'clock, ConvenUon met agreeable to adjournment. Rules of Order wei^e read by the Secretary. Dr. Bowden's resignation of Principal of the Academy was read and accepted. On motion of Mr. Baldwin, the ballots for a Principal were called for, and an unanimous vote was found in favor of Doctor William Smith, of New York. Voted, That the Secretary of the Convention be requested to inform Doc tor Smith of his election to the office of Principal of the Academy. Voted, That the Secretary be directed lo answer Dr. Bowden's letter of resignation. Voted, the thanks of this Convention to the President and Secretary. Adjourned sine die. ASHBEL BALDWIN, Secretary. 1802. TWENTIETH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a Convention ofthe Protestant Episcopal Church in Connecticut, holden at HunUngton, on the 1st Wednesday of June, 1802: PRESENT, The Right Rev. Bishop Jarvis, D. D. Revi Dr. Mansfield, " Smith, " Philo Shelton, " Ashbel Baldwin, " Chauncey Prindle, " Truman Marsh, " Ambrose Todd, Rev. Tillotson Bronson, " Alexander V. Griswold, " Daniel Burhans, " Nathan B. Burgis, " Menzies Rayner, " Henry Whitlock, Deacon, " Abraham Bronson, " A procession was formed at 11 o'clock, A. M., from the house of the Rev. Ambrose Todd, to the Episcopal Church. Morning prayers were read by the Rev. Mr. Marsh ; a discourse was de livered by the Bev. Mr. Griswold; and Deacon Whitlock was admitted to the Holy Order of Priests. The ConvenUon was opened by the Bishop, agreeably to the Constilutiotr of this Church. Rev. Mr. Baldwin was appointed Secretary. The following gentlemen produced their certificates, and took their seats as Lay Delegates, in the Convention : Messrs. Stephen Miles, New Milford; Ephraim Kirby, Esq., Litchfield; EU Curtis, Esq., Watertown; Maj. G;arwood il. Cunningham, Woodbury; Stephen Morehouse, New Preston; Hezekiah Jarvis, Norwalk; Simeon H. Minor, Esq., Stamford; Amos Wheeler, Esq., Brookfield; Nathan Clark, Joseph Shelton, Huntington; Elijah Burritt, Stralfield; Andrew Hurd, Stratford; William Heron, Esq., Reading; Maj. Nathan Hubbell, Trum bull ; William Weiler, Esq., Hartford ; Abijah Hull, Derby ; Joseph B. Candy, Waterbury. Convenlion adjourned until 4 o'clock, P. RI. The members met, agreeable to adjournment. Resolved, That the Bishop be requested to return the thanks of this Con vention lo the Bev. Mr. Griswold, for his very excellent discourse deUvered before them this day. The Rev. Mr. Shelton was appointed an assistant Secretary. Resolved, That Ephraim Kirby, Esq., Major Cunningham, and the Rev. Mr. Marsh, be appointed a committee to inquire into the present state of tbe Episcopal Academy, and make report lo this ConvenUon. Mr. Benajah Havvley having made a motion at a former Convention, for an alteration of the Liturgy of this Churcb, so far as it respects the office of Baptism; a consideration of which moUon is, (at his request,) postponed until the meeting of Convention, in June, 1804. Rev. Messrs. Shelton, Baldwin, Bronson, Todd, and Rayner, were ap pointed the standing commiltee for the present year. On motion by Bev. Mr. Rayner, Resolved, That every Clergyman in this' Diocese, who shall neglect to attend the annual Convention, shall send to the Convention in writing, tbe reasons of bis absence, and give an account of the slate of the Church or Churches under his care. 30 I'he Rev. Mr. Baldwin, and the Rev. Mr. Burhans, EU Curtis, Siraeori H. Minor, and William Weiler, Esqrs., were appointed a committee lo in quire into the state of the Bishop's salary, and make report to this Con venlion. Convention adjourned lo 8 o'clock, to-morrow morning. The members met, agreeably to adjournment. The Rev. Dr. Mansfaeld in the chair. Bev. Mr. Rayner read prayers. Mr. Archibald Perkins produced his certificate, as Lay Delegate from the Church in Bethany, and took his seat in ConvenUon. Mr. Burritt had leave of absence during the remainder of the session. The commiltee appointed to inquire into the present state of the Episcopal Academy, made a report which was accepted. Whereupon the following resolution was adopted : Resolved, That ihe Rev. Mr. Marsh, Ephraim Kirby, Esq., and Major Cunningham, be a commiltee, and they are hereby appointed a committee, to investigate the state of the funds of the Academy in Cheshire, to inquire into, and report the stale and condition of said Academy ; also to audit and adjust the accounts of the Treasurer, and other accounts of receipts and dis bursements respecting said Academy; also, to report such measures as may appear to them promoUve of the future good of said inslituUon, and report 10 the present, or next annual Convention. The Committee appointed to inquire into the state of the Bishop's fund, made the following report, whicb was accepted by the ConvenUon : Whereas, the Honorable General Assembly, in the Slate of ConnecUcut, at their session in May, 1799, passed an act incorporating the Bev. Bela Hubbard, Jonathan Ingersoll, Elias Shipman, John Morgan, Samuel Wm. Johnson, William Heron, Evan Malbone, and Jonathan Starr, Esqrs., as trustees lo receive and dispose of moneys that should come into their hands, by donation or otherwise, for the purpose of raising a fund for the support of a Bishop in this Diocese; and whereas, the aforesaid trustees have never, since their appointment, met together, or in any way acted in their capacity aforesaid; and whereas, some moneys bave been given and spbscribed for that purpose, since the passing of said act, and no proper officer being ap pointed by the said trustees to receive the same — it is therefore Resolved, by this Convention, that the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, Secretary, of the Convention, be requested to procure a copy of the said act, and notify each of said trustees to meet at the house of Marcus Miles, in New Haven, on the 9lh day of September next, to act on the premises; also, lo request those of the trustees who do not accept of the trust, to signify the same with in a reasonable time, to the said Secretary, who is requested lo make report in the premises to the present, or the next annual Convention. Resolved, That the thanks of the ConvenUon be given lo the President and Secretary, for their attention and services. Convention adjourned until the 19th day of October next, then to meet at Ttinity Church, in the city -of New Haven. Signed, by order of the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies, ABRAHAM, Bishop, Connecticut, President. Ashbel Baldwin, Secretary. 31 OCTOBER, 1802. At a ConvenUon of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Connecticut, hol den in Trinity Church, in the city of New Haven, on the 19th day of Oc tober, 1802, agreeable to adjournment: PRESENT, The Right Rev. Bishop Jarvis, D. D., Rev. Alexander V. Griswold, Daniel Burhans, Nathan B. Burgis, Henry Whitlock, Joseph Warren, Menzies Rayner, Abraham Bronson, Deacon, James Kilbourn, " Rev. Dr. Mansfield, " " Smith " Bela Hubbard, " Philo Shelton, " Ashbel Baldwin, " Chauncey Prindle, " Ambrose Todd, " Reuben Ives, " Tillotson Bronson, LAY DELEGATES. John Morgan, Esq., Hartford; Ephraim Kirby, Esq., Litchfield; El Curtis, Esq., Watertown ; Hezekiah Holcomb, Esq., Granby; John I. Pe ters, Esq., Hebron; Col. Matthias Nichol, Stratford; Major Garwood H Cunningham, Woodbury; Major Nathan Hubbell, Trumbull; Messrs, Thomas Green, New Haven; Abijah Hull, Derby; Jnel Chatfield, Great Hill ; Jared Scranton, North Guilford ; Noah M. Bronson, Plymouth Charies Jenks, East Windsor; Joseph Prindle, Canaan ; Abraham Blakes ley. North Haven; Archibald Perkins, Woodbridge; Uri Bobbins, Weth ersfield and Worthington; Thomas Atwater, Cheshire; Joseph B. Candy, Salem; Stephen Morehouse, New Preston. Mr. Joseph Perry was admitted to the order of Deacon, and a sermon delivered by the Bishop. After morning service, the Bishop declared the Convention to be opened, agreeable to adjournment. Convenlion adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M. The Convenlion met, agreeable to adjournment. The committee appointed to examine into the funds of the Academy, made a report, whicb was accepted by the Convention, and Ephraim Kirby, Esq. was appointed Auditor of the Treasurer's accounts, in said Academy, as recommended by said report. Resolved, That the Secretary return the thanks of Ibis Convention to the aforesaid committee for their zealous exertions in adjusting the accounts of the Academy. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Todd, Col. Matthias Nicoll, and Mr. Noah M. Bronson, be a committee to audit the accounts of the Rev. Mr. Baldwin wilh this ConvenUon. Convenlion adjourned until 9 o'clock, to-morrow morning. Members met, agreeable to adjournment. Rev. Menzies Rayner read prayers. The committee appointed to audit the accounts of the Rev. Mr. Baldwin with the Convention, made a report, as on file, which report was accepted by the Convention. Eli Curtis, Esq., handed in bis resignation, as trustee lo the Academy, whjch was accepted by the Convention. 32 Resolved, That the Secretary return the thanks of tbe ConvenUon to Eli Curtis, Esq., for his services as trustee to the Academy- _ Resolved, That Doctor Smith be empowered by this Convention, lo maKe application, in their behalf, for donaUops to the Academy, to such persons as he may think proper. , , , ^ .. ,,.,„..<. Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to give the ihanks of this house to the Bishop, for his sermon delivered before ihem, at the opening ot tne Convention. . ,, -n •A.~„t Resolved. That the thanks of this Convention be given to the President and Secretary for their attention and services. Convention adjourned, sine die. Signed by order of the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies, ABRAHAM, Bishop, Connecticut, President. Ashbel Baldwin, Secretary. 1803. TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, holden al Danbury, tbe 1st Wednesday of June, 1803 : PRESENT, The Right Rev. Bishop Jarvis, D. D., Rev. David Butler, Truman Marsh, Ambrose Todd, Charles Seabury, Daniel Burhans. Rev. Dr. Mansfield, " Bela Hubbard, " Philo Shelton, " Ashbel Baldwin, " Chauncey Prindle, " Tillotson Bronson, LAY DELEGATES. Messrs. Bela Blakesley, Plymouth; Benoni S. Sanford, New Milford; John Potter. Northford; James Clark, Esq., Danbury; Major John Webb, Canaan; Doctor Nathaniel Perry, Woodbury; Stephen Atwater, New Ha ven; John Welch, Esq., Litchfield; John Hard, Watertown; Josiah Dud ley, Esq., Derby; William Peel, Bridgeport; John Sanford, Esq., and Zechariah Ferris, Newlown ; Andrew Shelton, Ripion ; Capt. Simeon Mun ger, Reading; John Jones, Ridgefield; Orange Wheaton, New Preston; Calvin Wheeler, Weston; Obed Lindsley, Branford; Samuel Sherman, Brookfield; Lyman Summers, Trumbull. A procession was made by the Bishop, Clergy, and Lay Delegates, from tbe house of James Clark, Esq., in the Episcopal Church. The Rev. Mr. Seabury read morning prayers. The Rev. Mr, Burhans delivered a dis course; and Deacon Abraham Bronson was admitted lo the Order of Priests, After divine service was ended, the Bishop opened the Convention, agree- a'ole to the Constitution of ihe Church in this Slate. The Lay Delegates handed in their certificates of appointment, which were approved of, and they took their seats accordingly. 33 Rev. Mr. Baldwin was elected Secretary. ConvenUon adjourned uiuil 4 o'clock, P. M. Members met agreeably to the adjournment. Leave of absence was granted lo Doctor Mansfield, until tbe opening of the Convention in the morning. On motion of the Bev. Mr. Shelton, Resolved, That the thanks of the Convenlion be given by the Secretary, to the Rev. Mr. Burhans, for bis sermon delivered before tbe ConvenUon, and request a copy for the press. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, Rev. Mr. Bronson, Major John Webb, John Welch, and Josiah Dudley, Esqrs., be a committee lo inquire into the state of the Bishop's salary, and make report to this Convention. On moUon by Mr. Baldwin, Resolved, That in future, no Lay Delegate shall be admitted to a seat in the annual Convenlion, until he shall deliver to the Secretary a cerUficate of his appointment, as also the grand levy of the Church, or Churches he is to represent, both of which shall be signed by the parish clerk. On moUon, by Rev. Mr. Baldviin, Resolved, That iu case any dispute may arise between two or more parishes, in this Diocese, respecting their local Umits, it shall be the duty of said parishes to submit such dispute lo tbe de cision of the Convenlion. Rev. Bela Hubbard, Bev. Philo Shelton, and Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, were appointed the Standing Committee. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Burhans, James Clark, Esq., and Mr. John Potter, be a committee to digest some plan to defray the expenses of printing ihe Journals of Convention. Leave of absence was granted lo Lyman Summers, and Samuel Sher man, during the remainder of the session. Convenlion adjourned unUl 9 o'clock lo-morrow morning. Tuesday morning, 9 o'clock. The members attended agreeably to adjournment. Rev. Mr. Butler read prayers. Leave of absence was granted the Rev. Mr. Burhans, during the remain der of tbe session. The committee appointed to take into consideration the state of tbe Bish op's salary, made the following report, which was accepted by the Con vention. . , TT 1 . The committee appointed to take into consideration the Bishop s salary, met at the house of Mr. Friend Starr ; and after duly considering the subject, beg leave to report the following resolutions: Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to write to the several parishes in the Diocese, who have not complied with a resolution passed by the Con venlion holden at Newtown, the 3d day of June, 1801, which resolution rec ommended it to the several parishes in the Diocese, to raise a sum which should amount to one and a half mUl on the dollar, on their grand levies, for the support ofthe Episcopate; and request said parishes lo make as speedy compliance with said resolution as possible. Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to write to tbe trustees of the Bishop's fund, and request that they would publish, in one or more newspa pers in this Stale, that they are duly organized, and ready to receive all do nations that the friends of the Church may be disposed to give. And also that they be requested to make a report to the next annual Convention, ot the actual state of said fund. AU which is submitted to the consideration of tbe Convention. By order of tbe Committee, ASHBEL BALDWIN, Chairman. 5 34 The Rev. Mr. Marsh was appointed a trustee of the Academy, in the room of the Rev. Calvin While, moved out of ihe Slate. Cob Joseph Drake, of New Haven, was appointed a trustee of the Acaa- emy; 'in the room of Eli Curtis, Esq., resigned. . . » j ri Rev. Doctor Mansfield resigned bis seat as a trustee in the Academy, ana the Rev. Alexander V. Griswold appointed. , „-. n t /-^i i On motion of Mr. Bronson, ReMved, That Rev. Mr. Todd James Clark, and Josiah Dudley, Esqrs., be a commiltee to consult and advise with tne trustees of tbe Academy, respeoUng tbe salary of the Princi|)al and Assist- ant of tbe Academy. .„ , , , On motion of Mr. Todd, Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Butler be requested to procure the printing of the Journals of the present and preceding Conven- Uons, together with the Constitution of the Church in this State. The committee appointed lo digest some plan lo defray the expense ot prinUng the Journals of the ConvenUon, recommended a collection in the ConvenUon for that purpose, which was attended to immediately. ¦Resolved, That tbe ihanks of the ConvenUon be presented lo the President and Secretary, for their attention and services. Convention adjourned, sine die. Signed, by order of the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies, ABRAHAM, Bishop, Connecticut, President. Ashbel Baldwin, Secretary. 1804. TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a meeting of the Bishops, Presbyters, and Lay Delegates of the Epis copal Church in Connecticut, held at Litchfield, on the first Wednesday of June, 1804: PRESENT, The Right Rev. Bishop Jarvis, D. D., Rev. Truman Marsh, David Butler, Charles Seabury, Daniel Burhans, Menzies Rayner, Henry Whitlock, Nathan B. Burgis, Clement Merriam, Deacon. LAY DELEGATES. Mr. Birdsey Peters, Stratford ; Capt. Nathaniel Webb, Stamford ; Messrs. David Badger, Cheshire; Capt. James Clark, Danbury; Jared Lane, New Milford; Andrew Hillyer, Esq., Granby; Joshua Burt, Ridgefield; Ephraim Hinman, Roxbury; Amos Wheeler, Esq., Brookfield ; Samuel W. Soulhraayd, Esq., Watertown; Ozias Burr, Stralfield; Seth Strong, Durham; Zadoc Mann, Plymouth; Capt. Samuel M'NeU, Litchfield. Rev. Bela Hubbard, ¦"" Johii Tyler,' " WilUam Smith, D. D.. " Philo Shelton, " Ashbel Baldwin, V Chauncey Prindle, " Reuben Ives, " Tillotson Bronsop, 35 A procession was formed by the members of the Convention, and moved 5n St. Michael's Church, where morning service was read by the Rev. Mr. Shelton, and a sermon delivered by the" Rev. Mr. Seabury. The Conven tion was opened in form by the Bishop. The Lay Deputies presented their credenUals, which were examined and approved. Rev. Mr. Baldwin was' chosen Secretary. i , The ConvenUon adjourned until 4 o'clock, P. M., then to meet at the State House. Wednesday, 4 o'clock, P. M., Convention met agreeahle to adjournment. On motion from Bev. Mr. Hubbard, ^ Voted', the thanks of Convention to the Rev. Mr. Seabury for his well adapted sermon delivered before them this day. Rev. Messrs. Baldwin, Sbelton, and Burhans, were appointed the stand ing committee for ihe year ensuing. Rev. Mr. Burhans was appointed a trustee to the Academy, in the room of the Rev. Mr. Griswold, who has moved out of the State. On motion by Mr. Badger, Voted, That this Convention recommend it lo tbe several Parishes in this Diocese, lo present to the next annual Convenlion a statement of the funds, whether landed or personal, of their respective Churches, that the same may be entered upon tbe journals of tbe ConvenUon. On motion of Mr. Baldwin, Voted, That the board of trustees of tbe Episcopal Academy be requested to call upon the managers of the Lottery granted in favor of said Academy, and request thern to exhibit without delay an account of the avails of said Lottery, and to pay over to the Treasurer of said Academy tbe several Sums of money arising from the same. The Office of InducUon, as agreed upon by the Bishop and Clergy in ConvocaUon, was adopted by this ConvenUon. Rev. Messrs. Baldwin, Shelton, and Rev. Dr. Smith, were appointed a committee lo prepare and forward an address from this Convenlion lo the several Parishes, iu behalf of the Bishop's fund. ; Leave of absence was granted to Mr. Lane, Mr. Strong, Mr. Hard, and Amos Wheeler, Esq., during tbe remainder of the session. ConvenUon adjourned until to-morrow at 8 o'clock, A. M. Convention, opened agreeable to adjournment. Rev. Mr. Baldwin read prayers. _ , Leave of absence was granted Rev. Mr. Tyler and Capt. Nathaniel Webb, during the remainder of the session. Rev. Messrs. Baldwin, Shelton, Bronson, and Burhans, Messrs. Nathan Smith, James Clark, Andrew Hillyer, and Isaac Hinman, were chosen Delegates lo attend the General Convention. On motion from Rev. Mr. Shelton, Resolved, That iio Clergyman who shall hereafter be settled in this Dio cese, shall be entiUed to a seat in the State ConvenUon, until he produce to the Secretary thereof a cerUficate, signed by the Bishop, that he has been regularly inducted into some parish, agreeable to the Office of Induction, as adopted by this Convention. Resolved, That the Secretary be directed to write to the several Parishes in this Diocese, and request them to have a collection in tbeir respective Churches in the month of July, to defray the expenses of the Bishop and Delegates to the General Convention, and to transmit the moneys collected to tbe Rev. Mr. Sbelton, or the Rev. Mr. Hubbard, by the 21st of August next. Voted, That the Rev. Mr. Hubbard and the Rev. Mr. Shelton be, and 36 they are hereby' authorized and empowered to liquidate and adjust the ac counts of those persons who have, or hereafter may bave claims for attend ing the General Convention, and to pay to them the balance out of the moneys they may receive from the collection lo be made in the several Churches for that purpose. . Resolved, That the members of this Convention be requested lo use their best endeavors to procure all possible information concerning the origin, progress, and present state of the individual congregations in tins Diocese, together with sketches of the lives of tbe first Clergymen, and also of Lay Brethren, who have been eminent promoters of tbe interest of the ^hurch, and that all such information be transmitted to the editors of the Church man's Magazine for publicatiou. Resolved, That this Convention recommend to the board of trustees ot the Episcopal Academy, that they apply to tbe General Assembly at their next session, for a Charter empowering them lo give degrees in the Arts, Divinity, and Law, and to enjoy all other privileges usually granted to' Colleges. . Voled, the thanks of Coaventioh to tbe President and Secretary, for their attendance and services. Convention adjourned, sine die. ASHBEL BALDWIN, Secretary. 1805. TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a meeUng of the Bishop, Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Delegates or the Protestant Episcopal Church of Connecticut, held in St. Peter's Church, in the city of Middletown, on the .5lh day of June, 1805 : PRESENT, The Right Rev. Bishop Jarvis, D. D. Rev. Dr. Bela Hubbard, tt tt WUUam, Smith, " Philo Sbelton, " Ashbel Baldwin, " Chauncey Prindle, " Tillotson Bronson, " Reuben Ives, " Truman Marsh, " Ambrose Todd, Bev. Daniel Burhans, " Charles Seabury, " Menzies Rayner, " Henry Whitlock, " Smilh Miles, " Nathan B. Burgis, " Clement Merriam, Deacon, " Asa Cornwall " " Samuel Griswold, " LAY DELEGATES. Messrs. Hezekiah Jarvis, Norwalk; Benjamin Benham, Waterbury; John Scaruth, Durham; John Jones, Ridgefield ; Andrew Elliott, Guilford ; Jared Scranton, North Guilford; Ebenezer Nash, East Windsor; John Goodrich, Wethersfield and Worthington; Abijah Cuiiiss, Newtown ; Ste phen Jarvis, Cheshire; Elisha Beardsley, HunUngton; Obed Lindsley, Branford; Nathaniel Webb, Stamford; Learning Bradley, Litchfield ; 3^ Isaac Kirtland, Wallingford; Isaac Atwater, and Zadoc Mann, Plymouth ; Samuel W. Southmayd, Esq., and Col. Aner Bradley, Watertown; An drew Hillyer, Esq., Granby; John T. Peters, E'sq., Hebron. A procession was formed from the house of the Rev. Clement Merriam to tbe Episcopal Church, at 11 o'clock, A. M., when morning prayers were read by the Rev. Mr. Whitlock, and a discourse was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Rayner. After divine service was closed, the Bishop declared the Convenlion opened, agreeable to the Constitution of ibis Church. The Rev. Mr. Baldwin was elected Secretary. The Lay Delegates presented their certificates of appointment, which were read and approved of. A vole was passed lo receive Andrew Hillyer, Esq., as a Delegate from Granby, upon his informing the Convention that he had lost his certificate of appointment. Mr. Abijah Curtiss was admit ted to a seat, without a certificate of the grand levy of the Church he was to represent, upon the assurance of the Rev. Mr. Burhans, that the grand levy of said Churcb was 35,000 dollars. Mr. Nathaniel Webb was admit ted to a seat in the Convention, without a certificate of the grand levy of the Church in Stamford, on account of the peculiar situation of said Churcb. Convention adjourned until 4 o'clock, P. M. Convention met agreeable to the adjournment. On motion, Voted, That the general rule respecting admission of Lay Del egates, be dispensed with in favor of Col. Aner Bradley, and that he be ad mitted as a Delegate from Watertown, with Samuel W. Soulhraayd, Esq. Doctor Smilh was requested to prepare a form of a certificate for the ad mission of Lay Delegates into the ConvenUon. On motion. Voted, the thanks of this Convention to the Rev. Mr. Rayner for his sermon deUvered before the Convention this day; and that Doctor Smith, Samuel W. Southmayd and Andrew Hillyer, Esqrs., be a commit tee to request a copy of the same for the pre.ss. Rev. Messrs. Ashbel Baldwin, Doctor Bela Hubbard, Doctor WiHiam Smith, Reuben Ives, and Philo Shelton, were appointed the standing com mittee for the year ensuing. John T. Peters, Esq., appeared as a Lay Delegate from the Episcopal Church in Hebron, produced the certificate of his appointment, and was admitted lo a seat. Rev. Mr. Rayner, Samuel W. Southmayd, and John T. Peters, Esqrs., were appointed a committee lo make inquiry of the trustees of the Episco pal Academy, respecUng the state of said Academy, and report lo this Con vention. . Isaac Beers, Esq., of New Haven, was appointed a trustee of the Epis copal Academy, in the room of Mr. Thomas Atwaler, deceased. _ Voted, That the following form of a cerUficate for the admission of Lay Delegates to the Convention of the Episcopal Church in this State be re commended to the several Churches in this Diocese. June 180 At a regular meeUng of the Wardens, Vestry, and Congregation of Church, in A. B. was appointed a Lay Del- to attend tbe State Convention at on the day of (Signed,) A. B., Clerk of the Church. Leave of absence was granted to Mr. Scranton during the remainder of the session. Convention adjourned untU 7 o'clock, A. M., to-morrow. Thursday, 7 o'clock, A. M. Rev. Mr. Burhans read morning prayers. t, u • i. The Bishop withdrew from the Convention. The Rev. Mr. Baldwmbe- ing the oldest Presbyter present, took tbe chair agreeable to the Constitution. 38 Rev. Truman Marsh was appointed Secretary of the ConvenUon, proUm, Resolved, That a committee be appointed to carry into effect the address for the Bishop's Fund, and make a report at the next Convention. Rev. Messrs. A. Baldwin', T. Marsh, T. Bronson, H. WhiUock, D. Bur hans, and Samuel W. Soiiihmayd, Esq., were appointed the committee to carry into execution the preceding resolves. . j c Leave of absence was granted to Mr. John Jones during the remainder of the session. . . , Convention adjourned to attend tbe Bishop at an Ordination, and to meet again immediately after divine service is performed. Two o'clock, P. M., ConvenUon met according to adjournment. The Bishop in the chair. The following report of tbe committee respecUng tbe Academy, was laid before the Convention, read and accepted. To the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Connecticut, now silting at Middletown : The Committee appointed lo make inquiry of tbe trustees of tbe Episco pal Academy respecUng the state of said Academy, and to report to ihi^ Convention, respectfully report — That they have had the subject of their appointment under consideration, but from the shortness of Ume and the variety of facts to be examined, they are unable to make a report in detail. Nevertheless they beg leave lo re mark, that it appears lo the committee that tbe stale of the Academy is such as to require the parUcular attention of tbe friends of the institution, and the immediate interposition of this Convention. That the condition of the Academy is not flourishing — the number of stu dents gradually diminishing — the building going to decay, and the institutioD itself sinking in reputation! But whether these unfavorable appearances arise from any deficiency in the organization of the Academy — neglect, or mismanagement of those entrusted therewith, or the place of its establish ment — the committee presume not to decide. They cannot, however, for bear lo express tbeir belief, that the present condition of the Academy re sults in some measure froin its location, in the vicinity of a flourishing University, and in a town where it receives very Uttle patronage or encour agement. The committee, therefore, beg leave to recommend to the Convention to appoint a commiltee to repair to the Academy, ascertain its present condi tion, the causes thereof, the slate of tbe funds, and such otber facts relating to the institution as may appear to them interesting, and to report tbe same, with iheir opinion thereon, to tbe next meeUng of this Convenlion. Wbich is respectfully submitted. MENZIES RAYNER, JOHN T. PETERS. Middletown, June 6lh, 1805. Rev. Mr. Sbelton, Rev. Mr. Rayner, and Asa Chapman, Esq., were ap pointed a committee in pursuance of the recommendation in the foregoing report. Voted, the thanks of the Convention to the President and Secretary, for their attendance and services. Convenlion adjourned, sine die. ASHBEL BALDWIN, Secretary. 39 1806. TWENTY^FOURTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a meeUng of the Bishop, Presbyters, and Lay Delegates, in Conven lion held al Cheshire, on Wednesday, the 4th day of June, 1806: PRESENT, The Right Rev. Bishop Jarvis, D. D Rev. Charles Seabury, " Solomon Blakesley, " Truman Marsh, " Calvin White, " Henry Whitlock, " Menzies Rayner, " Clement Merriam, Rev. Dr. Bela Hubbard, " " WiUiam Smith, " John Tyler, " Philo Shelton, " Ashbel Baldwin, '¦' Chauncey Prindle, " Reuben Ives, " Tillotson Bronson, A procession was formed from the house of the Rev. Reuben Ives to tbe Church, where morning prayers were read by the Rev. Daniel Burhans, and a discourse was delivered by the Rev. John Tyler. After divine service was ended, the Bishop declared the Convention to be opened agreeably lo the Constitution. The Lay Delegates banded into the Convention the certificates of their appointment. Convention adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M. Couvention opened agreeably lo adjournment. The certificates of the Lay Delegates were examined and tbe following gentlemen w-ere declared to be duly elected lo represent tbeir respective par ishes in the Convention : Grand Levy. Col. J. Drake, New Haven, $21,500 15,264 26,07536,760 6,559 4,591 15,392 Grand Levy. Nathaniel Johnson, Northford, Andrew Beers, Esq., Danbury, Burrage Beach, Esq., Cheshire, Capt. I. Shephard, }Vallingford,6,7'3i M. Cleveland, Guilford, 6,3-37 N. M. Bronson, Plymouth, 6,765 S. Bassett, Oxford, 6,765 Daniel Peck, Trumbull, 9,600 Ellsworth, Windsor, Farnvim, Hartland, N. Wheeler, Chewstown. Rev. Ashbel Baldwin was elected Seclretary. Rev. Daniel Burhans, Rev. Tillotson Bronson, Mr. Abijah Curtiss, Mr. John Nicoll, and Mr. Isaac Shephard, were appointed a committee to exam ine the certificates of the Delegates from Chewstown and HarUand, and re port thereon. Mr. Noah M. Bronson was elected a trustee of the Academy, in the room of Mr. Isaac Beers, who declined accepling the appointment. Gen. Timothy Skinner, Rev. John Tyler, Rev. Philo Shelton, Mr. John Nicoll, and Rev. Menzies Rayner, were a committee appointed to inquire H. Jarvis, Nonvalk, A. Blakesley, North Haven, Gen. T. Skinner, Litchfield, Abijah Curtis, Newlown, G. E. Robinson, Durham, Macock Ward, Roxbury, 1. Benham, } jjr . i J. Nicholl, \ ^«'«'-*'"-3/. Larmon Townsend, Salevi, Samuel Pardee, Soulhington, 40 into the present state of the Episcopal Academy, and report lo this Con vention. Rev. Messrs. Bela Hubbard, Ashbel Baldwin, Philo Shelton, Tillotson Bronson, and Reuben Ives, were appointed the Standing Committee. Adjourned until 9 o'clock to-morrow morning. Thursday, 9 o'clock, A. M. Morning prayers were read by Rev. Mr. Rayner. Convention opened agreeably to the adjournment. Resolved, That Bishop Jarvis be requested to return the thank^ of this Convention lo the Rev. John Tyler, for bis sermon delivered before them at the opening of the session. The comiiiittee appointed to examine the certificates of Mr. Farnam and Mr. Wheeler, reported in favor of receiving them, which report was accepted by the Convenlion, and they took their seats accordingly. Col. Rufus Hitchcock was elected a trustee of the Episcopal Academy, in the room of Mr. Moses Morse, resigned. Rev. Truman Marsh was requested lo receive the Bishop's salary, and report to this, or the next annual Convention. On motion of BIr. Baldwin, Resolved, That in future, no Church in this Diocese shall be permitted to have a Lay representation in any Convention of this Church, who shall employ any person (to officiate among them) who has been suspended, or degraded from his clerical office. Rev. WilUam Smith handed in the following resignation, which was ac cepted by the Convention : "To the Convention of tbe Protestant Episcopal Churcb of Connecticut, in session this 5th day of June, A. D., 1806 : "Whereas, missives have passed between the board of trustees and me, whereby certain articles have been interchangeably acceded to by both par ties, I hereby request this Convention to accept of my resignation of the of fice of Principal of the Episcopal Academy of Connecticut, and upon their acceptance of tbe same, I shall consider myself as detached from all con nection with the said Academy, either as to its internal or external regimen, or the emoluments thereof, from and after the first day of October next. WILLIAM SMITH, Pr. Ep. Ac. Con." Voted, the ihanks of tbe Convention to the President and Secretary, for their attendance and services during the session. Convention adjourned until the second Wednesday of October next, to meet at Newtown. ASHBEL BALDWIN, Secretary. OCTOBER, 1806. At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters, and Lay Delegates, of the Pro testant Episcopal Church in ConnecUcut, held at Newtown, by adiournment. on Wednesday, the 8th day of October, 1806 : j j > 41 PRESENT, The Right Bev. Bishop Jarvis, Rev. Dr. Mansfield, "j Hubbard, Philo Shelton, Ashbel Baldwin, Chauncey Prindle, Tillotson Bronson, Reuben Ives, Truman Marsh, LAY DELEGATES Grand Levy Abiiah Curtis, ) n- , Philo Curtis, l^'"'"^^'', Macock Ward, Roxbury, Isaac Benham, } ,rr . , John Nicoll, I fV>^terbu,y, Burrage Beach, Esq., Cheshire, Capt. I. Shephard, JVallingford, Noah M, Bronson, Plymouth, Alner A. Hard, Walertoivn, Ephraim Peck, IVoodbary, Andrew Lyon, Trumbull, Rev. Daniel Burhans, Ambrose Todd, Henry Whiilock, Menzies Rayner, Calvin While, Roger Searle, Russell Wheeler, Deacon, Virgil H. Barber, " Grand Levy. Joseph Smith, Canaan, Elisha Wilcox, Stratford, $12,000 J. Curlis, Esq., ^ „ ,. , iq rvnn N. Clark, Jun., \ Hunlinglon,lS,000 Charles French, Union Church, Dr. Wm. Beard, Reading, 12,960 Je's^se^Noble, | Brookfield, E. Burritt, Bridgeport, Abijah Hull, Derby, Robert Downs, fVeston, 8,666 7,000 15,000 A procession was formed from ibe house of the Rev. Mr. Burhans, to the Episcopal Church, where morning prayers were read by tbe Rev. Reuben Ives, and a discourse delivered by the Rev. Henry Whitlock. After divine service was closed, the Convention was opened in due form by the Bishop, agreeably to the adjournment in June. Convection adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M. Wednesday, 3 o'clock. Tbe ConvenUon proceeded to the election of a Principal of tbe Academy. The Rev. Tillotson Bronson was unanimously elecied. The Rev. Dr. Hubbard, Mr. John Curtis, Burrage Beach, Esq., and Mr. John Nicoll, were appointed a committee lo wait on Mr. Bronson, and in quire whether he will accept the appointment. The above committee reported that the Rev. Mr. Bronson accepted of tbe appointment as Principal of the Academy. The Rev. Dr. Bowden was elected a trustee of the Academy, in the room of Mr. Bronson, elected the Principal. On moUoa, Resolved, That tbe Journals of all tbe Conventions whicb have not be«n printed, together with the Constitution of the Church in Connecti cut, be pubUshed. Leave of absence was granted to Doctor Perry and Doctor Beard. Rev. Mr. Burhans, Rev. Mr. Todd, and Burrage Beach, Esq., were ap pointed a committee to devise some plan for printing the Journals of Con- venlions since the year 1S03, and report to this, or the next Convenlion. Voted, the thanks of the Convenlion lo the Rev. Mr. Whitlock, for his excellent sermon delivered before thein. Voted, the thanks of the Convention to the President and Secretary, for their attendance and services during ibe session. Convention adjourned, without day. ASHBEL BALDWIN, Secretary. 