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YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

Gift of
Historical Manuscripts

CONSTITUTION,

CANONS AND REGULATIONS

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH

STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.

PHILADELPHIA:
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE CONVENTION.
KING & BAIRD, PRINTERS, 9 GEORGE ST.
1844.

CONSTITUTION, CANONS, &c.

An tSct of Association qf the Clergy and Congrega
tions of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
the State of Pennsylvania.
Whereas, by the late Revolution, the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the United States of America is become indepen
dent of the ecclesiastical jurisdiction in England ; in conse
quence whereof, it is necessary for the clergy and congrega
tions of the said church to associate themselves for maintain
ing uniformity of divine worship, for procuring the power
of ordination, and for establishing and maintaining a system
ecclesiastical government.
And whereas, at a meetingof sundry clergymen and of lay
deputies from sundry congregations of the Protestant Epis
copal church in this state, held in the city of Philadelphia,
on the 34th day of May, 1784, there was appointed a commit
tee, to confer and correspond with representatives from the
church in other states, for the purpose of constituting an ec
clesiastical government, agreeably to certain instructions or
fundamental principles.*

* Which are as foUo-ws :
First, That the Episcopal Church in these states is and ought to be inde
pendent of all foreign authority, ecclesiastical or civil.
Secondly, That it hath, and ought to have, in common with all other reli-

And whereas, the said committee, being assembled in the
city of New York, on the 6 th and 7th days of October, in
the same year, did concur with clergymen and lay deputies
from sundry states, in proposing a Convention from all the
states, to be held in the city of Philadelphia, on the Tuesday
before the feast of St. Michael next ensuing, in order to
unite in an ecclesiastical constitution, agreeably to certain
fundamental principles, expressed in the said proposal:*
gious societies, full and exclusive powers to regulate the concerns of its
own communion.
Thirdly, That the doctrines of the gospel be maintained as now professed
by the Church of England; and uniformity of worship be continued, as near
as may be, to the Liturgy of the said Church.
Fonrthly, That the succession of the ministry be agreeable to the usage
which requireth the three orders of bishops,^riests, and deacons ; that the
rights and powers of the same respectively be ascertained ; and that they
be exercised according to reasonable laws to be duly made.
Fifthly, That to make canons or laws, there be no other authority than
that of a representative body ofthe clergy and laity conjointly.
Sixthly, That no powers be delegated to a general ecclesiastical govern
ment, except such as cannot conveniently be exercised by the clergy and
vestries in their respective congregations.
* Which are as follow : i.
First, That there be a General Convention ofthe Episcopal Church in the
United States of America.
Second, That the Episcopal Church in each state send deputies to the Con
vention, consisting of clergy and laity.
Third, That associated congregations, in two or more states, may send
deputies jointly.
Fourth, That the said Church shall maintain the doctrines of the gospel
as now held by the Church of England, and shall adhere to the Liturgy of
the said Church, as far as shall be consistent with the American Revolution,
and the Constitutions ofthe respective states.
Fifth, that in every state where there shall be a bishop duly consecrated,
and settled, he shall be considered as a member of the Convention, ex officio.
Sixth, hat the clergy and laity assembled in Convention, shall deliberateO
in one body, but shall vote separately, and the concurrence of both shall be
necessary to give validity to every measure.
Seventh, That the first meeting of the Convention shall be at Philadelphia
the Tuesday before the feast of St. Michael next ; to which it is hoped and
earnestly desired that the Episcopal Churches in the respective states will

And whereas, the body which assembled as aforesaid in
New York did recommend to the church in the several states,
that previously to the said intended meeting, they should or
ganize or associate themselves, agreeably to such rules as
they shall think proper.
It is therefore hereby determined and declared by the con
gregations who do now or who hereafter shall sign this act,
either by its being ratified hy their respective vestries, or by
their deputies duly authorized, tjiat the said clergy and con
gregations shall be called and known by the name of The
Protestant Episcopal Church in the state of Pennsylvania-
Audit is hereby further determined and declared by the
said clergy and congregations, That there shall be a Conven
tion of the said church ; which Convention shall consist of all
the clergy of the same and of lay deputies ; and that all the
acts and proceedings of said Convention shall be considered
as the acts and proceedings of the Protestant Episcopal church
in this state; provided always. That the, same shall be consis
tent with the fundamental principles agreed on at the two
aforesaid meetings in Philadelphia and New York.
And it is hereby further determined and declared by the
said clergy and congregations. That each congregation may
send to the Convention a deputy or deputies ; and where two
or more congregations are united, they may send a deputy or
deputies for each congregation ; and no congregation may
send a clergyman as their deputy ; and each congregation
represented in Convention shall have one vote.
And it is hereby further determined and declared by the
send their clerical and lay deputies, duly instructed and authorized, to pro
ceed on the necessary business herein proposed for their deliberation.
In compliance with the last article, the following persons are appointed,
viz. Clerical Deputies, — The Kev. Doctors White and Magaw, and the Rev.
Messrs. Blackwell, Hutchins, and Campbell. And Lay Deputies, Messr.s.
Richard Peters, Gerardus Clarkson, Samuel Powel, William Atlee, Jasper
Yates, Stephen Chambers, Edward Hand, Thomas Heartly, John Clarke,
Archibald M'Grew, Plunket Fleeson, Edward Shippen, Joseph Swift, An
drew Doz, John Wood, Nicholas Jones, and Edward Duffield.
3

6
said clergy and congregation, That the clergy and lay depu
ties in Convention shall deliberate in one body, but shall vote
as two distinct orders, and that the concurrence of both orders
shall be necessary to give validity to every measure ; and
such clergymen and lay deputies as shall at any time be duly
assembled in Convention shall be a quorum ; and on every
question, the votes of a majority of those present of the two
orders respectively shall decide.
And it is hereby further determined and declared by the
said clergy and congregations, Tbat all such clergymen as
shall hereafter be settled as the ministers of the congregations
ratifying this act, shall have the same privileges/'and be sub
ject to the same regulations, as, the clergy now subscribing
the same.
And it is hereby further determined and declared by the
said clergy and congregations, That the Convention shall
meet on Monday, the 22nd day of May, which will be in
the year of our Lord 1786, and for ever after on such annual
day, and at such other times and at such places, as shall be
fixed by future rules of the Convention.
And it is hereby further determined and declared by the
said clergy and congregations. That if the clergy and congre
gations of any adjoining state or states shall desire to unite
with the church, in this state agreeably to the fundamental
principles established at the aforesaid meeting in New York,
then the Convention shall have the power to admit the said
clergy and deputies from the congregations of such adjoining
state or states, to have the same privileges, and to be subject
to the same regulations, as the clergy and congregations in
this state.
Done in Christ Church, in the city of Philadelphia, this 24th
. day of May, in the year of our Lord, 1785. Witness our
hands, in ratification of the premises.*
* The signing of those deputies whoj were sent to the Convention, with
out written' power, was deferred until siich powers can be proccred.

William White, D. D., Rector of Christ Church and St.
Peter's in Philadelphia.
Samuel Magaw, D. D., Rector of St. Paul's church.
Philadelphia. Robert Blackwell, Assistant Minister of Christ church
and St. Peter's, Philadelphia.
Joseph Hutchins, Rector of St. James's, Lancaster.
John Campbell, Rector of the Episcopal churches of York
and Huntington.
Joseph Swift, ^Deputy for Christ church.
Samuel Powel, > T^ .¦ /• c. -n . j u i
^ ^ > Deputies for St. Peter's church.
Gerardus Clarkson, 3
Plunket Fleeson, ^ »•
John Wood, > Deputies for St. Paul's church.
Andrew Doz, *
Edward Hand, Deputy for the congregation of St. James's,
Lancaster.
Nicholas Jones, Deputy for St. Gabriel's, Morlattin, Berks.
John Campbell, Deputy for the congregation of York and
Huntington. >;&.
' ^ ' i Deputies for St. Paul's church, Cliester.
John Shaw, 3
SUPPLEMENT TO THE ACT OF ASSOCIATION.
Whereas doubts have arisen whether under the act of asso
ciation, any alterations can be made in the book of Common
Prayer arid the administration of the Sacraments, and other
rites and ceremonies' of the church, except such as became
necessary in consequence of the late revolution :
It is therefore hereby determined and declared, that fdrther
alterations may be niade by the'Convention, constituted by
the said act, provided only, that " the main body and essen
tials" be preserved, and alterations made in such forms only
as the church of England hath herself acknowledged to be
indifferent and alterable.
And it is hereby further determined and declared, that the

to a Convention of the said church in the United States, (
in such states as are willing to unite in a constitution (
ecclesiastical government, if the same shall be judged mo
conductive to charity and uniformity of worship.
Done in Christ church, in the city of Philadelphia, this 27t
day of May, in the year of our Lord 1786. Witness ou
hands in ratification of the premises.

CONSTITUTION.*

Whereas, by an act of association agreed to and adopted
in Convention on the 24th day of May, 1785, sundry of the
Protestant Episcopal churches within this commonwealth,
were united under the name of " The Protestant Episcopal
Church in the State of Pennsylvania" — which association
now embraces all those clergy and congregations who did at ,
that time assent to, or have since assented to the same :
And whereas since that time, by General Conventions of
the Protestant Episcopal churches within the United States,
a constitution and canons have been formed for the govern
ment and discipline of the same, which recognize each state
as constituting a district or diocese, with the right to the
churches within the same to exercise a local government over
themselves, which has been accordingly exercised by the
Protestant Episcopal churches within the state of Pennsyl
vania, associated as aforesaid; and it being now deemed
expedient more expressly to set forth the system of local
government to be exercised within this diocese, the follow
ing, with the act of association, is declared to be the con
stitution of Ithe Protestant Episcopal Church in the state of
Pennsylvania :
I. This church as a constituent part of the Protestant Epis*
copal church of the United States of America, accedes to,
recognizes, and adopts the general constitution of that church,
and acknowledges its authority accordingly.
II. There shall be a Stated Convention of the church in
this state, at Philadelphia, on the first Tuesday in May, in
* This Constitution was adopted by the Convention of 1814.

10
every year, unless a different time and'place be fixed on by a
preceding Convention.
III. The bishop shall have power to call a Special Con
vention when he may judge it conducive to the good of the
church, or when applied to for that purpose by the standing
committee ; and in case of a vacancy in the Episcopal chair,
Ihe standing committee ,shall have power to call a Special
Convention. IV. The Convention shall be composed of clergymen and
laymen. *' The bishop, and assistant bishop, if there be one,
shall have a seat and vote in Convention. Every clergyman
of the church, of whatever order, being a settled minister of
some' parish within this state, or being a president, professor,
tutor, or instructor in some college, academy, or seminary of
learning, incorporated by law, or being a missionary under
the direction of the ecclesiastical authority of this diocese, or
a chaplain in the navy or army of the United States, shall be
entitled to a seat and vote in Convention, if he has been ac
tually and personally, as well as canonically, resident within
this state, for the space of twelve calendar months next be
fore the meeting of the Convention, and has for the same
period been employed in performing the duties of his station ;
Provided, that any temporary absence from the state by
reason of sickness, and any such absence, not exceeding in the
whole two calendar months in any one year,*and any such
absence with the written permission of the bishop of this
diocese, or ofthe standing committee in case ofa vacancy in
the Episcopal chair, shall be taken into account in computing
the said residence ; And Provided also, that no clergyman of
advanced years or infirm health, who has been once entitled
to a seat in Convention, shall lose his right to a seat therein,
by reason of his having ceased to have charge of a parish, or
to be in the service ofa seminary of learning, or to be a mis
sionary as aforesaid.
No church shall be admitted a member of this Convention,
which does not, by its charter or articles of association, ex-

11
pressly accede to the constitution, canons, doctrines, discipline
and worship, of the Protestant Episcopal church in the United
Statesj and to the constitution and canons of the Protestant
Episcopal church in this diocese.
Each regularly established Protestant Episcopal church in
this state, now a member, or which shall hereafter be admit
ted a member of the Convention, may send to the Convention
a lay deputy or deputies, not exceeding three in number, to
be elected by the vestry of the said church : Provided that
no person shall be competent to serve as deputy, unless he
has been a worshipper in the church he represents, six calen
dar months next before his election.
When two or more churches are united under one vestry,
deputies may be sent from each church, subject to the pro
viso aforesaid.
The deputation from each church shall be entitled to one
vote and no more.
No deputation from any church shall be entitled to a vote
at the same Convention at which the church shall be admitted
as a member.*
When any church which has been admitted a member of
the Convention of this diocese, shall, for three years, have
made no parochial report to the same, no missionary report
being made in its behalf, and, during the same period, shall
neither have employed a clergyman as its parish minister, nor
requested of the bishop to have the services of a missionary,
the said church shall no longer have a right to send a deputy
or deputies to the Convention ; and it shall be the duty of the
Convention to declare the same. But any such church shall
again acquire that right, if, on its application, accompanied
with a report of its condition satisfactory on the points herein
mentioned, the Convention shall agree thereto : and this right
shall take effect from and after the rising of the Convention
so agreeing.! * This article was amended in 1824, and again in 1839.
f Added in 1838— See Journal, p. 35.

