IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // ^.*^- ^/ v*^ ^ 1.0 11.25 ^ 1^ 12.0 6" Photographic Sdmoes CorpGraticm (moaning "CON- TINUED"), or tha aymbol ▼ (moaning "END"), whichavar appliaa. Laa axamplairaa originaux dont la couvartura an papiar aat ImprimAa sont fiimfo an commanpant par la pramiar plat at ba tarminant soit par la darnlAra paga qui comporta una amprainta d'ime^^aaalon ou d'illustration, soit par la sacond plat, salon la cas. Tous las autras axamplairas originaux aont filmAa an commandant par la pramlAra paga qui comporta una amprainta d'Impraaaion ou d'illustration at an tarminant par la darnlAra pago qui comporta una talla amprainta. Un daa aymbolaa suivanta apparattra sur la darnlAra imaga da chaqua microficha, salon la caa: la symbols — ► signifia "A SUIVRE", la aymbola ▼ aignifia "FIN". Mapa, piatas, charta, ate, may ba filmad at diffarant raduction ratioa. Thoaa too larga to ba antiraly includad in ona axpoaura ara filmad baginning in tha uppar iaft hand cornar, laft to right and top to bottom, aa many framaa aa raquirad. Tha following diagrams illuatrata tha mathod: Laa cartas, planchaa, tablaaux, ate, pauvant Atra filmte A das taux da reduction diff Arants. Loraqua la documant aat trap grand pour Atra raproduit an un saul clichA, il aat filmA A partir da I'angia aupAriaur gaucha, da gaucha A droite, at da haut an bas, an pranant la nombra d'imagaa nAcassaira. Laa diagrammas suivants illustrant la mAthoda. 1 2 3 a2x 1 2 3 4 5 6 >^^ ■i-Wr, 1 v\ ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CHURCH SOCIETY OF THE Archdeaconry of JVeir-Brunswick. PRINTED BY LEWIS W. DURANT & CO, MASONIC HALL, ST. JOHN. N. B. ' ''""^^^^^^ 1837. U * ( I " 'si/S ^-!?, " "■J MEETING of the Clergy held at Fredericton, Sept'r. 8, 1836, by invitation trom the Archdeacon. PRESENT, The Ven. the Archdeacon, The Rev. Frederick Coster, The Rev. James Somerville, L.L.D. „ Alex. C. Somerville, „ Jerome Alley, D. D. „ Edwin Jacob, D. D. ,/ S. Thonipson, L. L. D. „ Samuel R. Clarke, „ Christopher Milrier, „ Raper Milner, Abraham Wood, i> H. Nelson Arnold, S. D. Lee Street, Wm. W.Walker, John Black, Charles O. Wiggins, Henry J. Jarvis, Hugh Eraser, a cler- gyman of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. After Prayers the Archdeacon addressed th^ Meeting : My Reverend Brethren, So important, and so various, is the business which calls for our attention on this occasion, that I am desirous not to waste a moment in needless discourse, before proceeding to it. The ex- igencies of the present time are great mdeed, but the nature and extent of them are, I presume, as well known to you, as to my- self. Hov/ they may be met and provided for, is the matter for our deliberation ; and whatever difference of opinion may bo found among us, at the outset, upon that point, will vanish I trust, upon a serious and deliberate consideration and discussion. With regard to the matters which will be brought before you, I have nothing to ask of any of my brethren, but that they will state fully and freely what they think, and pay proper attention to the sentiments of others. You are aware, that the chief subject for our consideration, is a plan proposed by our respected Diocesan, for the formation of a Church Society in each of the Archdeaconries, to embrace all the objects of the Societies in England, for the " propagation of the Gospel." and for " Promoting Christian Knowledge."— His Lordship wishes for the assistance of the Clergy in perfecting his plan, and has authorized the calling of this meeting, that you may all have an opportunity of rendering such assistance. His Lordship feels, as does no doubt every one of us, the necessity of some strong measures being adopted, to arouse the lay members of the Church, to a due sense of their duties and obligations as Churchmen ; and the measure now proposed, seems to me well calculated to answer that end. I shall lay be- fore you an extract from a letter, in which his Lordship's views are stated ; and some Resolutions, in which these views are em- bodied, in order to facilitate your deliberations on the subject. Of these Resolutions you will dispose as you see fit : but the important subject of them, I am confident, you will approach, with all the respect due to the proposition of the Bishop, and a sincere desire to promote the well being of tlio great Community, whose interests are involved in it. It may be thought by some, that his Lordship's plan embra- ces a greater number of objects, than any Society we are likely to form in the present state of the Province, will be found suff- cient to o^arry forward. His Lordship's view of the case is, that by providing a variety of objects, the various tastes of all may be consulted, and that so, upon the whole, larger contiibutions may bo obtained. I think myself, that this result may reasonably be expected. All the objects proposed are of great imjiortance, but some may meet with more favor from particular persons than others, and thus each individual contributor will be enabled to promote that, or those, among them, which ho most appwves of. That the plan will find favor with you I cannot doubt. The opinion of the Clergy of this Archdeaconry has been, on more than one occasion, very decidedly expressed in favour of that which 1 take to be, the principle of the measure — viz : an active union among the members of the Church, both lay and clerical, for the promotion of such objects, as the Church, wherever it exists, must find essential to its welfare and utility. In confining myself, as I have done in this address, to tho temporal things of the Church, I hope I need not say, that I do so under the impression, that there are moi'e important things to wliich we are all bound more expressly to attend : and that it is only in proportion, as we do attend to these more important things, that we can reasonably expect a blessing upon our endeavours to secure the less important. However every one must see, that if tho temporalities fail and go to ruin, there can be little, or no hope of the spirituals. Our altar cannot be served, if those who are to minister at it, have not their subsistance provided for. Our * Some passages are hero omitted, as having tio immediate conne.\ion with the Church Suciety. "-*■*• >Mr #5. or. n with the Churches must in time be closed, if successors cannot bo found for those, who have now the charge of tliein. I have indeed a firm trust and confidence, that God, in his mercy, will overt such a calamity from us ; and do certainly not apprehend that it will befall. Still I have long expected, and still continue to expect, that a time of severe pressure and perplexity will surely come, to out immediate successors, if not to ourselves. I cannot sup- pose that you need any exhortation from me, to do anything m your power to alleviate the diflicullies, which there is so much reason to apprehend, however improbable you may think it, that you will be exposed to them yourselves. Ill indeed would it become us to forego any opportunity that may be afforded us, for rendering those who may succeed us, somewhat less dependent upon the precarious liberality of the people ; or for seeming (if possible) a supply of fit and able men, to caiTy on the work when we have ceased our labours. Voluntarily to leave them to take their chance, under the pietenco of trusting God, would be a sus- picious course, which wo shall none of us think of pursuing. My trust in God, I hope, will not fail. I shall always depend upon a blessing from above, upon the lawful and honost means we use, to provide for the support and extension and continuance of our Church ; but I cannot profess or indulge an indolent and fanati- cal confidence, in an oxtraordinaiy interposition in behalf of those who do not use the ordinary means of helping themselves with what God has provided them ; — nor can I feci anything like re- spect for the man, who, upon whatever pretence, refuses his oid to perpetuate that, which he deems a blessing to himself and his co-temporaries. If asked how the Church to which wc belong is to be preserved to future generations, I have no new way topoint out ; — 1 look back to the time tliat is past, and enquiring how it has been preserved till now, am content to take the same course, trusting in God's blessing for a similar result. In order to this result, doubtless the affections of the Laity must be excited, and their liberality called foith. There can bo no tpiestion, except as to the best and safest means of effecting this object. This however is certain, — that anything which tends to increase respect for the clerical character, and to cause our labours, and our usefulness to be more highly appreciated must be highly valuable. But let me intreat you to reflect that the disposition of the people towards us will depend very much upon the example Ave set them, — upon the feelings we manifest ono towards another. The honor and credit of the whole body ought to be hold precious, by every individual of tho Clergy. It should he our delight to act together, and to help one another. It is as a band of brethren, united in a most sacred cause, that we should ever appear to the world, and to the members of the Church in particular. Every thing which has a tendency to make our peo- |)lo divide tlioniselves into parties, and say, " I am of Paul, ond I of Apollos," should bo carefully avoided. 