6 42 1807. TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Delegates of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Connecticut, held at Watertown, on the first Wednesday of June, 1807 : PRESENT, The Right Rev. Bishop Jarvis, D. D. Rev. John Tyler, " Philo Shelton, " Ashbel Baldwin,, " Chauncey Prindle, " Tillotson Bronson, " Reuben Ives, " Truman Marsh, " Daniel Burhans, LAY DELEGATES Grand Levy.. E. Perry, Esq. Broojcfield, $8,694 19 A. Merriam, Meriden, 2,948 55 E. Cook, WaUingford, 7,132 12 S. Botl, Neio Canaan, 7,325 32 E. Curtis, Esq., WaleTtown,'\2fi'2l 92 W. Pierponi, Northfield, 6,429 45 J. Goodrich, Wethersfield and Berlin, J. Nichols, ? TJ , rr m I Newtown, Z. Toucey, ^ B. Beach, Esq., Cheshire. W. Mosely, Woodbury, M. Ward, Roxbury, Rev. Menzies Rayner, Henry Whitlock, NalbanB. Burgis, Mr. Plumb, Deacon, " Barber, " " Cornwall, " " Wheeler, '» 4,320 00 36,752 24 7,n06 63 4,249 32 4,738 96 Grand Ltvy. W. Leavenworth, ? Water- -,» ^gj 04 I. Benham, ^ bury, ' Ozias Lewis. Litchfield, 32,954 00 C. Hicock, Neiv Preston, 8,300 63 S. Stougbton, Scotland and Windsor, 12,109 09 Friend Collins, Guilford, 6,043 27 S. Miles, New Milford, 7,993 40 John Sperry, Bethlem, 3,138 17 Maj. J. Davis, Oxford, 6,765 32 Ozias Tyler, Plymouth, Friend Starr, Danbury, Joel Walter, Nezo Haven. A procession was formed from the house of Mr. Russel Wheeler, lo the Episcopal Church, where morning prayers were read by the Bev. Ashbel Baldwin, and a sermon delivered by the Rev. Philo Shelton. Convention was opened by the Bishop, ancl tbe Rev, Ashbel Baldwin was elecied Secretary. Nathan Smilh and Charles Denison, Esqrs., were chosen trustees of the Episcopal Academy, ip the room of Col. Joseph Drake, and William S. Johnson, Esq., resigned. Also, the Rev. Philo Shelton, in the room of the Rev. Bela Hubbard, resigned. Rev. Messrs. Ashbel Baldwin, Philo Shelton, Reuben Ives, Tillotson Bronson, and Rev. Dr. Hulibard, were appointed the Standing Commiltee. The house divided, agreeably to the Constitution, lo elect their Delegates to attend the General Convention in May next. Rev. Messrs. Baldwin, Shelton, Bronson, and Burhans, were chosen by the Clergy ; Burrage Beach, Charles Denison, Joseph Nichols, and William Mosely, Esqrs., were elected by tbe Laily. The above election was approved of by a vote of the Conveulion. Resolved, That the Rev. Messrs. Marsh, Rayner, Shelton, and Tyler, Eli Curtis, Esq., Mr. Goodrich, Mr. Zalmon Toucey, Burrage Beach, Esq., and 43 Mr. Friend Collins, be a committee to ascertain the bounds of the several cures in this Diocese, and report lo this or the next Convention. The Bishop deUvered the following Address to the Cbnventiori : Reverend Brethren, and Brethren of ihe Laity : We are now met, agreeably to an article in the ConstiluUon of tbe Church in this Diocese; and as this Convenlion is composed of the Clergy, in iheif characters as ministers resident in their respective parishes, and of Lay Del egates from the several Churches, I have thought it proper to consider my self in Ihe following address. Only as your Constituted President, in order to give what I shall say in that capacity, a different form from an Episcopal charge to the Clergy. You are present then, brethren, in these two distinct characters, forming a compound body, the representative of a Church, the external polity of which is Episcopal, grounded upon Apostolic establishment, Jesus Christ being the founder and chief corner stone. If it is your wish to act in conformity with that faith and polity, it must be your concern to maintain unity of design and consistency of conduct, in every matter which is offered fot you'r delib eration. I have said that the characters of Clerical and Lay Representative are perfectly distinct; each, therefore, has its boundaries, within which all itSi rights and duties are consetjuently included. When the resolution was formed of establishing an annual Convention, it was urged as a reason for admitting the Laity to a share in the deliberations, that an intercourse would thereby be opened among the parishes, and thence a real benefit be derived tothe Church throughout the Diocese. The Laity, therefore, may be in strumental of much good, as long as the boundaries which corifiile them are duly respected; but the moment these are destroyed, they become tho rnin- isters of incalculable evils. In order then to ensure the good and avoid the evil, it is absolutely necessary that each nf you, my brethren, should hav6 definite ideas concerning the rights and duties of your respective characters; and I therefore persuade myself that a brief consideration of the nature nf these rights and duties, and an examination whether they have been hilherio violated or observed, wUl not now be euher Ul timed, or unworthy of your attention. The Priesthood is in its own nature sacred, and as such you wUl esteem and reverence it, as it comes from God, and terminates in Hira, the head. Its functions are holy, because they are the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the instrum.ents of the grace of God, for the perfecting of the saints towards their coming to His everiasting kingdom. Whoever is duly taught and be lieves that this is the economy and fixed order wbich God hath established in His Church, will believe it criminal lo obtrude upon the sacred inclosure, and his conscience v;ill suggest the severe responsibility for breaking down those fences which God hath erected about bis Church. As the ministering in holy things is the province assigned to tbe Clergy, so a certain authority is annexed" to their office. What that authority is, people averse to every kind of restraint are not careful to inquire, nor much disposed to understand; and yet, without that understanding, the best dis posed are liable to do, what better information would cotivince them is Utter ly wrong, and would therefore hardly fait effectually lo prevent. The authdrity of the Priesthood is purely spiritual, its powers are merely ecclesiastical. This spiritual authority was given to the Apostles, to found and establish the Church ; the same auifiorily was by the Apostles conveyed to their successors, to preserve, arid edify, and universally promulgate it. Corresponding wilh this distinction, the spiritual authority consists in preach ing the Gospel, and administering the sacraments; the ecclesiastical consists 44 in the exercise of discipline, in binding and loosing, that is, in admitting inlc* and shutting out of the Church, and in intermediate acts necessary to correct slighter offences. r u riv, v, Wilh respect lo this latter authority only, are the Canons of the ChurcO formed. And as they are intended fr>r'lhe preservation of harmony and order in tbe execution of it, every national Church bds the power of making such laws as local circumstances may require. At the lime when suctj strenuous exertions were made lo obtain this authority in its fullest exteiit, by having resident Bishops iu the American Churcb, the Clergy were welt acquainted whh the interest which the Laity in general took in the cause lor which Ihey solicited, and the jealousy which they felt upon the subject ol ecclesiastical discipline. On this head, from a desire to be well understood, they were careful lo express their fi.xed determination that a strict discipline, especially as il regarded the Clergy, should be established. The meaning and extent of their determination is lo be collected from the Canons of the English Church, lo whicb they al that time belonged. But as the Churcb is not a kingdom of this worid, her laws bave no otber binding force than that which the conscience prescribes. The rewards and punish"ments annexed to them are wholly of an eternal nature. The means indeed of increasing in faith and virtue, and thereby becoming the subjects of those rewards, are the privileges and blessings which God hath established in his Churcb on earth; but the complete and final possession of them is reserved for the glorified Church in heaven. The penalties denounced against the transgressor touch nnt this earthly Ufe or goods, but are tbe cut ting men off from Ihe good things laid up for the obedient in tbe kingdom of heaven, and the present means ordained by the great Redeemer to oblain them. Yet although tbe secular arm is not raised to support tbe discipline of the Church, still in the view of a Christian, its ordinances are thereby deprived of none of their authority, " Religion," indeed, as the judicious Dr. Chand ler observes, "being a matter of free choice, for which we are ordinarily accountable to Him only who will hereafter judge us for our moral behav ior; and tbe Church, considered wilh relation lo civil power, being, iu tbe very nature of it, a voluntary society; it is left lo men's consciences to de termine whether they will become members of it or not. But after ihey have become members, the laws of the Church are iu force against them, and they are subject, in ecclesiastical matters, lo tbe authority of those who govern it." On this head, however, it is not necessary for me to enlarge. I trust ihat all of us are members of the Church from the conviction that her doctrines are pure, and her discipline uncorrupted. Under the hand of Providence, inquiry after truth opened the way ibr her to take root among us, and by a gradual and progressive growth, she hath since arrived lo tbe possession of those offices which were originally given by her head and founder to propo- gale, 10 feed, and lo support her to the end of the world. I come now to consider the duties of the Laity; and these may be divided into those wbich they owe as parishioners in general, and as parish officers in particular. As however, the discussion of the first of these branches is properiy included within Ihe province of a parish Clergyman, I shall not here insist upon it, but shall immediately direct your atteniion to the second, which comprehends tbe duties ofthe Delegates or Representatives of the Parish in the Convention of the Diocese, and those of the Wardens aud Vestrymen who have the inanagement of its parochial concerns. It is then your duty, as the Ilepresenialives of your several Parishes, to be well acquainted with the affairs of it, to obtain the confidence of your constituents, to be stable and grounded in the doctrines and Constitution of 45 the Church, and in every action to show that you have iis prosperity at heart. If such be tbe case, yout inquiries will be directed to the particular and general state of the Church ; your deliberations will be salutary, since they wUl be confined lo its temporal affairs, upon which alone, the Laity may with propriety act; and you may, by so doinj, give energy and sup port to tbe Clergy in tbe appropriate duties of their office. A Utile reflec tion on what has taken place during a number in succession of our last Con ventions, may fully prove to your minds the importance of what I have now said, to mark out the qualifications of those who should make up the Dele gation to the Convention. What a Clergyman does in the discharge of his holy function, in giving reproofs and admonitions to the disorderiy and vi cious belonging to his cure, in adrahting to the Communion and repelling from it, cannot properiy or safely fall under the cogDi«ance or animadversion of this body. What the Bishop does in the administralion of his high office, in admitting persons to the exercise of the Priesthood, or in degradmg them from it, the intelligent Laity will feel ibemselves conscientiously restrained from meddling wiih, or from usurping a jurisdiction over him or his proceed ings. It is the prerogative of the Holy King of Zion lo appoint his officers; and if a man appears before Him, not having on a wedding garment, or who has neglected or abused bis talent, it belongs to tbe King to order who shall bind and cast him out. The duties of Wardens and Vestrymen are proportionably various, as they are, or are not, invested with legal authority. In onr Church, they have the legal powers of what is termed a Society's committee, so far as the law extends to us, and gives powers lo our Parish transactions. But those powers wbich are peculiar lo themselves are much more numerous; and as these, il is to be feared, are both too imperfectly known, and loo slightly re garded, I hope that it will be productive of some good, if the principal part of them are here briefly etiumeraied. It is the duty of tbe Church Wardens to take care of tbe buildings which belong to it, such as the Parsonage or Glebe House, if there be one, together ¦with the out-houses, ancl also the Church, wilh its appurtenances, so far as they have or can oblain the means necessary, to keep it in good and decent condition. If there he a Church Yard, that also should be an object of their attention, that nothing improper may be done in it, nor any encroachments made upon it. If the Church have any properly annexed to it, and that property be a part of the Minister's living, it is their duly tb assist hira, if requisite, that the property may suffer no damage, and the Churcb no in jury ; or if tbe property be so placed as to apply immediately lo the use of the Parish, in this case, (be Wardens have the charge of making it as pro ductive as possible, and of applying the profits lo such uses as shall be most subservient to the good of the Church. They are also lo receive in trust, and in concert with the Minister lo dispose of, the contributions and charities of the Church, in such a manner as may be most subservient to those pur poses for which they were given by the parishioners. To them it belongs to provide the elements for the Holy Eucharist, and as the Church always expects that they will be examples to their Christian brethren, it is their most indispensable duty lo partake of that heavenly feast. It is their duty also, to encourage by every means in their power, a diligent attendance of the parishioners upon Ihe public worship of the Church, and consequently for tbe better promoting of good order and correct morals among the people, to report lo the Minister concerning the negligent and vicious, and to do at aU times what they can lo assist and support him in the discharge of his office, wherever tbe discipUne of the Church is directed, and the order of it pointed out. Such, brethren, are the observations which I have been led to make upon 46 the relalive rights and duties ofthe Clergy and the Laity; and I_ request you to bear them in mind while I proceed to tbe second point which was proposed, and that is— an examination whether these rights and duties bave been hitherto violated or observed. . , You will doubtless recollect that in speaking upon the authority ot the Clergy, I observed that it was of two kinds, spiritual and ecclesiastical, and that the former consisted in preaching the Gospel, and administering the sac raments. With grief do I add that in the first of ihese rights, their author ity has been directly violated by the employment of lay preachers. Such are preaching candidates. Christ "bath given power and command ment lo bis ministers, to declare and pronounce lo his people, being peniient, the absolution and remission of their sins." He who hath not ihese given to him, hath neither of them to preach ihe Gospel, wbich is a declaring lo the people, the remission of their sins, through repentance and faiih in our Lord Jesus Christ. An intention to enter into the priesthood is a selfoffer- ing: and it is required that a declaration of ihis intention be made one year previous to ordination. The rule supposes that the name of the person is put on record, and that he is afierwards considered as a candidate.. Hence a preposterous idea seems to have been adopted that tbe candidate is author ized lo officiate, in reading the prayers of the Church and in preaching. In consequence of this idea, the people, either through ignorance of the principles of their own Church, or from a desire of bearing a nearer affinity to the dissenters, have grafted into our clerical character, a new grade, I mean that of licensed preachers; and this has been done without tbeir pre tending even to the shadow of a license, unless it be the beforemenlioned record. If tbe vacant congregations would be contented lo have a lay read er, until tbey could be supplied with a priest, and if, provided no one among them should be proper or willing to perform the office, ihey would procure a candidate to lead them in the prayers and read a sermon to them, no par ticular objections would arise. But on the sole ground of being a candidate, a circumstance which has no connection wilh preaching, or wilh any clerical services in the devotions of the Churcb, for him to undertake to preach, and for the people lo do any thing to promote it, is in bolh a palpable contradic tion to the principles of the Churcb. On the part of the parishioners, h is entirely absurd ; on that of the candidate, it is a direct bar against bis ad mission into the priesthood. I have, as I hope, gentlemen, said enough upon this subject to convince you of the impropriety, not to say sinfulness, of thus wantonly usurping the peculiar functions of the priesthood. But there still remains another par ticular with respect lo the violation of clerical authority, which earneslly demands our consideration. The firm belief that Ecclesiastical authority, in its fullest extent, was essential not only to the well ordering, but even to the very being of the Church in this country, caused our predecessors lo plead so strongly as they did, for the obtaining of it. From their public communicationst we learn what evils they expected would be remedied, and what benefits would be enjoyed, by having resident Bishops in tbe American Church. One particular advantage, pre-eminently conducive, in iheir opin ion, to its welfare and reputation, would be the complete information wbich the Bishop could obtain, or the personal knowledge he would have of those who should be presented lo him for ordination ; and thereby the greater se curity would be established that no disqualified or unworthy persons would get admission into the Ministry. But in case such instances should happen, and the Church should suffer scandal, the Bishop would be at hand, to cor rect, suspend, and if necessary, lo silence, lo depose from their office, and even to excommunicate from the society of Christians, ihe vicious and in corrigible. 47 I ask, then, gentlemen, whether the Episcopate in possession be considered as holding primitive powers ; and whether it be now viewed in the same light, in which they viewed it, who contended so long and so earnesUy to procure its establishment among us? Is it found to be a remedy, for the evUs com plained of, and does it experimentally yield to the Church that good which was expected ? During the Ume in whicb our Churcb was destitute of res ident Bishops, there were among the Clergy, men of acknowledged abilities, and of characters approved for their activity, learning, and piety. How watchful were ihe endeavors of these Clergymen, may be easily imagined ; and yet by them we have it asserted, as one of the evils for which they soli cited the Episcopate as a redress, that vicious men from this country, by means of testimonials, either forged or obtained, God knows how, procured ordination in England ; and after having been invested with ihe sacred of fice, had been sent back to lake charge of the souls of others — in the pro.se- cution of wbich work, they acted as if they had not, or imagined that they had not, any souls of their own.* Are we not compelled to own, that the same fact has taken place since Bishops have been present among us? After a solemn invesligalion, full proof of fact, and actual deposition from office, have not numbers arisen to support the degraded person, even while he continues to minister, in defiance of the authority which has stripped hira of all right so to do? By this con tumelious and ruinous procedure, a schism commenced, the future extent and continuation of which is indeed uncertain; but most certain bas been the contempt shown lo Ecclesiastical authority. The false tongue of the transgressor has found listening ears, and minds disposed to credit his tales, and 10 associate with him in the work of mischief. By them, the Bishop's character has been loaded wilh obloquy and reproach, and Korab, (though thus to use the name is degrading even lo Korah,) in the eye of his com pany, has become the saint, and the Bishop the sinner. Repeated efforts to bring this subject before the Convenlion, though every attempt to do it was, in my apprehension, a fresh outrage upon tbe order and authority of the Churcb, is the cause of my speaking in this manner. ^ Had circumstances been such as would have directed me to call your atiention lo the ordinary concerns only of the Churcb, according to ber well known rules, and sound doctrines, it would have been far, far more congenial with my wishes. I have now finished what I had lo say upon those irregularities which have more immediately affected the Clergy ; I shall now briefly propose for your consideration, a few remarks upon those which have taken place iu some of our parish transactions; and I the more earnestly request you to attend to them, because it is a subject whicb may come wilh propriety un der the cognizance of the Laity. One of these, which, in my apprehension, greatiy needs some arrange ment, is the relative connection of tbe Church in tbe Diocese. There is a greater number of Churches than there is of Clergymen, and consequently, wilh few exceptions, each has the charge of several. These Churches as sociate together to form a cure, aud give support to a Clergyman, just as is most convenient to themselves, or as" existing circumstances allow. But as Ihese connections are arbitrary, their duration is precarious. Sometimes Ihey are suddenly and wiihout any good reason dissolved, that new connec tions may be formed ; at other times, no parochial union is entered into, and thus some of the smaller congregations, being unable of themselves to make a competent provision for a Clergyman, continue destitute of the regular administralion of religion. By these means, difficulties occur, and serious * See Chandler's Appeal to the Public, p. 37. 48 evils are felt, botb by the Churches and ihe Clergy, The latter are some times deprived of a necessary part of their support; at all times it renders that support more precarious. Notwithstanding that upon an average, there are more than two congregations to one Clergyman, yet some, in order that the whole of their Ume may be employed, are obliged to seek for Chui^hes, wherein, on their vacant Sundays, they may occasionally officiate, h rom these irregularities, another mischief may result, since they may cause m- terferences and encroachments between Clergymen in the execution of their office, which are repugnant to express injunctions of Canon. _ To remedy, as far as our situation will admit, what is unquestionably injurious, some rule ought to be adopted. Under the existing state of things, that rule should, in my opinion, be formed and ratified by the Convenlion of the Diocese. A register of all the Churches should be made, and from that a list taken of those whicb now make the cure of each particular Clergyman. The Par ishes which are vacant, and the smaller Churches wbich are not connected wilh any cure, should also be noted. After such an arrangement is agreed upon, if any alterations shall in future appear needful, for the better accom modation of the Churches in particular instances, or of the Clergymen offi ciating in them, let it be made the duty of those Churches, lo express their case and their wishes to the Convenlion, in its staled session ; and let them not be allowed to make atiy change in their parochial associations, unless that change receive its approbation, and be sanclioned by its aulhorily. This would give some shape and permanent form lo our Parishes, would afford greater security to the Clergy, and would probably be productive of more order, harmony, and peace, both to individuals and to the Church in general. Another irregularity has prevailed in most of the Parishes, wbich de serves reprehension ; and I trust that, in order to have it effectually removed, nothing more need be done than lo point out to you, both the Heedlessness of it, and the injury whicb it produces. Under the notion that Wardens and Vestrymen are not known in the laws of the State, a practice has been introduced of choosing a committee lo sup ply the place of Wardens and Vestry, and in the room of Parish, of sub stituting the word Society. To preserve the language of the Church, and to act, as they suppose, according lo law, some Parishes have chosen a com mittee in addition to their proper officers. But notwithstanding all which has been said, I apprehend that this is a needless surrender of our own rights, and that it unnecessarily makes Wardens and Vestrymen merely nominal and useless. I have before observed, that as far as the law extends lo us, they have all the powers of what is termed a Society's committee. As Wardens and Vestrymen, therefore, are the ancient ecclesiastical officers of a Parish, to substitute a committee in their stead, is to needlessly change the principles of tbe Church, and to adopt those which are independent and congregational. In this view, the practice is injurious, and ought to be censured, as sub versive of our ecclesiastical regimen. In the sense of Ibe Church as ex pressed in her Canons, Wardens have a connection wilh the Rector, and bear a relation to him ; but a committee represents a Society, and conse quently can hold no such relation. This latter term, in its appropriate legal sense, means the congregation, independent of its Minister, and thus excludes bim from having any share or voice in conducting the affairs of it In tbe sense in wbich it is used by tbe Church, Society means ihe whole body of Christians, or the Church Universal, comprehending under one term both the Priesthood and the Laity. To apply ihis appellation to small compa nies or parcels of people in particular districts, is as improper, accordine to the sense and usage of the Churcb, as it would be to call a finger or any 49 other member of a man, his body. The idea of the sectaries is entirely dif ferent.; according to their notion of it, any number of people agreeing among ihernselves, and united for the support of assembled worship, is a Society or Church, io the full meaning of the word, and consequently independent of all others. This, in our understanding, is to make Christ have Churches by thousands; whereas, consistent with the unity of his body, he has and can have but one. Tbe Churcii Catholic in its parts, lakes distinct denomi nations from the different countries, and different civil governments under whicb il is placed. Hence its notation is national, and those general branch es are again subdivided into provinces, dioceses, and parishes. In all these divisions and subdivisions, the Clergy, in their different grades, and several departments, preside over it, for the administralion of the sacred ordinances, for instruction, and for government, as overseers of the flock. We deduce it from scriptural doctrine, illustrated by primitive practice, that in things spiritual, the Church is lo be ordered and governed by those to whom Christ hath given it in commission to lake the oversight. Agreeably lo tbe Canons, the Parish Ministers are to be aided by Wardens chosen by the parishioners. Hence, Wardens are the committee of the Parish, to perform certain duties and functions connected with those of the Minister, and needful for the belter fulfillment of his office, and for the wel fare of the Parish. Laying aside, therefore, the supposition of any special ty which may render it necessary for the officers of the Churcb to appear in the character specified by the law of the State, in order that they may <;njoy the benefit of it, we should in our ecclesiastical business, direct our practice solely by the rules and injunctions of the Church ; in which the words Parish and Wardens bear a very different construction from the legal terms. Society and Committee. I have now, brethren, said every thing that I have deemed necessary, re specting those irregularities in our ecclesiastical discipline, which have for some time called loudly for animadversion and censure. I will how add a few general observations, and wilh them I shall conclude. You are all aware that our Church is barely tolerated, and that we are at times obliged lo contend for the preservation of what we consider as our just privileges. Her Rubrics and Canons have no legal sanction to enforce their observation; conformity to them must therefore proceed from a general con fidence that they are founded on rational principles, and are framed for the maintenance of peace and order, as weU as from a sense of the duty which every member indispensably owes to tbe Churcb. Her rules and orders in deed, no one can lightly regard and be innocent; for by these, as to its man- ner and form, is that discipline to be exercised, for which each individual, as he, in his order, shall exercise or submit to it, shall be finaUy answerable to Christ, the cbief Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. Standing then upon this high foundation, for Churchmen to be less tena cious of their principles than other Christians, is surely inthe highest degree preposterous. Yet although we are unable upon any rational ground lo ac count for the fact, still we are compelled to acknowledge that tbey are so. A conviction that the Churcb is in every respect pre-eminent, we assert to be tbe reason of our choice and profession. However laudable theu it may appear, to cherish a spirit of liberality and candour towards others ; yet if in so doing, we dissipate our affections, and deaden our zeal for our own re ligion, it works mischief under a fair form. These laudable qualities change tbeir nature, and degenerate into a morbid indifference, which, though slow- ¦er in its movements,"'is yet perhaps more fatal in the end than open enmity. Fixed and approved principles are of inestimable value in every age ; but jn the limes in which the Providence of God bas been pleased to cast our lot, their value has become palpably evident, even to tbe careless and inat- 7 50 tentlve. Examination will evince that the want of such principles, and of the practices resulting from them, has been the cause of much mischief, ancl of this we are the unhappy witnesses. Approved principles will lead you to measures which are sintilar to them, and prompt your exertions to right ends. God hath pitched his tent among us; he hath made it your (luty to encamp around it. Yet instead of studying to do the will of God, m this respect, a mental intoxication seems, in these disastrous times, to be a proni- ¦ iiienttrakin the human character, by which men conceit ihat Solomons wisdom dwells with ihem to find out whty inventions in matters of religion, and that every man hath a right to be uncontrolled, and to follow the (levices and desires of his own heart. Such men form the spirit and fashion ot those times, of the coming of wbich inspiration assures us, when_ they will not endure'to hear plain or sound doctrine. To remedy these evils, I know of but one way, which is, that each individual, for himself, should sincerely and effectually reform his own conduct, and zealously perform the duties of his holy profession. By so doing, we shall, as we are divinely instructed, endeavor lo keep ihe unity of ihe spirit in the bond of peace. Then may we again, on ihe same authority, rest our hope and trust that the God of peace will be with us, Voted, That tbe thanks of the Convention be given lo the Bishop for bis Address delivered to them, and that the Secretary be directed lo request a copy of the same, to be published wilh the Journals. Voted, That the ihanks of this Convention be presented to tbe Rev. Mr. Shelton, for his sermon delivered before the. Convention at the opening of tbeir session. Convenlion adjourned until 8 o'clock to-morrow morning. Thursday, 8 o'clock, A.M. The Rev. Mr. Baldwin read prayers. Convention opened agreeably lo adjournment. The Bishop being abseni. Rev. Johu Tyler, senior Clergymau, took the chair, agreeably lo the Con stitution. Resolved, That it be recommended to tbe several parishes in ibis Diocese, to bave a collection in tbeir respective Churches, lo defray the expenses of tbe Delegates to the General Convenlion, and transmit the moneys collected to the Secretary, by the 1st day of November next. The Convention having been informed that a proposition has been made from the Clergy in New York to remove the Churchman's Magazine from the State of Connecticut, lo be published in future in the City of New York, Therefore, Resolved by this Convention, That they are sensible of the great importance of said Magazine to the Church in this Diocese, and would express their unwillingness to have it removed, and still recommend it to the zealous patronage of all tbe members of the Church. Burrage Beach, Esq., was appointed lo confer with tbe gentlemen in New York on this subject. Convention adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M. Thursday, 3 o'clock, P. M. Convention opened agreeably to adjournment. Rev. Tillotson Bronson, Burrage Beach, Esq., and the Secretary, were appointed lo procure and superintend the printing of all the Journals'of Con vention that have not already been printed; also the Bishops Address, deUv ered before this Convention. Voted, the thanks of Conveutiou lo the President and Secretary, for their attendance and services. Convention adjourned, without day. ASHBEL BALDWIN, Secretary. 51 1808. TWENTY-SIXTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a meeting of the Convention of the Prote.stant Episcopal Church in Connecticut, holden at Trinity Churcb, New Haveii, the first Wednesday of June, 1808: PRESENT, Tbe Right Rev. Bishop JarVis, D. D., Rev. Dr. Bela Hubbard, Philo Shelton, Ashbel Baldwin, Tillotson Bronson, Chauncey Prindle, Reuben Ives, Truman Marsh, Ambrose Todd, Divine service was attended in Trinity Church. Morning prayers were read by the Rev. Mr. Shelton, and a sermon delivered by the Bishop. A committee was appointed lo examine the certificates of the Lay Depu ties, who reported the following persons duly elected : Rev. Calvin White, " Nathan B. Burgis, " Roger Searle, " Elij'ah G. Plumb, " Asa Cornwall, " Russell Wheeler, " Benjamiu Benham, Deacon. Grand Levy P. Sherwood, Stralfield, $6,000 A. Hillyer, Esq., Granby and Hartland, 14,064 J. Sturges, Fairfield, 10,586 Joel Bradley, Harwinton, 10,000 A. Beers, Esq., Danbury, 7,728 T TT T 1 S New Haven, 31,125 ^•^^¦^^'""'^'¦- I West Haven, 3,621 Timothy Johnson, Branford, 7,895 Eleazer Judd, Watertown, 12,250 Grarld Levy. M. Seymour, Esq., Litchfield, C. IVlansfield, Northford, 1,691 Thomas Burgis, Guilford, 6,050 Samuel Bill, Glastenbury, 7,312 S. Griswold, Esq., Simsbury, 10,350 James Bennett, Newtown, Johu Andrews, Wallingford, 7,249 Burrage Beach, Esq., Cheshire, Sela Richmond, New Milford. Rev. Mr. Baldwin was chosen Secretary. The committee appointed at the last Convention to ascertain the bounds of the several Cures in this Diocese, gave information that they had not been enabled to make a report on that subject. Rev. Mr. Shelton, Rev. Mr. Marsh, Rev. Mr. Cornwall. Mr. Bradley, Mr. Beach, Mr. Jacocks, and Mr. Griswold, were appointed a commitlee lo ascertairl the bounds of the several Cures in this Diocese, and report to morrow. Resolved unanimously. That the Secretary be directed to return the ihanks of the Convenlion to the Bishop, for bis sermon, delivered at the opening of the session, and to request a copy for the press. Rev. Messrs. Baldwin, Shelton, Bronson, Ives, and Todd, were chosen the Standing Committee. Rev. Doctor Hubbard, Rev. Mr. Shelton, Rev. Mr. Baldwin, Burrage Beach, Esq., and Mr. Jacocks, were appointed a committee with full powers to petition the next General Assembly for an Act of Incorporation, in favor of the Convention of the Prolestant Episcopal Churcb in Connecticut. _ Leave of absence was granted to Andrew Burr, Esq., and Mr. Burgis. Convention adjourned until 8 o'clock to-morrow morning, Thursday, 8 o'clock, A. M. Morning prayers were read by the Secretary. 52 The committee appointed to ascertain the bounds of tbe several Cures ie the Diocese, made the following report : The commiltee appcinted to ascertain the bounds of the several Cures in the Diocese of Connecticut, beg leave to report — Stamford and Horseneck, Rev. Mr. Wheaton ; Norwalk and Wilton, Kev. Mr. Whitlock; Canaan and Ridgefield, vacant; Fairfield and Bridgeport, Rev. Mr. Shelton ; Stratford and Milford. Rev. Mr. Baldwin ; Hunimgton, Rev. Mr. Todd; Newtown and Brookfield, Rev. Mr. Burhans; Reailing and Danbury, Rev. Mr. Plumb; Weston and TrumbuU, vacani ; J>^ew Ha ven and West Haven, Rev. Dr. Hubbard ; Derby, Woodbridge, and Chews town, Rev. Mr. While ; Oxford and Salem, Rev. Mr. Prindle ; Waterbury, Rev. Mr. Barber; Hamden, Cheshire, and Soulhington, Rev. Mr. Ives; Meriden, Wallingford, and North Haven, vacant; East Haven, Branlord, and Northford, vacant; Guilford, North GuUford, and Killingworth, Kev. Mr. Baldwin, (Deacon); New London and Groton, Rev. Mr. Seabury; Norwich, and parts adjacent. Rev. Mr. Tyler; Brooklyn and Pomfret, Rev. Mr. Fogg; Hebron, Glastenbury, and Marlborough, Rev. Mr, Burgis; East Haddam and Saybrook, Rev. Mr. Blakesley; Middletown, Durham, and Beriin, vacant; Chatham and Middle Haddam, Rev. Mr. MUes ; Hart ford and East Windsor, Rev. Mr. Rayner; Simsbury, Granby, and parts adjacent. Rev. Mr. CornwaU; Litchfield, Rev. Mr. Marsh; Salisbury and Canaan, vacant; Harwinton and East Plymouth, Rev, Mr. Searle; Plym outh and Northfield, vacant; Watertown, Rev. Mr. Wheeler; Woodbury. Soulhbury, and Belhlem, vacant; Roxbury, New MUford, and New Pres ton, Rev. Mr. Benham, (Deacon) ; Kent and Sharon, vacant. PHILO SHELTON, Chairman of ihe Committee. Resolved, That it be recommended lo the several parishes in this Diocese, to conform to tbe location of the several Cures, agreeably to the aforesaid , report, as soon as it can be done consistenUy with their present engagements. Resolved, That the Bishop, the Rev. Dr. Hubbard, Rev. Mr. Shellon, Rev. Mr. Todd, Mr. Beach, Mr. Judd, and Mr. Jacocks, be a commutee to revise the Canons of this Church, and report to the next Convention. Resolved, That the Rev. Messrs. Shelton, Baldwin, Todd, and Bronson, and Burrage Beach, Esq., be authorized to inquire whether the Library giv en by Mr. Somaster, to the Clergy of Connecticut, may, consistently wilh the terms of the donation, be deposited in tbe Library of the Episcopal Academy at Cheshire. Burrage Beach, Esq., Moses Seymour, Esq., Col. Judd, and Mr. Jacocks, were appointed a commiltee to devise ways and means tor the support of the Episcopate in this Diocese, and report lo the next Convention. Resolved, That the foregoing committee be empowered to liquidate tbe claims of the Delegates who have attended the General Convention, and devise ways and means for defraying the same. Voted, That the thanks of the Convenlion be presented to the President and Secretary, for their attendance and services, during the session. Convenlion adjourned. By order of the President, ASHBEL BALDWIN, Secretary. Middletown, April 3d, 1809. We, the Church Wardens, do certify ibe Rieht Rev. Abraham Jarvis, D. D., Bishop of Connecticut, that llie Rev. John Kewlet, M. D., has been duly chosen Rector of Christ Churcb, Middletown, pursuant to the 29lh Canon of General Convenlion, 1808. ARTHUR MAGILL, ? ^, , „, , WILLIAM C. HALL, \ '^^''^"^ ffardens. [A true copy of their certificate.] 53 1809. TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. A* a meeting of the Annual Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Connecticut, in Christ Church, Guilford, on ihe first Wednesday of June, 1809: PRESENT, Rev. Nathan B; Btifgis, " Menzies Rayner, " John Kewleyt M. D., " Russell Wheeler, " Elijah G. Plumb, " Benjamin Benham, " Virgil H. Barber, " David Baldwin. Rev. John Tyler, " PhUo Shelton, " Ashbel Baldwin, " Tillotson Bronson, " Reuben Ives, " Chauncey Prindle, " Truman Marsh, " Charles Seabury, " Daniel Burhans, VISITING BRETHREN. Rev. Abraham Beach, D. D., from NewYork; Rev. Abraham Bronson, from Vermont, The Bishop being absent, the Rev. John Tyler, being the eldest Presby ter present, look his seat as President of the Convention. The following gentlemen produced the requisite testimonials, which were examined by a commiltee and approved, and they look their seats as Lay Delegates. Grand Levy. A. Comstock, New Canaan, $7,194 06 G. Smuh, Esq., Watertown, 1 1,720 70 A. Moody, Woodbury, 6,341 10 R. Ward, St. Mark's Par ish, Plymouth, 5,393 00 J. Cleaver, Glastenbury, 8,841 20 A. Hillyer, Granby, Sf'c, 13,660 67 O. Todd, St. Peter's Parish, Plymouth, 7,734 00 B. Bristol, North Bristol, 5,767 00 J. H. Jacocks. New Haven, 32,018 02 M. S. Beach, Wallinsford, 6,733 00 N. Johnson, Northford, 1,736 84 N. Cornwall, Danbury, 7,918 00 John Wilford, Branford, 8,207 00 Amos Squire, Roxbury, 6,733 00 B. Smith, Ridgefield, 10,504 43 The Convention proceeded to tbe choice of a Secretary, and the Rev. Mr. Baldwin was duly elected. Tbe committee appointed at tbe last Convenlion on the subject of Somas- ter's Library, (so called,) reported that said Library is entirely at the direc tion of tbe Clergy, and may be kept wherever they shall direct. Where upon it was Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Bronson, the Rev. Mr. Sbelton, and the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, be a committee lo collect all the books they can find belong- Grand Levy. W. Pierpont, Northfield, 5,500 00 W. Warner, New Milford, 9,466 00 Ely Perry, Esq., Brookfield, 8,116 00 Andrew Hurd. Stratford, 15,000 00 Joel Hine, Woodbridge, 12,000 00 C.' Hard'^^' ( ^'""o"""- 32,623 37 D. F. Fowler, N Guilford, 4,228 00 M. Newell, Soulhington, 3,350 00 Jesse Kilbourn, Litchfield, 37,000 00 Samuel Elliott, Guilford, 7,000 00 B. Beach, Esq., Cheshire, 8,000 00 Andrew Lyon, Trumbull, N. Wooster, Oxford, Manoah Camp, Durham, Charles French, Chewstown. 12,821 00 6,975 00 54 lug to said Library, place them in the Episcopal Academy at Cheshire, and form a code of by-laws for their preservation. y- u t? • William Heron, Esq., of Reading, resigned his seat as trustee ofthe Epis copal Academy, and Garrit SmUh, Esq., was appointed in his stead. The Convention bv vote vacated the seat of Abijah Hull, as trustee of the Episcopal Academy"; and Mr. John H. Jacocks was appointed in his place. The Rev. Mr. Bronson, the Rev. Mr. Burhans, the Rev. John Kewley, Burrage Beach, and Garrit Smith, Esqrs., were appointed a committee to devise ways and means lo purchase a Library for the Episcopal Academy. Resolved, That the commiltee appointed at the last Convention to revise the Canons, be continued, aud that they be requested to report lo tbe nexl Convenlion. The Rev. Mr. Shellon, the Rev. Mr. Seabury, anrl Mr. Abijah Curtiss, were appointed as a committee, to liquidate the claims of the Delegates who have atiended the General Convention, devise ways and means to pay the same, and report lo-morrow morning. Rev. Philo Shellon, Rev. Tillotson Bronson, and Rev; Ashbel Baldwin, were elected the Standiu" Committee. On motion of Mr. Shellon, Resolved, That the President be requested to return the thanks of this Convention to the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, for his ap propriate sermon delivered before them at the opening of the Convention. Convention adjourned until 6 o'clock to-morrow morning. Thursday morning, 6 o'clock. Convention opened agreeably lo adjournment. Prayers were read by the Secretary. The committee appointed lo devise ways and means to increase the Li brary in the Episcopal Academy, reported the following resolution, which was afierwards adopted by tbe Convention : Resolved, That it be recommended to the board of trustees of the Episco pal Academy, to authorize agents in such places as they may think proper, in this Slate Or elsewhere, to soUcit subscriptions or donations from the friends of the Church, and the patrons of Literature. Resolved, That it shall be tbe duly of the Secretary of the Convention, within three months after the rising of the Convention annually, to write lo those Clergymen of the Diocese who shall have neglected to attend the Con vention, to ascertain the reason of their absenting themselves, and report their reasons tothe following Convocation. Resolved, That it be recommended lo tbe several Parishes in tbe Diocese, wbich did not Contribute tu defray the expense of the delegation lo the last General Convention, now to have a collection, and to transmit (as soon as maybe) allmorieys that shall be collected by them, to Mr. John H. Jacocks, of New Haven, to be by bim distributed lo all persons who have liquida ted claims on the Convention, in proportion to the respective sums due to them. Resolved, That tbe Rev. Mr. Bronson, the Rev. Mr. Ives, arid Burrage Eeach, Esq., be a committee lo publish such documents from the Journals of the General and Stale Conventions respecting Mr. Ammi Rogers, as they may think proper, and distribute them to all persons who may "wish for in formation on that subject; and that the petition from the Church in New Canaan be referred to them. Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. Bowden, the Rev. Mr. Ives, and the Rev. Mr. Bronson, be a committee to form a plan of education for the Episcopal Academy, and report the same to the next Convenlion. Resolved, That the thanks of the Convenlion be presented to the President and Secretary for their attendance and services. 55 Voted, That the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, Rev. Mr. Shelton, and Burrage Beach, Esq., be requested to attend tbe State Convention al New York iu October next. NOTITI.E PAROCHIALES. TRINITY CHURCH, NEWTOWN. REV. DANIEL BURHANS, RECTOR. Number of families, 260; communicants, 290; baptisms, 61; marriages, 17; funerals, 16. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, BROOKFIELD. REV. DANIEL BURHANS, RECTOR, Number of families, 06; communicants, 58 ; baptisms, 15; marriages, 4 ; funerals, 7. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, BRIDGEPORT. REV. PHILO SHELTON, RECTOR. Number of famUies, 50 ; communicants, 50; deaths, 1; Marriages, 3; Baptisms, 15. TRINITY CHURCH, FAIRFIELD. EEV. PHILO SHELTON, RECTOR. Number of families, 80; communicants, 50; added lo tbe Church since Easter, 13; new conformists, 10; confirmed, 46; baptisms, 22; marriages, 2; deaths, 5. CHURCH, WESTON. REV. PHILO SHELTON, RECTOR. Number of families, 90 ; communicants, 50; added lo the communion this year, 10. CHURCH, OXFORD. REV. CHAUNCEY PRINDLE, RECTOR. Number of families, 52; communicants, 25 ; baptisms, 28; marriages,!; deaths, 5. CHURCH, SALE.M. REV. CHAUNCEY PRINDLE, RECTOR. Number of families, — ; communicants, 20; baptisms, 6; marriages, 1 ; deaths, 1. THE CHURCHES OF NEW MILFORD, NEW PRESTON, AND ROXBURY. REV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, RECTOR. • Number of families, — ; communicants, 74; Baptisms, 65; marriages, 10; funerals, 16. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, STAMFORD. KEV. SALMON WHEATON, RECTOR. Number of famUies, — ; communicants, 45; baptisms, 20; marriages, 3; funerals, 12. CHURCH, NEW CANAAN. REV. SALMON WHEATON, RECTOR. Number of families, 39; communicants, 40. 56 ST. JAMES' CHURCH, DANBURY. EEV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, RECTOR. Number of famiUes, 70; communicants, 22; baptisms, 21 ; deaths, J. CHURCH, READING. EEV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, RECTOR. Number of famUies, 73; communicants, 55; baptisms, 18; deaths, 2. CHURCH, RIDGEFIELD AND RIDGEBURY. EEV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, RECTOR. Number of famUies, 88; communicants, 26; baptisms, 9; deaths, 3. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, NORWALK. EEV. HENRY WHITLOCK, EECTOa. Communicants, 114; baptisms, 30; marriages, 5; deaths, 14. CHURCH, WILTON. REV. HENRY WHITLOCK, RECTOR. Communicants, 30; baptisms, 6; marriages, 2; deaths, 4. CHRIST CHURCH, STRATFORD. EEV. ASHBEL BALDWIN, RECTOR. Number of famiUes, 80; communicants, 60; baptisms, 10; marriages, 6; deaths, 7. CHURCH, TRUMBULL. REV. ASHBEL BALDWIN, RECTOR. Number of families, 70; communicants, 50; new communicants, 12; baptisms, 20; marriages, 8; funerals, 10. 1810. TWENTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Delegates of tbe Protestant Episcopal Church of Connecticut, held in St. Peter's Church, in Plymouth, on the Ist Wednesday of June, 1810, at 8 o'clock, A. M. : PRESENT, The Right Rev. Bishop Jarvis, D. D., Rev. Dr, Richard Mansfield, " " Bela Hubbard, " Philo Shelton, " Ashbel Baldwin, " Chauncey Prindle, " Tillolson Bronson, " Daniel Burhans, " Henry Whitlock, " Solomon Blakesley, " SmUb Miles, '• Menzies Rayner, " David Baldwin, Rev. Benjamin Benham, Russel Wheeler, Virgil H. Barber, Roger Searle, Salmon Wheaton, John Kewley, M. D., Joseph D. Welton, Deacon. Sturgis Gilbert, " Daniel McDonald, " Samuel F. Jarvis, " Reuben Hubbard, " 57 The foUowing genUeraen produced the requisite testimonials, which were examined by a committee, and approved; and they accordingly took their seats as Lay Delegates : Grand Levy. B. Beach, Esq., Cheshire, $8,676 52 M. Nicoll, Esq., Stratford, 11,680 00 J. Brainard, East Haddam, 7,000 00 New Milford, 9,200 00 W. Mosely, Esq., ;rood6!;r2/,6,892 00 Edward Biggs, Oxford, 6,325 00 A. Perkins, Bethany, 1 1,500 00 Z. Ferris, Esq., Newtown, 35,360 00 S. Graves, St. Matthew's, 5,000 00 Andrew Lyon, Trumbull, 10,983 00 James Burge, Litchfield, 35,046 00 Grand Levy. Daniel Seidmon, Bethlem, 3,877 00 Moses Coles, Meriden, 4,000 00 Amos Squire, Roxbury, 8,000 00 Amos Burr, Bridgeport, 5,700 00 A. HUlyer, Granby, ^c. 12,380 00 Charies Collins, Guilford, 6,500 00 C. Merriman, Watertown, 12,024 00 Eliakim Peck, Danbury, 8,300 00 J.Bradley, Esq., fliiru)mermitted. Canon VL— 0/ ihe Dress of a Clergyman. The Clergy shall pay due atiention to their dress, and shall deviate as lit tle as possible in this respect from clerical propriety. 63 CAnon VII. — Candidates for Orders io give a year's notice of their intended application to the Bishop. All persons belonging td this State, who intend to apply to the Bishop for Holy Orders, shall make known to him their intention in wruing, twelve months before such application^ Canon VIIL — Examination of Candidates. All candidates for Holy Orders, shall be examined in such subjects as are prescribed by tbe tenth and eleventh Canons of the General ConvenUon. Canon IX. — Of the removal of Clergymen from one Parish to another. No Clergyman shall remove from one parish to another, in this Diocese, without the Bishop's consent. But if the Bishop sbould refuse, and the Cler gyman should thereby think himself aggrieved, an appeal may be made to the Convenlion. Canon X. — Persons desiring io form a new Congregation to give notice to the Bishop. When a number of members of this Churcb are desirous of forming a new Congregation, information thereof shall be given to the Bishop in wri ting, who shall give such directions on the subject as shall seem proper to bim, for their instruction and consideration. Canon XI. — A Serni,on on the duties and ihe support of ihe Episcopal Office, io be preached once a year. Every Clergyman settled in this State shall, on the next Sunday after Easter, in every year, preach a sermon to his congregation, on the duties which are peculiarly Episcopal; in whicb be shall lay before bis people the propriety and necessity of supporting the Episcopal Office with becoming "dignity. TWENTY-NINTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. 1811. At a meeting of the Convenlion of tbe Protestant Episcopal Church in ¦Connecticut, holden in Christ's Church, Middletown, on the first Wednesday of June, 1811 PRESENT, Rev. Philo Shelton, " Ashbel Baldwin, " Reuben Ives, " Solomon Blakesley, ¦• Smilh MUes, Rev. Henry WhiUock, David Baldwin, John Kewley, M. D., Asa Cornwall, Roger Searle. ...... — ... — , i_i Divine Service was attended iu Christ's Church ; morning prayer was read by the Rev. Asa Cornwall, and a sermon delivered by the Rev. Reu ben Ives. 64 A number of gentiemen appeared and presented testimonials of '^eir ap pointment as Lay Delegates, from different Churches m the Diocese, wtiicti were read and approved, and the .following gentlemen admitted to take meir seats: Grand Levy. AsuTWMman, Guilford, 6,000 S. Graves, St. M., Plymouth, 5,000 E. Warner, St. P., Plymouth, 9,000 Joel Bradley, Esq., Harwinton, 9,700 Ralph Smuh, Chatham, Simeon H. Minor, Esq., Stamford. Grand Levy. B. Beach, Esq., Cheshire, $9,000 A. Hillyer, Esq., Granby, 12,000 S. Ellsworth, Esq.,£. )rMc/sor,8,411 N. Cornwall, Chatham, 6,000 Richard Lord, East Haddam, 7,600 Nathan Dauchy, Ridgefield, 9,889 Andrews Hall, Wallingfoid, 7,321 The Convention proceeded to the election of a Secretary by ballot, when it appeared the Rev. Ashbel Baldwin was duly elected. On motion, by Mr. Bradley, Resolved, That the powers of the commitlee, appointed to consider the petition from the Churches of St. Marks and St. Matthews, be continued until the next Convention. Convention adjourned until 4 o'clock. 4 o'clock, P. M. The house met. On motion. Resolved, That the thanks of the Convention be presented to the Rev. Mr. Ives for his sermon, delivered before the Convention at the opening of the session. A motion was made by Mr. Ralph Smith, that a dissolution of all sacer dotal connection between the Rev. Smilh Miles, and the Society of Chat ham, may take place. On the forementioned molion. Rev. John Kewley, Rev. Roger Searle, and Mr. Elijah Warner, were appointed a committee to take into consideratiou the same, and report. The committee appointed to consider the molion made by Mr. Smith, made the following report : iThe commiltee judge that this Convention is incompetent to decide respect ing the dissolution between a Minister of this Church and his parish, as to the pastoral connection between them ; but as the union of two or more par ishes in one cure hath been recommended only by an act of Convention, tbe committee are of opinion that the Convention is competent lo decide on the propriety of their being again disunited, and to separate them accordingly. The Convenlion adjourned lo attend divine service. — The Rev. Mr. Bald win read prayers, and the Rev. Mr. Whitlock deUvered a sermon. After divine service, the house proceeded to business. On motion. Resolved, That the Standing Committee be now elected, that it be done by ballot, and that the number be five. The ballots being taken and counted, it appeared that the Rev. Messrs. Bronson, Shelton, Baldwin, Rev. Dr. Kewley, and Rev. Mr. Ives, were duly chosen. Convention adjourned until 6 o'clock to-morrow morning. Thursday, June 6, — 6 o'clock, A. M. The house met, and the Secretary read prayers. On molion. Resolved, That the Standing Committee be requested to call on the Bishop of this Diocese as soon as may be, stating to him tlje situation of the Churches in Chatham, and Middle Haddam, so far as it may have come lo their knowledge, requesting him speedily to exercise the duties of his office in Ihe premises. On motion. Resolved, That the trustees of the Episcopal Academy be re quested lo proffer a memorial to the next General Assembly, praying them to incorporate said Academy with collegiate powers. 65 On motion. Resolved, That the Bishop be respectfully requested to appoint the next annual Convention to be holden in the city of Hartford. Voted, the thanks of the Convention to the President and Secretary for their attendance and services. Convention adjourned without day. ASHBEL BALDWIN, Secretary. NOTITI^ PAROCHIALES. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH. BRIDGEPORT. REV. PHILO SHELTON, EECTOE. Since Easter, 1810 — Baptisms, children, 50; burials, 16; Marriages, 6; added to the communion, 5. By mutual agreement, and with consent of the Bishop, I have relio- quished the parish of Weston, and confine myself to the parishes of Bridge port and Fairfield, where there appears to be an increased zeal for the sup port of religion, and a due allendance upon tbe ordinances. CHRIST CHURCH, GUILFORD. REV. DAVID BALDWIN, RECTOR. Number of families, 48; communicants, 28; baptisms, children, 12; deaths, 8; marriages, 4. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NORTH GUILFORD. REV. DAVID BALDWIN, RECTOR. Number of fariiiUes, 30 ; communicants, 29 ; baptisms, adult, 1, children, 8 ; deaths, 4 ; communicants, remoyed, 5, died, 1. UNION CHURCH, NORTH KILLINGWORTH. REV. DAVID BALDWIN, RECTOR. Numberof famUies, 49; communicants, 39; baptisms, adult, 1, chUdren, 16; marriages, 2; deaths, 2. Removed from the cure the last year, nine families, making in the whole, 50 persons. CHURCH, R,IDGEFIELD. REV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, RECTOR. Number of famUies, 100; communicants, 70; marriage, 1 ; baptisms, 20 ; deaths, 5. ST. JAMES' CHURCH, DANBURY. EEV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, RECTOR. Number of famiUes, 60; communicants, 30; baptisms, 9; deaths, 6. CHRIST CHURCH, READING. EEV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, RECTOR. Number of famUies, 80; communicants, about67; baptisms,! ; deaths, 5. CHRIST CHURCH, STRATFORD. EEV. ASHBEL BALDWIN, RECTOR. Number of famiUes, 87; communicants, 69; new do., 3 ; baptisms, 10; marriages, 4 ; deaths, 6. CHRIST CHURCH, TRUMBULL. REV. ASHBEL BALDWIN, RECTOR. Number of families, 80; communicants, 60; new do., 2; baptisms, 15; marriages, 5 ; funerals, 6. 9 66 1813. THIRTIETH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a meeting of the Bishop, Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Delegates of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Connecticut, holden at the Episcopal Church in Hartford, on Wednesday, the 3d day of June, A. D., 1812 : PRESENT, The Right Rev. Bishop Jarvis, D. D., Rev. Dr. Bela Hubbard, " Philo Shelton, " Ashbel Baldwin, " Tillotson Bronson, P. E. " Reuben Ives, " Chauncey Prindle, " Daniel Burhans, " Charles Seabury, " Truman Marsh, " Henry Whitlock, " Menzies Rayner, " PhUander Chase, Rev. Russel Wheeler, " Virgil H. Barber, " Asa Cornwall, " Roger Searle, " David Baldwin, " Benjamin Benham, " Joseph D. Welton, " Daniel McDonald, Deacon, " Nathaniel Huse " " Frederick Holcomb, " " Isaac Jones, " " Birdsey G. Noble, " Smith Miles, Morning service was performed by the Rev. Dr. Hubbard, and a sermon delivered by the Rev. Charles Seabury. Burrage Beach, Esq., and the Rev. Mr. Baldwin were requested to ex amine tbe certificates of tbe Lay Gentlemen, handed in to the ConvenUon, who reported the following persons duly elected : Grand Levy. B. Beach, Esq., Cheshire, $9,185 Medad Stoue. Guilford, 6,500 N. Preston, Esq., Woodbury, 9,395 A. Hillyer, Esq., Granby, ^c. 10,792 S. Sloughton, Windsor, 6,783 S. Graves, St. Matthew's, Plym outh, 5,000 Patrick Clarke, Meriden, 3,761 Nathan Landon, Litchfield, 29,182 Nathaniel Wooster, Oxford, 8,160 A. Chapman, Esq., ? New- S. Beers, Jun., ^ town. The Rev. Ashbel Baldwin was chosen Secretary. Convention adjourned until 4 o'clock, P. M. Wednesday, 4 o'clock. Convention met agreeably to adjournment. On motion, Resolved, That the Bishop be requested to return the thanks of this House to the Rev. Charles Seabury, for his sermon, delivered at the opening of the Convention. The following address was presented and read to the Convention, by the Bishop : 34,985 Grand Levy. Joel Bradley, Esq., Harwinton, 6,292 D. Buckingham, Watertown, 13,099 Sie?£le,K"'''-*"^^' '"'''^ E. Boardman, New Milford, 11,000 Ralph Smith, Middle Haddam, 4,300 N. Smilh, Esq., New Haven, 34,586 C.'SgomDey,^^^'''/'"''^'N. M. Bronson, St. Peters, Plymouth, John T. Peters, Esq., Hebron. 21,340 9,349 67 Brethren and gentlemen of the Convention : As it hath pleased God to continue my life to a considerable length beyond that of my predecessor, although he possessed a much greater degree of health and vigour, than under Divine Providence, has been my allotment for many years; that single reflection is an ample monitor to me, to look for ward towards an approaching period, which, as it respects myself, lo human view cannot be far distant. Under such impressions, 1 must be sensible of the increasing uncertainty of meeting you hereafter in your future Conven tions. In the midst of reflections on so solemn a subject, I trust it will not be deemed improper, that the situation of our Church should intermix and bear a part in my thoughts, with a feeUng interest. With the conviction of my own mind, I am desirous lo blend a devout hope, that the continuance of the Episcopal Office, is, and will be invariably considered by you, as highly important to tbe Church in this Diocese. Directing your attention to the origin, and to our Almighty Redeemer the founder,, as you are in conscience persuaded that through the administrations of the priesthood established by him, in communion with his Church, you are to obtain peace with God and eternal life ; so you will appreciate the Episcopate as the true medium, by which the powers Christ committed to his Church, are regulariy transmitted ; and the word of God, and his holy Sacraments, rightly dispensed. But however expedient the office may ap pear, and however desired by those who are well grounded in tbe doctrine, the continuation of it amongst us, cannot be reasonably expected, unless some provision is made to support it. We have no Church in this State, that afibrds a living adequate lo the support of a Bishop, and to provide a supply of service in bis absence, on visitations lo the other Churches in the Diocese. But if we had a Church sufficiently able to do it, would it be de sirable ? Would it be for the best to have the office so attached to any one Churcb as lo give that Church a controllover the choice of a Bishop. When our first Bishop, who, after much expense and trouble, obtained and introdu ced the office iuto the country, took his residence amongst us, the sentiment generally pervaded the body of the Church in the State, that it was neces sary, and their duty, lo make some provision for his living among us. The Churches accordingly, by their delegates, repeatedly met on that business. A contribution according to a certain ratio, iu form of a tax, was agreed upon, and recommended to all their respective Churches. The measure thus at tempted, being left upon so general a footing, probably from that very cir cumstance, proved inefficient; and all that my worthy predecessor received from the Diocese, I believe did not amount to the interest of the money he expended of his own property to accomplish for us, the object of our wishes. This was succeeded by an effort to procure from tbe Legislature, an act in corporating a Board of Trustees, for the establishment of a fund. After some time and much exertion the act was obtained. And, as if nothing more was intended by the zeal that was shown to procure it, tbsre it rested. The attention that has since been given to it, and what has been done lo carry into effect the purpose expressed in the act, you all know. — As I mean only to remind you of what has passed, with the feeling hope of exciting more attention for the future, to a matter of such weighty concern, I will barely request you to advert to several successive resolves, passed in different Con ventions. In order to render consistent what was done by those Conventions, at distinct periods of their meeting, it seems necessary to consider their seve ral resolves as intended to make other and intermediate provision for the Bishop, until that object should be ultimately effected, by the operation of the proposed fund. In the year 1808, the Convention appointed a commit tee to devise ways and means for the support of the Episcopate in this Dio cese, and to report to the eext Convention. Nothing appears on the Journal 68 that ihat report was ever made, or that any after attention was paid to the, resolve. In the year 1801, the Convention of that year, recommended a tax of one miU and an half on the dollar, to raise a salary for the Bishop — In ihe year 1803, a committee was appointed to inquire into the state of the Bishop's salary, and make report to the Convention. The report, as appears on the Journal, was made and adopted, prescribing a method and recom mending the enforcement of tbe resolution of 1801. As that resolution,. and the way and means lo enforce it, stand without any subsequent resolution to set it aside and to adopt another, the presumption must be, that the business of the commhtee appointed in 1808, was either to revive the fornaer report, or to devise some substitute, to give better effect to the last resolution ot the Convention on that point. Now, gentlemen, if you will examine what stands upon the Journals, suc cessively, from the year 1798, and compare the several proceedings, with the receipts of moneys from ihe Churches of the Diocese, subject to your inspection, if desired, you wUl see with what languor, ihe support of the Bishop has hitherto been regarded. You will see wilh hrtw much reason, they who feel an unfeigned interest in the welfare of the Church, are con cerned, for the unpleasant prospect, that the Episcopate in ihis Diocese must fail, unless some more energetic measures are pursued to prevent it. My mind would have been more highly gratified, to have had this subject brought forward to your particular notice at this time, by some member of the house ; and however sentiments of delicacy under a different situation might have laid me under some restraint from doing it myself, yet I per ceived that restraint lessened by the consideration that I can, at my advanced period of life, indulge no rational prospect of any great length of days lo come; and therefore must be less personally affected by the future events which may await the Church, tban probably will be the case with most, perhaps all of you, my brethren, who are now present. IjitUe, indeed, bave been the aids afforded by the Church towards the support of the office, since we have had the privUege of enjoying it. From this, if duly considered as from a visible cause, we may infer the want of ihat salutary influence essen tial to its respectability and to the powers of doing good, annexed lo the office in its original institution. When we were subjected to tbe many difficulties atlendant on a hazard ous aud expensive voyage lo England, to oblain our Priesthood, it was then viewed in that state of deprivation, as a matter which would have been of incalculable privilege, to have a resident Bishop among us. — And, while la boring under the disadvantages, an honorable provision for bis maintenance, would bave been considered as a real gain in tbe article of expense. With regard lo tbe form and character of tbe assembly I now address, I would beg leave to remind you, that a Convention wherein the Parishes of the Diocese were, by their delegation, lo meet and deliberate with the Cler gy, at its first institution, was considered and intended as a means to combine more visibly and effectually the interest and tbe energies of the Church in the Diocese, to give vigour to the spiritual aulhorilies belonging to it, and thereby to promote the holy ends which a sound faith in her institutions di rects us to look for, through a due obedience to her well appointed and sacred rules. Now, gentlemen, in conformity to fhe beneficial uses, expected to result from the deliberations of Convention, I conceive it would be proper, ihat your inquiry should be directed to the slate of the several Parishes— into the causes that some have continued so long vacant. It may be a subject de serving your atiention, whether a real injury is not done to the Church by Clergymen leaving the Churches particularly assigned to their charge, and officiating too frequently in those vacant Churches, which might, and if bo, 69 ought to have a Clergyman settled among them. Whether such piacUce be not disorderly, and does not merit such aid as the Convention may give to the Bishop, to correct the disorder, as having a tendency to hurt their own Churches, and to cherish a spirit of indifference and lukewarmness among the members of those vacant Churches towards tbe liturgy and offices, and the general interest and prosperity of the Church. As our Churches have suffered very serious, and in some instances almost ruinous mischief, and the Bishop and Clergy have experienced great trouble, is there not a full proof manifested in those instances, that some rule, more explicit than any we are provided with, ought to be formed for ourselves, with respect to Cler gymen, who are entirely or in a degree strangers; or concerning whom, the Clergy of tbe Diocese have exceptions worthy of notice, against their admis sion into their body. A public rule of this nature might afford very useful aid to the Bishop, in the exercise of the care of the Churches that lies upon him, that tbey may be supplied with Ministers ornamental to their profession. The Church correctly understood as a systematized body, tbe rights belong ing to individual congregations in the choice of Ministers, must be considered and maintained in a sense consistent with her unit)', and the order of ber government. When, therefore, the Churcb is convened in her representa tives, she may promptly estabUsh rules to direct the exercise of those rights, in agreement with tbe acknowledged rights of the Bishop, and with the gen eral order and harmony, il is ever incumbent on him to promote. My attendance on tbe consecration of Bishop Griswold and Bishop Ho bart, at New York, immediately after the last General Convention was closed at New Haven, prevented my meeting the Stale Convention last year, June, 1811. The communication required by the 45th Canon, was there fore not made for that year. The intention of the Canon will be complied with by adding some occurrences in the report of that year to tbe report con cerning those of tbe last, wbich I now make to this present Conveulion. Ordinations in tbe year 1810, not included in that report, were two; Stur ges Gilbert and Joseph D. Welton, ordained Priests. The Rev. Mr. Gilbert officiates in the towns of Sharon, Kent, &c. The Rev. Joseph D. Welton officiates at Woodbury and Roxbury. The holy rite of Confirmation was administered to 122 in St. Peter's Church, in the town of Plymouth ; lo 106 in the Parish of Bethany, in the town of Woodbridge ; to 56 in Trinity Church, New Haven. For the year 1811 — to 37 in the Churcb in North Haven ; to 23 in St. John's Churcb, Bridgeport ; to 42 in Trinity Church, New Haven ; to 62 in Christ's Church, Hartford; lo 16 in the Church at Brooklyn. Total, 464. In the course of the last year, the Rev. Samuel F. Jarvis was ordained Priest. Frederick Holcomb, Stephen Jewell, and Orin Clarke, were ordained Deacons. The Rev. Henry Whitlock obtained a regular dismission from the Parish of St. Paul's Church, in Norwalk, and was instituted Assistant Minister in Trinity Church, New Haven. The Rev. Bethel Judd bas since been chosen Rector of St. Paul's Church, vacant by the removal ofthe Rev. Henry Whitlock. Mr. Judd bas entered on tbe duties of the Parish, but bath not been instituted. The Rev. Menzies Rayner bas been regularly dismissed from Christ's Church, Hartford, and hath been chosen Rector of tbe Parish in tbe town of HunUngton. He resides in Huntington, and offi ciates, but hath not been instituted. The Rev. Philander Chase hath been elected Rector of Christ's Church, in the city of Hartford. The Rev. Deacon Hubbard bath been chosen by the two Churches of Danbury and Ridgefield to become their Rector, as soon as he shaU be pro- moled to Priest's orders. „ , ,. Rev. Mr. Birdsey G. Noble hath been admitted to the Holy Order of Deacon. 70 In addition to the Clergymen I have mentioned, who have not been insti tuted, it is proper that I also mention several others who have not been es tablished in their respective Parishes, as Canon and the office of Institutioa require. Rev. Messrs. White, Prindle, Plumb, GUbert, and Welton. The Rev. Messrs. Bronson, Whitiock, and A. Baldwin, were chosen the Standing Committee. l i? The Rev. Mr. Bronson, Elijah Boardman, and Burrage Beach, -B-sqrs., were appointed a committee lo confer whh Mr. Samuel Green, of New London, aud to receive proposals from him to establish a Printing Press in this Diocese, for the purpose of printing the Churchman's Magazine, and such other books as may be recommended by the Bishop asd Clergy of the Diocese, and report to-morrow. The Rev. Mr. Burhans was requested to receive all moneys sent from the Parishes in the Diocese, for the Bishop's salary. The following Canon was adopted : A Canon regulating Easter Meeting. There shall be an annual meeting in Easter week, of the Wardens, Ves trymen, and Parishioners of each Parish in tbe Diocese, for the purpose of appointing the Wardens and Vestrymen, and transacting all other business that may canonically come before said meeting. And at every such meeting it shall be the duty of the Rector to preside, agreeably to ancient usage ; and in case of a vacancy, or necessary absence of the Rector, the senior officer present shall preside. Leave of absence -^as granted to the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, during the re mainder of the session, and the Rev. Mr. Shellon was requested to act as Secretary pro tempore. Convention adjourned until to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock. Thursday morning, 9 o'clock, A. M. Convention met according lo adjournment, and the Secretary read morn ing prayers. Leave of absence was granted to the Rev. Mr. Prindle, during the session. Resolved, That the ihanks of the Convention be given to the Bishop for his address delivered yesterday. And the Rev. Messrs. Chase, Barber, and. Burhans, Messrs. Charles Sigourney and Samuel Beers, were appointed a committee to consider tbe address, and notice such parts as require the atten tion of the house, and make a report thereon to this Convention. The Rev. Dr. Hubbard and Rev. Henry Whitiock, were appointed a com mittee to inquire if any moneys are due tbe Convention; if so, to collect the same and pay it over to such liquidated accounts as may be exhibited to them. Tbe commiltee appointed to take into consideration the Bishop's address, made the following report, wbich was accepted : The commiltee who were appointed to take into consideration "the ad dress of the Bishop to this Convention, and see what points in it require the immediate attention of this house," beg leave to report — That they have attended to their duty as far as the limited time allowed them would permit. That from not being in possession of the Bishop's ad dress, from not having seen the annual report of the trustees of ihe Bishop's Fund, and from a general deficiency of information necessary to enable them to act as they would desire on this subject, — il is improper for them, at this ume, to consider the subject of the ac^dress generally, or any part thereof, as fully as they are sensible they ought lo do. They, however, recommend the appointment of another com mittee, whose duty it shall be to obtain all the information on the subject of the Bisbop'^s Fund, and the Bishop's salary ; that this committee be instructed to prepare 71 an address on the subject of the salary, in their opinion indispensably neces sary to the support of the Episcopal dignity in this Diocese, to transmit the same to the Clergyman of every Parish iu this Diocese, and in those Par ishes where there is no Clergyman, to Uie Wardens and Vestry, and to rec ommend that the same be read together with such parts of the Bishop's ad dress, as relates thereto, by the Clergyman, (or the Wardens and Vestry, where there is no Clergyman,) to their respective Parishes, when assembled together. Which is respectfully submitted. DANIEL BURHANS, Secretary. The Rev. Tillotson Bronson, Nathan Smith, Esq., and Mr. Charles Sig ourney, were appointed the committee to carry into effect the foregoing rec ommendation. Rev. Mr. Bronson, (by request of the Convention,) gave a statement of the present situation of the Academy. The committee appointed in the Convention of 1810, to adjust the Parish bounds between St. JNIark's and St. Matthew's Churches, reported lo estab lish the report of a former Convenlion on that subject, which was accepted. A Canon reg;ulating the disposal of the Alms and other devotions presented at the Holy Communion. " Whereas the alms and other devotions of the people at the holy Com munion are committed to tbe Minister at the Altar for presentation, and re main at his disposal ; it shall therefore be his duty to dispense the same, according lo the true intent and common usage of the Church; it being un derstood that the Rector will be assisted in this partof his duty by the War dens of the Parish; and that in case any Minister present alms and other devotions at tbe Altar in any vacant Parish, he commit them lo the Wardens of said Parish for their disposal; and the Minister, or in case of vacancy, the Wardens, shall render an account of the disposal, at the annual Parish meeting in Easter week." Whereas it is advisable that tbe Churchman's Magazine be revived and continued in tbe Diocese of Connecticut, — iJesptoed, That the Convention will patronize said Magazine, and such other publications as may issue from a press of Mr. Samuel Green, of New London, or any other printers which shaU be under the direction of the Cler gy of this Diocese, so far as respects the works to be published. Voted, tbe thanks of the house to the President and Secretary, for their attendance and services during the session. Convention adjourned wiihout day. PHILO SHELTON, Secretary pro tem. NOTITI^ PAROCHIALES. CHRIST CHURCH, STRATFORD. EEV. ASHBEL BALDWIN, RECTOR. Families, 89; communicants, 72; new do., 3; baptisms, 5; marriages, 4 ; funerals, 8. CHRIST CHURCH, TRUMBULL. EEV. ASHBEL BALDWIN, RECTOR. Families, 84; communicants, 68 ; new do., 8; baptisms, 12; marriages, 6; funerals, 10. CHRIST CHURCH, MIDDLETOWN. KEV. JOHN KEWLEY, M. D., RECTOR. From June 1st, 1811, to June 1st, 1812,— baptisms, 23; marriages, 4; funerals, 8. 12 TRINITY CHURCH, FAIRFIELD, AND CHURCH, STRATFIELD. REV. PHILO SHELTON, RECTOR. Baptisms, infants, 34, adults, 3; marriages, 14; funerals, 16; new com municants, 6. No material alteration in the state of the Churches ; generally a good attendance and an auentive audience. — ¦ CHURCH, OXFORD. REV. CHAUNCEY PRINDLE, RECTOR. Families, 55; communicants, 25; baptisms, 31 ; funerals, 3. CHURCH, SALEM. EEV. CHAUNCEY PRINDLE, RECTOR. Families, 56; communicants, 25 ; baptisms, 17; marriages, 3; deaths,!. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, WATERBURY. REV. VIRGIL II. BARBER, RECTOR. Communicants, 103; new do., within the year, 13; baptisms, infants, 59, adults, 11, total 70— seven of which had previously received lay baptism; marriages, 8; funerals, 5. CHRIST CHURCH, GUILFORD. REV. DAVID BALDWIN, RECTOR. Families, 50; communicants, deceased, 1, added, 5, total, 32; baptisms, adults, 3, children, 3; marriages, 5; funerals, 3. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NORTH GUILFORD. REV. DAVID BALDWIN. RfiCTOR. Families, 30; communicants, 30 ; baptisms, 4; funerals, 2. Haye erect ed a new Church in this Parish. UNION CHURCH, NORTH KILLINGWORTH. REV. DAVID BALDWIN, RECTOR. Families 50; communicants, 40, deceased, 2, added, 5; baptisms, infants, 13, adult, 1, total, 14; marriages, 3; funerals, 2. The members of the congregations in this cure are in general punctual in tbeir attendance upon divine service, and zealous lo promote the interests of the Church. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NEW MILFORD, AND CHURCH ES IN NEW PRESTON AND BRIDGEWATER. Families in New Milford, 73; Preston, 32; Bridgewater, 23; whole num ber of communicants, 93; new do. in two years, 44; baptisms, 110 — nine of whom had previously received lay baptism; marriages, 10; funerals, 20. Funds of St. John's Church, $1200. Harmony exists in the cure. ST. PETER'S CHURCH, PLYMOUTH. REV. ROGER SEARLE, RECTOR. Families, 68; communicants, 75; baptisms, 18; marriages, 3; funerals, 4. ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, BRISTOL. EEV. ROGER SEARLE, RECTOR. FamUies, 48; communicants, 70; baptisms, 16; marriages, 4; funerals, 3. TRINITY CHURCH, NEWTOWN. EEV. DANIEL BURHANS, RECTOR. In Newtown, during the past year, there has been a manifest increase of seriousness and attachment to the divine institution, doctrines, and liturgy of ptismsin 1802, 17, Marriages, 4 do. 1803, 20, do. 1 do. 1804, 17, do. 3 do. 1805, 15, do. 5 do. 1806, 20, do. 8 73 the Church. The building, which is 68 by 54 feet has been generally crowded, and the Parish have increased their permanent fund to pay $550 annuaUy. New comtTiunicants.20; baptisms, infants, 50, adults, 2, total, 53; mar riages, 15; funerals, 18. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, BROOKFIELD. REV. DANIEL BURHANS, RECTOR. This Parish, which bas suffered much for several years past, by deaths and removals, bas recently revived. In tbe establishment of a permanent fund, the folowing gentlemen set an example worthy of imitation : Martin Kellog subscribed $333 34; Samuel Sherman, $333 34; WU Uam Meeker, $200; Amiel Peck, 116 16. New communicants, 5; baptisms, 10; marriages,3; deaths, 2. CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD. REV. MENZIES EAYNEE, FORMER RECTOR. This Parish consists of about 80 families, 12 or 14 of which live in Wind sor and East Windsor. Communicants in 1801, 6 ; in 1811, 34. Baptisms in 1807, 12, Marriages, 7 do. 1808, 17, do. 10 do. 1809, 19, do. 14 do. 1810, 20, do. 16 Within the above mentioned years, I have baptized 23 at Warehouse Point, (East Windsor,) 16 at Northampton, 8 at Greenfield, 6 at Glasten bury, and several at other places. A very considerable number of families belonging to the Church within the above mentioned lime, have moved lo other parts, and a number of valuable members of Ihe congregation have died. In 1802, '3, and '4, collected and organized a Parish at Warehouse Point, consisting of about 100 families, who have erected an elegant Church, and a Clergyman in Deacons' Orders is now settled whh them. CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD. REV. PHILANDER CHASE, RECTOR. The present incumbent began his parochial duties, Sunday, Oct. 27, 18!!. Communicants, 30— of which number, 5 bad never partaken of the Holy Eucharist before; baptisms, adults, 8, children, 18, total, 26; marriages, 2; funerals, adults, 3, chUdren, 1, total, 4. During the short time of the ministrations of the present incumbent, the members of the Parish have exerted themselves with an ardor worthy of better days. They have erected an excellent Organ and Bell, and have made repairs in tbe Church, tending to convenience and decency; and under their patronage, and by their exertions, a fund is now rapidly increasing, for the support, in some future day, of a Rector, without burthening the poor of the Parish with too heavy taxes. Whereas, the Rev. John Kewley has expressed his intention to resign his care of Christ's Church, in Middletown; and whereas, the parishioners of said Church, in regular adjourned meeting, held on the 8th day of February, 1813, do declare that the said Rev. John Kewley did present to them a pro posal that there should be a dissolution of aU pastoral connections between him and them ; on which proposal, tbe minds of the parishioners were taken, who did then pass a vote, that the said parishioners did acquiesce in his re quest —Tbe declaration and the vote taken thereon, having been transmitted to us the undersigned, the Bishop of the Diocese— notice is hereby given to the inembers of the Parish of Christ's Church, in Middletown, through the 74 medium of their Wardens, of the concurrence of the ecclesiastical authority, with their vole, and they are accordingly hereby notified, that the pastoral connection of tbe Rev. John Kewley with them, is by us, the Bishop of the Diocese, henceforth dissolved. In consequence of which, the Parish of Christ's Church is to be considered as vacant from the date hereof. ABRAHAM, Bp. of Connecticut. Dated at New Haven, February 19, 1813. N. B. It is expected that the above be entered on record in the Parish Register, as it is also to be on the Journals of the Convention. 1813. THIRTY-FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION* At a Convention of the Protestant Epiatopal Church of Oonnecticut, holden at Stratford, on the first Wednesday of June, 1813 : PRESENT, Rev. Dr. Richard Mansfield, " William Smith, PhUo Sbelton, Ashbel Baldwin, Tillotson Bronson, Chauncey Prindle, Reuben Ives, Daniel Burhans, Calvin White, Philander Chase, Smilh Miles, Charles Seabury, Bethel Judd, Rev. Roger Searle, " Russell Wheeler, " Asa Cornwall, " VirgU H. Barber, " Jonathan Judd, " Elijah G. Plumb, " Benjamin Benham, " David Baldwin, " Joseph D. Welton, " Reuben Hubbard, " Daniel McDonald, " Frederick Holcomb, " Isaac Jones, Deacon, " Birdsey G. Noble, " Menzies Rayner, Henry Whitlock, A procession was made by the members of the Convention from the Glebe House to the Church, at 10 o'clock, A. M., when morning prayer was read' by the Rev. Elijah G. Plumb, and a discourse was delivered by the Rev. TUlotson Bronson. After divine service, the members being assembled, th& Rev. Dr. Mansfield, being the oldest Clergyman present, was desired to take the chair, as President, agreeably to the Constitution. But he requested to be excused from serving in that capacity, in consequence of his age and in firmities, which excuse was accepted, and the Rev. Mr. Shelton took the chair. The following gentiemen handed in their cerdficatea of appointment, and look their seats as Lay Delegates. 75 Grand Levy. Wm. Peel, Esq., Bridgeport, T. Johnson, Branford, 8,36! WUUam Spencer, Guilford, 6,000 Enoch Perkins, Oxford, 5,000 S. P. Beers, Esq., Litchfield, 28,946 A. L. Hill, Esq., Reading, 12,149 Miles Newton, Waterbury, 15,325 Andrew Lyon, Trumbull, 10,500 Mecook Ward, Roxbury, 8,000 C.tgrney,^^i^-'>^. I^'^IO Walter Sherwood, Fairfield, C. B. Phelps, Esq., Woodbury, 9,575 Capt. J. Whiting, Milford, 2,748 Grand Levy. Benj. Hard, Newtown, $36,545 Gen. M. Nicoll, Stratford, 10,000 B. Beach, Esq., Cheshire, 10,000 J. Guernsey, Watertown, 12,587 Wm. Meeker, Brookfield, 7,633 A. Beers, Esq., Danbury, 7,522 Amzi Talmadge, Plymouth, 10,488 Joel Bradley, Esq., Harwinton, 8,000 ?'cSli^^"'-ff««^"' ^^'^^^ Evan. M. Johnson, Pomfret, Fitch Rogers, Esq., Stamford, 13,000 L. Raymond, Esq., Norwalk, Geo. Shellon, ? u- i- , E. Beardsley, ] Huntington, The Rev. A. Baldwin was chosen Secretary. Convention adjourned untU 3 o'clock, P. M. 3 o'clock, P. M. Convention opened agreeably lo adjournment. The Rev. Tillotson Bronson, Mr. Charles Sigourney, Burrage Beach, Esq., John Morgan, Esq., Gen. Matthias Nicoll, Andrew Beers, Esq., An drew L. HUl, Esq., Mr. Fitch Rogers, Mr. John C. Bush, Mr. Benjamin Hard, Mr. Samuel Tudor, and Nathan Smith, Esq., were appointed a com mitlee to devise ways and means for the increasing of tbe Bishop's Fund, and report to the present Convention. A petition from Enoch Foot and others, members of Christ's Church in Stratford, was presented, praying that they may be annexed to the Church in Bridgeport, which petition was read ; and on motion, the consideration of said petition was postponed until the next annual Convention. On motion of the Rev. Mr. Miles, Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Seabury and Charles Sigourney return the thanks of this Convention to the Rev. Tillotson Bronson for his sermon de livered before thera at the opening of the session, and request a copy of tbe same tor publication. Resolved, That the appointment of Nathan Smith, Esq., and Mr. Samuel Tudor, who are not members of this Convention, upon tbe committee lo con sider the subject of the Bishop's Fund, shall not be considered as a precedent in any future Convention. Convention adjourned until 8 o'clock lo-morrow morning. Thursday morning, June 3d, 8 o'clock, A. M. Convention met agreeably to adjournment. The Secretary read prayers. Rev. Mr. Miles was excused from any further attendance on Convention during the present session. The committee appointed to devise ways and means for increasing the Bishop's Fund, reported the foUowing resolution, which was adopted. Resolved, by this Convention, that a circular address be transmitted by the Secretary to the several Parishes throughout this Diocese, earnestly rec ommending the necessity of raising such a sum to be added to the Bishop's Fund, as will afford an adequate and reasonable support of the Episcopate; that the Standing Committee shall, by themselves or by agents by them to be appointed, solicit donations and subscriptions to said Fund, in all the Par ishes in this State ; and, that on or before the 20th day of July, 1813, every Clergyman be requested to preach a sermon to his Parish, strongly enforcing the importance of accomplishing this most desirable object. 