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Toua lee autrae oxampieirea origlnaux sont filmte en commen^ant par la premiere p«ge qui comporte une empreinte dimpreeaion ou dllluatretion et en terminant per la demlAre pege qui comporte une telki empreinte. Un dee symbolae suivents apparaftra sur la damiAre image d«r cheque microfiche, selon le eae: le symbole - »> signifie "A SUIVRE". le symbola y signifie "RN". Lee cartes, planchee. tableerx. etc.. peuvent itre filmde i dee taux do rMuction diff «rents. Loraii;ue le documem eet trop grand pour itre reproduit en un seul elich4, il est film* i partir da Tangle supMeur gauche, do gauche h droite. et de haut an bee. en prenent le nombre d'Imegea nAcaeaalre. Las diagrammes suivants lUuatrsnt la m4thode. 1 2 3 ' . ■* 2 3 4 5 6 i £■*■*• J*' * I \ 1\ ^" ^-- .^;/;,^^jl'^j,.' Jt'^'^'f.;'' w f k\ ' ■ ■ ' a .■.■, ■- ' • >'v <,~ • ^OVA SCOT/4 PROVINCE HOUSE # ' I ' -a 'f * r ' •**.' A#^ V ^ ./ ;-fP V - ■ ■ 1 5^. V, .■•^■; ■'■■.«». 1 ' '¥ y : '. u 1 1 ■- ! • 1 \ i i ^ 1 m:: i 1 • mm rn.„..vai«|f?«'V>'^' -■ A. H>: 1 -■ ■'* ^m \ V ! a\ «^, ■ -t' ■.1.3 ^V. '1 ^ V «w»(» 3;-i ^r0-mmmMim4.',>^-t. O- tf^LB^BpaS^^f d ,/ Ml ^ * f ' » n mm I J III) -U ■ m ' I 1'^ C H A K G E DELIVERED TO THE CLERGY 0? 3J e r tnu in a , BY TUG BISHOP OF NEWFOUNDLAND, AT HIS VISITATION, ON ST. MARK'S DAY 1863. w-_-. -_-%_- HALIFAX, N. S. PRIKTED BY WILLIAM GOSSIP, CHURCH TIMFS OFFICE. ./ f^r^F- f:'\ .> A »5' /W,i! «»>• A '■^: ' ,'* r A< yij' "i '.^ d m 'fi *- r- V'ft f 'tt 7i^ V.l *'^/ ' «"- \ x\ ♦ X: \ SI C'jinrge, kc. &c. ■^^->--V.^--V,' w ^-w-w My Reverend Buetiiren, I jb'KKL myself called on, out of my respect and rcgaid for both yoursclvob and your congregations, to account, as I best can, for the unusually short duration of my present visit to those, for whoso highest interests it is ray duty and privilege to be concerned, and, in my place and proportion, according to the gracu given me, responsible. Let me assure you, in the first i)lacc, that this shorter sojourn among you ia not in any respect duo to diminishing, or diminished , sense of the serious and tHjlemn duty I owe to yourselves and your Congregations, or the responsibility of that duty. It was in his 2nd Epistle to the Corinthians, that the Apostle, in an ever-deepening appreciation of hia own infirmities and of the difficulties which beset him and all his fellow-labourers ia the Ministry, exclaimed, " Who is sufficient for these things V" and what Minister of Christ and of the Church is he, upon whose heart the sense of his responsibility does not continually deepen, with increased knowledge of himself and the great treasure committed to his trust ? I will not however detain you with professions and declara- tions which your own experience will prepare you to anticipate, or admit as soon as made. My sojourn among you on the present occasion will not, I fear, exceed in duration one sixth part of my last and some former visits. Now though I did not expect to find, and hap- pily have not found, in this visitation any duties or engage- ments out of the general routine of Episcopal service, (and that service, blessed be God, one of edification and holy joy,) yet there is always, or should be, after an absence of two years. V. *' :4t^ % bf ^ V /J.' K^"-^' ■%m\ ■*i^¥^iXbJt^-^^S^ .m-' abundant occasion for close enquiry and intercourse, not onl) with yourselves, but with your flocks and friends. Believe ine, it over will be a grief to me to place a wide oecan between us, " until I have been first somewhat filled with your company," or until, (if I may be allowed to quote, and apply, the Apos- tle's r. solemn declaration,) " I havo imparted unto you somo spiritual gift, to the end you muy be established ; that is, that I may bo comforted together with you, by the mutual faith both of you and me." What then aro the circumstances and considerations, it may be asked, which I rely on to com- pensate mo for the curtailment of our intercourse and commu- nion, and to justify mo in passing through your parishes with such brief notice, and perfunctory service ? I ground my jus- tification, where I looked for compensation and recomponce, on a long desired and much needed visit to my native country and Mother Church ; much desired and much needed, not for my private affairs or interests only, but also and especially for the affairs, and fur the interests of my whole Diocese ; and assured- ly of your faithful Colony, with its congregations and people. After a separation of nearly seven years from evevj' I'l iond of my youth and every relation by birth, I am not ashamed to confess that 1 felt irrepressible longings for the refre&hment of domestic and social intercourse, among those especially with whom I had so many years taken sweet counsel and walked in the House of God as friends. These remarks are not I conceive foreign to my purpose in addressing you, or otherwise than useful and instructive, if they are applied to remind you of tho special privileges and advantages you enjoy, dwelling in your native country, among all the associations and connections, which a gracious Uod has provided, to sweeten the cup of life, and to lighten its burdens and labours. Only let it be your care, my Brethren, that dwelling and abiding with those whom you love, and desire to serve, as heirs together of the grace of life, your prayers be not liin'•« ^^'1 \'^' 'A I >'r rv '>'^' ' " ^j .^. ^.I'ASFIl^.^ G Quilling, and in the innjdiity of cases tlie new Schools nvc erect- uil ill iiinnudiato connoulioii with (ho new Church ; that the lunib.