sons are pursuing studies with a view Our services the next day, (Sunday, to holy orders.

the 24th, being also St. John's day) The next day, for the first time, I were well attended. In consequence had the pleasure of meeting with a re- of a polite invitation, our third exerspectable number of Episcopalians, in cises were held in the congregational Bethel, who have been too much neg- meeting house. At Drewsville, the next lecced. I had not, before that visit, day, the congregation was small, and supposed that the number of those at- the people appeared to be disheartened. tached, or at least, favourable, to our On Wednesday, the 27th, I met with communion in that place,was so consid- the convention of Vermont, at Bellows' erable. Though the rains fell abun. Falls. It was well attended : so madantly, a large congregation assembled, ny clergymen of our order had never and appeared to be much interested in before been together in that state.

Afall the services. The number confirm- ter the exercises usual on such occaed was much greater than I had expect- sions, the business of the convention ed. They appeared to be thankful for was conducted and finished with great the sermon, and refreshed by the visita- unanimity, and much to the satisfaction ; and it was a subject of no small tion of the members. Nothing was regret (to myself certainly) that pre- transacted of more importance, than vious appointments for Windsor and the forming of a missionary society, other places, made it necessary to leave which it is hoped may prove to be them soon and pursue our journey. highly beneficial.

The parish in Windsor continues to By travelling expeditiously, we merit the “ praise of all the churches.” reached Guilford in season for services They were building a new and elegant in the meeting house on the 28th. In house for divine service, which is now the morning of the day following we yearly finished, and is soon to be con- met in the church, distant four miles ; secrated. Considering that the parish and in the afternoon pursued our jouris but small, their pious liberality, pru- ney to Greenfield.

And thus was dent conduct, and united zeal in this finished the tour through Vermont, havnoble work, are deserving of the high-ing, in the course of it, visited every est praise. Long may the house re- church or Episcopal society in the main to them and their children, through state. Those of Sandgate met us in remote generations, a happy Bethel. Arlington; and the few of our com

On the morning of the 23d, we munion in Pawlett and Wells have crossed the Connecticut river into New the benefit of the visitations of the Hampshire, and had services in Cor- bishop of New York. In every panish. There I first learned, that the rish I preached once ; in several parish in Claremont, having enlarged twice, and in some three times. And their old church and put it in complete in almost every one I confirmed and repair, requested that it might, that day, gave the cominunion. In this journey, be consecrated. With some little dif- which almost compassed the whole ficulty, and the utmost diligence in state, I noticed, with awakened attenmaking the best use of our scanty time, tion and great pleasure, much imthis was done in the afternoon. The provement, which, in the last few services being ended, we proceeded years, has taken place. There arthree miles farther to the village, where pears certainly to be an increasing rethe parish have purchased and put in spect for the doctrines of Christ and good repair, a large, new, and conve- the worship of God. Pious, regular, nient church. In it, was a handsome orthodox, and well educated ministers, pair of chandeliers, generously pre- of the gospel are more respected, and sented to the church by a gentleman better received ; and those of a in Boston.

trary character, less countenanced and

ܪ

cona

a

supported. This, as we may of course Ashfield is one of our most eligible suppose, is attended with improve. stations for a missionary. ment in morals; and accordingly there On the 26th of August, in the same appears less of idleness and dissipation; year, there was a confirmation in Newand the consumption of ardent spirits is port, Rhode Island ; and one in North evidently diminished. In agriculture, Providence, on the 9th of September. more neatness, order, and industry are October 2, I commenced another visible. “Godliness is profitable unto journey, in which I visited Concord, all things, baving promise of the life Holderness, Hopkinton, Bradford, and that now is.” What reason and the Claremont, again, in New Hampshire. word of God leach, does experience The state of religious feeling in Concord confirm, that a due regard for religious seemed at a low ebb.

The small painstitutions, and especially for the rish there, however, had fitted up a regular and decent worship of al- hall convenient for publick worship, mighty God, is productive, not of good and appeared to be increasing. The morals only, but of good economy, parish in Ho:derness continued steadand of all the blessings of civil and so- fast; they seemed highly to appreciate cial life.

the favour of Episcopal visitations ; to The church in Greenfield continues, be very grateful for the favour and as from the first it has been, unit- comfort of the Saviour's ordinances, ed, faithful, and uniformly increasing. and they evidently deemed it not a Under God, we are much indebted for burden, but a privilege and blessing, its prosperity, to the disinterested fi- and it was particularly their desire to delity of its pastor, who, from a sense attend divine services twice on the of duty, and affection for his flock, has 9th. Some of the people remarked, steadfastly continued with them, though that it was the happiest day they had better offers of interest and honour: ever seen. They who thus delight in have invited his removal.