76 Voted, That the resolve passed at the Convention holden in Litchfield, respecting the induction of Ministers into their Parishes, be rescinded. The Rev. Tillotson Bronson, Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, and Rev. Henry Whitlock, were chosen the Standing Committee. The house separated for the purpose of electing Delegates to attend the General Convention. The ballots being taken by tbe Clergy, it appeared that the Rev. TUlotson Bronson, Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, Rev. Henry Whit lock, and Rev. PhUo Shellon, were chosen. In the house of Lay Delegates, the foUowing persons were chosen Depu ties to the next General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States : — Charles Sigourney, Asa Chapman, Burrage Beach, Daniel Putnam, Esqrs. BURRAGE BEACH, Secretary of the House of Lay Deputies. The Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, Rev. Philo Shelton, Rev. Henry Whitlock, and Burrage Beach, Esq., were appointed a committee to procure and su perintend the prinUngof all tbe Journals of Conventions in this Diocese, which bave not been heretofore printed. On motion of Mr. Baldwin, Resolved, That the address delivered by the late Right Reverend Bishop Jarvis, at the last Convention, be printed with the Journals of the Conven tion. Resolved, That, whereas the Right Rev. Bishop White, in behalf of Mrs. Esther Duche Hill, of the city of PhUadelphia, bas presented to the Church of Connecticut an original picture, tbe portrait of the lale venerable Bishop Seabury, drawn by her brother, tbe lale Thomas S. Duche; that the Rev. Henry Whitlock and Rev. Philo Shelton be a committee to express tbe thanks of this Convention for the highly acceptable present, to take meas ures for the transportation of the same, and to assign it a suitable place of deposile in this Diocese, and that the expenses be paid by the Convention. Leave of absence, during the remainder of the session, was granted lo the Rev. Daniel Burhans, Mr. Meeker, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Smilh, and Andrew Beers, Esq. The Rev. Bethel Judd, Rev. Henry Whitlock, and Burrage Beach, Esq., were appointed a committee to submit to the next Convention a plan for the establishment of a Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this State. On motion by the Rev. Mr. Barber, Resolved, That this Convention instruct their Delegates to the next Gene ral Convention, lo obtain an explanation of this phrase in tbe ninth Canon, " In consideration of certain other qualifications in the candidate." And also this phrase in the 14th Canon, "Or by some other joint acts sf the par ties, and the Ministers of this Church." Convention adjourned to meet in the city of New Haven, on Tuesday, the 3d day of August next. ASHBEL BALDWIN, Secretary. NOTITI^ PAROCHIALES. ST. PETER'S CHURCH, PLYMOUTH. KEV. ROGER SEARLE, EECTOR. Families, 85; communicants, 130; baptisms, 43; marriages, 6; fune rals, 5. 77 ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, PLYMOUTH. REV. ROGER SEARLE, EECTOR. Families, 50; communicants, 81 ; baptisms, 13; marriages,! ; funerals,2. TRINITY CHURCH, NEWTOWN. REV. DANIEL BURHANS, RECTOR. Families, 250; new communicants, 31 ; baptisms, infiints, 51, adulls, 6 ; marriages, 23 ; funerals, 22. CHURCHES IN KENT, SHARON, AND NEW PRESTON. REV. STURGES GILBERT, RECTOR. Communicants, 78; baptisms siuce 1810, adults, 34, infants, 66; mar riages, 10; funerals, 35. TRINITY CHURCH, BROOKLYN. EEV. DANIEL FOGG, RECTOR. For the year 1812 — communicants, 27; baptisms, adult, 1, infants, 10; burials, 2. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, NORWALK. REV. BETHEL JUDD, RECTOR. Communicants, 80; baptisms, 30; burials, 23. CHURCH, WILTON. EEV. BETHEL JUDD, EECTOR. Communicants, 25 ; baptisms, 5; burials, 2. CHRIST CHURCH, MIDDLETOWN. REV. BIRDSEY G. NOBLE, DEACON. Communicants, 80; baptisms, 14; burials, J 3. .ST. JAMES' CHURCH, DANBURY, CHRIST CHURCH, READ ING, AND CHURCH, RIDGEFIELD. REV. REUBEN HUBBARD, RECTOR. Baptisms, 20; marriages, 7; funerals, 14. TRINITY CHURCH, FAIRFIELD. REV. PHILO SHELTON, RECTOR. New communicants, 5 ; baptisms, infants, 13; marriages, 4 ; funerals, 5. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, BRIDGEPORT. REV. PHILO SHELTON, EECTOR. New communicants, 4; baptisms, infants, 14, adult, 1; funerals, 15; marriages, 7. Preached several times at Weston, and once at MUford. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, STAMFORD. EEV. JONATHAN JUDD, RECTOR. Communicants, 40; baptisms, infants, 7, adults, 2; marriages, 5; fune rals, 8. CHURCH, NEW CANAAN. KEV. JONATHAN JUDD, EECTOR. Communicants, 30; baptisms, infants, 7, adults, 2, total, 9; funerals, 7. CHURCH, GREENWICH. REV. JONATHAN JUDD, EECTOR. Baptisms, 1 ; funerals, 2. 78 CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD. EEV. PHILANDER CHASE, RECTOR. Families, 60; communicants, 66; baptisms, infants, witliin the Parish,. 28, without the Parish, 16, adulls within tbe Parish, 8, without the Parish, 7. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NEW MILFORD. REV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, RECTOR. Families, 71 ; communicants, 50; new do., 3; baptisms, 17; marriages, 7; funerals, 6. CHURCH, NEW PRESTON. REV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, RECTOR. Families, 32; communicants, 22; new do., 2; baptisms, 7; funerals, J.. CHURCH, BRIDGEWATER. REV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, RECTOR. Families,22; communicants, ]5; new do., 1 ; baptisms, 7. CHRIST CHURCH, STRATFORD. EEV. ASHBEL BALDWIN, RECTOR. Families added to the Church, 4; new communicants, 8; baptisms, 16;, marriages, 5; funerals, 7. TRINITY CHURCH, TRUMBULL. EEV. ASHBEL BALDWIN, EECTOR. Families added to the Church, 6; new communicants, 14; baptisms, 20; marriages, 6 ; funerals, 16. AUGUST, 1813. At a meeting of the Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Delegates of the Pro testant Episcopal Church of Connecticut, in Convention holden in Trinity Church, New Haven, on the 3d day of August, 1813, especially warned by the Standing Commiltee, in order to elect a Bishop : PRESENT, Rev. Dr. WiUiam Smith, Rev. Asa Cornwall, PhUo Shelton, Ashbel Baldwin, TUlotson Bronson, P. E. A., Chauncey Prindle, Daniel Burhans, Calvin White, Philander Chase, Smith MUes, Charles Seabury, Menzies Rayner, Henry Whitiock, Virgil H. Barber, Jonathan Judd, Elijah G. Plumb, Benjamin Benham, David Baldwin, Joseph D. Welton, Reuben Hubbard, Daniel McDonald, A. E. A., Frederick Holcomb, Sturges GUbert, Birdsey G. Noble, Deacon, 5°ger Searle, .. Nathaniel Huse, 79 LAY DEPUTIES. Grand Levy. Newlown, Grand Levg. Mecock Ward, Rotbury, J. Morgan, Esq., ) „ ,j. . nu„, 6- } Hartford, L^has. sigourney, ^ •' ' Patrick Clark, Meriden, 3,642 Joseph Andrews, Wallingford, 6,905 S. Lockwood, New Milford, 12,000 Joel Holcomb, Granby, 10,792 S. Sloughton, Simsbury, 7,550 Leverett Judd, Bethlehem, 3,84! Sheldan C. Curtis, Esq., Derby, David Lambert, Wilton, 5,942 Wm. Robinson, Fairfield, 6,491 Archibald Perkins, Woodbridge, John T. Peters, Esq., Hebron. Asa Cb'apman, Esq., '< Benjamin Hurd, Gen. Matthias Nicoll,' S/ra«/brd, Burrage Beach, Esq., Cheshire, N. Smilh, Esq., J ^ „ Col. Wm. Mosely, I ¦^'"' ^''^"'• Evan M. Johnson, Pomfret, E. Beardsley, ifMn«mg«on,$!!,019 19 Fitch Rogers, Esq., Stamford, William Peet, Esq., Bridgeport, Timolhy Johnson, Esq., Branford, William Spencer, Guilford, Miles Newton, } rir . i Edmund Austin, \ ^aterhury, Andrew Lyon, Trumbull, Public service was attended in the Church. The Rev. Sturges GUbert read morning prayers, and u sermon was deliv ered by the Rev. Philander Chase. Rev. Philo Shelton took the chair, and opened tbe Convention in due form. Messrs. Asa Chapman, Burrage Beach, Matthias Nicoll, and Charles Sig ourney, were appointed a committee to inquire into the state of the Bishop's Fund, and report at tbe opening of the Convention in the afternoon. Adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M. Tuesday, 3 o'clock, P. M. Convention opened agreeably to adjournment. Tbe Rev. Philo Shellon and the Rev. Ashbel Baldwin were appointed a committee to ascertain the proportion of each Parish in this Diocese, agree ably to their respective lists, for raising tbe Bisbops's Fund, and transmit the same to all the Episcopal Parishes 'in the Diocese. On motion of Mr. Baldwin, Resolved, That the election of a Bishop be postponed uutil the last Wednesday in November next. Resolved, that the President return the thanks of this Convenlion to tbe Rev. Philander Chase, for his sermon delivered at the opening of the Con vention, and request a copy of the same for publication. Voted, the thanks of this Convention to the President and Secretary for their attendance and services. Convenlion adjourned until the last Wednesday of November next, tben to meet in the city of New Haven. ASHBEL BALDWIN, Secretary. NOVEMBER, 1813. At a meeting of the Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies of tbe Pro testant Episcopal Church of Connecticut, in Convention, holden in Trinity 80 Church, New Haven, agreeably to adjournment, ou Wednesday, the 24tb day of November, 1813 : PRESENT, Re Rev Roger Searle, Joseph D. Welton, Asa Cornwall, Virgil H. Barber, Belhel Judd, Jonathan Judd, Elijah G. Plumb, Benjamin Benham, Reuben Hubbard, Birdsey G. Noble, Deacon. S. N. Chas. Sigourney, Grand Levy. ,,. , , ^M t Hartford, Michael Olcotl, S Joseph Whiting, MUford, Samuel Sloughton, Simsbury, Foot, Northford, S. C. Curtis, Esq., Derby, 7,862 67 L. Brooks, North Haven, 3,010 00 . Dr. Tillotson Bronson, P.E.A., Philo Shelton, Ashbel Baldwin, Reuben Ives, Daniel Burhans, Calvin White. PhUander Chase, Menzies Rayner, Solomon Blakesley, Henry Whitiock, LAY DEPUTIES. Grand Levy. W. Johnson, Esq., Stratford, Smith, Esq., 5 ,. „ Col. Wm. Mosely, I ^™ "°^'"' Andrew Lyon, Trumbull, Daniel Putnam, Esq., Brooklyn, Amzi Talmadge, Plymouth, Samuel Lockwood, Neiv Milford, Morning prayers were read by the Rev. Benjamin Benham. The Bev. PhUo Shelton took ihe Chair, and opened the Convention, agree ably to adjournment. , On motion of Mr. Baldwin, Resolved, That ihe election of a Bishop be postponed." Voted, That the Tieasurer of the Bishop's Fund be requested lo visit the various Parishes in this Diocese, and lo receive from them the amount of moneys raised towards the Bishop's Fund ; and said Treasurer is authorized to take security for the payment of the same, as be may judge expedient, and report make to the next Convention. Voted, That the Trustees of said Fund be requested lo pay the Treasurer a reasonable compensation for bis expense and trouble in performing the above service. Convention adjourned, to meet al Woodbury, on the first Wednesday of June next. ASHBEL BALDWIN, Secretary. Whereas, the Rev. Russel Wheeler bas expressed his intention to resign his care of the Episcopal Church in Watertown ; and whereas, the parish ioners of said Church, in a regular adjourned meeting, held on the 12tb day of AprU, 1813, do declare that the said Rev. Russel Wheeler did forward to them a proposal, that there sbould be a dissolution of all pastoral conuection between him and them ; on which proposal the minds of the parishioners were taken, who did then pass a vote, that tbe said parishioners did acqui esce in bis request. The declaration and tbe vole taken thereon, having been transmitted to us, the undersigned, the Standing Committee of the Diocese, notice is hereby given to the members of the Parish of ihe Episcopal Church in Watertown, through the medium of their Wardens, of the concurrence of the ecclesias tical authority wilh their vote; and they are accordingly hereby notified, that tbe pastoral connection of ibe Rov. Russel Wheeler with them, is by us, the Standing Committee of the Diocese, henceforth dissolved. In con- €11 sequence of which, the Parish of the Episcopal Church in Watertown is lo tie considered as vacant from the date hereof. Done at a meeting of the Siauding Commitlee duly convened in New Ha ven, April 28th, 1813. TILLOTSON BRONSON, ) ASHBEL BALDWIN, ( Standing Committee. HENRY WHITLOCK, \ N. B. It is expected that the foregoing be entered on record in the Parish Register of the Episcopal Church in Watertown, as it is to be also on the Jeurnalsof the Convenlran. 1814. THIRTY-SECOND ANNUAL CONVENTION. Woodbury, June 1st, 1814. This being tbe day for the meeting of the annual and adjourned Conven- iinn of the Protestant Episcopal Churcb of Connecticut, the Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Delegates from the several Parishes in the Diocese, met at the house of the Rev. Joseph D. Welton, and from thence went in proces sion to St. Paul's Church, at 10 o'clock, A. M., when morning prayers were read by the Rev. Bethel Judd, and a sermon was delivered by tbe Rev. Daniel Burhans. After divine service was ended, the Rev. Philo Shelton opened the Con venlion. The Rev. Ashbel Baldwin and Mr. Charles Sigourney were requested to receive and examine the certificates of the Lay Delegates, and make report. Convention adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M. Wednesday, 3 o'clock. The House met. PRESENT, Rev. Dr. Tillotson Bronson, P. E.A. " Philo Shellou, " Ashbel Baldwin, " Reuben Ives, " Chauncey Prindle, " Daniel Burhans, " Bethel Judd, " Truman Marsh, " Philander Chase, " Menzies Rayner, " Benjamin Benham, Rev, Roger Searle, " David Baldwin, " Elijah G. Plumb, " Asa Cornwall, " Slurge? Gilbert, " Beuben Hubbaid, " Joseph D. Welton, " Frederick Holcomb, " Nathaniel Huse, " Isaac Jones, Birdsey G. Noble, Deacon, •' Jasper D. Jones, "Mr. Perry, Diocese of N. Y. Bev. Mr. Shelton took the chair, and the committee requested to examine 11 Joseph Nichols, > ^. ^ Benj. Curtis, Jr. ^ i ¦*¦ > Michael Olcoit,?^^^,^^^^ 19,000 C. Sigourney, ) 82 the certificates of the Lay Delegates, reported the following gemlemen duly elected : Grand Levy. ^ 9'"""^ n^K\ Mason Hobart, Branford, b,zm Eli Perry, Brookfield, 7,938 Gideon Starr, New Preston, 5.113 Abijah H. Hatch, Woodbury, 8,942 Nathaniel P. Perry, Kent, 7,811 Simeon, Munger, Reading, 11,881 David Lambert, Willoti, 6,000 Reuben Bunnel, Oxford, 9,000 Anson Tuule, Watertown, 12,282 James W. Allen, Bridgeport, 7,000 Andrew Beers, Danbury, 5,148 Isaac Thompson, Ntw London, Simeon H. Minor, Stamford, Wm. K. Lamson, Wateibury, 13,821 William 1. Street, Norwalk, Nathaniel Johnson, Humphreysville. Andrew Hillyer, Granby, 8,500 Jesse Linsley, North Branford, 1,661 Jedediah Lathrop, Guilford, 4,800 Briggs Ingersoll, Neiv Mil ford, 12,000 Wm. Mosely, ^ ^^ ^ 38,000 A. Kidsion, ^ Amos Squire, Roxbury, 6,700 T. Mitchell, Plymouth, St. Peters, 9,595 C. Gaylord, Plymouth, St. Matthews, 5,510 Moses Seymour, Litchfield, 25,601 The Rev. Ashbel Baldwin was chosen Secretary. Tbe following Rules of Order were adopted : Article 1st. The business of every day shall be introduced with prayer. 2d. When the President lakes the Chair, no member shall continue stand ing, or shall afterwards stand np, unless to address the Chair. 3d. No member shall absent himself from the service of tbe House, un less he have leave, or be unable to attend. 4th. When any member is about lo speak in debate, or deliver any matter to tbe House, he shall rise from his seat, and, wiihout advancing, shall, wilh due respecl. address himself to tbe President, confining himself strictly lo the point in debate- 5tb. No member shall speak more than twice in the same debate, without leave of the House. 6lb. A question, being once determined, shall stand as the judgment of tbe House, and shall not be again drawn into debate, unless wilh consent of two-thirds of the House. 7th. When the President is putting any question, no one shall hold private discourse, stand up, walk into, out of, or across tbe House, or read any book. 8lh. Every member who shall be in the House when any question is put, shall, on a division, be counted, when he is not particularly inleresled in ihe decision. 9ih. No molion shall be considered as before the House, unless it be sec onded, and reduced lo writing when required. 10th. When any question is before the House, it shall be determined on, before any thing new is introduced, except the question for adjournment. lltb. The queslion on a motion for adjournment shall be taken before any otber, and without debate. !2th. When the House is lo rise, every member shall keep his seat until the President leave the Chair. On motion. Resolved, That the President be requested lo prqsent the ihanks of this Convention to the Rev. Mr. Burhans for his sermon delivered at the opening of the session. The House adjourned until 8 o'clock lo-morrow morning. Thursday, 8 o'clock, A. M. The House met. Morning prayers were read by the Secretary. The Rev. Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Nathaniel P. Perry asked' iind obtained leave of absence during ihe remainder of the session. 83 The Rev. Messrs. Bronson, A.Baldwin, B. Judd, Whitlock, and Burhans, were elected, by baUot, Ihe S'anding Commiltee. On molion. Resolved, That the House be divided to vote by orders. In Convenlion of the Clergy of Ibe Protestant Episcopal Church in St. Paul's Church, Woodbury, June 2d, 1814: Resolved, That the present sitting of the Clerical Delegates be with closed doors. The following resolution was proposed, and adopted by taking the yeas and nays: Whereas, the fund contemplated for the support of a Bishop is not yet adequate to that purpose, therefore, _ Resolved, That is inexpedient to proceed 10 the election of a Bishop at this time. The yeas and nays being called for, were as follows: Ayes.— Rev. Dr. Bronson, Rev. Messrs. Shellon, Baldwin, Prindle, Ives, Marsh, Burhans, Chase, B. Judd, Searie. D. Baldwin, J. D. Jones, Hub bard, Welton, Holcomb, Huse, I. .Tones, Noble. Noes. — Rev. Messrs. Benham, Rayner, Plumb. The foregoing resolution was carried by the Secretary to the House of Lay Delegates, who returned it with iheir unanimous concurrence. The Lay Delegates again took their seats in the House. The commitlee appointed at the last Convention on the subject of a Mis sionary Society for this Slate, were discharged from any further services on that subject. The Rev. Belhel Judd, Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, Rev. Philo Shellon, and Samuel W. Johnson, and Burrage Beach, Esqrs., were appointed a commit tee on the subject of a Missionary Society for the Church in this Slate, lo report to the next Convenlion. On motion. Resolved, That the ihanks of this House be presented lo the President and Secretary. Convention adjourned to meet in the city of New Haven, on the 26th day of October next. PHILO SRELTON, President. AsuBEL Baldwin, Secretary. NOTITI^ PAROCHIALES. ST. PETER'S CHURCH, PLYMOUTH. REV. ROGER SEARLE, RECTOR. Families, 84; communicants, 157; baptisms, 19; marriages,4; death,!. ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, PLYMOUTH. EEV. ROGER SEARLE, RECTOR. Families, 52; communicants, 82; baptisms, 6; death, 1. TRINITY CHURCH, FAIRFIELD, AND ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, BRIDGEPORT. REV. PHILO SHELTON, EECTOE. New communicants, 16; baptisms, .50; marriages, 12; deaths, 17. ST. JAMES' CHURCH, DANBURY. KEV. EEUBEN HUBBARD, EECTOR. Communicants, 30; n'eW do., 5; baptisms, adijlts,2, infants, 16, total, 18; arriages, 6; deaths, 4. 84 CHURCH, READING. REV. REUBEN HUBBARD, RECTOR. Communieahts, 60; new do., 3; baptisms, infants, 6; marriages,- 2;; deaths, 8. CHURCH, RIDGEFIELD. REV. REUBEN HUBBARD, EECTOR. Communicants, 67; new do., 7; baptisms, adalt, 1, infants, 9, total, TO? marriages, 5; deaths, 4. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NEW MILFORD. REV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, RECTOR. Families, 72; communicants, 50; new do., 3; baptisms, 13; marriages,. 3; deaths, 6. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, BROOKFIELD. REV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, EECTOR. Families about 70; communicants, 50; new do., 3; baptisms, 5;; deaths, 1. CHURCH, BRIDGEWATER. EEV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, EECTOE. Families, about 28; communicants, 15; baptisms,!; marriages, 3. TRINITY CHURCH, NEWTOWN. REV. DANIEL BURHANS, RECTOR. Families, 233; baptisms, adults, 3, infants, 30, total, 33; marriages, 20 r- new communicants, 27; deaths, 15 — eleven of which were communicants. CHRIST CHURCH, MIDDLETOWN. EEV. BIRDSEY G. NOBLE, DEACON. Communicants, 85; baptisms, 12; marriages, 3; deaths, 7. ASSOCIATED CHURCH IN LITCHFIELD. REV. TRUMAN BIARSH, EECTOR ; REV. ISAAC JONES, ASSISTANT MINISTER.- Families, 217; communicants, 103; new do., 21 j baptisms, 40; mar riages, 7; deaths, 12. CHURCHES IN SHARON, KENT, NEVV PRESTON, AND WASHINGTON. REV. STURGES GILBERT, RECTOR. Communicants, 80; baptisms, infants, 67, adults, 18, total, 85; marria ges, 6; death, 1. CHURCH, BRANFORD. EEV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, EECTOR. Families about 60 ; communicants about 36; baptisms, 20 ; marriages, 8 5 deaths, 3. CHURCH, NORTHFORD. REV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, RECTOR. Families, about 18; communicants, 15. CHURCH, NORTH BRANFORD. REV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, RECTOR. Families, 17; communicants, 6; death,!. CHURCH, EAST HAVEN. REV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, RECTOR. Families, 31 ; communicants, 21 ; baptisms, 10; deaths, 3. 85 CHURCH, MILFORD. REV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, EECTOR. FamUies, 32; communicants, 12; baptisms, 6. CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD. EEV. PHILANDER CHASE, RECTOR. FamUies, 70; communicants, 80; infants baptized within the Parish, 23, ¦without the Parish, 13; adults baptized within ihe Parish, 9, withoul the Parish, 2; marriages, 4; funerals, 5. CHRIST CHURCH, STRATFORD. REV. ASHBEL BALDWIN, EECTOR. Families added lo the Church, 5; communicanls, 76; new do., 4; bap tisms, 10; marriages, 14; deaths, 12. TRINITY CHURCH, TRUMBULL. EEV. ASHBEL BALDWIN, EECTOR. Families, 71; communicants, 74; baptisms, 12; marriages, 5; deaths, 6. Whereas, the Rev. Virgil H. Barber has expressed his intention to resign his care of the Episcopal Church in Waterbury; and whereas, the parish ioners of said Church, in a regular meeting, held on the 2d day of May, 1814, do declare that the said Rev. VirgilH. Barber did forward to them a proposal, that there should be a dissolution of all pastoral connection between bim and them ; on which proposal the minds of the parishioners were taken, who did then pass a vote, that the said parishioners did acquiesce in his request. The declaration and tbe vote taken thereon, having been transmitted lo us, the undersigned, the Standing Committee of the Diocese, notice is hereby given to tbe members of St. John's Church, Waterbury, through the medi um of their Wardens, of the concurrence of the ecclesiastical authority with their vote; and they are accordingly hereby notified, that the pastoral con nection of the Rev. Virgil H. Barber with them, is by us, the Standing Committee of the Diocese, henceforth dissolved. In consequence of which, the Parish of the Episcopal Church in Waterbury is to be considered as va cant from the date hereof. Done at a meeting of the Standing Commiltee, duly convened in New Haven, May 12lb, 1814. TILLOTSON BRONSON, ) ASHBEL BALDWIN, HENRY WHITLOCK, } Standing Commitlee. DANIEL BURHANS, | BETHEL JUDD, j N. B. It is expected that the foregoing be entered on record in the Parish records of the Episcopal Church in Waterbury, as it is lo be also on the Journals of the Convention. Whereas, the Rev. Charles Seabury has expressed his intention lo resign his care of ibeEpiscopal Church, in New London ; and whereas, the parish ioners of said Church, in a regular meeting, held on the 26th day of May, 1814, do declare that the said Rev. Chas. Seabury did forward lo them a pro posal, that there should be a dissolution of all pastoral conneclions between him and them ; on which proposal, the minds of the parishioners were taken, who did then pass a vote, that the said parishioners did acquiesce in his re quest. — The declaration and ihe vote taken thereon, having been transmitted to us, the undersigned, the Standing Committee of the Diocese — notice is hereby given to the members of the Parish of tbe Episcopal Churcb, ia 86 New Loildon, through the medium of their Wardens, of the concurrence of the ecclesiaslical authority, with their vote, and they are accordingly hereby notified, that the pastoral connection of ihe Rev. Charles Seabury with them, is by us, the Standing Committee of the Diocese, henceforth dissolved. — In consequence of which, the Parish of the Episcopal Church in New Lon don is to be con-iidered as vacant from the date hereof. Done at a meeting of the Standing Commiltee, duly Convened in New Haven, Jane 4th, 1814. TILLOTSON BRONSON, 1 ASHBEL BALDWIN, | HENRY WHITLOCK, )¦ Standing Committee. DANIEL BURHANS, BETHEL JUDD, J N. B. It is expected thai the above be entered on record irt the Parish Register of the Episcopal Church in New London, as it is to be also on the Journals of the Convention. OCTOBER, 1814. At a meeting of the Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies of the Dio cese of Connecticut, in Convenlion holden in Trinity Chuich, New Haven, by adjournment, on the 26ih day of October, 1814: PRESENT, Rev. Roger Searle, " David Baldwin, " Elijah G. Plumb, " Reuben Hubbard, " Joseph D. Welton, " Frederick Holcomb, " Birdsey G. iNoble, Deacon, " David Belden, " Alpheus Geer, " Rev. Dr. William Smilh, " " Tillotson Bronson, P.E.A., " Philo Shellon, " Ashbel Baldwin, " Reuben Ives, " Daniel Burhans, " Calvin While, " Menzies Rayner, " Belhel Judd, " Jonathan Judd, Rev. Mr. Rudd, from Uie State of New York. Rev. Aaron Humphrey, (Deacon,) from Massachusetts. Divine service vyas attended in Trinity Church, at 10 o'clock, A. M. Rev. Menzies Rayner read morning prayers, and the Rev. Belhel Judd delivered a sermon. After divine service was ended, the Rev. Philo Shelton, as President, opened the Convention in due form, agreeably to the adjournment, and ihe following gentlemen took their seals as members: Grand Levy. Chas. Sigourney, Samuel Tudor, Richard Welton, Wm. K. Lamson, Wm. Mosely, Hartford, \ Waterbury, Wm. Mosely, ? „ „ Andrew Kidsion, I ^"^ ^^«"^''' Grand Levy. Andrew Hillyer, Simsbury, Jedediah Lathrop, Guilford, Briggs Ingersoll, Neiv Milford, Burrage Beach, Cheshire, S. W. Johnson, Stratford, $10,200 William Allen, Brooklyn, 87 Grand Levy. Samuel Sloughton, Granby, 7,560 Thomas Mitchell, St. P. Plymouth, Mason Hobart, Branford, Simeon H. Minor, Stamford, James W.Allen, Bridgeport, Samuel Whiting, Redding, 11,881 Gideon Starr, New Preston, Abijah H. Hatch, Woodbury, David Lambert, Wilton, Reuben, Bunnell, Oxford, Anson Tuttle, Waierlown, Grand Levy, WUliam T. Street, Norwalk, Ezia Dayton, Glastenbury, 9,274 John Russell Woodbridge, Heniy Ward, West Haven, Joel Bradley, Hanvinton, John Potter, Northford, W. H. Haughton, New London, 6,747 Agur Beardslev, Huntington, 15,000 John Andrews', Wallingford, 6,121 David ChurchUl, Chatham. Rev. Daniel Burhans and Burrage Beach, Esq., were appointed a com mittee to liquidate the accounts of the Rev. Mr. Baldwin with the Conven tion, and make report. Resolved, That all Clergymen belonging to the Episcopal Churcb, who are not members of this Convenlion, be requested lo take their seats as hon orary members of the same. Rtsolved, Thai Mr. Ezra Dayton be permitted to take his seat as Lay Deputy from the Church in Glastenbury, and that ihe Standing Committee be requested lo inform said Church, that no Parish in this Diocese can be en tiUed lo a Lay Representation, who shall employ a degraded Clergyman. Convention adjourned until 2 o'clock, P. M. Wednesday, 2 o'clock, P. M. The commutee appointed lo liquidate the accounts of the Rev. Mr. Bald win, made the following report: — We the subscribers, being appointed a committee, by the Convenlion, to audit the accouuls of the Rev, Ashbel Baldwin, as Treasurer, beg leave to report, that we have examined said accounts, and the vouchers exhibited lo us, and we do find that there is due from the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, as a bal ance, the sum of four pounds, seven shillins;s and four pence. DANIEL BURHANS, ) „ BURRAGE BEACH, ( Commiltee. October 26, 1814. The foregoing report was read and accepted. Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, Bev. Daniel Burhans, and Col. William Mosely, were appointed a committee lo audit the accounts with the Right Rev. Bish op Hobart and Oliver Steele &(, Co., respecting the Churchman's Magazine. Mr. Johu IJ. Jacocks was appointed Treasurer of the Convention. On motion. Resolved, That the President be requested to reiurn the thanks of tbe Convenlion to the Rev. Bethel Judd, for his sermon delivered at the opening of the Convenlion. Resolved, That the Standing Committee be directed, upon application from any Church or Churches in this Diocese, to request any Bishop in the Uni ted States to attend an Episcopal visitation among them. The committee appointed at the last Convention, on the subject of a Mis sionary Society for ihe Protestant Episcopal Church in this Slate, beg leave to report the following Constitution for the establishment of said Society. PREAMBLE. We, ihe members of the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Stale of Connecticut, sensible of ihe importance of extending a knowl edge of our holy religion, and with a desire lo contribute to that object, do associate, with the name or title of the Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Slate of Connecticut, and agree lo the following Constitution : — 88 Article 1st. The Bishop, Clergy, and Lay Deputies from the several Parishes in this State, who shall annually pay, on the first Wednesday of June, tbe sum of one dollar, shall be members of this Society. Art. 2d. Hononiry members may be admitted, by paying the sum of one dollar annually. Art. 3d. The sum of ten dollars sbaU be deemed equivalent tothe annual subscription of one dollar. Art. 4tb. Tbe President of the Convenlion shall be, ex officio. President of the Society. It shall be his duty to give notice of the meeting of the So ciety, and 10 preside in the same. Art. 5th. The Secretary of the Convention shall be the Secretary of the Society, who shall keep a record of all their proceedings. Art. 6th. The Treasurer of the Convention shall be the Treasurer of the Society. It shall be his duty to receive all moneys, keep an account of the same, to pay them by order of the President, and to report lo the Society annually Ihe slate of tbe funds. Art. 7th. The Standing Committee of the Convention shall be the Man agers of this Society. It shall be their duty to elect proper persons for Mis sionaries; and, with the advice and consent of the President, to direct them in what place or places they shall officiate; and lo apportion to them such sums as they may think expedient, and to report to the Society annually a statement of tbeir proceedings. Art. 8th. The Managers of this Society may apply such a portion of their funds for the educalion of young men for the Ministry, as they may think expedient. Art. 9th. This Constitution may be altered or amended, at any regular meeting of the Society, three-fourths of the members present concurring in the same. ASHBEL BALDWIN, 1 SAMUEL W. JOHNSON, | BURRAGE BEACH, ^ Committee. PHILO SHELTON, | BETHEL JUDD, J The foregoing report was read and accepted. Voted, the ihanks of tbe Convention to the President and Secretary for their attendance and services. Convenlion adjourned until the first Wednesday of June next, then to meet in the city of Middletown. PHILO SHELTON, President. Ashbel Baldwin, Secretary. 1815. THIRTY-THIRD ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a meeting of the Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies of the Dio cese of Connecticut, in Convenlion, holden in Christ Church, Middletown, cn the 7th day of June, 1815; 89 feev. PhUo Shelton, " Ashbel Baldwin, " Tillotson Bronson, P. " Reuben Ives, " Daniel Burhans, " Truman Marsh, " Bethel Judd, " Smilh Miles, " Menzies Rayner, '• Jonathan Judd, " Roger Searie, " PhUander Chase, " Benjamin Benham, " Solomon Blakesley, " David Baldwin, PRESENT, Rev. Elijah G. Plumb, " Reuben Hubbard, E. A., " Isaac Jones, " Asa CornwaU, " Joseph D. Welton, " Frederick Holcomb, " Birdsey G. Noble, " Alpheus Gear, " Harry CrosweU, " Jasper D. Jones, " David Belden, Deacon, " Aaron Humphrey, " " Reuben Sherwood, " " Ezekiel Gear, •' VISITING BRETHREN. Right Rftv. Alexander V. Griswold, Bishop of the Eastern Diocfese. Rev. Messrs. Seth Hart, David Butler, ahd Joseph Prentite, from the Stale of New York. A proce.ssion was formed by tbe Clergy and Lay Deputies, and moved from the house of the Bev. Mr. Noble to Christ Church, vvhen morning prayers were read by the Bev. Jonathan Judd, and a sermon was delivered by the Rev. Menzies Rayner. After divine service, the Rev. Philo Shelton, being the eldest Presbyter present, took his seat as President, and opened the Convention in due form. Certificates of the appointment of Lay Depiiiies from the several Parishes in the Diocese having been examined, the following persons were admitted to a seat in the Convention : Grand Levy. Richarii Alsop, Middletown, $12,689 S. W. Johnson, Stratford, 11,500 Buirage Beach, Cheshire, 9,500 Benj. Hard, i j^.^t^wn, 37,403 Ezra Glover, ^ Hezk'h Thomas, Woodbridge, 11,086 Samuel Tyler, Northford, Thelus Todd, Northford, Wm. Mosely, ' A. Kidsion, Joseph Griffin, Guilford, Samuel Pardee, Soulhington, Ambrose Ives, Woleott, Jeremiah Boyce, Plymouth, Walter Sherwood, Fairfield, N. Johnson, Humphreysville, Joel Bradley, Harwintoni C. Brainard, East Haddam, James Keelei-, Norwalk, 3,700 1,500 New Haven, 39,099 5,000 5,6005,332 5,3106,8883,303 4,500 6,350 16,000 Grand Levy. Elijah Burnett, Bridgeport, 7,000 Eben'r Benedict, Danbury, 4,786 Daniel Putnam, Brooklyn, 4,950 Amasa Bradley, Hamden, 3,467 Nathan HubbeU, Trumbull, 10,150 James Lambert, Wilton, 6,000 Nath'l CornwaU, Chatham, 8,000 Holbrook Curtis, Watertovnt, Noah Warner, Plymouth; 9j500 Daniel Steele, Waterbiiry, Lewis Clark, N. Killinginorth, 4,500 James Moody, Woodbury, J. Starr, Jr., New London, 6,500 Patrick Clark, Meriden, 4,496 S. Nobles, New Milford, 11,142 Moses Seymour, Litchfield, 28,632 John S. Peters, Hebron, 7,030 Jeremiah Halsey, Preston, 4,000 Charles Sigourney, Hartford, 18,179 Rev. Ashbel Baldwin was chosen Secretary. Resolved, That the Lay Deputies from Watertown, Waterbury, and Wood bury, be permitted to take their seats as riiembers of this Convention, on their engagement to transmit to the Secretary an authenticated certificate Of their appointment, as also the Grand Levy of their respective Parishes. Convention adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M. 12 90 Wednesday, 3 o'clock, P. ffif. Convention opened agreeaby to adjournment. The Rev. Mr. Chase and the Rev. Mr. Bronson were appointed a com mhtee to wait on the Right Rev. Bishop Griswold, and request him to take' a seat in the Convention. Mr. Garrit Smith handed in his resignation as Trustee of the Episcopal Academy, which was accepted. Holbrook Curtiss, Esq., of Watertown, was appointed a Trustee in the Academy. Resolved, That the Rev. Seth Hart, Bev. David BuUer, and Rev. Joseph Prentice, from the Diocese of New York, be requested to take tbeir seats in this Convention, as honorary Members. The Rev. Dr. Bronson, Rev. Mr. Marsh, Burrage Beach, Esq., and Mr. Alsop, were appointed a committee to report on tbe delegation from Hebron and Groton. Tbe Rules of Order adopted in Convention of June, 1814, were adopted as tbe Rules of this House. Mr. Noah M. Bronson sent in his resignatiou as Trustee of the Episcopal Academy, which was accepted. Mr. John S. Cannon, of Bridgeport, was appointed a Trustee in the Epis copal Academy. Rev. Mr. Bronson, Rev. Mr. Shelton, and Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, were appointed the Standing Committee. Rev. Mr. Chase and the Hon. Samuel Wm. Johnson were appointed a commiltee to return tbe ihanks of this House, to the Right Rev. Bishop Griswold, for his sermon delivered at an ordination held in Christ Church, Middletown, on the 5th day of May, 1815, and request a copy of tbe same for publication. Resolved, That the President return the ihanks of the Convention to the Rev. Mr. Rayner, for his sermon delivered before the House this day. Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Chase, the Hon. Mr. Johnson, and Rev. Mr. Judd, be requested lo draft a Constitution for the establishment of a Charita ble Society, for tbe relief of widows and orphans of deceased Clergymen belonging lo this Diocese. Rev. Mr. CrosweU, Rev. Mr. Shelton, and Rev. Mr. Plumb, were ap pointed a committee lo draft a Constitution of a Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, for the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, Rev. Mr. Chase, Rev. Mr. Judd, Rev. Mr. Shel ton, and Rev. Mr. Burhans, were appointed a delegation to attend the Con vention of the Diocese of New York. Deacon Sherwood obtained leave of absence during the remainder of the session. Convention adjourned until 8 o'clock to morrow morning. Tuesday, 8 o'clock, A. M. Morning prayers read by the Secretary. Convention opened agreeably to adjournment. The commitlee appointed on the delegation from Hebron and Groton, made the following report: The committee appointed to confer with Col. Jeremiah Halsey, from the Parish of Groton, and Doctor John S. Peters, from Hebron, claiming seats in the Convention, and lo lake into consideration the circumstances of those Parishes, relative to their connection with Mr. Ammi Rogers, respectfuUv report — » i- j That after due attention to the business of their appointment, they are of opinion, that those gentlemen be permitted to take their seats in this present 91 Convention. This opinion has been founded on the consideration, that the rarishea from whence they came, bave not hhherto been correcUy informed relative to the true situation and standing of Mr. Rogers. And furthermore, they find precedents on the Journals of former Conventions of a Uke indul gence in the same or similar situations. (Signed by order,) TILLOTSON BRONSON, Chairman. The foregoing report was read and accepted. Resolved, That the several Clergymen in this Diocese be requested lo offi ciate in the vacant Parishes of the same, one or more Sundays annually, under the direction of the Standing Committee. On motion. Resolved, That it is expedient for the Clergy now to proceed eo the election of a Bishop. In consequence of the foregoing resolution, and on motion, Resolved, That this House now divide. The Lay Deputies accordingly retired. In Convention of the Clergy of the Protestant Episcopal Church, Resolved, That it is expedient now to proceed to the election of a Bishop. The votes being taken and counted, were as follows: Rev. John Croes, 10, Scattering, 17. Rev. John Croes, 14, Scattering, 13. The Rev. John Croes, of New Brunswick, in the Slate of New Jersey, was declared to be duly and canonically elected. The Rev. Philander Chase, Rev. Mr. CrosweU, and Rev. Dr. Bronson, were appointed a committee to communicate the foregoing proceedings of this House lo the House of Lay Deputies. The following communication was made from tbe House of Lay Deputies : State or Connecticut, Middletown, June 8, 1815. The Lay Delegates of the Convenlion, having retired to Washington Ho tel, the Hon. Samuel W. Johnson was chosen Chairman, and Burrage Beach, Secretary. Adjourned to meet at this place half after 2 o'clock, P. M. Met agreeably lo adjournment. A message was received from the House of Clerical Delegates, stating that they had elecied the Rev. John Croes, D. D., of New Brunswick, in the State of New Jersey, Bishop of this Diocese. Whereupon, Resolved, by this House, that the election of the Rev. John Croes, D. D., as Bishop of this Diocese, be, and the same is hereby approved ; and that the Hon. Samuel W. Johnson, Burrage Beach, and Charles Sigourney, be a committee to communicate the doings of this House to the House of Cler ical Delegates. BURRAGE BEACH, Secretary. The Lay Deputies having resumed their seats in the Convenlion — The Rev. Mr. Shelton, Rev. A. Baldwin, Hon. Samuel W. Johnson, and Burrage Beach, Esq., were appointed a committee to make a communica tion from this Convention, to the Rev. John Croes, D. D. Messrs. Mosely, Kidsion, Benedict, Nobles, Clark, and Cornwall, ob tained leave of absence during the remainder of this session. Resolved, That Capt. Alexander Stewart, of Jewell's City, be admitted a seat as honorary member. A petition signed by a number of persons from Jewett's City was read : Whereupon, Resolved, That the petitioners have leave to withdraw the same. Whereas, it is enjoined by the 45th Canon of this Church, that every Min ister of the same shall present, or forward, at every annual Convention, to the Bishop of the Diocese, or when there is no Bishop, to the President of 92 the Convention, a statement of the number of Baptisms, Marriages, and Funerals, and the number of Communicants in his Parish, and of all other matters that may throw light on the state of the same. Thereupon Resolved, Il shall be tbe duty of the President of the Convention, to ad monish all such Clergymen who neglect to comply with said Canon, unless he assigns some satisfactory reasons for such neglect. Whereas, it is represented to this Convention, that the inhabitants of Jew ell's City have erected a Church, and organized themselves into an Episco pal Society, and they are desirous of being admitted as a regular Church in this Diocese : Resolved, That upon proper application by the Wardens and Vestry of said Church, to the Standing Committee, showing that they have conformed with the Rules and Canons of tbe Church of this Diocese, that they be rec ognized as one of tbe Churches thereof. The Rev. Dr. Bronson, Rev. Mr. Burhans, and Burrage Beach, Esq., were appointed a committee to confer wilh the Wardens, Vestry, and Pa rishioners, of the Parishes of Hebron, Groton, and Jewell's City, on such subjects as relate to their peace, union, and communion with tbe ecclesiasti cal authority, and Convention in this Diocese, with leave to report to the next Convenlion. Rev. Harry CrosweU was appointed a trustee of the Episcopal Academy Voted, the thanks of this Convenlion be presented to the President and Secretary for their attendance and services. Convention adjourned without day. PHILO SHELTON, President. Ashbel Baldwin, Secretary. NOTITIiE PAROCHIALES. CHRIST CHURCH, STRATFORD. EEV. ASHBEL BALDWIN, EECTOE. Families, 79; communicants, 80; new do., 4; baptisms, 6; marriages, 15; funerals, 13. TRINITY CHURCH, TRUMBULL. REV. ASHBEL BALDWIN, EECTOE. Families, 80; communicants, 78 ; new do., 2; baptisms, 12; marriages, 4 ; deaths, 6. TRINITY CHURCH, NEW HAVEN. REV. HAERY CROSWELL, RECTOR. From January, 1815, to June, 1815,— baptisms, 30, Marriages, 3 ; fune rals, 7. TRINITY CHURQH, NEWTOWN. EEV. DANIEL BURHANS, RECTOR. Communicants, 290; baptisms, infants, 46, adults, 2; total, 48; new communicants, 21 ; marriages, 18 ; funerals, 18. CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD. REV. PHILANDER CHASE, EECTOE. Communicants, 100; baptisms within the Parish, adults, 7, infants 17— out of the Parish, adult, 1, infants, 6; marriages, 3; deaths, 4. ' 93 TRINITY CHURCH, FAIRFIELD. EEV. PHILO SHELTON, EECTOE. FamUies, 50; communicants, 60; new do., 5; baptisms, infants, 17; adult, 1 ; marriages, 1 ; funerals, 2. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, BRIDGEPORT. KEV. PHILO SHELTON, RECTOR. FamUies, 60; communicants, 60; baptisms, 12; marriages, 7; fune- i:als, 6. CHRIST CHURCH, MIDDLETOWN. REV. BIRDSEY G. NOBLE. Communicants, 90; baptisms, 24; marriages, 2; funerals, 5. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NEW MILFORD. EEV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, EECTOR. Families, 75; communicants, 50; new do,, !; baptisms, 8; marriages, 2 ; funerals, 4. CHRIST CHURCH, BROOKFIELD. EEV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, RECTOR. Families, 70; communicants, 50, new do., 2; baptisms,9; marriages, 7. CHURCH, BRIDGEWATER. EEV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, EECTOR. Families, 27; communicants, 36; new do., 2; baptisms,!. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, RIPTON, AND ST. PETER'S CHURCH, NEW STRATFORD. EEV. MENZIES EAYNER, RECTOR. Families, 150 ; communicants, 72 ; baptisms, 18; marriages, 9; deaths, 10. ASSOCIATED CHURCHES IN LITCHFIELD. EEV. TRUMAN MAESH, RECTOR ; REV. ISAAC JONES, ASSISTANT. Families, 220 ; communicanls, 140; new do., 15; baptisms, 52; mar riages, 16; funerals, 14. ST. JAMES' CHURCH, DANBURY. REV. EEUBEN HUBBARD, EECTOR. Communicants, 31 ; new do., 3; baptisms, 15; marriages, 5; funerals, 6. CHRIST CHURCH, REDDING. REV. REUBEN HUBBARD RECTOR. Communicants. 58; new do., 3; baptisms, 11; fiineral, 1. CHURCH, RIDGEFIELD. EEV. EEUBEN HUBBARD, EECTOR. Communicants, 67 ; new do., 1 ; baptisms, 2 ; marriage, 1 ; funerals, 2 ; baptisms in the State of New York, 7. I regret not to have found any Parish records in either of these Parishes. I can find no record of baptisms, marriages, burials, or the names of any Communicants. ST. PETER'S CHURCH, PLYMOUTH. EEV. ROGER SEARLE, EECTOE. Families, 82; communicants, 131; baptisms, 15; marriage, 1; fune rals, 10, 94 ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, PLYMOUTH. EEV. ROGER SEARLE, RECTOR. FamUies, 57; communicants, 82; baptisms, 12; marriage, 1 ; funerals, 9. CHRIST CHURCH, OXFORD. REV. AARON HUMPHREY, EECTOR. Communicants, 43; baptisms, 12; marriages, 2; funerals, 3. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, WATERBURY. EEV. ALPHEUS GEAE, EECTOR. Communicants, 11; baptisms, adults, 3, infants, 25; marriages, 3; fune rals, 4, CHURCH, SALEM. REV. ALPHEUS GEAR, RECTOR. Baptisms, 3; marriage, 1 ; deaths, 3. CHRIST CHURCH, GUILFORD. REV. DAVID BALDWIN, EECTOR. Communicants, 33; baptisms, 12; marriage, I; funerals, 3. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NORTH GUILFORD. REV. DAVID BALDWIN, EECTOR. Communicants, 31 ; baptisms, adult, 1, infants, 17; marriage, 1. UNION CHURCH, NORTH KILLINGWORTH. REV. DAVID BALDWIN, RECTOR. Communicants, 39, baptisms, adult, 3, infants, 12; marriages, 5; fune rals, 2. No material alteration in these Parishes during the last year, excepting there have been a number of removals. Whereas, the Rev. Solomon Blakesley has expressed his intention to re sign his care of the Episcopal Churcb, in East Haddam; and whereas, the parishioners of said Church, in a regular meeting, held on the day of do declare that the said Solomon Blakesley did forward to them a pro posal, that there should be a dissolution of all pastoral connections between him and them ; on which proposal, the minds of the parishioners were taken, who did then pass a vole, that the said parishioners did acquiesce in his re quest. — The declaration and the vote taken thereon, having been transmitted to us, tbe undersigned, the Standing Committee of the Diocese — notice is hereby given to the members of Church, through the medium of their W^ardens, of the concurrence of the ecclesiastical authority, wilh their vote, and they are accordingly hereby notified, that the pastoral con nection of the Rev. Solomon Blakesley, with them, is by us, the Standing Commitlee of tbe Diocese, henceforth dissolved. — In consequence of which, the Episcopal Church in East Haddam is to be considered as vacant from the date hereof. Done at a meeting of the Standing Commiltee, duly convened in Mid dletown, June 8th, 1815. TILLOTSON BRONSON, ) ASHBEL BALDWIN, ). Standing Committee. PHILO SHELTON, ) N. B. It is expected that the foregoing be entered on record in the Parish Register of the Episcopal Church in East Haddam, as it is to be also on the Journals of the Convention. 95 1816. THIRTY-FOURTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. At a meeting of the Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies of the Pro testant Episcopal Church in Connecticut, in Convention holden in Trinity Church, New Haven, the 5th of June, 1816: PRESENT, Rev. Dr. Tillotson Bronson, P. E.A " " William Smith, " PhUo Shellou, " Ashbel Baldwin, " Reuben Ives, " Chauncey Prindle, " Daniel Burhans, " Truman Marsh, " Bethel Judd, " Smith MUes, " Menzies Rayner, " Jonathan Judd, '' Roger Searle, " Benjamin Benham, " Solomon Blakesley, " David Baldwin, A procession was formed Rev. Elijah G. Plumb, " Reuben Hubbaid, " Isaac Jones, " Asa Cornwall, A. E. A , " Jasper D. Jones, " Joseph D. Welton, " Sturges Gilbert, " Frederick Holcomb, " Nathaniel Huse, " Birdsey G. Noble, " Alpheus Gear, " Harry CrosweU, " Aaron Humphrey, " Reuben Sherwood, Deacon, " William J. Bulkley, '¦¦ " David Belden, " by the Clergy and Lay Deputies, and moved to Trinity Churcb, where morning prayers were read by the Rev. Roger Searle, and a sermon was delivered by the Rev. Jonathan Judd. After di vine service, tbe Rev. Philo Shellon, being the oldest Presbyter present, (agreeably to the Constitution,) took his seat as President, and opened the Convention in due form. Certificates of the appointment of Lay Deputies from the several Par ishes in the Diocese having- been examined, the following persons were ad mitted to a seat in the Convention : Grand Levy. Burrage Beach, Cheshire, $13,513 Chas. Sigourney, } jj^^^j^^^ 22,600 Sam'l Tudor, Jr. ^ •' ' Samuel W. Johnson, Stratford, Simeon H. Minot, Stamford, 11,008 David Tomlinson, Brookfield, 9,030 John Alsop, Middletown, 12,051 Charles Merriman, Watertown,14,053 Walter Sherwood, Fairfield, 6,047 Samuel Bloys, Bethlem, 3,500 Seth P. Beers, Litchfield, 29,113 Amos Squire, Roxbury, 7,800 Chas. B. Phelps, Woodbury, 11,847 Joel Stone, Danbury, 5,235 E. Boardman, New Milford, 12,000 Jonathan Star, Jr. N. London, 7,500 Wm. Mosely ? ^. ^-^^^ 41373 Andrew Kidston, S Grand Levy. Asa Chapman, >^^^ 37,848 Philo Curtis, ^ ' Henry Ward, West Haven, Agur Edwards, Trumbull, Ainbrose Ives, Woleott, Nathaniel Wooster, Oxford, Asa Hoadley, Waterbury, Stiles Goodsell, New Preston, Samuel Pardee, Soulhington, Albert Todd, Northford, Nathaniel Cornwall, Chatham, 8,620 T. Hubbard, North Guilford, 3,202 Isaac Sperry, Woodbridge, Richard Adams, Norwich, Asahel R. Belts, Wilton, Charles Nichols, Bridgeport, Henry Belden, Norwalk, S. T. Tallmadge, Plymouth, 5,167 5,3009,000 13,663 5,000 3,500 1,545 11,668 3,845 6,2416,200 16,319 9,406 &6 Grand Levy. William Allen, Brooklyn, 4,900' Grand Ltvy. John Andrews, Wallingford, Frederick Lee, Guilford, 5,000 The Rev. PHILO SHELTON, President. The President declared the Convention lo be duly organized. On motiofi. Resolved, That Messrs. Garry Bacon, of Woodbury, Asa Cur tis, of Stratford, Miles Newton, of Waterbury, Samuel Tyler, of Norwich,, Shadrach Osborn, of Soulhbury, aud George Leonard, from the State of Massachusetts, be admitted to an honorary seat during the session. Resolved, That the Secretary be chosen by ballot. The President having called for the votes for Secretary, and the same be ing counted, it was declared that the Rev. Ashbel Baldwin was duly elected. On molion by Mr. Baldwin, Resolved, That an assistant Secretary be chosen by nomination. Burrage Beach, Esq. was accordingly elected. Convention adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M. Wednesday, 3 o'clock, P. M. Met agreeably to adjournment. Resolved, That the Rules of Order of June, 1814, be adopted as the Rules' of Order of this Convention. Resolved, That the doings of the last annual Convention be now read ; and that in future, at each annual Convention, after reading the Rules of Order,- ihe doings of the last preceding Convention shall also be read. Resolved, That the commitlee appointed at the last Convenlion, on the subject of a Charilable Society, for the relief of widows and orphans of de ceased Clergymen, be continued, and requested to report to the next Con vention. Rev. Dr. Bronson, Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, and Rev. Philo Shelton, were appointed the Standing Committee for the year ensuing. John H. JaCbcks was elected Treasurer of the Convenlion for the yeai" ensuing. Resolved, That the President present the thanks of the Convention to the Rev. Jonathan Judd, for the sermon he has this day deUvCred before thd Convention. Adjourned until 8 o'clock lo-morrow morning. June 6th, 8 o'clock, A. M. Convenlion opened agreeably to adjournment. Morning prayers were read by the Secretary. Resolved, That the special committees of this Convention be hereafter ap pointed by the President. Resolved, That, hereafter, the officers of this Diocese, with the exception of special Committees, shall be appointed by ballot. Resolved, That, hereafter, every Parish within this Diocese shall be enti Ued to send one Lay Deputy to the Convention ; and if the list of any Par ish exceeds tbe sum of ten thousand dollars, such Parish shall be entiUed to' send two. Mr. John H. JacoCks gave informatiob fo this Hoiise, that he should de cline accepling the appointment of Treasurer to the Convention. Col. William Mosely was appointed Treasurer of the Convention. On motion. Resolved, That it is inexpedient at this time to piroceed to aii election of a Bishop for this Diocese. Resolved, unanimously. That an invitation be given to the Rt. Rev. Johii Henry Hobart, Bishop of the Diocese of the State of New York, to visik and perform the Episcopal' Offices in this Diocese, according; to the 20th- Canon of this Church. 97 Resolved, That the Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, Hon. Samuel W. Johnson, Rev. Harry CrosweU, and Burrage Beach, Esq., be a commitlee to give such invitatitin; and on his accepting such trust, to stipulate, on behalf of this Convention, to pay him a meet compensation for his services. Resolved, That the Clergy and Lay Deputies of this Convention be ear nesUy requested to use their best endeavors lo influence their respective Par ishes to a fuU performance of their duty, in paying, or securing lo be paid, (where such Parishes have not already done so,) the sums assessed on them by the Convention of 1813, for increasing the fund for the support of a Bish op in this Diocese. Resolved, That at every future meeting of the Convention of this Diocese, there shall be a celebration of tbe Holy Communion. Adjourned to 2 o'clock, P. M. Thursday, 2 o'clock, P. M. Convention opened. Rev. Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Minor, and Mr. Squire, ask ed and obtained leave of absence during the remainder of tbe session. Resolved, by this Convenlion, that the Rev. Mr. Chase, Rev. Mr. Bur hans, Charles Sigourney, Asa Chapman, and Nathan Smith, Esqrs., be ap pointed a committee to prefer a petition, in the name and behalf of tbe Con vention, to the General Assembly, at their next session, to be holden at New Haven in October next, to obtain an act of incorporation and charter for an Episcopal College, to be erected in this Diocese, and lo pursue all proper measures for the obtaining a grant of said petition, provided they should think it expedient to present it at said session. On motion. Resolved, Thai the House now divide for the purpose of choos ing Delegates to attend the nexl General Convention. The votes of the Clergy being called for, it appeared that tbe Rev. Mr. Bronson, Rev. A. Baldwin, Rev. Mr. Searle, and the Rev. Mr. CrosweU, were duly elected. The following communication was made from the Lay Deputies: In tbe House of Lay Delegates, Asa Chapman, Elijah Boardman, Bur rage Beach, and Charles Sigourney, Esqrs., were chosen Delegates to the next General Convention of the United Stales. Attest, BURRAGE BEACH, Secretary. Rev. Mr. CrosweU, Rev. Mr. Baldwin, and Burrage Beach, Esq., were appointed a commitlee to procure the printing of the Journals of the Con ventions wbich have not already been printed. The report of the committee appointed to prepare a Constitution for a Bi ble and Prayer Book Society, made a report, whicb was approved of; but it being deemed inexpedient to connect said Society with the Convention, the same was referred to the consideration of a meeting by the friends of the in- stUution, at 8 o'clock this evening. Resolved, That tbe thanks of the Convention be presented to the President and Secretaries for their attendance and services. Convention adjourned without day. PHILO SHELTON, President. Ashbel Baldwin, Secretary. NOTITI^ PAROCHIALES. CHURCH, WOODBURY. REV. JOSEPH D. WELTON, RECTOR. Families, 100; communicants, 35. 13 98 -. CHURCH, BETHLEM. REV. JOSEPH D. WELTON, EECTOR. Families, — ; communicants, 8. CHURCH, ROXBURY. REV. JOSEPH D. WELTON, EECTOE. Families, 46; communicants, 25. Baptisms in the above Parishes since the year 1809, 150; marriages, 26. ST. JAMES' CHURCH, DANBURY, EEV. EEUBEN HUBBARD, RECTOR. Communicants, 41 ; baptisms, adults, 4, infants, 7; marriages, 4; fune rals, 6. CHURCH, RIDGEFIELD. REV. REUBEN HUBBARD, EECTOE. Communicants, 68; baptisms, adults, 2, infants, 16; marriage, 1; fune rals, 7. CHRIST CHURCH, READING. REV. EEUBEN HUBBARD EECTOE. Communicants, 61 ; baptisms, 10; marriag-e,!; funeral,!; baptisms out of the cure, 9; administered the Communion out of my Parishes, 3 times. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, WATERBURY. REV. ALPHEUS GEAE, EECTOE. Baptisms, 31; marriages, 7; deaths, 26. CHURCH, SALEM. REV. ALPHEUS GEAE, RECTOR. Baptisms, 6; marriage, 1; deaths, 4. ST. PETER'S CHURCH, PLYMOUTH. REV. EOGEE SEARLE, RECTOR. Families, 75; communicants, 130; new do., 10; baptisms, adults, 8, in fants, 15; marriages, 9; deaths, 10. ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH, PLYMOUTH. REV. ROGER SEARLE, RECTOR. Families, 50; communicants, 80; new do., 15; baptisms, adults, 4, in fants, 11 ; marriage, 1 ; deaths, 4. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, RIPTON, AND ST. PETER'S CHURCH, NEW STRATFORD. REV. MENZIES EAYNER, EECTOR, Families, 150; new communicants, 14; baptisms, adults, 2, infants, 18; marriages, 7 ; deaths, 10. ' , TRINITY CHURCH, NEW HAVEN. REV. HARRY CROSWELL, RECTOR. Communicants, 200; new do., 35; baptisms, adulls, 18, infants, 92; marriages, 35 ; funerals, 72. ASSOCIATED CHURCHES IN LITCHFIELD. REV. TRUMAN BIARSH, RECTOR ; REV. ISAAC JONES, ASSISTANT, FamUies, 222; conformists, 10 ; communicants, 148; new do., 9; bap tisms, 32; marriages, 5; funerals, 15. Returns for 1815, and 1816. 99 TRINITY CHURCH, NEWTOWN. REV. DANIEL BURHANS, RECTOR. . Communicants, 294; new do., 35; baptisms, adulls, 3, infaqts', 53; funerals, 20. ST. JAMES' CHURCH, NEW LONDON. EEV. SOLOMON BLAKESLEY, RECTOR. Souls, 350; families, 65; additions lo the Parish, 120; communicants, 70 ; new do., 16 ; baptisms, 18 ; funerals, 19 ; removals, 4 families. CHURCH, NORWICH, REV. JOHN TYLER, RECTOR. FamiUes, 40; communicants, 29 ; baptisms, 9; marriages, 4; funerals, 4. CHURCHES IN SHARON, KENT, NEW PRESTON, AND WASHINGTON. REV. STURGES GILBERT, RECTOR. Communicants, 118; baptisms, adults, 10, infants, 32; marriages, 7; funerals, 21. CHRIST CHURCH, MIDDLETOWN. EEV. BIRDSEY G. NOBLE, RECTOR ELECT. Families, 55 ; new communicants, 18; baptisms, adults, 4, infaflts, 19; marriages, 5; funerals, 13. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, BRIDGEPORT. REV. PHILO SHELTON, RECTOR. Communicants, 70; new do., 21 ; baptisms, adults, II, infants, 25; mar riages, 4 ; funerals, 10. TRINITY CHURCH, FAIRFIELD. KEV. PHILO SHELTON, RECTOR. Communicants, 50; baptisms, adult, 1, infants, 12; marriages, 4; fune rals, 5. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, STAMFORD. REV. JONATHAN JUDD, RECTOR. Families, 75; communicants, 70; baptisms, adults, 2, infants, 17 ; mar riages, 2; funerals, 8; confirmed by Bishop Hobart, 70. ASSOCIATED CHURCHES, IN OXFORD. REV. AARON HUMPHREY, RECTOR. New communicants, 13; baptisms, adults, 4, infants, 33; marriages, 9; funerals, 12. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NEW MILFORD, REV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, RECTOR. FamUies, 76; communicants, 54; new do., 10; baptisms,24; marriages, 8 ; funerals, 7. CHRIST CHURCH, BROOKFIELD. REV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, EECTOR. FamUies, 70; communicants, 55, new do., 3; baptisms, 11; marriage, 1 ; funerals, 2. - CHURCH, BRIDGEWATER. REV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, EECTOR. Families, 26; communicants, 16; baptisms, 3; marriage,!; funeral,!. 100 CHURCH, SOUTHINGTON. REV. ASA CORNWALL, MINISTER. Families, 37; communicants, 27; baptisms, adult,!, infants, 8; funerals, 2. Officiated occasionally in tbe Parishes of BerUn, Middle Haddam, East Haddam, Wallingford, and Hamden. Baptisms in these Parishes, 14; burials, 6. CHRIST CHURCH, STRATFORD. EEV. ASHBEL BALDWIN, RECTOR. FamiUes, 100; communicants, 120; new do., 40; baptisms, 9; mar riages, 14; funerals, 30. CHRIST CHURCH, GUILFORD. REV. DAVID BALDWIN, RECTOR. Families, 53; communicanls, 35 ; baptisms, 9; funerals, 5; marriages, 3. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NORTH GUILFORD. EEV. DAVID BALDWIN, EECTOR. Families, 27; communicanls, 3! ; baptisms, 13; funerals, 3. UNION CHURCH, NORTH KILLINGWORTH. REV. DAVID BALDWIN, EECTOE. FamUies, 45; communicanls, 34; baptism, 1 ; funerals, 2; marriages, 6. CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD. REV. PHILANDER CHASE, RECTOR. Baptisms within the Parish, adults, 11, infants, 14 — out of the Parish, adult, 1, infant, 1 ; total, 27 ; funerals within the Parish, 5, wiihout, 2, total, 7; marriages solereinized, 7; of the communicants at the altar — moved away, 4, dead, 1, remaining, 104. OCTOBEK, 1816. At a meeting of the Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies of the Prot estant Episcopal Church of Connecticut, specially convened and holden it3 Trinity Church, New Haven, on the 16th day of October, 1816: PRESENT, Rev. Dr. WiUiam Smith, " " Tillotson Bronson, P.E. A., " PhUo Shelton, " Ashbel Baldwin, " Chauncey Prindle, " Daniel Burhans, " Smilh Miles, " Menzies Rayner, " Jonathan Judd, " Roger Searle, " Philander Chase, " Benjamin Benham, Bev. David Baldwin, " Elijah G. Plumb, " Isaac Jones, " Asa CornwaU, A. E. A. " Joseph D. Welton, " Frederick Holcomb, " Birdsey G. Noble, " Alpheus Geer, " Harry CrosweU, " Asa Humphrey, " Reuben Sherwood, Deacon, " WiUiam J. Bulkley, " 101 From the Dioceje of New York. — Rev. Joseph Perry, Rev. Barzillai Bulkley, Alanson Welton. From Savannah, State of Georgia. — Rev. John Cranston, (Deacon.) A procession was formed by the Clergy, and proceeded from tbe house of EUas Shipman, Esq., to Trinity Church. Morning prayers were read by the Rev. Daniel Burhans, and a sermon was delivered by the Right Rev. John H. Hobart, of the Diocese of New York, and Deacon John Cranston was admitted to the Holy Order of Priests. After divine service, the Con venlion was opened in due form, and the Rev. Philo Shellon took the seat as President. The foUowing persons, as Lay Deputies from the several Parishes in this Diocese, took their seats in the Convention. Grand Levy. Burrage Beach, Cheshire, Chas. Sigourney, ? o- ./• , Michael Olcotl,-^ \ Hartford, Asa'curS," ¦^°''°'°°' \ Stratford, Seth P. Beers, ? r •, 14 7j T,,. T J > Ltlchtield, Phineas Lord, ^ •' YT ^Tl^: \ N'^ Haven, Andrew Kidston, ^ John Buckingham, Watertown, Samuel Forbes, East Haven, Charles B. Phelps, Woodbury, Elijah Boardman, New Milford, Amos H. Wheeler, Trumbull, Ambrose IveSj Woleott, Samuel Cannon, Norwalk, Grand Levy. Frederick Lee, Guilford, Philemon Blakesley, North Haven, Josiah Nettleton, Humphreysville, Charles Wenton, Weston, Timothy Johnson, Branford, Elijah Warner, Si. P. Plymouth, Truman Hicock, Washington, Abraham Bulkley, Fairfield, Asa Hoadley, ? ^„,,,6 MUes Newton, ^ ¦^' A. Merriman, Meriden, $5,255 60 John Andrews, Wallingford,5,522 05 D. Sherwood, Huntington, 15,116 00 Samuel Ganger, Sharon, 5,494 06 Sam'l Whiting, Reading, 11,995 04 C. Lindsley, N. Branford, 2,666 38 Convention adjourned until 5 o'clock, P. M. Wednesday, 5 o'clock, P. M. Convention opened agreeably to adjournment. Resolved, That the Bev. Joseph Perry, BarzUlai Bulkley, Alanson Wel ton, and John Cranston, Presbyters of the Church, be requested to take their seats in the Convention as honorary members. The following communication was received from the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart : New Haven, October !6tb, 1816. Gentlemen, — I have received from tbe Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, your Sec retary, in behalf of the commitlee appointed for tbe purpose, the following extract from your records, viz : . . „ "At a meeting of the Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies, in Con vention of the Diocese of Connecticut, holden at Trinity Church, New Ha ven, tbe 5th day of June, 1816 : "Resolved, unanimously. That an invitation be given lo the Right Rev. Johu H. Hobart, Bishop of New York, to visit and perform tbe Episcopal offices in this Diocese, according to the 20tb Canon of the Churcb. "A true copy of record, ASHBEL BALDWIN, Secretary.'* I have considered it of so much importance that tbe respectable and im portant Dioce-se of Connecticut, which has supplied the Church in other States, and particularly the State of New York, with many most useful Clergymen and Lay members, should be furnished in its present exigencies with tbe regular exercise of Episcopal functions, that I bave deemed it my duly to accept the invitation contained in the above resolution of your body, sanctioned as this invitation is, by a Canon of the Churcb. 102 In conformity, therefore, with the 20ih Canon of the General ConventionV I do hereby consent to exercise the Episcopal Offices in the Diocese of Con necticut, agreeably lo the Constitution and Canons of the Church. With my prayers for the prosperity of tbe Church in Connecticut, and for your individual happiness, I remain, gentiemen, very sincerely yours, ^ JOHN H. HOBART. The Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies of the ) Diocese of Connecticut, in Convenlion assembled. $ The Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, Rev. Menzies Rayner, and the Hon. Samuel W. Johnson, were appointed a commitlee on the Bishop's Communication. On motion of Doctor Smith, Resolved, That the Clerical and Lay Delegates of the Church in this Dio cese to ihe next General Convention, be instructed to solicit a resolution of that body, recognizing some specific edition of tbe Old and New Testament, lo be considered as tbe authentic version or standard by wbich the genuine ness of aU copies of the Holy Scriptures used by Episcopalians is to be as certained, thereby lo secure them against perversions, and the people of our Communion from error, either in discipline or doctrine. The committee appointed on the Bishop's communication, made the fol lowing report, which was unanimously adopted : Whereas, the Right Rev. John H. Hobart, Bishop of the Diocese of New York, hath by his communication, this day addressed to the Convenlion, ac cepted the invitation in the resolution passed at their last meeling, founded on the 20lh Canon of the General Convenlion, therefore — Resolved, unanimously. That this Convention do hereby acknowledge the Right Rev. John H. Hobart, Bishop of this Diocese, to perform Episcopal Offices, according to the ConstitutiCn and Canons of the Church. Adjourned until 8 o'clock to-morrow. Thursday, October 17th, 8 o'clock, A. M. Convention opened agreeably lo adjournment. The Secretary read morn ing prayers. The foUowing communication was received from the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart : New Haven, October 17, 1816. Gentlemen, — I have received from your commitlee, the Rev. Menzies Rayner, and the Hon. Samuel Wm. Johnson, a copy of tbe resolution unan imously passed by you, at your session yesterday. I deem it proper to observe, that, agreeably to the invitation to me, con tained iu your resolution, at your session in June last, and to the sentiments expressed in my former communication to you, I can consider myself as Bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut, only according to the tenor of the 20th Canon of the Church. And on this view of the subject, I conclude your res olution of yesterday was founded. Permit me further to remark, that while it wUl be my duty, in conformity with that Canon, to bestow as much atten tion on tbe Diocese of Connecticut as shall be compatible with tbe paramount charge of the Diocese of New York, I shall be exceedingly gratified when, a Bishop being elected and consecrated for your Church, my Episcopal charge of it, according lo the Canons, will be no longer necessary. I sbould do great injustice lo my feelings, if I failed to express my grateful sense of the confidence in me, evidenced by the resolutions of your respect able body unanimously passed, and to subscribe myself, gentlemen, very faithfuUy yours. JOHN H. HOBART. The Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies of > Connecticut in Convention assembled. ^ Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. Bronson, and Rev. Jonathan Judd, be acorn- 103 jnittee to return the thanks of this House to the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, for his sermon at the opening of the Convention, and his other pubUc services during the present session.; Resolved, That the committee appcinted at the last Convention to print the Journals be directed to print tbe Journal of the present Convenlion. Voted, the thanks of tbe Convenlion to the President and Secretary for their attendance and services. Convention adjourned wiihout day. PHILO SHELTON, President. Ashbel Baldwin, Secretary. 1817. THIRTY-FIFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION, Guilford, June 4, 1817. Wednesday, 10 o'clock, A. M. This being tbe day for the annual meeling of tbe Convention of the Prot estant Episcopal Church in Connecticut, the Clerical and Lay Deputies from the several Churches in the Diocese, assembled in Trinity Church, at 10 o'clock, A. M. Morning prayers were read by the Rev. Birdsey G. No ble, and a sermon was deUvered by the Right Bev. Bishop Hobart. After divine service, the Bev. Philo Shelton took tbe chair, and the Rev. Ashbel Baldwin and tbe Rev. Menzies Rayner were requested to receive and examine the certificates of the Lay Deputies, and report to the Con vention at 3 o'clock, P. M. Wednesday, 3 o'clock, P. M. At a meeting of the Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies of the Prot estant Episcopal Church, PRESENT, Rev. Dr. Tillotson Bronson, P.E. A., " PhUo Shellon, ", Ashbel Baldwin, " Daniel Burhans, " Smith MUes, " Solomon Blakesley, " Jonathan Judd, " Roger Searle, " Menzies Rayner, " Elijah G. Plumb, •' Benjamin Benham, " Jasper D. Jones, " Nathan B. Burgiss, The committee who were requested to examine the certificates of the Lay Deputies, reported the following gentiemen as duly elected : Bev. David Baldwin, " Reuben Hubbard, " Frederick Holcomb, " Birdsey G. Noble, " Sturges GUbert, " Calvin Whhe, " Aaron Humphrey, " Alpheus Gear, " Beuben Sherwood, " Harry CrosweU, " Charles Smith, Deacon, " Jonathan M. Wainright, do. 104 Grand Levy. Wm. C. Hall, Middletown, 11,103 59 Moses Cowles; Meriden, 4,582 81 Levi HaU, Woleott, 5,000 00 George Starr, New London, 8,700 00 Nath'l Cornwall, Chatham, 8,000 00 Richard Adams, Norwich, 3,925,00 Walter Sherwood, Fairfield, 7,000 00 Alpheus S. Bracket, Soulhington, David Meeker, Brookfield, 9,000 GO Isaac Sperry, Woodbridge, 11,995 00 Samuel WhUing, Reading, 11,995 00 John Potter, Northford, 1,449 00 Garrit Smith, ) Water- 24 7]9oo J. Buckingham, ^ town, ' Eben'r Lindsley, Branford, 6,719 77 Grand Levy. Eliakim Peck, Danbury, $6,675 00 Thomas Burges, Guilford, 5,500 00 Col. D. Brent, Bridgeport, 7,000 00 Asahel R. Belts, Wilton, 6,197 46 E. D. Hoyt, Esq., NoTOa/A;,16,312 72 ?;Krd;S^^-'-"' 42,99426 J. Humphrey, Esq., Humphreysville, J.Hoadley,?^-'/-''' 21,622 46 PhiUp Curtis, Slralfurd, 17,000 00 S. Curtis, Esq., Derby, 69,000,000 W. Mosely, ) ^ „ gg 7,9 77 A. Kidston, \ ^'"^ ^°*""' "^^^'^^^ ^^ Wm . Holly, Stamford, 1 1 ,008 56 The Rev. PhUo Shelton took tbe chair. Rev. A. Baldwin was chosen Secretary. And Rev. Reuben Sherwood, assistant Secretary. The Rules of Order in Convention, 1813, were adopted as the Rules of Order for this House. The Rev. Dr. Bronson, Rev. Mr. Burhans, and Col. WiUiam Mosely, were named a committee lo return the ihanks of this House to the Right Rev. Bishop, for his sermon deUvered at the opening of this Convention, and request a copy for publication. The above gentlemen were also directed to request Bishop Hobart to take a seat as President of the Convention. Resolved, That a committee, consisting of one Clergyman and two Lay men from each county in this State, be appointed to take an accurate Ust of tbe number of souls belonging lo each Parish in the Diocese, and also ihe grand levy of each Parish, and make report to the next Convention. The Right Rev. Bishop Hobart took his seat as President of the Con vention. The foUowing gentiemen were named as committees, agreeably to the foregoing resolve. Fairfield County — Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, Ebenezer D. Hoyt, Esq., Isaac Beach, Esq. ; New Haven County — Rev. Harry CrosweU, Burrage Beach, Esq., John Humphrey, Esq. ; Litchfield County — Rev. Frederick Holcomb, Dr. Samuel Gager, Elijah Boardman, Esq.; Hartford Couniy — Rev. Jon athan M. Wainright, Samuel Tudor, Esq., Mr. Roger Griswold ; Middlesex Couniy — Rev. Birdsey G. Noble, William C. Hall, Esq., Mr. Nathaniel CornwaU; New London Couniy — Rev. Solomon Blakesley, Col. Samuel Tyler, Mr. George Starr; Windham County — Col. Daniel Putnam, Evan Malbone, Esq., Mr. WiUiam Allen; Tolland County — Dr. Samuel Peters.' Rev. Andrew Fowler, from Charieslon, South Carolina, and Col. Samuel Tyler, from Norwich, were admitted to the sittings of this Convention as honorary members. A communication from the General Convention, proposing an alteration ia the first article of the Constitution of the Protestant Episcopal Church, was read, and ordered to lie on file. The foUowing persons were elecied the Standing Committee: Rev. TU lotson Bronson, D. D., Rev. Philo Shelton, Rev. Ashbel Baldwin. Convention adjourned to 8 o'clock to-morrow morning. Thursday, 8 o'clock, A. M. Morning prayer was read by tbe Secretary. Rev. Mr. Sbelton in the chair. Rev. Mr. Rayner and William Whiting, Esq., were appointed a com- 105 mittee to wait on the Bishop, and inquire what hour ho will deliver his ad dress to the Convenlion. House adjourned till 10 o'clock. House met agreeably lo adjournment. The Right Rev. Bishop Hobart took the chair, and delivered ah address to the Convention. r Mr. Ebenezer Lindsley, Lay Deputy from Branford, appeared and look his seat. Resolved, That the powers of the committee appoiuted at the Convention holden in New Haven, June, 1816, for tbe purpose of preferring a petition to the General Assembly, for the purpose of obtaining an act of incorporation and charter for an Episcopal College, be continued. A report of the Treasurer of tbe Bishop's Fund was read and accepted, On motion. Resolved, That said report be entered ou the Journals. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to take up the subject of a Mis sionary Society, and report to the next Convention. The commiltee named for that purpose were — Rev. Dr. Bronson, Rev. Mr. Shelton, Rev. Mr. Baldwin, Rev. Mr. CrosweU, Col. Wm. Mosely, Hon. S. W. Johnson, Hon. Samuel Whiting. On motion. Resolved, That the Journals of this Convention be printed. On motion. Resolved, That the Lay Deputy or Deputies of the several Parishes in this Diocese, previous lo their attending any future Convention, collect of the Treasurer of his or their Parishes respectively, one dollar, and at some time during the session of the Conventiou, in each year, pay over the same lo the Treasurer of the Convention, lo defray the expenses of print ing the Journals. Voted, the thanks of ihe Convention to the President and Secretary, and Assistant Secretary, for their attendance and services. Convention adjourned wiihout day. ASHBEL 'BALDWIN, Secretary. NOTITI^ PAROCHIALES. TRINITY CHURCH, FAIRFIELD, AND ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, BRIDGEPORT. EEV. PHILO SHELTON, EECTOE. Baptisms, adults, 5, infants, 39, total, 44; marriages, 9; funerals, 13; communicants, 150. CHRIST CHURCH, STRATFORD. EEV. ASHBEL BALDWIN, RECTOR. Baptisms, 46; new communicants, 14; marriages, 19; fbnerals, 10; ad ditions to tbe Society, 10 famUies. TRINITY CHURCH, NEWTOWN. EEV. DANIEL BUEHANS, RECTOR. Baptisms, 50; communicants, 804 ; marriages, 20; funerals, 16. ST. JAMES' CHURCH, NEW LONDON. REV. SOLOMON BLAKESLEY, EECTOR. Souls, 400; families, 80; communicanls, 81; additions to the Society, 50 families; new communicants, 14 ; baptisms, 24; deaths, 14 j removal,!.. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, STAMFORD. EEV. JONATHAN JUDD, EECTOE.' Baptisms, 8; communicants, 70; marriages, 2; funerals, 7. 14 106 ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, RIPTON, AND ST. PETER'S CHURCH, NEW STRATFORD. EEV. MENZIES EAYNER, EECTOR. . FamiUes, 160; baptisms, adults, 10, infants, 28, total, 38; communicants, 100; new do., 22; marriages, 17; funerals, 8. CHRIST CHURCH, EAST HAVEN, REV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, EECTOR. FamiUes, 41; communicants, 18; baptisms, 6; marriages, 2; deaths, 3. TRINITY CHURCH, BRANFORD. EEV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, RECTOR. Families, 60; communicants, 18; baptisms, 6; marriages, 5; deaths, 4. CHURCH, NORTH BRANFORD. EEV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, EECTOR. FamiUes, 20; communicants, 10; baptisms, 2; marriage,!. ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH, NORTHFORD. EEV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, EECTOE. Families, 21; communicanls, 15; baptisms, 9; deaths, 2. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, WALLINGFORD. EEV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, EECTOE. FamiUes, 40; persons, 171; baptisms, 10; communicants, 43; mafriage, 1 ; deaths, 2. CHURCH, NORTH HAVEN. REV. ELIJAH G. PLUMB, RECTOR. FamiUes, 42; baptisms, 4; communicants, 30; marriage, 1 ; death, 1. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NEW MILFORD. REV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, RECTOR. Families, 70; baptisms, 30; communicants, 50; new do., 5; marriages, 6 ; funerals, 5. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, BROOKFIELD. REV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, EECTOE. Families, 65 ; baptisms, 5 ; communicants, 55 ; new do., 13 ; marriages, 3. CHURCH, BRIDGEWATER, REV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, RECTOR. Families, 22; baptisms, 5; communicants, 16; new do., 4; marriage, 1; funerals, 2. CHRIST CHURCH, GUILFORD, ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NORTH GUILFORD, AND UNION CHURCH, NORTH KILLING- WORTH. EEV. DAVID BALDWIN, EECTOR. Baptisms, 20; communicants, 107; marriages, 4; funerals, 7. Since the commencement of the year 1817, a well-proportioned gallery has been built in the Church at North GuUford; and since the last Conven tion, the inner part of the Church at North Killingworth has been finished in a neat and convenient style. CHRIST CHURCH, READING. REV. EEUBEN HUBBAED, RECTOR. Baptisms, 2; communicants, 6! ; funerals, 2. 107 ST. JAMES' CHURCH, DANBURY. . KEV. REUBEN HUBBARD, RECTOR. Baptisms, 11; communicants, 54 ; marriages, 5 ; funerals, 4. CHURCH, RIDGEFIELD. . REV. REUBEN HUBBARD, EECTOR. Baptisms, 2; communicants, 68; marriages, 3; funeral,!. 1 he Parish in Danbury has, in the space of five years, lost by deaths and removals, about half its numbers ; but il is beUeved that its acquisitions have been equal to its losses. CHURCH, WATERTOWN. . REV. FREDERICK HOLCOMB, RECTOR. Baptisms, adults, 4, chUdren, 8, total, 12; communicants, 80. CHURCH, NORTHFIELD. REV. FREDERICK HOLCOMB, EECTOR. Baptisms, 3; communicants, 35. CHRIST CHURCH, MIDDLETOWN. REV. BIRDSEY G. NOBLE, RECTOR. _ Baptisms, adults, 4, children, 20, total, 24; communicants, 100; mar riages, 4; funerals, 5. CHURCH, WOODBURY. REV. STURGES GILBERT, EECTOE. FamiUes, 100; communicants, 30; new do., 5; baptisms, adults, 2, chU dren, 5, total, 7 ; marriages, 2 ; deaths, 5. CHURCH, ROXBURY. REV. STUEGES GILBEET, EECTOE. Baptisms, adults, 6, chUdren, 10, total, 16; communicants, 18; new do., 3. ASSOCIATED CHURCHES, IN OXFORD. EEV. AARON HUMPHREY, EECTOR. Baptisms, adults, 2, children, 21; marriages, 15; added tothecommnn- ioD, 15. ST, JOHN'S CHURCH, WATERBURY. EEV. ALPHEUS GEAE, EECTOE. Baptisms, 26; communicants, 159; new do., 31; marriages, 7; fune rals, 4. CHURCH, SALEM. EEV. ALPHEUS GEAR, RECTOE. Baptisms, 6; marriages, 3; funerals, 3. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, NORWALK. REV. EEUBEN SHERWOOD, EECTOR. FamiUes, 100; communicants, 122; do. deceased, 5, added, 14; bap tisms, adults, 3, infants, 29, total, 32; marriages, 4; funerals, 11. Officiated at the Church in Wilton. Families, 40 ; baptisms, adults, 9, infants, 19, total, 28; marriage, 1. Officiated four times at New Canaan. Baptisms, adult, 1, infants, 13. TRINITY CHURCH, NEW HAVEN. REV. HARRY CROSWELL, EECTOE. Baptisms, adults, 5, children, 67, total, 72; marriages, 17; additional communicants, 43; burialsi 28. 108 ASSOCIATED CHURCHES IN LITCHFIELD. EEV. TRUMAN MARSH, EECTOR ; REV. ISAAC JONES, ASSISTANT. FamUies, 232; baptisms, 35; communicants, 348; new do., 11; con firmed, 94; marriages, 11; funerals, 14. ST, PETER'S CHURCH, PLYMOUTH. REV. ROGER SEAI^LE, RECTOR. FamiUes,68; baptisms, 31; communicants, 107; marriages, 4; funerals, 6. ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCPI, PLYMOUTH. REV. ROGER SEARLE, RECTOR. Families, 43, baptisms, 14; communicants, 72; funerals, 2. CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD. REV. JONATHAN M. WAINRIGHT, DEACON. Baptisms, 41; communicanls, 112; marriages, 3; funerals, 5. . CHURCH, SOUTHINGTON. REV. ASA CORNWALL, MINISTER. Baptisms, adulls, 6, children, 16. Woleott Parish. Baptisms, adults, 2, children, 7. The Parishes above named, I have had more particularly under my charge for tbe last year. But I bave occasionally officiated in other Parish es desthute of a Clergyman, and performed the following services, viz : Hamden, baptized"!; Woodbridge, baptized 5, married, 1; Meriden, baptized 1 ; Marlborough, baptized 7 ; Waterbury, baptized 3, burials, 2. In Soulhington, tbe number of communicants is about 35. The Parish, though small, is in a prosperous condition. During the summer past, I have performed divine service there two Sundays in each month. In Woleott, I have not performed service since last September. That Parish is small. The number of communicants is, however, considerably large in proportion to the whole Parish ; usually about 30 have attended. Divine service has been hitherto performed in a private house. They are anxious of having a house for pubUc worship, and wiU, I think undertake tbe building as soon as they can procure the means. The Treasurer of the Bishop's Fund, from a belief that the information contained therein may be desired, and in conformity lo former practice, begs leave to make lo the Convention tbe following Report of the state of that Fund:— Since the last annual Convenlion, the Treasurer has received from the Parish of Church, in Watertown, in part of its assessment, the sum of - - - $39 00 From the Parish of St. Andrew's Church, in Meriden, in fuU of its assessment, the sum of - - 109 00 He has received also from the Treasurer of the State, one-seventh part, of fifty thousand dollars paid by the United States to this Stale, in reimbursement of certain expenses, and appropriated by law for the benefit of the different reUgious denominations therein, amount ing to , . . . 