-^ of tlio flock may thoro rocoive tliat .sjHJciul inHtniclion whit-h tlifir |)a it(irs nrc hoand according to tlieir means and oj)i)ortu- nities to provido. Such advanced and improvementa it was my privilege to notice, or be infornied of, in almost every parish, of town and country. And could I notice or hear of tliuso without praising and blessing God for Ilia abundant mercicy to my dear fountry and dearer Church? could I notice them, without tak- ing encouragement to persevere in whatever service I might be permitted, or rccjuired, to render to that Church and country, so blcBsed, so favoured, so honoured of Cod and manV 1 at- tended tiie meetings of the two Venerable Incorporated Societies for Promoting Christian Knowledge, and the Propagation of tho (iospol in Foreign Parts, atul my heart was not more warmed by the kind christian welcome I received from both Societies for my work's sake, than by observing tho pains and attention given to tho sacred business of each Society, and to tho proper distribution of their oncreused and enereasing funds. But, besides tho devclopoments and advances of ancient and long-tned institutions and resources, I was further encouraged and instructed by witnessing various new or newly restored means and appliances for the glory of God and tho salvation and editica- tion of immortal souls, under the immediate superintcndance of tho Church. Among many those may bo specified ; (1 ) In London a Church Penitentiary Society, — in connection with which are several Houses of Mercy in different parts of tho country, man- aged, or directed in many instances by ladies who have devoted themselves to the reformation of the abandoned and destitute, in the most aggravated cases of misery and vice. (2) In several largo Towns Colleges have been established in connection with, or imitation of, King's College in London ; at which, without the formality of degrees or a distinctive dress, a superior Edu- cation is provided at a moderate cost; with a special view to t)ic inculcation of Christian principles and Christian practice, (il) In more than one Diocese there arc Institution;; under tho J- I 1 "1 s >,v^ ' h cyo or rulo of tb' Bishops, &nd goncrallj in their Cathedral Tuwn, for the special instruction and preparation of Candidates for Ordination. (4) Some largo manufacturing companies have recognised the duty of sotting apart a portion of their pro- fits, or rather of their income irrespectively of profits, for the instruction as well of the adults as of the children in their nhop or factory ; and are building for that purpose not only Schools, but Chapels, and attaching to them as well Clergymen as Schoolmasters with liberal compensation, provided, of course, out of the Company's funds. (5) I observed with much pleasure that Clerical Societies and Meetings of the Clergy, have become common and regular in several Dioceses under the sanction and direction of the Bishops. These Societies or associations not only form a medium of communication by which improvements and advantages in ono paii»h aro speedily and correctly convoyed to others, but prevent or remove tho mistakes and raisapprohon- sions which are too apt to bo engendered by want of friendly and frequent intercourse ; whilo their semi-oiBcial character, and the presidency of the Rural Dean preserve them from tho suspicion of party views and purposefii, and sufficiently provide for tho Apostolic rulo and admonition, " Lot all things be dono decently and in order." (6) A much encreased desire \> felt and expressed for tho revival of the Church's action in Convo- cation, as the only safe and legitimate means of extension and rcformnSon ; especially having reference to the present Consti- tution of Parliament, composed in great part of persons not only ignorant of, but hostile to, tho Church's powers and pri- vileges. And this is not the desire of Ecclesiastics only, but very generally of the faithful laity ; and botli parties, I believe, concur in tho necessity, or great advantage, of a larger admix- ture of lay agency, as in tho Protestant Episcopal Church of the United State?. No doubt is entertained of the willing co- operation of the most distinguished lay members of tho Church, inasmuch as many such have given proof of their readiness by accepting the office of Church-wardens in their respective Pa- rishes, and otherwise labouring with, and for, the Clergy iu works of piety and charity. ^:m\ t\>^:> 3 i 8 i ■■ III tlio menu while tlio Convocation of tlio Clergy in tho Pro- vince of Canterbury, after unusual care and discrimination in tho election of Proctors, has enjoyed two sittings in which eev- oral important subjects affecting tho Church were discussed, and some resolutions carried by vote ; and although the Convo- cation has been prorogued by the Archbishop till the month of August, the action of tho body is in some measure continued and made efficient by a Committee, which, for tho tirst timo has been appointed to suggest and prepare subjects for future deliberation. These are signs of life in tlie Church as a body which have not been witnessed for a long century. May they all be supported and directed, as they severally require, by the good Spirit of God. (7) The last I shall think it necessary to mention, of tho many and various signs of life and progress in the Church at home, and which is per- haps the most interesting and important to us, is the esta- blishment of a Missionary College, chiefly for tho Colonies, under the direction of the two Archbistiops and tho Bishop of London. Thi^ noble Institution, ch'.efly due to the pious liberality of a commoner cf our Chu"ch, is builr as you are no doubt aware, on the ruins of St. Augustine's ancient Col- lege at Canterbury, and by its very place and name carries our thoughts and hearts to the Missionary exertions, to which, un- der God, England owes the restoration and establishment of the Christiaii faith and Church. The very stones and timbers would seem to speak for all foreign and heathen lands, and say, " Freely ye have received, freely give." I felt it equally a duty and a pleasure to visit this Missionary College ; and, if the design be regarded as pious, and the locality as appropriate and suggestive, it appeared to me that all the studies ana discipliiie of the establishment were in holy keeping, and calculated, as far as human laws and institutions can avail, to train and pr3- paro men for Missionary life and labour, in true devotion of heart, and in a generous disregard of worldly profit and prefer- ment. As tho buildings have been so far completed, (and I may add, in respect of character and convenience in the most I. ■^ ^.f'-f 9 4^ \ ► Hntisfactory stylo,) and tlio establishment opened since r.iy last visit to England, it will hardly be expected that mu::y should as yet have gone forth either to the Colonies or Heathen lands, to make proof of their training and Education ; or that those who have gone forth should be so fully prepared and qua- lified, as others who will hereafter profit by the longer experi- ence and continued efForis of their guides and Teachers. It is therefore with feelings of peculiar satisfaction and thankful- ness, that I inform you, that already three Students, (after care- ful examination, by a Board appointed for that purpose by the two Archbishops and the Bishop of London,) have been recommended for Missionary employment in n j Diocese, and have placed themselves at