12
V. The bishop shall preside in the Convention — but in
case of a vacancy or necessary a'bsence, the members sh^ll
elect a president from among the clergy. / -,
VI. A secretary shall' be chosen upon the assembling of
the Annual Convention from among the members thereof,
who shall remain in office until the meeting of the next Con
vention. His duty shall be to take minutes of their proceed
ings, to preserve their journals and records, to attest the public
actsjof the body, and faithfully to deliver into the hands of
his successor, all books and papers relative to the concerns
df the Convention, which may be in his possession. Such
other officers also shall be aippointed as the Convention may
find "occasion for, to remain in office for such time as they
may direct.
All officers and committees appointed, jiy ballot must, in
order to their election, receive the votes of a^majority of the
clerical members, and of the lay representations. And in all
cases of a failure or omission to elect any officer or annual
committee, the persons then in office, or belonging to the
committee, shall continue in their station until others shall be
chosen.* VII. The clergy and lay deputies in Convention, shall
deliberate iri, one body, and shall vote as such, except when
it is required otherwise by five members. In such a case the
Convention shall vote as two distinct orders, and the concur
rence of both ordei;^ shall be necessary to give validity to a
measure — and such clergymen and lay deputies as shall at
any time be duly assembled in Convention, shall be a quorum
— and on every question the votes of a majority of those pre
sent, or, if required by five, the votes of a majority of those
present of the two orders respectively shall decide.
VIII. The standing committee and council of advice shall
consist of ten members, five clerical and five lay members.
At their first meeting they shall elect one of their clerical
members to be president, and another of their members to be

' Amended in 1829.

13
secretary. They shall keep regular minutes of their proceed
ings, subject to the inspection of the Convention. Any three
of the members (the whole having^been summoned) shall be
a quorum, except for such purposes as, agreeably to their own
rules, may require a larger number. They may make rules
of meeting and business, and alter or repeal them from time
to time.
IX. The election of a bishop of this diocese shall be made
in Convention in the following manner : The order of the
clergy shall nominate and appoint by ballot some fit and
qualified clergyman for that office, and if this appointment
be approved of by the lay order, he shall be declared duly
elected. In the above mentioned nomination and appoint
ment, a majority of each order shall determine a choice, pro
vided that two-thirds of all the clergy entitled to votes be
present, and two-thirds of all the congregations entitled to
votes be represented, otherwise two-thirds of the votes of
each order shall b'e necessary to determine a choice.
X. The mode of altering this constitution shall be as fol
lows: a proposition for amendment shall be introduced in
writing, and considered in the Convention : and if approved
of, shall lie over to the next Convention ; and if again ap
proved of in the next ensuing Convention, by ^ majority of
the two orders voting thereon separately, the change shall
take place, and the constitution so altered shall be valid and
obligatory. f

CANONS

PROTECTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH
' , ^ in the
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
adopted in 1829.

Ai^

CANON L

Ofthe trial of a Clergyman, not being S Bishop.
Ssc. I. The trial of a clergyman, not being a bishop, shall
je, on a presentment in writing, specifying with clearness and
jertaitoty^ as to time, place, and circumstance, the crime, or mis-
lemeanor, by violation of the canons, or otherwise, charged :
the said presentment to be made to the Bishop, either by the
Convention, or by the vestry of the. parish to which the ac-
;used belongs, or by any three presbyters of this diocese
entitled to a seat in* the Convention : the said vestry or pres
byters pledging thertiselves to make good the accusation. If
the presentment be made by the Convention, they shall by
ballot appoint a committee to sign and prosecute the same.
Sec. ii. Such presentment being made to the Bishop, and
being accompanied by a farther statement in writing of the
names ofthe witnesses, and ofthe purport of their evidence,
and by such documentary^evidence as is relied on, the Bishop
shall cause a copy of such presentment to be served upon the
accused, by a summoner appointed by the bishop, and shall
call upon him by written! summon^ to show cause, at a day

15
and place therein named, why a commissary should not be
appointed as hereinafter set forth : and upon the return ofthe
summoner that he has served the same, and no sufficient cause
to the contrary being shown, the bishop shall appoint a suita
ble person to be a commissary, who shall repair to the city or
county, where the crime or misdemeanor is alleged to have
been committed ; and, having either then or previously ap
pointed a convenient time and place, and given not less than
fifteen days notice thereof by a summoner appointed by the
bishop to the party accused, and also to the chairman or a
member of the committee appointed by the Convention, or to
either churchwarden ofthe vestry, or to any one ofthe three
presbyters presenting, the commissary shall then and there
proceed to examine the witnesses on both sides, carefully
taking down their examinations in writing, which being ap
proved by the witnesses shall be signed by them respectively:
and, if it be required by either party, some person qualified by
law to administer an oath or affirmation shall be requested to
do so in his behalf: and the examinations so taken, with any
documentary evidence certified by the commissary and en
closed under his seal, shall by him be delivered or transmitted
to the bishop without delay ; whereupon further proceedings
shall be taken, unless, upon satisfactory evidence of error or
malpractice, the bishop shall deem it necessary to justice to
order a further examination ; in which case the same or
another commissary, as the bishop shall determine, shall be
appointed as before, and with similar powers and duties :
Provided, nevertheless, that before the trial, the commissary
shall issue a citation, with reasonable notice, to the respective
witnesses, to attend at the time and place of trial ; and incase
of their personal attendance, their testimony may, at the
request ofthe party;presenting, or party accused, or by order
of the commissary and assessors, be taken anew orally and
reduced to writing again; but the non-attendance of the
respective witnesses, shall not* in, any case be a ground for
refusing to read such depositions as have been duly taken ;

16
and, provided also, that if the psfrty accused desire it, the
examination of witnesses and trial shall be in public, and
that said party shall be entitled to a copy of the evidence if
he require it.
Sec III. Either before the appointment of a commissary, or
after a report made by him, the bishop shall have power to
dismiss the presentment, and declare the accused party dis
charged, if the accusation contained in it appears to him an
insufficient cause of presentment in itself, or to be clearly
unsupported by the evidence.
Sec IV. Upon the report of the commissary being niadeto
the bishop, and no further examination being ordered, nor the.
presentment dismissed by him as aforesaid, the standing com
mittee shall nominate twelve presbyters of this diocese having
a seat in the Convention, of whom the accused may choose
four, or in case of his refusal or neglect so to do, the standing
committee shall select four ; and the presbyters so chosen shall
be the assessors. And the commissary and assessors, having
agreed upon some convenient time and place, and having
causedf not less than thirty days' written or printed notice
thereof tb be given to the party accused, and also to the
chairman or a member of the committee . appointed by the
Convention, or to either churchwarden of the vestry, or to
any one ofthe three presbyters presenting, the said notice to
be given by a summoner appointediby the bishop, shall then
and there proceed to the trial, upon the evidence and report
ofthe commissary, and upon such other evidence as may be
produced ; which new evidence shall be reduced to writing,
and approved and signed by the witnesses respectively, as
before. The commissary and assessors having deliberately
considered the evidence, shall, within ten days after closing
the same, declare in a written judgment signed by them, or
by a majority of them, that the accused is guilty, or that he
is not guilty of the charges laid in the presentment, in the
order therein set forth; which judgment, with all the evi
dence' received, shall be delivered forthwith to the bishop ;

17
provided always, that the accused shall be allowed to be
present at all the examinations of witnesses and other pro
ceedings, whether held by the commissary, or by the com
missary and assessors, and to offer explanations, or a defence
of the acts with which he is charged ; and provided also, that
the matter of such explanations or defence shall be reduced
to writing by the accused, and be presented with the evi
dence to the bishop.
Sec V. If the accused shall neglect or refuse to appear
before the commissary, when summoned according to Sec. 2,
of this canon, the examination shall proceed as if he were
present. And if the accused shall neglect or refuse to appear
before the commissary and assessors, (except for some reason
able cause, to be judged of by them,) when summoned
according to Sec. 4, of this canon, and no defence be there
made under his authority, they shall declare him to be in
contumacy, and report the same to the bishop, and sentence
of suspension from the ministry shall pass against him for
contumacy ; but the said sentence may be reversed by the
bishop, if within three calendar months the accused shall
tender himself ready, and accordingly appear to take his trial
on the presentment : but if he shall not so tender himself
before the expiration of the*'said three months, the sentence
of degradation from the ministry for contumacy shall forth
with be pronounced by the bishop, and shall be publicly read
in the churches.
Sec VI. The accused on his first appearance, whether
before the bishop at the return of the summoner previous to
the appointnient of a commissary, or before the commissary,
or before the commissary and assessors, shall be called on to
say whetherheisguiltyornot guilty of the offence or offences
charged against him. On his neglect or refusal to answer>
the plea of not guilty shall be entered for him. And if he
be found, or confess himself, guilty of the matters charged
in the presentment, or any of them, the bishop shall pronounce
the sentence according to the canons ; but in case of a vacancy

18
in the episcopate, the standing committee shall report the
proceedings to the bishop of some other diocese,,as near as
may be to this, by whom the sentence according to the canons
may be pronounced. 'Provided always, that the bishop,
upon satisfactory proof of error or mal-practice in the pro
ceedings of the commissary and assessors, or on account of
error in their judgment either in law or fact, may, if he
deems it necessary to justice, grant'a new trial to the ac
cused ; in which case, new assessors shall be appointed, and
the other proceedings be conducted as directed by Sec. 4, of
this canon. *
Sec vii. The proceedings in the case being complete,
according to the requisitions of this canon, the sentence or
penalty pronounced by the bishop according to the canons,
shall be final.
CANON II.
Ofthe proceedings in the trial of a Layman, after repulsion by ihe Min
ister from ihe Holy Communion.
If any person repelled from the holy communion, according
to the rubric, shall allege to the bishop that injustice has been
done, or if, notwithstanding he shall have profe^ed himself
ready and willing in truth and sincerity to comply with the
requisitions expressed in the rubric, in order to be restored to
the holy communion, his repulsion shall be continued, he may
present his complaint in writing to the bishop, setting forth
the grounds thereof, and desiring that he may be restored to
the communion. Whereupon, unless the bishop shall in a
summary manner direct ..hira to be restored, an inquiry and
examination shall be made in manner following. The notice
given to the bishop by the minister repelling, shall stand in the
place of a presentment of the party repelled; and the proceed
ings thereon shall be the same as are before provided in the
case of a presentment made against a clergyman, not being a
bishop, after the report of the comnjissary, except that besides
the clerical assessors, the bishop shall nominate twelve lay-