7142 35 These moneys have been invested, wiihout delay, in bank stock. The Trustees of tbe Bishop's Fund now hold, in their own name, 6 shares of Stock in the Hartford Bank, value $400 each, - - $2,400 00 109 shares of Slock in the Phoenix Bank, value $100 each, 10,900 00 And there remains a balance in the hands of the Treasurer of ' 82 73 Amounting in the whole to $13,382 73 109 While the Treasurer of the Bishop's Fund feels, in common wilh every member of the Episcopal Church, a high degree of satisfaction at its present productive state, he cannot but feel also some regret at the Utile regard given by rnany of the Parishes to the just and reasonable requirements of the Con venlion, in relation to the forming of this fund ; and this too, in many cases, where the Parishes are fully able to pay what has been required of them, and exertion only is needed. No proposition can be clearer, than that k is the duty of all to bear their fair proportion of a common burthen for the common benefit. Those Parishes which bave not paid their proportions to the fund, wiU share, in common with tbe rest, the benefits resulting from the money of those who have paid. Every Parish must feel Uself bound, there fore, both in duty and honour, if it be willing to derive advantage from the money and exertions of others, to contribute in due time, its reasonable pro portion to the common stock. As it cannot be doubted but all have a desire to do what is right, in performance of their duty, it must be presumed tbey will all finally pay their quotas of tbe general assessment. Otherwise, those Parishes which have paid will have just reason to complain of the unequal operation of this lax, and may demand back their money, or, at any rate, will claim that all sbould be placed on equal ground. The foUowing Parishes have paid their assessments iu full, viz : Bridge port, East Haven, Hartford, HumphreysviUe, Meriden, Marlborough, Mid dletown, New Haven, New London, Norwich, .Reading, Stratford, West Haven, Wilton. Of these, the Parish of Christ Church, Middletown, is entitled to tbe credit of having exhibited a most laudable example of public spirit, and at tachment to the Churcb, in paying early its whole assessment, and one hun dred and ninety-two dollars more. The following Parishes have, as yet, paid tbeir assessments only in part, viz : Brooklyn, Danbury, Fairfield, GuUford, Harwinton, New Canaan, New Milford, New Preston, Newtown, Ripion, Stamford, Trumbull, Wal lingford, Waterbury, Watertown. Tbe following Parishes bave as yet paid nothing, viz: Berlin, Bethlem, Branford, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Canaan, Chatham, Cheshire, Derby, Durham, East Haddam, East Windsor, Ellington, Glastenbury, Granby, Greenwich, Hamden, Hebron, Kent, Litchfield, Middle Haddam, Milford, New Preston, New Stratford, North Branford, North Guilford, North Haven, Northfield. Norwalk, Oxford, Oxford (Quaker's Farms,) Plymouth (St. Mat thew's,) Plymouth (St. Peters,) Ridgefield, Roxbury, Salem, Soulhington, Sharon, Saybrook (Pettipaug,) Simsbury, Washington. Waterbury, Weston, Windham, Woodbridge, Woodbury. There can be but one sentiment in the Church, in relation lo the Episco pal office. All will admit its incumbent should be, if they desire the Church should flourish, a man of superior virtues and talents. The Bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut should, if possible, be inferior to no other man in it. Such a man is not lo be obtained whhout an adequate support; nor, if elected from whhout the Stale — as he would reside probably in one of our larger towns, where the expenses of living are great, and where his situation would require from him considerable hospitality — without such a support as might appear to some, not accurately apprized of the extent of these expenses, to be more than necessary. These remarks, it is presumed, wUl not be deemed irrelative to the slate of tbe Bishop's Fund. 'They go to demonstrate the necessity of a fund of some magnitude, in order fully to answer the benefi cial views of the Church, and to render it respected and influential. There is littie hazard of the fund being too great, even if aU the Parishes pay their full proportions. Yet, if in the course of Divine Providence, the fund should ever hereafter become so great, from the donations of the liberal, or from uo other causes, as to be more than sufficient to afford a respectable support to our Bishop, how many laudable and useful ways are there, in which the surplus could be expeuded beneficially to the Churcb. Among those which might be mentioned, there is ope which has long been thought would be of peculiar benefit, in the present stale of the Church in this Diocese, and which the Treasurer asks permission to name. Should the fund ever be come so great as to be more than sufficient for the support of the Bishop, the surplus could be employed in the support of a respectable and well-educa ted Missionary Clergyman, whose duly it should be, under the direction of the Bishop, to vish and officiate in the smaU, remote, and destitute Parishes in the Diocese, which most need a parental and fostering care— whose at tachment to the Church he could secure by the interest he should take in their religious concerns, which he could enlighten by his counsel, animate by his services and holy ministrations, and direct by his prudence and zeal, to measures which should redound to their own good, and the prosperity of the Churcb. CHARLES SIGOURNEY, Treasurer of the Bishop's Fund. Diocese of Connecticut, June 2, 1817. 1818. THIRTY-SIXTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. Wednesday, June g, 1818. This being the constitutional day for the meeting of the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church iu Connecticut, the Bishop, Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies, assembled at the house of Mr. Richard Hyde, in Bridgeport, and formed a procession from thence to the Church, when morning prayers were read by the Rev. Asa Cornwall, and an address was delivered by the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart. PRESENT, Right Rev. Bishop Hobart. Rev. Dr. Tillotson Bronson, P.E. A. " John Tyler, " Philo Sbelton, " Ashbel Baldwin, " Reuben Ives, " Truman Maish, " Jonathan Judd, " Daniel Burhans, " Menzies Rayner, " Calvin White, " Asa Cornwall, " Elijah G. Plumb, " Benjamin Benham, Rev. David Baldwin, " Joseph D. Welton, " Reuben Hubbard, " Birdsey G. Noble, " Frederick Holcomb, " Isaac Jones, " Sturges GUbert, " Reuben Sherwood, " Harry CrosweU, " Charles Smilh, " Jonathan M. Wainright, " Rodney Rossiter, Deacon. Ill Rev. A. Baldwin and R^v. Mr. CrosweU were requested to examine the fcertificates of the Lay Deputies handed in to the Secretary, and report to the Convention at three o'clock, P. M. ^ . , . , Wednesday, 3 o'clock, P. M. Convention opened in due form. Right Rev. Bishop Hobart in tbe chair. ihe committee requested to examine the certificates of the Lay Deputies reported the following gentlemen as duly elected, who took ihfeir seals as members of the Convention : 5,265 15 10,066 00 5,817 00 14,440 65 36,610 00 15,223 00 ¦Hartford, 18,240 00 Stamford, 11,099 00 Grand Levy. Charies Winton, Weston, 10,300 00 C. Wheeler, Jr., \ Hunting-, a mm nn Zina Chatfield, \ ion, 1^'°"° 0° SillNorTon,K°'^'"'"''2'''^''°"°° Wm. Thompson, Derby, 6,479 00 John Russell, Woodbridge, 10,269 00 Aner Bradley, Watertown, 14,129 00 J. Meecher, Reading, 10,619 00 P.Smhh \ New Milford, 12,000 00 J. Reynolds, New Preston, 4,000 00 Richard Adams. Norwich, 3,729 00 John Sanford, Newtown, 37.273 00 J. Humphreys, Humphreys ville, 7,000 00 Wm. Sherwood, Ridgefield,7,794 90 Lilchfiild, 26,356 OO Grand Levy Ashel R. Belts, Wilton, $6,100 00 Isaac Beers, Washington, E. Middlebrook, } Trum- Jabez Beach, ^ bull, Jos. H. Gregory, Danbury, G. B. Botsford, Woodbury, 12,000 00 Henry Belden, ) Nor- Eben'r D. Hoyt, I walk, A. Kidston, New Haven, S. W. Johnson, > Strat Matthias Nicoll, I ford, C. Sigourney, f J. Hoadley, < S. H. Miner, ? W. Hawley, 5 i'SScti ^^-^-'i°''^oo°« Joel Bradley, Harwinton, 3,000 00 Sam'l Sherman, Brookfield, 6,000 00 Rev. A. Baldwin was elected Secretary, and Rev. Menzies Rayner, As sistant Secretaryi Resolved, That all Clergymen belonging to the Prolestant Episcopal Church, who may be present at this Convention, also, Moses Seymour and Samuel Tyler, be admitted lo seats as honorary members. Resolved, That the Standing Commitlee consist of five persons, three Cler gymen and two Laymen. The Rev. Tillolson Bronson, Rev. Philo Shellon, Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, Hon. Samuel W.Johnson, Hon. Jonathan Ingersoll, were elected the Stand ing Commitlee for the ensuing year. Resolved, That it be recommended to the Standing Committee, to meet at least four times in the year, for the transacting of business, at such times and places as they shall agree upon. Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be presented to the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, for his address delivered to the Convention this morn ing, and that he be requested to furnish a copy of the same for publication. The committee appointed at the last Convention, on the subject of a Mis sionary Society, made tbe following report, which was read and accepted : Whereas, it is deemed expedient by the Convenlion to establish a Society in the Diocese of Connecticut, for the purpose of raising funds for tbe em ployment of Missionaries in the vacant Parishes, and for the distribution of the Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, and religious Tracts, therefore, Resolved, That tbe foUowing be adopted as its Constitution : I. Tbe Society shall be called. The Protestant Episcopal Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, by employing Missionaries in the several vacant Parishes of the Diocese, and by the gratuitous distribution of the Bi ble, the Book of Common Prayer, and religious Tracts* 112 II. The Bishop of the Diocese shall be ex officio President of the Society, and the Convention shall annually appoint two Vice Presidents, a Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, and twelve Directors ; of whom, at least one-half shall be Clergymen ofthe Protestant Episcopal Church, which officers shall constuute a Board of Direction, and six of the number, inclu ding the President, or one of the Vice Presidents, shall be a quorum for the transaction of business. III. The Convention shall appoint three Lay Members of the Protestant Episcopal Church, as a Board of Trustees, for managing the permanent fund of the Society, one of whom elected by the Board, shall be Treasurer of tbe Society, and shall give bonds to the Board for the faithful discharge of his trust. " AU vacancies in this Board, by death, resignation, or otherwise, shall be filled by the Convention. IV. It shaU be the duty of the Board of Direction to meet on the Thurs day foUowing the day of the annual Convention, and as often as the interests of the Society shall require, at such time and place as the President, or first Vice-President, with the advice of a member of the Board, shall direct. The Board shaU appoint agents in tbe different parts of the Diocese, to obtain subscriptions and donations for the benefit of tbe Society. Tbey shall em ploy such Missionaries as the ecclesiaslical aulhorily shall appoint to supply the vacant Parishes in the Diocese. They shall publish or purchase Bibles, Prayer Books, and religious Tracts, and distribute them in such parts of the Diocese, and in such proportions as they may deem proper and expedient. And they shall manage all the other concerns of the Society, not otherwise provided for by this Constitution. V. It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary, to attend all the meet ings of the Board of Direction, and to keep a record of their transactions. He shall also keep a register of the names of the members with the sums by them respectively given, — a list of the donations, with ihe names of the donors, and a record of the collections made for the benefit of the Society. VI. The Corresponding Secretary shall carry on the correspondence ofthe Society, in the name, aud by order of the Board of Direction. VII. All moneys received by way of donation or coUection, for the benefit of the Society, shall be paid into tbe hands of the Treasurer — and so much thereof as the Board of Direction shall deem expedient to appropriate to the support of Missionaries within the Diocese, and to the gratuitous distribution of Bibles, Prayer Books, and religious Tracts, shall be subject to the order of the Board of Direction, and the residue shall conslhute a permanent fund, to be managed by the Board of Trustees, and held subject to the control and direction of the Convention. Provided, however, that the amount reserved for the permanent fund, shall be at least one-fourth part of the aggregate of the annual receipts of the Society. VIII. Every person who shall annually pay into the funds of the Society, one dollar, shall be a member ; and whoever shall pay the sum of five dol lars shall be a member for Ufe. IX. It shaU be the duty of the Rector and Wardens (or of the Wardens, where there is no Rector,) of every Parish in the Diocese, to make an annu al collection for the benefit of the Society. X. There shall be divine service and a sermon delivered at every annual session of the Convention, and a coUection made for the benefit of the Society —the preacher to be appointed by the President, wilh the consent of one of the Vice Presidents. XI. The following reports shall be annuaUy made to the Convention, viz : 1st. A report by all the Lay Delegates attending, of the amount of coUec- lions for this Society in their respective Parishes. 2d. A general report by the Board of Direction, of all their proceedings. 3d. A report by the Treas- 113 urer, of the disposable funds in his hands. And 4th, a report by the Board of Trustees, of the state of the permanent fund. Which several reports, or so much of them as the Convenlion shall direct, shall be entered on the Journals. XII. Whenever the Bible and Common Prayer Book Society of the Dio cese of Connecticut shall be dissolved and its funds paid over to the Treas urer of this Society, each life subscriber of that Society shall be considered as a member for life in this Society ; and the permanent fund of that Society shall be added to tbe permanent fund of this Society. XIII. No alteration shall be made in this Constitution, unless the same shall have been proposed, and entered on the minutes of the Convention, one year previous to its adoption ; and tbe Convention alone shall have power lo make the alteration. The Rev. Dr. Bronson, Rev. Harry CrosweU, Rev. Daniel Burhans, the Hon. Samuel W. Johnson, Charles Sigourney, and Burrage Beach, Esqrs., were named as a committee to nominate tbe officers of the above Society. Mr. Zina Bradley, and Mr. Eliakim Beach, asked and obtained leave of absence during the remainder of the session. Convenlion adjourned lo 8 o'clock to-morrow morning. Thursday, 8 o'clock, A.M. Convention opened agreeably to adjournment — Rev. PUlo Shelton in the chair. Morning prayers were read by the Rev. Menzies Rayner. Mr. Josiah Mead, Charies McEwen, Esq., and Mr. John S. Cannon, were admitted to seats in the Convention as honorary members. Tbe Rules of Order adopted in 1816, were adopted as the Rules of Order for this Convention. Resolved, That the appointment of a committee lo nominate the officers of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, be not considered as a precedent to direct tbe proceedings of the Convenlion in the appointment of the officers of this Society. The commhtee appointed to make a nomination of officers for the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, reported the foUowing persons, whicb was accepted, and the persons so nominated were appointed the offi cers of said Society. First Vice President. — Hon. Jonathan Ingersoll. Second Vice President,— Tiev. TUlotson Bronson, D. D. Recording Secretary. — John Beach, Esq. Corresponding Secretary. — Rev. Harry CrosweU. Directors. — Rev. Messrs. Philo Shelton, Ashbel Baldwin, Daniel Bur hans, Asa Cornwall, Menzies Rayner, Birdsey G. Noble, Hon. Samuel W. Johnson, Burrage Beach, Esq., Col. WUliam Moseley, Nathan Smith, Esq., Andrew Kidston, Esq., Mr. Joel Walter. Trustees.— Messrs. Charles Sigourney, William McCrackan, Samuel Tudor, Jr. . . , Resolved, That the Standing Commitlee be directed to petition the next General Assembly, to incorporate Messrs. Charles Sigourney, William Mc Crackan, arid Samuel Tudor, Jr., as a Board of Trustees for managing the permanent fund of the Connecticut Protestant Episcopal Society for the Pro motion of Christian Knowledge. Mr. Elijah Burritt appeared and presented his testimonials, and was ad mitted as a Lay Deputy from the Church of Bridgeport. The powers of the committee appointed at the Convenlion holden in New Haven, June, 1816, for the purpose of preferring a petition to the General Assembly, for an Act of Incorporation for an Episcopal CoUege in this State were continued. 15 114 Convention was adjourned for fifteen minutes. Convention opened again.- i /-, ^ The Notilia Parochiales froYn the Clergy were read agreeably to the CanoHf.- Messrs. Sylvanus Noble and Perry Smith asked and obtained le^ve of absence during the remainder of the session. On motion of General Matthias Nicoll, Resolved, That it is inexpedient to proceed to the election of a Bishop at this Convention. Convention adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M. 3 o'clock, P. M. Convention opened agreeably to adjournment. The committee appointed at the Convention in June, 1817, to take a hst of the number of persons belonging to the Church in this Diocese,_ as also the grand levy of each Parish in tbe same, be requested to make tbeir report al the next annual Convention. Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be presented to the President, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary, for their attendance and services. Resolved, That tbe Standing Commitlee be requested to warn a special meeting of the Convention to be holden in the city of New Haven, on the first Wednesday of June neSit, to proceed lo the election of a Bishop. Rev. Mr. Burhans, Bev. Mr. Rayner, and Burrage Beach, Esq., were appointed a committee on the petition of Eliakim Wakeman and others, ttf report at tbe next Convention. Convenlion adjourned without day. By order of the Convention. PHILO SHELTON, President.- Ashbel Baldwin, Secretary. NOTITI^ PAROCIilALES, CHRIST CHURCH, MIDDLETOWN. EEV, BIRDSEY G. NOBLE, RECTOE. Accessions lo the Communion, 15; marriages, 6; baptisms, adults,' 5, in fants, 20, total, 25 ; burials, 15 ;¦ famUies, 65. CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD. EEV. JONATHAN M. WAINRIGHT, RECTOR. Baptisms, adults, 6, infants, 17, total, 23; marriages, 2; funerals, 9; com municants, 114. TRINITY CHURCH, FAIRFIELD, AND ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, BRIDGEPORT. EEV. PHILO SHELTON, EECTOE. Families in Trinity Church, 70; souls, 280; famUies in St. John's Church,' 80; souls, 390; communicants in both Churches, 130; baptisms, infants, 25, adults, 4, total, 29; marriages, 12 ; funerals, 14. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, RIPTON, AND ST. PETER'S CHURCH, NEW STRATFORD. EEV. MENZIES EAYNEE, RECTOR, Families, same as last year; baptisms, adults, 4, infants, 46, total, 50; marriages, 9 ; funerals, 16. 115 ASSOCIATED CHURCHES IN LITCHFIELD. REV. TRUMAN MARSH, RECTOR ; REV. ISAAC JONES, ASSISTANT. Families, 220; communicants, 138; new do., 8; baptisms, 20; mar riages, 9 ; funerals, 15. ST. JAMES' CHURCH, DERBY. BEV. EICHAED MANSFIELD, D. D., EECTOE ; REV. CALVIN WHITE, ASSISTANT. Baptisms, 8; marriages, 3; communicants, 51 ; funerals, 7. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NEW MILFORD. REV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, EECTOR. Communicants, 50; new do., 2; baptisms, 14 ; marriages, 8; funerals, 4. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, BROOKFIELD. EEV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, RECTOR. Communicants, 70; new do., 5; baptisms, 22; marriages, 7; funeral,!. CHURCH, BRIDGEWATER. REV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, EECTOR. Communicants, as usual; new do., 1; baptisms, 2; marriages, 2; fune rals, 2. There is general harmony in the Parishes. At the last Convention, tbe Parish of New MUford sent by their Clergyman, one hundred and twelve .dollars to the Treasurer of the Bible and Common Prayer Book Society of tbe State of Connecticut. And during the winter past, they have raised by subscription, three hundred dollars, for the purpose of purchasing a bell for the Church. TRINITY CHURCH, TRUMBULL. EEV. JOSEPH D. WELTON, RECTOR. Baptisms, adults, 8, infants, 35, total, 43; marriages, 5; communicants, 69 ; new do., 5 ; funerals, 12. ' CHURCH, WESTON. EEV. JOSEPH D. WELTON, EECTOR. Baptisms, adults, 6, infants, 24, total, 30; marriages, 3; communicants, .48 ; new do., 11 ; funerals, 7. In Greenfield — Baptiarns, adults, 3, infants, 12, total, 15. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, STAMFORD. REV. JONATHAN JUDD, EECTOE. Families, same as in the laSt report; communicants, 74; baptisms, adulls, 3, infants, 8; total, 10; marriages, 4; funerals, 6. CHURCH, HORSENECK. EEV. JONATHAN JUDD, EECTOR. Communicants, 9; baptisms, adults, 2, infants, 6, total, 8; marriages, 4; funerals, 5. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, NORWALK. REV. REUBEN SHERWOOD, RECTOR. FamiUes, 120; communicants, 147 ; new do., 19; funerals, 6; marriages, 5; baptisms, adulls, 9, infants, 32, total, 41. CHRIST CHURCH, STRATFORD. EEV. ASHBEL BALDWIN, RECTOR. New communicants, 14 ; baptisms, 24 ; marriages, 15 ; funerals, 9 ; ad ditions to tbe Society, 5 families. 116 TRINITY CHURCH, NEWTOWN. REV. DANIEL BUEHANS, EECTOR. Families, 320; persons, 1600; baptisms, adult, 1, infants, 49, total, 50; marriages, 10; funerals, 17; communicants deceased, 15; communicants, 300 ; suspensions, 4 ; removals, famiUes, 4, communicants, 3. CHURCH, DURHAM. EEV. DANIEL BURHANS, EECTOE. Families, 35 ; baptisms, 9 ; funerals, 2. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, WATERBURY. EEV. ALPHEUS GEAE, EECTOR. Baptisms, 50; communicants, 157; marriages, 9; funerals. 2. CHURCH, SALEM. EEV. ALPHEUS GEAE, RECTOR. Baptisms, 15; communicants, 27; marriages, 3. CHURCH, WOODBURY. REV. STURGES GILBERT, RECTOR. Communicants, 33; baptisms, aduhs, 2, infants, 26, total, 28; funerals, 2. CHURCH, ROXBURY. EEV. STURGES GILBERT, RECTOR. Communicants, 30; baptisms, adult, 1, infants, 10, total, 11 ; funerals, 2. TRINITY CHURCH, NEW HAVEN. REV. HARRY CROSWELL, RECTOR. Baptisms, adults, 14, infants, 63, total, 77; marriages, 18; new com municants, 2! ; funerals, 33. CHURCH, SOUTHINGTON. REV. ASA CORNWALL, MINISTER. Communicants, 31 ; baptisms, 9; marriage, 1 ; funerals, 2. The Parish, though small, is in a favourable situation. Its members are disposed to promote its interests, by contributing, as God hath given ihem abUity, to preserve among them statedly, the administration of sacred ordi nances, and the performance of divine service. Their house ef worship is small, but convenient, and suited tothe present circumstances of the Parish, and the public services of it are generally well attended. CHURCH, WILTON. REV. CHARLES SMITH, EECTOE. FamUies, 35; communicants, 49; new do., 22; baptisms, 23; funerals,?. CHRIST CHURCH, GUILFORD. EEV. DAVID BALDWIN, RECTOE. Communicants, 43 ; baptisms, adults, 2, infants, 14, total, 16; marriages, 3; funerals, 3. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NORTH GUILFORD. REV. DAVID BALDWIN, EECTOE. Communicants, 37 ; baptisms, adults, 2, infants, 17, total, 19; funeral, 1. UNION CHURCH, NORTH KILLINGWORTH. EEV. DAVID BALDWIN, EECTOR. Communicants, 38; baptisms, adult, 1, infants, 8, total, 9 ; marriages, 3; funerals, 3. 117 CHURCHES IN NORWICH AND PAUCATONOK. REV. JOHN TYLER, EECTOE. Communicants, 36 ; baptisms, 15; marriages, 5; funerals, 2. ASSOCIATED CHURCHES, IN OXFORD. REV, AAEON HUMPHREY, EECTOE. Baptisms, 11; marriages, 12; funerals, 8. CHURCH, HUMPHREYSVILLE. EEV. AARON HUMPHREY, EECTOR. Baptisms, 3; marriage, 1 ; funerals, 2. Whereas, the Rev. Reuben Hubbard bas expressed his intention to resign his care of his Parishes of Danbury and Reading ; and whereas, the parish- loners of said Parishes, in a regular meeting, held on the 19th day of Octo ber, 1818, do declare that the said Rev. Reuben Hubbard did present to them a proposal, that there should be a dissolution of all pastoral connection be tween him and them ; on which proposal, the minds of the parishioners were taken, who did tben pass a vote, that the said parishioners did acquiesce in his request. — The declaration and the vote taken thereon, having been trans mitted to us, the undersigned, the Ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese — notice is hereby given to the members of the Parishes of Danbury and Reading, through the medium of their Wardens, of the concurrence of the Ecclesiastical authority, with their vote, and they are accordingly hereby notified, that the pastoral connection of the Rev. Reuben Hubbard with them, is by us, the Ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese, henceforth dis solved. — In consequence of which, the Parishes of Danbury and Reading are to be considered as vacant from tbe above date. TILLOTSON BRONSON, ) PHILO SHELTON, } Standing Committee. ASHBEL BALDWIN, ) Stratford, January 1, 1819. N. B. It is expected that the above be entered on record in the Parish Registers of Danbury, as it is also to be on the Journals of the Convention, 1819. THIRTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION. New Haven, June 2, 1819. Wednesday, 10 o'clock, A. M. This being the constitutional day for the meeting of the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church iu Connecticut, the Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies from the several Parishes in the Diocese, assembled at the house of Mr. Jacob Ogden, and formed a procession from thence to Trinity Church. tt ,. j Morning prayers were read by the Rev. Reuben Humphrey, and a ser mon was delivered by the Rev. Frederick Holcomb. After divine service, the Rev. Philo Shelton took the chair, and (ha Rev. 118 Ashbel Baldwin, and Burrage Beach, Esq., were requested to receive and examine the certificates of the Lay Deputies, and report to the Convention at 3 o'clock, P. M. Wednesday, 3 o'clock, P. M. At a meeting of the Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies of the Prou eslant Episcopal Church, assembled in the Senate Chamber: PRESENT, Rev. Dr. Richard Mansfield, " " WiUiam Smith, " " TUlotson Bronson, P.E.A., " Philo Shelton, " Ashbel Baldwin, " Reuben Ives, " Truman Marsh, " Bethel Judd, " Daniel Burhans, •' Jonathan Judd, " Menzies Rayner, " Calvin White, " Asa CornwaU, A. E. A. " Benjamin Benham, David Baldwin, Rev. Frederick Holcomb, Smith Miles, Isaac Jones, Birdsey G. Noble, Sturges Gilbert, Aaron Humphrey, Alpheus Gear, Harry CrosweU, Reuben Sherwood, Charles Smilh, Jonathan M. Wainright, George S. WhUe, Samuel NicoUs, Deacon, Rodney Rossiter, " Origen P. Holcomb, " Peter G. Clark, Joseph D. Welton, Nathan B. Burges, The committee requested to examine the certificates of the Lay Deputies reported the following gentlemen as duly elected : Grand Levy Elijah Burritt, Bridgeport, $7,000 00 Wm. GiUet, 2d, 3,647 47 Daniel Putnam, Brooklyn, 10,000 00 T. G. Woleott, N. Branford,2,236 95 Nath'l CornwaU, Chatham, 8,350 00 Burrage Beach, > r;^ , • 1 1 147 94 Chas. Sbelton, I l^ Hesliire, 11,11/ yi Noah Camp, Durham, Jeremiah Frencb, Derby, Frederick Lee, Guilford, Selah Bacon, Granby, M. Dudley, N. Guilford, Amasa Bradley, Esq., Hamden, Wm. Shelton, > Hunting- Agur Shelton, ^ ton, ?oelWaUer,i^'«''ff«'""'37'602 23 Hezk'h Jarvis, ? Nor- Jonathan Camp, ^ walk, D. Pierpont, North Haven, Oliver Clark, West Haven, f.S:a^y,\ Hertford, Andrew Beers, Danbury, 5,724 40 Truman Colt, East Haven, 5,000 00 John Humphreys, Esq., Humphreysville, 6,500 00 Joseph Whiting, Milford, 1,523 57 5,172 49 7,500 00 7,414 00 2,940 00 18,000 00 16,000 00 4,145 00 4,121 56 Richard Adams, Norwich, J. Starr, Jr., New London, E. Warner, Jr., Plymouth, Gideon Starr, New Preston, John Meeker, Reading, John L. Dewis, H. L. D'Coven, J town, ^•Curtis, l^,^town, J. Sanford, y Thelus Todd, Northford, S. HUl, " Grand Levy. Middle- I. Camp, New Milford, 10,079 12 38,61300 1,964 67 11,000 00 3,420 00 7,500 00 8,279 79 4,500 00 11,0.59 51 13,704 00 10,268 00 Manville Andrews, Meriden, Jeremiah Mead, Ridgefield, 8,580 02 S. W. Johnson, ? Sirat- Matthias NicoU, {ford, Isaac Sperry, ? Wood- D. Burnham, { bridge, Charles Jenks, East Windsor, Si pTr?;; K-''*-^/. 9,343 65 C. B. ManviUe, Watertuwn,13,704 78 O.lrZ: \^<^terbury, 12,185 00 SrwhS:S.t- i«."^^°o J. Andrews, Wallingford, 4,415 59 119 Rev. Philo Sbelton took the chair. Rev. Ashbel Baldwin was elected Secretary, and Burrage Beach, Esq., Assistant Secretary. Tbe Rev. Birdsey G. Noble, and Col. Pulham, were appointed a com miltee to frame Rules of Order for this House. On motion of Dr. Bronson, Resolved, That the House now divide for the purpose of electing a Bishop to fill the Episcopal Chair. In consequence of the above resolution, the Presbyters and Deacons reti red to Trinity Church. The Rpv. Richard Mansfield, D. D., look the chair. The Rev. Mr. Shelton read prayers. On motion by Rev. Menzies Rayner, Resolved, That the House now proceed to the feleclion of a Bishop. The votes being taken and Counted, it appeared that the Rev. Thomas C. Brownell, Assistant Minister of Trinity Church, New York, was duly and unanimously elected Bishop of this Diocese. Rev. Dr. Bronson, Bev. Belhel Judd, and Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, were appointed a committee lo communicate the proceedings of this House to the House of Lay Deputies. Information was given to this House from the House of Lay Deputies, that they had disposed of the communication made to them from this House, and were now ready to unite both Houses for tbe transaction of business. The Clergy returned again to the Senate Chamber. Rev. Mr. Shelton in the chain Resolved, That the President be requested to return the thanks of this House to tbe Rev. Frederick Holcomb, for bis appropriate sermon delivered at the opening of the Convention; Adjourned until to-morrow morning, immediately after divitle service. Thursday morning. The Bishop, Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies, enlivened at the House of the Rev. Harry CrosweU, and formed a procession from thence to Trinity Church, when morning prayers were read by the Rev. Birdsey G. Noble, and an address was delivered by the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, D. D., who admitted Mr. Joseph M. Gilbert, A. B., to the Holy Order of Dea cons. After divine service, the Convention convened in the Senate ChambeJ'. Rev. Philo Shelton in the chair. The following message from the house of Lay Deputies was delivered by the Hon. Samuel W. Johnson and Nathan Smith, Esq. : The House of Lay Deputies having been duly formed by the election bi Daniel Putnam, President, and Samuel W. Johnson, Secretary, a commu nication was received from the Clerical House, announcing tbe election of the Rev. Thomas C. Brownell to the Episcopate of Connecticut. Voted, That the consideration thereof be postponed tUl to-morrow, and the House adjourned tiU 9 o'clock to-morrow morning. Thursday morning, June 3, 1819. The House met according to adjournment, and after roU call, proceeded to ballot on the question of concurrence with the Clerical House, and the ballots being taken, there was an unanimous vote approvihg the choice made by the Clerical House, of the Rev. Thomas C. BrowneUj to be Bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut. . Hon. Samuel W. Johnson, and Nathan Smith,_ Es^., ^ere appointed a committee to make this communication to the Clerical House. commiiiee SAMUEL W. JOHNSON, Secretary. Convention adjourned until half past 2 o'clock. 120 Thursday, half past 2 o'clock. The committee appointed to frame Rules of Order for this House, reported the following, which was read and approved : !. The business of every day shall be introduced by prayer. 2. When the President takes the chair, no member shall continue stand ing, or shall afterwards stand up unless to address the chair. 3. No member shall absent himself from the service of the Convention, unless he have leave from the House. 4. When any member is about to speak in debate, or deliver any matter to the Convention, he shall rise from his seat, and wiihout advancing, shall with due respect address himself to the President, confining himself strictly to the point in debate. 5. No member shall speak more than twice in the same debate, without leave of the House. 6. A question being once determined, shall stand as the judgment of the Convention, and shall not be again drawn into debate during tbe same session. 7. WhUe the President is putting any queslion, no one shall hold private discourse, stand up, walk into, out of, or across the house, or read any book. 8. Every member who shall be in tbe Convention when any question is put, shall on a division, be counted, unless he be particularly interested in tbe decision. 9. No motion shall be considered as before the House, unless it be sec onded, and reduced to writing when required. 10. When any question is before the Convention, it shall be determined on before any thing new is introduced, except for adjournment. 11. The question on a motion for adjournment shall be taken before any other, and whhout debate. 12. When the Convention is to rise, every member shall keep his seat un til the President leaves the chair. The Report from the Treasurer of the Bishop's Fund was presented to the House, which was read and accepted. The Rev. Menzies Rayner and Nathan Smith, Esq., were directed to re turn the thanks of this Convention to the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, for his address, deUvered before the Convention this morning, and that the Bishop be respectfully requested to permit the same to be printed, together with the address delivered before the Convention in June last; and to take his seat in the Convention. The Treasurer of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge presented a report to the Convention, which was read and accepted. The Connecticut Protestant Episcopal Society for the Promotion of Chris tian Knowledge, in account with Wm. M'Crackan. 1819. Dr. Jan. 10. To cash paid for Blank Book for the Society, - - $3 50 To cash paid J. Babcock & Son, for printing 150 Circulars, 5 00 To cash paid for exchange of an uncurrent bill, 0 13 25. To cash paid Rev. Origen P. Holcomb, on account Mis sionary labours, ---'... March 2. To cash paid Rev. Bethel Judd, do. do., 10. To cash paid Rev. Origen P. Holcomb, do. do., - 16. To cash paid Rev. Aaron Humphrey, do. do., 17. To cash paid Samuel Green, printer. New London, for printing the first part of " Presbyterian Ordination doubt ful," ... Amount carried up, - . . $218 63 20 00 50 00 10 00 50 00 80 00 121 - , Amount brought up; - - $218 63 29. Postage, 0 10 AprU 12, To cash paid Rev. Origen P. Holcomb, on account Mis sionary labours, - - - - - - 60 00 To cash paid lo same, being the amount Of coUections du ring his Misionary tour, - i - . - 23 00 T> , J , ^ . „, $301 73 Balance due tbe Society m the Treasurer's hands, - » 604 59 1818. ^%'J^ June 4. By cash collected at Bridgeport, at the shting of the Con- , A T, ¦^^'"i°°' - - - . . $25 00 14. By cash from the Parish of Trinity Church, New HdVen, 64 00 1819. Jan. 16. By cash from the Female Missionary Association of Mid dletown, 29 00 By cash from the Parish of MUford, - - - - 2 63 18. By cash from the Parish of Stratford, - - - 30 00 Feb. 18. By cash froni the Parish of Norwich, - - - 20 00 20. By cash from Andrew Kidston, Esq., Treasurer of the Bi ble and Common Prayer Book Society, - - 75 00 By Andrew Kidston's note of hand, payable on dfemand, being permanent fund of said Society, - - 182 13 March 1. By cash from the Parish of Newtoh, - - - 21 00 By cash from the Female Missionary Association of New town, - - - - - 17 50 2. By cash collected by the Rev. Bethel Judd, during his Mis sionary lour, - ----- 31 26 5. By cash from the Female Missionsify Association of New Havebj - - - - - 42 00 By cash from the Female Missionary Association of Hart ford, ....--... 15. By cash from the Parish of Brooklyn, April 19. By cash from the Parish of Christ Church, Hartford, May 21. By cash from the Parish of Hamden, ... By cash from the Parish of Tashua, - - . By cash collected by the Rev. Origen P. Holcomb, dtiring his Missionary tour, ...... June 2. By cash from the Parish of Litchfield, By cash from the Parish of Norwalk, - - - - 3. By cash from the Parishes of Oxford and Humphreysville, By cash from the Parish of Guilford, - - . - By cash collected in Trinity Cihurch, New Haven, at the sitting of the Convenlion, - ... By subscription and collection at Middletown, By cash from Samuel Hughes, Treasurer of the bid Soci ety for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, - - 68 49 By cash from WiUiam Mosely, Treasurer of Missionary Society, dissolved, ... - - 11 50 $906 82 On moiion of Nathan Smith, Esq., Resolved, That the Treasurer of the Bishop's Fund be requested to caU upon the delinquent Parishes, to pav the suftis due from them respectively '16 30 00 2 00 96 00 3 05 2 00 23 00 14 00 12 37 5 50 5 00 60 03 33 36 122 to the Bishop's Fund, or secure the same with interest aunuaUy, on or be fore the 1st day of October. Rev. Philo Shelton, Rev. Bethel Judd, Rev. Jonathan M. Wainright^ Rev. Truman Marsh, Hon. Samuel W. Johnson, Col. Daniel Putnam, and Nathan Smith, Esq., were appointed a commiltee to wait on the Bishop elect, and inform him of the choice made by this Convention, and solicit his acceptance, and to adopt such measures, as in their opinion sballbe deemed necessary for his due establishment in tbe office of Bishop in this Diocese, and report lo this or the next Convention. Resolved, That Rev. Birdsey G. Noble, Hon. Samuel W. Johnson, and Charies Denison, Esq., be a commitlee to visit the Protestant Episcopal Academy at Cheshire, and investigate the state of the funds of that institu tion, and all the facts connected with its interest and prosperity, with power to call on the Treasurer, Secretary, and other officers of that iustilution, for the purposes aforesaid, and make report to the next meeting of the Con vention. The Convention proceeded to the election of the Standing Commitlee. The votes being taken and counted, the following persons were duly elected, viz : Rev. Tillotson Bron.son, D. D., Rev. Bethel Judd, Rev. Ashbel Bald win, Rev. Birdsey G. Noble, Rev. Frederick Holcomb. Andrew Beers, Esq., Maj. John Meeker, Messrs. Jeremiah Mead, Thom as G. Woleott, and Medad Dudley, asked and obtained leave of absence du ring the remainder of the session. On motion. Resolved, That tbe Standing Committee be requested to in quire into the state of the Parish of Brooklyn, as soon as may be. The ConvenUon proceeded to elect the officers of the Society for the Pro motion of Christian Knowledge, when the following gentiemen were duly chosen : Right Rev. John Henry Hobart, ex officio President. First Vice President. — Hon. Jonathan Ingersoll. Second Vice President. — Rev. Tillotson Bronson, D. D. Recording Secretary. — John Beach, Esq. Corresponding Secretary. — Rev. Harry CrosweU. Directors. — Rev. Messrs. Philo Shelton, Ashbel Baldwin, Daniel Bur hans, Asa Cornwall, Menzies Rayner, Birdsey G. Noble, Hon. Samuel W. Johnson, Burrage Beach, Esq., Col. WilUam Moseley, Nathan Smith, Esq., Andrew Kidsion, Esq., Mr. Joel Walter. Tbe Rev. Mr. Noble presented to the Convention the following amend ments to the Constitution of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge. That the 2d article be so amended, as lo enable the Convention to appoint one Director in each county. That tbe 8th article be amended, so as to constitute every subscriber of ten dollars a director for one year; and every subscriber of twenty dollars, a director for Ufe; wbich were directed to be inserted on the Journals. The foUowing Report from the Board of Direction of tbe Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, was presented to the House, which was read and accepted. The Board of Direction of the Connecticut Protestant Episcopal Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, beg leave lo report — That agreeably to the fourth article of the Constitution adopted at the last a^hnual session of the Convention, the Board have held several meetings, and so far as tbe disposable funds of the Society would permit, have attended to the several duties therein prescribed. For the want of the requisite information to enable them to make a gene ral appointment of agents, they have confined these appointments principaUy 123 to the_ Clergy of the Diocese, to whom they have forwarded copies of the Constitution, with a circular letter, acquainting ihem with their appointment.' How (ar these collections have been attended, will appear from the report of the 1 reasurer, and from tbe reports of the Lay Delegates attending this Con vention. .