the blessings of the sanctuary ; who On Monday, July 2, in company prize above worldly pleasures, the with the reverend Mr. Strong, I visited words of life, and the ministrations of for the first time, a new parish in Ash- mercy and grace, cannot be "far from field, Massachusetts. The reverend the kingdom of God.” There must Mr. Humphrey, from Lanesborough, be many in this sinful world who love and the reverend Mr. Baury, from their Saviour, when the most unworthy Guilford, met us there. Though the of his ministers are, for his sake, so weather was unfavourable, a large kindly received, and so much respectcongregation assembled; of whom, ed; when the sacred memorials of nineteen presented themselves for redeeming love give greater satisfacconfirmation. One of the baptist so- tion than the fascinating alluremenis cieties kindly obliged us with the use of time and sense. The same day ! of their meeting house; and, by at- licensed Mr. George Richardson,(since tending our services, and in other received as a candidate for holy orways, manifested a liberal and friend- ders,) to read prayers in New Hamply disposition. Those who had at- ton, a town adjoining Holderness. tached themselves to the church, ap- In Hopkinton, is a respectable, peared to be serious, pious people, though a small society, and the Lord actuated by religious conscientious has there some faithiul souls. Their motives, and their attention seemed readiness to " receive a prophet in the to be engaged in searching for the name of a prophet," is a pleasing asgood old way. We scarcely need 2dd, surance that “ a prophet's reward” that such a people are likely to be- shall be their portion. Often have come stable Episcopalians; and that they given more than " a cup of water

66

.

.

to one of the least of the Lord's disci- Zion church is neat and commo. ples;" may the Lord "remember dious; and though small, its erection them for good.” The reverend Mr. was a noble work for a still smaller Blake resides in Concord, and has of- parish. On this occasion my thoughts ficiated there and in Hopkinton about were led to some serious reflections, two years; and his labours, we have whether it might not be chiefly my own good reason to believe, are not in vain. fault that the church in this diocese, A respectable gentleman of Hillsbo- most inconvenient and least worthy of rough, about thirty miles from Hop- the abilities and the generous spirit of kinton, was so generous and kind as those who worship in it, is that of my to meet me at the latter place, and own parish in Bristol. convey me in his carriage to Brad- On the 18th, we had services in ford ; and very politely offered to Arlington, where a few were confirmhelp me on my way even 10 Clare- ed; and Jordan Gray was admitted mont: May the Lord reward bim. to the order of deacons. On my way

Sunday, the 14th, I passed in Clare- from thence to the general convention mont; preached three times to very in Philadelphia, I had leisure to relarge and unusually attentive congre- main a few days in Troy, in the diogations, and administered baptism and cese of New York ; which, both on confirmation. In the eleven years of account of my then declining health, my ministry in this office, I have held and the politeness and very kind atconfirmation in Claremont nine times, tentions I there received, proved a and bave adıninistered the rite in that providential blessing. parish to two hundred and sixty-seven The general convention in October persons. In no place, perhaps, are last, as is well known, was specially the ministers of Christ more cordially called on the business of the theoreceived ; nor treated with affection logical seminary. The result was more truly Christian.

happier than perhaps any of the memOn my way into Vermont, I preach- bers, under existing circumstances, had ed at Bellows' Falls ; on the evening dared to hope. To avoid the dreadof the 16th,arrived at Manchester: and ful evils of strife and litigation, it was on the 17th, assisted by my reverend wisely judged expedient to yield, albrethren Bronson, Beach, Chase, Hum- most wholly, to the high claims of the phrey, and Baury, consecrated the new diocese of New York. The constitu. church in Manchester, called “ Zion tion adopted, gives the general convenchurch.” The house was much crowd. tion some control in the concerns of ed through all the services, by people the seminary: but in its operation it who listened as those who have “ears. will no doubt be managed chiefly by to hear.” They remained during the that diocese. It is not my intention, communion service ; and, with the however, to insinuate that the manexception of one denomination, all the agement is placed in improper hands. communicants of various churches Its location in the most populous, como present, including several congrega. mercial, and frequented city of our tional ininisters, received with us the country, will necessarily exclude a

It seemed as a pleas. large part of our theological students ing foretaste of that happy time, when froin the school ; and is, in my judy“all the faithful people of God” shall inent, on other accounts, injudicious. unite in bis adoration and praise. May In the month of March, in this pre. "bis kingdom come;" and that we sent year, I attended the adjourned may be prepared for its unspeakable convention of Massachusetts, in Salem ; joys, " his will be done on earth as it and in the same journey again visited is in heaven.''

Lord's supper.

66

.

that state, with the exception of New- The churches in Rhode Island conburyport, which I reserved for this tinue in a prosperous state, and withpresent tour, and was accordingly out any material alteration. The revthere on Sunday last, in my way erend Mr. Taft officiates in North bither. The church in Salem, in con- Providence. The convention of our sequence of some unhappy events, is churches in that state met on the first not so prosperous as in times past. Tuesday of June last, in North KingsThat in Marblehead, continues in a ton, when confirmation was, for the low state, but there is reason to hope first time, administered in that place. it may yet be revived. The churches There is some reason to hope that the in Boston are all thriving and doing church there will gradually emerge well. That in Hopkinton continues from its very low condition. vacant, and we may well fear is in A part of the members of my parish some degree discouraged. The parish in Bristol, have associated as a mission in Newton have in no degree fallen ary society; and though their means off from their former steadfastness and are sınall, they have contributed with united zeal. The reverend Mr. Baury liberality and zeal which do credit to has removed thither, and Guilford, in their piety, and will add something to Vermont, is now vacant. I have much our little fund. pleasure in adding, that the reverend A lady of the same parish has made Mr. Boyle, under very favourable a donation to the general missionary circumstances, is established in Ded- society. hain. He received 'priest's orders, During the two last years, every March the 23d, and was soon after parish in this diocese (except some instituted.