my disposal. And I am sure yon will rejoice with and for me, that one of these " first three,"' a son of the late respected Rector of St. George's in this Colony, with high testimonials from the Authorities of the College and his Examiners, has consented to fill the office of a Classical Schoolmaster in his native country and parish ; where, I trust, he will justify the good opinion I entertain of his place of education, and of his own profiting and progress in it. I have thus very briefly specified some few of the many im- proved, or restored, or altogether new means and applianco>i for carrying forward the work of Christ's Church and (jlospol, which attracted my notice and admiration on the occasion of my late visit. I have regarded them as proper subjects to mention and set before you ; hoping and expecting, in the first place, that, they may excite in your hearts like feelings of encouragement in labouring, and gratitude in being permitted to labour, for our Holy Church ; and in the 2nd place that all who hear me may be stirred up to imitate the noble sacriticcs and self- donying exertions, by which these means and appliances have boon procured and are now maintained. Let me not however forget to remind you and myself, that in the midst of these elements of beauty, and strength, and or- der, or I might almost say out of them, (" medio deforte lepor- ffm,'') there ari«e some occasions of bitter regret and anxiety. .«;'. fm ■^^ „i^ 10 '•#Vv Legislative measures affecting the Church are on icted in a mis- taken spirit of concession and liberality ; while the right and power of self-reformation and self-regulation, in order to meet the exigencies of the times, in respect both of doetriae and dieci- pline, are pertinaciously denied. As if the Churcu alone, (I of course comprehend in that sacr'jd society the faithful laity) of all religious communities, either could not see, or, seeing, could not, or would not pursue its own advantsuge, and the advantage of the whole realm and nation. But alas ! the Church of England is suffering from worse injuries and more grievous offonci? than distrust of our purpose, or denial of our rights and power. She is wounded in the house of her friends, deserted by sons most favoured and cherished, by some (too many though but few,) who had even been permitted to minister at her altars. I shall be understood to allude more particularly to the sad and strange secessions to the Eomish Faith and Communion ; in antagonism to which, scepticism and infidelity are opposing the license or licentiousness of rationalism, to the blind submission of credulity and superstition. The mistaken, though, I am persuaded, in many instances, well meant, attempts to render the Christian Sab- bath a day of more than holy rest and refreshment to the poor, would, if carried out, produce a fatal change in the habits and manners of the people. It was not the last or least among many excellent regulations for the management of the great In- dustrial Exhibition, that it was not allowed to present the works and wonders of human skill to the public on that day of days which God is pleased to call His own, and which He has sanctified for His own honour and service, and the contemplation of Himself in His works of nature and grace. And it is no less a cause of regret and alarm that it is proposed to open on Sundays the renovated and enlarged Palace, in a situation only accessible from the metropolis by railway, and of course not without the payment of some admission fee. Too surely and too quickly will follow le general use of places of amusement or instruction on the Lord' day, till the Christian Sabbath be no more remembered or no more kept Holy ; till the devotion, if it be so, of the L* imtmM ■'^^-^ 11 T r-V Miorniug in Church, be aucccoded by dissipation iu the club-bousL' or theatre. Such, we know, is the common practice on the con- tinent of Europe, to the manifest depravation of morals, not less than the dishonour of (jon and His most ancient ordinances. The same disposition however has been manifested to petition tho Legislature against this attempt to make the Sabbath a day of amusement, as, a few years ago, against the proposal to make it a day of merchandise by tho general delivery of letters in tho metropolis. And generally speaking, these ap- peared to mo sufficient grounds to hope and believe that the cause of God and the Church, through His blessing upon those agencies of which I spoke and others of a similar nature, is pre- vailing and will prevail, and is rendering and will render our be- loved home, more than all our worldly wealth and wisdom, a praise upon earth. I could not, I think, bo mistaken in the signs and evidences of great changes and improvements in the habits and manners both of the middle class, (with whom chiefly it was my privilege to associate,) and of the larger masses, whom every one encounters in the great thoroughfares, and other places of public resort. I was struck in the latter class by a sensible diminution of the vices of drunkenness and profane swearing, with as manifest a growth of gentleness and civility ; as well as a disposition to avail themselves of the better provision for their accommodation in the places of public worship on their day of rest. While in tho class immediately above them, with more condescension to, and concern for, their poorer brethren and neighbours, there are many examples of encreas- ed frugality, sobriety, and devotion in the house, and not a few delightful instances of bending the domestic arrangements, both of business and pleasure, to tho rules and requirements of the Church. And I have no reason to doubt, but rather would confidently assume, that corresponding progress takes effect, — more zeal for God, more love of the Church, more charity to the poor, — in the lives and hearts of the higher and nioro wealth}', nay of the hiL;,hest and wealthiest in the land. No uncertain evidences of this hujnovemcnt arc seen in the Wl'!.t rT.4 ^^y< '•«\:'^t •>.. L~ 12 more frequent and unrjaerved dedication, not of wealth only, but of personal services and ministrations, to all works of piety and charity : In the schools for the Poor, in Hospitals and Houses of Mercy, persons of rank and fortune are now constantly found, superintending, advising, nay labouring with their own hands, for the relief of the destitute, the instruction of the ignorant, and the conversion and recovery of the very outcasts of society. These, I humbly conceive, are certain