^ a 6 The disposable funds have not been sufficient to admit of any considerable expenditures. The Board, however, have been enabled to employ Mission aries durmg some portion of the year. Tbe Rev. Bethel Judd was employ ed for a period of about two months, during which he visited a number of vacant Parishes— the result of which visitations will more fully appear from his communication (A.) herewith presented. The Rev. Origen P. Holcomb, (Deacon,) has also been employed, for a period of between three and four inonlhs, and a particular account of his labours will be found in his commu nication (B.) also herewith presented. The Board bave likewise made an appUcalion of fifty doUars to the Rev. Aaron Humphreys, for Missionary labours, performed at HumphreysvUie and vicinity. Mr.'Humphreys being a settled Clergyman in the Diocese, the Board did not wait the formality of an appointment by the Standing Commitlee. Should the Convention, how ever, deem the exercise of this discretion inexpedient, the Board will readily acquiesce in any opinion which may be expressed on the subject. WhUe speaking of the employment of Missionaries, tbe Board feel great pleasure in acknowledging the timely assistance which they have received from seve ral Female Associations in different parts of tbe Diocese. It wiU appear from the Treasurer's report, thai these associations hav.e furnished the prin cipal part of the funds appropriated to this object, — a fact whicb affords an evidence of tbe zeal and devotedness to tbe cause of the Church, on the part of its female members, deserving of the highest applause. The Bible and Prayer Book Society of Connecticut, having been dissolved, and its funds paid over to this Society, the Board have been enabled to pur chase a sufficient number of Bibles and Prayer Books, lo supply the Mis sionaries, and some other pressing demands. The Board have also purchased a hundred copies of a tract, entitled, "A candid exaipination of the Episcopal Church," and have procured the pub lication of two thousand copies of the first part of another tract, entitled, "Presbyterian Ordination, doubtful," — both of which have been gratuitously distributed. The second part of this latter tract is ready for the press, and will soon be published. Though the Society is in its infancy — though its receipts have been small — and though its operations bave not yet been perfectiy systematized — yet it cannot be doubted, that its effects have already proved highly beneficial to the interests of the Church, and the cause of religion. Tbey indulge tbe pleasing hope, therefore, that it will still receive the fostering care of tbe Convention, and that the friends of the Church, both Clergy and Laity, wUl afford it their liberal support and encouragement. All which is respectfully submitted. (A.) To the Board of Direction of the Connecticut Prolestant Episcopal Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge. Agreeably to your request, I have visited and officiated in the following places: — Preston, Jewett's City, Chelsea, Norwich, Pettipaug, Durham, KUUngworth, Norlhford, New London, and i^ Hartford— the last mentioned place in exchange with the Rev. Mr. Nichols, who, during the absence of 124 the Bector, officiated in that Church. This exchange was made to eiiable Mr. Nichols to visit Warehouse Point. I have been employed as a Missionary two jppntbs, one week excepted, in which I Was sick, and have preached twenty-five times. The following contributions have been made : — At New London, $26 56; Durham, $3^ 70 ; Northford, $2. The friendship and hospitality manifested in every place that I have vis ited, are reasons for personal gratitude ; and tbe devout attention to religious instruction, and the desire to promote the interests of the Church of Christ, are reasons for gratitude to our Heavenly Father, and evince tbe utiUty of Missionary labours. 1 have to regret that more could not have been done, and that my situatioq renders it necessary so soon to leave the Missionary employment ; but I trust other labourers may be found, and that the important objects of your Society will npt languish for the want pf the exertions of the friends of the Church- With every sentiment of respect, " I am yours affectionately, B. JUDD. (B.) Agreeably to the fourih article of the Constitution of the " Connecticut Protestant Episcopal Sopiety for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge," I received authority from the Board of Direction, December 9, 1818, to visit and officiate in the vacant Parishes of the Diocese. During the months of December, January, and February, J visited the two Episcopal Parishes in the town of Washington; also, those at Kent and Sharon. Commeucing with Washington, 1 found erected in this Parish a convenient Church, which, though not wholly completed, yet the people meet in it for divine worship. Judging from the zeal and ambition of the members of this Society, it is highly probable, they will finish tbe interior of their little Church the following summer. Among its members, there are many able supporters, who may properly be styled friends to the cause of vital religion. A general attachment to the Episcopal Church, both in her doctrines and discipline, appears to be prevalent among them. Divine service was held in their Church three Sundays. Contributed $5 66. From this Society, I proceeded to visit the Episcopal Parish at New Preston, in the same town — among the members of wbich, there appeared manifestly to exist a warm and zealous attachment lo the Church. They regard her service as all -important, and join in it with that apparent devotion, order, and solemnity, which render it peculiarly engaging. They also merit much praise for the skill and propriety with which they chant the praises of God. In this Church, the sacrament of baptism was administered to ona infant. Divine service was celebrated on Christmas eve and day, in addi tion to three Sundays. Contributed $7 52. From New Preston, I visUed at Kent. Here I found many friends and worthy members. It appeared that a considerable period had elapsed pre vious IQ my visiting them in which tbey had been deprived of tbe services of a Clergyman, and bad become partiaUy dismembered. Though with the exertions of the Rev. Mr. Andrews, of the Diocese of New York, it is confi dently hoped they wUl become a religious and flourishing people. Divine service was held three Sundays in this Church. From Kenl, I proceeded lo Sharon, where I found a respectable congre gation. They have erected a brick Church, not yet wholly completed though they expect by the next winter, lo finish and make it convenient for divine worship. The members of this Parish are active and zealous, lo build op their Church, and cause it to advance to that state of respectability and 125 jmportance, which characterize many of its sister Churches in the State. Pivine service was celebrated two Sundays. By the advice of the Board of Direction, in tbe month of March, I visited the Parishes of Durham, Ifillingwortb, and Pettipaug'. Al Durham, the congregation being destitute of a Church, convened as they are accustomed, in the Academy, where divine service was held. Tbe people of this Parish appeared to feel an interest in the success and prosperity of tbe Episcopal Church. Yet as their number is small, it cannot reasonably be expected that they will at present accomplish any important ends. 'Phey need the assistance and encouragement of those who possess the will and ability lo confer those favours. In this Parish, 1 officiated at one burial. From Durham, 1 proceeded on lo KilUngworlh, where I found a respecta ble number of Episcopalians, who discovered much zeal and anxiety for their own prosperity, and for that of the Church in general. There being no Church in this Parish, divine service was held in the Academy, where the people are in a habit of assembling themselves together. Could this con gregation have an opportunity lo become more thoroughly acquainted wilh the service and doctrines of our Churcb, it is confidently believed, that in process of time, tbey would acquire much strength and importance. Con tributed $3 79. From Killingworth, I proceeded to Saybrook — visited the Parish at Pet tipaug, and officiated in their Church, which is principally new, neal, and convenient, for the celebration of divine service. Among its members, there are many important and able supporters. They manifest much zeal for the cause of religion ; aud may, it is thought, with the concurrence of KUUng worth, take the services of a Clergyman. Pettipaug contributed $6. To conclude, it is highly worthy of remark, that among all the Parishes which I have visited in my Missionary lour, the people have been very kind and hospitable. They have also uniformly manifested that zeal for the in terests of tbe Church "and the salvation of iheir own souls, which bears the stamp of knowledge. My services in the employ of the Missionary Society are equivalent to fifteen Sundays. „^„^.r. ORIGEN P. HOLCOMB. On motion. Resolved, That the Blfrard of Direction be requested lo print said report, and distribute it as a Tract. The following members asked and obtained leave of absence from the House during the remainder pf the session, viz : Rev. Benjamin Benham, Rev. Charies Smith, Messrs. John L. Lewis, Henry L. D'Coven, MUes Newton, Gen. Charies Jenks, Obadiah Warner, William Sbelton, Esq., Selah Bacon, and Isaac Sperry. Resolved, That the Standing Commiltee be requested to caU a special pieeting of this Convention at such time and place as they may deem neces sary to the interest of the Church. . /¦ i. • ¦ Voted, the thanks of the House to the Presidents and Secretaries for their attendance and services. Convention adjourned whhout day. .r.,„rT»T r, ¦' ASHBEL BALDWIN, Secre/ary. NOTITI^ PAROPHIALES. TRINITY CHURCH, FAIRFIELD, AND ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, BRIDGEPORT. EEV. PHILO SHELTON, EECTOE. Communicants, 130; baptisms, infants, 25, adults, 2, total, 27; marriages, 5; funerals, 17. 126 CHRIST CHURCH, STRATFORD. ' EEV. ASHBEL BALDWIN, EECTOR. New communicants, 8; baptisms, 28; marriages, 12; funerals, 10; re. movals from the Parish, 21. TRINITY CHURCH, NEWTOWN. REV. DANIEL BURHANS, EECTOE. Baptisms, adults, 3, infants, 26, total, 29; marriages, 22; communicants, 284; funerals, 21. TRINITY CHURCH, NEW HAVEN. REV. HARRY CROSWELL, EECTOR. Communicants, 270 ; baptisms, adulls, II, infants, 84, total, 95; mar riages, 16; funerals, 30. ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH, MILFORD. KEV. WILLIAM SMITH, D. D., MINISTEE. Families, 20; communicants, 17; baptisms, 2. CHRIST CHURCH, WOODBRIDGE. REV. CHAUNCEY PRINDLE, EECTOR. Families, 98; communicants, 83; new do., 11 ; baptisms, adults, 2, in fants, 11, total, 13; marriages, 4; funerals, 6. CHRIST CHURCH, NORWICH. REV. JOHN TYLER, RECTOR. Communicants, 40; baptisms, 8; marriages, 4; funerals, 4. In Norwich and parts adjacent, 70 families, including Paucatonoc and Preston, and several of those in Preston, have conformed to the Church within the year. Within the last two years, the Parish in Norwich have purchased a new Bell, and painted the Church — the expense amounting to $350. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, RIPTON, AND ST. PETER'S CHURCH, NEW STRATFORD, HUNTINGTON. EEV. MENZIES RAYNER, EECTOR, Communicants, same as last year; baptisms, 19; marriages, 1! ; fune rals, 9. The public services of the Church are attended to with much apparent seriousness and devotion ; and especiaUy at New Stratford, the congregation is large, and in both Churches very attentive. CHURCH, SOUTHINGTON. REV. ASA CORNWALL, A. E. A., MINISTER. FamUies, 44; souls, 174; communicants, 30; baptisms, 11; marriages, 2; funerals, 2. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NEW MILFORD. REV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, RECTOR. Families, 70; communicants, 50; new do., 6; baptisms, 14; marriages, 9 ; funerals, 10. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, BROOKFIELD. EEV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, RECTOR. Families, 75; communicants, 75; new do., 1 ; baptisms, 9; marriages.S; funerals, 2. 127 CHUR8H, BRIDGEWATER. EEV. BENJAMIN BENHAM, EECTOR. Families, 25; communicants, 22; new do., 1; baptisms, 12; marriages, 3; funerals, 3. There is believed tp be good harmony in the cure. The Parish of St. John's Churcb have sent on to the Treasurer of the Bishop's Fund, in addi tion to $163 already paid over to him, the {'urtber sum of $78 11. There have been also some recent exertions to increase the Parish funds, with good success, so far as they have progressed. CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD. REV. JONATHAN M. WAINRIGHT, EECTOR. _ New communicants, 11 ; baptisms, adults, 7, infants, 20, total, 27; mar riages, 6; funerals, 11. CHRIST CHURCH, MIDDLETOWN. EEV. BIEDSEY G. NOBLE, EECTOE. Families, 60; baptisms, adult, 1, infants, 20, total, 21; communiGaDts, 100 ; marriages, 9 ; removals, 5 ; funerals, 10. TRINITY CHURCH, TRUMBULL. REV. 70SEPH D. WELTON, RECTOR. Communicants, 77 ; new do., 8 ; baptisms, 8. CHURCH, WESTON. REV. JOSEPH D. WELTON, EECTOR. Communicants, 46; new do., 5; baptisms, 10. In both Parishes, mar riages, 10; funerals, 15. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, NORWALK. REV. EEUBEN SHEEWOOD, RECTOR. Communicants, 150; new do., 21 ; baptisms, 33; marriages, 3; funerals, 8. Performed service and preached five limes in New Canaan Parish ; gave the Communion oncci Baptisms, 8; funerals, 3. CHRIST CHURCH, GUILFORD. REV. DAVID BALDWIN, RECTOR. Communicants, 50 ; baptisms, 12; marriages, 6; funerals, 2. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, NORTH GUILFORD. EEV. DAVID BALDWIN, RECTOR. Communicants, 37; baptisms, adults, 2, infants, 3, total, 5; funeral, 1. UNION CHURCH, NORTH KILLINGWORTH. REV. DAVID BALDWIN, RECTOE. Communicants, 34 ; baptisms, 7 ; funerals, 2. There has been no material alteration in these Parishes since the last Con vention. There have been some additions, and five or six famiUes have re moved into the Western States. ST. PETER'S CHURCH, CHESHIRE. EEV. EEUBEN IVES, EECTOR. FamUies, 65 ; communicants, 75 ; baptisms, adults, 2, infants, 9, total, 11 ; marriages, 7. ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH, MERIDEN. REV. REUBEN IVES, EECTOE. Families, 48| communicants, 56; baptisms, 8; funerals, 2. 128 CHURCHES, IN OXFORD »AND HUMPHREYSVILLE./ EEV. AAEON HUMPHREY, RECTOE. Baptisms, 28; marriages, 16? funerals, 13. TRINITY CHURCH, BROOKLYN. EEV. GEOEGE S. WHITE, OFFICIATING MINISTEE. Communicants, 14 ; baptisms, 10 ; marriage, 1 ; removed, (communi cants,) 2; certified from the Parish, 2; added to the Parish, 3. The services of the Church have been regularly performed, and the sac- ramehts duly administered, and the business of the Parish conducted witW unanirnity and harmony. I certify that the ordinary business of the Parish of Trinity Church, inf Brooklyn, ."or the year past has been conducted with harmony and unanimity^ ADAMS WHITE, Parish Clerk. ST. MATTHEW'S AND ST. PETER'S CHURCHES, PLYM OUTH. EEV. EODNEY EOSSITER, MINISTEE. Baptisms, 17; marriages, 3; funerals, 2. OCTOBER, 1819. New Haven, October 26, 1819.- Tuesday, 10 o'clock, A. M. This being the day notified by the Standing Committee for a special meeting of the Convention, agreeably to a resolution passed at the annual meeting in June last, the Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies, from the several Parishes in the Diocese, assembled in Trinity Church. Morning prayers wefe read by the Rev. Peter G. Clark. After divine service, the members of the Convention assembled in the Court House. Rev. Philo Shelton took the chair. The RoU being called by the Secretary, the following persons answered and took their seats, viz : Rev. Dr. WUliam Smith, " Tillotson Bronson, P.EvA. Ashbel Baldwin, Reuben Ives, Chauncey Prindle, Truman Marsh, Belhel Judd, Daniel Burhans, Solomon Blakesley, Jonathan Judd, Menzies Rayner, Calvin White, Asa Cornwall, A. E. A. Benjamin Benham, David Baldwin, Joseph D. Welton, Nathan B. Burges, Rev. Frederick Holcomb, " Smith MUes, " Isaac Jones, " Birdsey G. Noble, " Si urges Gilbert, " Aaron Humphrey, " Alpheus Gear, " Harry CrosweU, " Reuben Sherwood, '.' Joseph Perry, " Charles Smith, " Jonathan M. Wainright, •' Rodney Rossiter, " Origen P. Holcomb, Deacon, " Peter G. Clark, , " " Joseph M. GUbert, " 129 Daniel Putnam, Esq., Brooklyn. Burrage Beach, Esq., Cheshire, Jeremiah French, Derby, Frederick Lee, Esq., Guilford, Medad Dudley, North Guilford, Agur Shelton, Huntington, N. Smith, Esq., ? ,^ „ Joel Walter, ^ ^««' Haven, Daniel Pierpont, North. Haven, Maj. OUver Clark, West Haven, Jeremy Hoadley, } „ .j- , Chas. Sigourney, \ Hartford, Truman Colt, East Haven, John Humphreys, Humphreysville, John L. Dewis, > »j-j „ , HenryL. D'Coven, ^ M^ddletoum, Richard Adams, Norwich, Jonathan Siarr, Jr., New London, Elijah Warner, Jr., ) „, ,, Jeremiah Royce, I Plymouth, LAY DEPUTIES. Gideon Slarr, New Preston, Samuel W. j'ohnson, ? „. .j- > Gen. Matthias Nicoll, \ ^Iraiford, Isaac Sperry, Woodbridge, Obadiah Warner, Waterbury, Esor Kellogg, Norwalk, J. I. Lambert, Willon, Seth P. Beers, Esq., > r u ij: u David Marsh, ^ ' ^ Litchfield, Albert Todd, Northford, Samuel R. Gager, Sharon, Thomas S. Shelton, Woodbury, Timothy Johnson, Branford, Timothy Richards, Watertown, Daniel Summers, Trumbull, Hon. David Tomlinson, Oxford, Daniel S. Emmons, East Haddam, Joseph Finch, Soulhington, William Holly, Stamford, Sylvester Carver, Bolton. Resolved, That all Clergymen attending, belonging to the Protestant Epis copal Church, be admitted to a seat in the Convenlion as honorary members. The foUowing Clergymen accordingly look tbeir seats: From the Diocese of New York.— Rev. Messfs. Thomas LyeU, James Milnor, D. D., Russell Wheeler, Henry L. P. F. Peneveyre. From the Diocese of New Jersey.— Rev. Messrs. John Croes, Francis Cummings. From the Diocese of Pennsylvania. — Rev. Messrs. William Augustus Mulenberg, William Richmond. The Rev. Chauncey Prindle handed in bis resignation as a Trustee of the Episcopal Academy, which was read and accepted. Convention adjourned until 3 o'clock, P. M. Tuesday, 3 o'clock, P. M. Convention opened. Right Rev. Bishop Hobart in the chair. The Rules of Order were read by the Secretary. Whereas, Samuel A. Law, Esq., one of the Trustees, of the Episcopal Academy of Conneclicut, about twenty years since removed from this Slate, and neglected to allend to the duties of a Trustee of said Academy, therefore Resolved, That the seat of Mr. Law, as a Trustee, be vacated. The committee appointed at the annual Convention to "investigate the state of the funds of the Episcopal Academy, and all the facts connected with its interest and prosperity," made a report which was read and accepted. Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. Bronson be requested lo make an abstract of the report, to be inserted on the Journals. To the Convention of the Prolestant Episcopal Church of ihe Diocese of Connecticut, to be held at New Haven, on the 26ih day of October, 1819 — The subscribers appointed by the Convention at their session in June last, a commitlee to investigate the state of the funds of tbe Episcopal Academy, in Cheshire, and other facts connected with its interest and prosperity, re spectfully report: — That in pursuance of the powers vested in us by the vote of tbe Conven tion, we repaired lo the Episcopal Academy in Cheshire, on the 31st day of August last. The Treasurer of the Academy exhibited to us the books and 17 130 papers relating to the funds and resources of that institution, and gave us ev ery facility in the examination thereof. On such examination, we find that the accounts have been correctly kept; the permanent funds of the Academy have not been diminished since its establishment; but the income ofthe institution during that period has been equal lo its current expenses. The permanent funds of the Academy, afier deducling sundry subscrip tions, whicb have not been and probably will not be paid, amount to $13,598 30; of which sum, two thousand dollars consist of bank stock, and the resi due, of the obligations of individuals on interest well secured. It is the in tention of the Treasurer, in pursuance of a vote of the Trustees of the Acad-, emy, to invest in Bank stock, as speedily as may be practicable, all the funds of the institution. The committee annex lo this report, two exhibits furnished by the Treasurer, containing a summary siatement of the funds of the Acad emy as certified on the 31st of August, 1819, by auditors appointed by tbe Trustees, and also a detailed account of the obUgations due to the Academy. The library of the institution is yet small, consisting of 177 volumes, and composed principaUy of the donations of individuals. The books are gene rally valuable, and some of ihem rare. It is very desirable that the library sbould be enlarged and furnished with a complete course of suitable books for students of divinity. The friends of the Churcb, and the lovers of learn ing, may render extensive service to religion aud science, by depositing here such books as may be conveniently spared from tbeir own private Ubraries, or by contributing moderate sums of money for the same purpose. Tbe committee think ihat they ought not on this occasion to omit mentioning, that Mr. Ephraim Warner, lale of Waterbury, deceased, by his last WUl and Testament bequeathed the sum of fifty dollars to be expended in the purchase of books for the Academy; that the money has been recently re ceived by the Treasurer, and will be immediately appropriated in pursuance of the honorable designs of the donor. At the request of tbe commiltee, the Rev. Dr. Bronson, Principal of the Academy, has prepared in writing and presented lo the commitlee, a state ment of the course of instruction pursued in the institution. A copy of that siatement accompanies this report. The commitlee also submit a statement of the number of students in tbe Academy in each year since its institution. AU which is respectfully submitted. B. G. NOBLE, i S. W. JOHNSON, C Committee. C. DENISON, ) New Haven, Oct. 26, 1819. COURSE OF STUDIES IN THE EPISCOPAL ACADEMY. PupUs are admitted without reference lo age, provided they are able to read English intelligibly, and to write a legible hand. And as it is the pro fessed design of this institution to initiate young gentlemen, particularly those intended for the ministry, into all tbe branches of literature commonly taught in Colleges, it will readUy be seen that tbe labour of instruction must be un remitting and various. What adds much to the variety is, that a great pro portion of tbe more advanced pupUs are always calculating to join, some one College, and some another; and as the systems pursued in these are some what different, it becomes highly convenient to the student to shape his course to suit his ultimate views. Besides all this, many of those who de sign to finish their course in the Academy, are straightened in their pecuniary means, and need lo be indulged with absence for teaching school in aid of their resources. All these causes combined, produce a constant fluctuation, and prevent such a regular classification as might be wished, and would materially abridge the labour of instruction, and, no doabt, expedite the stu- 131 dent ill his progress through the several grades of Uteralure. Keeping the (oregoirg preliminary remarks in view, the whole course will better appear. In the English department, superintended by the Assistant, are taught Reading, SpelUng, Writing, Common Arithmetic, Geography, English Granirnar, and parsing the Language systematically according lo Murray's principles. To these are added frequent lessons in some approved Cale- cliism ol the Protestant Episcopal Church, and instructions from the Bible. Book keeping by single and double entry, is sometimes taught, as may be desired by parents, guardians, or pupils. Tbe rules and explanations in common Arithmetic, are committed to memory and recited. For all these purposes, the students are distributed into convenient classes, suited as near as may be, to tbe capacity of each. The books commonly used are Web ster's Spelling Book, Bible, Testament, Murray's English Reader, Colum- ¦bian Orator, Morse's Abridged Geography, someUmes'Willet's and Pike's, DaboU's, or White's Arithmetic. Two lessons a day, and sometimes more, are required of all lo be recited memoriter, or to be questioned in them, ac cording to the nature of the study pursued. In addition to all this, the Assistant hears lessons in Latin and Greek Gram mar, wuh some of the minor Classics, such as are ordinarUy used by begin ners in ibedead languages. These are al present Farrand's Latin Course, four books in Caesar's Commentaries, and frequently several books in Virgil's ^neid. ^ In the department under the immediate superintendance of the Principal, Virgil is read through, ten Orations in Cicero, the whole of Sallust, Horace, four or five books in Livy, sometimes Tacitus or Ovid, as may suit the pu pil, or time wUl admit. In the Greek language, they read and recite the Greek Testament entire, Graeca Minora, or four books in Xenophon, five or six books in Homer, and sometimes a selection in Lucian's Dialogues. Par ticular attention is paid to parsing and learning both the Latin and Greek Poets. In reading the Classics, time is taken to remark upon and explain difficult passages, as well as to Ulustrate the beauties of the several authors and inspire a taste for reading. In this department, the student's progress through a complete course of the Mathematics according to Webber, or more lately. President Day's sys tem, so far as pubUshed. Nexl follows, in natural science, Enfield's PhUoso- phy, explained and illustrated somewhat in the manner of Lectures, so far as tbe Academy furnishes instruments for the purpose. Morse's Universal Geography is also read through, Blair's Lectures on Rhetoric are strictly attended to by way of question upon each Lecture. Explanations and re marks are offered as tbe case may require. Exercises are given out in some approved writer, to whom the student is directed lo apply Blair's rules of Criticism. Duncan's Logic is next read in the same manner. Beattie's Moral Truth, TyUer's History, Slewart's PhUosophy of the Mind, and Vat- tel's Law of Nations, finish the course. The students are required to write at leasl twice a day, and frequently more ; for which purpose they are dis tributed into four and sometimes five classes, according to their capacity, and the studies tbey are pursuing. For the purpose of regularly attending to Speaking and Composition, the whole are distributed into two sections, which alternately on Wednesday af ternoon, speak and exhibit tbeir composhions, this being the only business of the half day. Morning prayers are attended in the Academy, about sunrise throughout the year ; immediately after which, one or two classes are atiended to by each of the instructors, and the remainder during the forenoon, and all of them again in the afternoon. There are three Terms in each year, and within the last week of each 132 term, there is a public examination of the students in aU the branches of sci ence to which they have attended. And previous to the anniversary, which is now on the first Wednesday of September, those thought worthy^, are ap pointed to exhibit pieces of their own composition, generaUy in English,; but during some years, a Latin Oration has been delivered. The audieuce, on this occasion, is always respectable, and such as to inspire ambition in the speakers. In addition to the daily course of instruction which has been delineated, on Saturday of each week, a desultory kind of exercise has been sometimes introduced, at which the more advanced students, particularly those intended for the ministry, have been required to attend. This has consisted of ques tions and free extemporaneous remarks on the Articles of the Church, or on some other theological work, or on passages of Scripture, explaining and illustrating the fundamental doctrines of Christianity. And finally, during ihe last three years, formal Lectures have been written and delivered by the Principal, on "Wednesday of each week, during term time. Those Lectures are upon the progress of the Arts and Sciences, from the earliest ages of anliquity, where any documents can be found, down to the present day. More particular atiention is paid to the Manual Arts, Ulus- trating the history of their invention and improvement; and comprehending all curious inventions, and such as contribute to the comfort of human life. They are intended to inspire a taste for reading, and inquiring into the state and condition of mankind in distant ages and countries. Tbey are also in terspersed wilh reflections, illustrative of Scripture history, where difficulties turn upon the manner and condition of human society in those distant ages of tbe world, when the sacred volume was written ; and calculated to inspire feeUngs of pious gratitude to God, for the numerous temporal blessings we enjoy, derived from Uie present improved state of the arts, and to raise a well grounded hope of further enlargement of human power in promoting the welfare of society, and ihe comfort of individuals. The average number of students, during the last thirteen years, has been about 60 in each term, varying from 36 to 96. Of those educated at tbe Academy since its institution, 28 have taken Holy Orders, 3 are now candi dates, and about 90 have been quaUfied lo enter the various Colleges. The number of those who bave been qualified for the professions of Law and Medicine is considerable, but cannot be correotiy ascertained. REPORT ON THE STATE OF LITERATURE IN THE EPIS COPAL INSTITUTION AT CHESHIRE. As one of the committee appointed at the last Convenlion, to visit the Episcopal Academy at Cheshire, I considered it as devolving upon me, rath er than upon the other members of the commhtee, to attend the public ex amination, and to inquire into the methods of instruction generally practiced. and into tbe literary acquisitions and morals of the students. On these subjects, I have the satisfaction to report to the Convention, that the condition of ibd Academy was better tban I had expected. I was highly gratified at the public examination of the several classes.^ The students in general acquitted themselves with honour. I have never known any examination of students equaUy advanced, where their general appearance was more pleasing and satisfactory. The methods of instruction adopted for the different branches of study, are, in my view, not only unexceptionable, but unusually happy and suc- cessfuL I have no where seen the Roman and Greek Classics taught with greater purity and correctness. Dor the idiomatical phrases of those languages rnore clearly comprehended, or rendered into corresponding English expres sions with more felicity and elegance. 133 • T'^T "i^ recoUected thai only a small proportion of tbe students continue in the Academy over two years, one cannot form an unfavourable judgment of the literary acquisitions here obtained. Few men are born to be etninent scholars. None are ever such without time and labour. The classic taste which IS formed al this in'stitution is, in my opinion, when circumstances are taken mto consideration, much more correct than could be expected, and tbe young gentlemen who are sent here, only want that length of lime whicb is allotted to a collegiate course, to form a taste for literature, as pure and chaste as that which is acquired al our Colleges. I cannot conclude this report without expressing tbe satisfaction I received on inquiring into the morals of the students. Their morals were, with few e-xceptions, remarkably correct. This must bo attributed, in a great meas ure, to the parental care which they receive from the officers of the institu tion, lo the affectionate attachment formed towards them by the students, and to the moral examples furnished them by the families in whicb they board. Were the Episcopal Institution to receive the united patronage of Epis copalians in Connecticut, no circumstance is now foreseen which would pre vent its attaining to the highest degree of respectabiUty and usefulness, of which such institutions are capable. And I may be permitted, in concluding this report, lo express the hope, that the time is not far distant, when Episco- paUans, and especiaUy the Clergy, whatever may be their local feeUngs, wUI see how intimately the prosperity of this institution is connected with the interests of the Church in this Diocese, and how important it is that it should receive tbeir united and zealous patronage. B. G. NOBLE. New Haven, Oct. 26, 1819. Rev. PhUo Shelton, Rev. Dr. Bronson, Rev. A. Baldwin, and Rev. Mr. Burhans, were named a commiltee to deliver an address in behalf of the Conyention, to the Bishop elect, immediately after his Consecration. Convention adjourned until 8 o'clock to-morrow morning. Wednesday, 8 o'clock, A. M., October 27. Convention opened according to adjournment, and the roll called. Rev. Asa Cornwall, Rev. Birdsey G. Noble, and Mr. Richard Adams, were appointed Trustees of the Episcopal Academy. Resolved, That the Rev. Truman Marsh, Rev. Daniel Burhans, and Hol brook Curtiss, Esq., be a committee to attend the examination at tbe anni versary of the Episcopal Academy. Tbe committee appointed at the annual Convention to wait on tbe Bishop elect, and lo adopt necessary measures for his due establishment in the office of Bishop in this Diocese, made a report, which was read and accepted, and the powers of the committee were continued lo the next Convention. Which report was ordered to be printed with the Journals. , To the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Connecticut. The commiltee appointed to provide a suitable establishment for the Bish op of the Diocese, respectfully report : — That the letters marked (A, B, C, D,) contain the correspondence between the Bishop'-elect and your committee, with regard to this subject. As, however, they bave not been able to complete the necessary arrange ments for the permanent support of the Bishop, they solicit a continuation of their powers to the next meeting of the Convention. PHILO SHELTON, Chairman of Committee. New Haven, Oct. 26, 1819. ¦ Committee. 134 COPY. (A.) New Haven, 4th June, 1819. To the Rev. Thomas C. Brownell, D. L., LL. D.— Sir,— The undersigned have great pleasure in making known to you, that the Convention of the Diocese of Connecticut has with singular unanimity elecied you to fill the Episcopate in this State. It will be an object of high concern lo provide as eariy as practicable a suitable establishment for that important office; and when this shall have been effected, we hope, in a personal interview, to offer such considerations as wUl induce you to accept our appointment, which we pray God may result in great good to the Church, and a happy administralion of your official duties. We have the honour to be, most respectfully. Rev. sir, Your very obedient servants, PHILO SHELTON, B. JUDD, JONATHAN M. WAINRIGHT, DANIEL PUTNAM, SAMUEL W. JOHNSON, NATHAN SMITH, (B.) New York, 16th June, 1819. To the Rev. P. Shelton, B. Judd, J. M. Wainright, and Messrs. S. W. Jobnson, D. Putnam, and N. Smhh : — Gentiemen, — I bave to acknowledge tbe receipt of your letter of the 4th inst., handed me by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Hobart. And whUe I testify my sense of tbe great distinction paid me by the Convention of the I^iocese of Conneclicut, whose organ you are, I cannot forbear to confess the painful consciousness I feel of my unworthiness to fill the sacred office to whicb you have appointed me. I know, however, that all sufficiency is of God; and relying on tbe assistance of bis grace, I trust I shall not shrink from any duty that may be clearly indicated to me by the course of his Providence. I shall give tothe subject of your letter all that consideration which its inport- ance demands ; and I beg that you will unite with me in supplications lo the throne of grace, that we may all be guided in our conduct and determina tions to that course which shall best promote the glory of our Redeemer, and enlarge the boundaries of bis Church. Whh great respect, I remain, gentlemen. Your obedient servant, T. C. BROWNELL. (C.) To the Rev. Thomas C. Brownell, D. D., LL. D. — SiB — The subscribers, duly authorized by the commiltee appointed in Convention, to provide a suitable establishment for the Episcopate in tbe Diocese of Conneclicut, have now tbe honour to represent to you, as ihe Bishop elect, that the sum of one thousand five hundred dollars per annum, is secured for that object; and tbey are instructed respectfuUy to solicit your acceptance thereof, and that you wUl lake the Episcopal charge of the Dio cese, so soon as Consecration can be effected. Most respectfully your obedient servants, JONATHAN M. WAINRIGHT. DANIEL PUTNAM. New York, 24th June, 1819. (D.) New York, June 24, 1819. Gentlemen, — In answer to your communication of this date, I have fo 135 reply, that Divine Providence seems so cleariy to have opened for me a way to the Diocese of Connecticut, by tbe unanimity of my election, and by the prospect of usefulness which presents itself there, that I have deemed it my duly to accept, though with great diffidence, tbe Episcopate thus offered to rae. Wilh respect to pecuniary support, I do not feel any great soUcitude. 1 have no doubt but tbe Diocese wUl cheerfully take upon itself the mainte nance of my family; and till the Bishop's Fund is adequate to this object, I think It proper lo reserve to myself the right of deriving any necessary aid from the performance of such Parish or Missionarv services as may not be incompatible with my duties lo the Diocese at large. I shall be ready to enter upon the duties of the office lo which I have been elected as soon after the necessary arrangements for my Consecration are com pleted, as my domestic aUiiirs will permit. And I most fervently beseech the Great Head of the Churcb to grant his blessing on our humble exertions for the spiritual welfare of the Diocese of Connecticut. With great respect, your obedient servant, T. C. BROWNELL. Rev. J. M. Wainright, and Col. D. Putnam. A communication from the General Convention was laid before this House, proposing an alteration of the first article of the Constitution of tbe Protestant Episcopal Church. Resolved, That this House do concur in the proposed amendment. On motion. Resolved, That the House now divide for tbe purpose of elect ing Delegates to represent this Diocese in the next General Convention, lo be holden in the city of Philadelphia. The Laity having wuhdrawn, the votes of the Clergy were taken, and the foUowing persons were declared to be du ly elected, viz : — Rev. Messrs. Ashbel Baldwin, Harry CrosweU, Daniel Burhans, and Birdsey G. Noble. The following communication from the House of Lay Deputies was handed by tbe Hon. Samuel W. Johnson and Burrage Beach, Esq. : "In the House of Lay Delegates, the Hon. Samuel W. Johnson was chosen President, and Burrage Beach, Esq., Secretary. " Richard Adams, Matthias Nicoll, John L. Lewis, John I. Lambert, were chosen Delegates to the next General Convention of the Protestant Episco pal Church. Attest, BURRAGE BEACH, Secretary. The two houses again united, and concurred in tbe choice made of the Delegates. Convention adjourned to attend the Consecration of the Bishop elect. The Presbyters, Deacons, and Lay Deputies of the Convention, whh the Clergy from other Dioceses, formed a procession from the house of Governor Ingersoll, and proceeded to Trinity Church, accompanied by the Bishop elect, the Right Rev. Bishop White, Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, and Right Rev. Bishop Griswold. Morning prayers were read by Ihe Rev. Reuben Ives, and a discourse de Uvered by the Right Rev. Bishop Whhe, and the Rev. Thomas C. Brow nell, D. D,, LL. D., was Consecrated to the holy office of Bishop. Wednesday, 3 o'clock, P. M. Convention opened — the Right Rev. Bishop Brownell in the chair, when the following address of the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart to tbe Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Connecticut, relinquishing his provisional charge of tbe Diocese was delivered : — Brethren of the Convention, Clergy and Laity — My charge of this Diocese now ceases, in consequence of an event which 136 gives to the important and respectable Church in this State, by the hands of our venerable Father aud presiding Bishop, a resident Diocesan. I shall furnish to your Secretary, for insertion on the Journals, a statement of my proceedings since my address lo you at the ConvenUon in 1817.^ My connection with this Diocese bas afforded me abundant evidence of the fidelity of the Clergy, in the discharge of their responsible duties; and of tbeir attachment, and of ihal of tbe Laity, lo the pure and primitive doc trines and institutions of our Church. In numerous acts of attention and hospitality, I have received expressions of your liberal and kind feelings,. which ought lo be acknowledged, and can never be forgotten. A connection thus consecrated and endeared, I cannot consider as now dissolved, wiihout emotion. But I should be selfish indeed, ifl did not check the feelings of regret, by those of congratulation, at the auspicious event which this day places over you a Bishop, who, in the fideUty and the talents that have distinguished him in the stations which he has hitherto filled, has inspired our sanguine expectations of his great usefulness, in tbe important relation which he will now sustain lo you. My newly Consecrated brother in the Episcopacy, who, as a Presbyter of my immediate Diocese, and a minister of tbe Churcb of which I have the parochial charge, has enjoyed that confidence and affection which his virtues and his lalenls merit, will accept my earnest prayers, that the blessing of that divine- Master who has this day received his vows, may attend him in ihe arduous sphere of duty on which he now enters. And in bidding you, in my official character, brethren of the Clergy and Laity, farewell, you wiU, 1 trust, permit rae, in the fullness of a heart' deeply solicitous for the prosperity of your Church and for your individual Welfare, to implore for you the benediction of the Almighty. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to sbine up on you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up the light of bis counte nance upon you and give you peace. Amen. The Rev. Harry CrosweU, Rev. Tillotson Bronson, D. D., Hon. Samuel W. Johnson, and Nathan Smith, Esq., were named a commiltee to draft an address of thanks to the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, for his eminent services in this Diocese, who reported the following : — Right Reverend and Dear Sir, — We have the honour lo tender you tbe thanks of the Convenlion of the Protestant Episcopal Church of tbe Diocese of Connecticut, for those tem porary services which are this day terminated by the Consecration of the Right Rev. Dr. Brownell to the Episcopate of the Diocese. In performing this duty, you will permit us to express tbe high sense enter tained by the Convention, by ourselves, and by tbe Chuich generally, of the distinguished benefits which bave resulted from your provisional conneclion with the Diocese. — When we reflect on the sacrifices wbich you made, and the labours which you incurred, in adding tbe care of the Church in this State to the arduous duties which devolved on you as the Episcopate of the large and extensive Diocese of New York — when we consider that this sac rifice was made, and these labours undertaken, without any view to pecuniary interest — and when we call to mind the eminent services whicb you have rendered; the new impulse wbich your visitations have given to our zeal; and tbe general success which has attended the exercise of your episcopal functions— we feel bound to offer lo the Great Head of the Church and Su preme Disposer of all things, our sincere and heartfelt acknowledgment of the distinguished blessings which he has been pleased to confer upon us, through the medium of your services. We shall ever cherish a grateful recollection of these services, and al- 137 though we are no longer connected by official ties, we indulge a hope, that there may be no diminution of tbe friendship and affection which have grown out of your occasional visitations among us. Accept, Right Reverend and dear Sir, from ourselves personally, and from the body in whose behalf we address you, the assurance of our highest respect; and permit us to add, that it is with sentiments of the most cordial esteem, that we bid you an affectionate farewell. TILLOTSON BRONSON, 1 HARRY CROSWELL, ^ SAMUEL W. JOHNSON, f <-<"»""«"• NATHAN SMITH, J The following address of the Rev. Dr. Bronson, as Chairman of the Standing Committee, in behalf of the Convention, to the Right Rev. Bishop Brownell, recognizing hira as their Diocesan, was then made: — Right Reverend Father in God, — In behalf of the Clergy and Laity in Convention here assembled, I con gratulate you on your elevation lo the Episcopate of this Diocese. With great satisfaction liave we witnessed the solemnhies of this day, which have initialed you inio the sacred office of Bishop, and completely reorganized our Church, acoording to the mind and will of Christ. Having with great unanimity invited you lo become our spiritual head under Christ, vve can but entertain the most sanguine hopes that your administrations will be attended with mutual harmonj' and concord. As little do we doubt, that itis a source of much salisfaclion lo yourself, and that you will feel the wisdom of acting, in every thing concerning your high office, with decision and promptitude. Influenced by your example, your godly admonitions, and the sacred author ity wilh which you are entrusted, we look forward wilh raised expectations, to see an increase of zeal and unanimity in the work of the Lord, in promo- ling peace on earth, and good will among men ; in drawing them by gentle persuasives to be reconciled lo the Divine Saviour of the world, and to walk in love and peace together. To this important work, we of the Clergy sol emnly pledged ourselves at our ordination. To your frequent admonition, counsel, advice; and steady example, we shall look to quicken our zeal, and encourage our perseverance, in bringing many sons into the Church, and fit ting them for glory hereafter in the Church triumphant. FaithfuUy to ad minister the ordinances of the Gospel — lo dispense tbe sincere raUk of God's word, in due season, to all the flock over whom we have charge— to drive away all erroneous and strange doctrines; and thereby cullivale peace and harmony, is our bounden duty. And in tbe discbarge of it, we doubt not you will go before us, with alacrity and ardour. In things external, but yet of interesting moment to the honour and re spectability of the Church, over which you are now lo preside, we look with confidence to your patronage. Among these externals may be enumerated competency in the ordinary branches of literature, among the Clergy. Next to the one thing needful in a Clergyman, fervent piety towards God, we hes itate not to believe you are fully sensible of the importance of much reading, and extensive learning, and consequently that you will exert all the influence of your high station, to preserve and further extend this blessing to the Church militant. o u \ Looking back to tbe lime when that venerable man. Bishop beabury, ttie first Protestant Bishop in America, took charge of this Diocese, and reflect ing on what we this day have witnessed, we see abundance of reason lor thanksgivino- and praise to the Great Head of the Church. Under his pru dent, yet energetic administration, and that of his dignified successor, we have increased greatly in numbers, we have become a consolidated and uni- 18 138 form body; as far as is consistent whh fallen human nature we are united in doctrine, in discipUne, and the service we render lo Almighty God. By the liberality of our civil rulers, and tbe joint contributions of the Church at large, we are now able, as we hope, to disencumber ihe Episcopal office of parochial services, that it may be wholly dedicated lo its peculiar duties. For the accomplishment of this so desirable an object, much has been due to the exertions and unremitting recommendations of those two eminent characters in our Church. Excited by the present interesting occasion, suffer us, Sir, to use the lan guage of sincerity, peihaps of self-exaltation, while we say, that you are honoured in becoming tbe successor of two such men, and we doubt not this will inspire you wilh resolution to walk in their steps ; to assist in further strengthening the walls of our Zion, in promoting the work which they be gan and brought to its present state, that we may become a model of peace and harmony; and an honour to the communiiy among whom we dwell. Accept, Right Reverend Sir, of our cordial reception, and recognition of you as our Bishop, according to the appointment of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Canons of the Prolestant Episcopal Church of America. We len der you as such, our solemn promise of all canonical obedience to your au thority ; and our fervent prayers to the Head of the Church that you may long continue to walk before us in love, to the edification of tbe people of God, and your own eternal joy. TILLOTSON BRONSON, Chairman of the Standing Committee. The foUowing is the reply of the Right Rev. Bishop Brownell, to the Convention, expressing his acceptance of the charge : — My Brethren of ihe Clergy, and of the Laity, — I thank you for the favourable sentiments in which you have expressed your solemn recognition of that important station to which I have been called by your suffrages, and lo which I have been Consecrated by the solemnhies of this day. Never, so deeply as in the present instance, have I felt the force of that humiliating exclamation of a great Apostie, " Who is sufficient for ihese things?" But I derive encouragement from another sentiment of the same Apostle—" Our sufficiency is of God." And since the Great Head of the church has promised lo be wilh his ministers "lo tbe end of the world," I humbly trust to the assistance of his Spirit, to guide me in my duties, and support me in my labours. Still, however, I feel that I shall need your liberal indulgence to my im perfections, your candid interpretation of roy conduct, and your zealous co operation in the performance of my duties. The sentiments expressed in your address warrant me in the belief that I shall not fail to experience them- The friendly welcome which you have given me alleviates my anxiety, and inspires me with confidence. And the unanimity which has marked all your proceedings in relation to my settlement in this Diocese, (no less tban the kindness wilh wbich I have been received by you) affords rae a pledge that I shall continue to experience from you all that charitable allowance and zealous support which I so much need, and on which I confidently relied when I consented to be placed in so arduous a station. In the,performance of my duties, it shall be my sincere endeavour to imi tate that prudence and zeal which characterized the eariiest Bishop of this Diocese, and of this country, and lo cultivate those virtues which distin guished his immediate successor. These venerable men have gene lo their reward, and we now enjoy the fruit of tbeir labours. WhUe we cherish their services and their worth in grateful remembrance, we cannot be un- 139 mindful of the zealous and disinterested services of a Bisbop now present, who has, for two years past, performed the Episcopal duties of this Diocese, under the 20th Canon of the General Convention. Having Uved under his Episcopal jurisdiction ever since the Church has enjoyed tbe benefit of his labours in his present station, and having been, for more than a year past, associated wilh him in the intimate relation of assistant in his parochial la bours, I should do violence to my feelings if I neglected, on the present oc casion, to acknowledge my obUgations to his personal friendship, or lo express my sense of his services in this Diocese, and lo the Church at large. I fully accord with your senlimenis coucerning the necessity of a more thorough education for the Clerical profession; a"nd I hope soon to see the period when a Theological Seminary shall be endowed and organized on a scale adapted to the wants, and commensurate wilh the abilhies of the Epis copal Church. My Brethren of the Clergy, — We are fellow labourers in the vineyard of Christ; mutually engaged in extending the boundaries of bis kingdom, and in building up bis Church in the most holy faith. In what strong bonds of fellowship and affection should ihese common labours unite us! With you, I cannot but anticipate "per fect unanimity in this work of the Lord." And it shall be my constant en deavor to merit your confidence, and to secure your counsel and support by an unreserved communication with you, and by an impartial discharge of my official duties. We are fellow labourers in repairing the "waste places," and in building up a Church which concentrates our common affections, and demands our united labours — a Church eminent throughout tbe world for the salutary in fluence which il sheds on civil society, and social life, and for its devout and rational piety — a Churcb, apostolic in its ministry, scriptural in its doctrines and ordinances, and fervent and evangelical in its liturgy and worship. We are mutually engaged in tbe highest cause that can engross tbe attention aod occupy the talents of men. We are co-workers with God in effecting the salvation of immortal souls. Let us then devote all our faculties to a work so important, and to whicb we have pledged ourselves by the most solemn vows. My Brethren of the Clergy and of the Laity, — i accept wilh thankfulness your recognition of our new relation, and the pledges you have proffered of your active co-operation in the common object of our labours. Let us cherish among each otber harmony of sentiment, and let our prayers ascend together lo the Father of mercies, that He would unite our hearts, strengthen our hands, direct our labours, and bless our ex- ertions. T. C. BROWNELL. The Bishop informed tbe Convention that the Rev. Samuel F. Jarvis had put into his hands the Episcopal Records, and other papers belonging to the office, and also presented to the Convention the Episcopal Seal — whereupon, Resolved, that the Bishop be requested to return the ihanks of the Conven tion lo tbe Rev. Mr. Jarvis, for his present. The Rev. Philo Sliellon and the Rev. Dr. Bronson were named a com mittee to return the thanks of the ConvenUon to the Right Rev. Bishop White, for the sermon which be has this day deUvered, and to the other Right Rev. Bishops, fur their addresses and other services, and request a copy of the sermon, and all the addresses for publication. The Rev. Harry CrosweU, Rev. Jonathan M. Wainright, and the Secre tary, were requested to superintend the prinUngof the sermon, addresses, and the Journals of the two last years. 140 Resolved, That the expenses of printing be paid from the funds of the So ciety for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, and the pamphlets be dis tributed as tracts. Voted, the thanks of the Convenlion lo the Presidents and Secretaries. Adjourned without day. Attest, ASHBEL BALDWIN, Secretary. APPENDIX, NO LIST OF ORDINATIONS, COPIED FROM THB EPISCOPAL REGISTER. SAMUEL SEABURY, D. D., Consecrated Bishop of Connecticut, at Aberdeen, Scotland, Nov. 14^ 1784, by Right Rev. Robert Kilgour, Bish op of Aberdeen, Primus ; the Rt. Rev. Arlhur Petrie, Bisbop of Moss and Murray, and tbe Rt. Rev. John Skinner, Coadjutor. By Bight Rev. Samuel Seaburt. Colin Furgeson, M. A., Deacon, Middletown, Henry Van Dyke, M. A., Aahbel Baldwin, M. A., Philo Shelton, M. A., Thomas Fitch OUver, (B. I.,) Colin Furgeson, Samuel Spraggs, (N. J.,) Samuel Roe, (N. J.,) Samuel Armor, (Md.,) Henry Van Dyke, Philo Shelton, Thomas F. Oliver, Ashbel Baldwin, Samuel Spraggs, Samuel Roe, Samuel Armor, Hatch Dent, (Md.,) William Duke, (Md.,) Hatch Dent, William Duke, John Lowe, (N. Y.,) John Lowe, Joseph PUmore, Joseph PUmore, John Wood, (Ire.,) John Priest, John Bissett, (R. I.,) do do do do do do do do Priest, do Deac, New Haven, do do do do Priest, do do do do do do do do do do do do do Deac. do do do Priest, do do do Deac. do Priest, do Deac. do Priest, do Deac. Norwich, Priest, do Deac. Newport, R, Aug. .3, 1785, do do do do do do Aug. 7, do do do Sept. 16, do do do do do do do do do do do Sept. 18, do do do do do do do Oct. 16, do do do Oct. 18, do do do Nov. 2, do Nov. 3, do Nov. 27, do Nov. 29, do Jan. 4, 1786, Jan. 6, do , March 12, do 141 John Bissett, Bryan Fairfax, Abraham Lynsen Clarke, Bryan Fairfax, Walker Maury, (Md.,) WiUialm Skelly, (Md.,) Walker Maury, WiUiam Skelley, Benjamin Lindsley, (N, C.,) Benjamin Lindsley, Henry Moscrop, (R. I.,) Henry Moscrop, Philo Perry, David Belden, Tilley [Tillotson] Bronson, John Coens Ogden, Daniel Barber, (Vt. Chauncey Prindle, Ambrose Todd, Bethuel Chittenden, (Vt.,) PhUo Perry, Reuben Garlick, (Vt.) Edward Blakeslee, Reuben Ives, Tillolson Bronson, Chauncey Prindle, John Coens Ogden, (N. H.,) David Fool, Adam Boyd, (Geo.,) Adam Boyd, Ambrose Hull, Samuel Bissett, David Foot, Samuel Nisbett, Solomon Blakeslee, Abraham L. Clark, Ambrose Todd, Ambrose Hull, Robert Fowle, (N. H.,) Truman Marsh, David Perry, William Ogilvie, Joseph Warren, (Mss.,) Roberl Fowle, (N. H.,) Seth Hart, David Perry, Russel CaUing, David Butler, Joseph Warren, Seth Hart, Daniel Burhans, Charles Seabury, Solomon Blakeslee, Edward Blakeslee, Russel CaUing, David Butler, Priest, Newport, R. I., March 15, 1786. Deac. Stratford, June 9, do do do do do Priest, do June 11, do Deac. do July 2, do do do do do Priest, do July 3, do do do do do Deac. GuUford, July 26, do Priest, do July 27, do Deac. Newport, R. I., Aug. 27, do Priest, do Aug. 29, do Deac. Derby, Sept. 21, do do do do do do do do do do do Sept. 24, do do Middletown, Oct. 29, do do Stamford, June 1, 1787. do do do do do do do do Priest, do June 3, do Deac. Middletown, July 29, do do New London, Feb. 24, 1788. Priest do do do do do do do do do do do do Boston, March 27 ; do Deac. New London, June 11, do do do Aug. 18, do Priest, do Aug. 19, do Deac. New Haven, Oct. 12, do do do Oct. 19, do Priest, North Haven, Oct. 22, do do do do do Deac. Norwalk, June 3, 1789. Priest, do June 7, do do do do do do do do do Deac. New London, Dec. 13, do Priest, Litchfield, June 2, 1790. Deac. do June 6, do Priest, Newtown, Oct. 3, do Deac. New London, Nov. 28, do Priest, Portsmouth, N. H., June 29, 1791. Deac. Watertown, Oct. 9, do. Priest, Bridgeport, Oct. 16, do Deac. New Haven, June 10. 1792, do do do do Priest, New York City, Sept. 18, do do Huntingion, Oct. 14, do Deac. Middletown, Jan. 5, 1793. do do do do Priest, do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do 142 Deac. Newport, July 28, Priest, Providence, July 31, Deac. New London, Oct. 18, Priest, New Haven, June 8, do New London, June 29, Deac. Stratford, Jan. 7, do do do do do do Priest, Plymouth, , Oct. 1, 1793, do 1793.1794. do 1795. do do do John Usher, (R. I.,) John Usher, William Green, Daniel Burhans, Bethuel Chittenden, (Vt.) Caleb Child, (Mass.,) Alexander Viets Griswold, Manoah Smhh Miles, Alexander V. Griswold, ABRAHAM JARVIS, D. D., Consecrated Bisbop of Connecticut, at New Haven, Oct. 18, 1797, by Rt. Rev. William White, Presiding Bishop, Rt.Rev. Samuel Provoost, Bishop of New York, and the Rt. Rev. Edward Bass, Bisbop of Massachusets. By Rt. Rev, Abraham Jarvis, D. D. Calvin Whhe, Deac. Bethel Judd, do Ezra Bradley, do Amos Pardee, Priest, John Callaghan, Deac. Evan Rogers, do •Calvin White, Priest, Abraham Brunson, Deac. Jasper Davis Jones, do Gamaliel Thatcher, (Mass.,) do Evan Rogers, Priest, Nathan B. Burgess, Deac, Gamaliel Thatcher, Priest, James Kilbourn, Deac. Nathan B. Burgess, Priest, Clement Merriam, Deac. Jasper D. Jones, Priest, Henry Whitlock, Priest, Joseph Perry, Deac. Abraham Bronson, Priest, Galen Hicks, (Mss.) do Samuel Griswold, Deac. Asa Cornwall, do Samuel Griswold, Priest, Clement Merriam, do Timothy HilUard, do Russell Wheeler, Deac. Barzillai Blakeslee, do John [L.] Blackburn, do Virgil H. Barber, do Roger Searle, do John Ward, do John Lynn Blackburn, Priest, Roger Searie, do Elijah G. Plumb, Deac. Russel Wheeler, Priest, Salmon Wheaton, Deac. Benjamin Benham, do David Baldwin, do Asa Cornwall, Priest, Virgil H. Barber, do Bridgeport, June 28, 1798. Cheshire, Sept. 30, do do do do Middletown, Jan. 20, 1799. Bridgeport, June 5, do do do do Cheshire, Dec. 1. do do Dec. 25, do do June 8, 1800. do do do New London, Oct. 16, do Cheshire, Jan. 18, 180L Newlown, Jan. 3. do Cheshire, Jan. 24, 1802. do April 13, do do AprU 14, do do May 19, do Huntington, June 2, do New Haven, Oct. 19, do Danbury, June ], 1803. New Haven, Sept. 25, do Cheshire, Nov. 7, do New Haven, Oct. 7, 1804. Middletown, June 6, 1805, do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do New Haven, Dec. 1. do do June 8, 1806. do do do Newtown, Oct. 12, do Watertown, June 4, 1807. Bridgeport, Sept. 1, do do do do do do do do Sept. 20, do do do do 143 Priest, New London, do Norwalk, do do do do Deac. New Haven, do do Priest, GuUford, Deac. New Haven, do do do do Priest, do do do do do Deac. do do do do do do Hartlbrd, Priest, Danbury, do New Haven, do do Oct. 11, 3807. Aug. 33, 1808. do do Sept. 4, do Dec. 18, do do do AprU 30, 1809. March 18, , 1810. do do AprU 1 3, do Dec. 28, do do do April 5, 1811. June 23, do Sept. 15, do Oct. 27, do June 2, 1812, Aug. 31, do Dec. 20, do do do John Ward, Elijah G. Plumb, Benjamin Benham, Salmon Wheaton, Joseph Davis Welton, Sturges Gilbert, David Baldwin, Samuel Farmer Jarvis, Daniel McDonald, Nathaniel Huse, Sturges Gilbert, Joseph Davis Welton, Samuel Far mar Jarvis, Frederick Holcomb, Stephen Jewett, Orrin Clark, Birdsey G. Noble, Reuben Hubbard, Daniel McDonald, Frederick Holcomb, ORDINATION BY RT. REV. JOHN HENRY HOBART, BISHOP OP NEW YORK. Joseph M. Gilbert, Deac. New Haven, June 2, 1819. THOMAS CHURCH BROWNELL, D. D., Consecrated Bishop of Conneclicut, at New Haveu, Oct. 7, 1819, by Rt. Rev. Bishop White, D. D., Bishop of Pennsylvania; Bt. Rev. John Henry Hobart, D. D., Bishop of New York ; and the Rt. Rev. Alexander Viets Griswold, Bishop of the Eastern Diocese. By Rt. Edward RuUedge, Peter G. Clark, Origen P. Holcomb, Daniel Somers, Beardsley Northrop, George B. Andrews, David Botsford, Bennet Glover, Thomas Warner, Moses P. Bennett, Seth B. Paddock, Lemuel B. Hull, William Jarvis, John M. Garfield, Ransom Warner, Seth B. Paddock, Lemuel B. Hull, John M. Garfield, Ambrose Todd, WilUam Sbelton, Edward J. Ives, Charies J. Todd, Enoch Huntington, Ashbel Steele, James Keeler, '. Thomas C. Brownell, D.D. Deac. Middletown, Nov. 17, Priest, Norwich, Jan. 13, do Branford, July 12, Deac. Danbury, Aug. 30, do New Haven, May 2, Priest, Cheshire, Sept. 26, Deac. do do do do do do New Haven, Nov. 16, do do Jan. 30, do do' do do do Aug. 4, GO Norwalk, Aug. 7( do Hamden, Aug. 11, do Middletown, Dec. 29, Priest, do do do Meriden, June 4, do do do do Stamford, June 30, Deac. Cheshire, Aug. 4, do Middlelown, Nov. 4, do do do do do do do do do Priest, do do 1819.1820. do do 1823. do do dodo 1823. dodo dodododo 1823. do dodo dododo dodo 144 Ransom Warner, WilUam Jarvis, Hector Humphrey, Alonzo Poller, John Sellon, Hector Humphrey, Ashbel Sleele, Edward J. Ives, Joseph T. Clark, John W. Cloud, WiUiam Shelton, Eleazer M. P. Wellsj Thomas W. Coit, Joseph T. Clark, James A. Fox, George A. Shelton, George C. Shepherd, William T. Potter, William H. Lewis, John S. Stone, Norman Pinney, George C. Shepherd; Nathan Kingsbury, Edward W. Peel, Jacob Oson, .Tacob Osun, William H. Levvis, WilUam A. Curtis, Harry Finch, WUliam H.Judd, Horatio Potter, Francis L. Hawks, William CrosweU, William Lucas, Harry Finch, Norman Pinney, Edward Jones, Gustavus V. Caesar, Gurdon S. Coit, Edward Jones, Gustavus V. Caesar, Charies William Bradley, John Morgan, George Jones, Levi Hannafbrd Corson, Joseph Scolt, John Morgan, Thomas J. Davis, David G. Tomlinson, Allen C. Morgan, Charles William Bradley, Samuel S. Lewis, William H. Walter, Robert A. Hallam, William P. Curtiss, Thomas J. Davis, Priest, Middletown, Nov. 4, 3823. do do Nov. 5. do Deac. New Haven, March 21, 1824. Priest, Sharon, Sept. 36, do do Hartford, Dec. 5, do do Glasienbury, March 6, 1825. do Poquetonuok, June 27, do do Meriden, Nov. 20, do Deac. Derby, Sept. 7, do do Hartford, Jan. 4, 1826. Priest, Fairfield, May 37, do Deac. Newtown, June 7, do do do do do Priest, Hartford, June 14, do do do Aug. 3, do Deac. do do do do do do do Priest, Hamden, Oct. 29, do. Deac. Hartford, Jan. 21, 1827. do do June G, do do do do do Priest, Hebron, Aua;. 8; do Deac. Bridgeport, Sept. 2, do do do do do do Harl.'brd, Feb. 15, 1828. Priest, do Feb. 16, do do Huntington, June 2, do do Norwalk, .June 4, do Deac. Cheshire, July 13 do do Hartford, Aug. 9, do Priest, do Dec. 14, do do New Haven, Jan. 25, 1829. Deac. do do do Priest, Woodbury, Sept. 3, do do New Preston, Sept. 5, do do New Haveu, June 2, 1:30. Deac. Hartford, Aug. 6, do do do do do do do Aug, 8, do Priest, do Sept. 6, do do do do do Deac. do Sept. 10, do do do Oct. 2. do do do Jan. 16, 1831. do do do do do do June 1, do Priest, Saybrook, Aug. 36, do Deac. Harlford, Sept. 4, do do Bridgeport, Nov. 17, do do Hartford, Nov. 27, do Priest, New Haven, June 6, 1832. Deac. Hartford do do do do Aug. 2, do do do do do do do do do Priest, Naugatuck, Sept. 4, do 145 WUUam P. Curtis, Priest, Joseph Scott, do AUen C. Morgan, do David G. Tomlinson, do James A. Bolles, Deac. SUas Totten, do Samuel Starr, do Caleb S. Ives, do Isaac Smith, do John D. Smilh, do Oliver Hopson, do Robert A. Hallam, Priest, Levi H. Corson, do Caleb S. Ives, do Isaac Hallam, do Lucius M. Purdy, do John A. Rouse, Deac. Augustus F. Lyde, do Nathaniel E. Cornwall, do Lorenzo T. Bennett, do John D. Smith, Priest, OUver Hopson, do Riverius Camp, Deac. William H. Walter, Priest, Edward IngersoU, Deac. George Burgess, Priest, Samuel Hazzard, Deac. Joseph H. Nichols, Priest, Jacob L. Clark, Deac. Thomas S. Judd, do Thomas H. VaU, do William Watson, do Ebenezer Edwards Beardsley, do Joseph H. Tyler, John H. Rouse, Melancthon Hoyt, Lorenzo T. Bennett, Edward Ingersoll, Albert Spooner, Riverius Camp, Nathaniel E. CornwaU, Jacob L. Clark, David H. Short, George Benton, Amos B. Beach, Edward J. Darken, SUas Totten, George Benton, William Watson, Thomas S. Savage, E. Edwards Beardsley, Samuel M. Emery, Alfred Lee, Albert Spooner, Edward J. Darken, William Warland, Priest, dododo do Deac. jPriest, do do Deac. do do do Priest, do dodo do do Deac. Priest, dodo Harlford, Sept. 28, 1832. do do do Watertown, Jan. 17, 1833. do do do Hartford, March 24, do Wallingford, May 5, do Hartford, July 7, do do do do do do do do do do do do do Meriden, Aug. 2, do do do do do do do New London, Dec. 2, do Plymouth, Feb. 22, 1834. Chatham, June 35, do New York, June 29, do do do do New Haven, July 1, do HumphreysvUie, Sept. 22, do Bethany, Sept. 23, do TrumbuU, Oct. 16, do Milford, Oct. 17, do New Haven, Oct. 18, do Hartford, Nov. 2, do North Haven, June 17, 1835. Greenwich, June 27, do New Canaan, June 29, do do do do do do do New MUford, July 3, do Hartford, Aug. 11, do do do do do do do Camden, N. J., Aug. 23, do New Haven, Nov. 20, do do do do Norwich, May 4, 1836. Sharon, May 18, do Southport, July 5, do do do do Hartford, July 10, do do do do do do do do do do Chatham, Aug. 7, do do do do Northfield, Oct. 17, do Naugatuck, Oct. 23, do Cheshire, Oct. 24, do Chatham, May 14, 3837. Norwich, May 21, do New London, May 25, do New Haven, June 13, do do do do 19 146 David H. Short. Priest, WilUam Grant Heyerj Deac. Solomon G. Hitchcock, do David Ogden, do Henry Fitch, do George A. Sterling, do Theodore W. Snow, Priest, Charles Cleaveland; do Alfred Lee, do David Ogden, do Henry Fitch, do Alonzo Bowen Chajiin, Deac. Zebadiah Hyde Mansfield, do Henry B. Sherman, do Andrew H. Cornish, do William Payne, do Nathaniel S. Richardson, do Abel Nichols, do WiUiam B. Ashley, do Abner Jackson, do John WiUiams, do Solomon G. Hitchcock, Priest, WilUam G. Heyer, do Thomas G. Salter, do James D. Mead, do Charles Fox, do Alonzo B. Chapin, do Servilius Stocking, do Isaac H. Tuttle, Deac. Charles Prindle, do Thomas L. Pitkin, do Daniel Shepherd, do WilUam B. Ashley, Priest, William Payne, do Nathaniel S. Richardson,' do Henry Townsend, Deac. James R. Bayley, do Robert M. Chapman, Priest, Sabura S. Stocking, Deac. Samuel T. Carpenter, Priest, Zebadiah H. Mansfield, do Sheldon Davis, Deac. George L. Foote, do Abel Nichols, Priest, Benj. M. Yarrington, do i .John Purves, Deac. ' Paschal P. Kidder, do John G. Hull, do Martin Moody, do Frederick B. Woodward, Priest, Isaac H. Tuiile, do George S. Gordon, do Henry Townsend, do Sabura S. Stocking, do William F. Morgan, Deac. George II. Nichols. do John Purves, Priest, Danbury, June 20; 1837: Bridgeport, July 5, do do do do do do do do do do Bridgewater, Aug. 25, do Wallingford, Dec. 6, do East Windsor, Dec. 10. do Hartford, June 12; 1838. do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do Chatham, July 8, do do do do do do do do do do do do do Middletown, Sept. 2, do do do do Brookfield, Nov. 9, do Bridgeport, Nov. 14, do Hartford, Dec. 16, do do June 11, 1839. do do do do do do do do do New Haven, July 3, do do do do do do do Hartford, Aug. 23, do Glastenbury, Aug. 27, do Litchfield, Sept. 29, do Watertown, Oct. 1, do HumphreysviUe, Oct. 5, do Hartford, Oct. 23, do do Dec. 22, do do do do (lo March 18, , 1840. do do do Waterbury, AprU 12, do New Haven, June 9, do do do do \ Greenwich, June 23, do i by Bp. DeLahcy of Western N.Y. Harlford, July 3, 1840. Glastenbury, July 5, do Plymouth, Sept. 3, do do do do Bethlem, Oct. 13, do New Preston, Oct. 19, do New Haven, Nov. 12, do Meriden, Feb. 25, 1841. Hartford, May 12, do do June 8, do do do do APPENDIX, NO. II BISHOP SEABURY'S FIRST CHARGE TO THE CLERGY OF HIS DIOCESE, DELIVERED AT NEW HAVEN, AUG. 4, 1785. Reverend Brethren, Beloved in our Lord Jesus Christ,— _ It is with very great and sincere pleasure, that I meet you here at this time, and on this occasion ; and I heartily thank God, our heavenly Father, for the joyful and happy opportunity with which bis good providence bas favored us, and do beseech him to direct and prosper all our consultations and endeavours, to his glory and the benefit of his Church. At your desire, and by your appointment, I consented to undertake a voy age to England, to endeavour to obtain those Episcopal powers, whose want has ever been severely felt and deeply lamented by the thinking part of our communion. The voyage bas been long and tedious, and tbe difficuhies that arose, perplexing, and not easily surmountable. Yet, by the favour of God, the important business has been happily accomphshed; and the bles sing of a free, valid, and purely ecclesiastical episcopacy, procured to our infant Church, which is now completely organized in all its parts, and being nourished by sincerity and truth, wUl, we trust, under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, grow up in him in all things, which is the head, even Christ; from whom tbe whole body fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint suppUeth, acoording to the effectual working in the meas ure of every part, will make increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in love. (Eph. iv. 15, 36.) As, under God, the Bishops of the remainder of tbe old Episcopal Church of Scotland, which, at the revolution, fell a sacrifice to the jealous apprehen sions of WiUiam the Third, were the sole instruments of accomplishing this happy work ; lo them our utmost gratitude is due; and I hope the sense of the benefit we have, through their hands, received, will ever remain fresh in tbe minds of all tbe members of our communion, lo the latest posterity. Under tbe greatest persecutions, God bas preserved them to this day, and I trust will preserve them, that there may yet be some, to whom destitute Churches may apply in their spiritual wants, — some faithful shepherds of Christ's flock, who are willing lo give freely, what ihey have freely received from their Lord and Master. With us, then, ray venerable brethren, it remains to make ibis precious gift which we have received, conducive to the glory of God, and tbe good of his Church. Long have we earnestly desired to enjoy tbe full advantage of our religious constitution ; let us then carefuUy improve it, to all those holy purposes for wbich it was originally designed by our divine Head, the august Redeemer of sinful men. Sensible as I am of my own deficiencies, and of the infirmilies of human nature, I sbaU, by God's grace, be always ready to do my duty, according to my best abUity and discretion ; and I trust I shall, by him, be enabled to avoid every thing that may bring a reproach on our holy religion, or be a hindrance to the'increase and prosperity of that Churcb, over which I am, by God's providence, called to preside. On your advice and assistance, rev- 148 erend brethren, next to God's grace, I must rely for support in the great work that is before me, and to which I can, with truth, say, I have devoted myself without reserve. Your support, I know I shall have, and I hope for tbe support of aU good men. Let us then tiust that God wUl prosper our honest endeavours to serve the interests of his Church, and to make his Gospel eftectual to the conversion of sinners to him, that their souls may be saved by the redemption and mediation of his Son. Woridly views can here have no influence, either on you or me. Loss, and not gain, may, and probably will be, the consequence of the step we have taken, to procure for onr Church the blessing we now enjoy. But however our worldly patrons may be disposed towards us, our heavenly Father knoweth whereof we are made, and of what things we have need. And He is able lo open his hand, and fill all things living with plenteousness. (Psalm cxlv. 16.) Let us then seek first his kingdom and the righteousness thereof, (Mal. vi. 33,) and depend upon the gracious promise of our Redeemer, that all things necessary lo our bodily sustenance shall, in the course of his providence, be given uiilo us. In our endeavours to promote the interests of Christ's Church in this world, much, I know, will depend on me. Much also, my beloved in Christ, will depend on you. Permit rae then, in this, my first charge, to mention two or three things of great importance in themselves, and which require your immediate attention. The first is, the obUgations you are all under, to be very careful of the doctrines which you preach from tbe pulpit, or inculcate in conversation. — You will not suppose that I am finding fault, or that I have reason so to do. General cautions of this kind must make part of almost all the charges from a Bishop to his Clergy. Should any Clergyman be censurable in this re spect, it would be ungenerous to attack him in this public way, and unfair to correct him by wounding the body of bis brethren. Should such a case ever happen, which I pray God never may, there are other modes of proceeding more likely lo be efi'ectual, and which therefore ought to be adopted. But when you consider, as I doubt not you do often and seriously, that many of the people under your care bave little or no other instruction in religion but what tbey get from you, — that the care of their souls is by Christ and his Church committed to you — and that you must give an awful account of ihem in the day of judgment, you cannot think such cautions as I just now interposed, can at this, or at any other time, be either impertinent or unne cessary. You are, and il is expected of the peo])le that they account you as ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God ; (1 Cor. iv. 1, 2,) let us all then remember that it is required of steivards that a man be found faithful. And our own hearts will inform us, that the first instance of fidelity is, that the pure doctrines of the Gospel be fairly, and earnestly, and affectionately proposed, explained, and inculcated, and thai we suffer nothing else lo usurp their place, and become tbe subject of our preaching. Another matter which my duly requires me to meution, relates to a busi ness in which you will probably be soon called upon to act. I mean tbe very important one of giving recommendations lo candidates for Holy Orders. It is impossible that tbe Bishop should be personally acquainted with every one who may present himself for ordination. He must, therefore, depend on the recommendation of his Clergy, and other people of reputation, for the character and qualifications of those who shall be presented to him. By qualifications, I mean not so much literary accomplishments, though these are not to be neglected, as aptitude for the work of the ministry. You must be sensible that a man may have, and deservedly have, an irreproachable moral character, and be endued with pious and devout affections, and a com petent share of human learning, and yet, from want of prudence, or from deficiency in temper, or some singularity in disposition, may nol be calcula- 149 ted tcmake a g-ood Clergyman ; for to be a good Clergyraan implies, amons o her things, that a man be a useful one. A Clergyman who does no good, always does hurl. There is no medium. Not only the moral character and learning, and abUities of candidates are to be exacUy inquired into, but also their good temper, prudence, diligence, and every thing by which their use fulness m the ministry may be affected. Nor should their personal appear ance, voice, manner, clearness of expression, and facility of communicating their sentiments, be altogether overiooked. These, wbich may by some be thought to be only secondary qualifications, and therefore of no great im portance, are, however, those that will require your more particular atten tion, and call for all your prudence. They who shall apply for recommen dations, wUl generally be such as bave passed through a course of academi cal studies, and must be competently quaUfied in a literary view. Exami nation, however, will ascertain the matter wUh suflicient certainly. And it is improbable that the openly vicious, or even they whose characters wUl not bear to be scrutinized, will ever apply for your lestimonials. But sbould they be so hardy, the matter wUl soon be decided. You cannot recommend them, and there is an end of it. But the other quahfications I mentioned — good temper, prudence, diligence, capacity, and aptitude to teach, and all those requisites necessary to make a worthy, useful Clergyraan, may prob ably be sometimes doubted. And then a question arises, whether such a person ought to be recommended. The general consideration that a Cler gyraan should be useful to others, and should not raerely consult his own emoluraent, but the benefit of Christ's Church principally, ought, in my opinion, to determine this point ; and if there be real ground to suspect that a person will not make a useful Clergyman, whatever his moral character and literary attainments may be, he ought not to be recommended. He may serve God usefully and acceptably in some other station ; and he cannot justly esteem it an injury that he was not admitted to a station in Christ's Church, where the probable chance was that he would do more harm than good. It is always easier to keep such persons out of the ministry, tban to get rid of them when once admitted. Open immorality exposes a man to tbe public censure of his superiors, and he may, by due authority, be deposed and dismissed from the ministry. But a Clergyman's conduct may be so guarded as to be always within such a line as shall screen him from public censure, and yet be such as does manifest disservice to religion, and bring reproach on the order to which he belongs. And however uneasy you may be with having him in your number, no fair occasion to get rid of him may ever present itself. Lay hands suddenly on no man, (1 Tim. v. 22,) was one of tbe things St. Paul gave in charge lo Timothy, whom be had appointed Bishop of Ephesus. And if not suddenly, without sufficient deliberation and trial, certainly not in doubtful cases, especiaUy where the probabUity is against the man, with respect to his usefulness as a minister. And all the reasons why the Bisbop should lay hands suddenly on no man, are so many strong arguments against recommending any man suddenly, oi in doubtful cases, lo the Bishop for ordination. The third thing which ray duty calls upon rae lo raenlion to you at this time, because it requires your immediate attention, is that old and sacred rite, handed down lo us from the apostolic age, by the primitive Church — the laying on of hands upon those who have been baptized, and, by proper authoritv, admitted into the Christian Church, and which is now commonly called Confirmation; though in truth there seeras lo rae to be more^ in the rite than a bare confirmation of the baptismal vow; and that it implies, and was originally understood to imply the actual communication of the Holy Spirit to those who worthily received it. Jt has not hitherto been in the power of tbe members of our Church to 150 comply wuh this rite, for want of the proper office^ to administer it. An^ we trust that the mercy of God wiU pardon those omissions of duty, inhis faithful servants, which arose merely from the necessity of their situation^ ' But the case is now altered, and through his gracious providence, that and every other rite and ordinance wbich he has instituted for the government and edification of his Church, may be obiained and enjoyed. It becomes, therefore, our duty to attend to this matter ; and as it is unreasonable to ex pect that people should comply with a rite before they are convinced of their obligation to do so, it lies upon us to explain to them its nature and meaning, the foundation ou which it stands, the obligations tbey are under to comply with it, and the benefits they wUl receive from the institution, if ihey come worthily to it; and then, it is to be hoped, there wUl be no backwardness in the members of our Church to submit to it. It is, I am sensible, unnecessary to point out to you, the several arguments and reasons by which your instructions on this point may be supported. — You have undoubtedly often and seriously reflected on them. But as your duty, in that respect, is now to be more particularly regarded, and very soon carried into execution, permit me, by way of remembrance, to make a few general observations on the authority, nature, and benefits of the inslituUon. We suppose, and I think justly, that the rite is founded on apostolical practice. In Heb. vi. 2, St. Paul enumerates the fundamental principles of the Christian religion, such as were necessary for all Christians, viz : repen tance from dead works— faith in Godlike doctrine of baptisms — and of lay ing on of hands — and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal life. — No commentator or expositor of the holy Scriptures ever understood this text of any other laying on of hands, but that in Confirmation, till since the ref ormation; and the celebrated Calvin himself gives it as his opinion,