19
men of this diocese, of whom the acccfsed raay choose four, or
in case of his neglect or refusal, the standing committee shall
appoint four, and the four persons so chosen or appointed,
with the four clerical assessors, to be chosen or appointed as
aforesaid, having added one Jayinan to their nuraber, shall be
the assessors, and proceed to the trial in like manner as is
provided in the case of a clergyman, not being a bishop; and
having heard and deliberately considered the allegations and
testimony on either side, they, or a majority of them, shall de
clare in writingitheir judgment, whether the party presented
has been rightfully repelled, according to the rubric, or not :
and whether his repulsion ought or ought not to be contin
ued ; and shall forthwith reppirt their judgment to the bishop;
and unless the bishop shall see cause to order a rehearing of
the case by the assessors, or, if desired by the party repelled,
by other assessors to be noniihated and chosen, or appointed
in manner aforesaid, he shall communicate the judgment to
the minister repelling, and to the party repelled, which shall
be final and conclusive. Provided that if the judgment shall
direct a further continuance of the repulsion, it shall never
theless be subject to all the conditions and provisions of the
rubric. '''^'' • '-;'. ¦¦*
CANON III.
Of the trial of a Bishop.
Sec I. The presentment of a bishop shall be made only
by the Convention, and at a stated session, a majority of each
order concurring : it shall be in writing, setting forth with
clearness and certainty, in regard to time, place, and circum
stance, the crime, or the misdemeanor imputed ; and shall be
signed. by the clerical and lay members thereto consenting,
and made to any two or more, not exceeding three, bishops :
provided that the resolution to present, and the vote thereon,
shall not, in any case, take place on the same day. And the
Convention making the presentment, shall by a concurrent
vote, appoint a committee, to consist of three presbyters and

20
three lay members of their own body, to whom they may give
instructions for prosecuting the same; of which committee the
member first named shall be the chairman, and so succes-
sivelj'-, if a vacancy happens. Upon a presentment being so
made, the bishops shall have authority to proceed thereupon
in the manner hereby directed.
Sec. II. The bishops shall cause a copy of the presentment
to be served upon the accused by a summoner to be by them
appointed, and shall call on him by written summons to appear
at a tirae and place naraed, and answer thereto. If he appear,
he shall then be called on to say whether he is guilty or not
guilty of the offence or offences charged against him; and, on
his neglect or refusal, the plea of not guilty shall be entered
for him. Whereupon, unless he confess himself guilty, the
bishops shall nominate three other bishops, if there be so many
in the United States; and if not, all the other bishops; and out
ofthe whole number, that is to ^ay, the bishops to whom the
presentment is made, and the others by them nominated, the
accused bishop may choose three; or if he neglect or refuse so
to do, the bishops to whom the presentment is made, if only
two, shall appoint one other, who with themselves shall be the
judges on the trial; or if they be three, then thesg three shall
be the judges.
Sec. III. The bishops so appointed or constituted the
judges, shall fix on some convenient time and place within
this diocese for the trial, and having caused at least thirty
days' notice thereof to be given to the accused by a summoner
to be by them appointed, and also to the chairman of the
committee of the Convention, constituted to conduct the pro
secution of the presentment in the manner before directed,
they shall then and there proceed in the""trial ; provided, that
for sufficient cause, or to prevent a failure of justice, they
raay adjourn from time to time ; and provided also that the
accused shall at all times during the trial have free liberty
to be present, to produce his testimony, and to make his de
fence.

21
Sec IV. The judges having fully heard the allegations
and testimony of the parties, and deliberately considered the
same, after they have withdrawn shall declare respectively
whether, in their opinion, the accused be guilty or not guilty
of the charges contained in the presentment, in the order in
which they are set forth; and the declaration of a majority of
the judges, being reduced to writing, and signed by those who
assent thereto, shall be considered as the judgraent of said
judges, and shall be pronounced in the presence of the par
ties, if they choose to attend. And if it be that the accused
is guilty, the judges shall at the same tirae pass their sen
tence, and award the penalty according to the canons : pro
vided, that if the accused shall, before sentence is passed, show
satisfactory cause to induce a belief that justice has not been
done, the judgeSj or a majority of thera, may, according to
their sound discretion, grant a rehearing ; and in either case,
before passing sentence, the accused shall have the opportunity
of being heard, if he have aught to say in excuse or palliation.
Provided that the accused shall not be held guilty, unless a
majority of the judges shall concur in regard to one or raore
of the offences charged, and only as relates to those charges
in which a majority so concur.
Sec V. If the accused bishop neglect or refuse to appear,
according to the summons of the bishops to whora the pre
sentment is made, or to appear and make defence before the
judges, notice having been served on hira as aforesaid, ex
cept for some reasonable cause, to be allowed by the said
bishops or judges, they shall declare him to be in contumacy;
and sentence of suspension from the ministry shall be pro
nounced against him for contumacy, by the senior of the said
bishops or judges : but the said sentence shall be reversed, if
within three calendar months he shall tender himself ready,
and accordingly appear and take his trial on the presentraent.
But if the accused bishop shall not so tender hiraself before
the expiration of the said three raonths, the sentence of de
gradation from the ministry shall, at the instance of the prose-

22
cuting committee, be pronounced against hira by the senior
of the two or more bishops, to whom the case was originally
referred.
CANON IV. '¦ '. **..
''^¦'
Of taking the depositions of witnesses.
If, in any case, eiraer of a clergyman, not being a bishop,
or of a layman, the testimony of witnesses shall be requisite,
whose attendance before' the commissary or at the trial can
not, in the opinion of the bishop, be procured, their deposi
tions shall be taken and reduced to writing, upon such notice
to the party presenting or party accused, and under such
other, regulations, as the bishop shall prescribe, and shall,
when taken in conformity, be read in evidence, with the same
effect as if taken by the commissary, or at the trial. In,^the
case of an accused bishop, the taking of the testimony of such
witnesses may, in like manner, and with the same effect, be
authorized by the bishops appointed to be the judges.
CANON V.
Of persons against whom presentments are made, not io ie found, or
removed ; and of the service of notices, or citations.
Sec I. If a presentment be duly made against a clergy
man, not a bishop, and after reasonable diligence he cannot
be found in this diocese, or has reraoved from it, and notice
of the presentraent cannot on that account be served on him,
and return be raade accordingly by the suramonerj in such
case, the bishop, with the advice of the standing- committee,
having considered the character of the accusation, and the
probability of its truth, may suspend the accused from the
exercise of all his ministerial functions. But such suspension
shall be removed, if within three months the accused shall
appear and accept service of a citation, returnable within
thirty days. If the accused shall not so appear within
twelve months, the bishop, with the consent of the standing

23
committee, may pronounce sentence of degradation against
him. Sec II. If, from causes the same as those mentioned in
the preceding section, notice of presentment cannot be served
on an accused bishop, and return be made accordingly by
the summoner, the two or more bishops before whora the pre
sentraent is first laid, shall, after sixty days, proceed to exam
ine the witnesses for the prosecution^ and such other witnesses
as may offer, all the evidence being reduced to writing, and
signed by the witnesses respectively. The said two or more
bishops, or a majority of them, shall then transrait to each of
the other bishops ofthe Protestant Episcopal Church in the
United States, copies of the presentment, and of the evidence
so taken, requesting of each of them his opinion in writing,
whether the accused bishop is guilty or not guilty ; and the
said two or more bishops shall also produce in writing their
respective opinions on the same qtiestion. And if a majority
of all the bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
United States shall so declare their opinion that the accused
is guilty, the senior of the said two or more bishops shall, at
the instance ofthe prosecuting committee of the Convention,
pronounce sentence of degradation from the ministry against
the bishop accused ; and this sentence shall be final.
Sec III. Every notice or citation to either party, required
in consequence of a presentment, shall be directed to the
summoner appointed for the occasion, according to the canons
respectively ; and return thereof shall be made thereon in
writing ; and the leaving a copy at the last place of abode of
the person to be cited, or delivering it to him in person, shall
be deemed good service thereof.
CANON VL
Of Penalties.
Sec I. If any clergyman of this church, not a bishop, shall
be guilty of crime or of misdemeanor, by violation of the

24-
canons, or otherwise, and shall be thereof duly convicted, or
shall confess hiraself guilty, he shall be adraonished by the
bishop, or suspended from the ministry, or degraded there-
frora, according to the character and circurastances of his
offence. All suspension or degradation from the ministry
shall be from the entire ministry, and not merely frora a
higher to a lower grade 6f the same.
Sec II. After an accused , clergyman, not a bishop, has
been convicted by the commissary and assei^sors, the said
commissary and assessors shall forthwith proceed to con
sider, and declare, in writing, and under their signatures what
in their opinion is the due punishment of the offence, of which
the accused has been found guilty, having respect to the cha
racter and circurastances of the offence, whether adraonition
by the bishop, suspension, and for what period, or under what
conditions, or degradation ; and they, or a raajority of them,
being assembled for this purpose, shall not separate or adjourn,
until they have so declared their opinion of the due punish
ment; and their said declaration shall be forthwith delivered
or transmitted to the bishop, together with their judgment of
conviction, and the evidence in the cause.
Sec III. If the bishop approve ofthe punishment so de
clared, he shall in writing give sentence accordingly ; but if he
do not approve of it, he shall, in like manner,, impose such
other less punishment hereby authorized, as he shall think
justly due.
Sec IV. If a layman repelled by his minister sjiall after
trial be found guilty, his repulsion shall continue, subject to
the conditions^of the rubric.
Sec V. If a clergyman, not a bishop, shall confess himself
guilty on any presentraent duly raade, the bishop shall deter
mine OR his punishment, whether admonition, suspension, and
for what term, and on what conditions, or degradation from
the ministrj'-. If a lay person, after appealing to the bishop,
from the sentence of repulsion from the holy comraunion,
shall, at any period before or during the investigation or trial,

25
confess himself guilty of the offence or offences for which he
was repelled, the bishop shall determine the duration of his
repulsion, or the conditions on which it shall be removed.
Provided always, and in all cases of repulsion from the holy
comraunion, that, if the person repelled be visited with ex-
trerae or mortal sickness, the minister of the parish, if satis
fied that he is truly penitent, but not otherwise, may admin
ister the holy comraunion, or authorize it to be adrainistered
to him before his death, though the term of repulsion be not
expired. •
Sec VI. When an accused bishop shall be convicted, the
same tribunal that has convicted him, shall further deterraine
the punishment due to the offender, considering the character
and circumstances of the offence, whether admonition by the
said judges, suspension from the ministry, and for what
period, or under what conditions, or degradation from the
ministry. And this decision shall be final.
Sec. VII. If an accused bishop, on his appearance before
the bishops, according to the second section of the third canon,
or in writing, and under his signature, confess that he is
guilty of the offence charged in the presentment made by
the Convention of his diocese, the two or more bishops to
whom the case is first referred, shall determine the punish
ment due, whether admonition by the said bishops, suspension
from the ministry and for what period, or under what condi
tions, or degradation from the ministry ; and this, their deci
sion, shall be final.
Sec VIII. In every case of degradation from the ministry,
the bishop who pronounces sentence shall, without delay,
cause the sentence of degradation to be published from every
pulpit in this diocese, where there may be an officiating
minister ; and he shall also give information of the sentence
to all the bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
United States, and to the standing committees of those dioceses
in which there is no bishop.

26

CANON VII.