1 shall not pursue this topic, however important I may regard it, further than to add — that from more frequent meetings, and more united conMultation and action, among the Clergy, I should expect greater advantage to the cause in which we are all enga- ged, than from any other thing which I am able to suggest. — United ourselves, and acting as a body, with one heart and one mind, we might hope to succeed in our ondoavours to excite our people to those combined efforts, which are necessary for the accomplishment of great designs. Tne Society proposed by the Bishop will, I trust, do much for the Church, if the Clergy cordially and generally enter into the design. But I am desirous of taking other measures besides that, if any one can be devised, that will arouse Chmchmen in general, to take a lively interest in all things appertaining to the Church, not only in their own place and neighbourhood, but in the remotest comers of the Province. Reports of all that is going forward, and representations of whatever is deficient any where, may, and ought to, be periodically presented them. — Contributions towards useful and necessary works should be solicited in all the Churches of the Archdeaconry, although the. sum collected in particular Churches, should be frequently very small, — the aggregate would be considerable, and a good habit might be formed. I have made this address longer than I wished. We wUl now, if you please, proceed to business, and commence with that which is to be the chief object for our consideration — the Plan of the proposed Society. The Rev. Fi*ederick Costei was requested to act as Secreta* ry to the Meeting. ", Read some extracts from a Letter from the X^ord Bishop of the Diocese to the Archdeacon, dated Haufax, June 1, 1836. " When I was in New-Brunswick, I think I must have men- tioned to yon and others of the Clergy, a plan which I had sug- gested in the hope of interesting the Laity, in the affairs of the Church. It was to have one Church Society of our own, embra- cing all the objects which have engaged the two great Church Societies in England ; and including among these objects — aid to Missions in the most neglected places ; Divinity Scholarships at the Colleges ; Sunday Schools. My view was to have a se- parate Society, or Committee, fol" each Archdeaconry, enjoying .♦* V the advantages of their own funds, and all, of course, under the Buperintendance of the Diocesan. The Central Society in each Archdeaconry should commu- nicate with the Bishop, and obtain Books, See. from England. I wish for a sub-committee in every Pariah or Mission, whore all possible efforts should be made to raise what can be got, regard- ing especially those particular objects, which the Members of each Committee may bo most anxious to promote ; so that by attending to the taste of the contributors, the contributions may be the larger. I have lately received from England, what I con- sider a sanction for my plan, if we can make all its parts harmo- nize with the two great Church Societies, whose objects must form our limits, oi we shall be in danger of running wild. I am now desirous of receiving such suggestions as yourself, and the Clergy, more especially the more experienced Clergy, can sup- ply for my help. If you still think it desirable, to call the Clergy together, after notice of this object, as a principal subject for their consideration, the design may be assisted by their collected exertions. We must do something. Our people must be awa- kened from their indifference, and lead to take an active part in the prosperity of the Church. The funds of each Committee, for merely local purposes, may be under the entire controul of that Committee ; but when designed for some general purposes as Missionary or Scholarship support, an aggregate should be form- ed in th6 Central or Archidiaconal Committee, who should aip- propriate to those pui*poscs, with the approval of the Diocesan. Committees, however, may specially contribute towards the instruction of destitute places in their neighbourhood, or finding a promising candidate for Orders, within their own limits, may obtain and appropriate funds for his education. These are the most important of the objects which I have thought of : others may be suggested, and the more simple our whole machinery can be made, the more efficient, with God's blessing, will be our united strength and exertions. The first missionary movements for our attempt, may perhaps be confined to defraying the actual expence of visits from neighbouring Missionaries to destitute set- tlements, — ^but if the means be found, the employment of a visi- ting Missionary wouldi be a happy achievement." (Signed) '• JOHN NOVA SCOTIA." Read the draft of the resolutions referred to by the Archdeacon in his Address, whereupon it was Resolved, on motion, that a Committee be appointed to take the said draft into consideration, and to report thereupon ; and that they do present the same to-morrow, with sucli amendments as they may deem necessary. g llewh^eil, That llio Uov. Dis. Somen illo, Alloy, and Thomp- Bon, and Messrs. Arnold und Street, bo the Committee. Iteso/i'cd, on motion, That tlio ufFectionate thanks of the meeting be preaontcd to the Rev. Hugh Fraser, for hiu kindness in attending the meeting, and for the valuable infoimatiou he has been pleased to give on the subjects under consideration. With reference to the proposed founding of Divinity Scho* larships ut King's College, Freuoricton, the Rev. Drs. Jacob and Somorvillc intimated, that in the event of the Scholarships being founded, no Foes would be taken from the (Scholars by the Pro- fessors of the College. Tho meeting received this intimation with thanks. Rcaohed, That tho Clergy do attend Divine Service at Christ's Church, at 11 o'clock, and that the Rev. Dr. Alley bo requested to proach. Adjourned to to-morrow at J past 9 o'clock. * Friday, Sept. 9, 1836. - , PRESENT, , Tho Ven tho Archdeacon, The Rev. F. Coster, Tho Rev. J. Somerville, L. L. D. H. N. Arnold, J. Alley, D. D. A. C. Somerville, E Jacob, D. D. S. D. L. Street, S. Thompson, L. L.D. " '• ". J J W. W. Walker, S. R. Clarke, J. Black, c. Milner, C. O. Wiggins, v.'. " R Milner, H. J. Jarvis. The Clergy proceeded to Christ's Church for Divine service. Prayers by the Rev. H. J. Jarvis : sermon by the Rev. Dr. Alley. Tho committee, to whom the consideration of the draft of Resolutions, laid before the Meeting by the Archdeacon was re- ferred : Reported, that they had considered the same, and re- commended their adoption with certain amendments. Whereupon Resolved, on motion, that the said Resolutions be adopted as follows : RESOLUTIONS. 1. That the Clergy of this Archdeacomy are desirous to afford His Lordship (the Bishop) all the aid in their power to carry into eflect his plan for a great'Church Society in each of the Archdea- conries, and ready to exert their best endeavours to procure con^' trlbutions from ihoir people to tho several objects which his Lord* ship proposes to include in tho plan of that Society. 2. That they consider it as of tho greatest importance that the proposed Society should have tho bcnoHt of his Lordsliip's ablo supeiintendance ; and that they are fully sensible of tho advan* tage to be derived from acting in perfect harmony with tho two " great Church Sociotios in England, and limiting themselves to such objects as they have sanctioned by their practice, or at least shall honor with their entire approbation. 3. That they trust the lay Members of tho Ohurch will readily join themselves to the proposed Society, and liberally support it ; and respectfully recommend that the Society be instituted on that liberal foundation which will allow the Laity a duo share in the management of the funds to be subsciibed. 4. That the Archdeacon bo requested to forward a paper in the form following, with any emendations the Bishop may deem necessary, to the Rector, Wardens, and Vestry of each Parish in the Archdeaconry ; and that each Corporation bo requested to lend all their influence in obtaining subscriptions to it, so that tho Society may embrace, if possible ell the Churchmen in the Pro- vince ; and that it is expedient that no time should be lust in putting into effectual operation a plan which promises so much utility Read a draft of a Constitution of the proposed So- ciety, to which some amendments were moved. Resolved, That the same be taken into further consideration to-morrow. Resolved, That tho Clergy do attend Divine seiTice to-mor- row at 11 o'clock, and that the Rev. F. Coster be requested to preach. s , , , ^ :- Adjourned to to-raorrow at J past 9 o'clock. v, • ■ li ) 1 ' '• Saturday, Sept. 10, 1836< l^RESENT, The Ven. the Archdeacon, The Rev. J. Somerville, L. L. D. J. Alley, D. D. E. Jacob, D. D. S. Thompson, L.L.D. S. R. Clarke, C. Milner, R. Milner, . II II The Rev. F. Coster, H. N. ArnoliJ, A. C. Somerville^ S. D. L. Street, C. O. Wiggins, H. J. Jarvis, J. Black, J. Dunn. 10 The Clergy attended Divine service at Christ's Church. — Prayers read by the Rev. J. Black, sermon by the Rev. Fred. Coster, , ; , i . : Read the draft of the Constitution of the proposed Society, with the amendments proposed ; where- upon Resolved, That the said draft, so amended, be adopted for THE CONSTITUTION OF THE CHURCH SOCIETY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. I. In conformity with the suggestions contained in the extract from the Letter of the Lord Bishop, a Society be, and the same is hereby formed, to be called " The Church Society of the Arch- deaconry of New-Brunswick." II. The payment at any one time of a sum not less than ten pounds do constitute a Life Member, and the payment annually of any sum, however small, do constitute the person paying the same a Member of the Society. in. The Society shall have a President, who shall be the Lord Bishop of the Diocese ; two or more Vice Presidents, of whom the Archdeacon shall be the first ; one Treasurer ; two Secre- taries ; and a Standing Committee of twelve lay members of the Society, being Life Members, or subsciibers of at least one pound to the funds of the Society ; who, with the exception of the President and Vice Presidents, shall be annually elected at the Anniversary meeting. IV. The Officers of the Society and the Clergy of the Arch- deaconry shall be ex officio members of this committee. V. That the Society shall embrace the following objects, and none othei', viz : Missionary visits to neglected places ; The establishment of Divinity Scholarships at King's College, Fredericton ; Aid to Sunday and other Schools in which Church principles are taught, and the training and encouraging of Schoolmasters and Catechists ; The supply of Books and Tracts in strict conformity with the principles of the Established Church, and Aid to the building and enlarging of Churches and Chapels. VI. It shall be competent to any Member of the Society, ta limit his subscription to any one or more of the objects above lecited, which he may be most anxious to promote. ■ < ff- A% > Vk.