and most encouraging proofs and instances of our holy Faith, with its blessed fruits, pervading and leavening all ranks and classes ; and they struck me forcibly, after an absence of seven years, as more genuine and far more frequent than formerly ; and I bless God for them, for they are His gifts, the gif's of His grace ; of that grace which can produce like pre- cious, fruits and effects in us and ours also, (according to our means and opportunities,) if it be not received in vain. Be- lieve it, my Brethren, the like progress may be attained to here and elsewhere ; the poor may love and revere the rich, and the rich care and provide for the poor, poor and rich may bo drawn from the world to the Church, and in the Church to Gon, if only His holy Word be faithfully preached, His sacraments duly administered, and the other opportunities and advantages of our place and Ministry be loved, honoured, used and im- proved, for Christ's and his Church's sake. Happy are the people, whose ministers and teachers are men of faith and prayer, their servants indeed for Jesus' sake. " Happy are the people that are in such a case, yea blessed are the people that have the Lord for their God." Amidst all the concern evinced and liberality exercised for the support and extension of the Church and true Religion at home, it is most gratifying, most encouraging to observe that tlio spiritual condition and welfare of the Colonies are not forgotten or neglected, but on the contrary receive a largo and oncrcasing share or' public notice and sympathy. The income of both the Church Missionary Society, and of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, depending r ■■p 1 r i -v uluiost entirely on voluntary contributions, has steadily advanced ; and in the year of the latter Society's Jubilee, just passed, extraordinary collections, in addition to the annual income, were gathered, to the amount of £50,000. The whole income of these two Societies, with all extraordinary Collections, is devoted to the cause of Missions in Heathen lands and the Colonies. And of the funds, encreased and encreaaing, of the Incorpora- ted Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, a large propor- tion is bestowed in various ways on the Colonial Church. Nor is Christian benevolence towards us by any means confined to these channels. I believe that every Colonial Bishop, and every ac- credited Missionary, who visits England, is greeted with respect and sympathy for his work's sake, and, in any case of necessity, with more substantial aid. The Bishop of Cape Town collected for his own Diocese in a few months, by personal appeals and ap- plication, and independently of any Society .upwards of £15,000. So that neither have the vast sums expended for the Church's wel- fare and Church's work at home, diminished the disposition, or means of assisting Missionary entcrprize, nor on the other hand does the Church at home suffer, through the encreased concern for its extension and establishment in our foreign possessions. So true is it that '* there is that scattereth, and yetencreaseth," and that the Charity, which begins at home, does not, cannot end there. This Charity is displayed not only in alms and offer- ings, but also, and especially, in devising and suggesting, and carrying forward various plans for a more complete organi- zation, and developoment of the Church's power and privileges. The appeal made a few years ago for the extension of the Episcopate has been so generously responded to, that nearly all the new Pioceses then contemplated have been founded and partially endowed : and another appeal will shortly be made, and I doubt not as generously responded to, for several addition- al Sees. The Diocese of Cape Town, one of the latest founded, has already, I believe, been divided ; and three Dioceses will be constituted in that Colony, whore but a few years ago there were scavtfely throe accredited Clergymen of our Church. It t^''^ .f» ** ,1 14 Bccnis probable also that Provinces will be created in the West Indies and North American Colonies under Metropolitans, but still in subjection to the Archbishop of Canterbury, as already has been effected in tno East and Australia, ^o facilitate and forward these important projects, and to provide in other res- pecto for a more complete and eificient organization, several of the most able and experienced Bishops of the Colonial Church have been invited to meet in England, and are now, with the assistance of their brother Prelates and under the direction of the Archbishop of Canterbury, drawing the heads and outlines of measures to be submitted to the Queen and the Houses of Parliament. And there is believed to be a disposition in high and influential quarters to promote any well considered plan, having due regard to both the wants and wishes of tho Church members, and the general interests of tho inhabitants in each Colony. It may be right to state nere, and it is a cause of no small satisfaction that I can state it, that the more perfect organization of the Church in this Colony, and I presume generally in the West Indies, as compared with other British Colonies, will require and receive but little mo- dification. I allude especially to our internal, or parochial, economy, which is so nearly assimilated to, or rather so nearly tho same as, that of the Church in England, and so confessedly under the same Laws and Canons, that but few changes, other than required at home, will be required or desired here. The case is very different in those Colonies, where, in consequenco of the large preponderance of Roman Catholics or other Dis- senters, no provision can be made for the support of the Clergy, or the erection of Churches, or for the constitution and govern- ment of Parishes. I have been instructed by high legal authorities, that the Colonists of Bermuda, having been settled in the year 1609, brought with them so much of the Laws of their Mother Coun- try as wore in force at that time ; so far as those laws were ap- plicable, by way of necessity or convenience, to the circum- stances of their now situation ; while statutes passed subsefjuontly *-v-U I ! HHN %f ^'' 15 28 - > -!, to IGOO aro pronounced inapplicable to this Colony. Thii* opi- nion appears to f^onnect us very decidedly and plainly with tlio Mother Church, as constituted at the time of planting the Colo- ny, and to refer us for our duties and privileges to the Canons of 1603. The Church therefore in this Colony possesses a con- stitution and laws sufficiently definite and intelligible, at least in what concerns the Clergy ; and legislation, in this regard, seems neither requisite nor dorirable.