which has just been published-be it resolved, that one or more copies of the address in behalf of the society and of the plan of an auxiliary society, be furnished to the delegates of each parish now in convention, and to the minister and vestry of each parish not here represented, and that they be, and are hereby earnestly requested, to institute such auxiliary societies in their respective congregations, or such other measures as to them may seem best adapted to revive the cause and augment the resources of the above-named society.

"The following preamble and resolutions were moved by the Rev. Mr. Hanckell, and unanimously agreed to:

"Whereas the preaching of the Gospel to the poor constituted a signal feature in the ministry of our blessed Lord while on earth, and continues to be a duty incumbent upon those who profess to be his disciples; and whereas seamen are of this description, and from their constant exposure to danger are objects of peculiar solicitude to Christian benevolence; the representatives of the Protestant Episcopal Church in South-Carolina, in convention assembled, cannot but view the efforts that are making by Christians of all denominations for this laudable purpose with great satisfaction, and to co-operate in its accomplishment, most heartily unite in the adoption of the following resolu

tions:

"Resolved, that we regard with peculiar satisfaction the erection of St. Stephen's chapel for the gratuitous accom. modation of the poor in this city with the means of uniting in the public worship of God according to our ritual, and warmly recommend it to the fostering care of the

members of our communion.

"Resolved, that we deem the attention of its pastor to the seamen of our church of no less importance than that to the poor.

"Resolved, that the bishop do nominate three persons, and, in the name of this convention, solicit them to co-operate with the minister of St. Stephen's chapel in bringing seamen under the exercise of his pastoral functions; and also to devise such means as shall seem to them most expedient for the payment of the debt still due for the erection of this building, and for the better support of the missionary employed in it.”

The following gentlemen were appointed delegates to the General Convention:-The Rev. Christopher E. Gadsden, D.D, the Rev. Allston Gibbes, the Rev. Paul T. Gervais, the Rev. Christian Hanckell, William Heyward, Hon. William Drayton, Thomas Lowndes, Charles C. Pinckney.

A committee was appointed on the General Theological Seminary, whose report states, "that this institution, in

relation to which the diocese of SouthCarolina has always entertained much solicitude, is in a state of progressive improvement;" and "that but for the facilities of education afforded by it, many who are now very useful in the ministry, would probably be engaged in some secular calling." They further add, that "the Bishop Dehon scholarship is effecting the pious and benevolent purposes for which it was instituted, in the aid of a candidate for orders, who is now in his second year at the Theological Seminary." They also state, that the funds collected for the Bishop Bowen scholarship now amount to $1202 .87.

"It was moved by Mr. C. C. Pinckney, that the following resolution be entered on the journal, for the consideration of the next convention :

"Whereas, according to the Consecration Service of the Protestant Episcopal Church, devout and holy men, as well under the law as under the Gospel, moved either by the express command of God, or by the secret inspiration of the blessed Spirit, and acting agreeably to their own reason and sense of the natural decency of things, have erected houses for the public worship of God, and separated them from all unhallowed, worldly, and common uses, in order to fill men's minds with greater reverence for his glorious majesty, and affect their hearts with more devotion and humility in his service:' And whereas the delivering of orations, and holding elections on secular or political subjects and occasions, and the usual worldly accompaniments and circumstances, are thought inconsistent with both the letter and spirit of this declaration of the Consecration Service, and have been found to give pain to many members of our communion, and generally to be of injurious tendency:

"Therefore be it resolved by this convention, that it be recommended to the

discourage, and if possible interdict, the

vestries of all churches in this diocese to

use of the churches under their care, for all unhallowed, worldly, and common pur poses."

The convention, after prayers by the bishop, and the blessing, was adjourned sine die.

The church in this diocese consists of the bishop, 27 priests, 5 deacons, and 42 congregations.

AT the request of the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart, we insert the annexed print of the elevation and ground plan of a pulpit, reading desk, communion table, and chancel, which has been drafted at his request by Mr. Evers of this city, and engraved by Mr. Anderson. The principal object is to procure in new churches such an elevation of the chancel that the communion table and rails of the chancel may be seen above the pews from every part of the church. It is desirable also that there should be a platform between the chancel and the pews, of such a rise, that in case of ordinations or confirmations, the persons who stand on it may be seen by the congregation without inconvenience. With this arrangement of the chancel, the interesting solemnities which are performed there may be celebrated in the view of all the congregation. The disappointment will thus be avoided, which always takes place when, from the lowness of the chancel, and from there being no platform around it, the greater part of the congregation cannot witness those holy offices, no small part of the interest of which arises from their being seen.

The chancel is elliptical, as generally most convenient; but may be made square, which is more in the Gothic style. And the style of the pulpit and desk may be changed from the Gothic to the Grecian, where the church is built in this style. The important object is to preserve the general arrange ment of the pulpit, reading desk, communion table, and chancel; and particularly the elevation of the chancel and the platform around it. The whole plan may be contracted or enlarged, provided the relative proportions be preserved.