*- VII. The Members of the Society in each Mission, or in each Parish of each Mission, at the discretion of the Missionary do constitute a Local Committee. VIII. It shall be competent to each Committee to recommend any of the rfbove recited objects to the special consideration of the Society in the appropriation of its funds. IX. The society shall hold its Anniversary Meeting at Frede- ricton, on the second Friday in February in each year. X. The Committee of each Parish or Mission shall hold an Annual Meeting on some c'ael.^. ^K*- vide means for catryine on, without expence, or at less expence to the Society, certain important operations, which have hitherto been a charge upon its funds. They tnist the Society will ap- prove of this determination which they have not hastily or incon- siderately adopted, and give them credit for a sincere desire not only to further the objects of the Society, but also to lighten its burden to the utmost of their ability. Adjourned. . u :.. - 1 February 9, 1837, being the day appointed by the thirteenth Article of the Constitution, for the first meeting of the " Church Society of the Arch- deaconry of New-Brunswick," when the Constitution of the Society was to be ratified and confirmed, and the Officers elected, — on the preceding day, viz : Wednesday, February 8th, the Clergy and Lay Deputies assembled in General Committee, after Pivine Service, in Christ's Church, Fredericton. PRESENT, The Ven. the Archdeacon, The Rev. J. Somerville, L. L. D. „ Jerome Alley, D. D. „ Edwin Jacob, D. D. ' ' „ S. Thompson, L. L. D. „ Abraham Wood, „ Samuel Thompson. The Rev. ^. Coster, H. N. Arnold, S. D, Lee Street, A. C. Somerville, John Black, John M. Stirling, Deputations from the following Parishes were pre- sented — Fredericton, Hon. Thomas Baillie, and Colin Allen, Esq. Douglas, George Clements, Esquire. $AINT Andjiew's, Thomas Wyer and Jacob Allan, Esquires. Saint Stephen's, Nehemiah Marks and Robert Watson, £s> quires. Waterborouoh, Samuel Scovil, Esquire. Saint Gsorob's. Patrick Clinch and John Messenitz, Esqr's. Carlbtok, <7eprf« F. S. Barton and G«orge D. RobinM«i, Esquires, ' 14 SnssBx, John C. Vail, Esq, and Captain Beer, R. N. Bathurst, William End and Richard Carman, Esquires. "Woodstock, Richard Ketchum and Jolm Bedell, Jun. Esquires. Sackville, Hon. A. Edwin Botsford, The Archdeacon laid before the Meeting the sub- stance of a letter received by him from the Lord Bishop, dated Halifax, October 20, 1836, respect- ing the plan of the Church Society. Substance of a letter from the Lord Bishop (dated Oct. 20.) respecting the plan of the Church So- ciety, r . . His Lordship has no objection to the Resolutions passed at the Meeting of the Clergy, as far as they go, but they appear to him deficient in the security they should give to an unity of plan and sentiment. He wishes it to be borne in mind, that his desire is to have a Society extending to the whole Diocese, of which the' Society in each Archdeaconry should form a part — and suggests 1. That he should himself regulate the Missionary services for which the Society may provide, directing the places whe^, and the persons by whom, such services shall be performed. 2. That he should have the nomination to Divinity Scholar- ships, the Society recommending. 3. That all the Resohitions of the Society be subject to a ne- gative when expressed by the Diocesan, or the society for the propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. 4. That the Society circulate no books, but such as may be on the catalogue of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, and such as shall be approved by the Society for the propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. 5. That the Society be bound to dissolve itself should the Bi- shop or the Society for the propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts consider its continuance inexpedient. 6. That among the primary resolutions, there be one, by which the Members of the Society shall be pledged to all possible and proper exertion, to obtain in every part of the Archdeaconry, an increasing support for the Ministers of the Church. 7. That local committees be restiicted from making any regu- lations inconsistent with the Rules of the Society or disapproved by the general body. Al^-^ The Archdeacon also laid before the Meeting •ome Resolutions founded on the foregoing letter of the Lord Bishop, prepared by the Standing Com- mittee, and by them recommended to the considera- tion of the Meeting. • :■ 1. That this Society do hold itself prepared to unite and co- operate with any other Society or Societies which may be formed in the Diocese for the same objects, and under the sanction of the Diocesan. 2. That the Society do acknowledge itself subject to a nega- tive from the Diocesan in all its proceedings, and bound to dis- solve itself at his command. 3. That the Society will employ no Clergyman on Missionary sei-vices without the Bishop's licence and appointment, and will submit its choice of Divinity scholars to his Lordship's approbation. 4. That the Society will circulate no books which are not on the catalogue of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, except such as the Bishop shall approve. 5. That the Society do pledge itself to all possible and proper exertions to obtain in every part of the Archdeaconry, an increa- sing support for the Ministers of the Church, in every proper and practicable way. Resolced, on motion. That it be recommended to the Society to make certain amendments to the Constitution of the Society, and also such additions thereto as have been suggested by the Loid Bishop. Resolved, on motion, that a Committee be appointed to pre- pare the necessary Resolutions for the Meeting to-morrow, and that the Archdeacon, Rev. Dr. Thompson and Frederick Coster be the Committee. Resolved, on motion, that the verification of the powers of the Lay ra .mbeis deputed by the local Committees to attend the annual Meetings of the Society, be a certificate under the hand of the Secretary of the Committee, in form following, viz : " This is to certify that A. B. and C. D. were elected at the Annual Meeting of the committee of the " Church Society of the Archdeaconry of New-Brunswick," as Deputies from that Committee, under the authority of Article 15 of the Constitution. Signed E. F., Secretary. Dated 18 y 11 il« 16 Thursday, Feb. 9, 1837. PRESENT, The Ven. the Archcleacon, The Rev. Frederick Coster, The Rev. James Somerville, L.L.D. „ Alex. C. Somerville, „ Jerome Alley, D. D. „ „ Edwin Jacob, D. D. „ „ S. Thompson, L. L. D. ,, „ Samuel R. Clarke, „ „ Christopher Milner, „ „ Raper Milner, ,, „ Elias Scovil, „ The Rev. James Hudson and Henry J. Jarvis arrived too late to take part in the business of the Meeting. H. Nelson Arnold, S. 1). Lee Street, John Black, Charles O. Wiggins, John M. Stirling. Abraham Wood, Samuel Tljompson. Deputations from the following Parishes wore presented : those Gentlemen whose names are marked were present. Fredericton, Hon. Thos. Baillie,* and Colin Allan,* M. D. Esquires. Douglas, George Clements, Esquire. Saint Andrew's, Thomas Wyer, and Jacob Allan, Esquires. St. Stephen's, Nehemiah Marks* and Robert Watson*, Esq'rs. Kingston, Gould Pickett* and Justus S. Wetmore, Esquires. Westfield, John T. Coffin, Captain, R. N. and James Brit- tain,* Jun, Esquires. Greenwich, William Pywell,* Esquire. Waterborough, Samuel Scovil,* Esquire. Saint George's, Patrick Clinch,* and John Messenit2,*Esqr«. Carleton, George F. S. Berton, and George D. RobitisOn, Esquires. Sussex, John C. Vail,* Esquire, and Capt. Beer, R. N. Bathurst, William End,* and Richard Carman,* Esquires. Woodstock, Richard Ketchum,* and John Bedell, Junior, Esquires. . ,. Sackville, Hon. A. Edwin Botsford.* , , ., /«. Hampton, Samuel Hallet,* Esquire. Norton, Elias Scovil Wetmore,* Esquiie. After Prayers, the Archdeacon addressed the Meeting* My Reverend Brethren and Brethren, The importance of the occasion on which we hare met can hardly be over-rated. We are about to enter upon business which must very materially affect the fortunes of our Church. I MtjUa^ !^*' '» 17 pray God that it may affect them in a way, which will make thlis day an epoch in its history, from which we may date the com- mencement of a happy and glorious improvement. We are forming what, I trust, will prove a great and power- ful combination among ourselves. But combinations may prove beneficial, ineffective, or mischievous, according to the manner in which they are conducted, and the objects to which they are di- rected. It is the wish of us all, that this combination should pro- duce nothing but good. We must therefore all do our best to give it the right direction and place it under proper management t and I am persuaded that you will listen with patience to a few obsei'vations from one, who has given much consideration to the subject, and feels himself deeply responsible for the part he has taken in the formation of this society. I need not say how cordially I approve of the plan which has been adopted — how anxious I am that the design should be suc- cessful. I firmly believe, that some such combination among the members of the Church can no longer be dispensed with. And were there much more risk than there is of an undesirable result, I should still be inclined to make the experiment. Still, I would proceed with the greatest caution, and recommend caution to you. I choose this time and place for the delivery of what I have to say, expecting to derive considerable advantage from the serious- ness which they are calculated to inspire,->-and pei'suaded that you will listen to me with full confidence that, in the midst of the solemnities of Divine worship, I am incapable of offering to you any advice, which does not appear to me fit for your adoption. The published Constitution of the Church Society will now be submitted to you for ratification and confirmation, with any amendments that may be deemed necessary. And some addi- tional articles will be proposed, which have been suggested by the Bishop. The quarter from whence these suggestions pro- ceed entitles them to the most serious attention from us, and they will unquestionably receive it. It will be borne in mind that a Society like this in all respects has not, so far as I am aware, existed hitherto in our Church, either in England or in the Colonies, under the sanction of Ec- clesiastical authority. It behoves us therefore to be cautious in odr proceedings ; and we need not be surprised if some appre- hension should be felt, lest, in our zeal " to be doingj" we should attempt things v/hich may be inconsistent with the rules and cus- toms of our venerable establishment. It is not enough to say that we know of no such design being entertained in any quarter. I am persuaded you will agree with me that we should try tq make it impossible even to suspect us of such a design. With- out this, we cannot expect that the Bishop will give to our underr taking his sanction and support. \ i:! 