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is properly considered, the state of this church will produce a feeling of anxious solicitude in the bosom of every parent in our communion, who wishes to have his children enjoy the advantages which that distinguished and richly endowed university offers. The church at Cambridge is therefore to be considered as a chapel for episcopal students, and as such, a subject of general interest.

Such is the state of the churches formed previously to the revolution. Since that event, eight new congregations have been organized, and seven of these within the last ten years. These are St. Paul's and St. Matthew's churches, in Boston; St. James's church, Greenfield; Trinity church, Montague; St. John's, Ashfield; St. Mary's, Newton; St. Paul's, Lenox; and church, Springfield.

It is remarkable that the churches formed since the revolution are, generally speaking, more vigorous than those which existed previously to that event. The fact is doubtless to be accounted for from the absence of those political prejudices which were then excited, from the supposed inseparable connexion of episcopacy with monarchy. Shortly after the session of the last General Convention, St. Paul's church, Boston, which had been built in the preceding year, was consecrated to the service of Almighty God; it is now nearly, if not quite, equal in numbers to Trinity church.

What renders this increase a subject of greater thankfulness, is the fact, that it has taken place without weakening in any respect the previously existing churches. On the contrary, both Trinity and Christ church are as full, if not fuller, than they were before the erection of St. Paul's. St. Matthew's was unhappily built at South-Boston, a new part of the city, connected with it by a toll-bridge, and in which there are few inhabitants, most of whom are labourers, and a great many of them Irish Roman Catholicks. It is under the care of a lay reader, and is slowly increasing, but is not likely to have a full and permanent congregation for many years. St. James's, Greenfield, on Connecticut river, is of very few years standing, but having been blest by the con

stant services of a zealous and faithful pastor, it has become one of the most flourishing parishes in the state. By his ministrations, the two congregations at Ashfield and Montague have been recently organized. The former is especially flourishing, and is the most promising field for missionary labours in the whole state.

The church at Springfield, on Connecticut river, was organized, and for a short time enjoyed the ministrations of the Rev. Mr. Rutledge, of South-Carolina. Since he left it there has been, it is believed, no service there, excepting when they have been visited by the bishop, or Mr. Strong, the rector of the church at Greenfield, who is the only one near them. The want of clergymen to act as missionaries, is sensibly felt by this little flock.

It is not so with the church at Newton. This zealous congregation have, with the aid of occasional missionary labours,for the few years since their church was built, and by the constant use of the liturgy, built themselves up so, that, during the past year, they have elected their first rector, and now support him without depending on any other than their own exertions.

The church at Lenox, which, though mentioned last, was the first formed after the revolution, is in a very flourishing state, and is quite equal, if not superior in numbers to the old parish of Lanesborough, with which it is connected, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Aaron Humphries.

These twenty three churches are all which are at present organized. It is impossible to state the aggregate amount of their parochial reports, as these have not been given with sufficient accuracy to warrant any thing more than a conjectural estimate.

A missionary society for foreign and domestic purposes, was incorporated in the year 1815, with a provision enabling them to distribute Bibles, Prayer Books, tracts, and volumes of a religious and moral character. This society, which had remained inactive, and without funds, was revived in 1822, and has commenced its operations with a prospect of considerable success. The want of missionaries, however, has been

the chief obstacle with which it has had to contend. Employment might be given at once to five or six, and the society have but two. The increase of manufactures in Massachusetts has, within the last few years, been uncommonly great, and this has attracted to that part of our country a large number of English families, most of whom were educated in the principles of our common faith, and are attached from habit at least, if not from higher motives, to the externals of our worship. These are scattered over the whole state, and if exertions are not speedily made to supply their wants, they must inevitably be lost from our communion. In addition to this, it may be remarked, that there is every where visible a growing respect for our liturgy, and for the episcopal office and ministry. It may, therefore, be said, without exaggeration, that no part of our country presents to the faithful and diligent minister, who would gladly spend and be spent in his Master's service, a greater field of usefulness.

The number of clergy in Massachusetts is 20, of whom three are only in deacon's orders. One is connected with Harvard University, two have private schools, two are at present chaplains in the navy, and three are without cures.