very recently organized,) has been In Quincy, the prospects are more visited. In almost all of them conencouraging, than at any former period firmation has been once administered; since iny acquaintance there. On and in many of them twice. The Thursday jast, Benjamin C. Cutler whole number confirmed is six hunwas in that place ordained deacon, dred and fifty-two: a number cerand has taken charge of the parish. tainly not large for so many churches. On the day preceding, confirination But it should be considered, that the was administered in St. Matthew's greater part of our parishes are yet church, in the city of Boston.

very small; and also that I bave not The Massachusetts Episcopal mis. thought it my duty to encourage any sionary society have recently inade to make that solemn profession of very considerable efforts, and not their belief and devotion to God, exwithout success, to increase the num. cept they are sufficiently instructed in ber of their members, and to obtain Christianity, and receive the ordinance funds. From the interest taken in from pious, conscientious motives. the object, and the liberal spirit al- The practice, which we may well ready manifested, there is reason to fear bas not been uncommon, of adhope that this society may soon be- mitting to confirmation, and even come the instrument of great good.' urging to be confirmed, those who Measures are taking to employ mis- have no serious sense of religion, nor sionaries, with due regard to economy, real intention to devote themselves to and to the utmost extent of our yet God, tbrough Christ, is injurious to very scanty means. In Salem, also, Christianity, and to our church in a missionary society has been formed, particular: it has caused confirmation and something liberal bas been sub- to be lightly esteemed, and much nego scribed; but to what amount, I am lected. And we may add, as a further unable to state.

reason, why there are in this diocese

1

so few confirmations, that a great pro- it my duty to keep constantly in view, portion of our largest parishes are on and which I scarcely need add, is that the sea-board ; in which, it is painful of assisting our small poor parishes. lo state, there are fewer males who In addition to what," at sundry times, receive the Christian ordinances. In and in divers manners," I have said a visitation to one of our principal upon this point, permit me to call churches, there were fifty females con- your attention to the hard case of those firmed, and not one male. In our who, from a conscientious preference country churches the men are little for the doctrines, worship, and discienough attentive to spiritual things ; pline of the protestant Episcopal but they are still less so in commercial church, have withdrawn, from other towns. If “one goes bis way to his denominations, with whom, and from farm," rather than his Saviour; still whom, they have been accustomed to inore frequently does “ another to his receive much attention, and enjoy merchandise.”

great privileges, and have formed To the list of candidates have been themselves into societies, according to added, Seneca White, William T. our order and discipline ; and now Potter, Benjamin C. Cutler, Lot find themselves, in a great degree, or Jones, Charles H. Alden, George altogether, neglected. They have Griswold, and George Richardson. none to encourage, none to instruct The number is small, as is also that of them: they rarely, is ever, hear the the ordinations, Alfred L. Baury, words of life from the lips of our minJohn J. Robinson, Samuel B. Shaw, isters ; they become at length disSilas Blaisdale, Stephen H. Tyng, Jor- heartened, and discontinue their efforts. dan Gray, Charles H. Alden, Alexan- Were they suitably and in season der Jones, junior, and Benjamin C. cherished, others would be encouraged Cutler, have been received to the or- to follow their example. But as the der of deacons; the reverend Isaac' case is, the contrary is the effect; Boyle only has been ordained a pres- many whose faith and hearts are with byter.

us, are deterred from making an effort Mr. Shaw and Mr. Tyng have had so hopeless. letters dimissory to the southern states. Another subject, demanding the de

As an apology for the length of this liberate consideration of this convenreport, you will please to remember tion, is a more competent provision that it contains the transactions of two for the episcopate. It is a subject on years. And as it is the duty of the which delicacy has heretofore condiocesan occasionally to give instruc- strained me to be silent. But the tions to the clergy and people of his time, perhaps, has now arrived, when, pastoral care, and no occasion can be without imputation of interested momore convenient for the purpose, than tives, I may and ought to remind you, these addresses to the conventions of that the stability of our church, and the clergy and laity; together with a its prosperity, under God, very much brief narrative of the more material depend on the decent support of all part of my official performances, I its ministrations, of which you well have intermingled some suggestions of know the episcopate is among the a more practical nature; and will most essential. We have great reason venture yet further to tax your pa- to bless God for the pious liberality of tience; by commending two or three a few individuals in the metropolis, things to your present consideration. and some other parts of this diocese.

There is one subject, which, in Without this providential supply, in every address, and on every occasion, all human probability, our efforts must "in season and out of season," I think bave been wholly paralyzed. We,