11 'U 18 " Nothing without the Bishop" has over been tlio rulo ami motto of the Church Catholic ; and we must take especial caro that there be no deviation from it in this instance. Thus far we are honoured with his Lordshii>'8 sanction and approbation, the continuance of which we must be heedful to deserve. No good Churchman, I am sure, would wish that this So- ciety would be an iiTesponsible body : or would choose to be- long to it, if it should assume that character. Our Institution must haimonize with the established Societies of the Church, not only in having the same objects, but also in being subject to the same controul — if we would have it become a bond of union among Churchmen, and not an instrument of confusion and disorder. ' 1 i You see how they manage just such matters in the United States — how carefully they cherish and maintain the principle I am now recommending to you — and how they have piosperod in the observance of it. What we want in this Province is clearly this — something that will powerfully stir up the people of every class, to take that interest in the maintenance and prosperity of the Church, which heretofore has not, by every one's acknowledgement, been ma- nifested, as it must be now and hereafter, if we would have it even remain what it is — and induce them to co-operate zealously with the Clergy in promoting the objects for which it was insti- tuted and ordained. For this purpose the plan of our society has bpen made as popular as possible. But none of those, who have assisted in the framing and proposing of it, are men " given to change." None of them would consent to lay a rough and violent hand upon any pait of the time honored fabric, how ever desirous they may be to improve it, wherever improvement is practicable and requisite. To engage the Laity in the work is what they ardently de- sire ; and they trust their brethren will be willing to enter into their counsel, and co-operate with them, with temperate earnest- ness, and with a disposition to submit to those checks of which the experience of ages has demonstrated the need and the use. They wish to act with vigour, and the popular character of the Society sufficiently provides for that. But they also desire, that every disposition to weakness should be powerfully restrained ; and, with this view, they recommend that the Bishop should al- ways have power to stop its proceedings, when it appears to be Venturing upon dangerous gi'ound. Such a povtrer in such hands cannot but be salutary. It never would be exercised without cautious consideration, nor so as to interfere with the progress of the main designs of the Society. Even if there were, however, some risk of such an exercise of the power to which I speak, I should still be decidedly of opinion, r*v: ^ >^^ It that the great principle upon which our Church is fuundod would not allow of your attempting to withhold it. Lot this most important point be once properly determined, and our Society will stand clear of all suspicion of having any designs, but what every friend to the Church must wish to pros- per. It will bo acknowledged and favored by the great Societies in England, which have been formed for similar purposes — and by the blessing of God, a glonous prospect of usefulness will be before us. Permit me now to call your attention to some other matters, which I shall be able to discuss more briefly. It has always ap- peared to me, that one great cause of the apparent indifference respecting the interests and wants of our Church in this Province, which has been complained of, is that the public is not sufficiently informed respecting its state. The attention of the members of the Church has been allowed to be too much confined to objects merely local. They have not hitherto had sufficient means of information, as to what is doing, or what is wanting, at any dis- tance from themselves. This Society, I trust, will be enabled, by the help of its local committees, to supply that deficiency, in its reports. We must not suffer our funds to be wasted in unneces- sary printing and publishing. But a moderate expenditure in this way, for the purpose of making known both in the Province and in England, the real state of things, cannot but be highly useful. I trust therefore that measures will be adopted at this meeting to provide, not only for the publication of the proceed- ings of the meeting, but also for presenting at least an Annual Report of the state of our Provincial Church in every point of view. What amount of means of doing good is likely to be placed at the disposal of this Society, is yet unknown. Be it however large or small, we have to provide for its being carefully and ju- diciously managed and expended. Of course it is only the actual expence of Missionary visits, that the Society can think of paying, at the outset. But every one, I should think, will be of the opi- nion, that we should endeavour to provide for as many such visits as the funds appropriated to that object will permit. It is desi- rable that a plan should be laid down, to be submitted to the Bishop, upon which such visits shall be conducted. But here, as you all must see, a difficulty of no small magni- tude presents itself. The extent of country requiring to be visited is frightfully great ; — and where are the men to whom the work can be committed I The number of Clergymen already employed is not much more than adequate to the duties, in which they are actually engaged, and from which they cannot be released with- out the consent both of the Bishop dnd of their Parishioners. And from whence such an increase of the present number, as ill i !!"l J, I 'iir Ml II 'Hi 20 will enable tlio Society to do much for the nogiccted districts, is • to bo looked for — wlio can toll I Some means however muat be devised ; and we must not despair, by (Jod's help, of accomplish- ing this most desirable end. There are those, perhaps, who would not think it proper to aj)propriate any sum towards the foundation of a Scholarship in King's College. iSut, if a decidedly promising person could be found, to whom such assistance would afford the advantage of a liberal education, of which he must otherwise remain destitute, I thnik it would be difKcult to find a more useful appropriation. My own reflections npon the serious difficulty, to which I have just alluded, have led me to the conclusion — that there is not, among the objects contemplated in the plan of the Society, one more deserving of prompt and earnest attention, than that of providing for the improvement of Schools in which Church prin- ciples are taught, and for the training and encouragement of School Masters and Catechists. I have seen elsew^here very gi-eat good effected by the employment of well-trained Schoolmasters, as lay readers, in the absence of a Clergyman, and should be glad to see the experiment here also systematically tried. At all events the religious education of the young is a matter, which the Church cannot at all neglect, without incurring in a high degree both blame and danger. I would strongly recommend that the Society take measures to obtain, from the Clergy and local committees, a return of all Schoolmasters or Mistresses who profess the principles of the Church themselves and teach them in Schools already existing, and whose conduct is worthy of commendation. Such persons should be cherished and encouraged to the utmost of our power. If we can do no more, we can at least acknowledge their services, and make known their title to respect. If they possess testimo- nials of former good conduct, the Society might keep a register of them, open to the inspection of those who may be looking out for such services, and so put them in the way of obtaining the most advantageous engagements that may offer. And some might be enabled, by our assistance, to procure that training to the work of instruction, which may be all that they require, to render them highly efficient both in their proper occupation, and as assistants to the Clergy. Another of the Society's objects — ^the dissemination of reli- gious knowledge by means of books and tracts — requires no brief remark. It will bo necessary to consider of some rule, for pre- venting the introduction into our catalogue of works not calcula- ted to answer the Society's design, and to secure a sufficient supply of such as are desirable. You are aware that the rule of the district committees of the Society for Piomoting Christian Knowledge, which this Society will supersede, was to circulate •^ 21 no Books or Tracts, except such ns wore on the catalogue of the Paient Society. Should wo doterininc to adopt the snnie rule, the catalogue, ftom which we should have to select, has boeu of late so greatly enlarged, that no inconvenience would })rohubly arise from the restriction ; and the adoption of it might facilitate the arrangements which the dift'erent committees will have to make with that Society. Your standing committee liave been