Since the last convention, the bishop has admitted, on the recommendation of the standing committee of this state, Messrs. Alfred Baury, Silas Blaisdell, Stephen H. Tyng, Benjamin Clark Cutler, and Lot Jones, to the order of deacons; and the Rev. Isaac Boyle, and the Rev. Alfred Baury, to that of priests. Mr. Tyng removed soon after his ordination to the diocese of Maryland. The institutions, since the last convention, have been the Rev. Samuel F. Jarvis, D.D. to the rectorship of St. Paul's church, Boston; and the Rev. Isaac Boyle, to the rectorship of St. Paul's church, Dedham. The Rev. John L. Blake has lately removed from Concord, in New-Hampshire, to Boston, where he has opened a boarding school for the education of young ladies.

There are at present, recommended by the same standing committee, six candidates for orders :-William T. Potter, Joseph Muencher, Thomas S. W. Mott,

Benjamin C. C. Parker, James Everett, and Theodore Edson. One of these is a student of the General Theological Seminary, two at Andover, and three, from the want of means of support at New-York, are obliged to pursue their studies in private.

Rhode Island. No material change has taken place in the church of RhodeIsland during the last three years. The several congregations are in a state of continued prosperity. The Rev. George Taft has recently been settled in NorthProvidence, under very auspicious circumstances. The Rev. Mr. Alden is employed as a missionary in the state, and measures were adopted, at the last meeting of the convention, to increase the contributions for missionary purposes, which promise to be successful. Sunday schools are established in all the congregations; and a proper regard is paid to the canons and rules of the church. There are two candidates for the ministry, and three preparing to become candidates.-Number of baptisms 151--communicants 619.

(To be continued.)

Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society.

THE executive committee of the board of trustees of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, anxious to fulfil the high trust committed to them, solicit, with the utmost earnestness, such information as any members of our communion may possess relative to the successful establishment of domestic or foreign missions. It is the wish of the committee to direct their immediate attention to those states and territories of our country in which the church has not yet been organized, and where they have every reason to believe there are ever there is a prospect of establishing a many episcopalians to be found. Wherecongregation, they promise, upon information being sent, their most strenuous exertions to obtain a clergyman.

Communications upon the subject of foreign missions will likewise meet with the earliest attention, and be most gratefully received. The committee have power to establish them; and they believe that judicious and decisive measures would be hailed with exultation by many friends of the church. The irresistible arguments well known to those who are now addressof Scripture upon this subject must be ed. In compliance with its sacred injunc

tions, the committee, after due deliberation, will be happy to commence a mission either on the coast of Africa, or more especially among the aborigines of our own country.

The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few. Are there not some among those who are preparing for the ministry of the Gospel ready to devote themselves, under the direction of the society, to foreign or domestic missions? The committee solicit a correspondence with all those, whether candidates or clergymen, whose attention has been directed to these important subjects, and beg leave to assure them, that every information relative to the views of the society-the nature of its contemplated missions-will be most cheerfully imparted.

The committee cannot pass by this opportunity without soliciting the friends of

the church to renew their exertions in be

half of an institution which promises, if ably supported by the contributions and prayers of the pious, to be a powerful instrument in spreading to a great extent the glad tidings of salvation.

By order,

GEORGE BOYD, Corresponding Secretary.

Departure of Bishop Hobart.

The Publishers of the Christian Journal would do injustice to their own feelings, were they to omit the expression of their sincere regret, that it has been found necessary for their beloved pastor and diocesan to seek in foreign countries the restoration of his health. In common with his other friends, and indeed the whole church over which he has so long and so faithfully presided, they shall mourn his absence: not however without hope and fervent prayer, that the God of all mercies will watch over him, extend to him the favour which he seeks, and in due time restore him to his family, and to the bosom of those friends and of that church, who will hail his return with grateful and pious joy. The Bishop left the city at ten o'clock in the morning of Wednesday the 24th of September, and the ship cleared Sandy-Hook about three in the afternoon. -While this excellent prelate is so justly dear to those who are ecclesiastically connected with him, it has been truly grateful to perceive the evidence of the general interest taken in his welfare, afforded by the following notices of his intended departure.

"The Right Rev. Bishop Hobart.-We regret to state, that this distinguished prelate, and much-beloved individual, is compelled, by the declining state of his health, to leave his native country, and the seene of his useful and zealous labours, to

try the effect of a sea voyage and of a visit to Europe. We trust that he will be received in England, and elsewhere, with that marked respect and high consideration, to which he is so justly entitled by his elevated station in the American church, and by his exalted talents and pri vate worth. We understand his passage is already taken in the line ship Meteor, Captain Cobb, which is to sail on the 24th. His departure will be followed by the deep and lasting regrets of all who have the happiness of knowing him personally."— Evening Post, Sept. 20.

