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All previous misfortunes were forgotten in the present holy joy. The ghost of the departed Adhemar came and rejoiced and as at the resurrection of Christ the bodies of the saints arose, so at the resurrection of the temple from the impurity of the infidels, the spirits of many of those who had fallen on the road from Europe to Jerusalem, appeared and shared in the felicity of their friends. Finally, the Hermit who, four or five years before, had wept over the degraded condition of the Holy City, and who had commisserated the oppressed state of the votaries of Christ in Palestine, was recognized in the person of Peter. It was remembered that he had taken charge of the letters from the patriarch to the princes of Europe: it was acknowledged that he had excited their piety, and inflamed their zeal; and the multitude fell at his feet in gratitude for his faithful discharge of his trust, praising God who was glorified in his servant."

(To be continued.)

Last Hours of an Infidel who burnt his Bible.

[The following affecting narrative is extracted from the Evangelical Magazine for February, 1821, where it is asserted to be strictly true, and where the name of the Rev. Mr. Coombs, of Manchester, is given as the minister who visited the unhappy man.]

On the Lord's Day, October 24th, 1819, I was called (says the person who has furnished the following account) to visit a poor man in Manchester. He was described to me as dying in the most distracting agonies of mind. I found him in the full possession of his mental faculties, but much agitated and alarmed by a sense of his great sinfulness and approaching misery. For this I was at no loss to account, when I had learned, partly from himself, and partly from his neighbours, the following particulars of his history:

He had been accustomed from childhood to reverence the institutions of religion, to read the Word of God, and to attend his worship. Regular in his habits, and moral in his deportment, he had generally maintained a fair character. About six months before the time at which I saw him, he had been deprived

of his wife by death. To suppress the sorrow occasioned by this loss, he went frequently to a public house; there he found companions whose mirth caused him to forget for a moment his troubles. At first he was surprised and shocked by their profaneness, but he soon proved that "Evil communications corrupt good manners." These men were INFIDELS; and it was not long before they persuaded their new associate to imitate their example, in abondoning the profession, and casting off the restraints of Religion. On SUNDAY mornings they met to encourage each other in all manner of wickedness; and on one of those occasions, according to previous agreement, they together committed their Bibles to the flames, and vowed never again to enter a place of religious worship." All this (said the wretched man) did well enough while I was in health, and could keep off the thoughts of death." Now, however, he was stretched on a bed of sickness, and conscious of his near approach to eternity; in this state, forced to reflection, his guilt and danger excited the utmost horror and alarm: despair had taken full possession of his mind. When I spoke to him of the mercy and forgiveness, which the most heinous offenders are encouraged to seek through the mediation of a Redeemer, he hastily exclaimed, "What's the use of talking to me about mercy ?" When entreated again and again to behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world, he said, "I tell you, it's of no use now; 'tis too late-'tis too late.” In reply to my exhortation to pray, he said, "Oh! I could pray once, but now I can't pray"-and, after a pause, " I will not pray." These expressions were subsequently several times repeated, "I cannot pray, I will not pray." Two men having entered the room, whom I understood to have been leaders in the guilty company by whom this poor man had been deluded, he hastily turned his face from them with obvious disgust and terror; and after they had addressed to him some blustering expressions, by which they hoped to rally his spirits, he raised himself on his bed, lifted up his hands, and in the most deliberate and solemn manner

called on God Almighty to blast those wretches to all eternity! They almost immediately left the apartment, uttering a profusion of oaths. Some time afterwards three others of the wretched men entered, and occasioned a repetition of the imprecations, which it was impossible for any to hear without shuddering.

After I had been with him two hours, (during which time he frequently repeated such expressions as have been stated), he became quite indifferent to what was said to him, rolling about on his bed, and now and then ejaculating, 66 My Bible! Oh! the Bible." His eyes were for several minutes fixed on me, but he seemed not to hear the questions and entreaties which I continued to address to him. He then concealed his face by turning it to the pillow, and after having remained in this position perhaps a quarter of an hour, his whole frame was violently convulsed; he groaned, and then again was still; and whilst I was speaking to the by-standers, he expired." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God!"