in correspondence with the Bishop on this subject, and a recom- mendation upon it will be laid before you in their name. Some other objects have been suggested as worthy to be included in our plan, which have as yet no place in it. I do not intend to speak of them now. Perhaps we have already suffi- cient to begin with ; and should the Society be enabled, by a liberal suppoit, to extend its plan at some future day, it will al- ways be in its power to do so, with the consent and approbation of the Bishop. Such are the matters which you will presently have under consideration ; and I persuade myself that 1 need not exhort you to consider them seriously and carefully. Much — very much — may depend upon this day's proce'edings, Should there arise any difference of opinion among us, it vnll be remembered, I trust, that the business before us is religious, the great object of the meeting — the edification and extension of the Redeemer's Church ; and surely there will be no difficulty in preserving good feeling, at a meeting, where no individual can have a personal or private interest to be served. The plan which has been put forth, has, I presume, been seen by all here present. By many it has been decidedly ap- proved. It is not to be expected, however, that all will think of It alike ; and this is the pioper time for objections to be brought forward, and amendments proposed. But there will be little hope of a happy termination to our labours, except the difficul- ties which present themselves be met in a spirit of mutual con- fidence and concession. ] Ml" s . '-' In the meeting which took place yesterday, several questions were raised, which evidently require most serious consideration. It is of course desirable that the Society should go into active operation, as soon as possible ; and it will be expected that, in the appropriation of the funds already at its command, not only the greatest caution, but all practical expedition, should be used. Some have given it as their opinion, that an appropriation should be made even while we continue assembled. Others, and I con- fess myself to be of the number, consider this as quite unadvisa- ble, if not impossible. Some expedient must, I think, be devised to meet the present emergency. The gathering of another gene- ral meeting would be attended with too much inconvenience to many. But I see no way of avoiding it, except by intrusting the UMI i I m 22 work to tlio Excciitivo Committee subject to micli Instnictluns os may bo duumed proper. Tbo responsibility involved in such a trust will not bo very enviable to the members of that committee ; nor will they bo able to discharge the duty satisfactorily, without all the information and the aid which the local committees can supply. It must therefore if that plan be adopted, be the duty of the Clergy to see that the local committees bo organized as speedily ns possible, and place themselves in communication with tho Executive committee ; and tho Executive committee must enter without delay into correspondence with tho Bishop, upon all those questions which shall arise renuiring his Lordship's decision. — It will also be proper that tho Executive committee bo authorised to publish, from time to time, for the information of the members of the Society, such reports of their proceedings as they shall deem expedient. It will be necessary that all should bear in mind that this is an extensive and difficult undertaking, in many respects quite new to those who engage in it, and in which we aro therefore liable to make mistakes, with the very best intentions. There is, however, — there can be, but one motive, as I confidently believe, to all of us, however our views on particular points may vary. — Let us then endeavour to place entire confidence in each other, and whenever it is necessary to trust at all, let us trust entirely — and shame befall him who shall any way attempt to abuse tho confidence reposed in him ! Of t/iis we must all be convinced — that if the present design is to succeed, it must be by means of u hearty union and full co-operation of the membera of the Society, however widely separated in respect of place. And shall it be said that such a union is impracticable in our Church, while we see it established and maintained in other bodies ? My Reverend Brethren — you who assisted in the foimation of this plan — you I feel assured have not seen cause to change your mind with regard to it. I would to God that some of our body, who were absent from that meeting, had manifested an equally favourable disposition, I had flattered myself that, for once, all tho Churchmen of the Province might have been united : — that in this cause there was absolutely nothing, to which any Churchman could seriously object. Though I know not the grounds of the opposition, I understand that opposition has been made, and with such efiect that, for the present, we must act without the concunonce of our Brethren in that part of the Pro- vince which is able to afford us the most powerful aid. The reasons by which they have been induced to withhold their con- currence to such a design will, I trust, be communicated ; and if, by any allowable alteration of our scheme, wo should find our- selves able ^o obviate tlieir objections, no doubt we shall be suffi- beini >l^ 2:i (U'litly inclined lo do so. Sljould ihcy howewr jiiove such aa to iorbid the hono nf un nccommudation — what then sliull wu du t Hhull wo be discouraged und deterred from the prosecution of our design 1 God forbid I unloss wo be first convinced that our design is not whot we all thought it — that this Society is not calculated, if well supported, to render those services to religion, and to the Cliurcb to whose altar we are consecrated and devoted, whicli we have fondly expected — which I still confidently exjiect from it. I am quite willing, however ; — nay, I desire, that the opno- BJtion it may any where have encountered should have the ettect of making us extremely cautious in every step we take — so that the result of our endeavour at this meeting may by God's help, ho to win over to our cause many who have hitherto been deter- reil from adopting it, by convincing them that at least wo aro thoroughly desirous to do what is light und good. My Brethren of the Laity — permit mo to address a few words also to you. The cause, my friends, is surely yours, fully ns much as it is ours. You are all as much interested in its suc- cess as are your Clergy. And the successr we hope and pray for can only be obtained through your active and zealous concunence. And think you that if, on any account, this design should fail, you will not share with your Clergy the shame, the intollerable shame, with which the defeat will cover them, after the plan has been thus published to the world, and you have been thus eaitiestly cal- led upon for aid, for God's sake, and charity's and your religion'.s ] I feel it strongly, my Brethren, — and I tell you plainly — that if such a design as this cannot find among you such support as it requires and deserves, our Provincial Church will be a laugh- ingstock to those who love her not, and an object of compassion to all who do — ^none will or can respect her. Then indeed .shall I begin to despair of a final triumph over the difficulties of the times, and regret that Providence had not cast my lot among another people. My station in this Church will become a matter of humiliation to me, since on account of it my portion of the shame will be the greater. But think not tliat I wrong those who aro here present by supposing for a moment, that, so far as in them lies, such disgrace will be permitted to befal us. Thje commencement which has been made promises a very different result; and I shall not quick- ly cease to rely upon the promise being amply realized. Before this sun goes down, I trust there will have been among us such a display of zeal and unanimity in this great business, {is will ef- fectually remove all apprehension from every mind of a fuiluro being even possible. i; I Si ■iii ( I tl i B I if ! 24 The Rev. Dr. Alley, called to the Chair. > Resolved, on motion, that the thanks of the Meeting be given to the Venerable, the Archdeacon, for the Address delivered by him this day, and that he be requested to furnish the Secretary with a copy of the same, that it may be published in the Report of the proceedings of the Society. Dr. Alley left the Chair. : • / t The Venerable, the Archdeacon called to the Chair. \] Resolved, on motion of the Hon. Thomas Baillie, that the following amendments to the Constitution of the Society, recom- mended by the General Committee held yesterday be adopted, viz. in article III. for " two Secretaries" — " one Secretary and one As- sistant Secietary" : for " Standing Committee" — " Executive Committee." V. add " five to be a quorum, and three of the five laymen." VIII. for " Society in the application of its funds" — '' Ge- neral Committee in the appropriation of the funds of the Society." X. for "Society" — " General Committee." XL, for "Society's consideration" — "consideration of the General Committee." , XII. for " to form an aggregate to be recommended to the Society" — " to make the necessary annual appropriation of the funds of the Society." i"M!UM n-jjii >■ Hf- ■•i'> n nt "flXli- -i:fv«sw<| rj » uf*?