"We lament to learn that ill health is about to deprive this diocese for some time of the presence and services of the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart. This distinbeen advised by his physicians to try the guished and deservedly beloved divine has benefit of a sea voyage; and he is accordingly expected to embark in the packet ship Meteor, which sails on Wednesday next for Liverpool. The affections of very many personal friends, and the ardent prayers of the church which he adorns, will accompany him on this voyage; and as far as such may avail, will render it less painful, and (may we not trust?) more propitious."-New-York American, Sept. 22.

"Bishop Hobart.-We learn with regret that the state of Bishop Hobart's health is such as to render it necessary for him to take a sea voyage. He leaves this city in the packet for Liverpool on the 24th. The absence of this distinguished prelate will be severely felt by the church to which he belongs. Her mitre has never been worn by one who has espoused her interests with more zeal, or laboured to promote them with more indefatigable industry. The purity of his private character, and the gentlemanly affability of his manners, unite with his official station in securing to him many friends; although the ardour of his controversial writings, and his decidedly Episcopal partialities, have occasionally raised him not a few enemies. We sincerely hope that his visit to Europe may be productive of its desired effect, in reestablishing his health, and soon restoring him to the active duties of his diocese."-Commercial Advertiser, Sept. 22.

"Bishop Hobart.-We regret to learn, that this distinguished gentleman has for some months been in bad health, and that a remission of his ardous labours, and a

temporary absence from his diocese, are deemed necessary for his recovery. He will embark to-morrow for Liverpool, with an intention of travelling through England, France, and Italy. His reputation for talent, learning, and piety, which has preceded him, will doubtless commend him to the respect and hospitality of the countries whither he is going. His absence will be severely felt and regretted, and be

will leave his native shores with the warm wishes of the church, and the wide circle of his friends, for his speedy restoration to health, and for his safe return." Statesman, Sept. 23.

The following account of the circumstances which attended the Bishop's embarkation appeared in the Evening Post of the 26th.

66

Rarely has the departure of an individual from our shores, for the old world, been attended with circumstances of a more interesting nature than those connected with the embarkation on board the packet ship Meteor, on Wednesday, of the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart. His acknowledged talents, exalted character, benovolence of heart, and amiable manners, have justly gained for him the respect, affection, and confidence of the community at large: while these emotions were peculiarly apparent in the members of the particular religious community in which, for many years, he has been so extensively and usefully engaged in the pious labours of the ministry; over which he has presided so honourably to himself, and so much to its advantage; and whose interests he has on all occasions, and under all circumstances, so faithfully and zealously guarded. As was, therefore, to be expected, a general solicitude upon the subject has been manifested, ever since it was known that his declining health had rendered necessary a determination to visit Europe.At the appointed hour, the wharf from which the steamboat was to take the passengers on board the packet, was thronged with a large number of our most respectable citizens, who had come to take leave of this distinguished prelate. The clergy generally, who were among the number, including all the Episcopal clergy of the city who were not prevented from attending, and several laymen, accompanied him in the boat to the ship; where, having partaken of refreshments provided by the polite attention of Captain Gardiner, they bid their friend and father a heartfelt farewell, commending him to the protection of the Eternal God who alone spreadeth out the heavens, and ruleth the raging of the sea. Many blessings and prayers follow him. May they be favourably answered in his perfect restoration to health, his happy return to his family, his church, and his friends, and the renewal and long continuance of his faithful, pious labours!

"Seldom has an individual gone abroad under more favourable circumstances for extensive observation, and for a generally useful and interesting tour.

"On taking leave of the Bishop, the Rev. Dr. Harris, in the name of the clergy present, handed him a letter, which contained the following sentiments. VOL. VII.

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"The subscribers, clergymen of your diocese, in accompanying you to the ship to bid you farewell on your departure for Europe, are called upon by the feelings excited by the occasion, to express to you in this way, the emotions of respect and affection with which they part from you. Our warmest prayers are offered to the Father of mercies, through the merits of pleased to have you in his holy keepingour Saviour Jesus Christ, that he will be to conduct you in safety to the haven where you would be-to defend you from all dangers to which you may be exposed -to restore you to health-and again to bless your diocese with your wonted, active, zealous, and faithful labours.