* What, I humbly conceive, is chiefly required for the Church in this Colony, is more regular and efficient Episcopal guid- ance. I therefore made it my business when at home, indeed it was one of my objects in visiting England, to represent this hindrance to the Church's proper action and success, and the injustice done to this Colony by placing it under the direction of a Bishop of Newfoundland, or of any Diocese so remote and extensive. It will readily be supposed, and as readily admit- ted, that in making this statement, and pressing it upon the notice of the authorities at home, I had respect to the wants and requirements of both parts of ray too extensive cure. What however you are most concerned with are my views and wishes with respect to Bermuda ; and my views and wishes are that Bermuda, by being united to a smaller or less remote Colo- ny, may command a larger share of the Bishop's thoughts, labours and presence. I remarked at a Meeting of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge in England, that it is a groat comfort and great, rofroshment to both my body and my mind, to retire occasionally from the frosts and storms of New- foundland to this genial and peaceful country ; where I have been always received with respect and affection, and where I may venture to hope the chief ruler in spiritual things will ever be highly esteemed for his work's sake. But injustice or inju- ry ought not to be done to both parts, or either part, of a Dio- cese, for the Bishop's relief or benefit, and T therefore urged it upon the authorities as due to Bermuda, if possible, to annex the Colony for ecclesiastical purposes, to some Diocese loss ex- * kScc Appendix. >\}. -t . » " ,%- -3L-;j" ' iiL- ■:r!^mnlijimm^'ii*'^ ■ 't ^f^i Um^'^ : jr, tensive or loss remote, or to create a new Sec of which Bor- inuda might bo the more important part. T have no reason to suppose tliat any change can at present bo made : the difficul- ties, though not many, are considerable ; and I am free to con- fess that every visit to Bermuda, (while it confirms my opinion as to the necessity or great advantage of more efficient and re- gular attendance and service than I can render,) makes me per- sonally less able, or at least less willing to break my connec- tion with you and your congregations. I have thought it my duty however to put you in possession of my views and feelings on a subject of so much importance and interest to you and my- pelf, and those whose servants we are for Jesus' sake ; and I earnestly commend the subject to your prayers, humbly desiring that all our plans and projects may be guided and controlled by the good Spirit of God, for His own glory and the honour and edification of His Church. In the mean time the wish and feeling which havo induced me to recommend the separation of Newfoundland from Bcrmu. da, will, you may believe, constrain me to avail myself of all opportunities and means afforded mo for the advancement of tho high interests entrusted to my charge. I may without im- propriety allude to the short duration of my visit to England as some evidence of a desire and determination, with God's help and blessing, to fulfil my prescribed and accustomed duties in this portion of my Diocese. Mindful of that Canon, which requires a Bishop to visit and confirm in his Diocese every third year, or if he be hindered in the third year by no means to omit those duties in the fourth, I broke off many interesting projects and engagements, that I might return for the perform- ance of that service within the prescribed and appointed time. Returning at a season not usually favorable for such a voyage, I was much tried and hindered in the passage ; which I chiefly regret on account of the loss of a portion of the time, too brief without such hindrance, which I had hoped and expected to de- vote to your service. I have been permitted however to accom- plish the usual course of Confirmations, with a most interesting; 4^ V ,^,. , , > h^^y'iiz(ik 17 addition of a special service for the officers and crow of the Adinirars Flag Ship now lying in our waterei; and in these holy services, and my other intercourse with you and your congrega- tions, I have been abundantly recompensed for all the toils and trials of my protracted voyage. It now remains that I refer to those subjects which on every like occasion have received, and will always I presume require, some special notice and consideration. In the first place I desire to add a {q\ words on the siibjoct of these Confirmations. The importance of the service, and of its accompaniments in a Parish is, I believe, universally acknowledged. Independently of the direct and proper effect of the rite on those who present themselves with duo prepara- tion to receive the gifts of God's holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, the season of Confirmation is highly valued by every faithful minister and every pious parish- ioner, on account of the opportunity it affords, or rather the necessity it imposes, of closer intercourse and converse on spiritual things, between the Clergyman and the younger por- tion of his flock. It is superfluous to enlarge on these topics at this present time, but the consideration of them has led me greatly to desire the more frequent administration of the rite, with, of course, more regular and systematic preparation. I ob- serve in several of your parishes with much eatisfaction a largo number presented on every occasion ; and their generally serious and intelligent behaviour testifies that considerable care has been taken in their instruction. But still, where the number is large, I am persuaded that, while with your double parishes the labor must be great, the results cannot be altogether satis- factory ; and particularly that you cannot deal with individual cases so closely and frequently as is desirable, and you, I believe, would desii-e. And I have little doubt that, with more leisure, you would not only present them better prepared but in greater numbers still. In some parishes on the contrary, the number of the presented is lamentably small ; and one cause of this misfortune I conceive may possibly be the infrcquency of the 3 ; I 18 celebration of tho sorvico, and consoqucntly of bringing tlio ^ifajiMM...»^^.>,,...^>-..-^s»tiL^. ^.^^...^..^ .^M^M^i..^ ^rr I ! ' ! 