Of misbehaviour of Clergymen residing in another State.
If a clergyman resident in another state shall come tempo
rarily into this, under the imputation of having elsewhere
been guilty of any crime or misdemeanor, by violation of the
canons, or otherwise, or if any clergyman while sojourning
here shall misbehave in any of these respects, the bishop, upon
probable cause, may admonish such clergyraan, and forbid
him to officiate in this diocese. And if, after such prohibi
tion, the said clergyman so officiate, the bishop shall give
notice to all the congregations that the officiating of the said
clergyman is, under any and all circumstances, prohibited ;
and lilie notice shall he give to the bishop, or if there be no
bishop, to the standing coraraittee of the diocese, to which
the said clergyraan belongs. And such prohibition shall con
tinue in force until the bishop of this diocese be satisfied of
the innocence of the said clergyraan, or until he be acquitted
on trial, and notice thereof be given by the bishop.
:,. CANON VIII.
Of the evidence of the clerical residence of Clergymen removing into ihis
diocese necessary to entitle ihem io seats in ihe Convention.
Sec I. To qualify a clergyraan coming from another state,
district or diocese, for a seat in the Convention, it shall be
necessary first to obtain from the bishop a written testimonial
of his being received as a clergyman of this diocese. And to
entitle him to such testimonial, he shall produce from the
bishop or bishops, or if there be no bishop, from a majority
of the clerical merabers of the standing committee or commit
tees of the diocese or dioceses wherein he has resided during
the last preceding three years, which coraraittee or coramit-
tees shall in all cases be duly convened, satisfactory written
testimonials, signed by the said bishop or bishops, or by the
majority of the clerical members of said standing committee

27 '
or committees, that he has not been justly liable to evil re
port for error in religion or viciousness of life, during the
three years last past ; or if he come to this diocese from any
state or district which has not acceded to the general consti
tution, the said testimonials shall be signed by three clergy
men ofthe Protestant Episcopal church in the United States;
and if he be a deacon, the said testimonials shall be addressed
to the bishop of this diocese ; or if there be no bishop, to the
standing committee thereof And the bishop shall raoreover
be satisfied that such clergyman has been called to settle in
some parish in this diocese, and that he has corae hither with
that purpose and expectation ; or that he is engaged as a pro
fessor, tutor, or instructor of youth in some college, academy,
or other incorporated seminary of learning, or as a missionary,
under the ecclesiastical authority of this diocese ; or that he
has been stationed within this diocese as a chaplain in the
array or navy of the United States : and in such cases the
bishop shall give the testimonial required-; Provided always,
that whenever the bishop shall deem it expedient, he may
further inquire of the bishop, or if- there be no bishop,
of the standing committee of any diocese in which the said
clergyman has previously resided, concerning his orderly
compliance with the institutions and government of the
Protestant Episcopal Church ; and if the answer to the said
inquiry shall specify acts contrary thereto, done by said
clergyman, the 'bishop may withhold the said testimonial
until he is satisfied of the good intentions in the premises, of
the said clergyman for the future.
Sec II. This testimonial shall be the evidence ofthe com
mencement of the canonical residence and right to a seat in
the Convention, required by the constitution, as regards
clergymen hereafter coming into this diocese.

28

CANON IX.
Of the Standing Committee.
Sec I. At every stated Convention, a standing committee
to consist of five of the clergy and five of the laity, shall be
chosen by ballot, by the concurrent vote of the members of
each order. And vacancies occurring by death, or otherwise,
in said coraraittee, shall be supplied by the concurrent vote
of the reraaining clerical members and lay members of the
committee. Sec II. This committee shall have in special charge, the
care and investment of the Convention fund, and also of the
fund for the support of the episcopate, whether arising from
the legacy of the late Andrew Doz, Esq., or otherwise given
in charge or trust to the Convention.
Sec III. In case of a vacancy in the episcopate, the powers
and duties to be performed by the bishop, as regards disci
pline, except the pronouncing sentence of deposition or degra
dation from the ministry, shall belong to and be perforraed by
the standing coraraittee. In case of such vacancy, the stand
ing coraraittee shall also have power to act in the granting of
testiraonials to clergymen removing into this diocese^agreeably
to the canons.
Sec IV. In the case of the absence of the bishop of this
diocese in foreign parts, expected to continue for six months
or raore, the bishop, before his departure, shaill, with the con
sent of the standing committee, request the bishop of some
neighbouring diocese, or some other bishop or bishops, to
perform the episcopal acts and duties pertaining to this dio
cese, during his absence ; or if the bishop neglect or refuse to
do so, the standing coraraittee raay do the sarae, at any tirae
after his departure from the United States. All other acts
and duties ofthe bishop, being such as may be performed by
the standing committee in case of a vacancy in the episcopate,
shall be equally performed by them during any absence of
the bishop, as aforesaid. And the Convention, during said

Z9
absence of the bishop, shall, at each meeting thereof, elect
its president.
Sec. V. The record of all the proceedings on a present
ment of a clergyman or layman shall "be preserved by the
standing committee ; and for that purpose shall, after a final
decision, be delivered to their secretary.
Sec VI. The standing committee shall, before the meeting
of each annual Convention, prepare a report to be submitted
thereto, of every church, a member of this Covention, which,
for three years, has made no parochial report to the same, no
inissionary report being made in its behalf, and which during
the same period, has neither employed a clergyman as its
parish minister, nor requested of the bishop to have the ser
vices of a missionary.*
CANON X.
Of the celebration of Marriage.
No minister of this church shall celebrate any marriage,
without being satisfied that it is not forbidden by the law of
God, or of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or by the
canons of the church. And if both or either of the parties be
minors, it shall be also necessary that the consent of the
parents, guardians, master or mistress, (as the case may re
quire) be first obtained, unless they live out of the United
States, and that fact be known or proved to the minister ; and
that such consent be certified to him by some credible person
or persons acquainted with them and the minor, or be other
wise sufficiently proved or known to him. Whereupon the
minister, not knowing or having reason to believe that there
is any lawful impediment, may, and if either of the parties be
of his congregation, it shall be his duty to join them in mar
riage. The certificate aforesaid shall be in writing, if he
requires it. • Added in 1837.— See Journal, p. 34.
5

30
CANON XI.
Of Parochial Instruction
Sec I. On notice being received by a minister or mission
ary from the bishop of his intention to visit the parish or
parishes of said minister or missionary, it shall be his duty to
give notice thereof to his congregation or congregations, on
their first meeting thereafter for public worship ; and also,
immediate notice thereof to the members individually, as
opportunity may offer. He shall also on said occasion of
public worship, invite the children of due age^ and others not
confirmed, to advise with him concerning their coming to
that holy ordinance : and he shall diligently and faithfully pre
pare them for the same. And he shall be ready to present
for confirmation those who shall have been previously in
structed and prepared ; and shall deliver to the bishop a list
ofthe names of those presented.
Sec II. Every minister of a parish shall encourage the
formation of Sunday schools, and the efficient prosecution of
instruction in them, in conformity with the principles of
the Protestant Episcopal ChurchV' And he shall report the
number of scholars and teachers in his annual parochial
report.
CANON XH.
Of Registers of Baptisms, Marriages and Deaths, and of Parochial Reports,
Sec. I. Each clergyman shall keep an account of all the
baptisms, marriages and funerals solemnized by him in the
discharge of his ministry, specifying the name and date of the
birth of the child baptized, with the naraes of the parents and
sponsors, the name of the adult baptized, the naraes of the
parties married, and the name of the person buried ; and also,
the tirae when each rite was perforraed.
Sec II. These entries shall by the minister, or, if so
ordered by the vestry, by the clerk or sexton of the church,
be recorded in a suitable book, to be provided by the vestry.

31
which shall be the church register, and shall belong to, and
remain with the vestry, as a part ofthe church records. And
the minister of each parish shall also keep a list of all the
communicants within his cure, as nearly as they can be as
certained ; and, also, a list of the persons confirmed frora
time to time by the bishop.
Sec. III. Every minister of a parish, or parishes in this
diocese, shall present or forward, at every annual Convention,
to the bishop, or if there be no bishop, to the president of the
Convention, a statement ofthe number of baptisms, marriages,
funerals, and persons confirmed, in his parish or parishes
severally since the last like report ; and also, of the number
of the communicants, distinguishing the additions, reraovals,
and deaths since the last report ; also he shall add a statement
of all other matters of fact, that may throw light on the state
of his parish or parishes.
Sec IV. These parochial reports shall be read in the
Convention ; and all the specifications of baptisms, marriages,
funerals, persons confirmed, and communicants, and the state
ments of other matters of fact contained in them, shall be
entered on the journal of the Convention.
CANON XIII.
Of the evidence of appointment of the Lay Deputies to the Convention.
The appointment of lay deputies to the Convention of this
diocese shall be certified in writing by a warden, or two ves
trymen, ofthe proper church ; and the certificate shall state,
that the deputy or each deputy named in it, if the certificate
be for more than one, is, and has also been for not less than six
months before the tirae of his election, a worshipper in the
church or parish he is deputed to represent. And no other
certificate or evidence ofthe appointment of ahy lay deputy
or deputies to the Convention of this diocese shall be allowed
or received. A copy of this canon shall be annually sent, by
the secretary of the Convention, to every church in this
diocese, with the notice ofthe meeting ofthe Convention.

32

CANON XIV.

A list to be made of the SEnisters in this Diocese.
Sec I. Within one week before the meeting of every Con
vention of this diocese, the bishop shall prepare, or cause to
be prepared, a list of all the rainisters of the Protestant Epis
copal Church, canonically resident in this diocese, annexing the
naraes of their respective cures, or parishes, or of their sta
tions as raissionaries, or of the colleges, academies, or other
seminaries of learning, incorporated, in which they are en-
gag'ed, or in regard to those who are not engaged in parishes,
missions, or institutions of learning, as above, their places of
residence only. And such list, corrected as hereinafter men
tioned, shall be laid before the Convention on the first day of
meeting, and be appended to the journal, and shall be trans
mitted to the secretary of every General Convention.
Sec II. The list of the clergy of this diocese, so prepared
by the bishop, and by him amended, according to the changes
that may occur, whether by death, ordination, discipline, or
canonical removals frora, or admissions into this diocese, shall
be evidence of a clergyman's having a cure, or mission, or
engagement in sorae seminary of general learning. And no
clergyraan, while suspended from the ministry, shall have a
place on said list.
Sec III. The right of any clergyman of this diocese to a
seat in the Convention shall, if disputed, be determined, ac
cording to the provisions of the constitution and canons, by
the Convention itself ; whether his name be inserted in the
list aforesaid, or omitted.
Sec IV. The bishop shall take such measures for notifying
the admission of rainisters into this diocese, as may prevent
unwary and ignorant people from being imposed on by per
sons pretending to be authorized ministers of this church.
And his certificate shall be the evidence of such admission.
Sec V. It shall be the duty of the clergy to attend regu
larly at the meeting of every Convention. At the opening of

33
the Convention, their names shall be called over, and absentees
noted, and at the ensuing Convention, these shall be required
to give excuses for their absence ; or if they continue absent,
they shall send their excuses in writing : and if the excuse be
deemed insufficient, or be enthely omitted, either shall be a
good cause for presentment.
CANON XV.
Of the admission of a Church or Congregation into union with the Pro
testant Fpiscopal Church in this Diocese.
Sec I. To entitle a church or congregation to admission
into union with the Protestant Episcopal Church iu this dio
cese, it shall be required that the vestry submit to the Con
vention the original articles of association; or if incorporated,
their original charter, or a copy thereof, duly authenticated,
according to law : and that it shall appear therein, that such
church or congregation accedes to the constitution, canons,
doctrines, discipline, and worship ofthe Protestant Episcopal
Church in the United States, and to the constitution and ca
nons of this diocese : and it shall appear further, that the said
act of association, or charter, has been submitted to the
bishop and standing committee, and by them respectively
approved ; or if the approbation of either the bishop or stand
ing committee, or both, is withheld, he or they shall report to
the Convention, with the articles of association, or charter,
the reasons of his or their disapprobation.
Sec II. The Convention shall refer the whole matter and
documents of cases of this kind, to a committee of three cleri
cal and three lay members of the same, to be appointed as
soon after the organizing of the Convention as conveniently
may be, who shall make report thereon to the Convention for
its final determination. Provided always, that the Conven
tion shall not admit into union with this diocese, any church
or congregation which does not expressly accede to the con
stitution, canons, doctrines, discipline and worship of the Pro
testant Episcopal Church in the United States, and to the

