not materially changed from the state reported at your last convention. The Rev. Daniel Barber has left this Diocess, and also it is reported, the communion of the Protestant Episcopal church. The Rev. Mr. Howe has succeeded him in the church in Claremont, where his labours are much blessed. The parish, having very much increased, have purchased a new and convenient church, in the village, and they are enlarging their old church: Divine services are performed alter nately in the two. The Rev. Mr. Chase has the pastoral charge of the church in Drewsville. The Rev. Mr. Searle has officiated the greater part of the year last past in Concord, Hopkinton, and Bradford, and occasionally in some of the neighbouring towns: three months of which time he was employed as a missionary. Had we the means of employing even one itinerant clergyman in that state, he would probably be able to form some new churches, and would, with the Divine blessing, be of very great use in the cause of the Redeemer's kingdom. When shall we follow the example of all other churches? When perform that work of propagating his faith which our Saviour requires? In every state should be a Missionary society, encouraged by every parish, and supported by every churchman. He who cannot give one dollar, if such there be, let him give a cent or a mite: let him show that he loves the Lord, regards his word, and desires to build up his kingdom.

In no part of this Diocess is the change for the better, during the last two years, more apparent than in Vermont; though even there, but little, we fear of what we ought to do, has been effected. Mr. Chase has succeeded Mr. Chapman at Bellows Falls. The church in Shelburne, under the care of Mr. Clapp, has very much increased. New parishes might easily be formed, had we missionaries to feed them with the bread of life, and rear them up to strength and maturity. Some promising young men, in that state, are now prosecuting their studies, with a view to the sacred ministry. In Manchester a new church is now in building; and another in Windsor,

In February next, it is expected that the very important law question, respecting their church lands, will be decided.

In Massachusetts we have to lament the decline of the church in Marblehead; as also some unhappy dissensions which have interrupted the peace, and clouded the prosperity of the pa rish in Great-Barrington. In August I visited that and the other churches in the western part of the state; and the hope is cherished that, through the Lord's goodness, union and peace may again be restored. Such, I am happy Ι now to state, has been the result in Lanesborough:-the Rev. Aaron Humphrey, from Connecticut, has succeeded the Rev. Mr. Pardee in the pastoral charge of that church, which is united and prosperous.

A new society has been formed in Ashfield, which loudly calls for our fostering care. It is painful to reflect on our inability to give this and many other new and small parishes that attention and aid which they chiefly need. In Taunton some measures have been taken, and it is hoped will be pur sued for resuscitating the ruins of that once little church. St. Paul's Church, in Boston, is gradually filling with a very respectable congregation.

The Rev. Mr. Chapman was absent four months, employed as a missionary chiefly in Lenox. As there appeared an urgent call for Mr. Wolcott's labours, and a prospect of much useful ness in Marshfield, it was judged expedient that he should discontinue his services in Quincy, and that something should be allowed him for a year or two, as missionary in Marshfield: And the prospects thus far seem to justify this arrangement. That the church in Quincy might not in consequence suffer, the Rev. Mr. Lippitt was employ ed as a missionary there for six months: And provision has since been made for the continuance of public worship in that parish till the present time,

The church in Rhode-Island conti nues to enjoy the smiles of its Divine Head. The number of communicants has very considerably increased: nor is there reason to believe that piety or zeal is in any degree diminished. The

sacerdotal connexion between the Rev. Mr. Blake and the church in North-Providence, is, by mutual consent, dissolved. The Rev. Lemuel Burge is settled in the parish of St. Paul's Church, in North-Kingston and South-Kingston.

It would seem that the soil of the Eastern Diocess is peculiarly unfavourable to missionary societies. The one in this state, I am sorry to say, has not received that general patronage of our few churches which was anticipated. The greater part of what has been contributed, is, I believe, from one parish, and that not the largest. A missionary society was, some years since, formed and incorporated, in Massachusetts, and some measures have more recently been taken, by the convention and standing committee of that State, to collect funds: but their efforts have not, to my knowledge, been attended with any considerable success.