1 i I ' 20 My cx|)crk>nco of Schools languUhing and iDcflicieiit, witure there nru more means of olitaitiing Tcachcrn and more Teachers to bo obtained, forbids nic to wonder, however I may lament, that all in your Pari.ihos aro not so vigorous and useful an you, oiiually with myself, would desire : I say all, for I gladly and thankfully profess that some aro in as satisfac- tory state as could reasonably, under their circumstaneea, bo expected, if I may not f-ay desired. 1 gladly and thank- fully profess that some aro properly performing the proper work of tlio villiigo, or parish School, as far as tho routine of instruciiun is concerned. But whilo it is now admitted in our Mother Country that much more must bo done, and much more is done, than formerly, by tho public funds, for tho education of the poor, it socms not unreasonable to expect and require, that larger means should be placed at our dis- posal for the proper reujuneration of able and respectable Teach- ers, if wo are required or expected to present our parochial Schools in a satisfactory state of efficiency. And it is right and necessjiiv t1iat you should represent your needs and requiro- mcnts, or rather the needs and requirements of your parihlii(»n- crs, tho rising generrition of tho Colony, in their true light, and in (juarters where such representations may have effect. But whatever means may be put at your di-^posal, however efficient the masters and mistresses may be, it will still and always bo necessary that you should bestow much personal attention to, and attendance in, the Schools j and that you should provide that the Books, and other School requisites aro proper and pro- perly supplied, — if you would fulfil at all that sacred obligation which human laws and governors have not imposed, and from which human laws and governors cannot release you, to feed the lambs of Christ's flock committed to your charge. Much remains to bo done, much may bo done in this respect without waiting for oncreosed legislative or other assistance. 1 have been grieved to observe in some Schools which I have visited, the scanty supply of even those cards and elementary books which might be procured through the Depository at so TTi 21 IriHing a uobt. Tlio best workuicii cuii avail but little without goud iinplttincuts. I (lu not hesitate to affirm that your Schools f«r tho coloured population, more particularly porhaph when asslHtcd by tho riirliamentary grunt tlirough tho Society for the Propogation of tho Gospel, have been a groat boon and blu.sNing, not only to the persons for vehom they vruro built and main- tained, but to tho whole Col'>iiy. "Wo owo to these Schools u ruco giaduiilly rising from almost tho low<^3t stuto to which hu- manity could be reduced, to respectability and indopcndenco, and contrasting favourably, as I am iufornjed, with tho ehildren and descendants of tho emancipated races in tho West Indies and North American Colonics. And this happy result may, I conceive, bo chiefly ascribed (1) to their rarly and less re- stricted admission to tho Churches, and (2) to their education under tho cyo of their Clergy in the Parochial Schools, an education not merely in books and mechanical arts, but of man- ners and morals. I see and hear these results at every visita- tion. Not only do I observe in almost every Church tho con. fined space generally allotted to tho coloured population well filled, and sometimes crowded, (and bo it remembered that space is usually in tho least convenient part of the Church,) not only do I observe their seats occupied, but at every Confirmation numbers aro presented most orderly in their behaviour, apparently devout and intelligent, and, as you in- form and assure mo, sufficiently instructed and prepared. I observe them admitted in succession to the Lord's table, and to all tho privileges of Church membership. At the three Con- firmations at which I have officiated, in 184.5, 1849, and this year respectively, tho numbers have been, of tho white popula- tion (omitting temporary residents,) 130, 270, and 136, of the coloured 163, 419, and 238 ; that is, in the whole, of white re- sidents 545, and of coloured people 820. And again I would remind you and myself, that of this large number passing under your most intimate notice, I have your assurance that the majority arc not deficient in understanding and know- 22 ledge, ami bavc at least learnt how to conduct themselves with decency and solincty ; and the same might probably be assert- ed of many who do not pass under your hands, and who, it may be feared, in some instances, have passed out of your bands. With a race thus encreasing in numbers and intelligence, and in a very small colony, (where the demand for mechanics and servants must be limited,) prudence not less than piety, and policy not less than charity would seem to suggest the advantage, if not necessity, of at least some one higher School or Academy under the like temperate and liberal management as their parochial Schools. For it seems to me abundantly plain, that unless an improved Education be provided for the more intelligent and respectable of this rising and encreasing race, by those whose influence over them has been ever exerci- sed for good to them and the Colony at large, it will be obtain- ed, or sought, at other hands and by more questionable means. I hope it is not necessary for me to assure you, that any Education (so called), which would suddenly change the habits and feelings of any poition of the population, or would unfit them for, or render them dissatisfied with, their proper places and occupations, or eptrange them from their old tried friends and protectors, would receive from me no countenance. Whe- ther the energetic projector of St. Paul's College has fallen into any such error, 1 am not prepared either to aflBrm or dony ; for about the details of his plan I have not been consulted, nor am I even now acquainted with thorn ; but I am able to bear testimony to his desire to benefit specially Bermuda, while he embraced in his design the advancement of the whole emancipated race, which he believed in other Colo- nies and in the United States had attained a more influen- tial position in society. It may have been a mistake to suppose that any such institution was required and desired in, or for, the West Indies at all ; and on this point I felt incompe- tent to offer an opinion : it may have been, as I believed, and still believe it was, a gi-eater mistake (except so far as the jiros- ])ority of Bermuda might be promoted) to make a place so small i ' it 1 1 vmMi^k^Mm^:-0^&S^Mm^mM^^ !3 v .