-. &ufi- ^^•' 25 ■ Resolved, on motion of the Hon, A. E. Botsford, that the fol- lowhig Proviso be added to Act XII. viz : Provided that nothing contained in this Article shall extend to prevent the appropriation of the funds of the Society already in hand, by this Meeting. Resolved, on motion of the Hon. A. E. Botsford, that the Constitution of the Society with the foregoing amendments and additions, be ratified and confirmed. , The Constitution of the Society, as ratified and con- firmed, was then read as follows, viz : I. The Society shall be called " The Church Society of the Archdeaconry of New-Brunswick." II. The Society holds itself prepared to unite and co-opetate with any other Society or Societies which may be formed in the Diocese for the same object, and under sanction of the Diocesan. III. The Society acknowledges itself subject, in all its pro- ceedings, to the legal and canonical authority of the Diocesan. IV. The payment at any one time of a sum, not less than ten pounds do constitute a Life Member, and the payment annually of any sura, however small, do constitute the person paying the same a Member of the Society. V. The Society shall have a President, who shall be the Lord Bishop of the Diocese ; two or more Vice Presidents, of whom the Archdeacon shall be the first ; one Treasurer, one Secretary one Assistant Secretary, and an Executive Committee of twelve Lay Members of the Society, being Life Members, or subscribers at least one pound to the funds of the Society, who, with the exception of the President and Vice Presidents shall be annually elected at the Anniversary meeting. VI. The officers of the Society and the Clergy of the Arch- deaconry shall be ex officio members of this Committee ; five to be a quorum, and three of the five Laymen. VII. The Society shall embrace the following objects, and none other, viz : Missionary visits to neglected places. The establishment of Divinity Scholarships at King's College, Fredericton. Aid to Sunday and other Schools in which Church principles are taught, and the training and encouraging of Schoolmasters and Catechists. The supply of Books and Tracts, in strict conformity with the principles of the Established Church. ^ Aid to the building and enlarging of Churches and Chapels. D im ti f ■ ill iiiii 26 VIII. The Society will employ no Clergyman on Missionary services, without the Bishop's licence and appointment, and will submit its choice of Divinity Scholars to His Lordship's approbation. IX. The Society will circulate no Books which are not in the catalogue of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, except such as the Bishop shall approve. X. It shall be competent to any member of the Society to limit his subscription to any one or more of the objects above recited, which he may be most anxious to promote. XL The Members of the Society in each Mission, or in each Parish of each Mission, at the disci etion of the Missionary, shall constitute a Local Committee. XII. It shall be competent to each Committee to recommend any of the above recited objects to the special consideration of the General Committee, in the appropriation of the funds of the Society. XIII. The Society shall hold its Anniversary Meeting at Fre- dericton, on the second Friday in February in each year. XIV. The Committee of each Parish or Mission shall hold an Annual Meeting, on some convenient day, previous to the Anni- versary Meeting at Fredericton, when the recommendation to the General Committee of special objects shall be determined on. XV. Each Local Committee shall be empowered to depute two of its Lay Members, to be elected at the Annual Meeting of the Committee, to assist the Missionary in submitting the recom- mendations of the Committee to the consideration of the General Committee. XVI. For this purpose the Missionaries and the Lay Deputies shall meet in General Committee on the two days, or more if need be, previous to the Anniversary Meeting, to make the An- nual appropriation of the funds of the Society, Resolved, on motion of Rev. Dr. Alley, that His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor be respectfully requested, through the Archdeacon, to accept the office of Patron of the Society. The Archdeacon stated to the Meeting that His Excellency had authorised him to say, that he would be happy to accept of the office of Patron of the Society. The Lord Bishop of the Diocese was then declared Presi- dent of the Society. '' The Venerable the Achdeacon was then declared First Vice President of the Society. • The following Gentlemen were nominated the Vice Presi- dents of the Society, viz : ^%LtC5mJStJl .>Mf y i^ 27 The Honorable the Chief Justice, The Honorable the Members of His Majesty's Legislative Council, The Honorable the Members of His Majesty's Executive Council, The Speaker of the House of Assembly, The Judges of the Supreme Court, William Scovil, Esquire, James Eccles, Esquire. (Being Members of the Society.) Henry G . Clopper, Esquire, was elected Treasurer. The Rev. Frederick Coster, was elected Secretary. The Rev. John M. Stirling, was elected Assistant Secretary. The following Gentlemen were elected Members of the Executive Committee. George Clements, Esquire, Patrick Clinch, John T. Coffin, William End, Samuel Hallet, Edward N. Kendall, Richard Ketchum, J. A. Maclauchlan, Samuel Scovil, John C. Vail, Justus S. Wetmore, Thomas Wyer, »» >» >> it u II II II II II s'.V , Douglas, St. George's, Westfield, Bathurst, Hampton, St. Mary's, Woodstock, ' Fredericton, Waterborough, Sussex, Kingston, St. Andrews. Resolved, on motion of William End, Esq., that the Clergy do take measures for the organization of the Local Committees as quickly as possible : that the Committees do place themselves in communication with the Executive Committee : that the Exe- cutive Committee do enter without delay into correspondence with the Lord Bishop upon all those questions which require his Lordship's decision : and that every thing practicable bo done for putting the Society into immediate operation. Resolved, on motion of Patrick Clinch, Esquire, that it is expedient that there be an immediate appropriation of one half the funds now at the disposal of the Society in aid of supplying Missionary visits to remote and destitute districts, and that such Missionaries be enabled to supply the inhabitants of such districts \vith Books and Tracts at their discretion. Meeting adjourned. ilHi > ! Il i m\ 28 Friday, February 10, 1837. The Society attended Divine Service, when a Sermon v^^as preached by the Rev. Dr. Somerville, who had been nominated for that purpose by the Archdeacon. SERMON By the Rev. JAMES SOMERVILLE, L. L. D., Professor of Theology in King's College, Fredericton. • - 1 Cor. 1. 10. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord, Jems Christ, that ye all spcaJc the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that ye be "perfectly joined together in the same mind, and the same judgment. Coi"inth, the city to which St. Paul addressed this Epistle, was the Capital of the Roman province of Achaia. The Apostle planted a church there, about the year 56, a great part of which consisted of converts from heathenism. Previous to their em- bracing Christianity, the people of Corinth, were sensual and profligate, even to a proverb ; and were also great admirers of the sceptical and acute philosophy of the Greeks, and passion- ately addicted to the study of Grecian eloquence. After St. Paul had left their city, which he did about three years previous to the date of this Epistle, it appears that some false teachers among them, used all their influence, to depreciate the person of the Apostle, and to turn into ridicule, the plain and artless mode of his preaching, when contrasted with those artificial ornaments of style and eloquence, of which the Greeks were so enthusiastically fond. Hence arose divisions, and other irregularities, totally in- consistent with the temper and genuine spirit of the Gospel.* In order to prevent or heal this lamentable schism, and to pre- sei-ve his Corinthian converts in the unity of the faith, the Apostle appeals to them, in the earnest and affectionate language of the text. " Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord ■" Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there " be no divisions among you, but that ye be perfectly joined to- *.Bp Tomlino'8 Elements. LfaAl V^^ 29 " gether in the same mind and the same judgment :" as if ho had said — that therefore to which I first exhort you, and that with all earnestness possible, as the prime addition to those gifts and graces that are among you, is this, that ye all teach the same doctrine, and nourish charity and unity, and that there be no di- visions in your churches, but that ye be compacted and united, as members of the same body, in the same belief and affections.t The advice of the Apostle is worthy at all times of the serious and attentive consideration f the professed followers of Christ, who would wish to avoid those schisms and divisions, and that party-spiiit, which have rent and deformed the Christian church, even from the eaiiiest period. I need not remind you that the word translated divisions, signifies in the original schisms, and is so rendered in the margin of our Bibles. The sin of schism, however lightly it may be esteemed in modem times, is marked with peculiar severity in scripture, as v/ell as in the best and purest ages of antiquity. There are only two other places in the New Testament, in which the word occurs. j In the text, the schism appears to have arisen from what we usually denominate party-spirit ; — while one said " I am of Paul" another said " I am of Apollos." In the next place the charge is founded upon new modes, which some innovators had introduced into the ad- ministration of the Lord's Supper : and in the other, it appears to have consisted in a violation of that subordination of teaching, ministering and goveniing which was originally appointed in the church by Him who is the head of the body, our Lord Jesus Christ. It is highly important then, always to bear in mind, that the sin of schism formally consists either in forming party divisions, introducing new and unauthorized modes of worship, or despising that subordination so necessary for the preservation of regularity and order in the church, — which St. Paul in another place aptly compares to that body, which is actuated by one spirit, and compacted and knit together by that which every joint Bupplieth. But it may be said, as it often has been, how can all men be expected to be of the same mind 1 It scarcely seems possible in the nature of things, and experience abundantly refutes the sup- position. Men differ in their understanding and intellectual powers, as much as they do in their faces, or corporeal shape : and this original difFeience is made still wider, by the force of early associations, by the works we have read, particularly before the judgment has bacome matured, by the company we have kept, by the bias of self-interest, and the violence of passion. So t Dr. Hammond. UCor. 1. 