34
constitution and canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
this diocese.
CANON XVI.
Of supplying Vacant Congregations.
Sec I. At every Stated Convention, a committee of three
clerical and three lay merabers shall be appointed by ballot,
who, in concurrence with the bishop, or, in case of a vacancy,
of the president of the standing committee, shall take order
for supplying vacant congregations with occasional services ;
it being expected that the congregation so supplied will de
fray the expenses incident to such services. And it shall be
the duty of the clergy, whether with or without parochial
cures, having in the former case the consent of their proper
vestries, to comply with the requisitions of the said committee
in this behalf And the coraraittee shall report to every
Stated Convention an account of their proceedings.
Sec II. When a parish becomes vacant, it shall be the
duty of the vestry to give notice thereof to the bishop, or if
there is no bishop, to the president of the standing committee,
forthwith.
CANON XVII.
Of preparing a report qf ihe state qf ihe Church in ihis Diocese.
A committee of the Convention shall be appointed at the
stated meeting of the same, next before every stated meet
ing of the General Convention, to draught, with the advice
and approbation of the bishop, a report of the state of the
church in this diocese, to be presented to the General Con
vention. CANON XVIII.
Cff Deputies to the General Convention.
Sec I. Deputies to the General Convention shall be chosen
by the concurrent ballot ofthe clergy and lay votes, at every

35
Stated Convention of this diocese ; and their appointraent shall
continue until the next Stated Convention, and until others
are chosen in their places.
Sec II. Should a vacancy occur by death, or otherwise,
in the deputation to the General Convention, it shall be sup
plied by the concurrent vote ofthe reraaining clerical and lay
deputies. * Sec III. Deputies to the General Convention may pre
sent an account of their expenses in their travel and attend
ance to the standing committee, who shall make a reasonable
allowance for the same, to be paid out of the Convention
Fund.
CANON XIX.
All former canons passed by the Convention of the Church
in this diocese, are hereby repealed.

REVISED REGULATIONS,
Adopted in 1829.
I.
., Of the opening of the Convention, §'c.
1. No business shall be transacted on the day appointed for
the meeting ofthe Convention, except what appertains to its
being duly organized.
2. On the following day it shall proceed in the despatch
of business, when there shall be divine service, the admin
istration of the holy communion, and a sermon by one of
the presbyters, to be appointed to this office by the bishop,
which shall give place when the bishop delivers a sermon, or
charge. ' See Journal of 1830, p. 45.

36
3. A sermon preached at the opening of the Convention
shall be at its entire disposal, to be published by its order, but
not otherwise. Episcopal charges delivered before the Con
vention, shall be published by the same, without any motion
in relation thereto.
4. The following shall be the rules of order in the proceed
ings, viz.
1. The business of every day shall be introduced with a
form of prayer prescribed by the bishop,
2. When the president takes the chair, no member shall
continue standing, or shall afterwards stand up, unless to ad
dress the chair.
3. No member shall absent hiraself from the service ofthe
house, unless he have leave, or be unable to attend.
4. When any member is about to speak in debate, or de
liver any matter to the house, he shall rise from his seat,
and, without advancing, shall, with due respect, address him
self to the president, confiniHg 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 house, and shall not be again drawn into de
bate, during the same session, unless with the consent of two-
thirds of the house.
7. While the president is putting any question, no one shall
hold private discourse, stand up, walk into, out of, or across
the house, or read any book.
8. Every meraber who shall be in the house when any
question is put, shall, on a division, be counted, unless he be
particularly interested in the decision.
9. No motion shall be considered as before the house, un
less it be seconded, and reduced to writing when required.
10. When any question is before the house, it shall be de
termined on before anything new is introduced, except the
question for adjournment.

37
11. The question on a motion for adjournment shall be
taken before any other, and without debate.
12. When the house is to rise, every member shall keep
his seat until the president leave the chair.
II.
Of the Secretary of ihe Convention.
1. A Secretary shall be chosen at every Annual Convention,
by ballot, after viva voce nominations. If but one person is
nominated, the balloting shall be dispensed with. The Secre
tary shall continue in office until the meeting of the next
Convention, and until his successor is chosen. He shall attend
at the time and place appointed for the meeting of the Con
vention, shall receive the testiraonials of those who shall there
attend as lay deputies, and shall record the names of those
who present testimonials in the form prescribed by the canon.
The insertion by the secretary, in the list so made by him,
of the name of any person who has presented a testiraonial
of his appointment as a deputy, shall be prima facie evi
dence of the right of such a person to a seat ; but as soon as
the house is duly organized, a committee on elections shall
be appointed, to whom the testimonials of lay deputies shall
be referred.*
There shall also be appointed by the Convention, in the
same manner, an Assistant Secretary. If during the recess
of the Convention a vacancy should occur in the office of
secretary, the duties thereof shall devolve upon the assistant
secretary, if there be one; if not, or if the assistant secretary
shall die or resign, a secretary shall be appointed by the
standing coraraittee.*
2. He shall give not less than one month's written notice
of the time (the day and hour) appointed for the meeting of
the Convention, to every clergyraan within the diocese, enti
tled to a seat, according to a list, to be furnished by the bishop ;
and, as far as is practicable, he shall give a sirailar notice to
• See Journal of 1844, p. 34.
21

38
the churchwardens and vestrymen of every vacant congre
gation. And such notice shall be accompanied with a form
ofthe certificate ofthe appointment of lay deputies.
3. On the printing of any pastoral letter of the house of
bishops, he shall transmit the same to the clergy and to va
cant churches, to be read to the congregations on some occa
sion of public worship, and also for general perusal by the
members of the church, under such reasonable regulations as
expediency may require.
4. He shall trasmit annually to each of the bishops, and to
the secretary of every Diocesan Convention, a copy of the
journal. 5. He shall also transmit to every General Convention a
certificate, to be signed by himself, or by the president of the
Convention of this diocese, containing a list of the clergymen
in this diocese, and the amount of funds paid or secured to be
paid, (distinguishing thera) to the General Theological Semi
nary, together with the nomination of trustees of that semi
nary : and also, a like certificate of the appointment of cleri
cal and lay deputies.
6. Besides the duties before specified, he shall perform all
others usually appertaining to the office of secretary, or en
joined on him by the Convention.
in.
Of ihe Treasurer of the Convention, and of a Treasurer of the Fund for
the support qf the Episcopate.
1. At every Stated Convention there shall be chosen by
ballot a Treasurer ofthe Convention, and a Treasurer ofthe
fund for the support of the Episcopate, who shall respectively
remain in office until the next Stated Convention, and until
successors are appointed. Their accounts shall be closed on
the Tuesday preceding the day appointed for its meeting,
and submitted to the standing committee, who shall examine
and report thereon to the Convention.
2. In case of vacancy in either of these offices, or that of
Secretary, it shall be supplied by the standing committee.

39
3. The treasurer of the Convention shall forward to the
secretary of the house of clerical and lay deputies of the
General Convention, at every meeting thereof, seventy-five
cents for each clergyraan of this diocese, towards the neces
sary expenses of said Convention. IV.*
Of the contributions for defraying the expenses incurred or authorized by
I ihe Convention.
It is enjoined on every settled clergyraan within the diocese,
to have a collection raade in his church in each year, in aid
of the Convention Fund : at which time a statement shall be
made, explaining the objects to which the fund is applied.
The names of the clergy shall be called over at each Conven
tion, for the purpose of ascertaining whether such collections
have been made in their respective churches — and mileage
shall not be allowed to any clergyraan attending the Conven
tion, unless a collection for the said purpose has been made
in his church since the preceding Convention.
The money so collected shall be applied to the payment of
expenses incurred or authorized by the Convention.
The fourth revised regulation adopted in 1829, entitled "of
the contributions for defraying the expenses incurred or
authorized by the Convention," is rescinded.
V.
Recommending the Incorporation qf Churches.
1. It is recommended that all the churches in this diocese
should be incorporated, according to law, and that in all cases
where charters have not been obtained, applications be made
to the judges ofthe supreme court.
2. In order that such charters may conform to the es
sential principles of the church, as regards doctrine, disci
pline, and worship, it is further recommended that they shall,
* See the Journal of 1835, p. 29.

40
before application to the judges, be laid before the bishop
and standing committee for their examination and approba
tion ; and in order to obtain as much uniformity in this behalf
as local circumstances will admit, the following form of diar-
ter is recommended.* VI.
Of the fund fen- the support of the Episcopate.
1. It is recommended to every settled clergyman, once in
every year, to preach a sermon on the episcopal office, or on
the apostolic succession, or on such other, subject as to him
shall seem best adapted to recommend this fund to support
and patronage.
2. On every such occasion a contribution shall be re
ceived, for the sole and express purpose of making provision
for the support of the episcopate.
3. The money so collected shall be forwarded to the trea
surer of the fund, who shall keep an account of all monies re
ceived, and report at every Stated Convention.
4.t 5. The income ofthe said fund shall be exclusively appro
priated for the use of the bishop who shall have the city of
Philadelphia within his diocese. VII.
Of Vacant Churches,
It is earnestly recoraraended, that in every instance where
a church is unprovided with a pastor, a standing subscription
shall be prepared, which, with the pew-rents, after defraying
necessary repairs, shall be set apart as a fund for the support
of a pastor, when duly elected and settled ; and the profits and
rents of glebes, so far as is consistent with the will ofthe do
nors; shall be apphed in like manner, the capital and accu-
* For this form of charter, see appendix, p. 44.
t This section, was repealed in 1833. See Joumal, p. 20.

41
mulating interest to be invested from time to time in public
or good land securities. VIII.
Qf the African Church of St. Thomas.
It is hereby declared that the African church of St. Thomas
is not entitled to send a clergyman or deputies to the Conven
tion, or to interfere with the general government ofthe church,
this condition being made in consideration of the peculiar cir
cumstances of such church, at present. — Journal, June, 1795.
No church in this diocese, in like peculiar circumstances
with the African Church of St. Thoraas, shall be entitled to
send a clergyraan or deputies to the Convention, or to inter
fere with the general government of the church. — Journal,
1843, p. 33.

RESOLUTIONS. I.
Of the Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church, for the Advancement of
Christianity in Pennsylvania. Established A, D, 1812.
The constitution of the Society of the Protestant Episcopal
Church for the Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania
having been read, it was unanimously resolved, that this Con
vention have received with much pleasure, information of the
establishment of said society, that they give their unquahfied
approbation to so laudable an institution, and proraise to co
operate with them in promoting their pious and benevolent
designs. — Journal, May, 1812. II.
Of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episco
pal Church in ihe United States. — Established A, D, 1820.
This Convention heartily approves the pious design of the
General Convention in the formation of said Society for mis-

42
sionary purposes, and hereby recommends to all the churches
in this diocese, to further, by their contributions and their
prayers, an object so imraediately connected with the pros
perity ofthe Episcopal Church in this country, and the en
largement of the Redeemer's kingdom abroad. — Journal,
May, 1822. III.
Of the General Theological Seminary qf the Protestant Episcopal Church
in ihe United States, — Established A. D, 1817.
This Convention concurring with their venerable bishop in
the interest which he has expressed upon the subject of the
General Theological Seminary, do heartily recommend that
institution to the zealous support and fostering care of Epis
copalians throughout this diocese, as being an important mean,
under Divine Providence, of supplying a learned and efficient
ministry for the promulgation of the doctrines and the preser
vation of the worship and discipline of the Protestant Episco
pal Church. — Journal, May, 1824.
IV.
Of the Corporation for ihe relief of ihe Widows and Children qf Clergymen
in the Communion of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Common
wealth of Pennsylvania.
It is recommended to the vestries of churches throughout
the state, to consider the expediency of making provision for
securing to the families of their respective rainisters the bene
fit of the funds in the hands of "The corporation for the re
lief," &c &c by paying in their behalf the annual contribu
tions, required by the constitution of that society. — Journal
May, 1825. V.
Of the General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union.
This Convention highly approves of the formation of the
General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Uniont a the

43
meeting ofthe General Convention in 1826, and heartily re
commends it to the support and patronage of the members of
the Church in this diocese. — Journal, May, 1828.
VI.
Of the Bishop White Prayer Book Society. — Established, February \8th,
1834.
This Convention cordially approves of the formation of the
" Bishop White Prayer Book Society," and comraends it to
the favourable regard and the co-operation of the clergy and
members of the church in this diocese as an iraportant means
of promoting the prosperity of the older parishes, and of
greatly facilitating the formation of new congregations. —
Journal, May, 1834, p. 58. VII.
Resolved, that previous to the adjournment of the Conven
tion sine die, the rough minutes shall always be read and
passed upon. — Journal, May, 1841, p. 34.