Extracts from Bishop Grisworld's Ad-
dress to the Biennial Convention of
the Eastern Diocess, assembled in
Newport, Rhode-Island, September
27th, A.D. 1820.
REVEREND BRETHREN, AND

RESPECTED FRiends,

would probably be as useless, as it certainly would be dull and uninteresting. The mention of those which are of the most general concern will suffice.

On the Friday next following the day of our last Biennial Convention, in Greenfield, Joel Clapp was ordained Deacon. The Sunday after I passed in Guilford, in Vermont. A number of people, actuated by a laudable zeal for promoting God's holy worship, had erected a neat and very convenient edifice, in which I was invited that day to officiate. The congregation was respectable, and very attentive; and though there were then no Episcopalians in that town, a number of the principal people expressed a desire to become acquainted with the doctrines and worship of our church; and invited Mr. Baury, a student in theology, and since a candidate for holy orders, to perform Divine service for a few weeks in their church. Mr. Baury, who has continued with them to the present time, has devoted himself, with great diligence and pious zeal, to all the duties allowed to those who are not ordained to the ministry; and his labours have been remarkably blessed.

On the Wednesday following, the chusetts, was solemnly dedicated, and new church in Hopkinton, in MassaAlmighty God, by the name of St. set apart to the worship and service of Paul's Church. On the 10th day of November, in the same year was also consecrated, St. Paul's Church, newly I ADDRESS you under some circum- erected in South-Kingston, in the State stances of peculiar disadvantage; and of Rhode-Island. The day following, the pleasure of meeting you again, on and in the same church, Herbert Marthis interesting occasion, is mingled shall was ordained Deacon. The serwith regret, that in the discharge of vices, on each day, were attended by a this duty I cannot equal your just ex-large assembly of people, who appearpectations. The infirm state of my health during the nine months last past has necessarily occasioned some deficiency in the performance of Episcopal duties. Early in August a tour was commenced with the intention of visiting the northern parts of the diocess: but for particular reasons, respecting the churches in Vermont, I was requested to postpone my visit to that state till the next spring.

A minute detail of the churches visited, and of all my official transactions,

ed to be suitably and deeply impressed; and gave reason to hope that the impression might be of lasting benefit.

On the 18th day of the same month, I was present at the State Convention of Massachusetts, which met in Salem. Confirmation was administered; and the Rev. Calvin Wolcott, Deacon, was admitted to the order of Presbyters And on the 19th day of December following, at Bristol, in Rhode-Island, Carlton Chase, and Patrick H. Folker, were ordained Deacons.

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Early in the next year I again visited Guilford, in Vermont, being invited by the proprietors of the new church, and others, who had formed themselves in to a society: and on the 18th of February, 1819, the house, by their unanimous request, was dedicated, according to the Canons and usage of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Twenty-one persons, including some children, were baptized. Thirty-two received confirmation apparently with a very deep sense of the nature and solemnity of the ordinance. The next day I preached in the congregational meeting-house, about four miles from the church, and near the centre of the town. And, on Sunday, the 21st, again officiated in the church, baptized four adults and five children, confirmed eleven more, and administered the Lord's Supper to fortytwo very devout communicants; of whom about thirty, then for the first -time, received that sacrament. On no occasions have I ever witnessed more pleasing evidence of sincere piety and religious reverence; or felt more sensibly the presence and the goodness of God, who, in his great mercy, as there is reason to believe, was pleased to bless that visitation to the comfort and edification of his people. In August of the same year I made a third visit to that parish; on the 20th preached and administered baptism in the meeting-house; and on the 21st preached in the church, baptized three adults and two children, confirmed nine persons, and gave the communion to about forty-five. Another society has, for convenience, been organized in that town, and Divine service is performed alternately in the meeting-house and in the church; and on every Lord's day a third service is held in the latter place.

In the spring of last year, the old church in North Kingston, (R. I.) was put in complete repair, and a bell has been added. On the 6th of May it was dedicated to God's glory and worship; and on the 14th day of the same month, at North-Providence, the Rev. James B. Howe, Deacon, was ordained Priest. About the middle of the summer of 1819, I made a tour through Massachusetts, and visited the most of our VOL. V.

churches in that state. The following are extracts from a journal of that tour. 'Wednesday, the 30th of June, preached in Bridgewater. A decent and respectable congregation attended Here is "a famine of hearing the word of God:" May the Lord, in his merci ful goodness send them the bread of life. Here was I met by Mr. Wolcott, a zealous, faithful minister of the Lord Jesus. May the Lord send many such into his vineyard.-Thursday, A. M. preached in Hanover, confirmed, and gave the communion. Into this cold region, there is hope that the Sun of Righteousness is diffusing his vital rays, and that some are now rejoicing in the light of his truth. In the afternoon preached again. The people hear with eager attention: May the Lord graft his word in their hearts.