• (» and remote, the basis, or arena of such extended designs ; anJ it would be the greatest mistake of all to attempt to carry cut in and for Bermuda only, (for men who happily for themselves, are rising, in the condition of mechanics and labourers, to hon- ourable independence,) a system intended for the supposed mer- chants and legislators of tho Western Indies. But knowing that a College does not necessarily require distinctions of dress and degree, and believing that a course of J]ducation superior to any afforded in our parochial Jr chools is in some instances requir- ed and may bo safely tried under proper auspices, and hoj)- ing that, if the extended designs be abandoned, the scheme may issue in a good school subject to Clerical inspection and influ- ence — with these views and expectations, and to this modified ex- tent, I am prepared, and willing to co-operate in the proposed Col- lege ; and to wait with great patience for further developments, when the proved merits of the Institution shall attract Scholars from other Colonies and countries. It would surely be much to be deplored if the means, so en- ergetically sought and so liberally bestowed, should be diverted from the Colony through want of agreement as to the manner and purpose of their application. Is it not then worthy of your consideration whether you could not collectively suggest some modification of the plan to remove the objections felt against it, by persons whose concern for the improvement and advance- ment, in due order and proportion, of all classes in the Colony and not the least of the coloured race, cannot be questioned ? And at the same time make it appear to your coloured congre- gations, that there is no disposition on your part to deprive them of any legitimate, and well considered means of advan- cing themselves, or being advanced, in the scale of civilization ? None of you, I trust, will be backward in acknowledging the zeal and ability of the first projector of this, it may be, too com- prehensive schema ; however he may have left us in doubt as to tho prudence and propriety of his method of introducing it into the Colony, and carrying it into effect. It must be mainly through your private and personal instrumentality, that justice ^' j.ii . 8 24 must be dono to the motives, as well of those who approve as of those who object. I earnestly deprecate any public appeal, or remonstrance, on your part, through the columns of a News- paper ; and I cordially respond to the doubt expressed in a recent able publication on this subject, as to the right, mora! or legal, of any man to print any letter which he receive?, without express permission. I have detained you longer on this subject than I intended or desired ; but not longer than, not indeed so long, as its importance may justify, if not require. I would have pre- ferred to have been silent altogether on a subject so difficult and 60 delicate, or to have given it more consideration and discus- sion. But if it should be again remarked, that of my senti- ments you have no certain intimation, you will believe that my excuse was, and is, that I never have possessed, and do not at the present time possess, sufficiently certain information to form and determine my sentiments. And it seems due not less to you than myself, that I should avow, that, while I willingly lent my name to the first proposals, hoping that by judicious and kindly managemont, the scheme might be made profitable and acceptable, specially to Bermuda, for the alterations and modi- fications I am not in any degree responsible. I have ventured to suggest the advantage of some united consi- deration and discussion of this important subject ; and I would now submit to you, for this purpose, and for many objects of a similar nature, the great advantage of more regular and frequent meetings of the Clergy, similar to those which I spoke of, as now so common in England and with such beneficial results. Some of you may remember that in my first Charge, at my first visit, I re- commended such meetings, and remarked that there is perhaps no colony, or country, in which they might be conducted with greater ease to the Clergy, and greater advantage both to the Clergy and their congregations. And in my second Charge, after an interval of four years, I saw reason to congratulate you and myself on your having realized to a certain extent the advantages I had proposed and hoped for. But now profiting J ifei'^^^fv ■*'^^k/mM- J 'l 25 by the- experience of jour brethren in Eiiglaml, you may, I con- ceive, more safely and usefully adopt, with the necessary modifi- cations, the rules of some Decanal Chapter, and meet at luust once every quarter under the presidency of the Rural Dean. However the great object is to meet regularly as Clergymen, for the consideration of all matters of parochial care, such m the administration of Divine Service, the visitation of the sick, the management of schools and other local charities. I have) had reason to observe and lament that though locally near, you are, from want of more frequent intercourse, toa far apart in knowledge and appreciation of each other's plans and purposes. I may mention for your encouragement that for ten years of the eleven during which I was an incumbent of an English Pa- rish, I attended such meetings of a voluntary association of Clergy every month ; and I found at my late visit that the meetings of the same association are continued to this very day. They have continued in fact, with very little, if any, interrup- tion, for twenty years ; and such a duration, as the association is voluntary, b sufficient evidence that they have been both pleasant and profitable. I should anticipate yet greater bena- fits from more systematic arrangements. As a specimen of mi- nor matters, which would probably come under your consider- ation, I may allude to the state of the Parish Registers, re- specting which enquiries have lately been addressed to the Governors of these Colonies by the Secretary of State. You are no doubt aware that in England the Clergy transmit copies yoarly and every year to the Bishop's Registrar, by whom they are preserved. The Parishes in those cases provide parchment for the transcripts and pay the writer according to the number of entries. The Clergyman certifies the copy, and signs it iu the presence of the Churchwardens. Such at least was the pro- cess in my own Parish. And