APPENDIX.

CHARTER* OP INCORPORATION OF, ETC
Whereas, the following named persons, citizens of this com
monwealth, viz :

have, together with other citizens, associated for the purpose
of worshipping Almighty God, according to the faith and dis
cipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United
States of Araerica ; and have for that purpose forraed a con
gregation at in and
are now desirous to be incoporated agreeably to the provi
sions ofthe Act of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, en
titled " An Act, to confer on certain associations of the citi
zens of this Commonwealth, the powers and imraunities of
corporations or bodies politic in law." They therefore de
clare the following to be the objects, articles, and conditions
of their said association, agreeably to which they desire to be
incorporated, viz :
First. The name ofthe Corporation shall be "The Rector,
Churchwardens, and Vestrymen of
Second, This church acknowledges itself to be a meraber
of, and to belong to, the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
State of Pennsylvania, and the Protestant Episcopal Church
in the United States of America. As such it accedes to, re
cognizes, and adopts the constitution, canons, doctrine, dis
cipline, and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
the State of Pennsylvania, and of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the United States, and acknowledges their autho
rity accordingly. * Referred to in Regulation V., p. 40.

45
Any member of this church or corporation, who shall dis
claim or refuse conformity to the said authority, shall cease to
be a meraber of this corporation, and shall not be elected, or
vote in the election of vestryraen, or exercise any office or
function in, concerning, or connected with, the said church or
corporation. Third. The rents and revenues of this corporation shall
be, from time to time, applied for the maintenance and sup
port of the rector, ministers, and officers of the said church,
and in the erection and necessary repairs of the church and
church-yard, and parsonage house and other houses which
now do, or hereafter shall belong to the said corporation, and
to no other use and purpose whatsoever.
Fourth. The said corporation shall not, by deed, fine or re
covery, or by any other means, without the assent of the Con
vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the State of
Pennsylvania, or of the standing coraraittee of the diocese, pre
viously had and obtained, grant, alien, or otherwise dis
pose of any lands, messuages, tenements, or hereditaments in
them vested, nor charge, nor fencumber the same to any per
son or persons whorasoever.
Fifth. The rector of this church shall be elected by the
churchwardens and vestrymen, in such manner as the statutes
and by-laws shall ordain. The vestry of the said church
shall consist of persons, members of the said
church, who shall continue in office for one year, and until
others be chosen, and the election of such vestry shall be
made every year on Easter Monday, by a majority of such
members of the said church as shall appear by the vestry
books, to have paid two successive years immediately pre
ceding the time of such election, for a pew or sitting in the
said church ; provided that until the next Easter Monday after
the expiration of five years from the date of this charter,
members of the said church, who shall in any way have contri
buted to the erection of the church, or to the support of the
rector or ministers thereof, shall be entitled to vote at the elec-
22

46
tion of vestrymen. And provided, that in case of the failure
to elect vestrymen on that day, the corporation shall not on
that account be dissolved, but the election shall be holden on
sorae other day, in such manner as the by-laws may prescribe.
Sixth. No person shall be the rector or assistant minister
of this church, unless he shall have had episcopal ordination,
and unless he be in full standing with the Protestant Episco
pal Church of the State of Pennsylvania, and of the United
States, and recognized as such by the bishop of this diocese,
or in case of a vacancy in the episcopate, by the standing com
mittee of the diocese.
Seventh. The said vestry shall have full power to choose
their own officers: and they shall annually, at their first meet
ing after their election, choose one of their own number to be
one churchwarden, and the rector for the time being shall
elect another of the said vestrymen to be the other church
warden of the said church. In case of a vacancy in the office
of rector at the tirae of the election, the other churchwarden
shall also be chosen by the vestry, to remain until the elec
tion of a rector, or a new election of the vestry. And during
such vacancy, the churchwardens for the time being, and ves
trymen, shall have the same powers and authorities relating to
the disposition of the rents and revenues of the said corpora
tion, as are hereby vested in the rector, churchwardens, and
vestryraen. Provided always, that it shall be the duty of the
said churchwardens and vestrymen, to elect another rector to
supply the vacancy as soon as conveniently raay be.
Eighth. The following named
persons to be the churchwardens and vestrymen, to con
tinue in office until the election on Easter Monday next, and
until others be chosen, viz :
The ninth article of the Charter of 1829 was rescinded by
the following proceedings of the Convention of 1833. (See
Journal, p. 55.)
" Whereas, it is understood by this Convention that the Su
preme Court of Pennsylvania has refused to approve the char-

47
ter of an Episcopal Church in this diocese, containing the
ninth article of the form of charter recommended by the fifth
Revised Regulation.
« Resolved, that this Convention withdraw their recomraen
dation of the ninth article of the form of charter, referred to
in the fifth Revised Regulation, and leave to each congrega
tion to adopt, in case the corporation is dissolved, such pro
vision for preserving the property for the use ofa Protestant
Episcopal Church, on the same principles, as they may deem
expedient, and as may be consistent with law."
And in 1839, the following resolution was adopted by the
Convention. (See p. 30 of Journal of 183k)
Resolved, That it be recoraraended to the different incor
porated churches in the diocese, to pass a by-law, providing
for the vesting of all the estate of the corporation, in case of
its dissolution, in the Society of the Protestant Episcopal
Church for the Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania,
to be held by it in trust for the benefit of a future congrega
tion of members of the church, which may be formed upon
the same principles in the same neighborhood.

DIRECTIONS
For persons desirous to become Candidates for Holy Orders, and for those
desiring Ordination as Deacons and Priests,
The Secretary publishes the following directions, required
by the Canons of the General Convention of 1832, 1838, and
1841, to be observed by those who wish to become candi
dates for holy orders, and by those who wish to be ordained
deacons and priests.

48
Direciionsfor those wishing io become Candidates for Holy Orders,
CANON V. (1841.)
Of ihe Preparatory Exercises of a Candidate for Deacor^s Orders.
[Former Canons on this subject were the sixth of 1795, and the tenth of 1 808.]
Sec I. There shall be assigned to every candidate for
deacon's orders, three different examinations, at such time
and places as the bishop to whom he, applies for orders,
shall appoint. The examination shall take place in the
presence of the bishop and two or more presbyters, on
the following studies prescribed by the canons, and by the
course of study established by the House of Bishops. At
the first examination, on the books of Scripture : the
candidate being required to give an account of the dif
ferent books, and to translate from the original Hebrew and
Greek, and to explain such passages as may be proposed to
hira. At the second examination — on th^ Evidence of Chris
tianity, and Systematic Divinity. And at the last examina
tion — on Church History, Ecclesiastical Polity, the Book of
Common Prayer, and the Constitution and Canons of the
Church, and of the diocese for which he is to be ordained.
In the choice of books on the above subjects, the candidate
is to be guided by the course of study established by the
House of Bishops, At each of the forementioned examina
tions, he shall produce and read a sermon or discourse, com
posed by himself, on some passage of Scripture previously
assigned him, which, together with two other sermons or
discourses, on some passage of Scripture selected by himself,
shall be submitted to the criticisms of the bishop and clergy
present. And before his ordination, he shall be required to
perform such exercises in reading, in the presence of the
bishop and clergy, as raay enable them to give him such ad
vice and instructions as may aid him in performing the ser
vice of the church, and in delivering his sermons with pro
priety and devotion.
Sec II. The bishop may appoint some of his presbyters
to conduct the above examinations ; and a certificate from

49
these presbyters, that the prescribed examinations have been
held accordingly, and satisfaction given, shall be required of
the candidate: Provided that, in this case, the candidate
shall, before his ordination, be examined by the bishop, and
two or more presbyters, on the above named studies.
Sec III. In a diocese where there is no bishop, the stand
ing committee shall act in his place, in appointing the ex
amining presbyters required by this canon ; and in this case
the candidate shall be again examined by the bishop to whom
he applies for orders, and two or more presbyters, on the
studies prescribed by the canons.
Sec IV. A clergyman who presents a person to the bishop
for orders, as specified in the office of ordination, without
having good grounds to believe that the requisitions of the
canons have been complied with, shall be liable to ecclesias
tical censure.
Sec. V. The 14th Canon of 1832 is hereby repealed.
CANON IX. (1841.)
Of Candidates for Orders.
Sec I. Every person who desires to become a candidate
for orders in this church, shall, in the first instance, give no
tice of his intention to the bishop of the diocese in which he
intends to apply, or, if there be no bishop, to the standing
coraraittee ; in which notice he shall declare whether he has
ever applied for admission as a candidate in any other dio
cese. No person who has previously applied for admission
as a candidate in any diocese, and has been refused admis
sion, or, having been admitted, has afterwards ceased to be a
candidate, shall be admitted as a candidate in any other
diocese, until he shall have produced from the bishop, or, if
there be no bishop, from the standing coraraittee of the for
mer diocese, a certificate, declaring the cause for which he
was refused admission, or for which he ceased to be a candi
date. Sec. II. No person shall be considered as a candidate for

50
orders in this church, unless he shall have produced to the
bishop, to whom he intends to apply for orders, a certificate
from the standing committee of the diocese of the said
bishop, that from personal knowledge, or from testimonials
laid before them, they believe that he is pious, sober and
honest ; that he is attached to the doctrines, discipline, and
worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and a commu
nicant of the sarae ; and, in their opinion, possesses such quali
fications as will render him apt and meet to exercise the min
istry to the glory of God and the edifying of the church.
And when the standing coraraittee do not certify as above,
from personal knowledge, the testimonials laid before them
shall be of the sarae purport, and as full as the certificate
above required, and shall be signed by at least one presbyter,
and four respectable layraen of the Protestant Episcopal
Church. Sec III. In addition to the above testimonials, the person
wishing to becorae a candidate must lay before the standing
committee a satisfactory diploraa, or other satisfactory evi
dence that he is a graduate of some university or college, or
a certificate from two presbyters appointed by the bishop, or,
where there is no bishop, the clerical merabers of the stand
ing coraraittee, to exaraine him, of his having satisfactorily
sustained an examination in Natural Philosophy, Moral Phi
losophy, and Rhetoric, and in the Greek Testament, and the
Latin tongue.
Sec IV. When a person applying to be admitted a candi
date, wishes a knowledge of the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew
languages, and other branches of learning not strictly ecclesi
astical, to be dispensed with, the standing coraraittee shall
not recoraraend hira as a candidate, until he has laid before
them a testimonial, signed by at least two presbyters of this
church, stating, that in their opinion, he possesses extraordi
nary strength of natural understanding, a peculiar aptitude to
teach, and a large share of prudence ; and the bishop, with
the consent of the standing coraraittee, shall have granted