Friday, July 2d, preached in Marsh→ field. The small church was crowded, even in this busy season: nor could it hold the people assembled of various denominations pressing to hear "the things which belong to their peace." Grant, O thou God of all mercy and grace, that those things may not be

hid from their eyes;"may they be led into the way of truth, and hold the true faith of the Lord Jesus Christ, in unity of Spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life, till finally they are united with the innumerable assembly of just men made perfect.

Saturday, preached, confirmed, and gave the communion in Quincy. The very few who were confirmed appeared to possess an awakened sense of God's mercies, and of a Christian's duty. May their piety be permanent--the fruit be with holiness, and the end everlasting life. O blessed Lord, how in estimable are the privileges of these thy holy ordinances: let none who enjoy them, receive thy grace in vain. Confirm and strengthen their faith and hope, and make them thine for ever.

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Sunday preached in Boston;-in, the morning in Trinity Church;-in the afternoon in St. Matthew's, and in the evening in Christ Church. Monday pursued my journey to Marblehead, accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Eaton. On our way met, in Lynn, with a small congregation, recently formed into an 18

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Episcopal society. Their deportment was pleasing, and they appeared devout. All things here seem to be done decently and in order. God grant that they may also "be done unto edifying." This is indeed a "little flock:" but "who hath despised the day of small things?"

Tuesday, in Marblehead, preached and confirmed. In the midst of judgment the Lord remembers mercy. This church has much declined. Mr. Smith, the fifth of their ministers, still living, is about to leave them. But there is consolation in believing that there yet remains among this people the spirit of piety, and prayer, and devotion to God. A faithful, praying people, how ever few their number, or scanty their -means, the Lord will never leave nor forsake.'

These brief extracts from the journal may add some variety to a narrative which at best must be tedious.

The last place visited in this journey was Springfield, where I remained several days. The efforts made by a gentleman of piety and high respectability in that place to establish a church for the more particular accommodation of those employed in the service of the United States, are deserving of much praise: but whether there yet remains a hope of ultimate success, I have no recent or certain information.

At an ordination held in Providence, September 2d, of the same year, Patrick H. Folker and George Taft, Deacons, were admitted to the order of Priests; and Addison Searle, Jasper Adams and Edward Lippitt, were ordained Deacons.

From Providence I proceeded to Boston, and, on the 4th, assisted in the interesting ceremony of laying the corner-stone of a new church in that town. The next day being Sunday, I officiated in Dedham; and on Monday proceeded on a tour which was extended through New-Hampshire, and a part of Vermont. In the course of it, on the 16th, I assisted in the institution of the Rev. James B. Howe into the parish of Union Church, in Claremont, and administered confirmation and the Lord's Supper. The next day we had Divine service and confirmation in the morning at

Cornish; and in the afternoon prayers, and a sermon at Windsor, in Vermont. On the 17th, in Windsor, assisted by my Rev. Brethren, Abraham Brownson, James B. Howe, George Leonard, and Titus Strong, I gave Priests' orders to the Rev. Joel Clapp, and to Rodolphus Dickenson, the order of Deacons. Confirmation was administered, and the communion of course given. The audience appeared deeply interested in the solemnities, and I have rarely known the services of our church, of ordination especially, effect, in a congregation, a more serious impression. It is sufficient to observe, that with some few exceptions, when others perform the duty, my general practice is to preach in the churches visited. In this tour I visited sixteen parishes.

On the 17th of November I met with the State Convention of Massachusetts in Hanover: we had the usual services in the morning; and also in the evening. Confirmation was administered. The next day I preached in Marshfield, when also, and for the first time in that town, there was a confirmation. There appeared to be an awakened attention to religious inquiry among that people, and a very general concern for their spiritual state.