10: c 11. 18: d2, 23. 30 II' i !i ll 111 m mi v plij:i ' 1 'i' •( that to comply with the Apostle's exhortation seems to many, next to a moral impossibility. But surely the Holy Spirit of God would not inculcate as a duty — would not earnestly exhort Christians to form a disposition of mind, and to exhibit that disposition in our lives and conver- sation, if it were directly repugnant to any of the original principles of our nature, of which he also is the author. " For there is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty giv- eth him understanding." We may observe ihditrmoral precepts such as this enjoined in the text, are not to be taken in the same strict meaning, with the axioms and principles of demonstrative and abstract science, but must be interpreted with that latitude which belongs to the sub- ject, and which unbiassed common sense readily supplies. This duty then " can be no further matter of exhortation, than it is " in our power to obey it, seeing that it is not in man's power to " change his settled judgment, or to think otherwise upon any " entreaty, because exhortation gives no conviction to the un- " derstanding : it follows that this exhortation must only be to " do what was in the power of the Corinthians, viz : to prevail " with them, to lay aside their strife, envy and divisioiis, and the " sad consequences of them, debate, wrath, backsliding, whis- " pering, swelling, tumult. And to this, the reason of the ex- " hortation leads — ' be of one mind and judgment, for I hear " there be divisions among you.' "* In addition to these sound remarks it may be added, that the Greek word here translated Judgment, is applied (in Rev. 17, 17) to the affections, and not the understanding. When, therefore, we are exhorted by the Apostle, to be of one mind, and one jttdg- ment, we are only called upon to lay aside the passions, prejudic- es and prepossessions, which arise from carelessness, indolence, obstinacy, party spirit, love of prominence, or from a captious wavering and fickle disposition. — That it is the indispensable duty of all Christians to acquire this temper of mind, is a maxim that cannot be controverted. For without this ingenuous and candid disposition, no man can anive at truth, by his own mental exer- tions : and even if he should find the truth, he must be indebtpd for its acquisition to chance, or to the authority of others, which io highly unbecoming in free, moral, and intellectual agents. The plea of many who leave the bosom of our church, and of others who refuse to come within its sacred pale, is that they dis- sent from us for conscience sake. It is said too, and that very just- ly, that every man has an undoubted right to judge for himself in matters of religion, and as a consequence of that to join himself Whilby in loco. :(:t.fr ^%LatStLO_ X^-r '«» 31 to whatever body of Clnistiana he may ileem to be most answer- able in their tenets to the Gospel, and where ho may reap the greatest spintual improvement. Now no man certainly ought to act contrary to his conscience, for then he is condemned by the law of his own mind — his reason which Solomon elegantly terms ' the candle of the Lord within us.* But it does not at all follow from this, that by acting according to what he calls his conscience, he is necessarily acting right. For conscience may bo either well or ill informed. — I need not remind my Reverend Brethren, that the word translated conscience, signifies in t'ie original that compara- tive knowledge or judgment which a man j)asses upon his oivn actions compared with some law. " By conscience, tl;en, is to be under- " stood not that knowledge, opinion, or persuasion which a man " may possess upon any given subject, but that knowledge, opi- " nion or persuasion which is reflected inward, upon Ins mind " from some reason, law or rule from without, which is the pro- " per standard of judgment in the case in question."! " When '• we speak of conscience in our actions, therefore, we have re- " spect to some law or rule, by which those actions are to bo " directed and governed, and by the agreeableness or disagreoa- " bleness to which they become morally good or evil."J The multifarious divisions which at present distract the Chris- tian Church, and which separate into sects and parties, those whom it was the great design of oui 'essed Lord, to unite into one body, of which he is the adorable head, — all make use of this plea of conscience. Now certainly it is morally impossible, that all can be right. To what criterion, then, it may be said, are we to appeal, as a standard, by which to deteimine those con- troveited points ] for surely it is a natural enquiry to every sin- cere Christian, who is earnest for his salvation, whether the de- nomination of Christians to which he may belong, bo a part, or [not, of that Church Catholic which the Son of God purchased mth his blood, and is prophetically declared by the Holy Psalm- I ist, to be " as a city, which is at unity in itself." And, my brethren, it is our bounden duty, to be able as well las willing, to give, both in public and private, all requisite infor- Jmation upon this important subject. But this information wo K cannot give to others, unless we possess it ourselves. We ought, Htherefore, to study the nature and constitution of the Christian IChurch, with an unbiassed and unprejudiced mind, anxious to larrive at the truth ourselves ; and then with meekness of wisdom [endeavour with all fair argument to convince the gainsay ers, to Iconfirm the wavering, as well as to warn the unruly. Let us di- lligently compare Scripture with Scripture, availing ourselves as t Dr. Daubeny. t Archbishop Sharpo. il ' III m : h ■'! ii'i ■ -'if' I ill m\ 32 iimch as possible of the Fathers of tjio Church, especially of those denominated Apostolic. Some leave the Church, and more are prevented from entering into it from ignorance, misapprehension of the subject, and from a little learning more dangerous even than ignorance itself. Some think that it is sufficient to attend upon tlie public worship of God, in whatever place, or by whom- soever administered, provided they hear, as they term it, the Gospel preached, and are, by a gross misapprehension of the word, edified. Others think that they must wait for certain sen- sible impulses of the spirit, before they can be truly converted, and for what they call experiences, which from their very nature, must be independent of a regular ministry, and subversive of the external ordinances of religion. To obviate this fatal error, those committed to our pastoral care, must be diligently taught, that Christianity is a great and comprehensive scheme of moral government, extending from the fall of man to the consummation of all things. That in this di- vine dispensation, there are doctrines to be believed, duties which we owe to God, our neighbour, and ourselves, to be practiced, and ordinances, in which all, when they have opportunity, are bound to participate. It is the latter consideration, which makes the constitution of the Church, and the authority of its ministry, objects of paramount importance ; because it is perfectly evident that none can administer the holy Sacrament, which are the seals of the covenant of grace, unless they be duly authorized, and commissioned for that purpose. In the affairs of a temporal King- dom, an Ambassador without credentials, is a contradiction in terms. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews tells us, that " no man taketh this honour to himself, but he that is call of God, " as was Aaron." It may be said, that these are bigotted and naiTow-minded notions, inconsistent with the vaunted liberality of modem times, and contrary to that " liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free." If time would permit, and this were the proper place, it would be no difficult matter to show, that many use these and similar expressions, without having any accurate ideas attached to them ; — the worst thing which can befall the human understanding.* — The unbiassed search after Truth can lead no man into unchari tableness. Nothing is easier to the reflecting and charitable Christian, than to be firm and determined, in expressing what he deems to be error, at the same time combining with that firmness, charity and affection towards those who differ from him. Error, and the consequences of error, are two very different things, and whilst we are diligent in refuting the former, we must leave the * Locke. after, t and aw God on mind, t rable I intellec can "ji the hea fore, ar Toe. solemn era in < have lat how en I the futu congrati been hil ration o their pri unanimi tend Br< wish to if we th —in pro raent of glorious the gate We r counten? sacred li be withd rative po uace of I rom the to the fie In unii jfman. md affec Wng, an( he same " Fina hings ar 'ver thin, 'ny prais fwethu •rder tog 'ass fron 7* 1» ocially of those , and more are isapprehension langerous even cient to attend 9, or by whom- }y term it, the 3hension of the for certain sen- ruly converted, dd latiei', to the unenlng judgment of the Most Higli, at that groat and awful day " when the secrets of all hearts shall ho disclosed." God only knows the strength and the weakness of the human mind, the prejudices of early education, and the almost innume- rable biasses, to which the most powerful, and best cultivated intellects are occasionally subject. Ho therefore, and He alone, can "judge righteous judgment," because he alone *' can seaich the heart, and try the reins of the children of men." Wo, there- fore, are to "judge nothing before the time." To conclude. — Wo are met hero, my Brethren, upon a most sir very nature, 1 solemn and interesting occasion, and what we hope id to form an ibversive of the |era in our Colonial Church. The great objects of thismeoting have lately been so clearly and fully developed, that