The sums collected at our Easter contributions, I have endeavoured, with the advice of our standing committee, to apply to the purposes intended, with the utmost frugality, and according to the best of my judgment. This fund is annually diminishing. The collections of the present year are from a few churches only, and amount to about two hundred and forty dollars. The greater part of our churches have no such contributions. Whether you will judge it expedient and just still to call on those few, seeing it is not made, as our convention recommended, a general thing, may be worthy of consideration. The apology, which is usually made, for not asking the people to contribute is, that the parishes are poor, and their burdens already heavy; facts which we well know, and sensibly feel. But this excuse, as I conceive, is founded on a misapprehension of what is required. It is not enjoined upon any parish or individual to contribute any thing but what can be given with convenience, and with "a willing mind?" It is required only that our people may all have a suitable opportunity to give. In the poorest parish there may be a few persons who are able, and willing, and desirous to contribute something to this most important, and charitable object.

We know well that among Christians of other denominations, handsome collections are made in parishes much poorer than some of ours who contribute nothing: and we know too that many of our people contribute to the propagation of the Gospel by other sects, who would more gladly give, if, with even less importunity, they were called on by the clergy of our own communion. Should it by any be said that the sum like to be collected will be so small they are ashamed to present it, let such reflect on the impiety of thus dishonouring our Divine Master, and neglecting his work, through fear of bringing discredit upon ourselves! Is it thus we take his cross, and bear his reproach? Permit me, my Clerical Bre thren, to ask, whether we are not the chief delinquents in this thing?—We who ought to lead in every measure which will spread the faith of the blessed Saviour, and build up his kingdom. Are not the people more ready to give for this noble purpose than we to ask? Are we duly mindful of our Lord's command, doing all in our power to preach his Gospel to every creature?

Sunday schools have been introduced into many, and I believe into the greater part of our parishes, and their success has more than equalled our most sanguine expectations. It is not necessáry that I should now dwell on the salutary effects of this mode of instruction. It will suffice to observe that what is chiefly essential, to avail ourselves of its full benefits, is the pious zeal, and generous disposition of our people to bestow their services in what we may truly denominate, this "labour of love." What is most to be feared is, that they may at length be "weary in well doing." Let it not be so: let the young especially be encouraged to engage and continue in this charitable work, than which none can be more useful to individuals, to religion, and to society.

Finally, I take this opportunity of once more requesting that the several State Conventions, and all whose duty it is, or who are willing to perform the duty, will, in the time to come, carefully transmit to me the parochial reports, and whatever else may be ne

the support of the dying, and, perhaps, to the furnishing of the departed soul with its first hallelujah, when delivered from the prison of the body.

In the enlargement and increasing prosperity of the church in this diocess, we see cause to cherish the humble hope, that these effects may have been produced to no very inconsiderable extent. In the year 1809, in which this society was formed, there were, in this state, but 42 clergymen of our church. There are now 78. The number of congregations has increased in about the same proportion. To this encouraging state of things, although we delight to perceive in it the Divine blessing upon a well regulated system of ecclesiastical concerns, and upon Episcopal and pastoral fidelity, we may, also, humbly hope that our society has been not a little conducive. It gives us great pleasure, indeed, to acknowledge as powerful, and, in some instances, more effectual auxiliaries, those sister establishments of our church, in various parts of the diocess, which have for their objects this same good work of circulating the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer-the support of missionaries-and the distribution of religious tracts. And it now gives us the highest satisfaction to hail, as an enterprize surpassing them all in magnitude of importance, and in probable extent of beneficial influence, the measures commenced at our last convention, and prosecuting, under the auspices of managers appointed by that body, for affording the means of securing, by competent provision for their education, a pious, orthodox, and learned clergy. When we consider the order set forth in the word of God, as that by which he designs the blessings of the Gospel to be disseminated and preserved among men, we cannot but regard the various and momentous functions of the ministry of his church, as most intimately connected with the interests of evangelical piety, with regard both to the sanctification and salvation of individuals, and to its benign influence on communities. Hence the state of religion, and its practical influence, have ever been graduated by the character and abilities of the clergy.

In this noble institution, therefore, we see an effort for the advancement of the Redeemer's cause, which we all should most heartily bid God speed; and the interests of which, we should all, according to our respective ability and opportunity, endeavour to be God's honoured instruments of promoting. This will be perfectly consistent with the continuance, and even increase of our exertions in behalf of those other excellent institutions, by which our church aims, though, indeed, in an humbler sphere, at the furtherance of the same great object-the spiritual and eternal welfare of the sons of men.