51
said dispensation. This dispensation shall not be granted to
any person under twenty-seven years of age, nor shall any
person be ordained under such dispensation, until he shall
have attained thirty years of age. And in regard to the
knowledge of the Hebrew language in all cases in these
canons, the bishop shall have the sole direction of dispensa
tion, without reference to the age of the candidate, as men
tioned in this section.
Sec V. With this enumeration of qualifications it ought
to be made known to the candidate, that the church expects
of him, what can never be the test of any outward standard —
an inward fear and worship of Almiuhty God ; a love of re
ligion and a sensibility to its holy influence ; a habit of devout
affection ; and, in short, a cultivation of all those graces which
are called in scripture, the fruits ofthe Spirit, and by which
alone His sacred influences can be manifested.
Sec VI. The requisition of this canon being fulfilled, the
Bishop may admit the person as a candidate for orders, and
shall record the same in a book to be kept for that purpose,
and notify the candidate of such record. And in any diocese
where there is no bishop, the standing committee may, on
the same conditions, admit the person as a candidate, and
shall make record and notification in the sarae manner.
Sec VII. If, after obtaining the canonical testimonials
from the standing coraraittee, the person be admitted as a
candidate by the bishop, or, if there be no bishop, by the
standing committee, he shall reraain a candidate for the term
of three years before his ordination, unless the bishop, with
the consent of the standing committee, shall deem it expe
dient to ordain the candidate after the expiration of a shorter
period, not less than one year.
Sec viii. A candidate for orders may, on letters of dis
mission from the bishop or standing coraraittee of the diocese
in which he was admitted a candidate, be transferred to the
jurisdiction of any bishop of this church, and if there be a
bishop within the diocese where the candidate resides, he

52
shall apply to no other bishop for ordination without the per
mission ofthe former.
Sec IX. If any candidate for orders shall not, within
three years after his admission, apply to have his first and
second examinations held, as hereafter prescribed, or if he
shall not, within five years from his adraission, apply to have
his third examination held, (unless the bishop, for satisfactory
reasons to hira assigned, shall allow him further time,) the
said person shall, in either case, cease to be a candidate.
Sec X. A person desirous of becoming a candidate for
holy orders, shall apply to the bishop, or, if there be no
bishop, to the standing coraraittee of the diocese in which
he resides, unless the said bishop or ecclesiastical authority
shall give their consent to his application in sorae other dio
cese. Candidates shall not change their canonical residence
but for bona fide causes, requiring the same to be judged of
by the bishop, or, if there be no bishop, the standmg com
mittee ; and they shall not be dismissed from the dioceses in
which they were admitted, or to which they have been duly
transferred, for the convenience of attending any theological
or other seminary.
Sec XI. The 4th Canon of 1838 is hereljy repealed.
Directions for Candidates for Holy Orders, wishing to be ordained Deacons.
CANON XV.
Sec II. (of 1832.) A candidate for holy orders, wishing
to be ordained a deacon, must lay before fhe standing com
mittee a testimonial in the following words :
" To fhe Standing Committee of the Diocese of Pennsyl
vania.
" We, whose naraes are hereunder written, do testify, from
evidence satisfactory to us, that A. B., for the space of' three
years last past, hath lived piously, soberly, and honestly ; and
hath not, so far as we know or believe, written, taught, or

held anything contrary to the doctrine or discipline of the
Protestant Episcopal Church ; and moreover, we think him a
person worthy to be admitted to the sacred order of deacon.
In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands in ves
try meeting, this  day of  , in the year of our Lord
 )j
The above certificate is to be subscribed in vestry meeting,
by the minister and vestry ofthe parish where the candidate
resides, or by the vestry alone, if the parish be vacant, (of
which circumstance the committee must be duly certified,)
and raust contain the names of at least a majority of all the
wardens and vestrymen. The respective titles of the minis
ter, wardens, and vestrymen, must be attached to their sig
natures. If there is no vestry where the candidate resides,
the circurastance must be certified to the committee, and then
the testimonial must be signed by at least twelve respectable
persons of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
It is not absolutely essential that the signers of this testi
monial should be personally acquainted with the candidate ;
they may act upon a satisfactory knowledge of his character
from any other source.
The candidate must also lay before the standing committee
a certificate in the following words :
" To the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Pennsyl
vania.
" I do hereby testify that A. B., for the space of three years
last past, hath lived piously, soberly, and honestly ; and hath
not, so far as 1 know or beheve, written, taught, or held any
thing contrary to the doctrine or discipline of the Protestant
Episcopal Church ; and raoreover, I think him a person
worthy to be admitted to the sacred order of deacon. This
testimonial is founded on my personal knowledge of the said
A. B., for one year last past, and for the residue ofthe said
time upon evidence that is satisfactory to me. In witness
23

54
whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this  day of  ,
inthe year of our Lord  ."
The above testimonial must be signed by at least one re
spectable presbyter of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
United States. The standing committee raay then sign the
canonical recommendation to the bishop for orders ; which
is to be presented to the bishop.
Directions for Deacons wishing to be Ordered Priests,
A deacon wishing to be ordered a priest, must lay before
the standing committee the same testimonials, subscribed in
the same way as those required of hira on his application for
ordination as deacon, except (Sec V.) that they may be so
altered as to extend to such portion only of the three years
preceding his application for priests' orders, as has elapsed
since his ordination as deacon ; and except also, that if he be
the minister of the parish, the testimonial of piety, good
morals, and orderly conduct, shall be signed by the vestry
alone. The standing committee may then give him the
canonical recomraendation for orders ; which is to be pre
sented to the bishop.
No person shall be ordained priest, unless he shall produce
to the bishop a satisfactory certificate, frora some church,
parish or congregation, that he is engaged with them, and
that they will receive him as their minister, or unless he be a
missionary under the ecclesiastical authority of the diocese to
which he belongs ; or in the eraployraent of some missionary
society recognized by the General Convention ; or unless he
be engaged as a professor, tutor or instructor of youth in
some college, academy, or other seminary of learning, duly
incorporated. Candidates for ordination as priests or deacons, are referred
to the following further provisions.
CANON XV. (1832.)
Sec III. If the candidate, from peculiar circumstances not
affecting his pious or moral character, shall be unable to

55
procure testimonials from the minister and vestry of the parish
where he resides, testimonials to the effect required raay be
received from at least twelve respectable members of the
Protestant Episcopal Church, and from at least one respect
able presbyter who has been personally acquainted Avith the
candidate for at least one year.
Sec IV. a candidate recommended by the standing com
mittee of any church destitute of a bishop, if he shall have
resided for the greater part of the last three years within the
diocese of a bishop, shall apply to such bishop for ordination,
and shall produce the usual testimonials, as well from the
standing committee of the diocese in which he has resided,
as from the committee of the church in the diocese for which
he is to be ordained.
Ministers, licentiates, and students of theology, among
other religious denominations, who may desire to take orders
in the Protestant Episcopal Church, are referred to the fol
lowing Canon of the General Convention for directions.
CANON VII. (1838.)
Concerning Candidates for Orders in this Church who have been Ministers,
Licentiates, or Students of Theology, among other Religious Denomina-

Sec. I. All persons seeking admission to the ministry
of this Church, are to be regarded as candidates for Holy
Orders. Sec II. When a person who, not having had Episcopal
ordination, has been acknowledged as an ordained minister
or licentiate among any other denomination of Christians,
shall desire to be ordained in this church, he shall give notice
thereof to the bishop, or if there be no bishop, to the stand
ing committee of the diocese in which he resides ; or if he
resides in a state or territory in which there is no organized
diocese, to the Missionary bishop within whose jurisdiction
he resides ; which notice shall be accompanied with a written
certificate from at least two presbyters of this church, stating,

56
that from personal knowledge of the party, or satisfactory
evidence laid before them, they believe that his desire to
leave the denoraination to which he has belonged has not
arisen from any circumstance unfavourable to his religious
or raoral character, or on account of which it may be inex
pedient to admit him to the exercise of the ministry in this
church ; and they may also add what they know, or believe
on good authority, of the circumstances leading to the said
desire. Sec III. If the bishop or standing committee shall think
proper to proceed, the party applying to be received as a
candidate, shall produce to the standing committee the same
testiraonials of literary qualifications as are required of all
other candidates ; and also a testimonial from at least twelve
members ofthe denomination from which he came, or twelve
members of the Protestant Episcopal Church, or twelve per
sons, in part of the denomination from which he came, and
ill part Episcopalians, satisfactory to the committee, that the
applicant has for three years last past, lived piously, soberly,
and honestly ; and also, a testimonial from at least two pres
byters of this church, that they believe him to be pious,
sober, and honest, and sincerely attached to the doctrines,
discipline and worship of the church. The standing com
mittee being satisfied on these points, may recomraend him to
the bishop to be received as a candidate for orders in this
church, or in a vacant diocese the standing committee may
so receive him.
Sec IV. Candidates admitted as above may, at the expira
tion of a period not less than six months, be ordained, on their
passing the same examinations as other candidates for dea
con's orders ; and in the examinations, special regard shall be
had to those points in whieh the denomination whence they
come differs from this church, with a view of testing their
information and soundness in the same; and also to the
ascertaining that they are adequately acquainted with the
liturgy and offices of this church ; provided, that in their

57
case the testimonials shall be required to cover only the time
since their admission as candidates for orders ; and provided,
also, that the provisions of the canon concerning candidates
for orders, as far as the same relates to the age of the person
to whom the dispensation may be granted, and the mode and
restrictions in and under which the same may be granted,
shall apply to the persons mentioned in this canon.
Sec V. Every candidate for the ministry of any other de
nomination, who applies to be received as a candidate for
orders in this church, may be allowed by the bishop, with
the consent of the members of the standing coraraittee, the
period of time during which he has been a student of Theolo
gy, or candidate in such other denoraination; provided, the
tirae so allowed does not exceed two years.
Sec VI. When any person not a citizen of the United
States, who has been acknowledged as an ordained minister
among any other denomination of Christians, shall apply for
orders in this church, the bishop to whom application is
made, shall require of hira (in addition to the above qualifica
tions) satisfatory evidence that he has resided at least one
year in the United States previous to his application.
Sec vii. The third Canon of 1835 is hereby repealed.
Course qf Ecclesiastical Studies, established by ihe House qf Bishops in the
Convention of 1804, in pursuance of a Resolution qf ihe preceding
General Convention.
In attending to this subject, a considerable difficulty occurs,
arising out of the difference of the circumstances of students,
in regard not only to intellectual endowments and prepara
tory knowledge of languages and science ; but to access to
authors, and tirae to be devoted to a preparation for the minis
try. For in accommodating to those whose means are slen
der, we are in danger of derogating from the importance of
religious knowledge ; while on the other hand, ahhough we
should demand all that is desirable, we shall be obliged to
content ourselves, in some cases, with what is barely neces
sary.