References to the preceding Print.
No. 1. Pulpit.

No. 2. Reading desk.-The floor of both the pulpit and reading desk should not be more than three feet from the highest part of the front.

No. 3. Communion table, three feet in height, and projecting from the front two feet one inch, the panels corresponding with the return and ends of the reading desk.

No. 4. Chancel, elevated two feet one

In certain respects, it is the trial of the present generation of Episcopalians in the United States, to labour at the very foundation of their ecclesiastical affairs. But in other and more important respects, it is an honour and a privilege to lay the basis of a fair and stately temple, which, we have reason to hope, will hereafter be the joy and the praise of our land. If therefore it should cost us a little more trouble and expense, it is our wisdom, and indeed our duty, to dig deep, and lay a wide and firm foundation. Our plans of operation should be liberal and comprehensive, and no part of our materials or our work frail and perishable.

In a multitude of places, the erection of church edifices is either contemplated, or commenced; and one of the first questions with the people is generally, of what materials shall we build? Wood, for immediate economy, has too frequently the preference. In a few cases, brick has been employed. But most certainly STONE is by far the best, and most suitable material. No other can be justified by our circumstances and prospects. If we build of any less permanent material, we do not manifest that prudent forecast, and noble disinterestedness, which ought ever to distinguish the management of Episcopalians.

Is it true that plain, massive stone churches, are much more expensive than others? We are certain they are

not. Without real necessity, no doubt they are often rendered more expensive. Much pains is taken to shape and hammer the stone-the walls are carried to an unnecessary height-and openings for windows are quite too numerous. Rather than build more airy and tasteful, but perishable houses, let us imitate the humble English country churches and chapels of the middle age-snug, low, Gothic structures, with massive walls of rough, unhewn stone, adorned with a few plain windows, and a decent humble tower; and calculated to accommodate the worshippers of twenty generations. And if we cannot do this by giving twice as much as our neighbours on similar occasions, let us give ten times as much; remembering "that he that soweth sparingly, shall reap sparingly; but he that soweth liberally, shall reap also abundantly."

State of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States.

(Concluded from page 121.) New-Jersey. The diocese of New-Jersey still continues to improve. It contains seventeen clergymen, (the bishop, fourteen presbyters, and two deacons,) and thirty congregations. Twenty-two of the congregations enjoy stated divine service; the residue are, with occasional exceptions, regularly supplied by missionaries The number of churches in the diocese is twenty-seven, two of which have been erected since the last report; and they are all in good repair. The number of baptisms reported since the last General Convention is 732. The number of persons confirmed has been 256.-The communicants in the diocese are about 800.- The several congregations, with few exceptions, continue to be visited by the bishop once a-year; and both clergymen and laymen generally conform to the canons, rubricks, and seemly order, of the church.-The Sunday schools continue to increase and flourish; and are productive of much benefit, both to the church and to the community at large. The annual avails of the missionary fund of the diocese, which has been instituted more than twenty years, have considerably increased since the last report, by the product of the genius and industry of bene. volent associations of ladies in some of the congregations, which they have generously appropriated to it. It can hardly be necessary to mention, how much the church in the diocese has, under the Divine blessing, been benefited by the operation of

that fund.-The fund of the Corporation for the Relief of Widows and Children of Clergymen, is continually augmenting. It amounts now to upwards of ten thousand dollars. The Episcopal Society of this diocese for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge and Piety, does not relax in its efforts to effect the purposes intended by its institution. It has (although principally supported only by four or five congregations) been enabled for sixteen years, through the Divine goodness, to diffuse gratuitously Bibles, Prayer Books, and tracts, among the churches of our commu nion in the diocese; and when nccessary, it has frequently given aid to the missionary fund. It has now at interest upwards of twelve hundred and fifty dollars, which cannot be diverted. The raising of a fund for the establishment of a scholarship in the General Theological Seminary, is in progress in this diocese; fifteen hundred

dollars of which have already been subscribed or collected.-Such being the outward state of the church in this diocese, it can scarcely be imagined that its spiritual state is not, in some considerable degree, advancing. May its progress, however, be accelerated, till, through Divine grace, its members, from the least to the greatest, may know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, in that sense which Christ himself has declared is life eternal!