I need not how enlarge upon them. If we may be allowed to augur well of the future, from what is already past, we have abundant cause to congratulate ourselves, upon the zeal and unanimity which have been hitherto manifested, and especially upon the cordial co-ope- ration of the distinguished Laymen, who have favored us with their presence, advice and able counsel. To continued zeal and unanimity in this best of causes, I need not exhort you, my Reve- tend Brethren ; it is to your bright example, that I wotild myself wish to look, and to form my own conduct on your model. And if we thus continue firm and joined together in one great object —in promoting the glory of Grod, and the edification and enlarge- ment of his Church, we may humbly hope for the blessings of its glorious Head, who has promised — ^infallibly promised — " that the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it." We may indeed fall upon evil times, and evil tongues — the countenance and support of those, who are bound by the most re bigotted and sacred ties, human and divine, to uphold this establishment, may unted liberality be withdrawn, and our Clergy subjected to privation and compa- rative poverty. Nay the Church itself may be cast into the fur- nace of affliction, but it is to come out of that furnace, as gold from the crucible, or the retort, purer than it was, when subjected ;o our pastoral y is a great and ending from the That in this di- ed, duties which to be practiced, ►pportunity, are on, which makes of its ministry, terfectly evident ich are the seals authorized, and temporal King- contradiction in ws tells us, that at is call of God, /herewith Christ r place, it would lese and similar to the fiery trial, ttached to them ; iderstanding.*— lan into unchari and charitable ressing what he ith that firmness, m him. Error, srent things, and 5 must leave the In union lies all the strength, — and in division all the weakness Df man. Let us all, therefore, oflen meditate upon the solemn ind affecting advice of the Apostle, " that we all speak the same Wng, and be perfectly joined together, in the same mind, and in he same judgment." " Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever Wngs are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, whatso- >vfir things are honest, and if there be any virtue, and if there be iny praise," — ^let us think upon these things, and do these things, f we thus unite, christian faith, christian practice, and primitive rder together, we may humbly hope that in due time we shall ass from the Church militant here on earth, to join the Church 1 1; , fill n 'fifiiii % I m 34 ttlumph&nt in Heaven, where ihoy wlio have " turned many to righteousness, shall shine as the stars for ever and ever." Read the minutes of yesterday. Read a Letter from the Rev. W. W. Walker, apologizing for his absence from the Meeting, on account of illness, which had lately confined him to his room for a fortnight, and part of that time to his bed. Read a Letter from the Rev. John Dunn, also apoligizing for his absence on account of illness in his family. Read a Letter from Captain Owen, communicating his own. subscription as a Life Member, and the donation of " Malvina " Beman, a little girl of six years old, who brought him of her " own free motion, a sixpence she had about ten days before re-r " ceived as a reward for learning, on hearing the papers read hn " him in Church, and the subject explained." ' The Rev. Drs. Alley and Thompson^ the Com- tnittee appointed to wait on the Rev. Dr. Gray tol invite him to join the Society, and to co-operate with it, reported that they had attended to that duty, but had received no answer from Dr. Gray. Read a Letter from the Rev. Dr. Gray to the Archdeacon, dated SL John, February 3, 1837. Reverend Sir — Your official communication relative to the proposed Prol vincial Society for the promotion of Church oHects, was sent tol me by Mr. Scovil on the 19th of December. I gave circulatioul to the papers, among such of the members of the Vestry, as hadi not seen them ; and took some steps to assemble them towardsl the latter end of that month, for the purpose of deciding thel Church question : but, by reason of several postponements and! adjournments, with the particular causes of which it is not ne-l cessary to trouble you ; the matter was not finally determinedl before the 24th of January. ■ That determination was not favourl able, to the wish and expectation that the Church Corporation! here might in their official character unite with the framers of thel above named Institution in furtherance of their avowed objects.! There is, and has been from the first suggestion of the meal sure a feeling unfriendly to it in this community. This feeling| is not confined to the view of it, as it bears upon us in the peculiai circumstances of our Parish, but arises also from the unsatisfao IIbJL .^Mr 35 rned many to tory nature of its general plan and conBtitution. Some of those objections have already appeared in print, and aa they have, without doubt, fallen under your obser\'ation, it cannot be requi- site for nie to name them here. I am sorry to be obliged to say that the avowed friends of the measure in this quarter, neither in their attempted solution of proposed difficulties ; nor in their subsequent proceedings, have done any thing to serve the cause : but on the contrary much to confirm men in their hostility towards it. As for myself, although I do not deserve what some indiscreet zealots, regarding neither policy nor principle have said of me ; yet I confess I wish the Clergy, had been contented with particu- j lar Parish Associations, for providing for Church wants, and ex- I tending Church interests, for the present. I am persuaded they I would have succeeded better, and in time have led the way, to something more effectual than the project now in agitation. I find It impossible to be absent u'om my Parish at present, and therefore must beg you to excuse my non-attendance at your I Februai'y meeting. I am Reverend Sir • * respectfully yours, BENJAMIN G. GRAY. I Very Reverend Archdeacon Coster. Resolved, on motion, that the Archdeacon be requested to I consult the Bishop as to the propriety of attempting to form a Local Committee in St. John, without the Rector's concurrence, and that in case of His Lordship's approval of the same, that that measure be forthwith adopted. I Resolved, on motion, that those Parishes and Clergymen who Ihave hitherto withheld their support from the Society, be written Ito by the Secretary, conveying to them a full report of the pro- Iceedings at this meeting, and be respectfully solicited to forward jits objects. Resolved, on motion, that a Committee to be named by the lirchdeacon be appointed to inspect the stock of Books now in Jthe Depository of the Committee of the Society for Promoting iChristian Knowledge, and purchase such as are deemed suitable por the use of the Society — provided that not more than the cost price be paid for them. Resolved on motion, that the Executive Committee be em- powered to order a further supply of Books and Tracts from that Society, in furtherance of the Resolution passed yesterday. Resolved on motion, that no part of the funds raised by the ociety be applied to the payment of any Missionaries in the employment of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, for [iny Missionary visits, except such as shall be performed under 30 the direction of the Exuculivo Committee, with the consent of the Bishop. Resoued, that a Committee be appointed to enquire into tho case of the Rev. James Cookson, and report the same to tho Arcli- deacon in order to its being brought under the consideration of the Lord Bishop. Resolved, that the Rov. Elias Scovil, Christopher Milner, and Frederick Coster, and James Brittain, Jr. and Joseph A. Lynn, Esquiroa, bo tho Committee. Resolved, that an abstract of the proceedings of the Society from its commencement be printed under tho direction of tho Executive Committee. Resolved, that the thanks of the Meeting be given to tho Rev. Dr. SomeiTille, for the Sermon preached by him this day, and that he be requested to furnish the Secretary v«rith a copy of the same, that it may be published in the repoit of tho proceed- ings of the Society. Resolved, that such forms as may be necessary bo prepared by tho Secretary and printed. Road an application for some sermons for a Lay reader at the Nova-Scotia & NowBmnswick Land Company's Settlement at Stanley. Read sundir Resolutions passed at Bathurst, requesting as- sistance in finishmg the Church, and building a Church at New Bandon. Read report from the Parishes of Brunswick and Salisbury, requesting Missionary visits. Read Reports from the Parishes of Kingston, Springfield and Sussex. Read report from the Parish of Woodstock, requesting Mis- sionary visits to the upper part of Carleton County : aid to Sun- day Schools in Andover and Woodstock : and a supply of Books | and Tracts. Read report from St. Andrews, requesting aid towards! building a Chapel at Waweig : aid towards Missionary visits to | St. Patrick's Parish, and the Islands in Passamaquoddy Bay. Read repoit from the Parish of Norton, requesting aid to- wards enlarging the Parish Church. Read sundry Resolutions passed at Miramichi, viz : « that I " the objects of the Society are highly commendable, but from the ** various calls upon the Members of the Church in this section of '* the Province in erecting Churches, &c. the Vestry do not deem *' it ad^'isable at this period to call upon them for aid to the Society." Read a Letter from the Hon. the Speaker, requesting aid towards the support of the resident Clergyman of Portland. tfc»* .♦* ^w~^ Resolved, on motion, that tho foregoing applications be re- fcrred to the Executive Committee, viz : Carleton County, Gloucester 1. Andover 2. BathurHt 3. New Bandon „ 4. Norton King's 6. Salisbury & Brunswick Wostmoroland, 6. Woodstock Catloton, 7. Stanley York, 8. Waweig Charlotte, 9. St. Patrick's „ 10. Portland St. John's, 11. Islands, Passamaquoddy Bay. Adjourned. FREDERICK COSTER, Secretary.