From January to May, of the present year, I was visited with sickness, and able to perform but few official duties. The people of my parish in Bristol, without curtailing the stipend allowed me, generously engaged the Rev. Mr. Taft to aid in the ministry; and he still continues my assistant. With difficulty and some hazard, on the 29th of April, I admitted to the order of Deacons, Isaac Boyle, Marcus A. Perry, and Milton Wilcox; and in May attended the General Convention. Confirmation was administered in Bristol on the 30th of April, the 7th of May, and the 25th of June of the present year.

June the 30th, assisted by the Right Rev. Bishop Brownell, of Connecticut, and several clergymen from various parts, I consecrated St. Paul's Church, in Boston. The erection of that elegant edifice, by the very liberal exertions of a few respectable individuals; the

chaste style of its architecture; the particulars of its dedication, and the institution of the Rev. Samuel F. Jarvis, D. D. the following week, are things so generally known in the diocess, that it is unnecessary now to repeat them. But it is highly fitting and very much our duty to render united and unfeigned thanks to the Father of mercies for an acquisition so valuable to our churches, and to our clerical body.

Besides the institutions already noticed, the Rev. Mr. Ten Broeck has been inducted into the parish in Portland; the Rev. Joel Clapp into the church in Shelburne, Vermont; and the Rev. George Leonard into the church in Cornish, New-Hampshire.

At an ordination holden in Providence, on the 4th day of August last, the Rev. Jasper Adams, and the Rev. Lemuel Burge were ordained Presbyters. Also in Bristol, on the 9th day of the present month, the Rev. Addison Searle, Deacon, was admitted to the order of priesthood. The whole number ordained presbyters, since you last convened, including the Rev. Mr. Chase, this day admitted to that holy order, is nîne. Eleven have been ordained Deacons, three hundred and twentyfour persons have been confirmed, six only have been received as candidates for holy orders; to wit, Alfred L. Baury, Stephen H. Tyng, Henry C. Knight, Samuel B. Shaw, Joseph Muncher, and Jordan Gray. The total number of candidates at present on the list is eleven.

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The Rev. Benjamin B. Smith, Herbert Marshall, George L. Clayman, Rodolphus Dickenson, Patrick H. Folker, Amos Pardee, Marcus A. Perry, and Milton Wilcox, have removed from this Diocess.

The Rev. James Nichols, having by his letter, dated at Manchester, in Vermont, July 2d, A. D. 1819, declared his resolution to renounce the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and in future not to exercise any of its functions; in consequence, agreeably to the provisions of the 2d Canon of the General Convention of 1817, he, the said James Nichols, on the 2d day of September, 1819, in the presence of the Rev. Mr. Crocker, and other clergy

men, was declared to be, and is sus pended from his grade of the ministry in said church.

Since our last Biennial Convention, the District of Maine has become a State, and now holds a respectable rank in the Union which forms this rising empire. It became proper, of course, and was judged expedient, that the few churches in this new state should form a State Convention. Accordingly a meeting of Delegates from the two churches in Maine, took place in Brunswick, on the 3d of May in this present year. They acceded to the constitution of the General Convention, and formed a constitution for that State. Their Delegates, sent to the last General Convention, were received, and their proceedings recognized and approved; and agreeably to their request, they are annexed to this Eastern Diocess. Whether any and what alteration in our Diocesan constitution, may in consequence be necessary, will claim a place in your deliberations.

The church in Maine, though small, is a just subject of gratulation and praise. Three years ago we had but about twelve communicants in that District; there are now about one hundred. Most laudable have been their efforts and liberality in making provision for the decent performance of Divine worship, and the regular administration of the Christian ordinances. In Gardiner they have erected a new and very handsome church, excelling, in the purity of taste displayed, and perfection of the Gothic style, any edifice perhaps in the United States. If the Lord permit, it will soon be solemnly dedicated to his holy worship. The parish in Portland are second to none in their pious liberality: "for to their power (I bear record) yea and beyond their power they are willing,'

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and generously endeavour to render the situation of their worthy Pastor comfortable and happy. I have supposed it my duty to give them some little aid from our Easter contributions. They have obtained a bell for their church. May the Lord remember them for good, and visit them with his salvation.

The church in New-Hampshire has

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