Pennsylvania. The diocese of Pennsylvania consists at present of the bishop, forty-eight presbyters, ten deacons, and fifty-four congregations.-The diocese has been deprived by death of the venerable Joseph Pilmore, D. D., for many years rec tor of St. Paul's church, Philadelphia.The number of baptisms reported since the last General Convention were as follows: At the diocesan convention in 1824 there were reported 723, of whom 141 were adults; in 1825 there were reported 795, of whom 82 were adults; and at the last annual convention there were reported 804, of whom 65 were adults. The number of communicants reported to the last diocesan convention is 1886. Sunday schools and Bible classes exist in many of the parishes.-The Society for the Advancement of Christianity continues its useful labours, and has been instrumental, under the Divine blessing, in establishing many congregations, which are now flourishing. Twelve clergymen have acted as its missionaries for the last three years, or have been assisted from its funds. Seven missionaries are at present in its employ. -Several young men are at present aided by societies established for the purpose, in preparatory studies for the ministry.The episcopal fund is still small: it does not amount to more than $10,400.-Upon a review of the state and condition of the church in this diocese, since the last Ge

neral Convention, we have abundant cause of thankfulness for the measure of prosperity with which we have been favoured; and our gratitude ought to be increased by the circumstances which fully warrant the hope, that, with the Divine blessing, we shall enjoy, for the ensuing three years, a continued and increasing advancement.

Delaware. In taking a view of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the diocese of Delaware, we have to state that no material change has taken place since the meeting of the last General Convention; and it appears from the face of the jour nals of the several state conventions, that there are in this diocese fourteen churches, and only three officiating clergymen who have regular charges. The Rev. Henry L. Davis, D. D., late of the diocese of Mary. land, and now principal of the college at Wilmington, occasionally performs divine service and preaches in that place; and the Rev. Robert Clay still resides at New. castle; but the infirmities of age render him unable to perform the duties of the desk and pulpit. Under these circumstances, it therefore appears that many of our congregations are destitute of the regular ministration of the word and ordinances of the church. And we also would state, with the most sincere regret, that the missionary society, formed in June, 1823, is at this time in a declining state. But, under all these discouraging appearances, we are happy to state that some improvement is making in our churches in this diocese. A new and commodious church has been built at St. James's, near Stanton, and has been consecrated by the Right Rev. Bishop White since the meeting of the last General Convention; and some improvements are making in other parts of the state. There are about 375 communicants. And there have been admitted into our church, by the holy rite of baptism, 12 adults and 130 infants.The canons and rubricks of our church are generally duly observed. And finally, we hope that the time to favour our Zion is not far distant; and this hope rests upon the great Head of the church; for we think no truth more evident than that stated in holy writ, "Paul may plant, and Apollos water, but God giveth the increase." Under the influence of that divine energy from above, we hope to see our church renovated, and its moral and spiritual condition assume its primitive purity and eminence.

Maryland.-There are sixty-five parishes, and fifty-two clergymen. Six churches have been consecrated to the worship of Almighty God; 1123 persons have been confirmed; 4467 persons have been baptized; and there are 2615 communicants in the diocese. Two clergy. men have been partially employed, during the last year, in performing missionary VOL. XI.

duty.-There are in operation, a missionary society; a society for the publication of Prayer Books and homilies; two charity schools, one attached to St. Paul's, Baltimore, for the entire support and education of destitute children, and the other to St. Peter's, Baltimore, for the education of children; a society for the relief of the widows and orphans of clergymen ; Sunday schools in most of the parishes; and several tract societies. The foundation of a building for the accommodation of the coloured persons attached to the church in Baltimore, has been laid in that city, upon a lot given for the purpose by James Bosley, esq.; and it is believed that through the zeal and liberality of several gentlemen who have engaged in the cause, it will be speedily completed. A minister, the Rev. William Levington, ordained by the bishop of Pennsylvania, is already procured, whose services are both useful and acceptable.-Upon a general view of the condition of the diocese, although it appears, from the last annual report, that there are parishes suffering through a difficulty experienced in procuring pastors, there is ground for the persuasion, that the influence of the doctrines of the church, and an attachment to her ritual, are extending and strengthening in Maryland.

Virginia. The general interests of the church in this diocese exhibit very obvious marks of improvement during the last three years. Much, however, still remains to be done in building up the waste places of Zion, and supplying the wants of those who look to her for spiritual food. Among those who occupy on this ground there is no zeal wanting; but the labourers are few, and on this account, wholly inadequate to the demands arising from the large and widely scattered population of the diocese. From present indications, it is confidently trusted, that by the Divine blessing, increasing prosperity will attend the well directed efforts of the ministry, and a brighter day dawn upon the church. The diocese has already experienced the most substantial benefits from the establishment of her theological school, aided by the Education Society of Virginia and Maryland; and she still looks to it, as to a precious fount, by whose streams her barren waste shall be watered and made glad.-The building of six new churches within the diocese, and the consecration of most of them to the service of Almighty God, since the last General Convention, together with the repair of others, presents subject matter of much gratitude to the great Head of the church, and tends, in no small degree, to confirm the rising hopes of her members. As to the number of baptisms, communicants, and burials, no certain information can be had, from the imperfect state of the journals; and

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