When we contemplate the resources of this diocess, possessing upwards of 120 congregations, and these including no inconsiderable share of the wealth of our state, and then suppose that deep influence of religious affection, which its everlasting moment deserves, our minds, at once, form the idea of a magnitude of exertion in the various methods for advancing the interests of religion and the church, commensurate to the just expectations which should be entertained, of a diocess so peculiarly favoured with means and facilities. May God put it into the hearts of those whom he has blessed with this world's goods, to consecrate a liberal share of them to the glory of the all-bounteous Giver. Gratitude to him demands this offering. His promised blessing urges to it. His church asks it, as a return of temporal for spiritual things; and as furnishing her with the means of accomplishing the blessed and eternally momentous objects for which she was established.

Signed by order of the Board, MATTHEW CLARKSON, Chairman pro tem, BENJAMIN T. ONDERDONK, Secretary. New-York, Feb. 21, 1821.

The following gentlemen were elected to be associated with the Bishop and clergy of the city, as the Board of Ma nagers for the ensuing year

Matthew Clarkson, John Onderdonk, John Slidell, Henry Rogers, George Dominick, Gulian Ludlow, Isaac Carow, Richard Whiley, Henry M'FarJan, and Richard Platt.

At a meeting of the Board of Managers, on Friday, March 2d, the Rev. Benjamin T. Onderdonk was chosen secretary, Gulian Ludlow, treasurer, and Henry M'Farlan, agent.

Annual Report of the Orphan Asylum Society in the city of New-York, made in the month of April, 1821. Ar this joyous season of the year, when nature rouses from her lethargy to put on her fairest garments in praise of her Creator, there is no sentiment more predominant in the hearts of the Board of Direction of the "Orphan Asylum Society," than that of gratitude. They began the year in sorrow, and their friends and patrons mingled their feelings with those of the Board on the recollection of departed worth. But, though clouds and darkness rested on them for a time, the gloom has been dispersed by that light which has shone on the Society, and guided them in seasons of perplexity and doubt from its commencement to the present day. At no period has the aspect of the Society been more promising than at the present. It is true that "daily bread" has been all the Orphan's portion, but the hand that bestows it has never yet been shortened. The large debt which was contracted in requisite repairs and alterations of their establishment, during the former year, is, by the annual grant of the Legislature and the contributions of benevolent individuals and congregations, in a good degree liquidated. The blessing of health, with few exceptions, has been dispensed with unsparing bounty to their orphan family. The Board have been able to place a larger number of children than usual in respectable situations, where every reasonable hope may be indulged that they will be taught that knowledge which maketh wise unto salvation, and to fulfil their duty in their respective stations. The continuance of the worthy Superintendants in their sphere of usefulness, and the acquisition of their daughter to aid in the instruction of the girls-the good conduct of the Monitor, who was brought up under their care, and the general propriety of the children's behaviour, are causes of heart

felt gratitude to the Friend of the fatherless, and incitements to that con fidence in the protecting care of Providence, which occasional discouragement and inquietude should never be able to destroy.

Since the last Report, 16 boys have been bound to farmers or mechanics; 16 girls placed in respectable families; 10 boys and 8 girls have been received into the institution: and there now remain 128 children dependent upon you for the necessaries of life. In order to inure the boys to hardship and fatigue, they are required to cut all the wood, draw the water, &c. and are taught to cultivate the grounds belonging to the Asylum, which have yielded a very large supply of vegetables of various kinds.* The girls are employed in work appropriate to themselves: they have, within the last year, made 550 garments of different sorts, 40 pair of sheets, 18 mattresses, besides quilting 13 bed-quilts, repairing their clothes, knitting, assisting in washing, ironing, and every variety of house-work.— Although care is taken to give them habits of industry, the culture of their mind is not neglected. It is with plea sure the Board observe the larger portion of the children able to read their Bible, and the assiduity with which they store their minds with scripture truth. They have, during the last year, committed to memory from 49 to 1666 verses; and their progress is very good in arithmetic and writing; several of the boys are also studying the rudiments of grammar.

The Board have been called to resign to his Heavenly Father one little boy, whose debilitated health, when he entered the Asylum, seemed to revive for a season under the genial influence of kindness and wholesome diet; but his constitution was too much impaired to sustain a very severe attack of influenza during its prevalence in our city.

The increasing expenses of so numerous a family are often the source of harassing anxiety to the Board, and certainly require an extension of the

year, 2000 heads of cabbage, 150 bushels of potatoes, 100 bushels of turnips; also, beans, peas, parsnips, onions, &c. &c.

There have been raised, in the past