58
In consideration of the above, it will be expedient to set
down such a course of study, as is accommodated to a mode
rate portion of time and means ; and afterward to suggest
provision, as well for a more limited, as for a more enlarged
share of both.
Let the student be required to begin with some books in
proof of the divine authority of Christianity; such as Gro-
tius on the Truth of the Christian Religion ; Jenkins on the
Reasonableness of Christianity ; Paley's Evidences ; Leslie's
Methods with the Jews and Deists ; Stillingfleet's Origines
Sacrae; and Butler's Analogy. To the above should be added
some books which give a knowledge of the objections made
by Deists. For this, Leland's View may be sufficient; except
that it should be followed by answers to deistical writers
since Leland, whose works, and the answers to them, may be
supposed known to the student. It would be best, if circum
stances permit, that he should read what the Deists themselves
have written.
After the books in proof of revelation, let the student, pre
viously to the reading of any system of divinity, study the
Scriptures with the help of some approved coramentatois,
such as Patrick and Lowth on the Old Testaraent; and Ham
mond, or Whitby, or Doddridge on the New; being aware, in
regard to the last mentioned author, of the points on which
he differs from our church, although it be with moderation
and candour. During such, his study of the Scriptures, let
him read some work or works which give an account of the
design of the different books, and the grounds on which their
respective authority is asserted ; for instance Father Simon's
Canon of Scripture, Collier's Sacred Interpreter, Gray's Key
to the Old Testament, and Percy's Key to the New. Let the
student read the Scriptures over and over, referring to his
coraraentators as need may require, until he can give an ac
count of the design and character of each book, and explain
the more difficult passages of it. He is supposed to know
enough of profane history, to give an account of that also,

59
whenever it mixes with the sacred. There are certain im
portant subjects which may be profitably attended to, as
matters of distinct study, during the course of the general
study of Scripture. For instance, the' student having proceed
ed as fdr as the deluge, may read sorae author who gives a
larger account than the com,mentators, of the particulars
attached to that crisis ; and also the principles on which are
founded the different systeras of chronology ; all which will
be found clearly done in the Universal History. In reading
the book of Leviticus, it will be useful to attend to some con
nected scheme of the sacrifices such as is exhibited by Bishop
Kidder in his introduction to the Pentateuch, and by Mr. Jo
seph Mede in some of his discourses. A more full and inte
resting interpretation of the prophecies than can be expected
from the commentators, will be desirable, and for this pur
pose let Bishop Newton's work be taken. Between the study
of the Old Testament and that of the New, should be read
Prideaux's and Shuckford's Connexions. With the New Tes
tament should be taken some book relating to the Harmony
of the Gospels, as McKnight's or Bishop Newcombe's. Let
the student, before entering on the Gospels, read Dr. Camp
bell's Introductory Dissertations. Toward the close of the
Gospels, the subject of the Eesurrection should be particu-
arly attended to; for which purpose let there be taken either
Mr. West on the subject, or Bishop Sherlock's Trial of the
Witnesses. After the study of the Scriptures, let attention
be given to ecclesiastical history, so far as to the Council of
Nice. This period is distinctly taken, from a desire that the
portion of history preceding it, as well as the opinions then
entertained, may be learned from original writers; which
may be considered as one of the best expedients for the guard
ing of the student against raany errors of modern times.
The writers of that interval are not numerous or bulky.
Eusebius is soon read through; and so are the Apostolic
Fathers. Even the other writers are not voluminous, except
Origen, the greater part of whose works may be passed over.

60
The Apostolic Fathers may be best read in Cotelerius' edition;
but there are translations of most of them, by Archbishop
Wake and the Rev. William Reeves. Cave's Lives of the
Apostles and Fathers may be profitably read at this period.
This stage of fhe student's progress seems the most proper
for the study of the two questions, of our Lord's Divinity,
and of Episcopacy, The aspect of early works on these
subjects, best enables us to ascertain in what shape they ap
pear to fhe respective writers. And it is difficult to suppose,
on the ground of what we know of human nature, that, during
the first three centuries, either the character of Christ should
have been conceived of as materially different from what had
been the representation of if by the first teachers of our re
ligion ; or, that there should have been a material change of
Church Government, without opposition to the innovation.
For fhe former question, let fhe works of Bishop Bull and
the Rev. Charles Leslie be taken; to which may well be add
ed, the late controversy between Bishop Horsley and Dr.
Priestley; and for the latter, Mr. Hooker's Ecclesiastical
Polity, Archbishop Potter on Church Government, and Dau-
beny's Guide to fhe Church. As the Lord Chancellor King
published a book on the Discipline of the Priraifive Church,
in which he has rested Episcopacy on insufficient grounds,
unwarily adraitted by many on his authority; let the student
read his book, and the refutation of it in Mr. Slater's Original
Draught of the Primitive Church.
After this, let the student go on with the History of the
Fourth Century, from Mosheira. But it will be of advan
tage to hira to turn to Fleury's History, for the epitomes
there given to fhe writings of the eraineut raen who abound
ed in that century and part of the next. Let hira then re
turn to Mosheira, and go on with that writer to the Reforma
tion, Here let hira pause and study, as the main hinges of
Popery, its pretences to supremacy and infallibility ; on
which there will be found satisfactory matter in Mr. Chil-
lingworth's Religion of Protestants a Safe Way to Salvation,

61
and Dr. Barrow's Treatise of the Pope's Supremacy. Here
also let there be read Father Paul's History of the Council of
Trent. Then let the student resume Mosheira. But it will
be best if, for a more minute knowledge of the History of
the Church of England, since the Reformation,he take along
with him Collier's History, a very able work, but in fhe
reading of which some allowance must be made for peculiar
prejudices. On coming, in the reign of Elizabeth, to the
questions which arose between the divines of the Established
Church and the Presbyterians, then known by the name of
Puritans, let recourse be again had to Mr. Hooker's work
and to the London Cases. Then let Mosheim be proceeded
with to the end.
After these studies, and not before, let divinity be read in
a systematic method. Bishop Pearson's Exposition of the
Creed may be considered as a small system, and, on account
of the excellence ofthe work, is recomraended ; as also Bishop
Burnet's Exposition of fhe Thirty-nine Articles. Then let
a larger system be taken ; suppose Stackhouse's Body of
Divinity, with the addition of the following modern works :
Elements of Christian Theology, by fhe present Bishop of
Lincoln, and the Scholar Armed. That many works of this
sort are not mentioned, is because we think their utility is
principaUy confined to arrangement, and suppose that the
knowledge they convey is to be obtained from the scriptures
and judicious commentators.
It seems necessary to this course of study, to recommend
the sermons of some of the distinguished preachers who have
so abounded in the Church of England for some ages past,
that the only matter will be, from among many of great narae,
to select a convenient nuraber.
It seems not unnecessary to require attention to the His
tory of the Coramon Prayer, the grounds on which fhe
different services are constructed, and the meaning of the
Rubrics. Perhaps a careful study of Dr. Wheatley on the
Common Prayer, and of the late work of Mr. Reeves will be
sufficient. 24

62
Some books should be read on the duties of the pastoral
office; such as St. Chrysostom on the Priesthood, Bishop
Burnet on the Pastoral Care, and Bishop Wilson's Parochialia.
It is, however to be remembered, that one reason for study
ing carefully the Book of Common Prayer and its Rubrics,
is, that by the help of these, in connexion with what belongs
in Scripture, to the ministerial character, sufficient informa
tion of its duties may be had.
A knowledge of the Constitution and the Canons should
be held absolutely necessary.
To set down what -books shall be essential, no student to
be ordained without being fully prepared to answer on
them, is more difficult. The lowest requisition is as follows:
Paley's Evidences ; Mosheim, with a reference to Mr. Hooker
for the Episcopacy ; Stackhouse's Body of Divinity ; and Mr.
Reeves on the Common Prayer ; the Constitution and Canons
of the Church ; allowing in the study of the Scriptures, a lati
tude of choice araong approved coraraentators; it being
understood, that if fhe student cannot, on the grounds con
tained in some good comraentary, give an account of the
different books, and explain such passages as may be pro
posed to hira, this is of itself a disqualification.
In the beginning, it was intimated that the course to be
recomraended, would be disproportioned to the means of
some, and fall short of what would be within the compass of
others. During the whole course of study, the student will endea
vour, by the grace of God, to cultivate his heart by attention
to devotional and practical treatises.

THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
Qualifications for entering ihe General Theological Seminary of the Pro
testant Fpiscopal Church in the United States.
Persons producing satisfactory evidence of their being can
didates for holy orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church,

63
with full (that is, including literary) attainments, agreeably
to the IVth Canon ofthe General Convention of 1838,* will,on
application, be received into the Seminary.
This should be particularly noted in the certificate, as the
mere fact of their being candidates for orders, is not sufficient.
All others will be admitted who produce satisfactory evi
dence of religious and moral character, and of attachment to
the Protestant Episcopal Church, and a diploma from some
college ; or, if they have not been through college, stand a
satisfactory examination by the faculty, on the general prin
ciples of natural and moral philosophy and rhetoric ; and in
the Latin and Greek languages, on the following works, or
such others as shall be considered an equivalent substitute : —
Sallust, Virgil's ^neid, Cicero's Orations, or De Officiis ; and
the four Gospels, Xenophon's Cyropcedia, and the first three
books of Homer.
Provided, that in all cases, applicants must stand an exami
nation in the Gospels and Acts in the Greek ; and in the
primary elements of the Hebrew language ; and each candi
date must be able to read and pronounce the Hebrew with
facility, according to the masoretic punctuation, and be
acquainted with the paradigm of a regular verb, in all its
conjugations. The above requisitions will be strictly enforced. Candi
dates must also present a specimen of English composition.
All applicants ought to present themselves during the week
immediately preceding the first Monday in October.
Every candidate must enter the junior or lowest class, at
fhe commencement of the fall session ; or stand a satisfactory
examination on fhe studies which have been pursued by the
class into which he seeks admittance.
The expenses of a student, during the seminary year, for
boarding, washing, fuel, and lights, is about One Hundred
and Ten Dollars. There is no charge for room-rent or for
tuition. 'Supplied by the IXth Canon of 1841.

64
Form of the Certificate for Lay Deputies to Convention.
(See Canon XIII. p. 153.)
It is hereby certified, that at a meeting of the Vestry of Church,
in the county of , held on the day of 18 ,
Mr. was duly elected a lay deputy to the Convention of
the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Pennsylvania, to be
held in on the day of next ; and that the
said deputy is now, and has also been for not less than the six calendar
months next before his election, a worshipper in the said Church.
Dated this of 18 > Warden.

> Vestrymen.
-N. B". If more than one deputy be chosen, a certificate in the above
form may be given to each, or which is better, the names of all may be
included in one certificate, varying the language accordingly.
N. B. According to Canon XIII., " no other certificate or evidence of
the appointment of any lay deputy or deputies to the Convention of this
Diocese, shall be allowed or received."

Form qf a Parochial Report. (See Canon XII. Sec. 3, p. 155.)
To the Right Rev. Bishop of the Diocese qf Pennsylvania,
Report of the parish of Church, in in the
county of for the year ending May 1st, 18 .
Congregation. Families, ; Adults, ; Children, ; Total,
Baptisms. Adults, ; Infants, ; Total,
Confirmed, Communicants. Added, ; Died or removed, ; Present number, .
Marriages,
Burials,Public Services. On Sundays, ; other days, ; Total,
Children Catechised, ; Times,
Sunday Schools. Male, ; Teachers, ; Pupils, ; Female,
; Teachers, ; Pupils, ; Total, Schools, ; Teachers, ;
Pupils, Bible Classes, ; Members,
Collections. Episcopal Fund, $ ; Convention Fund, $ ;
Soc. Adv. of Christianity, $ ; Missionary and other purposes, $ ;
Total, $
REMARKS.

NOTICE

The next Annual Convention ofthe Church in this Diocese
will be held ih St. An|y;ew's Church, Philadelphia, on the
third Tuesday of May, 1845, at 6 o'clock, P. M.
GEORGE M. WHARTON, Secretary.

OFFICERS AND AGENTS OF CHURCH INSTITUTIONS,
IN PHILADELPHIA.

President of the. Standing Committee, Rev. Dr. Dorr, Arch St. below Fourth.
Secretary of do. do. Rev. Richard Newton, No. 92 Union St.
Secretary ofthe Pennsylvania Convention, G.M.Wharton, No. 13 Prune St.
Treg.surer of do. tio. Thomas Robins, No. 98 High St.
Treasurer of the Episcopal Fund, John Welsh, ir.. No. 50 South Wharves.
Corresponding Secretary and Chairman of the Com. Missions ofthe Society
for the Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania, Rev. J. C. Clay,
Swanson Street, near the Swedes' Church.

Recording Secretary of do. do.

Treasurer of do. do.

Mr. Edmund Wilcox, No.
145 Market Street.

^

Mr. James S. Newbold, No. S«-
8 South Front Street. .

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