"We pray for the church over which you preside, and for ourselves, and all who shall be associated with us in the mahave grace to preserve it from declining nagement of its concerns-that we may from that degree of unity, prosperity, and purity, to which your administration has, ly instrumental in raising it: and we beg through the divine blessing, been so largeto assure you, that our exertions shall not be wanting to this effect; but, as in your presence, so also in your absence, we shall deem it our happiness to be co-workers with you in building up the kingdom of

the Redeemer.

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respectful and affectionate regard con tained in the preceding address.

John C. Rudd, of New-Jersey.
Wm. Thompson, of Pennsylvania.
James Montgomery, of Pennsylvania.
William Barlow, of South-Carolina.
Henry P. Powers, of New-Jersey.
William L. Johnson, of New-Jersey.'

"Among the gentlemen who accompanied Bishop Hobart to the packet, was a delegation from the Auxiliary New-York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, appointed by the managers of that society for the purpose of accompanying him, and of handing to him the following address:

666 Tuesday evening, Sept. 23, 1823. Right Rev. and dear Sir,

"The members of the board of mana.

gers of the Auxiliary New-York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society, being assembled for the transaction of the ordinary concerns of the society, and aware of your intended departure for Europe to-morrow, most gladly avail themselves of the opportunity thus afforded to convey to you the renewed assurances of their respect and esteem, both for your private and official character, and of the interest they feel in common with their senior brethren of the church, in the recovery of your health, and your restoration to your family and friends, and to the bosom of that portion. of the Christian church, whose affairs for a series of years you have conducted with such distinguished ability, assiduity, and usefulness.

"On an occasion which is to separate us for a considerable time from our diocesan, whom we have been accustomed to revere and to love, and whose counsel has been our guide in the affairs of those institu tions of the church in which we have had the honour and the gratification of being early participants, we trust we may, without any violation of the high respect and deference we owe to you, be permitted to express our emotions.

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To say that we feel an interest in the recovery of your health, would be but a frigid and feeble expression of our feelings: be assured, Right Rev. and dear Sir, that we feel an interest beyond the power of expression, in all that concerns your personal comfort and happiness, as it regards yourself and family, and your character, dignity, and usefulness in the church.

"Did time permit, we could dwell with peculiar delight on the many and prominent traits of your private and official character, which have attracted our attention and commanded our admiration and affection; but circumstanced as we are, we must forego this gratification, and beg your acceptance of this unpremeditated and spontaneous effusion of our feelings.

"Commending you to the merciful care and guidance of the great Head of the church, throughout all the perils of your journey, and most earnestly invoking his choicest blessings upon you, we have the honour to be your devoted and affectionate friends. Signed, &c &c.'

"Among the numerous tokens of regard received by the Bishop previously to his departure, the following very gratifying one, and so creditable to the respectable body by whom it was paid, deserves to be especially noticed.

"The trustees of the congregation Shearith Israel have the pleasure to enclose to Bishop Hobart, a letter of introduction to the Rev. Dr. Solomon Herschell, grand rabbi of the Jews in London; and they tender to the Bishop their best wishes for the restoration of his health, and his speedy return to his family and friends.'

"The introductory letter referred to above, states that the Right Rev. Bishop Hobart had, by his 'learning, and the liberality of sentiment towards the chosen people, which has distinguished his ecclesiastical career, obtained a high claim to the respect and friendly consideration of our brethren the House of Israel; and we have great pleasure in recommending him to your kind and friendly attention: and concludes with their best wishes and prayers for the prosperity and welfare of all Israel confided to your care.'

"The Bishop returned the following

answer.

"New-York, Sept. 24, 1823.

"Gentlemen,

"I have scarcely time, at the very moment of my departure for Europe, to beg spectable congregation whom you repreyou to accept for yourselves and the resent, my acknowledgments for your attention; the more distinguished and gratifying, because unsolicited and unexpected. Be assured you have not estimated too highly my sentiments of respectful and kind liberality towards the brethren of 'the House of Israel; and with my best wishes and prayers for your and their happiness here and when they shall be gathered to their fathers, I remain, gentlemen, your sincere and faithful friend and ser

vant,

J. H. HOBART. "Rev. Mr Peixotto, and Messrs. N. Phillips, M. L. Moses, M. M. Noah, committee, &c. &c. &c.'"

Departure of Bishop Chase.

The Right Rev. Philander Chase, D. D. Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the state of Ohio, embarked at this port on the first of the present month, October,

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