this system not only ensures great attention, on the part of the Clergyman to his entries, but by the preservation of the duplicate in the Bishop's registry, pre- vents subsequent falsifications, and supplies any era uro or mu- tilation of the original, by lapse of time or other accideuf. » .1 20 I'. I The iitlvantagcs tltou of such a system aic obvious, but as I am not cmpowcretl to require copies of your Registers, or to order payment to the Clergymen for them, I can only remark that if any Rector chooses for the sake of his Parishioners, to make co- pies and forward them to the Commissary, thoy shall bo care- fully preserved. In the mean time I follow the example of a groat and judicious dignitary of our Church, in ''nlling your attention to the duty of making the entries in your Registers in a legible hand and with good ink. On this subject I may refer you to the 70th Canon- Many other, and more important, subjects might easily bo suggested, such for instance as the best means of availing your- selves of lay agency and co-operation, both in your pastoral mi- nistrations, and in the public services of the Church. I feel however that I have already sufficiently taxed your patience, and I must, for other matters, avail myself of whatever opportu- nities may be afforded me of private conference. I cannot dismiss you without expressing my grateful acknowledgment of the kindness and respect with which I have on this my fifth visit, as well as on every preceding occasion, been received and entertained among yo'j. You u.. 'e shewn thereby, as I trust, your just appreciation of one portion of th'> Apostle's charge to his Thessalonians, " to know them that are over you in the Lord, and admonish you ; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake." May you equally appreciate, :ind equally observe, his following admonition, " Be at peace among your-olves." I cannot I think more fitly, or profitably conclude, than by reminding you and myself, in the solemn words so appropriate- ly read in this icorning's Epistle, (and Oh ! that I could con- vey them not to your ears only, but to your hearts and minds,) that " Christ gave not Apostles only, but pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the ministry, tor the edifying of the body of Christ ; till wo all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a porfoet uvam, unto the mcasuro of the .stature of the ful- *> t * . I- 2" ■J 1 » V\' 11088 oi" Clnist ; tliat wc henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried aboat with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they Ho in wnit to deceive ; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ ; from whom the whole body fitly joined together, and compac!ed by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh encreaso of tlio body, unto the edifying of itself in love." (Kphcsiant iv, 11-10.) APPENDIX. f / /i OPINION. The importance of the subject upon which our opinion is re- quested in this case, is unquestionable ; and we have applied to the consideration of it our most anxious attention. We are clearly of opinion that the language of tho Episcopal Patent, so far as it purports to import into the Bermudas the Ecclesiastical Laws of England as they existed in 1839, is ino- perative. Tho Bermudas belong to that class of Colonies which have lieen acquired by the means of Discovery and Occupation, and not by Conquest or Cession. The principles of Law applicable to such a ^:ossession of th-^ Crown are undoubted, viz, that the Colonists carry with them do much of the Laws of their Mother Country as were in force there at the time of their Occupation or Plantation (as it is sometimes called ) of the Colony, so far as these La^vs arc applicable, by way of nccossijy or convenience, 10 the circumstances of their new situation. The Colony of the Bermudas was planted in 1609 ; And wo must therefore consider the question, as to the present jurisdic- tion of the Bishop in this Plantation, as if this See had been ac- tually founded at that period, — unless, indeed, any regulations nfFecting the discipline of tlie Clergy in these Islands have been enacted by the local Legislature, and have obtained the Imperial sanction. Being ignorant of the existence of any such regula- tions, wo must proceed upon tho presumption that they do not oxist. ,^. §. u. 'Sry ic H¥'*jfejarf*yii4i ^M^M-m •jH ''tl I m'vn. =« frr^ 28 We are of opinion that, after the Crown has exercised its law- ful prerogative in founding an Episcopal Sec, then the Bishop appointed to it, having boon duly and canonically consecrated, does, according to the Common Law Ecclesiastical of these Rculins. possess, as necessarily incident to his office, the power of visiting and correcting all Criminous Clerks within his Dio- cese ; and that ho may put in motion this power, through or by the aid of his lawful and proper officer whether Vicar General or Conimissary, that for this purpose he would be held as Ordi- nary {Juder Ordinarius) to possess a Court of Jurisdiction competent to this object, irrespectively of the enactment of any positive Statute. Wo are further of opinion, that the Canons of 1603, especi- ally the 122nd, r23rd, 124th and 127th (which direct, among other things, the mode of proceeding in the trial of Criminous Clerkj) ought, so far as they are locally applicable, to be obser- ved in this matter ; and though it may not be necessary to fol- low with scrupulous accuracy the forms of the Ecclesiastical Courts in England, care should be taken that the party accused — be duly cited to appear — be furnished with a written state- ment of the charges preferred against him — be allowed to cross- examine the witnesses produced in support of the charges — and a reasonable time allowed for making a counter statement by way of defence, and of supporting it by witnesses. These essentials of Justice being observed, we think that the Bishop may, if the accused be found guilty, proceed to punish him by the proper Ecclesiastical censures, by Admonition, Sus- pension, Deprivation, or Deposition, as the case may require. We think that if the assistance of the Civil Power should be indispensable to enforce the lawful sentence of the Bishop, the obligation of that Power to render such assistance is a necessary consequence of the legal doctrine — that the Law upon this sub- ject which existed in England in 1609 is the Law now in force in thai Coloay. (SignedJ Fbbd. TnESiGER, Robert PiiiLLiMonK. 14th Jan'y. 1851. ^mfi^SSSSmmm .}* ^A.